Hall of Fame.(cosmetics and toiletries)

Hall of Fame

Just as few women are classic beauties, few products are beauty classics. But these frequent Best of Beauty winners fit the bill. By Mary Rose Almasi

Economists will tell you that new products tend to follow a specific and predictable trajectory: Demand is high out of the gate, then dips and levels off. However, there are the rare beauty products that never go out of style. These 25 cosmetics stars have won Best of Beauty awards from Allure editors and readers for at least five years (some for as many as 12), annually edging out newer, flashier products -- and taking up permanent residence in our medicine cabinets. While the enduring popularity of these classics may baffle trend forecasters, their success is clear to us: They work. They get us out the door looking better without fail, every day of the week. No irrational exuberance here -- just the kind of trust lifelong bonds are made of.

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara 12 years Its image is as squeaky clean as the pink-and-green tube. But just the way the caffeine in Mountain Dew got us hooked as kids, this formula has a secret. "The black pigments have blue undertones, which intensify the black and make eyes sparkle," says Deb Coleman-Nally, director of research and development for Maybelline New York. Makeup artist Morgen Schick also credits the liquidy texture for making it America's top seller. "It lets you build up layers without lashes getting clumpy."

Chanel No. 5 12 years As the story goes, the fifth perfume sample presented to Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel in 1921 was the one she chose for her first fragrance. But the creation wasn't that simple: Chanel believed in numerology, and five was her lucky number. Lucky indeed -- No. 5 is still the world's most popular scent because, like the Chanel jacket, it radiates sophistication. "It's soft and warm like an oriental fragrance but has crisp, clean notes, so it's sexy but not overwhelming," says perfumer Frederic Malle.

Lancome Definicils High Definition Mascara 12 years Definicils packs a lot of bells and whistles into one …