Category: HEALTHY-NUTRITION

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Sure, long tips wrapped around an icy cocktail glass will always exude summer elegance—but don’t count short nails out. They can carry trendy motifs and impactful adornments just as well as longer nails. In fact, Maryna Slynko, a nail artist in Overland Park, Kansas, has noticed people with short, natural nails are asking more often for “designs that feel modern, elevated, and visually interesting.”

Nail pros are seeing a surge in popular seasonal designs like fruits, flowers, and seashells, combined with trendy elements including rhinestones, shimmering cat eyes, and jelly finishes. Polka dots and micro-French tips are popular for short nails year-round because “they add dimension and personality without overwhelming the nail shape,” says Natalia Mercedes, a nail artist in New York City—but they’re getting a summer twist. Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange.

Summer is the perfect time to pull out all the stops and try more elaborate art on your natural nails. After all, those extensions that looked so good at your dinner and drinks might not prove as fun at the beach or water park. Keep reading for the top designs that look especially great on short nails and make for stylish vacation manicures.

Airbrush nails

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Airbrushed nails bring all the Y2K vibes to your fingertips. The look, which features splashes of color made with the airbrush device, lends itself to short nails, explains Slynko, creating “depth and movement without heavy elements.”

This summer’s version of airbrushed nails is extra soft and diffused. Add a cat-eye base or a few rhinestones to the look for a touch of bling, and you’ve got ​a cute manicure that’s both nostalgic and modern.

Polka dot nails

Courtesy of @nailswithjennymCourtesy of @glossedupsalonllcCourtesy of @slynko.beauty_kcCourtesy of @nails.miastudio

Last year’s obsession with polka dots was a nod to a retro Italian summer (limoncello included), while this year it’s all about taking the design into the future. Stars including Joey King and Vanessa Hudgens have been keeping the trend alive, modernizing it by adding cat-eye shimmer and cute bug details.

Polka dots are also being wrapped in metallic finishes, layered atop shimmery cat-eye bases, and embossed with jelly polishes. “These subtle details are what make short nails feel polished and refined,” says Slynko.

For summer 2026, Miss Pop, a nail artist in New York City, adds that polka dots are getting even smaller. “I used to place macro-dots in the corner of the nail, but now we’re seeing teeny-tiny micro-dots,” says Miss Pop. “On short nails, you can cover the full surface, and it’s minimal, but also maximalist in the sense that it’s all over the nail.”

Jelly micro-French nails

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Some natural nail lovers are true minimalists, and for that crowd, the prettiest and simplest design you can get is a micro-French. It’s an especially good option for those with very short nails since it requires so little space. If you have even a sliver of a white edge on your nails, a micro-French manicure will look good. “I’m so sad when I do a micro-French on a long nail because it looks so much better on short nails,” says Miss Pop.

Micro-French tips are popular year-round, but this summer there’s an added wash of color, thanks to semitranslucent jelly polish. It’s “such a beautiful little treat,” says Miss Pop. Whether it’s at the center of the nail or all over, it adds an extra layer of dimension.

The simplest way to create a micro-French tip is with a tool like the Le Mini Macaron Le Frenchie Nail Stamper. Just brush your polish onto the silicone stamper and press the very tip of your nail into the stamper. (The brand recommends doing so at a 45-degree angle to achieve that slightly rounded arch.) Add that layer of sheer color (we recommend the Essie Nail Art Studio Jelly collection for an array of color options), then finish with an extra-glossy topcoat.

Fruit nails

Courtesy of @nailsby._itzelCourtesy of @nailsbytifflin

Micro-fruit nails were especially trendy last summer when fashion and fragrance brands (like Jacquemus and Phlur) leaned into fruits, including cherry and strawberry. The summer 2026 take includes mixing this adorable motif with other minimal designs like stripes, French tips, and beaded details. The result? A detailed manicure that turns heads without looking busy.

For short nails, we’re zooming in on the cute design. Instead of mini berries clustered on the nail, “you can cover the whole nail with a single strawberry,” says Miss Pop. “This gives the design a more three-dimensional element,” she adds, noting that texture and dimension are big underlying trends this season.

Short seashell nails

Courtesy of @concon_wiCourtesy of @kalalastrzelbicka

Seashell nails evoke the feeling of hunting for shells and sand dollars on the beach. The seasonal design makes its way onto our feeds every summer, and this year, many of those seashell manicures we’ve been seeing are on short nails. The horizontal lines or ridges in the design elongate, making short, natural nails look instantly elegant. “On short nails, the basic seashell pattern looks even punchier since it’s on a smaller canvas,” says Eunice Park, a nail artist in Los Angeles and brand director at Aprés Nail. “It looks really cute and impactful.”

And this summer’s seashell nails are more realistic than ever. “I’ve seen shell nails on TikTok held next to an oyster shell and the nails look almost exactly like the real thing,” says Park, who adds that previous versions of the trend were more artistic: curved, vertical, 3D gel ridges polished with pearlescent chrome powder.

On short nails, Miss Pop recommends adding a small pearl in the center of the nail near the cuticle to add to the illusion of length. “When the point of interest is all the way down at the bottom or at the cuticle line, it makes the nail look longer,” she says.

Short floral nails

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We’re getting loud this summer. Skip the tiny, demure flower design on the nail menu and head for bigger blooms with bolder colors. That’s what clients of Rita Pinto, the owner of New York City-based Vanity Projects Salon, are asking for this summer.

Stick to one or two flowers on short nails, so they don’t look too busy. Nail artists have been relying on blooming gel to create soft, diffused petals, placing them at the corners of the nail for a more abstract effect. Creating floral nail art in bold, contrasting colors like black and white is also a popular way to dress up this simple design.

If you’re committed to a bouquet, place the flowers at the tip of the nail or off in a corner (so the design is cut off slightly) to create negative space, which, according to Elle Gerstein, a nail artist in New York City, “looks better as your nails grow out.”

FAQs

What should I keep in mind when choosing a design for short nails?

Nail artists recommend beginning with a very simple design and building on it when working with short nails. “I usually recommend keeping the art a bit more minimal so the nails don’t look visually crowded,” says Mercedes.

That’s not to say you can’t have several design elements in one look. If you choose to go that route, Mercedes says consider thoughtful placement and “working with a skilled nail artist who understands proportion and balance.” Gerstein also warns against placing a design too close to the bottom of the nail because this will make new growth more noticeable.

What tools work best for designs on short nails?

Very fine brushes, dotting sticks, and nail stampers are a few tools that make creating art on short nails a breeze. Micro-French tips, polka dots, and micro-fruits, in particular, require these tools. For softer, gradient effects and diffused florals, airbrush nail kits and blooming gel help create a seamless canvas that looks organic.

Nail artists also like to use magnetic nail polish and chrome powder as an easy way to add striking detail to simple designs.

Product essentials for short nail designs

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Le Mini Macaron

Le Frenchie Nail Stamper

$7

Nordstrom

$7

Ulta Beauty

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Mia Secret

Blooming Gel

$13

Mia Secret

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Madam Glam

Ultra Liner Nail Brush

$22

Walmart

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Manucurist

Nail Dotting Tool

$16

Manucurist

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Deco Beauty

Micro-Fruit Nail Stickers

$12

Deco Beauty

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Fcozpjk

Nail stamp sponge

$5

Amazon

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CRPEN

Airbrush Kit

$9

Amazon

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Olivia Rodrigo attends The Cure Music Video Premiere at The Metrograph on May 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin MazurGetty Images for Olivia Rodrigo )Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you didn't live through the ‘90s in your teens or twenties, I’m not sure I can convey in a glorifying enough way the ubiquity, the importance, the power of a single bobby pin positioned just above eyebrow height in the hair. Whether or not you were using it to keep bangs off your face, it was a must-have hair accessory. Sure, we wore cute clips, too, but there was something about a lazy bobby pin that so perfectly captured a cross-section of the era's styles. And while Olivia Rodrigo wasn't even born yet, she absolutely nailed the look on her current trip to London.

The singer-songwriter is promoting her new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and on June 4, she made a stop at BBC Radio One. Rodrigo was spotted wearing a cropped, lime-green, knit vest over a black and white polka dot mini dress, as well as thigh-high white socks and black heels. The fit perfectly nailed influence 1960s mod style had on 1990s trends, worn in a 2026 way.

Photo: Getty Images

But what really brought it all together was one tiny detail: a bobby pin. Rodrigo's signature long hair was side-parted, with the thicker side held ever so slightly back by a little, folded piece of metal that cost maybe a few cents.

Photo: Getty Images

It's worth noting that Rodrigo, perhaps controversially, wore the bobby pin grooves-up. Some stylists say that the ridges should always face the scalp for maximum security, but hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons previously told Allure, "The correct way to place a bobby pin is ridges up. The point of the ridges is to be able to glide over and secure the bulk of your hair, while still keeping it as flush as possible."

Truly the “tastes great, less filling” debate of the hairstyling world. (Sorry, that reference goes even farther back than the '90s.)

Rodrigo has recently shown how fond she is of the babydoll grunge style that's so indelibly associated with the ‘90s, so it just makes sense that she'd deploy such an accurate hair accessory. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least if she breaks out a snap clip next.

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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. Allure has it on good authority that plenty of brands already have their formulas locked and loaded. Since BEMT is legal to use in other countries, companies were able to get a head start on testing elsewhere. Ultra Violette confirmed to Allure that they plan to launch a sunscreen with BEMT in the U.S. September. Neutrogena also plans to work with the new filter.

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.”

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A great perfume can instantly elevate your mood and become an extension of your a.m. beauty routine, but building a fragrance rotation can get expensive fast. While we can't refute the appeal of luxury eau de parfums (Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Baccarat Rouge 540, anyone?), there are plenty of bottles under $100 from brands such as Phlur, Noyz, and By/Rosie Jane that deliver impressive complexity and longevity. This $100 threshold reflects today's fragrance market, where many contemporary and designer scents can easily surpass that mark. We've tested hundreds and can confidently say our picks below are just as aromatically satisfying and sophisticated as luxury finds that can reach upwards of $500.

Our Top Perfumes Under $100

• Best Rose: By/Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum, $86
• Best Fruity: Noyz Rinse Cycle Eau de Parfum, $85
• Best Floral: Ceremonia Perfume Mist de Guava, $38
• Best Gourmand: Forvr Mood She Was Here Eau de Parfum, $79
• Best Cozy: Fine'ry Sweet on the Outside Eau de Parfum, $30
• Best Vanilla: Cyklar Vanilla Verve Roll-On Perfume Oil, $24

Whether you're drawn to bright florals, juicy fruits, creamy gourmands, or skin-like musks, today's relatively more affordable fragrance scene offers something for every scent preference. Ahead, discover a scent-sational listing of the best perfumes under $100 Allure editors love, from viral favorites to under-the-radar gems.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are certain fragrances more expensive than others?
• Are there certain fragrance notes that are less expensive?
• How can I save money when buying perfume?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Rose Perfume: By/Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum

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By Rosie Jane

Rosie Eau de Parfum

$86

Amazon

$86

Nordstrom

$86

Sephora

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the By/Rosie Jane Rosie Eau de Parfum

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: Rose fragrances of years past have often leaned powdery or old-fashioned, but By/Rosie Jane's Rosie Eau de Parfum takes a completely different approach. Built around a clean, skin-like musk accord paired with soft rose petals, this fragrance smells less like a bouquet and more like natural skin with a subtle hint of the striking floral. The result is intimate and effortlessly wearable as it blends into your skin’s natural scent, making each spritz delightfully unique. Its minimalist composition also makes it ideal for anyone who prefers understated scents—but despite its simplicity, Rosie manages to feel sophisticated and comforting at the same time.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“‘Oh my gosh, you smell so good’ is music to my ears—and a phrase I hear approximately 28,468 times a day when I wear By/Rosie Jane’s Rosie. Am I exaggerating? Perhaps, but I really do get a bounty of compliments every time I wear Rosie. The skin-like scent has soft notes of rose oil, but doesn’t smell like a floral. Instead, thanks to white musk and warm amber, it smells like…me. And you. Which is probably why people love it so much. It’s airy, fresh, and amps up whatever fragrance you’re wearing with it, if you’re a layerer like I am. Here’s my morning cocktail: One, maybe two, tiny spritzes of The Harmonist Sacred Water (it’s pricey, so I like to savor it), and then three to four mists of Rosie because it wears so well on my neck, in my hair, on my jacket, literally everywhere.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Scent family: floral, musk
• Key notes: rose, musk
• Sizes: 1.7 fl oz., 0.33 fl oz.

Best Fruity Perfume: Noyz Rinse Cycle Eau de Parfum

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Noyz

Rinse Cycle Eau de Parfum

$85

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Noyz Rinse Cycle Eau de Parfum

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why we love it: Fruity fragrances have evolved far beyond the sugary body sprays of the early 2000s, and Noyz Rinse Cycle proves exactly that. This vibrant fragrance pairs juicy fruit notes with clean accords (think musk and amber) that evoke the sense of stepping out of the shower and wrapping yourself in freshly laundered linens. The combination feels uplifting, energetic, yet surprisingly sophisticated. While many fruit-forward fragrances can become cloying after a few hours, Rinse Cycle maintains a bright, airy quality throughout the day. It's an excellent choice for anyone who wants a playful scent profile balanced by freshness and modernity. (P.S. Noyz’s solid perfume is a Best of Beauty winner and only costs $42 a pop.)

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Have you ever just smushed your face into freshly laundered linens and thought, ’ahh?’ That’s the vibe this fragrance evokes. It’s a clean-smelling musk with a hint of brightness, thanks to its top notes of guava and lemon.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Scent family: fruity, fresh
• Key notes: pear, apple blossom, musk, amber
• Sizes: 1.7 fl oz., 0.5 fl oz.

Best Floral Perfume: Ceremonia Perfume Mist de Guava

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Ceremonia

Perfume Mist de Guava

$38

Amazon

$38

Sephora

$38

Revolve

Allure designer Briana Rengifo holding a bottle of Ceremonia Perfume Mist de Guava

Briana Rengifo

Why we love it: If you're looking for a floral fragrance that smells fresh, modern, and like a vacation in a bottle, Ceremonia's Perfume Mist de Guava deserves a spot in your collection. Inspired by the brand's best-selling Guava Leave-In Conditioner, this airy mist combines juicy guava with delicate floral notes for a tropical scent that doesn’t veer into overly sweet territory. The formula is designed for both your hair and body, so you can freely top up and refresh throughout the day.

Lightweight and easy to layer, it wears beautifully during warmer months when heavier florals can feel overwhelming. The approachable price point and generous bottle size only add to its appeal, making it one of the best fragrance values in the category.

Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo

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“I love guava scents and this one makes you smell incredibly edible and yummy for the summer, while also giving you some shimmer on your body for an extra glow! The bottle is beautiful to have out on your vanity as well.” —Briana Rengifo, designer

More to know

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• Scent family: floral, fruity
• Key notes: guava, lemon zest, peach, jasmine, sandalwood
• Sizes: 3.4 fl oz.

Best Gourmand Perfume: Forvr Mood She Was Here Eau de Parfum

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FORVR Mood

She Was Here Eau de Parfum

$79

Sephora

Why we love it: Gourmand fragrances can sometimes feel overwhelmingly sweet, but Forvr Mood founder Jackie Aina knows how to strike a balance between indulgent and elegant. Rich notes of vanilla, caramelized sweetness, and delicate florals intertwine in She Was Here, to create a fragrance that feels warm, comforting, and undeniably grounding. The scent reveals new facets throughout the day, transitioning from sweet and inviting to soft and creamy—the result is a multidimensional gourmand that feels grown-up rather than dessert-like. At under $80, it delivers the type of complexity typically associated with far more expensive eau de parfums.

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I’ve expanded my love for gourmand perfumes to include more decadent scents with floral notes woven in. Forvr Mood’s She Was Here strikes the perfect balance that's sweet and floral with a soft, skin-like finish. It evolves beautifully throughout the day, revealing new layers over time, which makes wearing it feel like a sensory journey. It’s quickly become one of my new favorites.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Scent family: gourmand, floral
• Key notes: pear, freesia, vanilla bean, caramel, sandalwood
• Sizes: 1.7 fl oz., 0.34 fl oz.

Best Vanilla Perfume: Cyklar Vanilla Verve Roll-On Perfume Oil

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Cyklar

Vanilla Verve

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Cyklar’s Vanilla Verve

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Vanilla fragrances are everywhere, but Cyklar's Vanilla Verve stands out thanks to its fresh, contemporary interpretation of the beloved note (it’s no wonder how it won a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award). Rather than focusing solely on sugary sweetness, the fragrance blends creamy vanilla with warm woods and subtle musks for a scent that feels clean and elevated. It's cozy without becoming overwhelming and sweet without feeling juvenile.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This is a grown-up vanilla—she’s layered, sexy, and loyal. Real talk: Before it ever came my way in Best of Beauty testing, singer Gracie Abrams influenced me to get this perfume. I was interviewing her, and she smelled like creamy cardamom meets spicy vanilla, and I was hooked. I love how small these bottles are, too. You can toss them into your bag and invest in a few of them to layer without breaking the bank.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Scent family: gourmand
• Key notes: vanilla, bergamot, green cardamom, heliotrope, amber, musk
• Sizes: 15 ml

Best Solar Perfume: Lore Sublimity Eau de Parfum

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Lore

Sublimity Eau de Parfum

$92

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Lore Sublimity Eau de Parfum

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Few fragrances truly capture the feeling of summer quite like this solar scent. In Lore's Sublimity Eau de Parfum, warm musk, sunlit florals, creamy coconut, and golden amber combine to evoke long, tranquil afternoons spent outdoors. Unlike traditional beachy fragrances, however, Sublimity feels refined and polished rather than overtly tropical. The scent radiates warmth without becoming heavy, making it especially appealing during the spring and summer months. Its balanced composition and impressive staying power help justify its price, which is still accessible compared to many niche solar fragrances.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I can’t stress enough that I’m not a coconut girl—I don’t like to eat it or smell like it. But Lore’s interpretation of coconut nectar is the opposite of sickly sweet and almost takes a back seat to the fresher notes of sea salt and ylang ylang. It’s a solar scent that’s not overly beachy, like I’ve been baking outside for hours…which you wouldn’t catch me doing anyway (if not only for the detrimental UV damage, but also the generally suffocating feeling I get lying in open sun for more than 15 minutes!). It’s airy and uplifting, just like I prefer my fragrances to be.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Scent family: solar, floral
• Key notes: coconut water, tiare flower, jasmine sambac, amber, driftwood
• Sizes: 1.7 fl oz., 0.33 fl oz.

Best Cozy Perfume: Fine'ry Sweet on the Outside Eau de Parfum

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Fine'ry

Sweet on the Outside Eau de Parfum

$30

Amazon

$30

Walmart

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Fine’ry Sweet on the Outside Eau de Parfum

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why we love it: Fin'ery has developed a reputation for creating affordable fragrances with luxurious vibes, and Sweet on the Outside particularly stands out for its cozy, anxiety-melting gourmand blend. The fragrance wraps you in warm vanilla, toasted sugar, and soft woods, creating a comforting scent profile that feels like your favorite oversized sweater in perfume form. Despite its gourmand leanings, it remains remarkably wearable for all seasons (not just the cold ones!) and never feels overly rich.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“This mildly sweet gourmand is perfect for everyday wear since it’s light but on fancier occasions it still smells lovely enough to get a compliment or two.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Scent family: gourmand
• Key notes: vanilla, toasted marshmallow, cashmere woods
• Sizes: 2 fl oz.

Best Musky Perfume: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

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Phlur

Missing Person Eau de Parfum

$99

Amazon

$99

Nordstrom

$99

Sephora

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it's worth it: Phlur’s Missing Person has become one of the most talked-about skin scents in recent memory. Built around soft musks, delicate florals, and clean skin accords, it basically melds into your skin rather than smelling like you’ve doused yourself in perfume. It’s ideal for those who prefer subtle scents that invite people closer rather than announcing their presence across a room. Its emotional, nostalgic quality has earned it a devoted following, and the travel-friendly size offers an affordable entry point into one of the industry's most beloved modern musks.

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I refer to Missing Person as my ‘no brainer’ perfume—when I’m leaving out the door in a rush or can’t decide what specific fragrance I want to wear for the day, I end up gravitating towards this one in response. It’s easy, smells familiar, and I can always count on a compliment or two when I’m wearing it.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Scent family: musk
• Key notes: musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, neroli blossom, sandalwood
• Sizes: 3.4 fl oz., 1.7 fl oz., 0.32 fl oz.

Best Perfume Oil: Malin + Goetz Strawberry Perfume Oil

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Malin + Goetz

Strawberry Perfume Oil

$40

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann after applying the Malin + Goetz Strawberry Perfume Oil

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Strawberry fragrances are having a major moment (it is summer, also known as strawberry season, after all), but Malin + Goetz's Strawberry Perfume Oil offers a distinctly sophisticated take on the trending fruity note. Rather than smelling like candy, the fragrance highlights the fruit's bright, slightly green facets alongside soft musks and warm woods. The oil format wears close to the skin and develops beautifully over time, creating a personalized scent experience that feels uniquely yours. It's also incredibly portable, making touch-ups throughout the day seamless. For anyone curious about perfume oils or looking for a fresh interpretation of fruity fragrance, this one delivers impressive nuance and longevity.

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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“I've written about the spray version of this fragrance before, but I think the perfume oil is on its own level of special. It's much greener than you'd expect—there's a hint of berry sweetness but it's mostly a vegetal, fresh fragrance to me. Whenever I wear it, I like to think I smell like I spent all morning handling a bunch of farmers' market strawberries, gently arranging them into some gorgeous, rustic strawberry tart, and the scent of the juices and stems melted into my skin and lingered all day long.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Scent family: fruity
• Key notes: strawberry, bergamot, pink pepper, jasmine, cedarwood, oakmoss, musk, orris root
• Sizes: 0.3 fl oz.

An Honorable Mention

Best Fruity Gourmand Perfume: Brown Girl Jane Carousel Eau de Parfum

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Brown Girl Jane

Carousel Eau de Parfum

$102

Sephora

Why we love it: Ringing in at just a smidge over $100 is Brown Girl Jane's Carousel Eau de Parfum. This delightful scent sits at the intersection of juicy and creamy, opening up with vibrant fruity notes before settling into a rich gourmand base that feels playful, but not juvenile. There's a nostalgic quality to the carnival-inspired scent, like a favorite childhood treat elevated through a more sophisticated lens—and it never feels heavy or sticky. Carousel's warm dry-down gives it versatility across seasons, making it a no-brainer pick for sweethearts who want a gourmand fragrance that they can wear year-round.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“I'll use two to three spritzes on my inner wrist, which I dab on my shirt collar and neck, to be coated in the sweetness of Brown Girl Jane's Carousel perfume. I typically layer my perfumes but skip it with this scent since it has the tinge of musk to it already.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Scent family: fruity, gourmand
• Key notes: apple, blackcurrant, cotton candy, amber, sandalwood
• Sizes: 1.7 fl oz., 0.33 fl oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are certain fragrances more expensive than others?

Fragrances have one of the widest price ranges in the beauty industry, from under-$10 options to prices that rival luxury hairstyling tools. (Seriously, some are more expensive than a Dyson Airwrap).

According to multiple perfumers, major factors in market price are ingredients and materials used to create the fragrance. “Ingredients such as orris, jasmine, rose, and vanilla are often among the costliest due to factors including limited availability, complex extraction processes, and the specific regions of the world where they are sourced,” says Caroline Sabas, senior perfumer at Givaudan.

Tiffany Champion, apprentice perfumer at Atwood Parfum, adds that the price of ingredients centers on the labor intensity required to obtain them, the rarity of the material, and whether they can be replicated with synthetics, “which in turn influences how much the perfume will cost.” That’s why natural materials like orris, jasmines, ouds, and ambergris tend to run pricier, according to Champion.

Kelly Kussman, founder of fragrance brand Cayla Gray, adds that the concentration of fragrance oil makes a major impact on price, which is why lower-concentration formulas like body sprays or eau de toilettes tend to be less expensive than eau de parfums and extraits. “An eau de parfum contains more fragrance oil and tends to last longer on skin,” she notes.

Additionally, both Kussman and Champion say pricing can sometimes come down to marketing tactics, regardless of quality. “In some cases, regardless of the integrity of the perfume, you’re paying for access to a name or for a perception of prestige attached to a certain product,” says Champion. “The prices are what they are because brands know people will pay the cost.”

Are there certain fragrance notes that are less expensive?

According to all three experts, the most affordable fragrance notes tend to be synthetic rather than directly derived from natural materials—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. “[Synthetic fragrances] are often produced in large quantities through efficient manufacturing processes,” she says. “This makes them more consistent, readily available, and often more cost-effective than their natural counterparts.”

Champion also notes—hear her out—that synthetic fragrance notes can be beneficial for the environment. “Synthetics help relieve environmental strain that can be exacerbated with overharvesting, climate change, or political unrest, rendering certain materials endangered or obsolete,” she says.

Both Sabas and Champion note that some of the most common synthetic fragrances include hedione (an airy alternative to soft, floral jasmine) and vanillin (a synthetic with a similar scent profile to natural vanilla at a lower cost). “Iso E Super is a popular woody note that is widely available and frequently used in modern perfumery due to its versatility and accessibility,” adds Sabas.

How can I save money when buying perfume?

First off, always keep in mind that price does not equate quality. “The best fragrance is not always the most expensive one. It is the one that feels most like you,” says Kussman. Try eau de toilettes and body sprays, which have lower concentrations than traditional perfumes and, therefore, lower prices.

If you want to enjoy a higher-priced scent without shelling out too much of your hard-earned money, Champion’s biggest recommendation is to sample before committing. “To curb overconsumption, I encourage everyone to try a sample at 2 ml, upgrade to either 5 ml or 10 ml, and if you feel after that you can’t live without the perfume, eventually buy a full bottle.” This allows you to spend more time with the scent without heavily investing in a blend you might not love at first spritz.

There’s also a huge second-hand fragrance community to explore (with extreme discernment), according to Champion. “You can attend swaps in your area if they’re happening. If not, start one amongst your friends,” she adds. If you want to take the virtual route, just be sure to exercise caution when shopping secondhand online, as counterfeit fragrances and scams are not uncommon. Whenever possible, purchase from reputable sellers with extensive reviews, ask for proof of purchase or additional photos, and be wary of deals that seem too good to be true.

Meet the experts

• Caroline Sabas, Givaudan senior perfumer
• Tiffany Champion, apprentice perfumer at Atwood Parfum
• Kelly Kussman, founder of fragrance brand Cayla Gray

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 affordable perfumes, 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 two 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.

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Reality TV. The beauty and fashion industries. Hollywood. Formula 1 racing? ICYMI, Kim Kardashian is now a fixture at Grand Prix races around the world thanks to her reported relationship with Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton, and in true Kim fashion, she's bringing her beauty A-game to every race—including a very '90s hair accessory that looked right at home on the glamorous streets of Monaco.

Kardashian attended the Grand Prix of Monaco on June 7 to cheer on Hamilton, accompanied by her sister Khloé Kardashian, and instead of her signature long waves, she pulled her dark hair up in a messy twist and cinched it with the humble but currently trending claw clip. The clip itself was the exact same shade as her hair so it almost vanished into the hairstyle, creating a trompe l'oeil effect; depending on the angle, you couldn't even see it when you squinted! Kardashian left the front portions of her hair loose to frame her face with a romantic, easygoing energy.

The look was similar to the one she wore to watch the Super Bowl with Hamilton: simple but glamorous with a seductive softness. And a claw clip is also so practical; it's easy to pull your hair up and off your neck on a hot summer day! Kardashian finished off her race-day glam with soft rose-brown makeup and her favorite super-short nails manicured in a milky, ultra-subtle color.

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The star isn't the only one bringing retro hair accessories to the forefront this summer. Last week, Olivia Rodrigo—who was born in 2003, mind you—threw it way back with a simple but very nostalgic side-parted hairstyle secured with one statement-making bobby pin. You don’t have to be a celeb to mimic their hairstyles, either; claw clips are everywhere at the drugstore, and if you're anything like us, you've probably got dozens of bobby pins scattered around every corner of your home. It's gonna be an extremely '90s-hair summer!

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There’s a lucid rebellion bubbling within the walls of Broadway’s Studio 54 theater, the kind that transcends space, time, and earthly norms. It’s a revolt against societal bounds, a nostalgic renaissance honoring then and now, and a revelation of beauty for the “others” of this planet and the ones beyond our realm.

Dammit, Janet, it’s Rocky Horror!

Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, the 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show is a true masterclass in delicious deviancy, a glitter-bombed portrait of humanity at its most free and fearless. The story follows newly engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss who, confronted with car issues on a treacherous and stormy night out, stumble across a mansion of misfits led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a gender-bending scientist with a thirst for depravity. The cosmic creatures they encounter inside lead them on a journey of self-discovery, seduction, and sexual liberation, leaving audiences to wonder what planet these otherworldly characters may have come from.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first premiered onstage in 1973, inspired by the decades of science-fiction and gothic horror films that preceded it, before being turned into a film two years later that has developed a massive cult following. This is largely due to the movie’s midnight showings, where fans come dressed in the film’s iconic costumes, shouting lines and call-backs from their seats as they revel in Rocky’s unapologetic nature. The show’s roots are centrally grounded in queer and drag culture—the characters come from the planet “Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania,” after all—with its themes of liberation, freedom, and passion serving as safe “come as you are” or “come as you wish to be” messaging for those who have entered the fan base over the years.

Concerns from legacy fans that the revival may not reach expectations are squashed roughly 20 minutes into the 2026 production when Luke Evans—standing at 6’8” in stiletto heels, equipped with Frank-N-Furter’s iconic cherry red lip, green-glitter eye shadow swept across his lids, and a shoulder-grazing rock-star shag—makes his glorious entrance with a rendition of “Sweet Transvestite," that permeates your soul. In that moment, Evans’s stature and presence are so enrapturing, he could make the Mona Lisa quake in antici…pation.

Luke Evans as Frank-N-Furter.

Evans’ full Frank-N-Furter hair and makeup.

But the colorful parade of excellence that takes the stage at Studio 54 eight times a week is a true testament to collaboration. Each detail of the production has been handled with care, not a single eyelash left unnoticed by the show’s hair and makeup team led by hair and wig designer Alberto “Albee” Alvarado and makeup designer Sterling Tull.

In bringing Rocky to life, both designers drew inspiration from the Club Kids, those exuberant, fashion-obsessed personalities who ruled and fueled New York City’s nightlife in the 1980s and ’90s. They also wanted to pay tribute to the show’s influence from and in drag culture, not solely acknowledging how the role of Frank-N-Furter defies gender norms, but also how Rocky has introduced liberation to countless young people over the past 50 years.

“Drag is so dependent on your self-expression that I wanted that to be communicated through [each performer’s] makeup looks, so I wanted to give the actors the freedom to find those characters,” Tull explains of the time they took with each performer to carefully uncover how these modern interpretations of famed characters would come to life. “[Throughout the process], some looks were psychotic, some were pretty, some were total Club Kid clowncore, until we settled and found something that they really vibed with and wanted to apply on their face eight shows a week.”

Evans in the makeup chair.

That is abundantly clear in Evans’s Frank-N-Furter, whose electrifying aesthetic is both reminiscent of the character’s famous roots while also a complete departure from the famed source material. Gone are Tim Curry’s colorless face palette and short curls, and in their place: bold, painted-on brows, seafoam green-glitter eyelids, and a wig so fabulous, Evans can’t help but twirl its ends numerous times throughout the show (when he’s feeling flirty, you know?).

“The first day I put Luke in Frank-N-Furter makeup, Sam told us to ‘go really small,’ and I said, ‘Great!’ And then I did not go very small; I went very Siouxsie Sioux, Club Kid drag…and Luke loved it,” says Tull. According to Evans, it’s his exaggerated brows and the “sharp, smoky intensity around the eyes” that are key to his transformation, allowing him as Frank to “control the room, seduce everyone, and destroy people a little bit at the same time,” he says. “There’s something almost cinematic about this version of [Frank-N-Furter]—beautiful, dangerous, and sexy.”

In selecting his wig, Alvarado explains, “[With Frank], there’s some sort of Christ-like Jesus complex where people are so drawn to him and revere him, and so the long hair, for me, was a nod to that.” With a lived-in texture, “this version feels more rock star than cabaret…like Frank has been awake for three days hosting some beautiful, chaotic party in another dimension,” Evans says, adding that the longer, looser shape “gives him a more sensual masculinity, which I think makes him feel both more dangerous and more vulnerable. I wanted audiences to feel like they couldn’t quite place him in a specific era or category. He’s glamorous, but untamed.” Ultimately, for Evans, the wig is a "huge part of unlocking my Frank…The second it goes on, my posture changes, my energy changes, and Frank arrives.”

Evans in final hair and makeup checks backstage.

The choice to give Frank-N-Furter a wig with visible green roots was not only intentional, Alvarado says, but a throughline that echoes the show’s core theme of acceptance. “I always hoped that [the roots] would be green to show that [Frank] was trying to cover up what he really was, and now he's starting to embrace it, and he's starting to see his true self with his real green hair coming in.” That “true self” pointing to Frank-N-Furter’s comfort within his own skin, liberated of any societal norms that could keep him from tasting his earthly desires.

This root-ful message even trickles down to the show’s Phantoms—four members of the ensemble that serve as Rocky’s Greek chorus, who Tull describes as each possessing unique, flavorful notes of “Club Kid clowncore.” Though traditionally made to blend in, Tull and Alvarado wanted to breathe life into each Phantom, styling them based on specific icons of queer culture like Amanda Lepore. Their wigs range in color, including soft pinks and blondes, with highlights of tinsel throughout—a nod to the full tinsel wigs that didn’t make the cut (in this instance, there is such a thing as too much sparkle). “[The Phantoms] are such a heartbeat of this show,” Alvarado says.

Amber Gray as Riff Raff.

As Columbia, Golden Globe winner Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the ultimate showgirl. To craft Rodriguez’s take on the character, while paying homage to Nell Campbell’s famed portrayal of the flirtatious tap dancer who is the most theatrical in Frank-N-Furter’s troupe of misfits, Tull pulled inspiration from vaudevillian icons and starlets like Sharon Tate, “who has a very tragic end to her story, much like Columbia,” she explains. This took the form of colorful, exaggerated eyebrows, pastel blush that can be seen from space, and glitter galore. The purple hues used throughout the makeup reference royalty, while the gold shimmer on Rodriguez’s eyes draws from the original production, culminating in the perfect concoction of regality, old celebrity, and vaudevillian iconography.

Columbia’s wig was created with a similar sentiment, holding true to the character’s famed bright red hair, updated for this production with finger waves and short pigtails. “We wanted to keep [Rodriguez’s] playfulness,” Alvarado adds, “which is why you see all of those hair decorations that are put in haphazardly,” adding a nice, spirited contrast to Columbia’s regality.

For characters like the Riff Raff (Amber Gray), the castle’s spooky caretaker who sits right at Frank-N-Furter’s side, “the most important thing to me was silhouette,” Alvarado says. In their designs, both he and Tull wanted to acknowledge that Gray is a woman of color playing this traditionally male character, not shying away from the drag king reality taking stage in this portrayal.

Riff Raff’s complete hair and makeup.

Gray transforming into Riff Raff backstage.

Following a similar silhouette to Richard O’Brien’s original Riff Raff, Alvarado collaborated with Gray on a wig consisting of firmly laid blonde braids that hang down her neck. “It’s an honoring of my hair [as someone who is] biracial…It’s the perfect combination in keeping a wig that would be made for my hair type as well as the original silhouette,” Gray says.

Tull paired this with makeup that can best be described as “alien punk,” emphasizing Gray’s natural features with heavy contour, black lipstick, and darkened teeth to create a skeletal aesthetic that uplifts Riff Raff’s frightening demeanor. “The truth is,” Gray tells Allure, while getting prepped backstage before a Thursday matinee, “that I’m a very outside-in actor. So when I stare in the mirror in my costume, in the wig, and in the makeup, I understand how to play the role.”

Harvey Guillén as Eddie.

The drag king inspiration continued with Harvey Guillén’s portrayal of Eddie, the show’s rock-and-roll ghost who survives just one scene before being chainsawed to pieces. Tull drew inspiration from old Broadway makeup that is “specifically over the top,” best showcased in Guillén’s massive black eyebrows that are dusted with enough glitter to shine for those seated at the top of the balcony.

“A big throughline with a lot of the people in the castle, including Eddie and the Phantoms, is that they all kind of have a Frank-N-Furter shape to their eyes because they're, in my head, being infected by him,” Tull explains. “These Transylvanians, who might be aliens or might once have been human, have become so deranged over time and become little cultish Frank-N-Furter creatures, and that's how I really felt about Eddie.”

Alvarado’s wig choice for Eddie resembles classic biker mullets and updos from the 1960s. Given Eddie is a fully comedic role, Alvarado was intentional in not wanting to cheapen the character’s aesthetic in a laughable manner, but rather, to make Guillén as “hot” as possible. “There’s something so much more powerful about making them look really beautiful and letting them be funny by choice,” he says.

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It's a stark contrast to the second role Guillén plays in the production: Dr. Scott, a much more demure-looking gentleman compared to Eddie’s rock 'n roll flair. Guillén begins the show in Dr. Scott’s ensemble, then, after just one number, bolts to the theater’s basement to be transformed into Eddie, where, in the nick of time, he is able to make it back onstage for his star number. Only to return to the basement shortly after, peel out of Eddie-drag, and back into his full Dr. Scott look to finish the show. The whole journey is a true testament to the creative team’s excellence.

Josh Rivera as Rocky.

Then there’s Rocky (played by Josh Rivera), the show’s meticulously crafted specimen who Frank has created for NSFW purposes. “I really wanted to create a femme Rocky,” Tull says, laughing, “and Josh said he’s never felt as masculine as when he was in full baby doll glam.”

In the storyline, “Rocky is seven hours old; they were just born today,” Tull says, “so the makeup needed to explain that. This person put on this makeup without any knowledge of makeup, but they’re doing it because it makes them feel good; it makes them feel sexy.” Tull executed this by giving Rocky bright pink blushed cheeks, baby blue eye shadow, and bold bottom lashes, achieving a youthful glow that sparkles onstage.

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Rivera enjoys the freedom his makeup chart allows, exploring the beautiful possibilities that come with a bright blush palette and bountiful amounts of glitter. “During previews, I started [extending the blush] to my nose too, so I get a little Rudolf-chic kind of thing. I just think it’s cheeky.” He jokes, “We are singlehandedly propping up the glitter industry right now.”

While Rocky is typically portrayed as a classic, naturally blonde hunk, Alvarado chose to create a wig that “looked like what his hair would look like if we actually bleached it, which is why there is still root in there,” he says. And don’t worry, the hunk aesthetic remains untouched.

The Rocky Horror Show pridefully struts forward on the tails of its famous legacy while beaming with modern flair and electricity. There is simply too much to appreciate in one viewing. I am on my fourth visit to Rocky, with many more to come as the show continues to run through the fall on Broadway, and each subsequent evening I spend in Transylvania makes one point abundantly clear: There’s a light over at the Frankenstein place, and if my research is correct, that light may just be a spotlight reflecting off the pounds of glitter scattered across the Studio 54 stage. And what a marvelous sight it is.

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Black mascara will always have its time and place, but for many Allure editors, the best brown mascaras are the ones they reach for most often for a more subtle look—and makeup artists do the same. "I just think there's something really fresh about [wearing softer colors], and it allows for all the other makeup products that you're wearing to look even less makeup-y," says New York City-based makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. And what better way to kick off your soft-girl era than with brown? It's a happy medium between black and even more vibrant mascaras like neon green or burgundy. Call it a low-risk, high-reward endeavor.

Whether you prefer lengthening, volumizing, or waterproof formulas, the best brown mascaras will offer all that black mascaras do—but never look too harsh or overwhelm your eyes. Take a peek at our favorite browns ahead.

Our Top Brown Mascaras

• Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown, $28
• Best Lengthening: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown, $14
• Best Tubing: Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown, $25
• Best Volumizing: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown, $34
• Best for Separation: Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn, $29

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Why should I choose brown mascara?
• How to apply brown mascara
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

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Tarte

Tartelette Tubing Mascara

$28

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Yes, the XL version of this Tarte mascara is technically the Best of Beauty winner, but our editors reach for the original Tartelette Tubing Mascara just as often. In addition to Brown, it comes in a boatload of other fun shades, such as Magenta and Navy, so you have a hue for every mood. One of our go-to tubing mascaras for quite some time, Tartelette is designed with almost 300 bristles (296, to be exact) to separate and lift your lashes for a bit of drama, but nothing over the top. It's buildable but never clumps, and skin-care ingredients such as conditioning shea butter and moisturizing castor oil keep lashes soft and flexible, never stiff. Best of all, at the end of the day, your “lashes” slide off with a bit of warm water—no tugging or wrestling (or lost lashes) needed.

Hoffmann before applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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"I was a brown mascara skeptic for a long time because if I'm going to spend precious morning time putting mascara on, I want drama," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “What's dramatic about a natural brown shade? Well, I'm mature enough to admit when I'm wrong because Tarte's Tartelette Mascara has officially converted me to the slightly lighter side. The shade is a nice, true brown, not too warm-toned, and the stiff wand evenly distributes the product throughout for long, fluffy, natural-looking lashes.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Benefits: curling, long-wearing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil
• Waterproof: no, but listed as sweatproof
• Total shades: 6

Best Lengthening: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

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Maybelline New York

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Han applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Originally launched in 2021, the TikTok-viral Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara has clearly proven its staying power—even in the crowded, constantly-innovating drugstore mascara market. Years later, our editors call it a reliable fave, and one they'd actually buy with their own money. (At less than $15, and often on sale, it's practically a no-brainer.) The True Brown is obviously the highlight here: true to its name, the color is not too deep, not too light. The wand itself is very flexible, so you can truly wiggle up and down your lashes to coax as much length as possible—and trust us, it offers a lot of length. After just two coats, your lashes look like you've applied falsies…without the pain of, well, applying falsies. It's also infused with bamboo extract and fibers that attach to your lashes, making them look thicker and fuller without weighing them down.

Han before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This Maybelline mascara may just hold the record of the mascara I've been loyal to for the longest. That's not to say I don't like/use other mascaras—clearly I do, based on this list alone—but I rarely never have one of these Sky High tubes on hand…and often backups. It does a fabulous job at coaxing a lot of length out of my dismal, teeny-tiny lashes—even without a lash curler, but I always use one anyway. It rarely clumps, either, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. It's a truly reliable formula down to the bone. I'm also a big fan of the burgundy shade!" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: bamboo extract
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 9

Best Tubing: Urban Decay Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

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Urban Decay

Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Why we like it: Our editors seriously love tubing mascaras, but the fact that Urban Decay's Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara comes in not just black and brown, but a dark-blonde taupe, auburn red, and bleached platinum, gives it an edge up amongst its peers. Formula-wise, Tube Job is infused with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and castor oil to keep lashes fluttery and flexible, and never dry and clumpy—and despite the skin-care-forward formula, it's water- and smudge-resistant. The tapered conical applicator features the brand's tiniest bristles, which grab onto every itty-bitty lash for all-day lift and volume.

Kinonen before applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“While I love the look of jet-black mascara, there’s something so familiar and comforting about a brown-hued version. Maybe it’s because the shade is closer to the color of my lashes, or that when it’s removed, it looks less extreme. Whatever it is, I’m currently in my brown mascara era with Urban Decay’s new tubing formula and don’t see a way out. It’s got all the bells and whistles of a tubing mascara (easy removal, no clean-up) but wears like a classic. Even though I have a zillion (give or take) other mascaras to test for work, I keep coming back to this one. It easily fans out (and lengthens) my little lashes, doesn’t clump, and pairs with any look no matter where I’m going: the office, or in a booth of a crowded Brooklyn restaurant.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, lengthening, lifting, easy removal
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, castor oil
• Waterproof: no, water-resistant
• Total shades: 5

Best Volumizing: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown

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YSL

Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Unhibited Brown

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Sephora

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Why it's worth it: What higher honor for a brown mascara than a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for best colored mascara? YSL's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown—a name that draws you in right away—boasts an oversized, conical brush that coats every lash, lifting and thickening them for a bold, voluminous look. (After all, it’s in the name.) The extra tapered tip does an excellent job latching on to even the tiniest of inner-corner hairs. Whether you're a one-and-done person or consider three layers, at minimum, to be your norm, Lash Clash is a keeper.

Richards before applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“No matter what it comes down to, I will forever splurge on the YSL Lash Clash mascara since it gives me that voluminous, wispy finish for my almond-shaped eyes. Not only does the brown shade add that playful and effortless look for no-makeup makeup days, but the rich chocolate hue helps to accentuate my dark brown eyes.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, thickening
• Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil, camellia flower extract
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 4

Best Curling: Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

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Tower 28

MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Credo Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Similar to the rest of the brand's offerings, Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara is non-irritating and made with sensitive skin in mind. This 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner features a curved "Triple-Wave Wand" comprised of three flexible suspended bands to lift and coat every single lash. The formula employs Aquaflex Technology (typically used in hair-care products) to hold the curl of the eyelashes without sacrificing softness, and it also helps boost humidity and water resistance. Our best tip? Use the shorter bristles on the inner side of the curve to amp up the volume, then go in with the longer bristles to lengthen and define. Multiple coats look great with this mascara, too.

Han before applying the Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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"I've never fully vibed with black mascara, which I find often makes my eyes—which are very dark to begin with—look heavy. I feel the same way about black eyeliner, for the record. When Tower 28 launched MakeWaves in Drift, an espresso brown, I instantly knew it'd become a regular in my rotation. The formula is super buildable without reaching clumpy territory. That's key because my lashes need multiple layers to appear visible on-camera, and the innovative, curved brush maximizes length and curl rather than one over the other." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, curling, conditioning
• Key ingredients: Aquaflex Technology, castor oil blend
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 2

Best for Separation: Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

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Ilia

Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

$29

Amazon

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Ilia Beauty

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Why we like it: “Clean beauty” is a term too frequently slapped onto labels without a second thought, but Ilia is one of the handful of brands that actually meet our standards and have both Readers' Choice and Best of Beauty Awards to its name. For example? The Limitless Lash Mascara has picked up six Readers' Choice Awards and one Best of Beauty Award to date. While it's not the most dramatic option on this list, it is a fantastic everyday mascara that gives your lashes a subtle effect that looks like your natural lashes, but just a little longer, lifted, and always defined. The crowning feature is the double-sided wand, which features one side of shorter, denser bristles to boost volume, while the other side features straight, comb-like bristles to lengthen and separate hairs.

P.S. Limitless is also one of our favorite mascaras for older women. “It stretches the lashes beautifully and keeps them flexible, which matters because mature lashes can be more fragile,” Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta, previously told Allure. “I also love that it doesn’t flake or transfer easily, so you’re not constantly checking under the eyes,” Grays adds, nodding to the formula's conditioning blend of shea butter, glycerin, and peptides.

Felbin before applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I wear brown mascara more than I wear black—I love how it makes my green eyes pop and how it's so perfect for every day, when black can sometimes feel too harsh or dramatic. Ilia's Limitless Lash is a beautiful dark brown that actually darkens, lengthens, and defines my eyelashes. I could talk about the non-smudging, non-flaking formula all day (and I have, as someone with oily eyelids who's been through more subpar mascaras than she can count). But my favorite feature is the double-sided spoolie. One side has shorter bristles that coat every lash in a layer of product. The other side has longer, stiffer bristles that comb through each lash, for maximum lengthening potential. I've never gotten more compliments on my lashes than when I've used Ilia mascara. It's a forever favorite!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, separating
• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, biotin, arginine, peptides
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 2

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

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Glossier

Lash Slick in Brown

$20

Sephora

$20

Glossier

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Lash Slick is one of Glossier's first-ever—and best-selling—products, intended to give a natural, no-makeup look that enhances what you've already got going on. A nourishing formula featuring vegan biotin and vitamin B5 wraps around, lengthens, and lifts each lash for an extension-like effect. If your lashes droop by midway, just know that won't happen with this weightless formula. Bonus: Natural shine polymers add depth and—you guessed it—shine to your lashes.

Dall’Asen before applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"I feel totally naked without mascara, but I don't always want the full-throttle look of your standard black shade. Glossier's Lash Slick in Brown provides lengthening yet whisper-light coats in a warm brown tone, probably similar to your natural lashes if you're a brunette, for a 'Wait, are those real?' kind of look." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, volumizing, and conditioning
• Key ingredients: vegan biotin
• Waterproof: no, water-resistant
• Total shades: 2

More brown mascaras we love:

Best Waterproof: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Chestnut

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Dior

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Chestnut

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Dior's Diorshow Waterproof Mascara is a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that the pros constantly gush about. New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist Linda Gradin and New York City makeup artist Deanna Melluso adore the dark brown hue, Chestnut, and its long-wearing formula. "It lasts all day with no smudges," says Melluso. “It's a deep brown that is fabulous for hazel eyes to emphasize the green or purple tones.”

P.S. If you don't need a waterproof formula, we think Dior's Diorshow 24H Buildable Volume Mascara in Brown is equally stunning.

More to know

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• Benefits: long-wearing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: castor oil
• Waterproof: yes
• Total shades: 3

Best Brown-Black Mascara: Clinique High Impact Mascara

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Clinique

High Impact Mascara

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

$27

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: New York City-based makeup artist Steven Canavan loves Clinique's High Impact Mascara—which comes in a brownish-black simply named Black/Brown—for defining lashes and enhancing the intensity of any eye color. The original black mascara is a classic known for dramatic results, but with this color, you can expect the same thickening and volumizing finish on a slightly more modest scale. Its buildable, no-budge formula also means you can layer this shade without finding any flakes or smudges around your eyes at the end of the day.

More to know

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• Benefits: defining, volumizing, thickening
• Key ingredients: urea, glycerin
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose brown mascara?

Brown mascaras are ideal for accentuating lashes without looking like makeup was applied. According to New York City-based makeup artist Steven Canavan, "Brown mascara is best if you're looking to achieve a more natural look, and black [is best] if you want more drama." Sure, you could spare some change for a lash lift or extensions to create a similar finish, but if you don't want to spend your coins on monthly treatments, brown mascara is a much more accessible option.

On top of affordability, New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist Linda Gradin notes that these mascaras can add more dimension and enhance the color of your eyes, depending on the shade you use. "For a darker eye, a nearly black or dark brown mascara adds definition, but a classic brown gives a softer impression," she says. "For lighter-colored eyes, true-to-light brown mascaras are most flattering, as they can bring out gold, green, or grey highlights in your eyes that black can't."

How to apply brown mascara

However you prefer to wear makeup is your business, but there are some general best practices. If you have straight or downward-pointing lashes, prep them with a curler. Then ensure you pick up an even amount of product on the mascara wand—swipe off excess product against the perimeter of the tube opening as needed—so you end up with clump-free, perfectly separated lashes. Starting at the base of your lashes, lightly swipe up, coating each lash. To separate your lashes while you apply, wiggle the wand as you sweep the formula toward the tips. Repeat as needed for your desired results and keep in mind that some mascaras dry faster than others.

If you really want to make your eye color and shape stand out, Gradin recommends pairing your brown mascara with a dark brown, charcoal, or black eyeliner pencil.

Meet the experts

• Steven Canavan, a New York City-based makeup artist
• Linda Gradin, a New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist
• Deanna Melluso, a New York City-based makeup artist

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best brown mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review 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, a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine, or 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 are 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.

Design by Briana Rengifo; Photos: @carolinefissphotography, @beautyisboring, @vstevesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

When it comes to beauty pros, the average beauty lover arguably has the most in common with makeup artists. Think about it: You may be applying skin-care products, but you’re not administering high-tech treatments like a dermatologist does daily; you may give yourself twice-weekly blowouts and even occasionally trim your bangs, but you’re not crafting cuts and mixing color like a hairstylist does every day. But on a daily basis, you are your own makeup artist. The products you pick over and over are crucial to your look, just like the products makeup artists keep in their kits have proven themselves to be the best for their clients and themselves.

And it turns out that a lot of the makeup you love—enough to win 2026 Allure Readers’ Choice Awards—overlap quite a bit with professional makeup artists’ favorites.

We chatted with Vincent Oquendo, Jamie Greenberg, and Kelsey Deenihan—whose gorgeous makeup mastery you’ve seen on celebrities like Jenna Ortega, Rashida Jones, and Hilary Duff, respectively—to find out which of this year’s Readers’ Choice Award winners they would have voted for, too. These are the nine that you have in common with the pros.

Click through to see if your favorite skin, hair, makeup, and body products were voted most-loved in the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. Then, read their reviews.

See All the Expert Recommendations

• Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge
• Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation
• Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick
• Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer
• Kosas Revealer Concealer
• Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals
• Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner
• Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
• YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

Beautyblender Original Makeup SpongeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tool

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Ulta Beauty

It should come as no surprise that a lot of makeup artists are true to the original Beautyblend sponge, including Jamie Greenberg, makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup. The Beautyblender changed makeup application forever,” she tells Allure. “I still use it constantly because nothing presses foundation into the skin in a way that looks as natural and skin-like. It gives you that expensive-looking finish where you can’t tell where the makeup ends and the skin begins.”

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech FoundationSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Foundation

Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation

$52

Sephora

$52

Kohl’s

Speaking of foundation, you’ll often find Greenberg using Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Foundation because it photographs flawlessly and wears beautifully on mature skin. “This foundation is gorgeous because it gives coverage without killing the life of the skin,” she says of the buildable, arnica-infused formula. “It has that modern finish people want right now—polished but still breathable and real.”

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion StickSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Clean Foundation

Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick

$38

Sephora

$38

Merit

When she isn’t using it on clients who want their skin to look like skin, makeup artist and Tinge artistry advisor Kelsey Deenihan is using Merit The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick on herself. “It’s such an easy product for creating fresh, natural-looking skin,” she says, raving about its ability to even out the complexion while still letting natural texture and dimension come through. “I rarely swipe it directly all over the face. I like to apply it strategically around redness, the center of the face, or anywhere that needs evening out, then blend with fingers or a dense brush for the most natural finish.”

Nars Radiant Creamy ConcealerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Concealer

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Ulta Beauty

$36

Sephora

“It’s been a longtime favorite for a reason,” Deenihan says, pointing out Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer’s luminous skin-like coverage and layerability sans heaviness or dryness. “Less is usually more,” she tells Allure. “I like placing it more toward the inner corner and around areas of discoloration rather than doing a huge triangle under the eyes.” Another pro tip: Let it sit for a few seconds before blending to get a little extra coverage without needing more product.

Kosas Revealer ConcealerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Clean Concealer

Kosas Revealer Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Kosas Revealer Concealer earned a spot in the Readers’ Choice Awards Hall of Fame this year, but it’s been in Greenberg’s kit for a while. “Kosas really nailed the balance between makeup and skincare, and this concealer embodies that,” she says. “It brightens without looking heavy, dry, or cakey—the dream—and I especially love it for undereyes because it doesn't settle.”

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The NeutralsSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Eye Shadow

Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals

$56

Sephora

$56

Kohl’s

Makeup artist Vincent Oquendo says he can create any kind of look with Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette: The Neutrals, and Deenihan seconds that. “It’s one of those palettes I reach for constantly because the tones are so balanced and wearable, she says. “It’s a staple for everything from soft everyday glam to more sculpted, editorial looks.”

While Deenihan loves to use the lighter matte shades to softly contour the eyes, Oquendo regularly uses the velvety powders as a liner. “One of my favorite tricks with this product is wetting the darkest colors and pushing it into the lash line to blend any false lashes or to create a subtle eyeliner look without committing to a winged eyeliner,” Oquendo says.

Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof EyelinerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Eyeliner

Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

$10

Walmart

It’s not just pricy products that makeup artists lean on for their favorite looks. Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner has become one of Oquendo’s red carpet staples. “It doesn’t set right away, so you can perfect your shape, but once it’s set, it does not move,” he tells Allure. He would even recommend it for a bridal look because it’s waterproof, and you can rely on it not smudging or smearing throughout the day.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid BlushSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Blush

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Sephora

“This blush woke up the entire beauty industry,” Greenberg says about Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush. “Suddenly, everybody was obsessed with high-pigment blush again.” And why wouldn’t they after experiencing any of the 16 stunning shades? “Yes, the pigment is intense, but it's in the best way if you know how to use it. One dot goes a long way, and it melts into the skin beautifully instead of just sitting on top of makeup.”

YSL Loveshine Lip Oil StickSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Lipstick

YSL Beauty Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

$45

Nordstrom

$45

Sephora

YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick is a new favorite for Oquendo after recently discovering not only how beautiful the 23 colors are but how luxurious and non-sticky it feels, smoothing lips no matter how dry. “One of my favorite tips for using this product is to use your favorite lip liner and soften the edges, but leave the center of your lips without product,” he says. Then use the Lip Oil Stick over it to create a soft, pouty look.

See all of the skin, hair, makeup, and body products readers voted as their favorites in the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards. Then, read their reviews.

For even more on the 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, check out these stories:

• Shop All of the 2026 Readers' Choice Award Winners
• The 72 Beauty Winners That Allure Readers Love Most
• 13 Products That Have Earned a Spot in the Readers' Choice Hall of Fame

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Who needs a trip to Seoul when you can find the best Korean skin care on Amazon? The e-retailer's K-beauty selection grows by the day, offering up-and-coming brands (Celimax, Manyo, Mixsoon, etc.), as well as a plethora of brands we consider as household names (CosRx, Medicube, Beauty of Joseon, etc.). It's enough to leave even beauty editors like us feeling dizzy with options—let alone our dear readers.

However, we have the distinct pleasure of testing Korean skin care daily (we're not exaggerating!), which is a feat, given how fast the K-beauty innovation and launch cycle is. We've also been admirers of the Korean skin-care scene ever since the first “wave” in the mid-2010s—and clearly, we never looked back. We're confident that the products below are the true crème de la crème of double-cleansing products, hydrating essences, cast-free sunscreens, and dryness-reversing sheet masks. Did we mention everything's incredibly affordable? Apart from a few luxury-leaning brands, the vast majority of products are less than $30 and frequently on sale. (In this economy? Thank goodness.)

Our Top Korean Skin-Care Products on Amazon

• Best Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser, $12
• Best Essence: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $25
• Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream, $29
• Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, $27
• Best Face Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19 (4-pack)
• Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, $17
• Best Eye Patches: CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches, $23 (60 pairs)
• Best Face Mist: Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist, $19
• Best Mineral Sunscreen: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $22
• Best Chemical Sunscreen: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen, $22

So, if you've ever been curious about the products and culture behind viral trends like glass skin, mochi skin, and PDRN, you've come to the right place. Or, if your goal is to simply better support and nourish your skin, we've got all the recommendations you need to build out a Korean skin-care routine in a matter of some light reading and a few computer clicks/phone taps. Without further ado, let's dew it up.

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• Newly-Tested Favorites
• Tried-and-True Staples
• Cleansers
• Toners/Essences
• Serums
• Moisturizers
• Masks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the biggest Korean skin-care trends for 2026?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Newly-Tested Favorites

An Innovative Retinol: Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anua

Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

$30

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Just when you think Korean moisturizers can't get much better, Anua shows up with a built-in sculpting tool. Meet the Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream, which features a gua sha-inspired applicator that's outfitted with a cooling metal edge to treat your skin (especially your jawline and cheekbones) to some extra TLC. Nothing's stopping you from squeezing product out and applying it with your hands—but, hey, if you have the time, why not go the extra step? At the heart of the formula is encapsulated retinol to help firm and smooth the look of fine lines, while tried-and-true ingredients such as squalane, panthenol, and hydrolyzed collagen cushion the skin with extra hydration and care.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Soooo this is kind of genius? I haven’t seen many skin-care products that build the gua sha into the packaging itself, and as someone who’s constantly misplacing those little tools, I appreciate how the Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream really multitasks. There’s definitely a slight learning curve with figuring out how much product to squeeze out—too little and the applicator drags, too much and you’re massaging forever—but once I got the hang of it, the curved tool fit so nicely along my jawline and cheekbones. The massage feels genuinely relaxing and depuffing, though fair warning: You absolutely need to wipe off the applicator after each use to prevent product buildup.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol (percentage undisclosed), squalane, cholesterol, panthenol, macadamia seed oil, hydrolyzed collagen
• Who it's for: anyone concerned with signs of aging and can tolerate retinol, mature skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

A Serum-Coded Sunscreen: Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ma:nyo

Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

$18

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If you're the type of person who can't stand applying sunscreen, we highly urge you to try some Korean formulas. Don't know where to start? One we've been super impressed by is Manyo's Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50. True to its name, it feels airy, lightweight, and almost like nothing on the skin. And even though it has “moisturizing” in its name, it's actually great for oily and combo skin, thanks to Manyo's proprietary technology that uses less oil—resulting in a nongreasy, your skin-but-a-little-more-radiant finish. Superstar brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid help even out your skin tone, while nano hyaluronic acid plumps your complexion.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Korean sunscreens are so good that it's honestly hard for one to stand out from the rest. (I try a lot of them, ok?) However, thanks to the US banning sales of non-FDA-approved sunscreen filters, our options have gotten a bit more interesting. I've been testing this Manyo Air Light SPF for a few months, thanks to Best of Beauty testing, and have been smitten with it ever since. It has that serum-y texture I love in my sunscreens that melts into my skin super quickly—because I can't be bothered to rub in sunscreen for 15 seconds when there are faster options! It's super breathable and layers beautifully without a trace of pilling.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: ensulizole (2.5%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%), niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin E
• Who it's for: anyone who likes chemical sunscreens
• Fragrance-free: yes

Got Milk?: Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro EssenceSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aestura

Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence

$33 $26 (21% off)

Amazon

Why it's worth it: OK, so it doesn't actually have milk in it, but the delightful, milky texture of Aestura's Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence is undeniable. Though it looks syrupy coming out of the bottle, your skin will drink this barrier-repairing, extra-nourishing formula right up—make sure to pat it in for the best (read: glowiest) results. Suitable for normal, dry, and combo skin, this essence is one of those no-brainer skin-care products that you should add to your routine to replenish moisture levels after cleansing and prior to your moisturizer and/or sunscreen. In terms of ingredients, all of the crowd-pleasers are involved: ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, squalane, as well as Aestura's proprietary take on the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF) aptly called Barrier Moisturizing Factors (BMF). Translation: Your skin is about to look oh-so supple.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“A no-fuss essence that's a boost of hydration for my dehydrated skin? More, please! I love that this has no fragrance, doesn't irritate my eyes or sensitive skin, and simply performs. I have dry, often flaky skin, so repairing my barrier is something I work on daily; I apply this essence immediately after washing my face, and pat it into my skin. It's so absorbent and lightweight that I can quickly move on to other elements of my skincare routine (super helpful in the busy mornings, especially). I've gone through two bottles and am on my third; I'm happy to report that my skin doesn't just look and feel more hydrated and supple after sticking with this product. I got a skin analysis, and the high-tech computer told me so!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: BMF (Barrier Moisturizing Factors), triple lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol), squalane, glycerin, vitamin E
• Who it's for: people with normal, dry, or combination skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Are You Jelly? Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum MistSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

Han using the Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: We're not quite sure how Biodance pulled this off, but the new Jelly Serum Mists—available in Collagen Peptides and Caviar PDRN—are pretty close to the brand's viral face masks in mist form. Of course, they're not going to be as potent as a mask you leave on for multiple hours, but they're far juicier and more hydrating than most face mists our tester has spritzed over the years. The ingredients back this up: Ultra-low molecular weight collagen, niacinamide, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid drench your skin in hydrating, plumping, and radiance-boosting goodness.

Tester feedback from Han

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“These Biodance mists hit different—they truly feel like a lighter version of the brand's viral hydrogel masks. I can't stand ultra ultra fine mists that feel like they disappear in midair. These mists, however, seem to create a temporary layer that sits on top of your skin before it sinks in. (I also go pretty hard with my mists—after all, I'm treating it like a moisturizer…that doesn't disturb my makeup.) It's just so refreshing and juicy. There's no other way to describe it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Collagen Peptides: 77% of 243Da collagen water, 243Da collagen extract, 10 signal peptides; Caviar PDRN: 76% caviar water, caviar extract, high-purity salmon PDRN
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Tried-and-True Staples

Cleansers

Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Factory Cleansing OilSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ma:nyo

Factory Cleansing Oil

$23 $18 (22% off)

Amazon

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen using Manyo Factory Cleansing Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Korean cleansing oils are elite—they never feel overly heavy or pore-clogging, even after they've been swiftly washed down the drain. Apply Ma:nyo Factory's Cleansing Oil to dry skin and give yourself a gentle massage, rubbing the formula in circular motions to break down every last bit of makeup and sunscreen before emulsifying with a bit of water, and then washing it off completely. Once you try it for yourself, you'll quickly understand why it earned a spot on Olive Young's (a.k.a. the Sephora of South Korea) 2025 Awards List (and 2024, 2023…and so on) , which compiles the year’s best-selling products across skin care, makeup, hair care, and more.

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Ma:nyo's Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It's the only reason my facialists are always telling me there's no need for extractions." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
• Who it's for: people who wear makeup, people concerned with blackheads
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Banila Co

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

$21

Amazon

Why it's worth it: No list of popular Korean skin-care products is complete without Banila Co's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, which sells one jar every few seconds globally. Similar to oil cleansers, this sherbet-like solid should be applied to dry skin and thoroughly massaged in—this is where it melts into a smooth oil—to break down all of the makeup (waterproof and otherwise) and dirt accumulated from the day. Spiked with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, it's impossibly gentle and never leaves skin feeling stripped, making it the perfect first step to any double-cleansing routine.

P.S. If you have specific skin concerns, like blackheads, the balm is also available in Clarifying, Calming, Brightening, and Nourishing versions.

Tester feedback from Han

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"You never forget your first cleansing balm. Like many, Banila Co's Clean It Zero was my formal introduction to the superior method of double-cleansing, and the results were real. My skin cleared up so fast once I started using this balm. (This is also around the time I finally started taking sunscreen seriously—hey, post-college isn't that bad—and we should all know by now that oil-based cleansers do the bulk of sunscreen removal, so less clogging and debris = clearer skin. Yay!) Not to mention, I started actually liking cleansing my face more; this sherbet-y balm is extra satisfying to spread and massage in." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: acerola berry (rich in vitamin C), vitamin E
• Who it's for: people who wear sunscreen (so, theoretically, everyone!) and/or makeup
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Foaming Cleanser: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Etude

SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

$22

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Etude's SoonJung line is pretty much a surefire bet for any skin type, but especially easily-sensitized skin. The pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser sits at a—you guessed it—a pH of 6.5, which is close to your skin's natural pH of 5.5, thus minimizing the chances of barrier damage and water loss. If you didn't know, “like every other organ in our body, skin performs its best within a narrow, ideal environment, especially when it comes to pH,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. The soft, comforting, and cloud-like foam is just the cherry on top of this soothing cleanser infused with madecassoside (an ingredient derived from Centella asiatica or cica) and panthenol.

Tester feedback from Han

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"Even before I tried this cleansing foam out for myself, I saw a lot of hype on social media coming from people of all different skin types. It's so satisfying to use and I love how gentle it is—it is, after all, fragrance-free—especially after I've gone to town breaking down my makeup with a cleansing balm or oil. It feels like my skin is being cuddled and pampered by the softest cloud, which is a fabulous way to wind down from a long day. My skin feels equally soft and comfortable after I've rinsed it away. No notes." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panthenol, madecassoside, camellia sinensis leaf extract
• Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Gel Cleanser: Mixsoon PDRN Collagen Gel CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Mixsoon

PDRN Collagen Gel Cleanser

$12

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Mixsoon PDRN Collagen Gel Cleanser

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: If your skin barrier is feeling raw or irritated, Mixsoon’s PDRN Collagen Hydrating Gel Cleanser gently cleanses without stripping, using moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol, and a trio of hyaluronic acids to keep skin soft and plump post-rinse. Its standout rice-derived PDRN (salmon, who?) is paired with collagen extract, fermented soybean, and peptides to support and replenish stressed skin. The formula effectively lifts away daily buildup while helping your barrier stay calm, hydrated, and balanced.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I have combo skin, but depending on the cleansers I use, my skin can definitely feel tight and uncomfy after my usual nighttime double cleanse (I really take my time to very thoroughly massage in my cleansing oil or balm, too). In my experience, gel cleansers are least likely to strip my skin, and Mixsoon's PDRN Collagen Hydrating Gel Cleanser is no exception. It feels so incredibly soothing on my skin, and I do feel the hydrating benefits from PDRN, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides. While no wash-off product is going to be intensely hydrating, I can always count on this one to keep my complexion happy and balanced. P.S. I also like that Mixsoon discloses the pH, which at 5.5, is very similar to our skin's natural pH and thus unlikely to cause irritation.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice-derived PDRN, collagen, peptides
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cream Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

The Face Shop

Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

$12

Amazon

Han applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: To cap off your double cleanse, follow up with a water-based face wash like The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser. True to its name, this cream-to-foam formula features rice water (rich in vitamins A, B, and E) to provide a mild, brightening cleanse. In short, expect glowing skin that feels nourished, not tight, and provides a clean slate for the rest of your skin-care products to work their magic (and absorb properly).

Tester feedback from Han

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“This is one of those classic K-beauty cleansers I've known from the very start of my long K-beauty journey—I recently ‘rediscovered’ it and I'm wondering why I hadn't sooner. It's the perfect deep cleanse for my combination skin and leaves my skin looking more radiant and less congested, but most importantly, not super tight. The ingredients are super appealing to me too—natural rice water, rice bran oil, and soapwort extract (a surfactant). On days I don't wear makeup, I find that just this cleanser is enough. (And I normally always double-cleanse.) And it's $13 for a huge tube that'll probably last me six months? Yup, no notes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract (natural surfactant)
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no

Toners/Essences

Best Essence: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cosrx

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

$25 $18 (28% off)

Amazon

Han applying Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: A Korean beauty best-seller that's all over your FYP, worth the hype, and a one-way ticket to glass skin? That's CosRx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, whose namesake ingredient (96% snail mucin) soothes blemishes, brightens acne scars, and evens out hyperpigmentation. This sensorially pleasing formula keeps it simple with just 11 ingredients, including two classics, hyaluronic acid and allantoin, to hydrate and calm your barrier.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I’m a longtime fan of this hit brand. The texture is so fun and surprisingly not tacky seconds after applying. But more importantly, it gives my skin lots of love, glow, and bounce with every application. It's a must at any time of the year." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those dealing with acne or hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-Free: yes

Best Toner Pads: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish PadsSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Mediheal

Madecassoside Blemish Pads

$24

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Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: If your skin tends to freak out over harsh actives, Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pads provide a much gentler approach to acne treatments. These toner pads are soaked in calming, Centella asiatica-derived ingredients (namely madecassoside) that help cool down angry breakouts while easing redness and irritation. The formula also delivers a boost of hydration via glycerin and allantoin, so skin feels comfortable and balanced, proving that moisture is equally essential when caring for acne.

You can use these like a regular toner pad, swiping one over clean skin before moisturizer to soothe and prep. Or, place them directly on stressed areas and leave them on for about 15 minutes as a quick mask. Once you remove the pads, pat in any leftover essence, and then follow up with the rest of your routine.

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I have very sensitive, oily skin that can break out if I look at it wrong. Add to that the dozens of new beauty products I'm testing each week, and I'm almost always dealing with some stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, or both. When I first notice signs of a breakout, I always make sure to grab these pads. The actual material of the pad is very thin and soft (not scratchy like some other pads I've tried, which can irritate my skin even more). There's a lot of product in each box of pads, so they're always fully saturated, even weeks after I've bought them. And I love that each box comes with a pair of clear plastic tweezers hidden underneath the lid, so I can quickly and easily grab a pad without having to stick my fingers inside. The pads apply a thin layer of clear, watery product that dries down quickly and layers easily underneath the rest of my skin care and makeup. And after a few uses, my skin looks calmer and clearer. These have been a medicine cabinet must-have for me since I first tried them. Madecassoside is the real deal!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

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• Key ingredients: madecassoside, cica, glycerin, allantoin
• Who it's for: acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating Toner: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear TonerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner

$16

Amazon

Why it's worth it: A gentle exfoliating toner? That's not an oxymoron; we're referring to Skin1004's Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner. Despite being packed with four acids—alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, polyhydroxy, and lipohydroxy—it doesn't sting a bit and layers beautifully with all of your other products. (For extra sensitive skin, we'd recommend patch-testing.) K-beauty brands never leave out soothing ingredients in their formulas, and Skin1004's signature ingredient is Centella asiatica extract (also known as cica), which is positioned high on the ingredients list—the fourth, in fact—to hydrate, minimize irritation, and support the barrier.

Tester feedback from Han

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“If I'm wearing makeup (which is most days), I'll incorporate this super mild exfoliating toner into my a.m. routine to make sure my skin is as smooth and prepped as possible. After I rinse my face with cool/lukewarm water, I pat a generous amount of Poremizing Clear Toner on—focusing on my T-zone and nose—and let it absorb/dry before moving onto my serum and moisturizing sunscreen. With continuous use, I think it's helped curb some of my T-zone shine, which I'm always grateful for.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients:
• Who it's for: everyone, maybe except sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Serums

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Torriden

Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$24 $22 (8% off)

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Han applying Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Trust us, this isn't any run-of-the-mill HA serum. Torriden's take, a.k.a. The Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, has a 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which means it’s formulated with five types of HA molecules that penetrate your skin at different levels for instant and long-lasting hydration. Panthenol and allantoin provide extra hydration and soothing benefits. It's also lightweight enough that you can mix it with another serum of your choosing—including cushioning your usual retinol serum to minimize irritation.

Tester feedback from Han

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"There's something oh so satisfying about this serum's silky texture. It dries down almost immediately, and my skin always feels bouncier with each application. At nighttime, I often pair it with my retinol serum to offset any dryness." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid (five types across high, medium, and low weights), panthenol, and allantoin
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol for Beginners: Iope Retinol Super Bounce SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Iope

Retinol Super Bounce Serum

$49

Amazon

Han applying Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Iope’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum blends a gentle yet effective proprietary Granactive Retinol—a stabilized retinoid complex—with soothing cypress leaf extract to soften signs of aging and boost bounciness in your skin. The serum’s formula activates quickly, releasing encapsulated retinol gradually to reduce irritation while maintaining all of its potent goodness. Just apply a pump or two in the morning and evening, follow with SPF, and you're all set.

Tester feedback from Han

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“In my 30s, I've committed to applying retinol serum every night to continue aging gracefully. (Ever heard of Asian don’t raisin?) A lot of formulas don’t jive with my skin, but Iope has yet to let me down. I first fell in love with the Best of Beauty-winning Retinol Expert before switching over more regularly to Retinol Bounce—because I find that I like the slippier texture more, and it feels slightly more hydrating. Retinol Bounce melts into my skin, and my complexion is noticeably plumper after the fact. I think my moisturizer absorbs better, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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• Key ingredients: pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, Bio-Seletinoid, Lactobacillus ferment
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to target fine lines and texture
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol for Experienced Users: Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening BoosterSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Celimax

The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

$20 $19 (5% off)

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Han applying the Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: As you can deduce from the superlative, Celimax’s The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is better suited for those who are familiar with using retinoids. The reason being: The formula pairs 0.1% retinal (a faster-acting derivative of vitamin A) with hydrolyzed sponge, tiny spicule-like structures that theoretically help ingredients penetrate more deeply into your skin's layers, to more effectively address wrinkles and pores. However, no need to fret about your barrier. There are plenty of soothing, strengthening ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, and peptides to balance out the powerful retinal.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I know spicules are not for everyone—I don't necessarily gravitate towards formulas with them, but I don't mind a teensy bit of spice. (It doesn't actually hurt, but there is some tingling!) Do they actually penetrate better? Unclear. But, for a booster formula in a smaller tube that I reserve for my forehead (where expression lines are popping up) and around my eyes, I'd like to believe it doesn't hurt. I will even layer this underneath another retinol or retinal serum (like the IOPE serum further down this list!), since I'm concentrating this in my most concerning areas. As someone who doesn't partake in Botox and the like, this is my main line of defense against signs of aging.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.1% retinal, niacinamide, panthenol, lecithin, peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Soothing Serum: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive AmpouleSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

$19 $14 (26% off)

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Skin that’s constantly dealing with irritation, breakouts, or environmental stress needs products that know how to get down to business. Featuring Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), which has long been used in Asian medicine and skin care for its calming, repairing properties—and in modern times where pollution and sensitivity go hand in hand—Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule excels in soothing irritated complexions. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told Allure that the ingredient is naturally packed with amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help support smoother texture, better hydration, firmer-looking skin, and fewer blemishes.

Where the brand switches it up, though, is with its sourcing. Skin1004 relies on Madagascar (an island praised for its biodiversity) for its key ingredient, cica, and then ferments the botanical to enhance its soothing and barrier-repairing—making it a smart pick for stressed, reactive, or breakout-prone skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“This soothed my breakout-prone skin and even seemed to take down the redness of an active zit. After applying this before bed, I woke up to brighter, clearer skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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• Key ingredients: fermented cica, cica, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, ceramide NP
• Who it’s for: acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr.Althea Vitamin C SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Althea

Vitamin C Serum

$23

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Dr.Althea's Vitamin C Boosting Serum provides a double dose of brightening power with its tag-team of 63% vitamin C (via hippophae rhamnoides water, a sea buckthorn derivative) and tranexamic acid. Say goodbye to stubborn discoloration and dullness without any harsh side effects—thanks to hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and cica. If you do have particularly sensitive skin, give the Gentle Vitamin C Serum—which features a lower concentration of 20% vitamin C— a go.

Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman

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"Dr.Althea's Vitamin C Boosting Serum boasts eight types of hyaluronic acid and cica, alongside the main source of vitamin C, sea buckthorn (also known as Hippophae rhamnoides water). I really appreciate that there’s no off-putting scent and the silky formula absorbs instantly sans greasy residue—I can layer moisturizer and sunscreen with no problem."—Devon Abelman, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hippophae rhamnoides water (63%), allantoin, cica, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Who it's for: people with dark spots and dullness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Moisturizers

Best Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aestura

Atobarrier 365 Cream

$32 $26 (19% off)

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Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

Sophia Panych

Why it's worth it: When it comes to soothing dry, sensitive skin, Aestura absolutely knows ball. The Atobarrier 365 Cream is lightweight enough that you can use it both day and night to calm inflammation and lock in moisture. It's infused with micro triple-lipid capsules (composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) that burst upon contact with skin. Take it from David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who says, “it has this frosting-like texture that just melts on your skin.” Dr. Kim even uses it as a hand cream, but we'd also recommend the Best of Beauty Award-winning Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, which comes in a bigger pump bottle if you want to spread the skin-softening love beyond your face.

Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych

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“I like my face creams boring. Flashy packaging? Don't want it. Buzzy ingredients. Don't need 'em. That's why when I saw this cream on the giveaway table at work–with its basic blue-and-white tube, simple descriptor (Moisturizing Cream), and star ingredient (ceramides), I was sold before I even had the chance to slather it on. Luckily, the formula lived up to its basic-ness (and again, that's a very good thing). The silky cream has no scent, no bells and whistles, and leaves my temperamental, combination, 39-year-old skin feeling soothed and very, very hydrated. Since nabbing it off the free table, I've gone through two tubes, and I just found a travel-size tube that will be coming with me on my summer holidays. Oh, and did I mention it wears well under makeup? Well, it does, and makes you look glowier and plumper, too.

Maybe it's not quite thick enough for very dry, cold environments, and if you prefer drugstore pricing, this is slightly higher than that, but I honestly think it's just a really well-formulated, easy-to-use, reasonably-priced face cream. I could do with a larger tube, though.” —Sophie Panych, content director

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ato Ceramide CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Illiyoon

Ato Ceramide Cream

$29 $25 (14% off)

Amazon

Former Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: When skin is feeling dry and stripped, Illiyoon’s Ato Ceramide Cream does the heavy lifting, relying on plant-based ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, plus glycerin to deliver long-lasting hydration. Despite how moisturizing it is, the formula feels surprisingly lightweight and works for all skin types. Acne-prone skin can benefit, too, as its low-pH formula (your skin’s natural pH hovers around 5.5, and this cream clocks in at 6) helps keep irritation in check. Our editors, both acne-prone and not, say it sinks quickly into rough patches, soothing and hydrating them fast without clogging pores or leaving behind a heavy feel—making it a no-brainer for everyday use.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“This is my all-day, everyday essential for dry skin. Whenever my barrier feels parched, it’s the first thing I reach for—it instantly plumps and hydrates for hours. I’ve recommended it to so many friends looking for a rich moisturizer that never feels heavy, and the feedback is always the same: They repurchase as soon as it runs out. It’s been front and center on my vanity for three years, and I have no plans to ever change that.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin
• Who it's for: all skin types, even acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

$27 $26 (4% off)

Amazon

Felbin applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: Relief is right there in the name, so you can breathe a sigh of relief if you have constantly angry skin. Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream taps three ingredients (including tea tree leaf water) to minimize blemish-related irritation, four to nourish your barrier (glycerin, panthenol, etc.), and five to calm signs of stressed skin (cica and madecassoside)—and they're pretty much all familiar, tried-and-true actives. The current formula is also fungal-acne safe, which means it's void of ingredients that can trigger yeast-related breakouts.

Tester feedback from Felbin

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“The way this cream sinks in immediately should be studied. It's so lightweight and soothing, and it melts in seconds, leaving my skin hydrated and glowy. I love that it's not too thick or sticky, like some heavier moisturizers can be. In the winter, when I get dry patches around my mouth and nose, it does an excellent job of balancing my combination skin without turning greasy.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tea tree leaf water, niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Centella asiatica, madecassoside, Coptis japonica root
• Who it's for: tk
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anua

PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

$24

Amazon

Felbin applying the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: If you prefer lightweight hydration (hi, oily skin!), Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream nails it. The gel-cream sinks in instantly, leaving skin looking fresh, smooth, and softly luminous. Its formula blends PDRN—short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a compound derived from salmon sperm DNA that’s been studied for its regenerative and healing properties—hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen to help boost hydration and support smoother-looking skin over time, while glycerin draws moisture in, aloe curbs inflammation, and squalane helps seal it all in. The result? Long-lasting hydration with a barely-there feel.

Tester feedback from Felbin

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“My perfect moisturizer is lightweight, non-greasy, and deeply hydrating. This one from Anua checks every box. As the thin cream sinks in, it gets to work, moisturizing my sensitive skin (dry, flaky patches and all) while giving me a great glow. I also love that it comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube, so I don't have to stick my fingers into a jar of cream.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: PDRN, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, aloe
• Who it’s for: oily skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + RetinalSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Beauty of Joseon

Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

$17

Amazon

Han applying Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: You may know Beauty of Joseon for its viral sunscreen, but don't sleep on (literally!) the Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal. Puffy undereyes meet their match, thanks to anti-inflammatory ginseng. We’re not the only fans, by the way. "I love the ultra-nourishing and soothing formula with the added (gentle) kick of retinal," says cosmetic chemist Ramón Pagán. But what is retinal, anyway? As Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, explains, "Retinal only requires a one-step conversion to the active form of retinoid acid, unlike retinol, which requires a two-step conversion." In layman's terms, retinal works faster and is less irritating than retinol.

Tester feedback from Han

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"I'm unconvinced eye creams provide long-term, visible results (e.g. minimizing the look of fine lines) without retinoids involved. Beauty of Joseon's Revive has been a staple in that regard. The custardy formula absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look refreshed and slightly brighter. I even dab some onto my forehead lines (not super noticeable as of now, but you can't be too preventative)." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinal, ginseng, glycerin, niacinamide
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to address/help prevent fine lines, those sensitive to regular retinol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

$24 $17 (29% off)

Amazon

Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is an all-time Allure editor-favorite—and it took home a 2024 Readers' Choice Award, proving it's a go-to among readers, too. This buttery formula softens and plumps lips overnight thanks to a moisture-boosting blend of coconut oil, murumuru seed butter, and shea butter. (Laneige also offers a lighter daytime balm, but you can also use this mask during the day for a heavier-duty option.) Plus, vitamin C makes an appearance to provide lasting protection against free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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"It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut oil, murumuru seed butter, shea butter, vitamin C
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Brightening Eye Patches: CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye PatchesSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cosrx

Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches

$23

Amazon

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey wearing the CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why it's worth it: CosRx’s Peptide Collagen Eye Patches aren't just pretty to look at and use—derms enjoy them, too. “They're ideal for sensitive and delicate skin, delivering a cooling dose of hydration while helping to depuff, plump, brighten, and smooth the undereye area,” says La Jolla, California-based dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD. To thank are familiar ingredients such as brightening niacinamide, depuffing caffeine, firming peptides, and moisture-drawing hyaluronic acid. Especially noteworthy, however, is adenosine (a molecule your body naturally produces) that signals to your skin cells to produce more elastin—you know, the stuff that naturally declines as we age. Didn't get enough sleep? You can fake more hours with a pair of these—pretty solid for a 10-minute treatment.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“After having an allergic reaction that left the skin around my eyes dry and sensitive, these eye patches came to the rescue. I love how light and hydrating they are—plus the eye serum left over after removing the mask is hydrating, making my undereye area feel soft, smooth, and supple.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, adenosine, vitamin B12
• # of patches: 60
• Duration of use: single-use

Best Firming Eye Patches: Abib PDRN Retinal Eye PatchesSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Abib

PDRN Retinal Eye Patches

$19

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Abib’s PDRN Retinal Eye Patches are basically eight hours of sleep in undereye mask form. Whether you use them in the morning (just be sure to follow up with sunscreen!) or before bed, they help tackle puffiness, dark circles, eye bags, and crow’s feet for smoother, more refreshed-looking skin. In addition to ‘ol faithfuls such as glycerin, niacinamide, and caffeine (a favorite of ours to perk up tired eyes), the formula features retinal to help firm skin and PDRN to flood the skin with moisture. Editor's note: Retinal is the last ingredient in the list, so it's at a very low concentration that most people should be able to tolerate.

While they’re mainly designed for the undereyes, you can also place them on your forehead, neckline, or smile lines—wherever your skin needs extra love. Thanks to their winged shape and lightly embossed texture, they stay put and feel comfortable—so you can walk around, multitask, or sip your morning coffee while they do their thing.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I’m all about retinal—and really, most vitamin A derivatives, but mostly retinal because of its effectiveness. I’ve been sheetmasking way more regularly in the colder months (my skin craves hydration, hydration, hydration!), and I love popping in a pair of these Abib retinal patches underneath a soothing sheet mask for added undereye-firming benefits. A major plus? I can plop on my patches a tad closer to my lower lashline than a sheet mask can—that little space matters to me! These particular patches are slightly textured, too, so they stay off impressively well, especially compared to other (more slippery) masks I’ve tried.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jericho rose, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Masks

Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

$19

Amazon

Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh peeling off the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Singh

Why it's worth it: The Korean mask hype is real and well-deserved, and the TikTok-viral Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is proof. (Also, it’ll probably fare better for restless sleepers.) Apply an even layer across your entire face, wait around 15 minutes for the mask to dry, and then snooze away. While you're off in dreamland, all these good-for-skin ingredients—niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, and ceramide NP—sink in to make your skin look like a dewy dumpling and boost elasticity. Come morning, gently peel off your mask and rinse off any remaining pieces with lukewarm water.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week, and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, collagen extract, ceramide NP
• Who it's for: everyone who doesn't mind a peel-off mask
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Overnight Sheet Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19

Amazon

Lee applying the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: The talk of the K-beauty town? Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask. This incredibly soothing gel mask substitutes regular ‘ol hyaluronic acid with oligo-hyaluronic acid, which the brand says penetrates and hydrates more deeply (because of its lower molecular weight) than the former. That’s not all: Low-molecular collagen helps refine enlarged pores, smooth the look of fine lines, and boost your skin with the bounciness it deserves. While many of you have heard about the overnight mask of it all, you don't necessarily need to leave it on all night (especially if you're a side sleeper or toss and turn). But, for the best results, give it three to four hours—or until the mask turns transparent, so you know everything has fully soaked into your skin. Maximum glowiness is the name of the game, and Biodance has a winner.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“This jelly-like hydrogel mask is very slippery, so fair warning: Don’t try to throw it on while you’re in a rush. Once it’s in place, though, it feels incredibly cooling and refreshing, which is exactly what I want at the end of a long day, and it sticks nicely to the curves of my face. I usually reach for cloth or fiber masks that are dripping with serum for that instant hit of hydration, but this one stayed plenty saturated and did a great job plumping up the dry spots on my cheeks and forehead where fine lines tend to pop when my skin’s feeling thirsty.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: low-molecular collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
• Who it's for: everyone who likes a sheet mask
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Quick Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Lifting MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Jart+

Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask

$16

Amazon

Han applying the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Jart+’s Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask might make you look like a transformer while it’s on, but the results are worth it. In just 20 minutes, skin looks more hydrated and visibly lifted. It’s a serum-and-mask duo: Smooth the included ampoule onto skin first, then seal it in with the two-piece rubber mask and let it work its magic.

The mask feels instantly cooling—part of what gives skin that fresh, lifted look—and it’s packed with smoothing peptides and adenosine to help support firmness. Once time’s up, finish with the rest of your routine and get on with your day. It also comes in three versions (hydrating, brightening, and calming for redness), so you can choose the one that best suits your skin concerns.

Tester feedback from Han

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“Dr. Jart+ is a sheet mask OG brand for me, and I’ve been loving its gel masks as of late because they have a pre-mask ampoule that is super juicy and hydrating—I really feel like the mask helps push the product into my skin. The colors are fun, too, I admit! Who doesn’t love a pink, blue, green, or yellow moment? You can’t go wrong with any of the peptide-infused formulas—here, you see the Soothing iteration, which is chock-full of allantoin, one of my favorite, you guessed it, soothing ingredients (alongside cica, of course). Redness, goodbye!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, adenosine, vitamin E (Step 1); glycerin, allantoin (Step 2)
• Who it’s for: those with fine lines, wrinkles, or dullness that need a pick-me-up
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Clay Mask: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Innisfree

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

$18

Amazon

Pai after using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: If congested pores and excess oil are your main concerns, a clay mask is one of the fastest ways to reset your skin. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask uses mineral-rich clay to absorb buildup and shine, clearing pores in its wake. The formula also includes lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps sweep away dead skin cells and encourages fresher skin to surface, which Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, told us prevents pore blockages that lead to breakouts. Unlike some clay masks that leave skin feeling tight, lactic acid mimics a "naturally occurring group of molecules found in our skin that helps to hydrate and maintain the skin barrier,” Dr. Chan says.

It’s also a natural humectant, which means it attracts water to the skin! The result is a cooling, wash-off treatment that helps minimize the look of pores, blackheads, and oil, while keeping skin calm—all for under $20.

Tester feedback from Pai

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"I'm not a hydration girlie. Instead, I look for masks that can suck the gunk out of my pores with abandon, and this mask does exactly that. What makes it great isn't just the combo of bentonite and kaolin clays, but the addition of volcanic ash and lactic acid for dual exfoliation. I liked that I got a little scrubbing action as I was rinsing it off—and my skin looked way more even and radiant after just one use." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: volcanic ash clusters, lactic acid, bentonite, kaolin, walnut shell powder
• Who it’s for: people with acne-prone, oily skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Leave-On Mask: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sulwhasoo

Overnight Vitalizing Mask

$46

Amazon

Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: If your skin's feeling extra dry and chapped, swap your usual moisturizer for a richer treatment like Sulwhasoo's Overnight Vitalizing Mask. This nighttime leave-on locks in moisture to reinforce and strengthen your barrier all night long—and all of the next day. Jujube and pomegranate extracts, the two hero ingredients that make up the brand's Nutritive Red Elixir, are full of antioxidants to help soothe and repair skin. Gently rinse off in the morning with lukewarm water, and et voila, you’re glowing.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“The texture feels incredibly indulgent and luxe as it goes on—it feels like such a treat for my sensitive skin prone to dryness. It absorbs beautifully, leaving just a hint of dewiness, but never in that uncomfortable, hair-sticking-to-your-face way. By morning, there wasn’t a trace of residue—I even forgot to wash it off—and my skin was unbelievably soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance against this mask.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jujube and pomegranate extracts, glycerin, squalane, shea butter
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those with dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Sunscreens

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Koolsol by Knours

Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$22

Amazon

Han applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Mineral sunscreens have a reputation for leaving behind a chalky cast—and honestly, that concern isn’t totally unfounded. Since zinc oxide starts as a white powder, completely invisible formulas on every skin tone are, quite frankly, impossible. (We also know tinted sunscreens aren’t for everyone!) Enter Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which comes impressively close to the real thing. Give it a good shake, apply, and you’ll notice how weightless it feels—more like a chemical SPF than a traditional mineral one. The formula is boosted with skin-friendly hydrators and soothers like cica, snow mushroom, aloe, and niacinamide, resulting in a finish that’s soft, smooth, and about as close to cast-free as mineral sunscreen gets.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I have never met a Korean mineral sunscreen—or any mineral sunscreen, especially untinted—that has this close to the feel of a chemical sunscreen. As you probably know, no mineral sunscreen can be 100% cast-free (zinc oxide starts as a white powder, after all!), but Koolsol Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 leaves my complexion looking almost indiscernibly the same. I only notice the teeniest tinge of cast in real life, but I honestly don't think an observer would. (My boyfriend, who looks at my face quite a lot, couldn't tell!) It applies so elegantly, like a lightweight moisturizer, and leaves my skin looking dewy, but not overly so. I'd never thought I'd say such a thing, but I think I even prefer this mineral option over Knours' chemical SPF (which is also nice, to be fair)!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), niacinamide, snow mushroom, aloe, cica
• Who it's for: all skin types, especially those sensitive to chemical SPFs
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Round Lab

Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+

$28 $22 (21% off)

Amazon

Lee applying the Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: After the massive success of Round Lab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen, expectations were high for the FDA-approved UVLock version—and the brand delivered. The texture is smooth, lightweight, and easy to spread, making it a dream to wear alone or layered under makeup. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, is a fan, too, thanks to hydrating staples like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus antioxidant protection from niacinamide. “It blends in easily and layers beautifully with other skin-care products and makeup,” Dr. Chang e told Allure. The addition of birch sap, panthenol, and purslane extract helps calm and soothe, making it especially appealing for easily irritated skin.

Tester feedback from Lee

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"I can’t believe it took me this long to try the Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen. Now I fully get the hype. It disappears instantly, makes my skin feel hydrated thanks to the birch sap, and honestly, my only complaint is that it doesn’t come in a jumbo bottle so I can slather it everywhere." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, birch tree sap, niacinamide, glycerin (no percentages of UV filters listed)
• Who it's for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen SunscreenSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen

$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen

Alessandra Foresto

Why it's worth it: We love it when a product name just makes sense. Case in point: Medicube's No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen gives you a serious radiance boost with just one application, and of course, without white cast. (It's a chemical formula after all!) Chock-full of ceramides, cica, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight formula replenishes moisture levels and strengthens your barrier—all while acting as a great hydrating makeup primer. It has a slight pink tint to match the outer packaging, which we can't help but think is a cute bonus.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“Like a good beauty editor, sunscreen is not a step I skip even on the darkest, rainiest days. I like this Medicube SPF because it's light and absorbs quickly but still feels moisturizing, plus it has a very subtle, radiant finish. Unlike other sunscreens, it doesn't leave a white cast behind, and it also doesn't feel thick and sticky on my face. But, most importantly for me, it does not make my makeup pill. I use it as the last step in my moisturizing routine every morning, after a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturizing cream, and before concealer and foundation.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 13.6% homosalate, 9% octocrylene, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, peptides, Centella asiatica
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest Korean skin-care trends for 2026?

According to New York City-based dermatologist Jane Yoo, MD, 2026 is the year of Korean skin care, and these are some of the areas you can expect to see the biggest innovations:

Fermented Ingredients:

Korean skin care prioritizes ultra-gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas featuring fermented ingredients like ceramides, postbiotics, and cica (short for Centella asiatica), which will continue to dominate daily routines as they promote barrier repair and long-term skin health.

Clinically Proven Actives:

Driven by the growing interest in K-beauty professional procedures, Dr. Yoo expects continued demand for pre- and post-procedure care as well as products that deliver results comparable to clinical treatments. “I think we will see different delivery systems being employed to have actives penetrate the skin barrier and increase the efficacy of products,” she says.

PDRN:

If you haven’t heard of it yet, PDRN is a DNA-based compound—often sourced from salmon sperm—known for stimulating collagen, boosting hydration and elasticity, and calming inflammation. It’s having a major moment in skincare, showing up in everything from collagen creams to serums. According to Dr. Yoo, expect even more options soon, including vegan formulations and combinations with other powerhouse ingredients like retinol and antioxidants. FYI: Dr. Yoo warns that Injections of PDRN are illegal by the FDA, and there have been side effects and complications from healthcare professionals permanently scarring skin. So, make sure you’re only applying it topically.

Bioactive peptides:

Bioactive peptides—short chains of amino acids that can send specific signals to skin cells to stimulate collagen, support repair, and improve elasticity—are now finding their way into regular consumer formulations due to demand for professional-level results at home. Dr. Yoo says that delivery systems that enhance penetration and efficacy will be key here.

Lightweight sunscreen:

“Everyone is obsessed with Korean sunscreens,” says Dr. Yoo. With the forthcoming FDA approval of Parsol Shield (a new broad-spectrum UV filter that results in lighter formulations), there will come a slew of “wonderful, diverse, and inclusive sunscreen options headed our way,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, NJ
• Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Ramón Pagán, a cosmetic chemist

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 Korean skin care on Amazon, 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 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.

Photos: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Broadway is thriving. And after its highest-grossing season ever (nearly $2 billion!), the theatre community was more than ready to celebrate all of the brilliance that made that possible at the Tony Awards. Hosted by Pink this year—not a Broadway alum, but she definitely proved she has the chops—the ceremony was filled with riveting performances, moving speeches, and, of course, stunning looks.

The artists attending the Tonys gave Hollywood a red carpet run for its money with some of the most creative and copy-worthy beauty moments. We're talking matchy-matchy makeup, sculptural hairstyles, and enough sparkle to fit right into The Rocky Horror Show.

Let's take a peek at the 2026 Tony Awards beauty looks that deserve to take an extra bow.

Ariana Debose

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Previous Tonys host Ariana Debose was a vision in deep emerald green—not just in her high-neck dress and drop earrings, but in her makeup too. Her otherwise warm and neutral makeup is given intensity with a wash of forest green across and beyond her lids, where her curly tendrils just happen to hit.

Kara Young

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Kara Young, star of the Broadway revival of Proof, served swirly edges at the front of a sleek, stick-straight ponytail styled by Cassandra Normil. And makeup artist Starr Ceska expertly answered the question, “What lipstick color do you wear with chartreuse?”: the deepest raisin.

Frankie Grande

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Of course Titanique star Frankie Grande was wearing sister Ariana's R.E.M. Beauty on the red carpet. Makeup artist Roshar cited it as one of several brands he used to create this super-shimmery eye, anchored with intense black liner fully enveloping the waterline.

Rose Byrne

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Don't you just wanna wear Rose Byrne's look every single day? Harry Josh gave her softly textured waves with curling iron—he alternated the direction of each section to create a relaxed look—and holding its effortless vibes with Goldwell StyleSign Shaping & Finishing Spray. Meanwhile, makeup artist Hung Vanngo used his eponymous line to create this neutral masterpiece after prepping her skin with two exfoliating steps: First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Exfoliating Gel Cleanser with AHA + Jojoba Pearls and Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads with Glycolic + Lactic Acids.

Cole Escola

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A vision in ruffly pink and wispy, winged lashes, Cole Escola says his voluminously retro, red hair makes them feel like the “gay baby … left outside a garbage can” by Dorothy Loudon and Molly Ringwald. And you know what? Yes.

Danielle Brooks

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Hairstylist Tish Celestine gave Danielle Brooks a sleek bob with swooped-out ends, which was given an even more editorial edge with different-length tendrils—some shorter than the bob, and some longer. The drama continued in her makeup, with makeup artist Yeika Olivia fully lining her eyes in black and extending it softly both inward and outward.

André De Shields

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André De Shields wore his Cats: The Jellicle Ball makeup on the red carpet, and can you blame him? The rhinestone liner, shadow, and brows look just as amazing with his vibrant tux as they do with his costume.

Qween Jean

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Speaking of Cats: The Jellicle Ball, its costume designer Qween Jean became the first openly trans person to win a Tony, and she did so in some of the most gorgeous makeup of the night. Makeup artist Ayman Syed continued the pink vision of her gown with a soft, contoured, pink lip, pink cheeks, and a stunning cut crease accented by a shimmering wing. The look was topped off by an elegant updo crafted by D the Barbtologist and accented with a cascading, beaded accessory.

Rachel Zegler

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Rachel Zegler's revival of Evita is expected to receive a warm welcome on Broadway next season, and in the meantime, she's wearing warm-toned makeup. The tawny hue of her lipstick is matched by her blush, while her matte, beautifully blended eye shadow brings in rich russet. Her hair feels effortless yet polished, which can be attributed to the Amika Top Gloss Hair Shine Spray hairstylist Dana Boyer used after giving her a bouncy blowout.

Layton Williams

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Titanique's Layton Williams decided to get bangs—and then some—for the Tony Awards. The nominee's fringed, black headpiece sweeps across his forehead and up into a tornado of controlled, breathtaking chaos. Even his eyeliner feels swept up in the moment.

Lesley Manville

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Getting a Tony for your Broadway debut is worthy of countless compliments, but so is doing your own makeup for the award show. Hairstylist Ben Skervin, who styled Lesley Manville's piecey, deeply side-parted pixie, wrote on Instagram that the actor did her makeup herself. Manville isn't on social media, so we may never know what she used for that soft yet vivid orange hue on her lids.

Melissa Barrera

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No matter how strong the wind machines in Titanique, they wouldn't be able to make Melissa Barrera's updo budge. Hairstylist Amy Farid gave her a super-sleek, middle-parted knot with the ends very intentionally fanned out. Makeup artist Mia Jones Siegel gave her a soft look with glossy, pink lips, highlighted cheeks, and a subtly shimmering brown smoky eye.