Category: HEALTH

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

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Ultra Violette

Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly Skinscreen

$40

Sephora

$40

Ultra Violette

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Neutrogena

Clear Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

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Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

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

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As a bona-fide millennial—I'm smack dab in the center of the generation—I've always been a side part gal. I don't feel too passionately about the whole generational debate re: parts, but when I try a middle part, it always feels weird and wrong, like I'm four again wearing my hair in Dorothy-style pigtails, and my hair itself prefers to lean over to one side or the other. Or does it? Selena Gomez has me reconsidering.

Gomez, who is herself also a millennial born in 1992, stepped out in New York City on September 17 wearing her new long hair styled in a ‘60s-style blowout with curled-under ends that swooped perfectly over her shoulder. This wasn’t a big, bouncy, voluminous blowout, but rather a sleeker style that began with a very defined middle part. From there, her hair was smoothed out nearly flat on either side, with the front portions tucked behind each ear and the lengths blown out equally smooth with a curvy bend at the ends for a little motion and movement.

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Sure, this style (by Renato Campora, who frequently works with Gomez) would work just a well on a side part, but doesn't it look so good with that precise parting right in the center of her forehead? It's so precise it feels nearly mathematical! The business-chic look was right on the money for her event; Gomez was in town for the Fast Company Innovation Festival, where she spoke on a panel about her brand Rare Beauty.

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Gomez was also feeling the center part the day prior, when she was snapped in Tribeca with a full, wavy bombshell blowout, again descending from a center part. (I love her bobs, but this long hair looks soooo good.) OK, OK, I'm convinced—it's the start of a new season and time to try a new-to-me parting too.

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

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

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

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

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

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Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

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Best Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

$25 $22 (12% off)

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 27

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

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Best Makeup Sponge

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 16

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

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Best Brow Serum

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$111

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 14

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

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Best Powder Blush

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

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

Jesa Marie Calaor

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 12

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

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Best Permanent Hair Color

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

$32

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 11

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

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Best Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

$24

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 10

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

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Best Thinning Hair Treatment

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

$45

Amazon (2-Pack)

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

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Best All-Over Acne Treatment

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

$24

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 8

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

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Best Brow Powder

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

$28

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

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Best Quick-Dry Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

$8 $6 (25% off)

Amazon

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

Arietta Hallock

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Stick

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

$14

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

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

Jenny Bailly

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Spray

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

$24

Amazon (3-Pack)

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

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Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

$30

Amazon (3-Pack)

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

Alesandra Foresto

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

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Best Nail Polish Remover

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

$12 $8 (33% off)

Amazon

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

Sarah Han

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

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

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Best Root Coverage

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

$36

Amazon

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

Jenny Bailly

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

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Best Matte Eye Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

$34

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Cocolab Cocofloss

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Best Floss

Cocolab Cocofloss

$10

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

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Best Microcurrent Skin Device

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

$595 $506 (15% off)

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

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Best Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

$100

Amazon

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

Jessica Cruel

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

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Best Monthly Peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

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

Jessica Cruel

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

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Best Body Steals

Tree Hut Body Scrub

$12 $9 (25% off)

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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Best Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$21 $17 (19% off)

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

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Best Round Brush

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

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

Kassidy Silva

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

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Best Color Lip Oil

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

$42

Sephora

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

Jennet Jusu

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

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Best Foundation Brush

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

$48 $41 (15% off)

Amazon

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

Bianca Richards

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Liquid Eyeliner

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

$34

Shop

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

Jesa Marie Calaor

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

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Best Brow Pen

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

$16 $13 (19% off)

Amazon

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

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Best Lip Scrub

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

$15

Amazon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

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

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

Our Top Moisturizers for Mature Skin

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

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

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Overall: Alastin Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

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Alastin

Ultra Nourishing Moisturizer

$98

Amazon

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

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

More to know

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

Best With Retinol: RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

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RoC

Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Rich Cream

$28

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

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

More to know

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

Best Retinol Alternative: La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

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La Mer

The Rejuvenating Night Cream

$230

La Mer

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

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

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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

More to know

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

Best with SPF: Revision Intellishade Original SPF 45

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Revision Skincare

Intellishade Original SPF 45

$89

Amazon

$89

Dermstore

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

More to know

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

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

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Medik8

Advanced Pro Collagen Peptide Cream

$99

Amazon

$99

Dermstore

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

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffman

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

More to know

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

Best Firming: Sulwhasoo Essential Firming Cream Ex

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Sulwhasoo

Essential Firming Cream EX

$124

Amazon

$124

Nordstrom

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

More to know

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

Best Night Cream: Caudalie Premier Cru Cream

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Caudalie

Premier Cru Cream

$119

Amazon

$119

Nordstrom

$119

Sephora

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

More to know

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

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

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Isdin

Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

$152

Amazon

$152

Dermstore

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

More to know

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

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

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SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

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

More to know

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

Best Drugstore: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

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CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

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

More to know

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

What do moisturizers for mature skin do?

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

Meet the experts

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

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best concealers for dry skin need to perform a delicate balancing act: Cover what you want hidden without putting flakes, fine lines, or rough texture under a spotlight. That’s easier said than done when your complexion is perpetually thirsty, and it starts with the formula itself. “For dry skin, I usually lean toward creamy, liquid, or serum concealers with some slip to them,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “You want something hydrating and flexible that moves with the skin, rather than a matte finish that can grab onto and emphasize texture.”

For that all-important hydration, look for moisture magnets like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, along with emollients such as squalane, which help concealer glide over dry areas instead of clinging to them. Lightweight, buildable coverage is another plus: You can add as much pigment as you need, exactly where you want it.

Our Top Concealers for Dry Skin

• Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer, $32
• Best for Uneven Texture: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer, $42
• Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer, $32
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer, $24

Ahead, our favorite creamy, skin care-infused concealers brighten dark circles, diffuse the look of redness, and blur blemishes while leaving dry skin looking like skin—only smoother, brighter, and decidedly less parched.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do you apply concealer on dry skin?
• Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?
• How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

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Ilia Beauty

Skin Blur Serum Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Panych

Why we love it: If you were as upset as we were when Ilia discontinued its beloved True Skin Serum Concealer earlier this year, don’t fret: Its replacement may be even better, especially if uneven texture is one of your biggest gripes. The noncomedogenic Skin Blur Serum Concealer provides buildable coverage that evens out discoloration and camouflages the occasional blemish without feeling heavy or mask-like, while powdered microspheres softly diffuse the look of pores, bumps, and other textural irregularities. True to Ilia’s skin-first approach, the formula does more than conceal: Glycerin delivers lightweight hydration, Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides support elasticity, caffeine depuffs, and sea fennel extract—a plant-based ingredient the brand touts as a retinol alternative—brightens and smooths. “I love the blurred, natural finish,” says Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey, who also notes that the product sets itself—meaning it settles into a long-wearing layer on skin that nixes the need for setting powder.

Panych before applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Panych

Panych after applying the Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer

Sophia Manych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“These days, I prefer using a full-coverage concealer layered over a skin tint, versus foundation, as everything seems to make my 40-year-old skin look dry and flat. Ilia is perfect for this technique because of its serum-like texture.  The silky formula blends seamlessly over fine line and any texture, concealing them but not settling in them. What I think makes this a good option for dry skin is that it's self-setting, meaning it stays in place nicely without topping it off with powder, meaning you don't need that extra step and that extra layer of makeup on your face. That being said, sometimes it can be a little too good at it's job, and can look a little dry if you overdo it, or if you don't prep your skin properly. But I've got the right amount down to a science now and it's a formula I find myself reaching for again and again.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides, sea fennel extract, caffeine, glycerin
• Shades: 34
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: natural

Best for Undereyes: Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

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Sarah Creal

Face Flex Concealer

$58

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: The skin under your eyes shifts whenever you talk, squint, blink, or smile, giving concealer plenty of opportunities to crease, cake, and settle into fine lines. That’s where Sarah Creal’s Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, lives up to its very aptly chosen name. The creamy formula feels nourishing yet weightless, forming an ultra-thin, flexible film that moves with your expressions and then bounces back into place. The crease-resistant formula provides enough concentrated coverage to brighten dark circles without piling on product, then blends out seamlessly if you want to sweep it across your cheeks, chin, or nose. Hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the delicate undereye area, caffeine visibly reduces puffiness, and soothing aloe leaf and antioxidant-rich green tea keep skin looking calm, smooth, and radiant.

Silva before applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the Sarah Creal Face Flex Concealer

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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"My quest to find a good concealer had been ongoing since I started to see fine lines around my eyes almost two years ago. Postpartum sleepless nights plus natural aging, you know the drill. Then I found Sarah Creal's Correct Instant Under Eye Brightener, which led me to the Face Flex Concealer & Complexion Enhancer with Caffeine, which has become my go-to. It's gentle around my lines and hides any blemish with a few swipes of a concealer brush. I'll apply four to five dots around my eyes, corners and tip of my nose, and little on the chin, then blend, blend, blend. If you have dry skin, don't worry, it doesn't settle into any of my rough patches and glides across any of my ‘problem’ areas where I'm prone to psoriasis." —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, caffeine, aloe leaf
• Shades: 21
• Coverage: radiant
• Finish: radiant

Best Waterproof: Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

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Kylie Cosmetics

Power Plush Longwear Concealer

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Waterproof concealers can sometimes make dry skin feel even drier, but Kylie Cosmetics’ Power Plush Longwear Concealer is a welcome exception. The cushiony formula balances long-lasting wear with glycerin that draws moisture into the skin and panthenol to soothe dryness and supports the moisture barrier. Rosa hybrid flower extract provides antioxidant and skin-conditioning benefits, while dimethicone seals in hydration and smooth over flaky patches. Despite all that moisture, it doesn’t slide around, and the weightless pigment delivers medium, buildable coverage that conceals dark circles, redness, and blemishes without creasing or caking. You can wear it beyond the usual concealer zones: Choose a lighter shade to brighten the high points of your face or a deeper one to bronze and contour.

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear Concealer

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“After applying my complexion makeup, I reach for this extra-creamy concealer to cover the redness I regularly get along the edge of my nostrils and chin. A little goes a long way, and the brightening formula never sits in my thirstiest patches.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, panthenol, rosa hybrid flower extract
• Shades: 40
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Best for Dull Skin: Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

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Patrick Ta

Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

$34

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Why we love it: We love Patrick Ta’s Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer for temporarily erasing the look of dark circles: Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate, a stable, oil-soluble vitamin C derivative, brightens the discoloration that can contribute to undereye shadows over time. But Ta, whose signature technique involves selectively illuminating skin to give it believable dimension, doesn’t want you to stop there. The brand recommends applying the creamy, medium-coverage formula around the smile lines, along the sides of the lips, on the chin, and at the center of the forehead to strategically lift and subtly brighten the entire face. Sodium hyaluronate, betaine, and vitamin E hydrate, plump, and soothe, while silicones smooth over fine lines and create the softly blurred, never-cakey finish promised in the name. If you want your face to catch the light in all the right places, this formula gets you halfway there; the rest just takes a little practice with technique.

Han before applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Patrick Ta Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I love how dewy and moisturizing the Patrick Ta Major Skin Foundation (a Best of Beauty winner!) so I had a feeling I'd love the complementary concealer (I usually use Light Peachy Neutral 2). I usually don't apply eye cream in the morning but this concealer is loaded up with sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E, so it *kinda* (kinda!) doubles as one. Application is as smooth as can be and it provides medium coverage, which is more than enough to cover any (very slight) discoloration. I concentrate concealer on the middle of my face, so I dab some on my forehead, around and on my nose, and chin, in addition to my undereyes, and this one in particular blends out so smoothly and nicely, and illuminates my sleepy face in the best way possible!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, betaine, vitamin E, silicones
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: radiant

Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer

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Kosas

Revealer Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Allure tester applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Why we love it: For mature skin, the sweet spot is a concealer that delivers moisture and coverage without settling into fine lines—and Kosas’ Revealer Concealer does just that. Del Russo calls it her “absolute favorite for medium, buildable coverage, color correcting, and hydration.” Hyaluronic acid and glycerin draw in moisture, while squalane and panthenol help keep delicate undereyes supple while peptides smooth the look of fine lines. Caffeine provides a brightening, de-puffing boost for tired-looking eyes. Keep in mind that “a little goes a long way,” says Del Russo, who recommends tapping a touch onto the inner and outer corners to disguise darkness without applying excess product that can settle into creases. The formula comes in 38 shades, plus brightening and color-correcting versions.

Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Allure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"This is like the Swiss Army Knife of concealers for me. I use the flat sponge to deposit just a few dabs of concealer beneath my eyes or the more precise tip to spot-cover redness around my nose. I've also found that it blends in seamlessly with my fingers—no brushes needed, which is always a plus." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, pink algae, hyaluronic acid, arnica, peptides
• Shades: 38
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: radiant

Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

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Tower 28

Swipe Serum Concealer

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

Why we love it: Concealer has a knack for finding dry patches you didn’t even know you had, but Tower 28’s Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer glides over them with a lightweight, supple texture. Glycerin, propanediol, and hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to keep dry skin looking smooth and bouncy, while emollients soften skin and prevent the formula from catching on flakes. Sensitive complexions get extra TLC from soothing Centella asiatica, antioxidant-rich green tea, and conditioning lysine.

Despite feeling more like a hydrating serum, it builds to medium coverage for concealing dark circles, redness, and uneven tone without turning thick or mask-like. Loiz reaches for it beyond the undereye area: “It’s also great for blemishes because it gives coverage without looking thick on the skin.” With a solid shade range (28 hues—playfully named after Los Angeles locales like DTLA, K-Town, and WeHo as a nod to the brand’s SoCal roots), you’re bound to find a match.

San Miguel before applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

San Miguel after applying the Tower 28 Beauty Swipe Serum Concealer

Madison San Miguel

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“This concealer is the epitome of ‘no makeup-makeup; it's a lightweight, skin-first formula, with hydrating hyaluronic acid and calming centella asiatica, that really helped the product glide on my dry skin. The finish leans on the satin-natural side, and has a buildable medium coverage that conceals dark circles and blemishes without settling. I reached for this on days where I wanted some coverage, not a full-face.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

Tester feedback from Han

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“Tower 28's Swipe Serum is my absolute ride-or-die concealer. I've been using it since it launched in 2023, and it comes with me on every trip. (The highest honor!) I love a skin-care-infused makeup product, and this creamy formula blends in like a dream with a sponge and has never pilled on me even once! This isn't necessary by any means, but I sometimes use two shades: DTLA (my main shade and what I often use alone) under my eyes, forehead, and chin, and IE on my cheeks and nose. I tend to have more discoloration in the center of my face, so I like a deeper shade in those areas, whereas DTLA is great for brightening and adding subtler coverage to areas that don't need as much. I always blend out my undereyes and T-zone first, while I let the formula sit for a minute and really meld into especially redness-prone areas (around my nose) and stubborn dark spots (on my nose—one of my worst skin habits is that I'm a stress-picker!). The finish is just perfectly radiant and covers everything I want to, while still looking like skin. It's also reasonably priced at $24 and one of the best-valued concealers you'll find at Sephora—trust. (My second-fave concealer, also available there, is almost $60. Eek!)” —Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, green tea, lysine
• Shades: 28
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: natural

Best for Redness: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

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Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: We had to wait a full 20 years after Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation launched for its first concealer counterpart—but those with dry skin in particular were rewarded for their patience. Luminous Silk Concealer debuted in 2020 and promptly won an Allure Best of Beauty Award (then nabbed another one in 2025). Glycerin draws moisture into thirsty skin and vitamin E keeps it soft and conditioned. There’s also caffeine, which brightens a tired-looking complexion and helps offset puffy undereyes.

Just as important, the fluid, serum texture stays flexible as you build coverage, so it’s less likely to grab onto flaky patches or exaggerate uneven texture. “This concealer truly melts into the skin,” Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore, previously told Allure. “It layers beautifully without ever looking heavy or creating that crepey, mask-like effect.” It also has a satin finish for a radiant look, she says, rather than leaving dry skin looking flat or powdery. Dry complexions may get top billing here, but this lightweight overachiever plays just as nicely with combination, oily, acne-prone, and everything-in-between skin.

Lee before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My thirsty skin also comes with melasma that I like to cover, so I use concealer a little differently: Instead of tapping it onto individual spots, I often buff it over larger areas with a wider foundation brush. That means I need a formula fluid enough to spread without catching on dry patches—and Armani Beauty's Luminous Silk Concealer is exactly that. It’s silky, super easy to blend, and gives me enough coverage to noticeably even out my melasma without feeling like I’m piling on makeup. Best of all, it leaves my dry skin looking dewy and fresh, and stays flexible rather than settling into the uneven texture across my cheeks.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, vitamin E, glycerin
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: dewy

Best Medium-Coverage: Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

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Saie

Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

$29

Amazon

$29

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Some concealers are best confined to a few strategic dots, but true to its name, Saie’s Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer was made to roam, delivering medium coverage wherever you need it. The lightweight cream disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and uneven tone, melting in seamlessly enough to blend across larger areas in place of foundation. Its noncomedogenic formula surrounds pigment with plenty of nourishing skin-care ingredients: Glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and polyglutamic acid draw in hydration, while sunflower seed oil softens skin and prevents moisture loss. Niacinamide soothes and evens tone, while rice bran extract conditions skin and helps defend against free-radical damage. Plus, there’s antioxidant-rich amla extract to further support a brighter, more even-looking complexion. “It's also a great option for long days, leaving a naturally radiant finish that does not crease,” says Del Russo.

Pai before applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Saie Slip Tint Radiant All-Over Concealer

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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“While I prefer a creamy concealer like the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage to conceal my breakouts, I don't love the texture on other areas of my face. I use this concealer to tackle dark circles, redness around my nose, hyperpigmentation, and the occasional zit as needed in a single sweep. It's a dream to blend and the coverage is forgiving—it's not enough to ever get cakey, but does a great job of concealing even purple-toned areas. I also love that I can dot, blend, and go—no brushes needed.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, polyglutamic acid, sunflower seed oil, niacinamide
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: dewy

More concealers for dry skin we love

Best Full-Coverage Concealer: Tarte Shape Tape Creamy Concealer

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Tarte

Shape Tape Ultra Creamy Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Why we love it: When Tarte’s original Shape Tape concealer launched in 2016, its full-coverage formula and oversized doe-foot applicator quickly won over the internet, prompting repeat sellouts—and even limits on how many tubes shoppers could order at once. A decade and an entire Shape Tape franchise later, Tarte has spun that blockbuster formula into the Creamy Concealer, a more hydrating offshoot for people with dry skin. It retains the full coverage and staying power of the multi-time Readers’ Choice Award winner, but adds hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, and shea butter to help it glide over fine lines without looking dry or cakey. A few swipes are enough to brighten dark circles, blur blemishes, and sculpt the face with a smooth, satin-like finish.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, prickly pear, mango butter, shea butter
• Shades: 48
• Coverage: full
• Finish: natural

Best for Blemishes: Dior Forever Skin Correct Concealer

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Dior

Forever Skin Correct Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

$42

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Dior’s Forever Skin Correct Concealer is "the Rolls-Royce of concealers for hitting all the pain points: It corrects redness, hides darkness, delivers extra hydration, and blurs blemishes,” says Del Russo. And if blemishes are at the top of your concealing agenda, the noncomedogenic, full-coverage formula is particularly well equipped. It camouflages active breakouts, lingering post-acne marks, and surrounding redness in a single sweep, while silica softens the look of pores and uneven texture. Despite that coverage, its creamy consistency blends easily and sets to a transfer-resistant finish without looking thick or cakey over dry, healing spots. “You’ll never have to keep layering it,” says Loiz. Glycerin and propanediol draw in moisture, while emollients keep the surface smooth. It won’t treat acne, but it does make the evidence considerably harder to spot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, propanediol, emollients
• Shades: 30
• Coverage: full
• Finish: natural

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

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L'Oréal Paris

True Match Radiant Serum Concealer

$17 $14 (18% off)

Amazon

$17

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: When you have dry skin, you can rarely go wrong with a) a makeup-skin care hybrid, since added hydrators help keep pigment from clinging to flaky patches and emphasizing texture, and b) a serum-y consistency that slips effortlessly across the skin for easier, tug-free blending. L’Oréal Paris’ True Match Radiant Serum Concealer checks both boxes, delivering medium coverage that disguises dark circles, redness, blemishes, and discoloration without looking heavy. Glycerin and 1.5% hyaluronic acid draw in moisture to plump the appearance of fine lines and keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, while niacinamide supports the moisture barrier and even tone. Caffeine also temporarily reduces the look of undereye puffiness when you use it around the eyes.

This drugstore darling is also incredibly easy to apply exactly where you need it: “Its iron-shaped applicator has a pointed tip that deposits a small, controlled amount of concealer precisely onto blemishes, dark spots, and the inner corners of the eyes,” says Del Russo. Meanwhile, the wider sides and flat center can sweep product over larger areas, such as beneath the eyes or around the nose. Although its 24-shade lineup includes fewer options at the deeper end than we’d like, the formula is sheer enough that each shade can blend across a broader range of skin tones.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, 1.5% hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, caffeine
• Shades: 24
• Coverage: light to medium
• Finish: dewy

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you apply concealer on dry skin?

Start with well-moisturized skin, giving your moisturizer or eye cream a few minutes to absorb so the concealer has a smooth—not slippery—surface to grip. Apply foundation first, then use concealer only where you still need coverage; fewer layers mean less product available to cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines.

Shade selection also matters. “Concealers are not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing,” says Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles. “When it comes to choosing the right shade for your skin tone, knowing your undertones makes it a lot easier.” Choose an exact skin-tone match for blemishes and discoloration, or go one to two shades lighter than your foundation to brighten beneath the eyes.

As far as technique, pressing is gentler on dry skin than rubbing or dragging. Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles, recommends bouncing a damp sponge over the product, while Meyers uses her ring finger to gently tap it into place for a softer finish. Either method helps melt concealer into the skin without disturbing your base or lifting flaky patches. If you need powder, use the smallest amount possible and limit it to areas prone to creasing.

Can people with dry skin wear full-coverage concealer?

Absolutely. “High coverage isn’t the problem—it’s how much you use and the texture of the formula,” says Loiz. She recommends applying a tiny amount of a creamy, flexible full-coverage concealer exactly where you need it. In fact, that can look more natural on dry skin than repeatedly layering a sheerer formula: “You’re building on too much product, which will look cakey and heavy.”

How should you prep dry skin before applying concealer?

Start with moisturizer, paying extra attention to the delicate undereye area. “Let skin care absorb before applying concealer,” says Loiz. “You want the skin hydrated and plump, but not so slippery that the concealer can’t grip.” Give your products a few minutes to sink in, then gently press away any excess before applying a thin layer of concealer.

Meet the experts

• Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
• Erika La'Pearl, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Leticia Meyers, a makeup artist based in Las Vegas and Los Angeles

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 shade range inclusive of consumers 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 its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best concealers for dry skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. 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 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.

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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

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

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

Meet the experts:

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

In this story:

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

What are curtain bangs?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon

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

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

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

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

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

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Equinox

Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

$14 $9 (36% off)

Amazon

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Fromm

Explore 5.75'' Shear

$37

Amazon

$37

Ulta Beauty

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Leaf

The Foundation Scissor

$104

Leaf

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

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

How to style curtain bangs

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

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

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RŌZ

Wave Texturizing Mist

$35

Amazon

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Credo Beauty

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Tresemmé

A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray

$13

Amazon

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Oribe

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

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

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Innersense Organic Beauty

Quiet Calm Curl Control Cream

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Credo Beauty

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Isima

Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream

$32

Ulta Beauty

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

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Dom Dom

Small Round Bristle Brush

$38

Amazon

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British M

33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

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

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

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Virtue

Volumizing Primer

$42 $36 (14% off)

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

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

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Fable & Mane

Glossy Styling Hair Oil

$36

Sephora

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Unove

Silk Shine Hair Oil

$25

Amazon

$25

Sephora

How to maintain curtain bangs

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

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

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Amika

Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$29

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

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Narka

Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara

$15

Ulta Beauty

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

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

Curtain bangs hairstyle inspiration

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

Additional reporting by Donna Freydkin and Nicola Dall'Asen.

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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

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

Photo: Getty Images

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

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

Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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

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

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

Reserve yours now:

SHOP THE BOX

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

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

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

Retail Value: $27

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask

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

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

Retail Value: $48

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

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

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

Retail Value: $20

Davines LOVE/ smoothing lightweight milk

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

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

Retail Value: $33

tarte cosmetics Double Take Eyeliner

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

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

Retail Value: $26

Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream

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

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

Retail Value: $32

Saie Glowy Super™ Gel Lightweight Illuminator in Roseglow

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

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

Retail Value: $18

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Mini

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

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

Retail Value: $26

ILIA Mini Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight

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

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

Retail Value: $17

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum in Medium

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

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

Retail Value: $36

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment

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

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

Retail Value: $27

Glow Recipe Korean Toner Pad Collection 3-Piece Trial Set

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

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

Retail Value: $4.75

by/ rosie jane ROSIE travel spray

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

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

Retail Value: $29

Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist

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

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

Retail Value: $31

belif Aqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid

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

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

Retail price: $32

Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops in Medium

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

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

Retail Value: $30

Divi Dry Shampoo

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

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

Retail Value: $16

dpHUE Glossy Glaze in Sheer

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

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

Retail Value: $29

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

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

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

Retail Value: $14

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler in Millennial Pink

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

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

Retail Value: $16.99

Mooncat Nail Lacquer in Mermaid Bait or Pearl Clutcher

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

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

Retail Value: $17

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion

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

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

Retail Value: $15.99

Megababe Le Tush Clarifying Butt Mask

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

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

Retail Value: $22

Women's ROGAINE® 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

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

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

Retail Value: $44.97

milk_shake Icy Blond Shampoo

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

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

Retail Value: $10

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

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

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

Retail Value: $11.99

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

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

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

Retail Value: $18

Peta Jane Beauty Medium Self-Tanning Mousse + Tanning Mitt

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

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

Retail Value: $52

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

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

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

Retail Value: $14.95

Hairstory New Wash Original Cleansing & Conditioning Cream

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

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

Retail Value: $48

Design by Briana RengifoSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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

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

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

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

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

Shop All 2026 Best of Beauty Winners

Mid-October 2025

We send out a call for the 2026 awards…

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

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

End of October

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

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

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

Early November

We get really familiar with those spreadsheets.

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

Early November to early December

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

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

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

Mid- to End of November

Last call!

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

December

It's time to get our Marie Kondo on.

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

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

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

Early December to early March

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

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

Arietta Hallock

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

Jesa Marie Calaor

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

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

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

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

January

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

March

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

End of March to mid-April

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

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

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

End of March

Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up!

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

Spring

We're getting closer!

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

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

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

Mid-Spring

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

End of Spring

Yay! But also, shh!

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

Summer

It's a sprint to the finish line!

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

Mid-September

It’s all been leading up to this…

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

October 17

Time to party!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meet the experts:

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

Keeping eczema flares at bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Treating the milia

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

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

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

Additional reporting by Dana Leigh Smith