11 Rare Vintage Lipsticks That Are Worth the Hunt
Vintage lipsticks hold a charm that modern makeup cannot always match. Their colors, packaging, and history make them treasured finds for collectors and beauty lovers. Many of these shades have unique formulas that tell stories from past decades. Searching for them can be exciting and rewarding. Some are found in antique shops, while others appear in personal collections or online markets.
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Revlon Fire and Ice Lipstick
Revlon’s Fire and Ice Lipstick was first launched in 1952 with an iconic ad campaign that became part of beauty history. Its vibrant red shade with a hint of cool undertone made it flattering for many skin tones. The original tube featured sleek metal packaging with gold details. A pristine vintage version can be valued between $100 and $150.
This lipstick is rare because many of the early tubes were used up, leaving few in collectible condition. The matching nail polish from the same release adds to its desirability when found together. Makeup collectors often seek it for its connection to glamorous 1950s style. Original advertisement inserts can raise the value even higher.
Revlon Moon Drops Lipstick
Revlon’s Moon Drops line in the 1960s featured both bold and soft shades with a signature moisturizing formula. The tubes were a distinctive green with gold trim, making them instantly recognizable. Many shades, such as Orange Flip, became beauty icons of their time. A vintage tube in good condition can sell for $50 to $80.
The Moon Drops lipsticks are valued for their design as much as their colors. Collectors enjoy finding rare shades that are no longer produced. Tubes with intact labels and minimal wear have the highest resale value. They are often paired with other vintage Revlon products for display.
Maybelline Fire Red Lipstick
Maybelline’s Fire Red from the 1960s was a bright, attention-grabbing shade with a smooth satin finish. The tube often featured silver accents with a clear cap. It was marketed toward younger women who wanted bold, trendy colors. An untouched vintage tube can be valued at $40 to $65.
The lipstick reflects Maybelline’s early efforts to expand beyond eye products. Collectors value it for its cultural connection to 1960s fashion and youth trends. The packaging design also stands out from other brands of the time. Complete sets from this line are rare finds.
Max Factor Hi Society Lipstick
Max Factor’s Hi Society Lipstick was introduced in the 1950s as part of an elegant, upscale makeup line. The tube was slim with gold detailing and sometimes adorned with rhinestones. Popular shades included rich reds and deep pinks. In mint condition, this lipstick can sell for $100 to $140.
The Hi Society line was marketed as luxury beauty at an accessible price point. Collectors appreciate the artistry in the packaging and the lasting quality of the pigments. Finding one with the original velvet pouch increases its value. It remains a standout example of mid-century glamour.
Revlon Queen of Diamonds Lipstick
The Queen of Diamonds lipstick from Revlon featured glamorous jeweled packaging that made it a statement piece. Released in the 1950s, it came in shades that reflected Hollywood’s golden age. Its case often had a faux gem on the cap for added flair. A pristine tube can bring in $150 to $200.
This lipstick is rare because the jeweled cases were often repurposed or lost over time. Collectors view it as both a makeup product and a decorative accessory. The name itself evokes the elegance of its era. Complete packaging with the matching box is highly sought after.
L’Oréal Color Riche Lipstick
L’Oréal’s Color Riche Lipstick from the 1960s was one of the brand’s earliest attempts at high-quality, long-lasting lipstick. With its sleek black tube and rich, creamy formula, it quickly became a go-to for women looking for vibrant, matte shades. Collectors value it for its historical significance in L’Oréal’s rise to prominence. A mint-condition tube can fetch between $60 to $100.
The lipstick was widely adored for its excellent pigmentation and smooth application. It often came in classic red and deep pink shades, making it an enduring favorite. Original packaging with the brand’s logo in pristine condition increases its worth. This lipstick is perfect for those who appreciate a blend of vintage luxury and quality.
Estee Lauder Rose Gold Lipstick
Estee Lauder’s Rose Gold Lipstick was introduced in the 1950s and became known for its unique packaging. The tube featured gold accents and a rich, rose-pink shade, making it a glamorous addition to any beauty routine. Mint versions can be worth $80 to $120.
Collectors are drawn to this lipstick for its rarity and luxurious design. The color itself, a soft rose, remains timeless, making it a standout piece in any collection. The lipstick’s nostalgic appeal also lies in its connection to the rise of Estee Lauder as a global beauty brand. Its packaging, which still echoes the elegance of mid-century fashion, only adds to its allure.
Revlon Cherries in the Snow
Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow was one of the brand’s most iconic shades, launched in the 1950s and instantly recognizable for its bold red color. The lipstick was marketed as a universally flattering shade, and its bright red hue with pink undertones became a classic. Collectors often seek unused tubes, with prices ranging from $120 to $160.
The lipstick’s lasting appeal is attributed to its deep connection with 1950s Hollywood glamour. It was one of Revlon’s flagship products, featured in advertisements alongside some of the era’s biggest stars. Original ads or promotional materials can significantly increase its market value. Collectors also appreciate finding it in pristine condition, with its vibrant red still intact.
Yardley London Lipstick
Yardley London, a British beauty brand, introduced its line of lipsticks in the 1960s with an eye-catching and colorful tube design. The lipsticks were adored for their rich, pigmented colors and smooth formulas. Well-preserved tubes can be worth $50 to $70.
Yardley’s 1960s collection offered a variety of shades, from soft nudes to vibrant reds, appealing to a wide range of consumers. Collectors appreciate the colorful packaging, which evokes the swinging ’60s. Vintage Yardley lipsticks are rare to find in unused condition, especially in their original packaging, which only adds to their value.
Revlon Snow Peach Lipstick
Revlon Snow Peach Lipstick from the 1960s was a unique soft peach shade that became popular during the pastel makeup craze of the decade. The packaging was a delicate metal tube with gold accents. Mint condition tubes can fetch $40 to $70.
The peachy shade was one of Revlon’s bestsellers during the 1960s, adored for its light, youthful appearance. Collectors value Snow Peach for its place in makeup history as part of the early color trends that would later define the ’60s beauty industry. Unused tubes or those with original packaging are highly coveted.
Dior Rouge Lipstick
Dior’s Rouge Lipstick from the 1950s is known for its rich, intense red color and its luxurious packaging, which featured a sleek, gold-accented tube. It was the epitome of Parisian elegance during its time. Vintage examples in pristine condition can be valued at $150 to $200.
Dior’s Rouge was marketed as a high-end beauty product, reflecting the brand’s commitment to sophistication and luxury. The shade itself has become a classic, with modern versions still inspired by the original. Collectors seek out these vintage lipsticks for both their historical significance and timeless beauty. Finding an unused tube with its original packaging can make it a prized addition to any collection.
Collecting rare vintage lipsticks is a way to appreciate both beauty and history. These timeless pieces bring charm to any collection with their design and lasting appeal. From bold reds to soft pinks, each shade reflects the era it came from. Begin exploring and you might find a lipstick that feels truly unforgettable.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.