Warning: This post may evoke strong feelings of nostalgia and lead to impulsive spending based solely on “vibes.”
Today, we’re embarking on a nostalgic journey, revisiting some of my most cherished beauty items from the 80s and 90s. It was an era dominated by Madonna’s musical prowess and Molly Ringwald’s iconic status as the quintessential girl next door. Beauty brands embraced bolder choices, and cosmetics became an enjoyable and more creative experience.
So, lace up your LA Gear sneakers and hop into the DeLorean as we take a trip back to the Decade of Decadence and beyond.
Village Lip Lickers Lip Balm: If you were a kid or teenager in the late 1970s or early 1980s, you likely recall Village Lip Lickers. Launched in 1977 by Village Bath Products in Minnetonka, Minnesota, these small brass tins of flavored lip gloss opened with a flick of your thumb and exuded the enticing aroma of a candy store (or a vintage soda shop, depending on your flavor preference). The joy of selecting your favorite flavor and sharing a swipe with a friend on the playground (or at the mall) was unparalleled. Not exactly sanitary, but fun nonetheless.
Maybelline Kissing Potion Lip Gloss: I don’t recall a single moment in my childhood when my lips weren’t drenched in this stuff. Introduced by Maybelline in the 1970s, Kissing Potion was a liquid lollipop — a sticky, wet, roll-on gloss available in a variety of fun flavors, including Strawberry Swirl, Mighty Mint, Krazy Kola, and Fruit Flip. The glosses were so popular that Maybelline went on to release dozens more flavors and even launched a special edition set that you could pair with your astrological sign. Bitchin’.
Bonne Bell Lipsmackers: Dubbed “the world’s first flavored lip balm,” Lip Smackers debuted in the mid-1970s. This launch marked the start of a multi-decade reign as a beloved choice among tweens and teens across America, their popularity enduring well into the 1990s and beyond. Lip Smackers flavors ranged from beloved staples like Watermelon and Bubble Gum to more specialized flavors like Tootsie Roll and Dr. Pepper (my personal favorite, both for its flavor and its subtle reddish tint). Sadly, Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker was discontinued in the early 2020s. You can read its rightful obituary here.
Rachel Perry Lip Lover Moisturizing Lip Balm: I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first Rachel Perry Cosmetics purchase. It was a simple lip balm, cantaloupe flavored, in the most colorful, eye-catching packaging I’d ever seen. I was instantly hooked, not just for the product itself, but for the way it was presented.
As it happens, Rachel Perry Cosmetics’ packaging design has become legendary. Known for its iconic 1970s aesthetic, the original packaging is highly collectible and celebrated for its bold, “Rhoda-style” artistic identity. The boxes and containers featured Art Deco motifs with prominent geometric lines, stepped frameworks, and stylized typography. Products like Bee Pollen Jojoba Nutrient Makeup, and Earth Blush showcased vibrant color schemes with multicolored striping and distinct neon-to-pastel palettes. Product labels often incorporated whimsical illustrations of natural ingredients such as fruits, herbs, and flowers, complementing the fragrant formulas.
Revlon “Sunflash” Nail Enamel: There was a time during my childhood and teenage years when I rarely went anywhere without nail polish. Unlike today, I always relished the slow, almost meditative process of polishing my nails, a ritual I know I wouldn’t have the patience for now. While I was always partial to bold and unusual colors, the subtle, natural beauty of Revlon’s “Sunflash” has left a lasting impression on me. Released between 1998 and 2001, this sheer pastel peach shade with a hint of shimmer was perfect for achieving a fun yet natural nail look. Unfortunately, like my beloved Dr. Pepper Lip Smacker, it appears to have been banished by Revlon to the graveyard of discontinued products.
Clairol Pazazz Temporary Hair Color: If you were looking to experiment with bold hair color without making a permanent commitment, Clairol’s Pazazz was the perfect choice. Available in both mousse and gel formulas, Pazazz allowed you to shade your natural hair color in vibrant hues like bronze, rose, copper, and gold. Whatever your style, Pazazz provided an instant way to add a shimmery splash of color to your hair. The best part? Most of them washed out after just one shampoo.
Gap “Dream” Eau De Toilette: If there were a single brand that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the 1990s, it would be Gap. In November 1994, Gap, the renowned apparel brand, ventured into the beauty industry by introducing its Grass, Day, Earth, and Heaven scents. My personal favorite, however, was Dream. Launched in August 1995, Dream solidified its place in the Gap fragrance family with a light, almost ethereal floral scent that effortlessly captured the essence of its namesake. Featuring notes of freesia, orange blossom, and violet, Dream radiated an aroma that resonates deeply with the hearts and minds of Gen Xers worldwide.
Liz Claiborne Curve Crush Eau de Toilette: I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this fragrance, considering I wore it consistently for so many years. Very much a grown-up version of Love’s Baby Soft, Curve Crush was a powdery, fruity-floral scent, featuring notes of milk, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom, and musk. Soft, warm, and perfect for everyday wear, it quickly became a staple in my everyday routine and came significantly close to becoming a lifelong signature scent.
Where to Find Similar Products
Fortunately, many of these beloved classics have not been completely lost to time, and there are several options available if you’re eager to experience a taste of beauty nostalgia.
Check out Tinte Cosmetics if you’re looking to get your hands on products inspired by Village Lip Lickers and Maybelline Kissing Potion. Lip Smacker is still very much in business, so you can easily shop their line of lip products, which come in a variety of flavors and formulas.
If you’re looking for a similar nail polish to Revlon’s “Sunflash,” check out Londontown Lakur in “Citron.”
If you’re seeking a fragrance reminiscent of Curve Crush, I highly recommend exploring Pinrose Perfumes’ “Pillowtalk Poet.” Additionally, you can still find Gap’s “Dream” fragrance at certain Gap Factory stores and online platforms like Amazon and eBay.