Category: APPEARANCE

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Headscarves have been one of the biggest hair-accessory trends of the summer, and if you don’t believe me, just ask celebrities like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, who were all spotted sporting a little above-the-face fabric over the last few months. It’s as practical as it is stylish, capable of turning a less-than-cooperative hair day into something seemingly intentional yet not overtly high-effort. And now, Bella Hadid is apparently unwilling to let go. She’s bringing not only the headscarf into autumn (which officially starts next week), but she’s also insisting that an especially summery print can work with an otherwise fall-focused look.

Hadid was seen in New York City with her long, blonde hair styled in a voluminous blowout that spilled over her shoulders. Styled in a traditional triangle and secured around her loose, middle-parted waves was a red and beige scarf with an elevated take on gingham’s checkered pattern. Instead of tucking the arms of her sunglasses underneath the scarf, Hadid wore the oversized, burgundy shades right on top of her covered ears.

Photo: Getty Images

The gingham is definitely picnic-coded, but the rest of Hadid’s outfit is about as late-September as it gets. She wore a Halloween-orange Oddli 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Dress under a tan, corduroy jacket. Few things feel more fall than knee-high, dark brown boots like the ones she wore, and even her matching, extra-large Staud bag feels like a high-end alternative to a back-to-school backpack.

It’s not that Hadid’s pretending gingham has suddenly become a fall staple; it’s still giving summer picnic. It’s just that the rest of her ensemble suggests she’s getting that picnic in on the last few days of comfy temperatures, before we have to pack up the basket and start dining—and serving headscarf panache—indoors.

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Don’t get us wrong: We love a full-coverage foundation moment, but some days, we’d rather our skin still look like, well, skin. The best skin tints hit that sweet spot, using a subtle dose of pigment to soften redness, discoloration, and uneven tone without masking everything underneath. Coverage typically ranges from sheer to medium and, unlike foundations that can feel like a commitment, these fluid, serum-like, and even solid formulas are designed to blend in quickly (you can use your fingers!) and feel like next to nothing.

The category has become increasingly difficult to separate from skin care—and we’re not complaining. You’ll find familiar ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin to boost hydration, squalane and ceramides to keep skin soft and comfortable, and niacinamide to support the skin barrier and improve the look of uneven tone. Some even throw SPF into the equation. And there’s no one-finish-fits-all rule: Our favorites run the gamut from juicy and radiant to softly blurred and shine-controlled. Ahead, makeup artists and Allure editors share the skin tints worth swapping into your routine whenever you’re feeling a no-makeup makeup vibe.

Our Top Skin Tints

• Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint, $36
• Best Lightweight: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, $72
• Best for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm, $34
• Best Stick: MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick, $38
• Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint, $41
• Best for Uneven Skin: Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops, $42
• Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint, $14

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What's the difference between foundation and skin tint?
• What ingredients should I look for in a skin tint?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

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Make Up For Ever

Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

If hydration is a big part of your skin goals, Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Skin Tint “feels comparable to face serums in texture, but still has buildable coverage,” says New York City-based makeup artist Anluis Minier. The lightweight formula backs up that comparison with glycerin, which draws water into the skin, and squalane, an emollient that prevents moisture from escaping. Sodium hyaluronate, a form of hyaluronic acid, binds water at the skin’s surface for a temporarily plumper, smoother look. But the more unexpected addition in this skin tint is polyglutamic acid, a humectant that’s more commonly found in hydrating serums that attracts moisture at the skin’s surface. Silicones like dimethicone, meanwhile, add silky slip and glide over dry patches and uneven texture. Despite its stacked roster of hydrators, the formula stays weightless enough for all skin types.

Gulino before applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I love a base product that leaves me looking glowy, and this one by Make Up For Ever sure did. It's definitely a sheer, lightweight skin tint, which is something I usually gravitate towards, but it still has buildable coverage. My only gripe is the shade range—I tend to go for neutral shades and there weren't many options for me!” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, silicones
• Shade count: 18

Best Lightweight: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

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Chanel

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

$72

Chanel

$72

Nordstrom

$72

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Allure senior news editor James Manso applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Why we love it: When it comes to Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, “light coverage” doesn’t mean barely any pigment. Rather than dispersing pigment throughout the formula like a traditional foundation, this skin tint suspends tiny pigment-filled microdroplets in a mostly transparent, watery base. As you blend, the droplets break open and release small amounts of color, evening out tone. The brand recommends dispensing it onto the back of your hand first to break up the droplets before applying (though we found that it works just as well if you apply it directly), and it even comes with a complexion brush to blend everything in seamlessly. (Per our staffer, the tradeoff for that fantastic, featherlight texture is that a little doesn’t go quite as long a way as you might expect, and the limited shade range leaves room for improvement.)

Water makes up 75% of the formula, while glycerin and tamarind seed extract keep dehydration at bay. According to Westchester, New York-based makeup artist Camila Mancipe, all that hydration doesn’t make it too hydrating for oily skin, though, as the oil-free formula settles in without leaving behind a heavy residue. If your skin is very dry, though, Mancipe recommends layering a richer moisturizer underneath or choosing a more moisturizing base.

Shipin before applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Shanna Shipin

Manso before applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Manso after applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

James Manso

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“The way this evens out my skin tone is amazing—it genuinely feels like I’m wearing nothing, and I often forget I’ve applied any product at all. As the name suggests, this is a lightweight tint, so for my more hyperpigmented acne spots or the melasma around my mouth, I usually pair it with the Chanel Les Beiges serum concealer. The formula has amazing stretch, and someone with a little less to cover could probably get away with just one pump, but I use two. It lays on the skin like nothing at all (which is saying a lot because I have plenty of texture and dry patches) and leaves behind a lovely, healthy glow that is sadly usually never there—mom of two with no sleep, y’all. It has also never once irritated the dermatitis on my often-inflamed eyelids, which is absolutely necessary for a daily product.” —Shanna Shippin, senior commerce director

Tester feedback from senior news editor James Manso

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“The format of this product is so intriguing: It comes in an airless pump with suspended pigments in a serum-y, gel-like base, and gives the coverage of a light foundation. I know it's a 'skin tint,' but it has the attributes of a skin care serum, a BB cream, a foundation, and an Instagram filter all at the same time. In any case, it's a delight to use, blends in easily, offers just a touch of you-but-more-even coverage, and feels lighter than most moisturizers. If you're looking for something with more coverage, this probably isn't for you, but it's great if you want to look like you're not wearing makeup.” —James Manso, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, tamarind seed extract
• Shade count: 8

Best for Mature Skin: IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

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IT Cosmetics

Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

$34

Ulta Beauty

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Why we love it: IT Cosmetics’ fan-favorite CC+ Cream has racked up multiple Allure Readers’ Choice Awards over the years for being the ultimate multitasker—coverage, color correction, and SPF, all in one tube—so a complexion product called Do It All has some pretty big shoes to fill.

But Do It All Hydrating Sheer Tint Face Balm isn’t CC+ Cream 2.0; it takes an entirely different, much sheerer approach that's so good, it already earned a 2026 Best of Beauty Award. Think of it instead as a “solid serum” with tint: The balm melts into a featherlight texture to even out tone while letting your skin show through. And, true to the brand, there’s plenty of skin care packed inside: Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate pull in water for bouncy skin, while vitamin E moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection. And, if fine lines and wrinkles are on your radar, the peptides are a nice bonus, helping skin look smoother and firmer over time.

Bailly before applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Bailly after applying the IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm

Jenny Bailly

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“I [always come] right back to the IT Cosmetics’ Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm—to the point that I have already emptied one jar and am well into my second (and would honestly feel more comfortable if I had a third waiting in reserve). As it says right there on the packaging, this is a balm. And it is indeed sheer. But somehow it also hides all of my redness and blurs my dark spots without looking (or feeling) like a mask. And the jar doesn't mention my favorite part: It feels cool on your skin when you apply it. You can definitely apply this with your fingers (and I do when I'm traveling), but I've found that using a big fluffy brush gives me the sheerest version of this sheer formula. The IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush #7 is, go figure, an ideal choice—it also has a smaller, denser brush on one end, and I use that to blend this tint under my eyes where I need more coverage.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7
• Shade count: 12

Best Stick: MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick

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MAC

Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Ulta Beauty

$38

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Unlike every other skin tint on this list, the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick doesn’t contain a drop of water—and that’s part of what makes it so good on the go. The solid, anhydrous formula won’t spill in your makeup bag, and the stick lets you swipe coverage exactly where you want it—say, over redness around your nose or uneven tone on your cheeks—rather than committing to a fluid tint all over. The formula relies on breathable emollients for a creamy, easy-to-blend glide, while sunflower seed oil and fatty acids (including linoleic, linolenic, and oleic) soften and condition skin. The skin-care benefits don’t stop there: Açaí and radish seed extracts provide antioxidants, vitamin E conditions, and kaolin soaks up any excess oil. If MAC’s water-based Strobe Dewy Skin Tint skewed a little too dewy for you, consider this its more targeted, shine-controlled alternative—it keeps the radiance, just without quite so much gleam.

Lee before applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick in Light Medium 1

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m genuinely surprised this formula manages to hold its shape as a solid, because the literal second the MAC Studio Radiance Skin Tint Stick hits my skin, it melts in like a liquid foundation. It’s so creamy and easy to blend that, had I not been at home with my kabuki brush handy, I could’ve easily gotten away with just using my fingers. The coverage is a tad sheerer than I normally reach for when I’m trying to camouflage my melasma, but there’s just enough pigment to even everything out while somehow making it look like I’m wearing no makeup at all—this is simply my skin, thank you very much. I’m very excited to keep this one in daily rotation, especially on days when I want my complexion to look naturally glowier and even toned without feeling like I’m wearing foundation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids, açaí and radish seed extracts, vitamin E, kaolin
• Shade count: 20

Best for Oily Skin: Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

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Fenty Beauty

Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

$41

Shop

$41

Ulta Beauty

$41

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Sarah Han

Why we love it: You may think skin tints are synonymous with dewy coverage, but the big selling point of Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint is that it’s more about blur than glow. The formula does sneak in skin-care ingredients—including glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and urea to retain moisture—but its silicone-heavy base drives the easy spreadability and instant soft-focus effect. Dimethicone smooths over the look of pores and uneven texture, while talc and silica absorb excess sebum to minimize unwanted shine in oily skin. “It feels more modern than a traditional matte base, striking that tricky balance where there’s enough hydration to avoid skin from looking flat or chalky, but it still keeps excess shine in check,” says Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta.

Han before applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tin

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tin

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I love a dewy skin tint but cameras don't often agree with me, usually making my T-zone and cheeks look blinding and more apparent than they do in person—not fun! So, on days I know I'll be taking photos, Fenty's Eaze Drops are a go-to. They help tamp down the shine and blur the look of my pores—especially on and around my nose—but still leave my skin looking fresh and bouncy, thanks to the skin-care ingredients. It strikes the ideal balance for my combination/oily skin, and the formula truly feels like nothing. I find that my fingers can do 90% of the blending and I only pick up a sponge to blend the product around my nose and around the perimeter of my face just to make sure there are no random lines or splotches.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, urea, dimethicone, talc, silica
• Shade count: 25

Best for Uneven Texture: Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

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Drunk Elephant

Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

$42

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Though Drunk Elephant has dabbled in color with D-Bronzi, O-Bloos, and B-Goldi, those were always positioned as serum drops meant to be mixed into your skin care. Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops is the brand’s first bona fide complexion product—but, naturally, it doesn’t abandon its skin-care roots. The formula uses 18% amino-acid-coated pigments, meaning the color particles are treated with amino acids to disperse more evenly, glide evenly over skin, and adhere better for less patchy, cakey coverage. Alongside them, a 4% peptide complex improves the look of firmness, uneven texture, and fine lines over time. More immediately, a cocktail of 11 amino acids and moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin, sodium PCA, and sodium lactate keeps skin hydrated, helping dullness and roughness look less noticeable, while squalane, marula oil, and green tea seed oil condition skin for a softer, smoother surface. That’s a lot of skin care for something we still firmly maintain is, yes, makeup.

Pai before applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Drunk Elephant Kamo Triple-Peptide Cover Drops

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“Drunk Elephant isn’t kidding with its capital-m Makeup: This stuff is so pigmented that I initially put on way too much. A drop or two is enough to cover the whole face, and I liked that I could blend it in seamlessly just with my fingers. It left my skin looking fresh—with enough coverage to deal with dark spots and tiny clogged pores—and stayed put the whole day, humidity be damned. It’s perfect for quick, low-key coverage when I need something that’s a step up from tinted sunscreen.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 18% amino-acid-coated pigments, 4% peptide complex, glycerin, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, squalane, marula oil, green tea seed oil
• Shade count: 25

Best Drugstore: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

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CoverGirl

Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

$14 $9 (36% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

Why we love it: CoverGirl’s Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint may sound familiar (its predecessor was Clean Fresh Skin Milk). The latest iteration keeps the same light-to-medium coverage but adds 2% niacinamide, which can strengthen the skin barrier, regulate excess oil, and improve the look of uneven tone. More surprising for a makeup formula is acetyl glucosamine, a hydrating amino sugar often paired with niacinamide in skin care to improve the look of uneven tone. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate handle much of the hydration, while aloe and allantoin soothe and plant oils like coconut and soybean keep skin soft. But it’s not all about piling on moisture: Aluminum starch absorbs excess oil, making this affordable tint for all skin types—even oily.

Gunderman before applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman after applying the CoverGirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint

Katie Gunderman

​​Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“The Covergirl Clean Fresh Nourishing Skin Tint gives me the prettiest light coverage that looks natural and lightweight on the skin. It applies smoothly with a brush or a sponge if you want to thin it out more and even can give you a nice medium coverage if you add more concealer. It wears beautifully and will give you a natural glow if you don't set it down with powder. I think for the price this is an amazing skin tint and the squeeze bottle makes application so easy.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 2% niacinamide, acetyl glucosamine, glycerin, panthenol, sodium PCA, sodium lactate, urea, sodium hyaluronate, aloe, allantoin
• Shade count: 14

Best Glowy Finish: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

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Summer Fridays

Sheer Skin Tint

$42

Amazon

$42

Shop

$42

Sephora

Shipin applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: There’s a fine line between dewy and greasy, and the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint never crosses it. One of our testers said her skin still looked hydrated yet non-oily after trekking through New York City on a hot summer day, but its moisture-heavy formula makes just as much sense once sweater weather hits. Since Summer Fridays debuted as a skin-care brand, it's no surprise that its skin tint features familiar ingredients: There’s glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to attract and lock in moisture. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the addition of tiger grass to soothe skin and reduce the look of redness.

Shipin before applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Not a day goes by that I don't use this skin tint—it truly is the ‘your skin but better’ formula in a bottle. Despite being super dry, consistently battling hormonal acne, and having a mix of deep and fine lines, this skin tint is undetectable! No settling into creases, no weird ashiness in the pigment, no accentuating my eczema patches—just a perfect weightless wear. The shade ranges are uniquely fitting; I'm Shade 5, which is ‘medium with warm neutral undertones’—do you know how rare it is to find a combination like this?! You do if you have a tricky medium skin tone that's all at once golden, warm, and olive. It's a borderline magical product. The only drawback is that it's a liquid, so sometimes you may spill if you're in a rush (hi, mom of two and perpetually late to things). It has stained a top of mine, but, hey, that's some good staying-power for you!” —Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tiger grass, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane
• Shade count: 12

Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

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Ilia

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

$48

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Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Why we love it: The impressive shade range is one of the many reasons Ilia’s Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is beloved by the pros. Because sheer pigments allow more of your natural skin tone to show through, skin tints tend to be a bit more forgiving than full-coverage foundations—one reason the category has historically gotten away with fewer shades. However, “Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 offers the kind of nuanced undertone range you’d expect from a foundation, making it much easier to find a shade that disappears seamlessly into your skin,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.

Beyond the pigment, squalane and shea butter-derived emollients soften skin, while niacinamide supports the skin barrier and improves the look of uneven tone. Two forms of hyaluronic acid boost hydration, and aloe, bisabolol, and allantoin soothe easily irritated skin. Then there’s 12% zinc oxide, the mineral UV filter behind its SPF 40. One quirk of the mineral formula: The zinc oxide can make your shade look lighter when it first hits skin, so give it 30 to 60 seconds to settle before deciding whether you’ve found your match. Though the formula contains no added fragrance, our tester noticed a slightly offbeat scent upon application—but it faded quickly enough that it was hardly a dealbreaker.

Herrick before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick

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“This product is actually a dream. I have never been a skin tint girl (thanks, acne), but I have been experimenting with more lightweight formulas, and Ilia's Skin Tint skyrocketed to the top as one of my favorites. Everything from the gentle, soothing scent to the creamy and blendable consistency is incredible. It soaks into my skin beautifully and gives me the perfect amount of coverage without too much heaviness. I feel it's done wonders for my acne as well! Team skin tint!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide
• Shade count: 30

Best for Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

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Hourglass

Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Why we love it: Arguably, most skin tints are already pretty friendly to dry skin, but the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint ups the ante by giving skin “the juiciest, healthy finish I’ve seen in a skin tint,” says Loiz. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate replenish moisture, while squalane and meadowfoam seed oil slow down moisture loss. Shea butter adds another layer of emollience, which explains why the formula feels so plush and forgiving on rough, flaky patches. All that moisture in the Best of Beauty Award winner translates to a naturally radiant finish and a texture that’s so silky and fluid that you can skip the brush altogether (though the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is our favorite) and blend it in with your fingertips like a lotion.

Foresto before applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“This hydrating skin tint has the most perfect glowy finish and actually stays put all day, but doesn't make my skin feel tight and dry (like I need to spritz face mist every five minutes). As an eczema-prone girlie, I'm a big fan of its lightweight but buildable formula too, because it lets me hide some pesky eczema hyperpigmentation without the need to use a higher coverage base or extra concealer.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"I'm not big on foundation for everyday. Every one I try feels like a mask on my skin that I can't wait to wash off, so there is no way I could commit to wearing it five days a week. I typically reserve base makeup for days when I have to be on TV or at an event. This skin tint feels more like a face lotion—in fact, I often apply it with just my hands. The coverage is very light. However, it's enough to make people think I did something to get a natural glow." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid, rambutan, squalane
• Shade count: 18

Best Plumping: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint

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Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Tint

$39

Sephora

Allure former beauty closet associate Edward Horgan applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Why we love it: You’ll find the usual skin-tint suspects in Danessa Myricks’ Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint—glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and squalane—but things get a little more interesting from there. Ceramides and phytosterols (plant-derived compounds similar to the lipids naturally in your skin) support the skin barrier, while cactus extract hydrates and soothes. There’s also a plant-derived sugar complex, including xylitol derivatives, that helps skin hold onto water. Most unique is SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, what the brand calls a vegan collagen peptide: It’s a biotechnology-derived protein designed to mimic certain properties of collagen. All of that skin care comes wrapped up in sheer coverage with a plump, skin-like finish that makes the “Yummy Skin” name feel pretty spot-on. “It won’t erase every variation in the complexion, but it creates a beautiful, overall harmony in the skin tone,” says Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey.

Horgan before applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Horgan after applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Tester feedback from former beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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“This skin tint has the perfect balance of coverage and glow that covers up my redness while still leaving my skin looking like my skin! It has a lightweight feel to it and works so well with any other product I layer on top of it; it’s my go-to for a reason.” —Edward Horgan, former beauty closet associate

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, ceramides, peptides (SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1), cactus extract
• Shade count: 20

Best Blurring: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

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Kylie Cosmetics

Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Shop

$35

Ulta Beauty

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Why we love it: There’s a time and a place for a full King Kylie beat—sculpted contour, XL lashes, and an expertly overdrawn matte lip—and then there are days when less is more. Kylie Cosmetics’ Skin Tint Blurring Elixir caters to the latter with a natural, second-skin finish that still does plenty of behind-the-scenes work. The 2025 Best of Beauty winner uses weightless silicones to give the fluid formula its slip to effortlessly smooth over the look of pores and uneven texture, while silica absorbs excess oil for additional mattifying without making skin look flat. Film-forming ingredients give all that barely there coverage some serious staying power, helping it hold up against sweat and humidity. And because blurring should never be code for drying, humectants propanediol and sodium hyaluronate keep moisture in the equation.

Malone before applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Malone after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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“I absolutely love this skin tint, especially for the summer, since the lightweight coverage doesn't feel overbearing in the heat. It gives me a light glow while not appearing shiny.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mica, silica
• Shade count: 24

Best for Sensitive Skin: Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

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Saie

Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

$38

Amazon

$38

Shop

$38

Sephora

Gulino applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Why we love it: Does your sensitive skin make you wary of trying new products? Saie’s Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer keeps potential freak-outs to a minimum. The Best of Beauty Award winner skips added fragrance, a common potential irritant, and brings in bisabolol, aloe, and licorice root extract to soothe and calm skin. Glycerin and two forms of hyaluronic acid keep your complexion hydrated, while grape-seed and argan oils, jojoba esters, and beeswax soften skin and seal that hydration in. We can’t overlook the added bonus of SPF 35 protection, either: It comes courtesy of 15% zinc oxide, a mineral UV filter that tends to be well tolerated by sensitive skin—making this sheer, dewy tint an especially appealing option if chemical sunscreen filters haven’t always agreed with you.

Gulino before applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from Gulino

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"It only took a week of using this product for me to add it to my beauty drawer permanently. The application is easy, it provides just enough buildable coverage, and it has left my skin looking glowy without being too oily. A feat! I've been applying it with Saie's The Big Brush—a perfect combination, in my opinion. I've been using shade two, which was formulated for very light skin tones with peach undertones. The packaging looks and feels luxe, but the scent is not my favorite. That's not necessarily a dealbreaker for me, though." —Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% zinc oxide, pansy extract, hyaluronic acid
• Shade count: 14

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between foundation and skin tint?

Foundations and skin tints mainly differ in both pigment levels and their skin-care perks. Foundations deliver more coverage, but that extra pigment can often feel heavy—and powders in the formula may settle into fine lines. (That’s why it’s all the more important to find a foundation made for mature skin.)

Skin tints, on the other hand, often come loaded with nourishing ingredients you won’t always find in standard foundation or concealer (more on that below). Their lighter, more hydrating formulas make them a particularly good fit for those with dry or mature skin who want to avoid anything thick or heavy.

That's not to say the two base products can't work in tandem. "I can easily see myself using a tint as a priming step to even the skin, and adding coverage with foundation and concealer where needed," New York City-based makeup artist Tommy Napoli told Allure. If you go the route of fuller coverage, locking in everything with a translucent setting powder is crucial.

What ingredients should I look for in a skin tint?

When something is advertised as a skin tint, you may see more skin-loving actives like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, and squalane at work. "[Hyaluronic acid] is great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, previously told Allure. Squalane, conversely, "aids in skin-care problems wherein the skin barrier is disrupted and transepidermal water loss is an issue," according to Palm Beach, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist Samantha Fisher, MD. Everyone, including sensitive skin (squalane is odorless, by the way), can benefit from this emollient.

While examining the formula of Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint, Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, shouted out some of her favorite skin tint ingredients. "Niacinamide brightens tone and increases the skin's production of ceramides, which in turn can prevent moisture loss," explained Dr. King. She also named mineral SPFs, like non-nano zinc oxide, as a beneficial ingredient—but we always recommend applying a standalone sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or more, instead of relying on SPF-spiked makeup.

Meet the experts

• Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Samantha Fisher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Anluis Minier, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Camila Mancipe, a makeup artist based in Westchester, New York
• Tommy Napoli, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, a makeup artist based in New Jersey

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best skin tints, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists, dermatologists, and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Different phases of life call for different skin-care needs, and the best moisturizers for mature skin make those adjustments feel like a thirst-quenching treat. Just as acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide may have been your saving graces as a teen, there are similarly powerful ingredients that complement and support aging skin (including, yes, but not limited to retinol). “As our skin matures, there is a natural decrease in collagen and elastin production, which are the supportive structures of the skin that help give youthful skin its firmness and bounce,” Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously shared. That’s when moisturizer comes in: Alongside relieving dryness, a moisturizer tailored for mature skin can also restore elasticity, brighten dark spots, and treat fine lines for stronger skin. While these are normal characteristics of later-in-life skin, we'd never judge anyone seeking a little epidermal pick-me-up.

Our Top Moisturizers for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, $98
• Best with Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream, $28
• Best Retinol Alternative: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, $230
• Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Medik8 Advanced Pro Collagen Peptide Cream, $99
• Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185

Scroll ahead to discover your new favorite daily moisturizer for mature skin, as vetted by dermatologists and Allure editors.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What ingredients should I look for in moisturizers for mature skin?
• What do moisturizers for mature skin do?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

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Alastin

Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$98

Amazon

Why it's worth it: You’d be hard-pressed to find a dermatologist who hasn’t recommended Alastin. Most of the brand’s formulas, including the Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer, feature its signature TriHex Technology, a proprietary blend of peptides designed to help clear out damaged collagen and elastin while supporting the production of new, healthy fibers. But what makes this one especially easy to love day-to-day is how it balances long-term skin support with immediate comfort: Ingredients like oat kernel extract calm irritation and reinforce the skin barrier, while linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) replenishes lipids, smooths roughness, and reduces moisture loss.

You’re also getting a steady hit of hydration from glycerin and tremella mushroom extract (a hyaluronic acid-like hydrator), plus soothing extras like bisabolol and antioxidant-rich sunflower and rice bran extracts. “It’s lightweight enough to layer under serums or SPF, but still delivers rich hydration and soothing benefits, which is crucial for mature, sensitive skin,” Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, told Allure.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, oat kernel extract, linoleic acid, phospholipids, rosemary
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it's for: people with mature skin that’s dry, sensitive, or irritated

Best With Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

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RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

$28

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Using retinol in a serum or as a standalone product has its own benefits for mature skin. But in a moisturizer, it comes with an even greater advantage: skin-firming benefits in addition to soothing hydration. Case in point: RoC’s Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Cream. It pairs a powerful, proprietary form of retinol with a moisturizing base (featuring bio-ceramides and shea butter) to smooth the look of fine lines and deep wrinkles while combating signs of dryness and minimizing irritation, which is why Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends the product. (Editor’s note: RoC doesn’t disclose the exact concentration of retinol, so beginners, proceed with caution.)

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, bio-ceramides, squalane, allantoin, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol Alternative: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

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La Mer

The Rejuvenating Night Cream

$230

La Mer

Why it's worth it: Nighttime is when your skin is in repair mode, so sleep tight with La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream, a newly crowned 2026 Allure Best of Beauty winner. The luxurious formula consists of an antioxidant-rich blend of sea kelp and lime tea concentrate (an antioxidant-rich complex) to support resilient, healthier-looking skin while you snooze. The star ingredients are accompanied by rich butters, like shea and mango seed butters, that help bolster the skin barrier to keep hydration locked in—a.k.a. preventing transepidermal water loss that often occurs while you sleep—even when morning hits.

If you’re typically sensitive to traditional retinol, this moisturizer offers a solution: A retinol alternative called MRA-3 (sea plant extracts) encourages collagen production and healthy cell turnover from dusk till dawn, helping to plump fine lines and wrinkles, smooth over texture, and enhance radiance—all without the potential irritation associated with retinol. Plus, the rich, plush texture and La Mer’s signature floral scent make bedtime feel like a luxury ritual.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“For years, my nighttime skin-care philosophy was basically: Slap on my morning moisturizer and call it a day. And as a devout Crème de la Mer fan—it’s been a fixture on my birthday and holiday wish lists for years—I didn’t think I was missing much. Little did I know my dry, sensitive skin could get along so well with something this rich. Thick creams have historically felt more suffocating than nourishing on me, but The Rejuvenating Night Cream has the dreamiest texture: plush and comforting without making me feel like my skin can’t breathe. I’m in the final stretch of my 30s (a long-winded way of saying I’m 39), and fine lines, dullness, and a little laxity have become increasingly noticeable, especially around my eyes, where shadows can make the area look more hollow. I love waking up to skin that feels deeply moisturized and looks plumper and fresher. I reach for it on the nights I take a break from my prescription tretinoin, and its gentle retinol alternative already seems to be helping smooth my skin. I’m excited to see what a few more months of consistent use can do.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, sea kelp, lime tea concentrate, MRA-3 (retinol alternative), mango seed butter
• Fragrance-free: no

Best with SPF: Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45

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Revision Skincare

Intellishade Original SPF 45

$89

Amazon

$89

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Your dermatologist, your mother, and all of us here at Allure will never stop saying it: Sunscreen is your best defense against fine lines and wrinkles. The Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45 combines hybrid sun protection with SPF 45 hydrating ingredients, including glycerin and squalane, to act as one multi-functional step in your routine. (Reminder: The American Academy of Dermatology, or AAD, recommends an SPF rating of 30 or above, so this formula passes with flying colors.) Dr. Garshick especially likes the moisturizer because it also contains three peptides, which help improve “the appearance of fine lines and uneven tone while protecting against further environmental damage.” To streamline your routine even further, the moisturizer comes in a tinted version to lightly conceal and even skin tone on the spot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 7.5% octinoxate, 5% octisalate, 3% zinc oxide, 3.5% titanium dioxide, peptides, vitamin C (THD ascorbate)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream

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Medik8

Advanced Pro Collagen Peptide Cream

$99

Amazon

$99

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: If you haven’t been following the peptide hype by now, here’s the 101: Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as the foundation for collagen, elastin, and keratin—helping support healing, boost firmness, and slow signs of aging. Think of peptide-infused formulas, like Medik8’s Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream, as your needle-free shortcut to Botox-like effects. The hydrating moisturizer features growth factor-inspired “mini proteins” that support collagen production, so it’s not just hydrating skin; it’s working beneath the surface to reinforce the skin’s structure. (That deeper support is what helps soften the look of more etched-in wrinkles.) You’ll also find barrier-supporting ceramides to keep skin strong and supple, plus carnosine, which helps maintain collagen flexibility.

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffman

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“I've been a dedicated user of Medik8's Liquid Peptides Advanced serum for some time now, so I pounced on the Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream when the samples landed in our office. While I don't have noticeable wrinkles—yet—to track progress against, I do notice an overall plumping effect on my skin when I consistently use this moisturizer. The finish is really satin-y, absorbs quickly (a through line with Medik8, I'll always award bonus points for speedy applications), and I really feel like my skin texture and tone have never been better.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: carnosine, squalane, shea butter, ceramides, amino acids
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Firming: Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream Ex

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Sulwhasoo

Essential Firming Cream EX

$124

Amazon

$124

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: If you’ve yet to find a face cream that makes you actually look forward to using it, consider this your cue to pick up a jar of Sulwhasoo’s Essential Firming Cream Ex. With every application, you’re getting the brand’s proprietary Jisun Firming Complex—a blend of goji berry, arrowroot, hydrolyzed soybean, and carnosine—to defend against oxidative stress while supporting elasticity and firmness. True to Sulwhasoo’s signature blend of traditional ingredients, it’s also infused with a lineup of herbal extracts—like peony, lotus seed, Solomon’s seal, white lily, and rehmannia—that fortify the moisture barrier and boost hydration. Add in squalane for that soft, replenished feel and adenosine to iron out the look of fine lines, and you’ve got a cream that feels “luxurious and does double duty in hydrating while smoothing out saggy skin,” Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, told Allure.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Jisun Firming Complex (goji berry, arrowroot, hydrolyzed soybean, and carnosine), peony, lotus seed, Solomon’s seal, white lily, and rehmannia
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Night Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru Cream

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Caudalie

Premier Cru Cream

$119

Amazon

$119

Nordstrom

$119

Sephora

Why it's worth it: What makes the Best of Beauty-winning Caudalie Premier Cru The Cream so good? To start, it's a concoction of hyaluronic acid and sugars derived from honey locusts—hear us out. The latter ingredient helps firm and plump the skin, targeting issues like sagging and fine lines, explains New York-based board-certified dermatologist Michele Green, MD. This cream also contains grapeseed oil and shea butter, two lipids known for their deep moisturizing abilities. If you have especially dry skin, consider Caudalie's Premier Cru The Rich Cream, another Allure Best of Beauty winner.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, Viniferine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

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Isdin

Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

$152

Amazon

$152

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Bedtime is the new Botox, thanks to Isdin's Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer. Instead of retinol, this nighttime moisturizer is powered by melatonin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and carnosine—an amino acid compound that slows glycation, “a process where sugar binds to collagen and elastin, breaking them down faster,” Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, previously explained. Translation: more elasticity. The cream goes on super smooth and works the night shift to hydrate, protect against free-radical damage, and brighten skin by morning. It's also a favorite of LA-based board-certified dermatologist Ava Shamban, MD. Bonus: The moisturizer is mineral oil-free and non-comedogenic for those worried about richer creams clogging their pores.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: melatonin, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, carnosine
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it's for: people with sensitive skin looking for a retinol alternative

Best for Dry Skin: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Like we’ve already established, mature skin experiences a decrease in elasticity and an increase in dryness over time. For instance, when sugar molecules attach themselves to skin-supporting proteins (a.k.a. glycation), such as collagen, they can expedite the natural aging process. SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced slows said process by using a high concentration of plumping proxylane (a beech wood derivative), anti-inflammatory wild fruit flavonoids (an antioxidant), and brightening glycyrrhetinic acid (an active in licorice root). Dr. Garshick says the trio specifically improves “the appearance of firmness, wrinkles and skin quality, while still helping to nourish and hydrate the skin,” which are all important in reversing the impacts of glycation (and even help smooth the look of deeper folds and lines around your eyes and mouth).

More to know

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• Key ingredients: proxylane, wild fruit flavonoids, glycyrrhetinic acid, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to skin-care multitaskers, CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion is one you’ll never feel guilty about restocking, ringing in at just $20 (and it’s often on sale). The facial moisturizer relies on hyaluronic acid, a water-drawing humectant, and ceramides, a naturally occurring lipid for skin barrier support. It also incorporates brightening niacinamide to address dark spots, calm irritated skin, and boost the barrier-soothing benefits. Beyond hydration, the hybrid formula comes with UV protection of SPF 30 that Brendan Camp, MD, recommends applying from the neck and chest up. For overnight dryness relief, the brand has a PM version we love, too.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, a ceramide blend, hyaluronic acid, 10% homosalate, 5% octinoxate, 2% octocrylene, 8% zinc oxide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in moisturizers for mature skin?

There are quite a few skin-care ingredients for mature skin that are worth considering when you shop, such as brightening vitamin C, which is "a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which would otherwise cause oxidative stress to the skin and lead to premature aging," says Dr. Green. (In other words, it's great for treating signs of sun damage.) She also recommends adding niacinamide skin-care products, hyaluronic acid serums, and ceramide-packed formulas (to your routine for moisture-locking and skin barrier reinforcement. If your skin is particularly dehydrated, humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin can draw water into skin, while occlusives (think rich butters, petrolatum, and plant oils) lock in all of those benefits.

Retinol is also an important ingredient to look for not just in a moisturizer, but in any skin-care routine for aging skin. “Retinoids are truly the fountain of youth,” Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, previously shared. They target crepey skin and hyperpigmentation, among other concerns. Starting slowly with a lower dose (like a 0.01% over-the-counter retinol) is best for beginners as your skin adjusts—and always follow up with a sunscreen with anSPF rating of 30 or more, of course. If you can’t handle retinoids, peptides can help boost elasticity without risking irritation.

What do moisturizers for mature skin do?

While all facial moisturizers for mature skin provide deep hydration, active and inactive ingredients vary between products, meaning the perks will vary, too. If hydration is your main target, Dr. Khalifian called hyaluronic acid a “hydration superhero” because of how well it attracts and retains moisture (which, in turn, lends a youthful glow). And if your moisturizer also contains niacinamide, you’re doubly in luck: When paired with hyaluronic acid, the two support a stronger skin barrier for plump, radiant skin. However, using a moisturizer with retinol can help boost skin cell turnover, promote collagen production, and increase elasticity, while alpha- and beta hydroxy acids are essential for smoothing skin and addressing discoloration concerns. "Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and lactic acids help exfoliate the outermost layer of cells," adds Dr. Green. “This can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while evening out your skin tone and skin texture.”

Meet the experts

• Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics in Encinitas, California
• Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology based in New York City
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of best moisturizers for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The Allure Best of Beauty 2026 Box has arrived. Packed with 30 award-winning products, including 17 Best of Beauty 2026 winners, this limited-edition collection is valued at more than $740—for just $125 for Allure readers with code ALLUREACCESS

The year was 1996. Brad and Gwyneth were together; ditto Tom and Nicole. George Clooney was a charming young ER doctor. Nothing was more state-of-the-art than dial-up Internet; we wondered if the PalmPilot might replace our Rolodexes. And five-year-old beauty magazine Allure decided to create an annual list of the absolute best hair, makeup, and skin-care products you could buy. The Best of Beauty Awards quickly came to be a shopper’s guide to products that had been rigorously tested and proven to do exactly what they said they would do—and do it better than the rest.

Thirty years later, the beauty market has mushroomed (as has a thing called “sponcon”). So that little red seal is an even more valuable sign that an independent team of experts has cut through the, well you know, and vetted that lipstick or sunscreen or hair mask for the highest quality and the highest performance. To celebrate the big 3-0, we’ve put together the most jam-packed Allure Beauty Box in our history, filled to the brim with some of our favorite award winners of the recent past: Glow Recipe toner pads, Dr. Idriss’ brightening mask, an Ilia mascara, Rare Beauty’s matte blush, and 26 more. Change is constant—and those Rolodexes are long gone—but Allure’s high standard for “best” will always remain the same. – Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Director

Reserve yours now:

SHOP THE BOX

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Hope, Alive, Happy, or Worth

Why We Love It: We’re not advocating for blush blindness, but we also couldn’t blame you if you wanted just “one more tap”. The cloud-like texture of this Best of Beauty winner is so satisfying to touch and the pigment it packs builds and blends beautifully—for a bright and bold or soft and natural look.

How You'll Use It: Your Best of Beauty Box features your choice of Hope (nude mauve), Happy (cool pink), Worth (true rose), Alive (bright coral orange), four flattering shades designed to complement various skin tones. Use your finger or favorite blush brush to apply directly on the apples of your cheeks—and don’t forget to blend.

Retail Value: $27

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask

Why We Love It: We’re all about playing the long game with skincare. But sometimes, you want immediate results. Ten minutes to resurface dull skin, soften rough texture and reveal a brighter complexion? Say less.

How You'll Use It: Apply a thin layer (2-4 pumps) over clean, dry skin. Wait 10 minutes (use your meditation app, check emails, answer texts), then rinse it off with warm water and look noticeably fresher.

Retail Value: $48

Dae Hair Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand

Why We Love It: Slicked-back buns, polished ponytails, clean middle parts—this little (dare I say magic) wand is the finishing touch that keeps any style looking sleek, not shellacked. A few swipes on flyaways and baby hairs is all it takes to look polished and put together.

How You'll Use It: Glide the wand anywhere over your hairline where you want to smooth baby hair, tame frizz, or perfect the last few details. It’s also super portable—perfect for tossing in your purse, gym bag, or desk drawer.

Retail Value: $20

Davines LOVE/ smoothing lightweight milk

Why We Love It: If you’ve ever skipped a leave-in conditioner because it felt too heavy, then hair milk is for you. The lightweight formula delivers softness, shine, and frizz control—without flattening or weighing your hair down.

How You'll Use It: After towel-drying your hair, spray several pumps from roots to end, either sectioning your hair or flipping your hair over to ensure even coverage. Comb through and then blow dry.

Retail Value: $33

tarte cosmetics Double Take Eyeliner

Why We Love It: Some days call for a slightly smoky, perfectly smudgy eye look. Other days, you need your eyeliner wing to be razor-sharp. And sometimes you need one look on the upper lash line and another on the lower. Luckily, there’s this dual-sided eyeliner for whatever look you’re ready to wear.

How You'll Use It: This formula glides on smoothly—no skipping—and has a 12-hour wear, meaning you can go from morning to night without skipping a beat with your beat.

Retail Value: $26

Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream

Why We Love It: Great skin starts with a great moisturizer. This is that moisturizer. It gives your skin everything it wants: lasting hydration, a smoother texture, a firmer look, and a healthier skin barrier—thanks to its advanced collagen-supporting peptide complex.

How You'll Use It: Dot the cream onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck, then use gentle upwards strokes to massage it into your skin. Consider it two minutes of self-care your complexion will.

Retail Value: $32

Saie Glowy Super™ Gel Lightweight Illuminator in Roseglow

Why We Love It: When you don’t want your makeup to look like, well, makeup, reach for this best-selling highlighter. The lightweight texture gives your skin a dewy glow that makes it look naturally luminous—not obviously highlighted.

How You'll Use It: For an all-over glow, apply one to two pumps on bare skin. You can stop there, or use it before your foundation as a primer or even mix in for added radiance.

Retail Value: $18

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Mini

Why We Love It: As much fun as makeup can be to put on, this Farmacy Cleansing Balm makes it super satisfying to take off. The oil-based formula means you don’t have to overscrub your skin or tug at your eyelashes—and the blend of super-greens leaves your skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean.

How You'll Use It: The mini size makes it a must-have to include in your overnight, gym, or travel bag. Just use the spatula to dab a small amount onto your face, massage with dry hands, and then rinse with warm water or a damp washcloth. Done!

Retail Value: $26

ILIA Mini Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight

Why We Love It: Between the dual-sided wand and the buildable formula, this mascara lets you customize your look based on the lashes you want. From naturally defined, soft and fluttery, or a little more drama, you’re in control.

How You'll Use It: Use the shorter side of the wand to lift lashes. Flip to the longer side to lengthen and separate. Then add more coats for more added volume.

Retail Value: $17

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum in Medium

Why We Love It: While there are plenty of bronzers in the market, there’s only one that has redefined the category—and that’s SoftSculpt® from Makeup by Mario. It blends beautifully every single time and is nearly impossible to overdo. Win, win.

How You'll Use It: Swipe the doe-foot applicator along your forehead, beneath cheekbones, and around the jawline. Then blend everything out with a dense, angled contour brush for a naturally-bronzed looking finish.

Retail Value: $36

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment

Why We Love It: When a blemish decides to make an unexpected appearance, this targeted treatment gets straight to work. The salicylic acid-based formula helps fight breakouts at the source, making it a must-have for those just-in-case skincare moments.

How You'll Use It: After cleansing, apply a thin layer directly to affected areas one to three times daily or as needed. Follow with your usual moisturizer and SPF during the day.

Retail Value: $27

Glow Recipe Korean Toner Pad Collection 3-Piece Trial Set

Why We Love It: This trial set is perfect for giving your skin exactly what it needs in the moment. Use the LHA + AHA exfoliating pads when your skin is feeling congested. If you’re looking red or irritated, the PDRN pads offer soothing relief, and the Vitamin C pads brighten basically on command.

How You'll Use It: Each of the pads is designed for five minutes of use, giving you plenty of time to mix, match, and multi-mask.

Retail Value: $4.75

by/ rosie jane ROSIE travel spray

Why We Love It: If your favorite beauty compliment is, “you smell so good,” this is for you. This skin scent smells like you, but better, thanks to a combination of warm notes of white musk and pure rose that interact with your personal chemistry. Subtle enough for everyday, strong enough for people to ask what you’re wearing.

How You'll Use It: The travel size makes it perfect for carrying on the go. Just remember to avoid rubbing it into your skin. This one is more of a mist and go.

Retail Value: $29

Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist

Why We Love It: If you’re already spending about 15-20 minutes a day heat-styling your hair, it’s worth it to take a few seconds to protect it from possible damage. This award-winning heat protectant spray coats your strands—and leaves a satiny, frizz-free hold.

How You'll Use It: Give the bottle a generous shake. Then spray it, section by section, throughout already dry hair before using a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

Retail Value: $31

belif Aqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid

Why you’ll love it: Coffee, Diet Coke, and this eye treatment have more in common than you’d think. They’re all packed with caffeine to instantly jolt you (and your undereyes) awake after late nights, long meetings, and puffy mornings.

How you’ll use it: Press the pump to distribute the lightweight gel, then gently press the ceramic tip to the undereye area, lightly massage in a circular motion, and pat in any excess product.

Retail price: $32

Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops in Medium

Why We Love It: Your glow, your way. These customizable self-tanning drops make it easy to dial up your color without the streaks or commitment of a traditional self-tanner.

How You'll Use It: Mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer and apply evenly to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands after application, then let your glow develop.

Retail Value: $30

Divi Dry Shampoo

Why We Love It: Dry shampoo that does more than buy you an extra day between washes? Yes, please. This formula refreshes oily roots on the spot while helping your hair become less oily over time—so your wash days might just get a little farther apart.

How You'll Use It: Shake well and spray directly onto your roots, focusing on areas that need a refresh. Let it sit for a moment, then massage or brush through before styling as usual.

Retail Value: $16

dpHUE Glossy Glaze in Sheer

Why We Love It: Salon treatments can be expensive. This at-home hair gloss helps protect your investment. Now you can extend the color, vibrancy, and shine of your hair until your next appointment.

How You'll Use It: Follow the instructions as indicated. In just two-three minutes, you can boost the look of your color-treated hair for up to three washes. Now that’s good hair math.

Retail Value: $29

KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss in 12 Pearly Amaryllis Red, 31 Pearly Shell, 15 Cherry Red, 23 Magenta, 07 Pink Magnolia, or 26 Sparkly Hibiscus Pink

Why We Love It: Gloss that does more than shine. Whichever shade you receive, this intensely hydrating formula delivers a juicy, mirror-like finish that makes any lip look instantly more polished.

How You'll Use It: Swipe directly onto bare lips or layer over your favorite lip color for an extra dose of shine. Reapply whenever you’re ready for another glossy moment.

Retail Value: $14

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler in Millennial Pink

Why We Love It: Detangling doesn’t have to mean tugging. This iconic brush smooths through knots while helping reduce breakage—and the Millennial Pink shade makes wash day that much cuter.

How You'll Use It: Use on wet or dry hair, starting at the ends and working your way upward toward the roots. Gently brush through tangles until your strands are smooth and knot-free.

Retail Value: $16.99

Mooncat Nail Lacquer in Mermaid Bait or Pearl Clutcher

Why We Love It: No matter which shade you receive, your nails are in for a major moment. These high-impact, chrome-like lacquers catch the light from every angle for a manicure that’s guaranteed to mesmerize.

How You'll Use It: Apply an even coat to clean, dry nails and let it dry before adding another coat for extra impact. Finish with a topcoat to help your mani stay fresh.

Retail Value: $17

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion

Why We Love It: Another K-beauty gem for your skin-care shelf. This non-sticky, ceramide-enriched lotion helps support the skin barrier while delivering the kind of lasting hydration that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and seriously comfortable.

How You'll Use It: Smooth onto clean skin and massage until absorbed. Use it on your face or body whenever your skin needs an extra dose of hydration.

Retail Value: $15.99

Megababe Le Tush Clarifying Butt Mask

Why We Love It: Your face isn’t the only place that deserves a good mask moment. This facial-grade exfoliating treatment gives your tush some much-needed attention, helping smooth and refresh skin in an area that’s often overlooked.

How You'll Use It: Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and let it sit according to the product’s directions. Rinse thoroughly, then admire your newly pampered derrière.

Retail Value: $22

Women's ROGAINE® 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

Why We Love It: When fuller-looking hair is the goal, this clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended treatment is a trusted addition to your routine. The unscented foam makes it easy to work into your everyday hair-care lineup.

How You'll Use It: Apply directly to the scalp, making sure to follow the product’s recommended amount and frequency. Let it absorb before styling your hair as usual.

Retail Value: $44.97

milk_shake Icy Blond Shampoo

Why We Love It: Blonde maintenance can feel like a full-time job—but with this toning shampoo, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of a traditional purple shampoo, this shampoo features black pigments that help dial down orange and yellow hues, while amping up the icy, cool-tones you want.

How You'll Use It: Designed for very light or platinum blonde hair, this toning shampoo is gentle enough to be used 1-2 times per week, in-between your regular shampoos.

Retail Value: $10

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Why We Love It: A fresh start for your skin, courtesy of a K-beauty favorite. Made with rice water and ceramides, this foaming cleanser helps wash away pores’ worth of buildup and impurities without overcomplicating your routine.

How You'll Use It: Wet your face, work a small amount of cleanser into a rich lather, and gently massage over your skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.

Retail Value: $11.99

Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Thickening Essentials Mini Shampoo and Conditioner Kit

Why We Love It: A shampoo that doesn’t just clean your hair but actually treats your scalp is the kind of multi-tasking we can get behind—it washes away excess oil and buildup at the root, creating a foundation for stronger, fuller-looking hair. The conditioner keeps that momentum going: it hydrates and strengthens without flattening, sealing the cuticle to enhance shine.

How You'll Use It: Massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, focusing on the roots, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with the conditioner throughout strands and scalp, then rinse, dry, and style.

Retail Value: $18

Peta Jane Beauty Medium Self-Tanning Mousse + Tanning Mitt

Why We Love It: The best self-tan is the one nobody realizes is a self-tan. This easy-to-apply mousse develops into a natural golden-looking bronze that lasts for up to seven days. It’s so convincing, we guarantee you’ll have everyone asking, “Did you just get back from vacation?”

How You'll Use It: Prep is key before using this mousse. Remember to exfoliate the day before application—and avoid using lotion or moisturizer for up to 24 hours prior. Shower, pat dry, and apply with the included mitt to avoid streaks, then you’re ready to go…or glow!

Retail Value: $52

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Why We Love It:
Soft, smooth lips are always a good idea. This scrub gives your pout a little exfoliating refresh, leaving lips feeling soft and ready for whatever lip color—or balm—comes next.

How You'll Use It:
Massage a small amount onto your lips using gentle, circular motions. Wipe or rinse away, then follow with your favorite lip balm for a perfectly prepped pout.

Retail Value: $14.95

Hairstory New Wash Original Cleansing & Conditioning Cream

Why We Love It: If your regular shampoo and conditioner have been in the same toxic cycle, it’s time to meet this conditioning cream. Instead of shampoo stripping hair just for conditioner to come in and weigh it down, New Wash cleanses and conditions in one easy step.

How You'll Use It: Use a generous amount of the cream on wet hair, then add a splash of water to activate the formula. Massage into your hair and scalp, let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes, and never look at shampoo and conditioner the same way again.

Retail Value: $48

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People can be so obsessed with the idea of twins that sometimes they see them when they’re not even there. Maybe that’s because there’s a thrill to imparting some sinister subtext to the lives of twins: spooky telepathy, midnight rituals, clueless-husband swapping. And of course, everyone wants to know, who’s the evil one? Some fans of the modeling business spend an unusual amount of time pitting non-twins Gabbriette, 29, and Amelia Gray, 25, against each other. I’m aware of a narrative that insinuates this duo is a case of copycat-ism between mortal enemies—one model allegedly stealing the other’s steez a few years ago—yet I witness no sign of it when I meet them both at Gray’s sleek midcentury home in the Hollywood Hills.

On Amelia: J.R. Malpere hat. Cosabella bra. Chanel cuff. On Gabbriette: J.R. Malpere hat. Chanel jacket. Dolce & Gabbana bra.

Gray is a rangy five feet nine with incredible, furry brows. Her outfit is reminiscent of her famous mom, Lisa Rinna, and the uniform Rinna wears in her dance videos online: a tee with FreeCity sweatpants that start at $195. She has a pimple patch on her face, which is clear of any makeup. She considers herself a dedicated homebody. Gabbriette is in heels, making her petite five-foot-four frame a bit taller. Her hair and makeup are done, with her signature pale skin, dark, pencil-thin brows, and frosted lips. She has a more social persona and loves to go out to dinner and drinks with her friends, at least on the weekends.

“That is part of the dichotomy of Amelia and Gabbriette,” says Gray. “Gabbriette is always put together. I could never. This bitch is wearing jeans on the plane!”

“Gabbriette is always put together. I could never. This bitch is wearing jeans on the plane!”

Skin care, though, is where Gray puts in the extra effort. She describes herself as “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance,” sharing her treatment regimen with the detail of a forensic accountant. She’s fond of so-called regenerative injectable treatments like platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, and says she’s done the hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable Skinvive in her lips for hydration.

Conversely, Gabbriette says she needs to write down all of Gray’s skin-care details to prepare for her nuptials (which took place after this interview, in July) to The 1975 singer Matty Healy, as she doesn’t have much of her own regimen at the moment. She stopped getting Botox because she fears passing out from the needles—and no, she didn’t get buccal fat removal.

Allure sat down with the two stars of our Best of Beauty 30th-anniversary portfolio to discuss how they first met and when they learned of the comparisons between them. They’re not twins. Not copycats or looks-cannibals. “Kindred spirits” is a phrase that feels more apt.

Ashi Studios dress. Dolce & Gabbana intimates. Chrome Hearts earring and rings. To create a similar makeup look: MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Tilt, Dazzleshadow Eyeshadow Sticks in Demure Diamonds, and Lipglass High Shine Lip Gloss in Ruby Woo. (Gabbriette is an ambassador for MAC.)

Jewelry by Alexis Bittar, Misho, Ben-Amun and Laurel Dewitt. To create a similar makeup look: YSL Beauty Couture Mini Eyeshadow Clutch in Over Orange, Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in California Sunshine, and Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner in Cocoa Flirt. (Amelia Gray is an ambassador for YSL Beauty.)

Allure: You’re both online. You see what people say. There's this whole thing about “who stole whose look”….

Amelia Gray: I stole Gabbriette’s. [Laughs.]

Gabbriette: And I stole every ’90’s person ever.

Allure: Did you know each other when that narrative started?

Gabbriette: No. We showed up to a shoot, and our friend Loftjet, who was doing the makeup, was like, “Are you stupid? This is the whole narrative.” But there was no negative connotation behind [doing] the shoot together.

Amelia: I had bleached eyebrows back then. I did it for a shoot and it ended up being the only thing that would get me booked in the beginning of my career. It got me signed. And Gabbriette's thing is having thin eyebrows.

Gabbriette: Then we saw each other, maybe four months into it being “nasty,” and I didn't know if I was supposed to be responding. I'm not very vocal on the internet. We saw each other at a dinner, and we were like, “Do we hate each other because the internet says we do? We don't even know each other!” So we laughed it off.

Full Saint Laurent RTW + ACC.

“We saw each other at a dinner, and we were like, ‘Do we hate each other because the internet says we do?’ We don't even know each other!”

Amelia: I've never had a feeling of, “Oh, I need to become somebody else,” and I'm so grateful for that. I was raised very secure about my quirks and my weirdness. I'm a rising Aquarius. I'm fucking weird. But to my point, the internet started telling me who I was. I was so confused. Like, “Oh, fuck, have I been copying this girl and completely stealing her steez?” Lisa Rinna is my mom; she taught me to fucking own it. At that dinner I went up to Gabbriette, and I was like, “I am so fucking sorry.”

On Amelia: Dolce & Gabbana bra. On Gabbriette: Cosabella bra.

Allure: When I first heard this narrative, I wondered if there was a way you could use this to your benefit.

Amelia: That's why we both wanted to do this.

Gabbriette: Because we literally don't care. [Addressing Gray:] Yes, we look similar, but you are on a completely different spectrum. You're taller, you're more of a runway thing. You are an insane, Gisele-type editorial model.

Amelia: Gabbriette is a pop culture icon.

Gabbriette: If we are in the same industry, we're not going to do the same jobs, because she brings so many different things to the table.

Amelia: And that’s what’s so beautiful about it, is that there's no threat. I want Gabbriette to get the job and I know she wants me to get the job.

Allure: Have your teams ever advised you not to work together?

Gabbriette: No! If anything, my agent is like, “Yes, bitch!”

Allure: Amelia, has your mom ever warned you about experimenting with your looks?

Amelia: My mom was the guinea pig of our family. Homegirl had fucking silicone in her lip. My mom told me to learn through her experience of what not to do. She was never the type of mom that [said], “No, you can't get anything done,” because she always empathized with not feeling like herself.

I remember really hating my nose, and being like, “Mom, I want to get a nose job.” My mom was like, “Listen, if that's something that you want to do, you need to decide that on your own and you need to understand and make that decision for yourself. I can't tell you that your nose is perfect, because I'm your mom and I think it is. I would be a hypocrite to tell you no, because I’ve dealt with this in my life.”

“When I was 16, I got a nose job. It changed my life.”

When I was 16, I got a nose job. It changed my life. Half of me [thinks], Why would you change what God gave you? But then the other half of me is like, I have one fucking life to live. We live in a vain world. I want to wake up and [say], “I like myself,” because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. It sucks that it has to do with beauty standards sometimes, but that's the society and culture we live in.

Allure: Gabbriette, what do you bring from your Mexican side of the family into how you think of beauty?

Gabbriette: I grew up in Laguna Beach, so I felt my version of beauty was very California standard. I was the only Hispanic girl in my grade… it felt like I was the only one. Then I started going to Los Angeles at 16 to see shows. Burger Records was the thing here, and I went to shows with my friends, and that is when I kind of saw what [a side of] Chicana culture was, with all the goth girlies.

“I started going to Los Angeles at 16 to see shows. Burger Records was the thing here, and that is when I kind of saw what [a side of] Chicana culture was, with all the goth girlies.”

When I first came to LA, I was so grateful for it. I got really into the old-car culture, and into the cholo scene. This felt like a part of me that I hadn't explored. People think I'm not Mexican enough. I'm as Mexican as I feel, and as I am, I'm half. I didn't grow up speaking Spanish, but the culture is through me. I go to Mexico every single summer and see my grandma. Not that I have to prove myself to [anyone].

Allure: When did you decide on your signature brows?

Gabbriette: It was 2017 or 2018. I was watching Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore. Then it was Angelina Jolie, Penélope Cruz, all these people. I said, “What is missing from the makeup that I like doing? It's the fucking eyebrows.” I took my mom's tweezers and I plucked them in the window light—and I didn't hold back. [My mom] fucking loved it.

“I was never the type that would go out of my way and try a new look, but when I'm Amelia the Model, I'll do anything to get the photo.”

To create a makeup look similar to Gabbriette’s: MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in You Wouldn’t Get It and Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner in Brushstroke.

To create a makeup look similar to Amelia’s: YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick in Unshy Cacao and La Laque Couture Nail Polish in Noir Primitif.

Allure: Has your relationship with beauty gotten healthier as your career has kept going or do you think it's gotten worse?

Amelia: I am so down to create when I'm on set. I was never the type that would go out of my way and try a new look, but when I'm Amelia the Model, I'll do anything to get the photo. I think that has taught me a lot about the possibility of how you can change.

Gabbriette: With beauty, I know who I am. I used to get a haircut and then rebuy my entire wardrobe every three months from, like, 12 to probably 21. The only crazy thing I've done in the last five years is getting Botox, [then stopping because of the needles,] and considering getting my lips done. I want to be me, but more refined. But I’m also too carefree—I don't want to go to the doctor.

Watch Amelia Gray & Gabbriette Spill Secrets After Sipping the Truth Serum

In this episode of Allure’s Truth Serum, Amelia Gray & Gabbriette answer candid questions about beauty, love, relationships, friendship, and more. From their biggest beauty opinions to the things they’re not afraid to get honest about, the girls spill the tea and reveal a side of themselves you haven’t seen before.

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Once upon a time, there were Brigitte Bardot’s thick, piece-y bangs. Next came Farrah Fawcett’s angelic, flipped-out fringe. Then Sabrina Carpenter became the unofficial ambassador for curtain bangs with her signature, voluminous, face-framing style. Now, the classic look is ubiquitous on red carpets and social media. Stars like Nicole Kidman, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Chappell Roan have shown just how universally flattering curtain bangs can be, regardless of hair length or texture.

Curtain bangs have stood the test of time not only for their versatility but also for being surprisingly low-maintenance. Compared with other types of bangs, they don’t have the dreadfully noticeable, awkward, growing-out phase. They simply “curtain out from the middle” even more as they get longer, blending naturally into the rest of your hair, says Rubi Aguilar, a New York City hairstylist, who’s worked with Courtney Cox, Kaia Gerber, and Paloma Elsesser. Plus, they’re becoming softer, less meticulously styled, and more effortless than ever, according to British hairstylist Carl Bembridge.

Ahead, stylists explain exactly what qualifies as curtain bangs, how to achieve them based on your hair type, along with recommendations for which products to reach for to style your new look.

Meet the experts:

• Rubi Aguilar is a hairstylist and owner of Salon in New York City.
• Karen Arechiga is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Carl Bembridge is a hairstylist in Essex, England, and a spokesperson for Colorwow.
• Brian Christopher is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Eduardo Méndez is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Lacy Redway is a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands.
• Bronwen Robinson is a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City.

In this story:

• What are curtain bangs?
• Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?
• Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?
• How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon
• Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.
• How to style curtain bangs
• How to maintain curtain bangs
• Curtain bang hairstyle inspiration

What are curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs are a “long, face-framing fringe that typically hug around your brows,” explains Aguilar. They’re cut shorter in the middle and longer on the sides, with the longest parts hitting the top of the cheekbones, she adds. Depending on how they are cut, curtain bangs can enhance the natural symmetry of your face and complement other features, says Brian Christopher, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.

Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?

A major reason curtain bangs are so popular is that the look suits everyone, regardless of face shape, says Bronwen Robinson, a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City. The right hairdresser will customize the length and shape to highlight your facial features in the most flattering way, taking into account your hair texture and growth patterns, Aguilar says. “The worst is a stylist who will talk you out of a style instead of educating you and finding a creative way to cut the style you're excited about,” she adds.

If you have textured or curly hair, seeking a stylist skilled in dry cutting is essential for the most flattering curtain bangs. Curls tend to shrink as they dry, Christopher explains, so this technique helps gauge how they'll fall. Cutting while they are dry also lets the stylist give each curl individual attention for the softest, most consistent curtain bangs, adds Los Angeles hairstylist Karen Arechiga.

Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?

The difference lies in length and styling. “Curtain bangs are typically shorter, flare toward the ends, and are styled with a little more volume, especially at [the roots],” explains Lacy Redway, a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands. “Face-framing layers are cut with an overall longer, gradual slope and can be styled with or without volume.”

The layers can also be cut to contour your face and blend seamlessly into the rest of your haircut. “You can have both for a really gorgeous haircut with lots of movement,” Bembridge says.

How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon

At this point, "curtain bangs" is a universally understood term among professional hairstylists, but you can mention that you want "long, soft bangs that can be parted in the middle or slightly to the side,” Christopher says. Bringing photos to your appointment that show your dream look will also be much appreciated by your stylist. (Lucky for you, we included some images below for your consideration.) You can then point out what you like—and dislike—about each look. “Pictures are always helpful,” says Aguilar, “even if they're photos of something you want to avoid.”

Be sure to tell your stylist how you style and wear your hair daily, Arechiga adds. If you air-dry your hair, say so. More of a blow-dry person? Your stylist will definitely want to know.

Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.

Our experts strongly recommend against cutting curtain bangs at home. You can go on TikTok to see plenty of curtain bangs tutorials that end in tears. “Bangs quite literally frame your face,” Aguilar says. “If you mess up, it won't matter if the rest of your hair looks great because your bangs aren't flattering.” Plus, she notes, most stylists offer free bangs trims for existing clients.

But if you simply must have DIY curtain bangs, “invest in good-quality hair scissors for a clean cut,” Christopher says. Need a suggestion or two? Try the Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors, made from lightweight Japanese stainless steel that stays perfectly sharp, or Fromm’s Explore 5.75-inch Shear, which is lightweight and super-easy to maneuver for precise trimming. If you want to splurge, take cues from Bembridge, who uses the Leaf the Foundation Scissors.

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Equinox

Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

$14 $9 (36% off)

Amazon

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Fromm

Explore 5.75'' Shear

$37

Amazon

$37

Ulta Beauty

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Leaf

The Foundation Scissor

$104

Leaf

Once you have your shears on hand, start with dry hair, so you can see the true length you’re working with. Next, create a triangle-shaped section at the front of your face with the top point starting from the crown of your head. Then angle the section down toward your temples on each side before pulling back the rest of your hair, Christopher explains.

From there, hold your professional-grade hair scissors diagonally from the ends of your hair, and cut an inverted V-shape with small snips. This method creates texture and helps you avoid blunt edges, he says. The shortest parts in the middle should start near the center of your brows, and the longest should be at the highest points of your cheekbones or even layered down to your jawline, Robinson adds.

How to style curtain bangs

If your curtain bangs are cut well, you should be able to air-dry them without disastrous results, especially if you want to wear your fringe in its naturally curly or wavy texture. “Curtain bangs are cut to look breezy and effortless,” says Robinson. “If too much heat or effort is applied while styling, it will break that illusion of ‘I woke up like this.’”

To achieve that soft, tousled vibe, grab a lightweight texturizing spray, especially if you have naturally straight hair. Aguilar recommends the ROZ Wave Texturizing Mist, while Redway suggests the Tresemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray because it gives curtain bangs hold with a lived-in feel and “removes unwanted oils so they stay airy.” Allure’s content director Sophia Panych, on the other hand, swears by Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray because “it lifts roots like a dry shampoo, adds light hold like a flexible hairspray, and adds texture like a beach spray.”

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RŌZ

Wave Texturizing Mist

$35

Amazon

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Credo Beauty

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Tresemmé

A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray

$13

Amazon

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Oribe

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

Those with textured or curly hair can apply a pea-sized amount of their go-to curl product before air-drying to enhance the bounce and definition of their curtain bangs. Aguilar’s pick is the Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control, which delivers a light, hydrating hold. We also love the Isima Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream for the way it enhances your natural texture and smooths frizz. If you’re looking for sleeker, more va-va-voom curtain bangs like Sabrina Carpenter’s (or dealing with a cowlick at your hairline), you’re going to need some heat. Grab your blow-dryer and a round brush, or consider a blow-dryer brush. “A great hot brush can help create volume in your curtain bangs,” Redway says.

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Innersense Organic Beauty

Quiet Calm Curl Control Cream

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Credo Beauty

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Isima

Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream

$32

Ulta Beauty

The smallest round brush Arechiga recommends is 1.5 inches, ideal for curtain bangs that fall just below the brows or for creating a more dramatic curl. The largest is 2 inches, suitable for longer curtain bangs starting below the cheekbones or for achieving a relaxed, beachy vibe, she adds. Bembridge is a fan of the 2-inch Dom Dom Small Round Bristle Brush, which combines boar and nylon bristles to smooth hair and boost shine. On the smaller side, the British M 33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush, which Allure’s commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann uses to style her own curtain bangs, is a great choice.

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Dom Dom

Small Round Bristle Brush

$38

Amazon

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British M

33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

With your preferred tools within reach, part your bangs down the middle, then place the brush under one side. Roll the entire section, including the ends, downward toward the center of your face, Arechiga explains. Repeat on the other side, then set them in place with hairspray or, if you have fine hair, a volumizing spray such as the Best of Beauty Award–winning K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray. Los Angeles hairstylist Eduardo Méndez likes to spritz on Virtue Volumizing Primer because, he says, “It gives me the right amount of grip at the root, allowing me to place the bangs exactly where I need them to fall.”

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

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Virtue

Volumizing Primer

$42 $36 (14% off)

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

Then, Christopher advises raking a hair oil, such as the Unove Silk Shine Hair Oil or Fable & Mane Glossy Styling Hair Oil, through your bangs to keep them smooth and frizz-free.

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Fable & Mane

Glossy Styling Hair Oil

$36

Sephora

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Unove

Silk Shine Hair Oil

$25

Amazon

$25

Sephora

How to maintain curtain bangs

Our experts agree that the best way to keep your curtain bangs fresh and in shape is to get regular trims every six to eight weeks. “You don’t need to wait for your full haircut,” says Bembridge.

Between washes, you can maintain lift and volume in a few easy ways. Redway recommends using a Velcro roller, like one of the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers, to revitalize the swoop of your bangs while “reducing excessive heat on your hair.” You can also spray a bit of dry shampoo, like Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, at the roots and give them a good zhuzh. “It’s the perfect reset,” Méndez says.

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Amika

Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$29

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

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Narka

Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara

$15

Ulta Beauty

For a more targeted refresh, swipe the Narka Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara through your bangs, starting at the roots, to cut through grease, reduce frizz, and revive the shape.

If you’ve been itching for bangs, consider curtain bangs. They’re universally flattering, whether you have a bob, curls, or extensions. They’ll fit seamlessly into your existing hair-care routine, so you won't have to completely overhaul it for your new hairstyle. Plus, curtain bangs look amazing even as they grow out, so you’re unlikely to regret them. We can’t make any guarantees, but the odds are in your favor with the right stylist and tools.

Curtain bangs hairstyle inspiration

Classic curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesLong curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesCurly curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesUpdos with curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty Images

Additional reporting by Donna Freydkin and Nicola Dall'Asen.

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Nearly 32 million Americans have eczema, with the most common type being atopic dermatitis. The condition can cause patches of dry, scaly, and extremely itchy skin—and for some people, treating it can come with another skin concern: milia.

Milia are tiny, hard, keratin-filled bumps that are white, yellow, or skin-colored and tend to pop up around the eyes and on the cheeks. There are a few different types, but people with inflammatory skin conditions like eczema can experience what’s known as secondary, or traumatic, milia, says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. For these folks milia develop when the chronic inflammation associated with their condition weakens the skin barrier and affects the way it sheds dead skin cells, causing keratin to become trapped beneath the surface. Long-term use of strong topical steroids to treat eczema can also impact skin-cell turnover and lead to thinner skin, fueling the issue, says Dr. Spearman. “Thinner skin can be more prone to keratin becoming trapped under the surface, causing secondary milium,” she notes. Occlusive ingredients like petroleum jelly and shea butter—often used to soothe the dryness brought on by atopic dermatitis—are yet another potential contributor to milia formation when applied in excess or on areas prone to these bumps.

This can make treating eczema and milia at the same time a tricky balancing act—especially for aging people with darker skin tones, Dr. Spearman says. “As we age our skin loses moisture, and melanin-rich skin often has lower levels of lipids called ceramides, so this group tends to moisturize more. But when you use heavy oils or creams on the skin, you can form milia.”

So if you’re dealing with milia and eczema simultaneously, what should you do? Below are doctor-approved tips for treating both conditions at the same time.

Meet the experts:

• Christina Lee Chung, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia.
• Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Keeping eczema flares at bay

The first step in your journey to clearing up your skin should be to get your eczema under control. Preventing eczema flares allows your skin barrier to stabilize and creates the best environment for secondary milia to clear up.

Medication can be a huge help, but if you’re also experiencing milia, ask your dermatologist to re-evaluate your treatment routine. If you’re currently prescribed a topical steroid, for example, your provider may be able to switch you to a milder option. Depending on the severity of your condition, a less potent formula can still be strong enough to decrease the inflammation fueling your eczema, especially when paired with other lifestyle changes, says Dr. Spearman, adding that “there are also some newer nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory creams that can treat the eczema without thinning the skin or causing milia.”

Tweaks to your routine, like using a humidifier during the drier months and limiting time in the shower, are also helpful, since dry air and long, hot showers can suck moisture out of your skin and make eczema worse, she notes.

Christina Lee Chung, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Philadelphia, agrees that preserving moisture is vital. “Shower for five minutes or less—just jump in and jump out,” she advises. She also stresses to her patients that it’s better for their skin’s moisture levels to stick with lukewarm water and shower just once a day or even every other day, if possible.

What you use to suds up matters too. “I always tell patients that if you want to use an antibacterial soap in hot spots like the groin or armpits, that’s fine. But on the rest of your body, use a non-antibacterial cleanser so you don’t strip extra moisture,” says Dr. Spearman, noting that she particularly likes Dove body wash. The brand’s Soothing Relief wash is formulated with colloidal oatmeal, which moisturizes and helps soothe itching. Plus, the product carries the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so you can feel confident it won’t aggravate your skin.

After your shower, Dr. Chung suggests patting your skin dry and applying moisturizer as soon as you towel off while it’s still moist. Dr. Spearman recommends CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream or Cetaphil’s Moisturizing Cream, both of which are also endorsed by the National Eczema Association.

If you need something a bit heavier that’s formulated with ingredients like petroleum jelly or shea butter to soothe particularly rough spots of skin, Dr. Spearman tells her patients to use them in moderation: Avoid using these products in areas where milia tends to pop up, and instead think of them as spot treatment for stubborn eczema patches. Dr. Chung likes Aquaphor’s Moisturizing Cream, another product that gets the stamp of approval from the National Eczema Association.

Treating the milia

In terms of addressing the milia more head-on, there are a few things you can do. A dermatologist can manually extract the bumps using a sterile needle or scalpel, though this carries a possibility of scarring. Milia can also be treated with retinoids. This group of chemical compounds derived from vitamin A exfoliates the skin and increases skin-cell turnover, making dead skin cells less likely to get trapped and cause milia, says Dr. Spearman, who notes she recommends patients with eczema start with milder over-the-counter options. “The caveat is that these milder formulations do take longer to [lead to] improvement, but it helps people stick to the routine when they are so well-tolerated.” (Cocokind Advanced Retinol Gel is a National Eczema Association–approved product that may be worth trying. Dr. Spearman notes she is a fan of Olay’s new Regenerist Retinol 24 Starter Lotion, which doesn’t carry the seal.)

Since retinoids can cause dryness and further exacerbate eczema, consider applying a light moisturizer before or after the retinoid to help your skin tolerate the product. Some providers suggest using the sandwich method, which involves applying moisturizer both before and after retinoid use; if you want to give it a try, wait 10 minutes between applying each product to preserve efficacy, Dr. Spearman notes. While it will make your skin care routine a bit longer, don’t skip this important step. Beyond possibly triggering eczema flares, retinoid-related dryness and inflammation can lead to pigmentary issues, especially for folks with darker skin tones. “People of color have a lot of melanocytes [the cells that make melanin]. When they have skin irritation, the melanocytes get irritated, too, and they do one of two things: They make more melanin, or they drop pigment, so you end up getting patches of lighter or darker skin,” explains Dr. Chung.

The bottom line? You don’t have to choose between calming your eczema and keeping milia at bay. With a few tweaks to your skin care routine, a bit of trial and error—and guidance from your dermatologist—you can find a strategy that can help clear up both skin concerns.

Additional reporting by Dana Leigh Smith

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Allure editors leave no stone—or compact, palette, or tube—unturned when determining our Best of Beauty Award winners. And considering the number of submissions we receive (this year's count was around 5,500), you'd be correct to assume that doing so takes a whole lot of time and commitment.

But for you, dear reader, we'll happily do it again and again—and we have, for 30 years. That little red seal you see on Best of Beauty-winning products has become synonymous with trust—and that's something we take very seriously.

What else does our seal symbolize? Medicine cabinets overflowing with products, several dozen testers (and friends and family members of those several dozen testers), a whole lot of makeup remover, and an immense sense of pride.

We're often asked "when" we start working on Best of Beauty. But the better question might be: When are we not working on it? Our decisions don't happen overnight or in one long meeting. It's a yearlong process that happens steadily, in the background, as we conduct interviews with experts, meet with brand founders, attend launch events, and pass face mists around the office. Even when the process is over, it's not over—by the time the awards drop in the fall, we're just about ready to open submissions for the following year.

We know, we know: That sounds unbelievable. But we've got the receipts. Ahead, discover an annotated timeline of our 2026 Best of Beauty testing process, along with some candid, behind-the-scenes moments that make this journey as fun for us to put together as we hope it is for you to read—and shop.

Shop All 2026 Best of Beauty Winners

Mid-October 2025

We send out a call for the 2026 awards…

And brands answer. After posting an open call on social media inviting brands to submit their top products for Best of Beauty consideration, publicists and founders begin to complete our submission form.

Submissions fall into various categories such as skin, body, makeup, hair, and tools—plus niche categories like Clean and Breakthroughs (more on that later). We ask brands to submit any product, old or new, that they believe is a contender. The only condition is that it's available for purchase in September 2026, when the awards are announced—and it can't be a limited-edition launch (to ensure broad accessibility for winning products). For 2026, we received a whopping 5,568 submissions.

End of October

More than 5,500 products have been submitted, so there's a lot of sorting to do.

We start organizing the submissions—exporting all the data, making spreadsheets…you know, the fun stuff.

Simultaneously, we begin reaching out to members of the Allure team to ask which categories they want to test, based on their hair and skin types, their makeup styles, etc. This part is always exciting. Some editors go wild for fragrance while others are skin-care fanatics, so this is a chance for everyone to really lean into their favorite beauty categories. Each category has at least three officially assigned testers (although plenty of other editors won't hesitate to throw in their own opinions on formulas throughout the process).

Early November

We get really familiar with those spreadsheets.

Each editor receives a personal spreadsheet that includes a list of every category they're testing and the products within it. (This year, we had 75 in-house testers). At this point, the feedback fields on each sheet are blank, ready for the editor to add detailed notes about each product as they test (and re-test). And we mean detailed. We want to know everything from how difficult a jar of moisturizer is to open to how a foundation holds up throughout the day.

Early November to early December

Products begin to travel to us from far, far away…and some from just around the block.

Upon request, brands send us samples of their submissions (we ask for four of each), and it's time to get busy with the box cutters. These are the weeks when we focus on physically sorting all the submissions and getting them into the hands of our eager editors.

Packages and shopping bags piled up in the beauty closet during the call-in period.

Mid- to End of November

Last call!

Brands have had about a month to submit, and we close our first round of submissions.

December

It's time to get our Marie Kondo on.

Hundreds of boxes get unpacked, and products get sorted into more boxes for each editor, each labeled with the editor's name. While the majority of products are sent to Allure HQ, a few lucky (or maybe not so lucky?) editors have products sent directly to their homes, leaving them to deal with the aftermath: empty cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and possible paper cuts (ouch).

Social director Kassidy Silva turned her dining room into a makeshift beauty closet.

Global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick carries the aftermath of opening Best of Beauty packages out of her home.

Early December to early March

Over the next three months, we methodically test products, category by category, employing every body part necessary to get the job done.

Best of Beauty editorial assistant Arietta Hallock tests the Quick-Dry winner: Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Color.

Arietta Hallock

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen wears the winning LED face mask from Shark Beauty while in bed.

Sarah Kinonen

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor tests the winning waver hot tool from GHD.

Jesa Marie Calaor

As we mentioned, some editors prefer certain categories more than others. Of course, we all love skin care, but beauty director Sarah Kinonen is especially into skin gadgets and gladly took on the task of looking like a robot a few times a week to find the best LED face mask. Other editors, like senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor, use testing as an opportunity to try trendy beauty products they've been dying to get their hands on.

Social media manager Bianca Richards testing out a lip gloss on a night out with her girls.

Senior art director Ingrid Fowler wearing mineral sunscreen and her Allure red sweatshirt.

Some editors like to take products for a test run in the wild. “When linking up with my girls for a casual weekend dinner, we like to keep the fits low-key, but the glam has to be on point. It's the perfect opportunity to test out Best of Beauty makeup contenders,” says social media manager Bianca Richards. Ingrid Fowler, senior art director, put mineral sunscreens—and the exclusive Allure merch she designed—to the ultimate test: beach volleyball.

January

We re-open our submissions for a couple of weeks so brands can submit samples of the 2026 launches that they weren't able to provide in the fall.

March

After all the testing is (mostly) complete, we create a master spreadsheet, compiling everyone's testing notes into one document.

End of March to mid-April

Did someone just put a two-hour meeting on my calendar?

Yes, yes, they did. At this point in the process, we hold team-wide meetings to go through each category and talk about the various notes for each product. Think of it as the ultimate beauty debate. We eliminate products editors disliked and argue over the products that didn't quite have a consensus.

As we debate one category after another, we determine which products require a bit more testing to reach a decision—and add a few more products to the mix that initially slipped under the radar.

End of March

Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up!

By this point, every editor's testing box (stored in the beauty closet) should be empty of products as we gear up to clear out the space and return it to its original function: storing everyday beauty launches and serving as a cute filming spot for Allure's social and video content.

Spring

We're getting closer!

Now it's time to finalize our list of winners, and to put any winners in the clean and breakthrough categories through a vetting process.

"For a beauty product to win a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award, it has to be a first-of-its-kind: a blow-dryer that senses how far it is from your scalp, for example, or a pimple patch with LED lights," says Liz Siegel, who reported, tested, and vetted this year's Breakthrough winners. The product has to have data in the form of clinical studies to back up its claims. A panel of our judges—including cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and, of course, Allure editors—is enlisted to test the product, review the data, and, ultimately, agree that it really does deliver results, and that there's nothing else out there quite like it.

There is much debate in the beauty industry over the term "clean," so we came up with our own criteria, vetted by dermatologists, toxicologists, and cosmetic chemists. Products that meet our standard are formulated without: parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, cyclic silicones, aluminum salts, hydroquinone, triclosan, talc, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, toluene, microbeads, and chemical sunscreen filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate).

Mid-Spring

After much testing, deliberation, vetting, and re-testing, our 2026 Best of Beauty winner list is finalized! The list first gets shared through a teamwide email, at which point everyone pauses their work to browse the winners and see if their favorites made the cut.

End of Spring

Yay! But also, shh!

We reach out to representatives of the winning brands to share the exciting news of their win— they also get an official letter from Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel, followed by a reminder to keep the news under wraps until it's time to share the list publicly.

Summer

It's a sprint to the finish line!

The work doesn't stop here, though. We shift gears from testing to creating all the content needed to share and amplify award results, including the landing page, social media posts, and our special-edition Allure Best of Beauty print magazine.

Mid-September

It’s all been leading up to this…

At long last, we are able to share our current Best of Beauty winners with the world! The site is live, the social posts are pushed out, and every editor breathes a brief sigh of relief. But, as you may have guessed, we're not done yet.

October 17

Time to party!

Amid the busyness of putting together the awards, some team members have also been planning Best of Beauty: The Live Event! This is an annual event during which we showcase the awards with expert panelists and beauty treatments from our favorite brands (such as dry-styling by Wella Professionals or personalized skin consultations from EltaMD). And you're invited! Together, we all gather to celebrate another successful year of the Allure Best of Beauty Awards.

By the time you're reading this, we've probably already sent out submission forms for next year. So it begins again!

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Over the last 30 years, the Allure Best of Beauty Awards have bestowed what has become an instantly recognizable seal on the products that editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, dermatologists, and other experts agree are the cream (and serum) of the crop. Spotting that red circle while shopping feels like getting an instant and highly enthusiastic recommendation from your most beauty-savvy, ingredient-literate friend.

Repeat winners are inevitable, of course, not because there's a lack of competition—trust us, there are plenty of amazing new launches—but it's just that some winners somehow manage to remain untouchable. And that's why we salute these persistent products with a Hall of Fame recognition—a designation given only to products that have won three or more Best of Beauty Awards. And as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Best of Beauty Awards this year, 30 products have picked up their umpteenth win, including seven new members of the Hall of Fame.

Does their consistent greatness mean that you shouldn't even bother trying other products? Of course not—something else may work really well for you. But does it mean you must try them at least once if you haven't already, because hello, they are clearly awesome? Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.

Okay, so none of these products have won Best of Beauty Awards a thousand times, but that's only because we didn't get started until 1996. The fact that some of them have won three, four, even 27 times is still incredibly impressive—even more so when you consider how many have won Readers' Choice Awards, too.

The products below are the Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famers that picked up yet another seal in this, our 30th year of celebrating superlative formulas, tools, and pigments. Check them out and then find out for yourself why they keep conquering their categories.

Shop All 2026 Best of Beauty Winners

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

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Best Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

$25 $22 (12% off)

Amazon

Tweezers weren’t named after the Tweezerman brand, but its plucking tools are the gold standard (or perhaps the stainless-steel standard), so it’s easy to forget which came first. That’s especially true of the Slant Tweezer, which is the winningest Best of Beauty Award recipient in the honor’s history with 27 red seals, all affixed to the packaging with the precise tool itself. (Just kidding.) You can always rely on it—and boy, have we—to grab even the finest and most stubborn hairs.

Best of Beauty Awards: 27

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

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Best Makeup Sponge

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen blends in concealer using the Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge.

Sarah Kinonen

There have been an almost embarrassing number of imitators, but nothing will ever replace the original Beautyblender. Ingeniously shaped like a pointy egg, the makeup-kit staple has won a Best of Beauty Award for the vast majority of the years it has existed, having launched in 2003. "I wanted a tool that gave you an airbrushed look without having to actually use an airbrush machine," founder Rea Ann Silva previously told Allure, and that's achieved by how foundation sits atop the Beautyblender once it's wet, not to mention the way its suede-like texture and edge-free shape blend it out gorgeously into every tiny angle and contour of the face.

Best of Beauty Awards: 16

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

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Best Brow Serum

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$111

Amazon

Other brow conditioners and serums may promise miracles, but RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner has long delivered on exactly what we're hoping to see: healthier-looking, less brittle, and yes, seemingly fuller eyebrows. "I graduated from high school in 1994. I think you can imagine what my poor brows endured during that dark, dark decade for the human eyebrow. By the time I arrived at Allure in my 20s, they were still shadows of their former selves," says executive beauty director Jenny Bailly. "A strict hands-off policy certainly helped with regrowth, but I saw the most improvement after I started using RevitaBrow pretty much as soon as it came out. I've tried other brow conditioners over the years, but always come back to this one and use it consistently every day (which I can't say for many other beauty products)."

Best of Beauty Awards: 14

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

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Best Powder Blush

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applies and blends the Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush.

Jesa Marie Calaor

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush has racked up numerous Best of Beauty Awards since the turn of the century, but its winning streak slowed as the blush competition thickened. We're not saying that's what prompted the brand to reformulate what is arguably its most famous product (your grandma has probably used Orgasm), but we were so impressed with 2024’s talc-free, conveniently refillable, even more blendable reimagining of Nars Blush that it has picked up where it left off, snagging more red seals like in the good old days. "The new formula feels ever-so-slightly more velvety and deposits even more color with each swipe," says senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor.

Best of Beauty Awards: 12

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

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Best Permanent Hair Color

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

$32

Amazon

Some say the eSalon Custom Hair Color Set is the next best thing to going to the salon, but we have the audacity to say it may be just as good. That's because eSalon puts just as much care and expertise into crafting the single-process shade you want as a live-and-in-person colorist, taking into consideration your hair's texture, history, and more. The kit comes with more components than the average at-home hair dye (like a professional-style applicator brush and a stain guard gel for applying around your hairline), but it's not the least bit intimidating to use. In fact, it's arguably easier—just one of the reasons it keeps getting Best of Beauty Awards. "The finished result was so flattering and natural. It was like the shade was made for me—because it was," says contributor Liana Schaffner.

Best of Beauty Awards: 11

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

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Best Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

$24

Amazon

If your eyelash curler doesn’t also serve as an avant-garde tchotchke with a permanent spot on your vanity, is it really deserving of a Best of Beauty Award? Longtime fans of the Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler don’t even bother putting it away—it’s such a daily must-use. Its distinctive curved shape and ability to get close to the lash line prevent turning the curling process into an exercise in controlled panic. Its silicone pad gives lashes a beautifully lifted bend—never a harsh kink—creating an eye-opening effect before mascara even enters the picture.

Best of Beauty Awards: 10

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

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Best Thinning Hair Treatment

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

$45

Amazon (2-Pack)

Products that address hair loss are more abundant than ever (something we’d like to say about our hair itself, to be honest), but even with all of the new options, Women’s Rogaine’s 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam continues to endure as a reliable solution for thinning. It’s designed to be applied directly to the affected areas of your scalp, making it easy to target where density has diminished without marinating your head in a drippy liquid formula. And that ease is important, considering consistency is key: This is not a one-and-done kind of treatment, but rather a daily commitment. The fact that its fans keep using it for years indicates that its results justify the dedication.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

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Best All-Over Acne Treatment

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

$24

Amazon

It was a watershed moment for acne when Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel became available over the counter nearly a decade ago, putting a retinoid that had previously required a prescription within significantly easier reach. Surprisingly affordable, the no-frills treatment fearlessly confronts existing breakouts while also helping to prevent new ones with its all-over application. Think of it as a spot treatment in that your entire face is the spot. And because retinoids have a reputation for doing more for skin than just battling blemishes, Differin has also earned its keep among those looking to address signs of aging, like uneven skin tone.

Best of Beauty Awards: 8

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

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Best Brow Powder

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

$28

Amazon

We’re in an era inundated with brow options—pencils, gels, fine-tip markers—but Joey Healy’s Luxe Brow Powder makes a strong case for why powder is still one of the most dependable eyebrow-enhancing formats. Its finely milled formula creates soft definition, if that’s what you’re going for, or a bolder shape without blatantly announcing, “Hello, I am a filled-in eyebrow.” With shades ranging from blonde to charcoal, it also doesn’t force everyone into the same taupe box. The result is polished but believable, and easier to achieve than pencil devotees might imagine.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

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Best Quick-Dry Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

$8 $6 (25% off)

Amazon

Best of Beauty editorial assistant Arietta Hallock paints her nails with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color.

Arietta Hallock

Surely there’s a Norwegian word for the extremely specific pleasure that is painting your nails and not having to spend the subsequent half hour acting as if you’ve just had both of your hands surgically reattached. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color has built its reputation on making that possible without compromising on color quality, with a fast-drying formula that combines pigment with base and topcoat functions. It comes in an enormous assortment of shades and finishes too, so it actually takes longer to pick your polish than it does for it to set.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Stick

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

$14

Amazon

For an antiperspirant to earn Hall of Fame status, it has to do something considerably more important than just smell nice. Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant laughs in the face of aluminum-free deodorant, proudly flaunting aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly as the active sweat-stopping ingredient in its easy-gliding stick. And the “invisible” part means those aggravating white streaks are just as undetectable as B.O. It’s an overachieving staple whose place in Best of Beauty history is solid in more ways than one.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applies the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to her skin.

Jenny Bailly

If skin-care enthusiasts weren’t taking the impact of antioxidants seriously before 2005, that all changed with the launch of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. And with its recent reformulation (the brand announced it's adding endophytol and carnosine to its famous blend of ferulic acid and vitamins C, specifically the L-ascorbic acid variety, and E), it’s still impressing Allure editors. “I notice zero differences between the old version and the new one, besides the fact that my older one has oxidized,” says senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino. “This is amazing news for someone like me who hates when things change.” It still expertly addresses photodamage, including discoloration and fine lines, and the texture is still lightweight enough to layer under the rest of a morning routine. And yes, it still has its famously peculiar smell, but the fact that so many people are willing to look past that—or have even come to like it—is proof that its staying power is nothing to turn your nose up at.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Spray

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

$24

Amazon (3-Pack)

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen sprays on the Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant.

Sarah Kinonen

A few quick passes and you’re done. Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant feels like a whisper as you mist it on, but it stops sweat and stink like a wall. The aerosol formula dries without the icky, sticky feeling you might associate with some sticks, and the cucumber scent is refreshing enough to enjoy but light enough not to interfere with your chosen fragrance. And this is Dove we’re talking about, so you know your underarm skin is getting a softening session with each spritz.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

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Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

$30

Amazon (3-Pack)

Managing editor Alessandra Foreso mists on the Touchland Hand Sanitizer while on the go.

Alesandra Foresto

Hand sanitizer is boring…said no one who’s ever had the pleasure of using Touchland Hand Sanitizer. The recipient of multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, this germ-killing mist lures you in with its colorful, contemporary packaging and has you coming back for more with scents that aren’t just obvious alcohol plus cheap vanilla. They’re thoughtful fragrances like Velvet Peach, Blue Sandalwood, and Citrus Grove. It's easy to forget that it serves such a practical purpose, but even easier to remember to use it because you'll actually want to.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

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Best Nail Polish Remover

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

$12 $8 (33% off)

Amazon

Commerce editor Sarah Han removes her manicure with the Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover.

Sarah Han

Nail polish remover is decidedly not the most glamorous part of the manicure process, but Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover has spent years proving that, at the very least, it deserves the duty of erasing even your fanciest mani. Rather than simply dissolving lacquer, the formula is also designed to prep nails for a fresh, new coat. And if you’re changing colors frequently, you want a remover that gets the old polish off cleanly without leaving the nail plate looking parched. The pump packaging is also a boon for anyone who’s ever knocked over a bottle of nail polish remover and immediately regretted every single life choice that led up to that moment.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler

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Best Root Coverage

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler

$36

Amazon

Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly brushes the Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler into her roots.

Jenny Bailly

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler is one of those products that seems oddly niche—until the moment you need it. The compact contains a pigmented powder that can camouflage grown-out roots, and it also doubles as a brow filler, making it unusually useful while you’re waiting to get in to see your colorist, and every day as part of your makeup routine. It’s easier to control than many root-covering sprays—particularly when you need precision near the part or hairline—and while it doesn’t replace actual hair dye, that’s precisely the point. It offers a temporary intervention to make those more obvious between-appointment days a lot less obvious.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

For devotees of high-tech skin care, SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum has long been a perennial heavyweight. It has the clinical-looking packaging and price tag that suggest it's seen a white lab coat or two in its time, but it’s definitely not cosplaying as a serious serum. The formula centers on growth factors and peptides, with the goal of addressing multiple visible signs of aging at once—fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, loss of firmness (you know, all the usual suspects)—and the fact that it has won a Best of Beauty Award for most of the years it has existed is ample evidence that it follows through on its promises.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

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Best Matte Eye Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

$34

Amazon

Imagine a world in which eye shadow doesn’t require a small arsenal of brushes, a degree in color theory, and the patience of a saint. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is the key that opens the door to that world. It can be swiped directly across the lids and blended with fingers, taking out the intimidation factor even for makeup novices. Once set, it wears for hours without the fallout that so often bedevils powder formulas, and the 28-shade range in matte, shimmer, and multichrome finishes makes it almost unfairly easy to use one as a quick wash of color or several for a more elaborate, layered look.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Cocolab Cocofloss

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Best Floss

Cocolab Cocofloss

$10

Amazon

Dental floss doesn’t usually inspire the same level of enthusiasm as traditional beauty products, but Cocolab’s Cocofloss is a rare exception. It’s noticeably thicker and more substantial than the typical varieties you probably grew up using, and that texture gives it more traction as it moves between teeth. It feels more like you’re actually cleaning those spaces rather than just quickly saying hello. Singlehandedly responsible for making floss kind of adorable, Cocofloss comes in flavors like Lychee Breeze and Young Coconut, which may not exactly make flossing exciting, but it does make the whole experience feel considerably less like a chore.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

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Best Microcurrent Skin Device

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

$595 $506 (15% off)

Amazon

Does anyone else feel like they’re handling a funky-shaped magic wand when they’re using the NuFace Trinity+? Just us? Okay, cool. Having evolved well beyond the original version of the device, this handheld gadget uses microcurrent technology to stimulate facial muscles as it moves along the contours of the face, promoting a temporarily lifted, toned appearance. You can’t help but feel like you’re living in the future as you glide it along your cheekbones before (or during) coffee. And as you see the effects of its interchangeable attachments, you’re willing to accept that we got the NuFace Trinity+ instead of flying cars.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

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Best Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

$100

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel brushes her teeth with the Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush.

Jessica Cruel

Anyone who still doesn’t get jazzed about brushing their teeth obviously hasn’t tried the Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush. It not only puts manual, disposable toothbrushes to shame, but it also keeps coming out on top of our electric toothbrush picks. Editor in chief Jessica Cruel has been using this rechargeable, round-brush wonder for years and really appreciates the sensitivity sensor. Even her dentist has noticed a difference—and is there any more satisfying compliment than that?

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

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Best Monthly Peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel uses the Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel.

Jessica Cruel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel gives you the opportunity to play esthetician at home with a two-step, brush-on process that turns your bathroom into a very small, very exclusive spa. Starting with an exfoliating combo of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids and ending with a clay mask, it delivers fast, noticeable results that have earned it four Best of Beauty Awards. “I love that it comes with a brush to apply the acid step,” says Cruel.
“It tingles a bit, but after I rinse, my skin is visibly glowier.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

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Best Body Steals

Tree Hut Body Scrub

$12 $9 (25% off)

Amazon

There’s truly a Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub scent for every imaginable mood—social media manager Bianca Richards is obsessed with the freesia, sandalwood, and vanilla combo of Exotic Bloom—but no matter which fragrance floats your boat, you always end up with soft, glowing skin from shoulders to soles. “I find myself coming back to this tried-and-true favorite,” Richards says. “The sugar granules are just right for gently exfoliating dead skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed,” which may explain why it’s been entrusted with its fourth Best of Beauty Award.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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Best Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$21 $17 (19% off)

Amazon

Mineral sunscreen has a reputation for making its wearers look like they lost a fight with a tub of zinc oxide, but Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is designed to make the notorious white cast associated with this category considerably less obvious. The lightweight lotion spreads easily to evenly distribute its filters (both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), and the water-resistant formula makes it a practical pick for both everyday wear and more active experiences.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

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Best Round Brush

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

Social director Kassidy Silva gives herself a blow-out using the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush.

Kassidy Silva

Nicely situated somewhere between a curling iron and a round brush, the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush is ideal for anyone who wants the look of a bouncy blowout without having to wrestle with multiple tools. Its ceramic-coated barrel and nylon bristles allow the hair to be wrapped around the brush for curl, bend, or volume, depending on how it’s wielded. It’s especially useful for creating the kind of soft body that has somehow survived every major hair trend cycle.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

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Best Color Lip Oil

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

$42

Sephora

Editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applies the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil.

Jennet Jusu

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is a lip oil, sure, but it pulls off the tricky balancing act of feeling like both makeup and a treatment without making a big production out of either. The lightweight, glossy formula gives lips a jolt of shine and a hint of color, and the comfortable texture makes it easy to swipe on whenever lips look or feel a little blah. The cushiony layer of moisture it imparts makes it the kind of product that can live permanently in a handbag because there’s truly never an incorrect time to put it on, especially if you don’t mind being spotted visually dropping a designer name.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

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Best Foundation Brush

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

$48 $41 (15% off)

Amazon

Social media manager blends her base makeup with the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush.

Bianca Richards

A great brush should make foundation look less like flawless makeup and more like flawless skin, and Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Foundation Brush is designed to do just that. Its densely packed synthetic bristles and rounded shape allow it to reach the contours around the nose, eyes, and jaw while distributing foundation evenly. The angled ferrule gives the brush a little more control than other foundation brushes, while the soft bristles make buffing and pressing product into the skin as easy as can be.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Liquid Eyeliner

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

$34

Shop

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor draws on a cat-eye look with the Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner.

Jesa Marie Calaor

Liquid liner is notorious for striking fear into the hearts of the most steady-handed makeup wearer, but even beginners can quickly get comfortable with Lisa Eldridge’s Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner. Its very fine tip is designed for precise lines and teensy flicks, and it allows plenty of control to hug the lash line with intense pigment. "I’ve tried every liquid liner under the sun, and this inky, long-lasting black pen is the one I always come back to, to create my signature cat eye,” says Calaor. “It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

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Best Brow Pen

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

$16 $13 (19% off)

Amazon

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen fills in her brows with the Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow.

Sarah Kinonen

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow takes two of the most common brow tasks—drawing in sparse areas and setting hairs in place—and combines them in one dual-ended product. One end uses a fine pen to create extremely convincing hair-like strokes, while the other contains clear gel to fix the finished shape. Beauty director Sarah Kinonen says it looks a little intimidating at first, but it's anything but. “First, I comb up my brows with a spooley (any will do), then lightly flick the pen tip into my brows, focusing on areas that look a little sparse or need a little extra color. Then I set the look by brushing up the hairs with the brow gel side. Easy!” she says. “And it lasts all day and doesn't budge.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

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Best Lip Scrub

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

$15

Amazon

Poppy & Pout’s Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub uses sugar to physically slough away annoying flakiness while coconut and sunflower oils deposit moisture to keep lips from feeling stripped afterward—and onward. A small amount is enough to seriously smooth away dryness before applying lipstick, and the mint flavor gives the whole massaging moment a refreshing little kick. The reusable glass jar is another nice touch, but the real reason it has remained a standout is because it makes one of the least glamorous parts of lip care feel like a treat.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Photo: Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you're familiar with the sunscreen world—and you should be, considering we should all be wearing SPF every single day—you know that America is way behind in sunscreen innovation. This is in part because in the US, sunscreen is regulated as a drug rather than a cosmetic, which means it has to undergo robust testing via the Food & Drug Administration before hitting shelves. However, the FDA has finally approved a new active sunscreen ingredient (also called a filter), which is the first major sunscreen-related approval since 1999—yes, 1999!

On June 9, the administration added bemotrizinol to the list of permitted active ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreens. According to the FDA, bemotrizinol (or BEMT) “provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body.” Now that the approvals have been finalized, BEMT is considered to be Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA and recommended for use on adults and children ages six months and older.

“The agency has historically moved too slowly in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad. We’re continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and other over-the-counter drug products,” FDA commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a December 2025 statement when the organization began the formal process toward approving BEMT. “Americans deserve timely access to the best safe, effective, and consumer-friendly, over-the-counter products available.”

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously wrote in Allure that chemists in the US have a “pretty limited toolbox” for sunscreen formulation: just 16 active sunscreen ingredients, only eight of which are commonly used. For comparison, in Japan, formulators can choose from more than 30 approved filters. According to Dobos, who attended the 2025 Sunscreen Symposium, BEMT is manufactured by DSM-Firmenich, which has been trying to get the ingredient approved in the US for 20 years; it cost them roughly $20 million to bring it to market.

BEMT approval gives cosmetic chemists another ingredient to add to their list, and Dobos praises it for its efficiency. BEMT provides “true broad-spectrum protection with two distinct absorption peaks, one in the UVA range and one in UVB,” she explains, which means better defense against both sunburns and aging rays. “Unlike older filters that often require high concentrations to achieve adequate SPF, BEMT allows chemists to use lower overall levels of actives while still meeting high SPF and UVA protection targets,” Dobos tells Allure. It may also improve the sunscreen experience: “We can make products with lighter texture and less greasiness in formulations. And, like other organic filters, it's transparent on the skin.”

The American Academy of Dermatologists is also very much on board with BEMT. “The academy has been advocating for many years for the availability of more sunscreen options for US consumers,” Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, the immediate past president of the AAD, said in a statement last December, noting that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. “The United States lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.”

Now that BEMT is officially approved, you can expect to see sunscreens with the new filter hitting shelves this year. The first three arrived to the U.S. in September, and they all pair BEMT with filters that have been available in the States for a while. Ultra Violette's Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly Skinscreen is a semi-matte, zinc-BEMT formula meant to be particularly good for oily skin. Neutrogena has two: Clear Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60 (which, like the Ultra Violette formula, is formulated for acne-prone skin) and Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 (which has peptides and antioxidants too). Both of the Neutrogena options pair BEMT with avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate filters for full-spectrum protection.

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Ultra Violette

Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly Skinscreen

$40

Sephora

$40

Ultra Violette

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Neutrogena

Clear Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

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Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

Dobos says she's “very excited” about putting BEMT to work in sunscreen formulations. “Many times in the past, I felt like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls that football away just as he's about to attempt a kick, as progress would start and stall,” she says. “I've been following this my entire career.”