Beauty products we loved during the Tumblr era

When we think of Tumblr, we picture an explosion of unique aesthetics. Between 2010 and 2015, this platform became the go-to reference for visual culture and the style of every teenager. Everyone listened to A.M. by the Arctic Monkeys or Ultraviolence by Lana Del Rey while editing their “aesthetic” desaturated photos. American Apparel and Brandy Melville were the favorite shopping spots, and you only had to choose whether to be on team Dr. Martens or Creepers. But it wasn’t just about fashion: beauty products were also a key part of this visual culture. Products like matte lipsticks, glittery nail polishes, and must-have eyeshadow palettes were essential for any fan of the platform.

Tumblr Beauty Products: EOS Lip Balm

In the Tumblr era, where aesthetic photos were everything, the packaging of the products we used was essential, and EOS Lip Balms were perfect. Thanks to their unique shape and colorful packaging, they became a must-have for many. Their main feature was the round casing, which made them stand out from any other lip balm. Not only were they practical and moisturizing thanks to their formula rich in natural ingredients like shea butter and jojoba oil, but they also became style objects to proudly display in your feeds. Today, the brand has launched a new product: the EOS Cashmere Body Wash. A body wash with a thousand fragrances, but definitely less aesthetic than the iconic lip balms.

Urban Decay and the Naked Palettes

The Naked Palettes by Urban Decay were undoubtedly among the most iconic and desired beauty products. With their sleek, alluring metallic casing, they quickly became a cult object to display proudly on vanities and desks. The true magic of the Naked Palettes lay in their versatility. With a variety of warm and cool tones, from beige and brown to metallic and matte shades, it was easy to mix and match the eyeshadows to create any look, from the softest natural look to the boldest, smoky eye. They were essential for recreating the beloved smokey eye look that Tumblr girls adored.

Maybelline Baby Lips

The Baby Lips by Maybelline were everywhere. Who didn’t have at least one (or ten)? There were tons of YouTube videos showing off collections, but in reality, few actually used them for their intended purpose. They were more of an item to flaunt than to apply! With their vibrant packaging and irresistible pastel shades, it was impossible not to show them off, maybe in a photo next to a coffee or a book you were reading (and why not The Fault in Our Stars?) just to make your routine look even cooler.

Matte Lips with NYX

Lips during the Tumblr era had to be matte. There was no discussion. The beloved product was the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream, with a light and comfortable formula, but without the dry effect that other matte lipsticks could leave. The most popular shades were obviously the darker ones, like Transylvania, or nude shades like Los Angeles.

Mario Badescu and His Skincare Products

Mario Badescu became an iconic name in the world of skincare during the Tumblr years. With simple yet effective products like the Facial Spray and Drying Lotion, the brand won everyone over with its lightweight formula and fast results. The Facial Spray, fresh and hydrating, was perfect for glowing, natural skin, while the Drying Lotion was the emergency remedy for pimples. Its minimalist packaging also made it an object to proudly display in your feed.

Holographic Nail Polish

Do you remember the obsession with the alien emoji? It was everywhere. Maybe because it represented that slightly out-of-the-ordinary vibe that everyone could relate to. And, in that context, holographic nail polish became a real trend. It was the perfect mix of futurism and uniqueness, a nod to the cyberpunk and vaporwave aesthetics that dominated Tumblr. It was a way to visually express the desire to stand out, in a super cool and original way. The most loved brands were W.I.P, possibly for their packaging that perfectly described the aesthetic, along with O.P.I. polishes.