The Year of the Biggest Beauty Launches
by Danielle Pergament
Hint #1: The Clinton administration launched the White House’s first website.
Hint #2: Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You” was all over the radio.
Have a guess? Continue reading to find out if you know your near-history—and which now-iconic beauty products are celebrating a big anniversary. (We won’t know if you cheated and Googled it, but you will know. You will know.)
The year was 1994, and while it may not have been a cultural high point, it was a renaissance for beauty.
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M.A.C. Viva Glam Lipstick. Since its 1994 debut, sales of Viva Glam have raised over $325 million for HIV/AIDS charities. RuPaul, Elton John, Mary J. Blige, Christina Aguilera, Pamela Anderson, Lady Gaga, and Rihanna have all been Viva Glam spokespeople.
Chanel Nail Colour in Vamp. After the shade debuted at Chanel’s fall 1994 fashion show, Uma Thurman danced with John Travolta wearing the blackish-red nail polish in Pulp Fiction. People flocked to stores, which had to ration their supplies.
Donna Karan Cashmere Mist. What started as a body lotion became such a cult favorite that fans sent Donna Karan letters begging for a matching fragrance.
Nars lipsticks. That’s all the company was at first: 12 flattering shades that would spawn an entire makeup line, including Orgasm blush.
See more: 50 Beauty Products to Try Before You Die
Calvin Klein CK One fragrance. This was the first unisex fragrance, and it was sold in a screw-top bottle at record stores. At the height of its popularity, 20 bottles of CK One were sold every minute.
Jo Malone London candles. Beyoncé, Victoria Beckham, and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have scented their dressing rooms, fashion shows, and royal wedding (respectively) with Orange Blossom, Grapefruit, and Lime Basil & Mandarin.
Revlon ColorStay Lipcolor. The ads promised that this long-wearing lip color wouldn’t kiss off—and it didn’t. It would go on to inspire the category of long-wearing makeup.
photo: Thomas Iannaccone
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