Darling, Delicate, and Luxurious in Appearance—These "Rich Grandma" Beauty Essentials Also Serve as Heirlooms
“It's reminiscent of grandma—though in the best possible way,” muses a fellow beauty editor at a recent event. We're both trying out Les Filles en Rouje's Face Palette, a stunning six-pan tortoiseshell compact that features ethereal, multifunctional highlighters and blushes. I nod in agreement, instantly grasping her sentiment. Beyond the creamy, richly pigmented formulas, the compact itself radiates elegance, like something you might have spotted on your grandmother's vanity (and maybe even borrowed a few times to feel like the stylish lady she is). Since the event, I've been curating a collection of other beauty products I cherish for their heirloom vibe—beautifully packaged essentials that not only perform well but also look fantastic on display. Below is my complete list (and no, they aren't all luxury items). Trust me, each of these 16 lovely choices embodies the essence of a rich Upper East Side grandma, one who regularly enjoys lunch in pillbox hats and opera gloves and never leaves her sun-drenched apartment without attaching an antique brooch to her coat's lapel. You know what I mean?
Les Filles en Rouje
La Palette Visage
I have to begin with the palette that sparked this discussion. This versatile compact features three pearly highlighter shades and three cream blushes that you can mix and match to your preference. Finger application works best here, allowing the heat from your skin to help the product melt into a dewy, flushed finish. Additionally, you can apply these shades to your lips and eyelids for a minimal, monochromatic look—very French, don’t you think?
Tweezerman
45th Anniversary Slant Tweezer and Case
I realize that $95 Swarovski-encrusted tweezers may not be the most practical purchase. However, they are undeniably beautiful. I can picture a wealthy grandma having this exquisite sapphire tool on her vanity—both for convenience and as a piece of art.
This vibrant, uplifting fragrance does more than gather compliments; it also transforms into a sleek incense holder once the liquid is used up. Just place your incense stick into the concrete cap and showcase it wherever you desire. Now that’s what I call functional fragrance.
L'OBJET
Kérylos Eau De Parfum
Juicy, fresh, and absolutely lovely—I was captivated by Kérylos from my first whiff. L'Objet is known for its luxurious, handcrafted designs, so it’s no surprise that their fine fragrance bottles are a sight to behold.
Diptyque
Lilyphéa Eau De Parfum
In my opinion, all Diptyque fragrances have heirloom quality, but the Les Essences de Diptyque collection is particularly exquisite. I have a soft spot for Lilyphéa, a dreamy scent inspired by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. I find myself swooning with every spritz.
Parfums de Marly
Delina Eau De Parfum
I can’t skip over my favorite from Parfums de Marly—an elegant mixture of Turkish rose, lily of the valley, peony, lychee, rhubarb, bergamot, and nutmeg. It’s a fruity-floral scent with a hint of spice, and simply stunning. The bottle, featuring a tasseled, baroque-inspired design, enhances its visual appeal.
Dries Van Noten
Lipstick Case
Introducing the most stylish lipstick you'll ever possess. Pick your case (I’m eyeing this gorgeous coral ceramic one, for what it’s worth), select your creamy shade, and you’ll have a unique lip color that also serves as a work of art to carry in your bag.
GUERLAIN
Meteorites Setting & Finishing Pearls of Powder
I can't think of a more “rich grandma” beauty product than this. The magnificent powder pearls! The reusable, artistic case! The plush, fluffy brush! Whenever I use it, I feel exceptionally regal.
Ogee
Complexion Perfecting Tinted Serum
This dewy, lightweight skin tint comes in a chic frosted bottle with gold accents. It’s arguably the most visually appealing complexion product I’ve encountered.
Glasshouse Fragrances
Country Couture Candle
There are numerous luxurious candles you’d want to showcase in your home, but just look at the gorgeous blooms on this one. Somehow, it makes the scent of nectarine, pink peppercorn, and cashmere even sweeter.
Sothys
Hydrating Velvet Youth Cream
There’s nothing quite like rummaging through your grandma's skincare collection and marveling at her lovely potions. (Is that just me?) I picture the most stylish ladies filling theirs with this French face cream; its silky, velvety texture practically urges to be applied before bed.
Kindred Black creates the most beautiful potions, whether it's a perfume elixir, face scrub, or a pot of
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Darling, Delicate, and Luxurious in Appearance—These "Rich Grandma" Beauty Essentials Also Serve as Heirlooms
From beautifully designed perfumes to skincare products that boast impressive shelf appeal, every one of these 16 lovely choices is perfect for grandma—specifically, a sophisticated Upper East Side grandma.