Perhaps there's no greater heartbreak when it comes to beauty than searching for what seems like forever for "the one" — the perfect hair cream [1], nail shade [2] or lip balm [3] — just to watch it disappear from the shelves or replaced with another (lesser) formula, often without warning.
If you check out sites like eBay [4] and Amazon [5], you'll see you're not alone, as there's an entire market dedicated to capitalizing on your pain, with consumers spending upward of 5X (or more!) and buying in bulk as a last-ditch attempt to preserve what's been lost.
From the eye liner [6] that would stick with you through tough (and wet) times to the OG perfume [7] that conjured up compliments wherever you went, read on as eight women reflect on the beauty products that got away (and discover some alternatives that might help soothe the pain).
Rescue Beauty Lounge Nail Lacquers
"When Ji Baek, the artistic genius behind this line, made the tough decision to stop producing her polishes, I shed a tear at my desk. Her deft use of pigments and painterly attention to color combinations created some of the most stunning hues that have ever graced my nails. My ride or die RBL polish was Grunge, an absolute masterpiece that mixed gray, pink, and lilac and birthed the neutral-but-not nail polish trend of the late aughts." – Megan, writer and consultant [8]
Try: Essie Nail Polish in Master Plan [9] ($9)
Too Faced Bulletproof Liner
"The colors of these liners were perfect (I'd also use them as eyeshadow!). The formula glided on easily and didn't run, even on hot and sweaty days." – Mayra
Try: Cargo Swimmables Eye Pencil [10] ($9, originally $18)
Bare Escentuals Ready 2.0 Powder Foundation
"This was a weightless, natural-looking powder foundation anomaly that applied in seconds with a smooth and radiant finish, unlike other powders. I still shake my fist and yell 'WHY?!' whenever I pass a Bare Escentuals counter." – Grace, health and wellness expert [11]
Try: BareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation [12] ($30)
DuWop Hands 2 Hair
"I don't know anyone else who used this but it was the absolute perfect finishing creme [13] for my fine but bulky hair. I haven't been able to find a product that works the same." – Kelly
Try: Velvet Hammer Hydrating Control Cream [14] ($29)
Lancôme Color Design Infinité Eyeshadow
"This was one of the best powder shadows on the market and when they discontinued it I flew into a rage blackout. It went on smooth as silk, was great on its own or layered over cream eyeshadow, lasted forever without creasing, and created the perfect satiny metallic finish — more gleaming than glittery. I still have the remnants of Timeless Taupe, a limited edition shade the brand made with Jason Wu back in 2013. I'm willing to brave an eye infection for this stuff, it's that perfect." – Megan
Try: Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Intense Eyeshadow [15] ($35)
Bite Beauty High Pigment Lip Pencil
"This pencil packed saturated color, without coming across as too harsh or cheap-looking. The soft, almost powdery formula went on like a dream and is easy to control/build for customizing your look." – Jamie
Try: Bite Beauty Matte Crème Lip Crayon [16] ($24)
TOVA Beverly Hills Eau De Parfum
"I've worn Tova since I was 13. Once the company was bought, the formula changed and the 'good version' is only released every two to three years. What used to be a $40 perfume now sells on eBay for 500 dollars because it's SO rare. People stop me on the street over it!" – Meredith
Try: TOVA Ambre D'Oro Eau de Parfum [17] ($66)
Too Faced Bunny Balm in Girly Grapefruit
"If I could bring back any product, it would definitely be this one. This was truly the most perfect tinted lip balm I could ever ask for! It was super nourishing and kept lips hydrated, while adding the perfect tint with a hint of shimmer." – Sophia, makeup and hair expert [18]
Try: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Pink Grapefruit Glow Lip & Cheek Tint [19] ($26)