Estée Lauder Is Iconic—21 Legendary Items Everyone Should Try in Their Lifetime
When it comes to naming some iconic beauty brands that have been around for decades and guaranteed Estée Lauder will be on the list. The iconic brand has been beloved by generations of beauty lovers everywhere—you probably have seen a product or two on your mom's vanity, your grandma's, or you might even have some in your makeup bag, too.
Estée Lauder founded her eponymous company in 1946, launching four skincare products. The brand grew even more the next year when it got an $800 order from Saks Fifth Avenue. And the rest is pretty much history. Now its offerings run across all beauty categories–skincare, makeup, and fragrance.
Fans of the Estée Lauder all have their personal favorites that they've been faithful to for a long time. And there have been a ton of new products that have popped up in recent years that are gaining cult status (the Advanced Night Repair formula, anyone?).
If you're new to the brand and looking to try it out (or refill your inventory if you're already a stan), I've compiled a list of some of the most classic and popular products below—let me know if I missed any, and send us a DM @whowhatwear.
Skincare
This face serum is probably the most popular skincare product in Estée Lauder's inventory. It has crazy-good ratings. The serum delivers eight hours of antioxidant power and 72 hours of hydration so your skin looks and feels plumper and smoother.
"I've been using this product for several years. When I don't use it I notice a distinct difference in brightness and clarity of my skin. I've tried other serums but always come back to Advanced Night Repair." — Nordstrom review
This moisturizing cream is powered by hibiscus sinensis flowers to boost collagen production. Other ingredients include cactus stem cell extract and hyaluronic acid—all of the ingredients work to deliver up to 72 hours of hydration.
"I love this moisturizer. I have dry skin and use it at night and the one with sunscreen during the day. My skin loves this and drinks it in. I have a great glow and texture. The tight dry skin is gone and I get compliments from people all the time about my skin. I am 66 and no one ever knows my age based on my skin. Thank you Estée Lauder!"— Nordstrom review
if you're dealing with puffiness, lines, dryness, and crow's-feet, give this eye treatment a whirl. It's also infused with hyaluronic acid and offers eight hours' worth of antioxidant protection against free radicals.
"I absolutely love it, I use it every single night and it makes my eyes feel soft and cool and relaxing" — Sephora review
Formulated with gentle AHAs, this serum refines the skin's texture and boosts its production of collagen and elastin.
"This light white serum delivers visible benefits. I saw results within a week and after three months of regular use am thrilled with a more defined jawline and cheekbones. Gel cream texture is light, hydrating, absorbs quickly. I use it where I want it to work, and often use another serum on cheeks for hydration. Skin is soft, clear, firm, smooth. I couldn’t understand why the cap has a stick on it but after pulling the cap up carefully, discovered the pump, same bottle as purple Perfectionist, which I alternate with this serum. A photo with pump would help. Outstanding high performance ingredients, innovative EL serum." — Nordstrom review
This foam cleanser works well on all skin types, but it's especially effective for normal to combination skin. It's also powerful enough to remove makeup and unclog pores without stripping the skin.
"I cannot be the only one out there who actually likes to wash their face with soap, because it doesn't leave your face slippery! I've been trying to find a face wash that isn't stripping but also makes your face feel clean (by not feeling like there is residue left)... Estée Lauder did it! This is the perfect face wash if you are also like me! Look no further!" — Nordstrom review
The serum's formula contains a special CPR-75 technology, which works to double the skin's natural collagen building power. It plumps fine lines and wrinkles and makes the skin appear smoother.
"Wonderful product. No other compares with skin tone, smoothness and freshness. I have used this product for 10 years." — Nordstrom review
Use this daytime moisturizer to protect the skin against the premature signs of aging. The formula will keep skin moisturized for 24 hours, while also shielding it from sun damage thanks to built-in sunscreen.
"Been using this face cream for 50+ years. Always receive compliments on my skin. Love the weight, the hydration and the cucumber qualities." — Nordstrom review
Enriched with passion flower and edelweiss extracts, this toner primes the skin for other skincare products and leaves it feeling extra soft and hydrated.
A lot of night creams can feel super heavy, but not this one. The hydrating product features a super antioxidant complex that provides long-lasting moisture and reduces the signs of premature aging.
"After a long day at work, wearing makeup, in dry air, this is the one product I look forward to putting on during my evening routine. It has the moisture my skin craves. Even with my oily skin, it doesn't clog my pores and allows my skin to breath. I LOVE this product." — Nordstrom review
You don't have to worry about this formula stripping the skin dry or leaving an oily residue.
Sure, this is definitely a big splurge, but many reviewers say it's worth the steep price tag. The formula is infused with black diamond truffle and special sculpting technology to strengthen the skin's natural collagen, deeply hydrate, firm, and reduce wrinkles and lines. One Nordstrom reviewer wrote, "I am 83 years of age and have used Estee Lauder products for, at least, 40 years. This product, Ultimate Diamond Crème, has revitalized my skin, kept it moist all winter long, in spite of the weather and house conditions."
Makeup
This foundation is a classic favorite. The 24-hour formula provides buildable medium-to-full coverage and leaves a natural-looking matte finish. It also comes in over 50 shades so you can find your perfect match.
"Nice buildable coverage and excellent shade range! This foundation has also been the only one to last me a whole workday as well with no creasing." — Nordstrom review
If you're looking for a classic go-to lipstick, let this one be it. It's a medium-to-full coverage formula that leaves a creamy finish. It also contains a time-released Moisture Complex to lock in hydration and keep your lips soft.
This non-drying concealer stays put for up to 24 hours and leaves a radiant finish.
"I love the shade range of this concealer! It is super versatile and is great as a undereye concealer as well as highlighter. I've been using it with the double wear foundation as well and they play great together." — Nordstrom review
Want longer and voluminous lashes? Try this 15-hour mascara that doesn't fade or flake. It's also resistant to high temperatures, humidity, and perspiration.
"Applies nice and even without clumping. Also lasts throughout the day with no flaking or smudging which is a huge plus!" — Nordstrom review
The cool thing about this pencil is it has a smudge tip so you can create that perfect and cool smudged-eye look. The long-lasting formula is resistant to sweating, heat, and humidity.
"Cheers y’all, I am new to Estée Lauder make up and I’m so glad I tried this I pencil, the color goes on so smoothly and there’s absolutely no smudging. The pencils are water and rub proof and the colors are lovely.. I bought one of each color!" — Nordstrom review
Use this lip pencil to extend the wear of your lipstick and prevent any feathering or bleeding. On the other end of the pencil is a lip brush so you can easily apply your lipstick.
For a natural glow, try this powder blush that has buildable color. It's also housed in a refillable compact, which is great news for reducing waste.
"I love the shade color and it's not too shiny look which I prefer on a blush on. It's very light weight. Packaging is very nice and looks very classy" — Nordstrom review
A primer is so helpful for creating a smooth base for your makeup. This one is super lightweight and strengthens the skin's moisture barrier so your skin will look healthy and glowy.
"I have used the hydra foundation by Estée Lauder. I have very dry skin and adding this primer has been extremely beneficial. This gives a beautiful hydrating layer and makes a wonderful primer." — Nordstrom review
That radiant and dewy look is still very much in, so you can use this illuminator to give you a soft and natural sheen.
"I recently tried this highlighter and it's absolutely beautiful. I love the formula and the highlight itself is really nice. I would def purchase again." — Nordstrom review
Dry skin types will love this moisturizing foundation that's breathable, but still offers medium-to-full coverage. It's infused with the brand's IonCharged Water, probiotics, and chia-seed extract to nourish and soothe the skin (goodbye redness and dryness!). And did I mention it has the added bonus of SPF 45 protection?
"So in love with this makeup! I have eczema so have super dry skin and also have acne scars, let me tell you this makeup covers all my scars up and moisturizes my skin at the same time! I’m so in love! I was so scared this would just end up looking oily and greasy on my face but it doesn’t do either! Definitely found my new foundation! Oh and it has SPF 45!?! What’s there not to love! A must buy!" — Nordstrom review
Next, Ranked: The Best Malin+Goetz Fragrances of All Time
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work on THE/THIRTY and Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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