If you remember these beauty products, it may be time to use retinol. From the products with super colorful packaging by Maybelline to the matte lipsticks by Mac and Lime Crime

There’s a moment in young adulthood, though it still feels a bit weird to call yourself that, when something changes. For some, turning 25 marks that invisible but decisive step of growth: the frontal lobe is (finally, maybe) fully developed, decisions start making more sense, dramas shrink, and a vague idea of what to do with your life begins to emerge. For others, however, the number 25 signals only one inevitable shift: the introduction of retinol into skincare. And if you’re unsure about making the leap, this little test might convince you: if you remember these beauty products that went viral over a decade ago, it might be time to try retinol.

If you remember these beauty products, it might be time for retinol

Maybelline mascaras

Maybelline was many girls’ first “serious” makeup brand, the one occasionally allowed during the weekly trip to the mall. Leading the way for Gen Z - now around 25 years old - were the mascaras. With their super catchy packaging, bright colors, and unforgettable names, they offered endless options: thick, thin, curved, flexible wands, or ones promising wild effects. Choosing one felt like a mission, convinced the secret to perfect lashes rested entirely in your hands.

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

Staying on theme with eye-catching packaging, the Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser was another big player. With its pastel tube and promise of smooth, perfect skin, it felt like the ideal compromise at a time when wearing foundation already seemed a bit too early.

Urban Decay eye primer

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion was almost surreal for makeup-loving girls at the time, when eyes were truly the centerpiece of every look. That little purple tube appeared in almost every YouTube tutorial and seemed indispensable, especially before applying shadows from the iconic Naked palette by the same brand.

Lime Crime Matte Valentines lipsticks

Lime Crime matte lipsticks were the coveted items for anyone scrolling Tumblr or We Heart It, hunting for aesthetic selfie inspiration. The colors were bold, highly pigmented, with an ultra-matte finish, and the packaging seemed made for the perfect shot. Stunning, yes, but painfully drying.

The Balm blushes

Even The Balm blushes were practically cult items for those spending hours on YouTube tutorials. With their retro packaging and witty names, they felt like little collectible treasures.

Too Faced Sweet Peach Palette

Of all the Too Faced eye palettes, the Sweet Peach Palette was undoubtedly the most iconic: ten years ago, warm shades were everything. Today, it seems almost unthinkable to wear them. The shadows smelled of peach—a true avant-garde touch. and the packaging was meticulously designed, like everything released during that era. Simply a must-have in any makeup bag for lovers of beauty.

MAC Diva Lipstick

The MAC Diva Lipstick was “the” color: a deep, intense matte red that perfectly captured the aesthetic defining a generation 10–15 years ago. Today, that same generation is starting to ask themselves if it’s time to introduce retinol into their skincare routine.