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All good things must come to end...even the production of your signature lip gloss. Or perfume. Or body wash. What happens when your favourite such-and-such—the product you've trusted for years—is made obsolete? First there's the hoarding stage. Then the eBay search. There's the attempt to find a comparable dupe. And finally acceptance. It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Here, we remember the best beauty products that have been discontinued and identify their replacements.
'I've never wanted to look French, but I have wanted a French woman (Charlotte Gainsbourg) to give up her career and become a full time mixer of tinted moisturizer. These are my confessions. In April 2017, Nars announced that it had collaborated with pro-chic person Charlotte Gainsbourg on a limited-edition collection. The line boasted smudgy eyeliners and a punchy red lip tint. But the sleeper hit was its "Hydrating Glow Tint," a mousse-textured not-quite-foundation that boosts radiance, but never leaves behind a trace of shine. I came across it late in the summer and knew as soon as I tried it that I'd never found and perhaps never would find a better tinted moisturizer. The pink undertones! The smooth, yet understated coverage! I took a tube home and then went back a week later to buy every last one that the two nearest outlets had in stock. I still have three full tubes to deplete, but eventually, I know my stockpile will run out. I don't want to admit how much money I would spend to secure more of this stuff. It's not pretty.' ―Mattie Kahn, ELLE.com News Writer
'Sure, this fragrance was inspired by whales' intestinal goop, but I've never felt more betrayed than when I found out Tom Ford stopped making it. Amber Absolute's thick, sweet brand of vanilla-tinged rot made it the perfect winter scent. Plus, I am neither very old nor very rich, but I smelled like I was both after a couple of spritzes of this outrageous tonic. Even one squirt lingered forever on everything, and there is now no amber fragrance left in the world for me. Note: There's an Amber Absolute candle, but we all know that's not the same. RIP.' ―Estelle Tang, ELLE.com Entertainment Editor
'The M.A.C x Emanuel Ungaro collab (which I just googled and was in 2008?!) had the most perfect lip stain formula I've ever tried, ever - it was super sheer but also pigmented and lasted FOREVER, like a true stain should, and of course it was limited edition. I think about it way more than I'd like to admit. I'm such a sucker for limited edition products, and am already having scarcity anxiety about what I'll do when my favorite NARS Velvet Lip Pencil from the Charlotte Gainsbourg ("London Clinic") collection meets its end.' ―Nicolette Mason, designer and creative consultant
'I'm very sad that I missed the boat on Riri Woo, a matte red lipstick collaboration between M.A.C and Rihanna. Everyone says it's even better than Ruby Woo (it has different undertones), but I'll never know because it was a one-off and I'll probably never be able to get my hands on it. SAD!' ―Nikki Ogunnaike, Fashion Features Director
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Stunna Lip Paint in Uncensored, available at Harvey Nichols
'L'Occitane's Green Tea perfume. Got it with a gift set with three other fragrances. Finished this bottle first, and of course, haven't been able to find it since.' ―Angel Lenise, Video Producer
'LUSH is probably my favourite body care brand low key. I sometimes have to stop myself from walking into a store because I know it's always going to hit my pockets, HARD. The Turkish delight shower smoothie was always something I stocked up on (buying two big jars at a time). It's rich creamy texture glides onto your body and leaves it super conditioned. Did I mention the heavenly rose, almond and neroli scent? So WHY would LUSH discontinue my favourite body wash/conditioner/skin saver?!? I have no idea but I'm still emotional about it...It's been hard to find a replacement because shower smoothies aren't really a "thing". They're like a shower gel/soap and body conditioner/lotion all in one. I really hope LUSH will make something to replace my beloved Turkish Delight (ahem).' ―Kristen Noel Crawley, KNC Beauty Founder
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