10 Stunning Vintage Makeup Ads That Are Pure Nostalgia
Vintage makeup advertisements offer a peek into the beauty ideals and marketing strategies of a different era. From elegant models to bold designs, these ads hold a special place in the history of advertising. They transport us to a time when glamour was the ultimate goal, and beauty products promised to change lives. The styles in these ads may have changed, but the allure and sophistication they represent remain timeless. These images serve as a reminder of how far beauty has come.
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Maybelline Great Lash (1970s)
Maybelline’s Great Lash ad, introduced in the 1970s, is one of the most iconic and recognizable makeup ads of all time. The ad featured the brand’s green-and-pink tube of mascara, which became known for its ability to define and volumize lashes. Maybelline marketed it as the mascara for women who wanted dramatic, yet natural-looking lashes. This simple, effective ad made Great Lash a household name and a staple in makeup bags worldwide.
The ad’s bright, colorful design helped it stand out on store shelves, making the product instantly recognizable. Its emphasis on affordable beauty resonated with women who wanted high-quality cosmetics without breaking the bank. Great Lash became synonymous with classic beauty, and its continued popularity speaks to the lasting impact of this iconic ad. The mascara’s enduring success reflects its role in shaping beauty advertising in the 1970s and beyond.
Yves Saint Laurent Opium (1977)
Yves Saint Laurent’s Opium ad, launched in 1977, was one of the most daring and provocative fragrance campaigns of its time. The ad featured a sensual and dramatic image of a woman surrounded by rich, opulent colors, perfectly reflecting the luxurious and exotic scent of the perfume. Opium became a best-seller thanks to its bold, spicy notes, and the ad played a key role in establishing the perfume as an iconic, high-end product. The ad’s sultry imagery and alluring tone made it unforgettable.
Opium was marketed as the ultimate scent for women who sought sophistication and passion. The fragrance’s boldness set it apart from more traditional perfumes, and the ad mirrored that sentiment with its striking visuals. Yves Saint Laurent’s campaign was a game-changer in fragrance advertising, creating a sense of mystery and allure around the perfume. The ad’s vintage charm continues to evoke feelings of luxury and elegance.
Lancome Trésor (1990s)
Lancome’s Trésor ad campaign from the 1990s is known for its romantic and luxurious appeal. The ad featured models surrounded by golden light, portraying the fragrance as a treasure of elegance and sensuality. Trésor, a perfume that emphasized floral and fruity notes, became a hit in the 1990s for its warm and inviting scent. The ad conveyed the idea of a woman who was both sophisticated and captivating, much like the fragrance itself.
The perfume was marketed as the essence of refined femininity, appealing to women who desired luxury in every aspect of their lives. Lancome’s ad campaign positioned Trésor as a fragrance for special occasions, evoking feelings of passion and timeless beauty. The ad’s vintage allure continues to resonate with those who associate it with the height of 1990s beauty. Today, Trésor remains a staple in Lancome’s perfume lineup.
Estée Lauder Youth Dew (1953)
The 1953 Estée Lauder Youth Dew ad is a classic example of vintage luxury advertising. The ad was created to promote Youth Dew, the brand’s groundbreaking fragrance that doubled as both a perfume and bath oil. This innovative product changed the fragrance industry by offering a more versatile product. The ad’s portrayal of sophistication and elegance appealed to women seeking a touch of luxury in their daily routines.
Youth Dew was marketed as the perfect perfume for the modern woman, and it became a favorite among women who enjoyed a rich, sensual fragrance. Estée Lauder’s campaign was successful in positioning Youth Dew as a timeless classic, embodying both glamour and sensuality. The ad was a key part of the brand’s early success, solidifying Estée Lauder as a leader in the fragrance industry. Its vintage charm still resonates with collectors and perfume enthusiasts today.
Coty Airspun Powder (1935)
Coty’s Airspun Powder ad from 1935 is a vintage classic known for its elegant design and vintage appeal. The ad featured the brand’s translucent powder, which was popular for its ability to set makeup without adding a heavy layer. Coty marketed the powder as a must-have for a flawless, matte finish, ideal for women who wanted to look their best all day. The ad was designed to emphasize Coty’s reputation as a luxurious, high-quality makeup brand.
The product was advertised as a beauty essential for women who wanted a soft, natural look without the weight of traditional powders. Coty’s Airspun Powder became a go-to product for actresses and beauty enthusiasts alike, known for its fine texture and smooth application. The ad’s vintage style reflects the glamour and sophistication of the 1930s, making it a timeless piece of beauty history. Today, Coty Airspun Powder continues to be a popular product, often evoking nostalgia with its retro packaging.
Revlon Fire and Ice Lipstick (1952)
Revlon’s Fire and Ice campaign, launched in 1952, is one of the most iconic vintage makeup ads. The ad focused on promoting the bold, vibrant red lipstick from Revlon’s Fire and Ice collection, which was designed to make a statement. Featuring the classic glamour of the time, the ad featured a glamorous model with perfectly styled hair and a fiery red lip, signaling confidence and power. The ad conveyed the allure of Hollywood stars and their timeless beauty.
The Fire and Ice collection was marketed as a seductive and powerful lipstick, aimed at women looking for something daring yet sophisticated. Revlon’s clever marketing strategy included celebrity endorsements, which helped the brand become a household name. This ad captures the perfect balance of boldness and elegance that defined 1950s beauty ideals. Its dramatic style and striking imagery made it a memorable ad in makeup history.
Revlon Cherries in the Snow (1950s)
Revlon’s Cherries in the Snow ad from the 1950s showcased one of the brand’s most famous red lipstick shades. This ad was part of a campaign to promote the bold, rich color that became synonymous with confident, glamorous women. Featuring the iconic red lips that were a signature of 1950s beauty, the ad captivated with its dramatic imagery and strong color contrast. The ad made Cherries in the Snow a go-to lipstick shade for women who wanted to make a statement.
Revlon’s marketing played into the growing fascination with glamorous Hollywood-inspired beauty trends. The lipstick shade quickly became a favorite of women seeking to express their bold, elegant style. The ad reinforced the idea that every woman could achieve Hollywood glam with the right products. Cherries in the Snow remains one of Revlon’s most iconic shades, and the vintage ad is still a sought-after collectible.
Maybelline Maybe She’s Born With It (1991)
Maybelline’s Maybe She’s Born With It advertisement, launched in 1991, is one of the most enduring makeup ad slogans in history. The ad featured a glamorous model, emphasizing the brand’s promise to enhance natural beauty. It was created to promote Maybelline’s range of mascaras, which were known for their volumizing and lengthening effects. The catchy slogan became synonymous with effortless beauty, appealing to women of all ages.
The ad positioned Maybelline as the go-to brand for affordable, high-quality cosmetics. The campaign focused on the idea that great makeup could enhance one’s natural beauty without being overly dramatic. Over the years, the slogan and the ad campaign have become iconic, with Maybelline continuing to use it in their marketing efforts. The vintage appeal of this ad reflects the shift in beauty advertising during the 1990s, moving toward more natural and accessible beauty ideals.
CoverGirl Easy, Breezy, Beautiful (1990s)
CoverGirl’s Easy, Breezy, Beautiful ad campaign, launched in 1997, was a groundbreaking moment in beauty marketing. The campaign highlighted CoverGirl’s easy-to-use makeup products, emphasizing simplicity and confidence. Featuring model and actress Tyra Banks as the face of the campaign, the ad was designed to make beauty accessible to every woman. Its fresh, vibrant imagery represented the era’s shift toward embracing diverse beauty and self-expression.
The Easy, Breezy, Beautiful slogan became instantly recognizable, embodying the brand’s promise of simple, effortless beauty. CoverGirl’s appeal grew as the campaign resonated with women who wanted to feel beautiful without complicated routines. The ad helped redefine what beauty could look like in mainstream advertising, making CoverGirl a household name. Its lasting impact is evident in the continued use of the slogan in CoverGirl ads today.
Clinique Happy (1998)
Clinique’s Happy ad, introduced in 1998, was a vibrant, cheerful campaign aimed at capturing the feeling of joy and optimism. The ad featured bright visuals. Clinique’s Happy fragrance quickly became known for its light, citrusy scent that evoked positivity and energy. The ad was designed to appeal to women who wanted a fresh, clean fragrance that matched their bright outlook on life.
The ad’s use of lively colors and upbeat visuals helped establish the fragrance as a symbol of joy and confidence. Happy was marketed as an everyday fragrance, ideal for those who wanted to feel refreshed and energized. Its catchy tagline and fun, youthful imagery made it a favorite for women in the late 90s. The ad’s nostalgic appeal continues to evoke memories of the carefree, optimistic vibe of the 1990s.
Looking at vintage makeup ads offers a glimpse into the past and reminds us of the beauty standards and advertising strategies that once ruled the industry. These classic advertisements continue to inspire new generations, blending nostalgia with modern-day beauty trends.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.