We've all been there: gleefully using our favourite beauty products [1] until the last drop, then going to buy another only to come to the horrifying realisation that said product has been discontinued. If you're an avid beauty-lover, chances are you've experienced this moment. Between limited-edition releases, beloved brands shuttering their doors, or products going viral [2] and simply never returning to retail shelves, sometimes even the best items get discontinued. Plus, finding replacements can feel like a herculean task.
As editors, we've been there more times than we can count; because of our roles, we're acutely aware of when our favourite products are no longer available. Thankfully, it's also part of our jobs to be up to date with all the latest and greatest [3] that the beauty industry has to offer. Therefore, while the sting of loss may never subside, it can be soothed by discovering comparable — and sometimes even better — products to replace the ones that have left us for good.
From makeup to skin care and even fragrance, our POPSUGAR editors did some of the heavy lifting for you and are sharing the products that they loved but have been discontinued, as well noteworthy replacements that they've found over the years. Take a look at some of the (currently available) beauty products that may be worth the space on your vanity ahead.
Discontinued Product: Becca Ultimate Lipstick Love Line
Discontinued Product: "Becca's Ultimate Lipstick Love line was perfect in every way — from the colours that were available to the fact that they separated the shades into categories of undertones that they would best be suited for. I, of course, fell in love with the shade Tawny — a stunning neutral-toned caramel colour that was my actual perfect nude." — Ariel Baker, assistant beauty editor
Replacement: Ctzn cosmetics Nudiversal Lip Duos [4] ($29) in the shades Lahore and Kuala Lumpur
Discontinued Product: Jessica Simpson's Dessert Line
Discontinued Product: "I've never been much of a dessert person, but there was one collection growing up that could have changed my mind: Jessica Simpson [5]'s edible beauty line, Dessert. The OG celebrity beauty brand — who could forget the Whipped Body Cream you could use to (simultaneously and strangely) hydrate and ingest? Or better, the Deliciously Kissable Body Mist that smelled like caramel met a sugar cube and had a baby? Sadly, though, like all good things, the products were discontinued in something like 2006 — with intentionally edible beauty never to be heard of again." — Kelsey Castañon, beauty director
Replacement: Rhode Skin Peptide Lip Treatment [6] ($16)
Discontinued Product: OPI Rainbow Connection Collection
Discontinued Product: "In 2011, OPI did a nail-polish collection for the release of 'The Muppets' (a perfect film). The best part of this collection was a rainbow glitter top coat called Rainbow Connection. The colours in it were meant to mimic the colours of the Muppets, and the individual pieces of glitter came in different sizes, which gave it perfect dimension. I would slap it on top of a black base in the winter and a bright base in the summer, and I was ready to go. It's since been discontinued, but the Orly option has the same fun rainbow vibes." — Victoria Edel, staff writer, Movies & TV
Replacement: Orly x Lisa Frank Confetti Topper [7] ($12)
Discontinued Product: Nars Blush Hot Tin Roof
Discontinued Product: "When Nars came out with its liquid blush in the shade Hot Tin Roof circa 2018, I admittedly dragged my feet on getting it. I knew in my heart that the rustic red colour was perfect in every way, but as a new (and still very broke) college graduate who had been fooled by faux-limited-edition launches before, I decided to hold off on purchasing it — only to find out that when it said limited edition, it absolutely meant it. I truly have never regretted not getting a beauty product more than I have this one. Nars, if you're reading this, please give me another chance — I'll never make the same mistake twice." — AB
Replacement: Nudestix Nudies Bloom All Over Dewy Colour [8] ($34)
Discontinued Product: Becca First Light Priming Filter
Discontinued Product: "I loved the Becca First Light Priming Filter. It was a hydrating base with colour-neutralising capabilities thanks to the lavender hue that made your skin look even, plump, and rosy. Though I'm sad it's no longer around, the Smashbox primer is another option that hydrates, brightens, and keeps your makeup in place all day." — Jessica Harrington, beauty editor
Replacement: Smashbox Photo Finish Illuminate Glow Face Primer [9] ($42)
Discontinued Product: Khroma Beauty Endless Summer Matte Bronzer
Discontinued Product: "These days, you could survive on a deserted island solely using Kardashian-founded products. Back in the early 2010s, though, the only beauty brand they had was called Khroma Beauty — and its Endless Summer Matte Bronzer was a staple for my high school self. Not only was the packageing ginormous (way bigger than almost anything you'll find these days), but the formula also had no shimmer and created the most natural-looking glow. RIP." — KC
Replacement: Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer [10] ($32)
Discontinued Product: Becca Undereye Brightening Corrector
Discontinued Product: "I've shed many a tear over the loss of my beloved Becca Undereye Brightening Corrector. It wasn't touted as a concealer, necessarily, but it camouflaged my dark circles better than the best of them without caking or creasing. When the brand folded, Smashbox signed on to create a similar one — and while I'll admit it's not as thick as the original, it's still magic and worth stocking up on nonetheless." — KC
Replacement: Smashbox X Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector [11] ($33)
Discontinued Product: Rihanna Nude Body Spray
Discontinued Product:"I know that people have only recently discovered how good Rihanna [12] smells, but I knew that back in 2012 when she came out with the Rihanna Nude Body Spray. I definitely regret not picking up that one random bottle I found in a bargain outlet, but that's OK — this newer replacement smells really similar." — AB
Replacement: Kilian's Rolling in Love [13] ($265)
Discontinued Product: PerriconeMD Blue Plasma Cleanser
Discontinued Product: "In all my years as a beauty editor, I'd never met a face wash I loved quite as much as the PerriconeMD Blue Plasma Cleanser. It was backed by skin experts and dermatologists alike for its high-performing, widely effective formula that cleansed without stripping, so when I say I audibly gasped when I learned it was discontinued in the last year (or two), I immediately moved my last bottle of the stuff to the back of my drawer for safe keeping." — KC
Replacement: Perricone MD Hypoallergenic CBD Sensitive Skin Therapy Gentle Cleanser [14] ($15)