10 Iconic Vintage Makeup Brands Every Collector Should Know

Vintage makeup brands hold a special place in the hearts of collectors, offering a glimpse into the past while celebrating timeless beauty. These iconic brands have shaped the makeup industry over decades, with some even influencing modern cosmetics. From luxurious packaging to innovative formulas, vintage makeup items often carry both sentimental value and historical significance. Collecting these pieces not only connects us with beauty history but also offers the thrill of finding rare, nostalgic treasures. Whether it’s an old lipstick tube or a vintage compact, each item tells a unique story.

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Max Factor

Max Factor is one of the most influential names in the history of cosmetics, having been founded in the early 1900s. The brand revolutionized the makeup industry by introducing the first commercially successful foundation and other cosmetic products that were designed specifically for the film industry. As a result, Max Factor became synonymous with glamour and Hollywood. The company’s innovations set the foundation for modern makeup as we know it today.

Collectors often seek vintage Max Factor products because of their historical significance. Old Max Factor packaging, especially those from the mid-20th century, are highly prized by collectors. The market value for a vintage Max Factor product, such as a rare lipstick tube, can range from $50 to $200, depending on the condition and rarity of the item.

Revlon

Revlon is another classic brand that holds a special place in the hearts of makeup collectors. Established in 1932, Revlon gained widespread recognition for its breakthrough in nail polish and lipstick. Their products became iconic not only for their quality but also for their innovative marketing. The brand’s collaboration with Hollywood stars and its use of color in cosmetics set new trends in the industry.

Vintage Revlon items, especially from the 1950s and 1960s, are highly sought after due to their stylish and retro packaging. Collectors love the original lipsticks and nail polishes that often come in glass bottles or tubes with intricate designs. The market value of a vintage Revlon lipstick or nail polish can range from $30 to $150, depending on rarity and condition.

Estée Lauder

Founded in 1946, Estée Lauder quickly became a household name, known for its luxurious cosmetics and skincare products. The brand’s commitment to high-quality ingredients and innovative formulas made it a favorite among women for decades. Estée Lauder’s packaging also reflected its luxurious brand image, with gold and glass containers that were designed to convey sophistication and elegance.

Vintage Estée Lauder products, particularly from the 1960s to the 1980s, are highly collectible. Items such as the brand’s early fragrances or limited-edition lipsticks are valued for their unique designs and the nostalgic appeal of their golden age. Depending on the item and its rarity, vintage Estée Lauder products can range from $50 to $500 or more in value.

Elizabeth Arden

Elizabeth Arden, founded in 1910, is a luxury brand known for its high-quality skincare and cosmetics. The brand’s iconic red door logo became a symbol of sophistication and exclusivity. Over the years, Elizabeth Arden introduced several groundbreaking products that still hold historical significance in the beauty industry.

Vintage Elizabeth Arden products, such as the brand’s early perfumes or limited-edition lipstick shades, are valuable collector’s items. Many collectors look for products from the 1950s to the 1970s, as these represent the golden years of the brand. The value of vintage Elizabeth Arden items can vary widely, with some fetching $50 to $300 depending on rarity and condition.

Coty

Coty is another historic beauty brand that made a significant impact in the cosmetics industry. Founded in 1904, Coty was one of the first to create a truly global brand. The company is known for introducing affordable luxury and innovative products, including its iconic fragrances and powder compacts.

Vintage Coty products, particularly from the 1930s and 1940s, are highly collectible. Coty fragrances in their original bottles, especially those with unique and artistic designs, are sought after by collectors. The value of a vintage Coty item can range from $30 to $200, depending on the specific product and its condition.

Yardley London

Yardley London has been a well-known name in the beauty industry since 1770. The brand is best known for its luxurious fragrances and bath products, but its makeup line from the 1960s and 1970s is also a collector’s treasure. Yardley’s vintage packaging, often featuring floral designs and gold accents, remains iconic in the beauty world.

Collectors are particularly interested in vintage Yardley makeup compacts and powder boxes, which are valued for their artistic and historical significance. A rare Yardley lipstick or powder compact can sell for between $50 and $200 depending on its age and condition.

Maybelline

Founded in 1915, Maybelline has been a major player in the drugstore cosmetics market for over a century. The brand is known for introducing some of the first mass-market beauty products, including mascaras and foundations. Over the years, Maybelline’s packaging and advertising became iconic, reflecting changing beauty trends.

Vintage Maybelline products, especially from the 1940s to the 1970s, are collectible for their unique packaging and advertisements. Old Maybelline mascara tubes or lipstick cases are particularly sought after. The price range for vintage Maybelline products typically falls between $20 and $100 depending on their rarity and condition.

Lancôme

Lancôme was established in 1935 and quickly became known for its elegant packaging and luxury skincare products. The brand has also built a strong reputation for its cosmetics, especially its foundations and lipsticks. Lancôme’s vintage products from the 1950s and 1960s are considered collector’s treasures due to their historical value and beautiful design.

Vintage Lancôme compacts and lipstick tubes are popular among collectors. Items such as early foundations or face powders in their original packaging are particularly sought after. Depending on the item, the value can range from $50 to $300, depending on rarity and condition.

Avon

Founded in 1886, Avon is one of the oldest and most widely recognized direct-selling beauty companies. Known for its wide range of affordable cosmetics and personal care products, Avon’s vintage makeup items from the mid-20th century are prized by collectors for their nostalgic appeal.

Avon’s vintage packaging, often featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors, makes it a favorite among beauty collectors. Products like early Avon lipsticks or perfumes can be worth $20 to $100 depending on rarity and condition.

Bourjois

Founded in 1863, Bourjois was known for its stylish Parisian packaging and innovative products. The brand’s historical presence in the beauty industry makes its vintage makeup especially appealing to collectors. Bourjois’s classic Rouge edition lipsticks or vintage powder compacts are considered valuable by collectors.

Vintage Bourjois products can range from $30 to $200, based on their condition and rarity. Many collectors are particularly drawn to products from the 1950s and 1960s, which represent the height of the brand’s charm.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.