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Still Haven't Tried One Of These Gems?

You can't call yourself a bona fide beauty junkie until you've crossed these cult-classic products off your list
by Erica Smith
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La Mer Crème de la Mer, $155

La Mer Crème de la Mer, $155
As the fancy name and $155 price tag imply, this product is luxury in a tiny tub. Crème de la Mer was invented by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber, who was actually looking to transform the look of his own skin after suffering from burns in a laboratory accident. After 12 years and 6,000 experiments, he finally perfected his radiance-restoring "Miracle Broth" (mmm) -- a mix of sea kelp (hence "de la Mer") vitamins, oils and minerals that is at the heart of this cult favorite cream.

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Benefit Benetint, $30

Benefit Benetint, $30
Originally called simply "Rose tint," Benefit lore states that this product was created back in 1976 for an exotic dancer ... who was in dire need of a nipple tint. Of course the formula will still get the work done if you need that sort of thing (to each her own), but Benetint's best-selling product has become known as a multi-tasking stain used higher up on the body to gives lips and cheeks that perfect rose-tinted flush.

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Maybelline Great Lash, $4.44

Maybelline Great Lash, $4.44
If you're not familiar with the neon pink and green mascara tube, it's safe to assume you've been living under a rock for a good chunk of time. This iconic mascara, which dates back to 1971, has become synonymous with the brand's "Maybe She's Born With It" slogan. While the fonts and tube shapes have evolved over the decades, the striking color duo has always remained intact and this wand is still going strong. There are billions of mascaras on the market, but this one remains simple and to the point.

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Rosebud Salve, $6

Rosebud Salve, $6
Hipsters may hit up Urban Outfitters to get their hands on the vintage tins, but unlike the 80s graphic tees on the racks, this throwback beauty product has truly earned the title of "vintage." Dr. George F. Smith formulated this beauty staple in 1892 (1892!) out of Cotton Seed Oil and Aromol, with essential oils blended in a special petrolatum base, after his friends and customers suggested he prepare a balm for minor skin issues. The end result was "Balsam of Rosebuds," a cure-all that goes by a decidedly less romantic name today, but has remained a crowd-pleaser starting with Smith's bustling mail order system and all the way up to today's "Add To Cart" clicks on Sephora.

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Mason Pearson Brush, $88

Mason Pearson Brush, $88
Not to be confused with your run of the mill boar bristle brush, the Mason Pearson is the mother of all hairbrushes. It's trademark nylon and boar bristles evenly distribute sebum from the scalp while increasing blood flow to the roots, which makes hair shiny and stronger. While it remains a favorite of the fairer sex and their flowing locks,-- Heidi Klum reasoned, "It's a bit expensive, but sometimes you have to go deeper in your wallet for things that work. This brush gets all the snags without ripping hair out," -- the iconic hair tool was invented in 1885 by, as the name implies, a dude: inventor/engineer Mason Pearson. Today, the brush continues to be wielded by other creative males -- namely celeb stylists like Ken Paves and Mark Townsend.

I think most would agree that cults have a negative connotation, what with all the bizarre idolizing, brainwashing, matching sneakers and charismatic (read: creepy) leaders ... not to mention the emotional trauma inflicted upon yours truly after a viewing of "Martha Marcy May Marlene" all alone in my apartment, late at night. Mistake.

But in the beauty world, that C-word means you're on to something good -- a product so good it withstands the test of time, evades the dreaded "Discontinued" ax, and continues to outshine all the new and improved this and thats our culture is drawn to (I'm positive a mini iPad mini, AKA another iPhone, is being concocted as I type.) If there was ever a time to go against every individuality-preserving bone in your body and actually believe the hype, it's now with cult classic beauty products.

Fads come and go, but there's a reason these favorites have yet to be discontinued: if these products were ever removed from stores, it would incite an all-out riot because they really work. As the well-informed beauty consumer you are, it's high time you drank the Kool-Aid. Start checking these classics off your beauty bucket list, then let us know: What's your favorite cult classic beauty product?
BY ERICA SMITH | AUG 28, 2013 | SHARES
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