Banana Clips, Press-On Nails, And 12 Other Chic Beauty Products That Every Girl Who Grew Up In The '80s Swore By

There's a reason the '80s were an iconic time for beauty and fashion trends.

The '80s were a loud, colorful, and unforgettable time, and the beauty products girls loved back then still bring back instant nostalgia. From big hair to bold makeup, the decade had a style all its own, and plenty of products became must-haves in bathrooms and bedrooms everywhere.

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This roundup revisits the chic beauty staples that many girls swore by growing up in the '80s, from classic hair products to playful accessories and signature scents. Some were practical, some were pure fun, and all of them helped define the era.

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Here are the iconic favorites that still feel impossible to forget.

1. Noxzema

Yep, no matter which decade it is, no one is safe from acne. Back then, Noxzema, a deep-cleaning cream, was the holy grail for women looking to keep pimple breakouts at bay.

Rave hairspray and Malibu Musk fragrance bottles on a vanity shelfWikimedia
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2. Rave Hairspray

This list wouldn't be complete without hairspray, of course! This particular one, Rave, was a favorite because it held up big hairdos so well and kept your strands in place even while you danced the night away at the roller disco.

2. Rave HairsprayPinterest
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3. Malibu Musk

Being a beach babe was the dream, and many girls back then loved spraying this mist over themselves to live out their Malibu wishes.

3. Malibu Muskshopping.rediff.com

4. Clairol Benders

Hair in the '80s was big and curly (Yep, like Nancy and Karen Wheeler from Stranger Things), and everyone was into rocking perms and crimped hair. But for those who didn't like heat or chemicals, Clairol Benders worked just as well.

4. Clairol BendersEbay

5. Sea Breeze Toner

Commercials for this product convinced us that we could achieve beautiful skin with just a breeze from Sea Breeze. Did you feel it?

5. Sea Breeze TonerAmazon.com

6. Salon Selectives

Salon Selectives was the perfect product for girls who wanted to achieve that 'just-got-out-of-the-salon' look. Each set had a number label to match different hair types.

6. Salon Selectivesallure.com

And for another “built different” throwback, check out how your grandparents’ safety was basically optional in these vintage photos.

7. Electric Youth Perfume

'80s teen icon Debbie Gibson collaborated with Revlon to launch a perfume named 'Electric Youth,' after her song/album. The citrus and fruity oil blend made the scent a hit among young girls.

7. Electric Youth PerfumeFragranceX

8. Mood Lipstick

This 'magic' lipstick came in a shocking green hue, but it worked perfectly fine as a normal pink lipstick. Of course, it didn't really change colors according to your mood, but at least it made us feel pretty when we used it.

8. Mood LipstickPinterest

9. Press-On Nails

Back when some women had no time to sit through a manicure session, press-on nails were a gift from the heavens. They enjoyed being able to customize their nails quickly to match any outfit!

9. Press-On Nails

10. Banana Clips

Banana clips were definitely a go-to accessory for those big ponytails and hairstyles.

10. Banana Clipsscarlettballantyne.com

11. Fazz

A lot of tweens back then had Fazz as their first makeup. It was definitely the start of something great!

Press-on nails and banana hair clips displayed together for 1980s stylingGood Housekeeping

12. Obsession by Calvin Klein

If you weren't intrigued by Electric Youth, then you probably had a keen liking for Obsession by Calvin Klein. This fragrance is still around, but it wasn't as popular back then.

12. Obsession by Calvin Kleinwalmart.ca

13. Epilady

They say pain is beauty, and this hair epilator is definitely one example of that. It coils and rips off your hair like a torture device, but hey, at least you get to be hairless, even if just for a bit!

13. EpiladyEpilady

14. Lip Smacker Necklace

Bonne Bell became a hit when they introduced Lip Smackers because everyone took lip care seriously back then. They were usually attached to a lanyard worn around their necks.

14. Lip Smacker NecklaceLike Totally 80s

Every decade has something to offer young girls and women, but the '80s were definitely a whole different time! Everything was just maximized, bright, neon colors, and everything was big and bold!

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Want more “family photo album” chaos, see parents’ failed salon dreams captured in hilarious domestic disasters.

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