Why So Many Iconic Makeup Products Are Being Reformulated—& What’s Changed

One of the biggest conversations happening in beauty right now isn’t about a brand-new launch—it’s about the products people already love. Over the past few years, countless makeup products have been reformulated, from cult-favourite foundations and powders to viral blushes and lipsticks. In some cases, the updates have made products even better, introducing skincare ingredients, longer wear time, improved shade ranges, and more modern packaging. In others, loyal fans have been left disappointed, claiming the new versions no longer deliver the same finish or performance that made the originals iconic in the first place.

Many of these changes are happening due to evolving beauty standards and industry regulations. As consumers become more ingredient-conscious, brands are moving toward skincare-infused formulas, talc-free powders, and cleaner ingredient lists. At the same time, new environmental regulations have pushed brands to replace certain silicones and ingredients altogether. That’s why we’re breaking down some of the most talked-about beauty reformulations, what changed, and whether the updates actually live up to the originals.

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Natural Glow Blurring Liquid Foundation

This foundation ($85) has been well-loved since its debut in 2000—not just by everyday users, but also by celebrities and makeup artists. When news of the reformulation broke, fans were concerned it might not live up to the original’s hype. The changes may be tied to new EU regulations banning certain volatile silicones, such as cyclopentasiloxane. At the same time, skincare has become a much bigger priority in the beauty industry, which could explain why the updated formula now includes glycerin and niacinamide.

The packaging has also been upgraded, featuring a sleeker, glossier bottle instead of the previous matte finish. The foundation has been renamed, and the shade range expanded, including blue ultramarine pigments to better cater to deeper skin tones.

The reformulated version doesn’t feel drastically different from the original—which makes sense, as the brand likely wouldn’t want to stray too far from what made it so popular. It still delivers a natural finish, evens out the skin, offers buildable coverage, and feels lightweight, though now with a more hydrating feel. We still think it’s worth the splurge.

Dior Forever Skin Glow Fluid Foundation

If you want a natural, ultra-glowy finish, this is the foundation ($79) for you. Reformulated in February 2026, the updated formula has a thin consistency with medium-to-buildable coverage. It now contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and peptides, allowing for a smooth, hydrating application. The new bottle also features a bold silver Dior logo.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lightweight Matte Foundation with 36H Wear

Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Foundation ($67) originally launched in 1997 and was reformulated in 2026. The foundation became known for its full-coverage, matte finish and long-lasting wear—qualities many people loved. The updated version has a thinner consistency with more medium-to-buildable coverage, making it feel less heavy and more comfortable for everyday wear.

The foundation is also infused with skincare-focused ingredients like niacinamide, brown algae extract, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. According to Allure, “the new formula no longer contains cyclopentasiloxane, an ingredient now banned in Europe and one of the reasons several major beauty brands have had to reformulate their products in recent years.”

The finish is still matte, but it no longer looks cakey or feels as heavy as the original version.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blurring & Matte Full Coverage Foundation

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blurring & Matte Full Coverage Foundation ($71) was reformulated in 2025. The new formula includes Powder Blur AIRTech, which works to intensify visible smoothing, blurring, and retexturizing—essentially delivering Charlotte’s signature Airbrush Powder effect in liquid form.

We didn’t dislike the original formula, but we can confidently say the new one is even better. For somebody who doesn’t typically love matte foundation, this one delivers more of a natural finish rather than a cakey look. It’s still full coverage, but what’s especially impressive is how incredibly blurring it appears on the skin. It’s also extremely long-lasting and looks even better when paired with the matching powder.

Givenchy Prisme Libre Illuminating & Color Correcting Loose Powder

Givenchy’s four-colour powder ($83) was originally launched in 1989, and its formula was widely praised over the years. However, when it was reformulated in 2024, many longtime fans were left disappointed.

The powder is designed to function as both a colour-correcting and finishing powder, helping to control oil, blur, and illuminate the skin. While the original formula delivered a noticeable blurring effect, many felt the new version no longer achieved the same result. This could be due to the updated talc-free formula, which now contains kaolin clay and mica. Much like the reformulated Huda Beauty pressed powder, the mica gives the powder more of a shimmery finish—which isn’t everyone’s preference.

Patrick Ta Major Glow Creme & Powder Light Reflecting Translucent Highlighter Duo

Patrick Ta’s Highlighter Duos ($56) launched in 2024 and, while they definitely delivered shine, the texture of the original formulas received mixed reviews. The cream highlighter felt sticky and goopy—you could easily leave an indent just by dipping your finger into it—while the powder side felt chalky and dry.

The updated cream formula, released in 2025, no longer caves in when swatched and feels much smoother, with a velvety-soft texture. Instead of delivering an overly intense highlight, the reformulated version gives more of an ethereal glow that looks especially beautiful on the skin.

NARS Talc-Free Powder Blush

NARS completely reformulated its Powder Blush ($46) in 2024, marking the first major update to the formula in 25 years. The reformulation removed talc entirely, replacing it with a blend of synthetic and natural mica. The revamped blushes also introduced a new “Pure Pigment Blend,” designed to deliver richer colour payoff with wear lasting up to 16 hours. Additionally, the new compacts are now fully refillable.

Compared to the original version, the updated formula feels softer in texture and slightly more pigmented.

Milani Baked Blush & Baked Bronzers

Milani Cosmetics updated the formula of its iconic Baked Blushes and Bronzers ($24), which originally rose to popularity in the early 2010s. The new formula now includes more skincare-focused ingredients and is infused with antioxidant grape leaf extract and vitamin E-rich olive fruit oil. It also promises up to 12 hours of wear.

The updated formula looks smoother on the skin while still maintaining the luminous sheen baked products are known for.

MAC Dazzleshadow Longwear Liquid Eye Shadow

MAC Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadows ($38) originally launched in 2018 and were reformulated in 2025. The updated formula feels less chunky, while the shimmer and glitter particles appear more dimensional and luminous without sacrificing longevity.

The new version also comes with a slimmer, pointed precision wand, making it easier to control application and create cleaner, more detailed looks.

Chanel Rouge Coco Lipstick

Chanel’s Rouge Coco lipsticks ($64) were reformulated and relaunched in March this year with an updated formula infused with a hydra-peptide complex and camellia ceramides. They offer a beautiful satin finish, feel hydrating and comfortable on the lips, and apply smoothly.

Along with the reformulation, the brand also introduced new shades inspired by meaningful destinations tied to the House’s history. —Mursal Rahman