Beauty trends often end just as quickly as they emerge, but the best makeup products and looks always find a way to come back. Many tend to dismiss “old school” products because of the volume of fresh cosmetics that dominate store shelves and online retailers, and yet, the tried-and-true makeup that our grandmothers have sworn by for decades are becoming trendy again. Brown mascara, powder blushes, cream lipsticks, and eyebrow pencils are not only among the buzziest products of the year, but they also happen to be grandma approved.

We took to Amazon to find makeup products that can help you effortlessly achieve Grandma’s timeless look, and our favorites include picks from beloved brands like Laura Geller, Clinique, Lancôme, and more. The best part? Finds start at $3, so you don’t have to break the bank as you stock your vanity.

　　 The Best Grandma-Approved Makeup Products

Milani Baked Blush, $8.97

L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick, $6.99 (orig. $9.99)

Pond’s Fragrance-free Cold Cream Makeup Remover (2-Pack), $13.81

Maybelline Brownish Black Great Lash Mascara, $4.97 (orig. $8.49)

Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (Pack of 3), $14.97 (orig. $16.47)

NYX Micro Brow Pencil, $8.16 (orig. $11)

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　　 Powder Blush

In recent years, alternatives to powder blush, like cream blushes and liquid blushes, have become more popular. These blushes have soft, creamy, and looser consistences that people use for a more dewy, glowy look, but there’s nothing like the natural finish that a powder blush provides. The texture of a powder blush helps give your skin a smoother, more matte appearance, and thanks to its buildable formula, you can create a soft or bold look with the swipe of a brush. 

　　 Milani Baked Blush

$9 at Amazon

　　 Maybelline Fit Me Powder Blush

$8 $6 at Amazon

　　 NYX Buttermelt Powder Blush

$10 at Amazon

　　 Laura Geller New York Baked Blush

$28 $6 at Amazon

　　 Cream Finish Lipsticks

There are a variety of lipstick types out there, but nothing beats a cream lipstick. Unlike sheer lipsticks that provide a “no makeup” makeup look and matte lipsticks that are dramatic and opaque in nature, cream lipsticks are perfect for full-coverage looks that don’t require extra products like lip liner or a top gloss. The smooth, buttery texture easily glides on the lips for an effortless application, and today, you’ll find most creamy lipsticks contain hydrating and skin-nourishing ingredients for extra TLC. We especially like that they’re usually very buildable, so you can customize the intensity of your lips. 

　　 L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Satin Lipstick

$10 $7 at Amazon

　　 Covergirl Continuous Color Lipstick

$8 $6 at Amazon

　　 Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

$8 $6 at Amazon

　　 Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Cream Lipstick

$35 at Amazon

　　 Pond’s Cream

My first introduction to skincare was through my grandma, who used Noxema’s cream cleanser her entire life. Right up there with Noxema, in terms of reputation and consistent results, is Pond’s Cream. The cream doubles as both a makeup remover and a deep cleanser that simultaneously moisturizes as it gently removes dirt, makeup, and oils from the skin. Not to mention, its non-irritating formula is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, too. 

　　 Pond’s Fragrance-free Cold Cream Makeup Remover (2-Pack)

$14 at Amazon

　　 Brown Mascara

Black mascara is as classic as it gets, but the striking dark color can be a bit harsh on those with lighter eyes, hair color, or skin tones. Brown mascara, on the contrary, still enhances and beautifies the lashes but with a softer shade that is complimentary to all. Whether your lashes need a break from the drama of black mascara or you’re looking for a fresh option perfect to achieve a natural look, Grandma would steer you toward brown mascara—trust us, your eyes will never look prettier. 

　　 Maybelline Brownish Black Great Lash Mascara

$9 $5 at Amazon

　　 L'Oreal Paris Black Brown Telescopic Mascara

$13 $12 at Amazon

　　 Clinique Black Honey High Impact Mascara

$26 $23 at Amazon

　　 Vaseline

If there’s one product that grandmas swear by, it’s Vaseline. The beloved product is revered across generations for its versatile uses, which include but aren’t limited to, removing makeup, healing small cuts and scrapes, and even extending the lasting power of perfume. Grandmas have used Vaseline for a variety of things, but today we’re seeing it gain traction again to moisturize lips, provide a glossy, dewy finish to makeup looks, and add more brightness and pigment to eyeshadow. Talk about a one-in-all product! Thanks, Grandma.

　　 Vaseline Petroleum Jelly (Pack of 3)

$17 $15 at Amazon

　　 Eyebrow Pencils

With natural eyebrow styles more popular than ever, products like tinted brow gel and even brow glue have dominated the makeup world. The trend is starting to return to shaped brows, however, which is where none other than an eyebrow pencil comes in. Brow pencils, unlike gels and glues, allow you to create your own eyebrow shape by filling in your brows or defining the hairs where needed. Plus, you can fluff your brows out or soften the look of the pencil with a spoolie brush that is often built into the product. 

　　 E.l.f. Instant Lift Brow Pencil

$3 at Amazon

　　 NYX Micro Brow Pencil

$11 $9 at Amazon

　　 Maybelline Total Temptation Eyebrow Definer Pencil

$10 at Amazon

　　 IT Cosmetics Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil

$26 at Amazon Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit