15 Beauty Products That Have Reached Cult Status (And Why)

To ask a beauty lover what their favorite products are is like asking Carrie Bradshaw to choose her favorite pair of shoes. It’s nearly impossible. But if we’re honest with ourselves, some beauty products are in a league of their own. Whether they went viral on TikTok (for the right reasons) or have been immediate staples in industry expert’s kits, there are certain formulas that everyone gets excited about using. 

What sets these launches apart is the mark they make on the industry. They have that certain star quality to them so to speak. Having tested thousands of formulas and technologies in our careers, beauty editors know what classifies the best of the best. On theme with our Muse Issue, we wanted to recognize the next generation of iconic products that have made a name for themselves over the past few years.

What Makes a Product an Icon?

In our eyes, three main components need to be checked off. First and foremost, the quality of the formula has to be top in its category. There is something innovative and unique about this specific product that is noticeably different from other options. Then there is the question of a “cult following.” Just because one person might sing the praises of a beauty product does not mean it is actually that good. Where there is a large loyal fan base there is usually something special. Would a diverse group of people agree with this item being branded as iconic? For all our selects below, the answer is yes. Last but not least, this product goes beyond just a trend. Whether it be a pimple patch, a cream blush, or a perfume, there wasn’t just a six-month period where this product got all the buzz—it’s a forever thing.

Below, see the 15 products we think will hold their icon status for the rest of time.