English Version | The Icons issue: Contemporary classics

Almost Lipstick in Black Honey, Clinique

Some people remember this product when they think of their 1980s makeup bag, while others who are younger have discovered Black Honey thanks to its popularity on social media - and perhaps the word popularity is too mild to describe the collective fever it has created. Although it was originally launched in 1971, in recent years this lip gloss has made any beauty junkie (and even the most uninterested in makeup) rush to stores and websites. With a creamy texture and a glossy finish, its blackberry color transforms to match each person's skin tone. The product's success gave rise to a series of new versions such as cheek oil and, more than 50 years later, Black Honey is still Clinique's best-selling lipstick.

Almost Lipstick lip gloss, in the shade Black Honey, € 31.30, Clinique, at El Corte Inglés.

Hollywood Flawless Filter Liquid Illuminator, Charlotte Tilbury

The Fairy Godmother of beauty first spread her magic backstage, where she did makeup for models who walked for the biggest names in fashion. In Hollywood, exuded light and sparkle - her signature look - and later, in 2013, she launched the much-anticipated homonymous brand. Destined to be a hit even before it existed, Charlotte Tilbury Beauty came to infect the beauty world with magic, and the Flawless Filter became a hit that earned its place as a cult product. Inspired by the effect of Hollywood lights and designed to perfect the skin like a social media filter, this primer and highlighter evens out and smooths the complexion, leaving it highly radiant. It's one of the successes of the decade and an undisputed essential in many beauty routines around the world. 

Hollywood Flawless Filter liquid highlighter, €49.99, Charlotte Tilbury, at Sephora.

Age Proteom Serum, Esthederm

The (fulfilled) promise is ambitious: it's the first serum that protects and durably strengthens the proteome - the set of proteins in a cell - to ensure the long-term preservation of the skin's youthfulness. After more than 40 years of research, Esthederm has established that the degradation of the proteome is the main cause of ageing, so taking care of it is almost like finding the elixir of youth. This cellular longevity serum offers a solution not only to prevent but also to take care of the signs of ageing, which in practice means that you can use it to prevent it in your 20s or treat it in your 60s. Age Proteom has only been on the market for a few months but, backed by four decades of research, it has unquestionably reinvented the world of beauty and promises to leave a lasting legacy. 

Age Proteom Serum, €105.95, Esthederm.

Idôle Tint Liquid Eyeshadow, Lancôme

Our fascination with all-in-one products has grown exponentially in recent times: they're perfect for creating an easy, coherent look that involves little effort or skill. What's more, they're a real time saver and keep up with our fast-paced lifestyles, where the clock doesn't always allow for a 20-step routine. Despite being considered an eyeshadow, the much-acclaimed Idôle Tint is the perfect example of this type of proposal and can be applied to the eyelids, cheekbones and even lips. In practice, one product turns into three and the double-sided applicator allows for multi-purpose use. With a shiny or matte finish, this icon of modern beauty is ideal for carrying in one's purse and reapplying whenever extra shine or color is needed.

Idôle Tint liquid eyeshadow, in shade 03 Hot Lava, € 34, Lancôme, at El Corte Inglés.

Luminous Silk foundation, Armani Beauty

The introduction of Luminous Silk dates back to 2000, but time has not aged this launch. Quite the opposite: it has refined it and today, 24 years later, we can venture to say that the product is even more relevant than it was then, making it a contemporary classic. With a perfect finish and without looking heavy, this foundation lives up to its name: it gives a luminous, satin look and is the perfect ally whether we're going for the popular “no-makeup makeup” look or a smokey eye. A regular in the kit of any professional make-up artist or ordinary mortal, Luminous Silk has survived the test of time with distinction and has even gained a family of products that includes the famous Fluid Sheer Glow Enhancer and the new (and already successful) Luminous Silk Cheek Tint. 

Luminous Silk foundation, €61.50, Armani Beauty, at Perfumes & Companhia.

Translated from the original in Vogue Portugal's The Icons Issue, published November 2024. Full story and credits in the print issue.