Turning 10 in ’11: Game-Changing Beauty Products Hitting Their 10th Anniversary in 2011

Can you believe it’s been 10 years since Dolce & Gabbana launched its Light Blue fragrance? That’s just one of the many fragrances, skincare products, and beauty tools celebrating their 10th anniversary in 2011. Here, then, we’re shedding light on some of our favorite 2001 launches, products that are as relevant today as when they first sashayed into the market.

Coco Mademoiselle EDP Spray, $80. Available at Chanel.com

Created by Jacques Polge, this women’s perfume was designed to appeal to younger Chanel fans, damsels who found Chanel No. 5 a bit too matronly and severe and were eager for a more light-hearted, playful scent. The coquettish fragrance opens with orange, bergamot, mandarin and Tunisian curaçao notes, then leads to a heart of morning rose, Italian jasmine, ylang-ylang and mimosa, with Indonesian patchouli, Haitian vetiver, Bourbon vanilla, white musk, opoponax, and tonka bean adding a creamy and herbal quality. The juicy orange notes hook you in, and when blended with seductive rose and delicate jasmine, create a whimsical aromatic experience perfect for a wide-eyed mademoiselle.

Bliss Spa Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Facial Mask, $52. Available at Sephora.com

In November 2001, Bliss debuted in the UK, offering forward-thinking skincare treatments and grooming techniques, and developing DIY products that would allow customers to recreate spa-like experiences at home. The Bliss Spa Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Facial Mask was one of their first product inventions, inspired by their innovative, in-spa oxygen facial. The mask provides a shot of oxygen via the trademark Bliss Fluid02 technology, brightens the skin thanks to vitamin C, and protects it from free radicals with antioxidants.

 
Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash, $18.50. Available at Origins.com

The right cleanser should remove dirt and surface impurities, moisturize and nourish skin, soothe inflammations, and discourage oil production without drying out the skin or causing any flaking. When you rub this creamy cleanser in between your palms, it develops a nice frothy consistency, and the lavender, mint and bergamot in the formula calm the senses while they soothe and hydrate skin. Broad leaf kelp extract regulates oil production, while wheat protein protects skin areas prone to dryness for the perfect push-and-pull. Checks and balances indeed!

Caudalie Fleur de Vigne Instant Foaming Cleanser, $26. Available at US.Caudalie.com and at Sephora.com

In 2001, numerous skincare brands experimented with foaming cleansers, whether of a creamy consistency or a frothy, light-as-air texture. Caudalie’s Fleur de Vigne Instant Foaming Cleanser was among the standouts. A few pumps dispensed a mousse-like dollop with a whipped and airy consistency, and the delicate, soap-free cleanser detoxified and soothed skin with grape seed, sage and chamomile extracts. To this day, we still swear by this cleanser — in fact, it’s in my top 5 along with Korres’ Materia Herba, Arcona’s Kiwi Cream Bar, L’Occitane’s Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam, and Jurlique’s Soothing Foaming Cleanser.

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue, $62 for 1.6 oz. and $85 for 3.3 oz. Available at Sephora.com

This lively scent was created by Olivier Cresp in 2001 and boasts zesty, juicy, watery Sicilian citron and Granny Smith apple notes that foray into a white floral heart consisting of white rose and jasmine, then made to smell even fresher thanks to a bamboo note. The cedarwood and musk bottom notes round out the fragrance. Never too feminine or fruity, never overpowering, Light Blue feels a bit elusive and laid-back, like a tender breeze on a summer day spent by the ocean shore.

Shiseido Benefiance Creamy Cleansing Foam, $34. Available at SaksFifthAvenue.com

Shiseido was the first company to engineer hyaluronic acid from non-animal sources (the invention dates back to 1985). This creamy cleanser, introduced in ’01, contains bio-hyaluronic granules to moisturize and smooth skin, living skin feeling fresh and looking radiant.

ghd Classic Styler, $185. Available at GhdHair.com

Though ghd has released several straightening irons over the years, its first model was released shortly after the company’s launch in January 2001. After gifting several celebrities and celebrity stylists with their high-quality irons, ghd began amassing a cult following that later led to a real marketplace presence. One of our favorites is the Classic Styler, which features 1″ plates, a 30-minute automatic shut-off setting (so you don’t have to worry about whether you remembered to unplug your iron), and a digital temperature controller.

Marc Jacobs Eau de Parfum Spray, $72 for 1.7 oz. and $92 for 3.4 oz. Available at Sephora.com

In the last 10 years, Marc Jacobs has built a fragrance empire with the release of Marc Jacobs Daisy, Marc Jacobs Lola, and the various Marc Jacobs Splashes, but it all started with this classic, simple, timeless fragrance. The Marc Jacobs perfume features notes of gardenia and wild muguet for a watery floral scent, cedar and skin musk for a sensuous twist, and ginger for just a hint of spice. The star here, however, is the gardenia, a bloom cultivated in humid, tropical areas and associated with such elegant ladies as Billie Holiday, who famously adorned her hair with gardenia blooms.

NARS Vintage Nail Polish in Blue Lagoon, $16. Available at NARScosmetics.com

Originally launched in 2001, this gorgeous lacquer is an iridescent powder blue color with a metallic sheen. While it was retired for several years, François Nars re-released the shade last year as part of the limited-edition Vintage Nail Polish Collection, which means the color is in vogue once again.

Gillette Venus Razor, $12.99 (for Venus Embrace). Available at Drugstore.com

Back in 2001, most women’s razors featured two blades. Gillette changed the standard by introducing its Venus razor, a triple-blade model that allowed more hair to be removed per stroke for a more efficient and shorter shaving routine. Since then, several versions of the Venus have been released, including the Venus Embrace Disposables for one-time use; Venus Divine to provide moisture for dry skin; Venus Breeze with built-in shaving cream; and the 5-blade Venus Embrace. But, even with these new additions to the line, the original Venus razor remains a popular choice for those seeking a smooth shave.