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One month ago, YouTube creator Victory Marrie uploaded a 15-minute video titled “My Everything Shower Routine.” In it, she rattles off her long ritual, which includes lighting a candle, exfoliating twice, shaving, using a loofah to scrub herself down with three body washes, and ending with a feminine cleanser (a whole other issue, and please, avoid these). Another creator, Audrey Victoria, shared her everything shower routine on TikTok last month. Her first video, labeled “Part One,” already has 10 steps, which makes me wonder how many she can possibly lay out in “Part Two.”

The everything shower is not a new phenomenon. People have indulged in long, luxurious showers since the inception of indoor plumbing, but this particular term was born in very recent history. Google searches for it have grown steadily since January 2023, around the time it exploded on TikTok and turned into a full-blown trend, with videos showing off a heavily product-forward, commodified version of self-care. And while everyone has their own laborious process that leaves no crevice unscrubbed, everything showers all seem to have one thing in common: an exorbitant amount of time spent in the bathroom using an exorbitant amount of products. How have we arrived here, at a point where simple hygiene has mutated into a 10-plus-step event that requires almost as much time and energy as a HIIT workout? Is it capitalism? Overconsumption? Self-absorption? Whatever it is, if you ask me, it has to stop.

While your run-of-the-mill daily shower may consist of washing your body and maybe shampooing and conditioning your hair, the limit does not exist when it comes to the everything shower—just ask my fellow Allure editors. In 2024, a number of them detailed their routines in full, with their many steps happening before, during, and after the shower. The long menu of everything shower possibilities they listed includes dry brushing, hair brushing, facial cleansing, scalp oiling, exfoliating, shaving, applying hair masks, hair washing (often twice), deep conditioning, and detangling; then applying body oil or body lotion, using a gua sha, ice rolling, self-tanning, and sheet masking. In between all of this may be the time spent letting these products sink in or “marinate,” as they put it. The shower may also come with accoutrements, like luxurious candles, shower steamers, or eucalyptus leaves for an aromatic experience. Are you relaxed yet? I’m not.

While the everything shower is meant to be a moment of self-care, the longer the trend continues, the more it feels like an opportunity to consume as many products as possible in one sitting (or, well, standing). And with all due respect to my brilliant colleagues—love you guys!—should we really be extending our shower time when, in the world of ChatGPT, water usage is rising to concerning levels? In 2025, a team at Cornell University calculated that by 2030, AI data systems in the US could drain 731 to 1,125 million cubic meters of water per year, which is equivalent to the amount that approximately 10 million Americans use annually. And it’s not like water wasn’t in short supply before the robots. If you live in states with persistent droughts, such as California, Arizona, or Colorado, you may have experienced government-mandated limits on water usage.

Now, does the amount of water used in your beloved everything shower come anywhere near the water being used to cool massive AI data systems? No, not in the slightest, but every 20-minute shower does require around 40 gallons of water, and that’s not nothing. We should be able to have some grasp on our personal consumption, especially as Americans who, with less than 5% of the world’s population, consumed 16% of the world’s energy in 2022.

In that 2024 story, Allure’s senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor, called her everything shower a “sacred experience,” which she admitted clocked in at 45 minutes (minimum). She’s since changed her tune: “With the rising cost of everything, I’m not as indulgent as I used to be,” she admits. “My electric and water bills have been nuts, and these days, it’s less about doing ‘everything’ and more about doing whatever helps me decompress. Clean hair and shaved legs make me feel extra zen, but instead of going through body scrubs and pre-shampoo oiling, I just hop out and curl up with a good book.”

It’s not just my coworkers (well, some of them) and environmentalists who are with me. Dermatologists are also on my side. “From a skin health perspective, any shower consistently longer than 15 to 20 minutes can become excessive, especially if the water is hot,” says Minneapolis-based, board-certified dermatologist Jenny Liu. “Prolonged exposure strips the skin of its natural lipids and disrupts the barrier, which can lead to dryness, irritation, and flare-ups of conditions like eczema.” Ideally, a shower should last 5 to 10 minutes, and if the temperature is high enough to make your skin turn pink or red, it’s too hot. “Shower water should feel comfortably warm, not steamy or stinging,” says Dr. Liu.

Since I’m sure you’re dying to know, my own everything shower routine follows these steps: wash my hair (with a single shampoo and conditioner), exfoliate, shave, wash my body and face, and then, while my skin is still slightly damp, finish with a shower oil. This routine normally takes me 20 to 25 minutes, while my everyday, non-everything showers wrap up in just under 10 minutes.

Of course, how we go about our hygiene is cultural—people who live in hot, humid climates, for example, will bathe more than people who don’t, and for people who have curlier hair textures, washdays can be an entire process that comes with a lot of time in the shower.

Look, I’m all for hygiene and for taking quiet moments for yourself. Warm water pulsing over our bodies quiets our external senses and helps us turn inward. Maybe you’ll even have a steam-induced epiphany or two (there isn’t an entire sub-Reddit dedicated to “shower thoughts” for nothing). Showering can provide structure to our days and create a sense of purpose and normalcy, especially for people struggling with depression or other mental health challenges. I’m not here to tell you to quit your everything shower or to wash yourself less. In fact, please don’t! But, at the end of a long day, a perfect shower needs only a few things (which, let’s not forget, we are supremely lucky to have): warm water, effective products to wash our hair and skin, maybe a fresh razor, and 15 minutes. Max.

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

The best volumizing hair products can be lifesavers for second-day styling, deflated blowouts, and flatness-prone strands. Mousses, sprays, and powders (oh, my!) add dimension and texture to hair that needs a boost, using ingredients like polymers, copolymers, and resins to restore your long-lost zhuzh. Still, you don't need fine or flat hair to benefit from a volumizing hair product. Even people with naturally fuller hair can use these formulas to amp up volume and bounce for that just-left-the-salon look that lasts for days. Interest piqued? Keep scrolling to discover our favorite hair volumizing products to give that crown some well-deserved lift.

Our Top Volumizing Hair Products

• Best Overall: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse, $38
• Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse, $27
• Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, $32
• Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray, $46
• Best for Second-Day Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray, $30
• Best for Curls: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse for Bouncy Volume, $36
• Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray, $52
• Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé, $50

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What does a volumizing hair product do?
• How do I choose a volumizing hair product?
• What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

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Crown Affair

The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

$38

Sephora

$38

Violet Grey

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Why it’s worth it: Don’t let the word “mousse” scare you away—Crown Affair’s The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse always leaves strands feeling flexible and soft, which is partly why it won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award. Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours. “It's perfect for enhancing curls, giving you good volume and a strong hold that will last,” Katelyn Ellsworth, a hairstylist based in San Diego, CA, told Allure. It’s our go-to for days when we skip heat styling, but still want natural movement and airy volume. When it’s time to re-style your hair the next day, you can brush right through your strands without worrying about any leftover stickiness or residue.

Richards before applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I love how seamlessly the Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse fits into my low-maintenance, low-effort haircare routine, and it leaves my hair looking the best I've ever felt in my natural state. It’s a super low-lift way to achieve that effortless, undone look. Unlike other mousses, it doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy—which is the best part!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“My thick hair is incredibly stubborn about maintaining volume at the roots and body throughout the day, but this mousse does what was previously impossible: It provides a natural, flexible hold (absolutely no crunch!) that sends my curls into juicy, hydrated spirals, giving my hair an allover plumping effect. It's the manifestation of va-va-voom for air-dried hair.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tsbukai meadow oil, pink salt, plant protein blend (kale, carrot, lemon)
• Who it's good for: those who like to air-dry their hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

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Hours

Full-Time Plumping Mousse

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: The lightweight, foamy, and soft-but-mighty Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and 2024 for its all-day staying power. The formula leans on fatty acids derived from castor oil to help hydrate the scalp and reinforce each strand, creating a good foundation for volume. Once dispensed, the airy propellants in the formula expand and then evaporate, giving the roots a subtle lift as your hair dries. That expansion acts almost like scaffolding, encouraging strands to stand taller. Then, humectants like propylene glycol and butylene glycol draw in moisture, plumping the hair shaft so it looks and feels thicker.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"Listen, mousse was a dirty word to me for the majority of my life—I did my time in the crunchy curl trenches in middle school—but I've done a full 180 since discovering Hours Plumping Mousse. My hair retains a ton of water post-shower and gets weighed down super easily, but adding two pumps of this to wet hair inflates my hair like a freakin' balloon. It's also responsible for the longest-lasting blowout I've ever had—it's literally a miracle product to me." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propylene glycol, castor oil, sodium polyitaconate
• Who it's good for: those with flat, fine hair that gets weighed down easily
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

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Olaplex

Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

$32

Ulta

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Why it's worth it: No bouncy blowout is complete without a good heat protectant, like Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. This 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner safeguards your strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while wrapping them in a barely-there veil of defense. Bamboo extract lipopeptides form a weightless, protective film that helps fortify the hair fiber. Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz. The finish is touchably soft and completely invisible, for hair that looks naturally sky-high.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"That any product could create volume on my superfine, color-treated hair is a damn miracle, which means Olaplex's Volumizing Blow Dry Mist is basically a religious deity in my eyes. With a few hearty spritzes of this lightweight spray along my hairline and in my roots—plus some elbow grease with a round brush, of course—I can at last achieve a style that makes me look like I have more hair than I actually do." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo extract, pea peptides, radish root ferment
• Who it's good for: people who style with heat regularly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Why it’s worth it: Powered by the brand’s biotech-backed peptide complex called K18peptide, which mimics the natural structure of keratin, the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray does more than just add volume. A few spritzes boost fullness while repairing damage and reducing breakage. According to Eddie M. Parra, a hairstylist in New York City, it delivers a conditioning effect (thanks, red algae) without sacrificing lift. And, it has two-day hair memory, so the volume lasts for up to 48 hours whether you apply it on damp or dry hair (it goes on completely invisible either way).

Singh before applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Singh after applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"I've tried a lot of volumizers in my day, and I've found a handful that deliver oomph immediately—but very few that add volume that lasts. This spray is one of those rare gems: I apply it in damp hair, blow-dry, and then enjoy the extra bounce well into the following day." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red algae, arginine, K18peptide, polymers
• Who it's good for: flat, damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Second-Day (or Third-Day) Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

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Dae

Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

$30

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: Dae’s Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray absorbs oil at the roots, making it a great pick for hair that hasn’t been washed in…a few days. But, unlike a dry shampoo, it also adds lift at your roots and bounce throughout the entire hair shaft with zeolite, a volcanic material known to add volume and cleanse the scalp. One spray gives hair a light refresh, while three-plus sprays offer more volume and zhuzh. It features yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, moringa leaf extract, and glycerin, all of which protect hair from environmental damage, improve softness and manageability, reduce breakage, and add shine.

Foresto before applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I've been using this spray on day two and three after a wash to give my hair a boost of volume and soak up some oil from my roots. I'm seriously impressed by how much volume a few spritzes of this spray creates. After having my hair in a bun overnight, I like to spray it and tousle my hair and roots to make my waves even bigger. Other times, I spray it on my flatiron-made curls and I find they get a nice beachy look.

The spray bottle is powerful and a little bit goes a long way to give your hair serious lift and texture. It also adds grip to hair so my lackluster French pinning abilities can be more easily hidden. Unlike other texturizing sprays, I find that results last all day and my hair does not fall flat after a few hours. The spray features Dae's nice signature citrus scent too!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, and moringa leaf extract, glycerin
• Who it's good for: oily, flat hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Curls: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

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Chris McMillan

The Hair Mousse

$36

Sephora

Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Chris McMillan’s The Hair Mousse is designed to help you recreate the stylist’s signature lift—no salon appointment required. Lightweight and airy, it’s made with curly hair in mind, giving coils instant volume and bounce while providing heat protection for diffuser days. The result? A soft, tousled texture with long-lasting hold—no crunch, no touch-ups, just effortless body that lasts. Infused with pine cone and mushroom extracts, the mousse also soothes the scalp and helps repair split ends, giving your curls a much-needed reset.

Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Hello, one and done! This product is your gel, your curl cream, your finishing product…all in one. It's truly been a game-changer for me, replacing all my products! I shake it up, then release a larger-than-a-golfball size amount and apply it all over. I tend to use it while my hair is slightly towel-dried, then again in the middle of my diffusing session, when it is about 40% dry. I love that it truly delivers on its promise of volumized, bouncy curls—full stop. It tames a bit of frizz, it defines my coils, and adds some necessary lift at my roots and mid-section. I've never received so many compliments on my hair. A little goes a long way, and if you do overdo it (like any mousse), you may get a little crunch. Just work it out with an oil to finish off styling and it'll soften up immediately. I think this works perfectly for my 3a hair, and I can imagine it working well for waves, too. The $36 price may seem steep, but this mousse and a diffuser are all I need!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mushroom extract, pine cone extract, polymers
• Who it's good for: curly hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Oribe

Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: So, you got a blowout yesterday—but this morning's Pilates class did a number on your hair. Before you panic, Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray is here to save the day. Yes, it adds volume and definition, but it also absorbs oil—think of it as a dry shampoo and a texturizing spray in one (very chic) bottle. The formula relies on zeolite crystallines, which add rough texture to your lengths while absorbing oil at the root. The spray also features Oribe’s Signature Complex, a brand hallmark that includes watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower to defend hair from drying and damaging oxidative stress. Pro tip: “Hit [hair] with the dryer again after spraying for volume at the root that lasts for days,” says Kate Johnson, hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team. And, like all products in the Oribe lineup, it’s finished with the brand’s classic Côte d'Azur scent, which has notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zeolite crystallines, ginger root extract, kiwi extract
• Who it's good for: people who work out or sweat a lot
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé

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Davines

OI Soufflé

$50

Amazon

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Made with antioxidant-rich roucou oil and softening chicory root extract, Davines’ OI Souffle is a hair-plumping mousse that delivers serious shine and volume, with none of the crunch. It also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great prep step before blow-drying for an extra full, bouncy finish. Once you apply it, you’ll notice how much silkier and smoother your hair feels, and when it’s dry, there won’t be any frizz left behind. Whether you’re defining curls or adding lift to straight strands, this is a solid pick—especially if your hair tends to puff up the second you step outside.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“Humidity is my curly hair’s worst enemy, so when I’m rockin’ my natural waves, I always know Davines’ OI Mousse has my back in times of need. After showering, I scrunch it into my hair and I feel confident walking out the door on a rainy day or a scorcher, knowing my curls will stay right where I left them. Oh, and I have to mention the floral and clean scent of the entire OI line—I literally get compliments on it whenever I use it, with people asking me what perfume I’m wearing.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: roucou oil, chicory root extract
• Who it's good for: those with frizzy hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Softness: R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

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R+Co

Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: R+Co’s Rodeo Star Thickening Foam delivers non-sticky volume with a soft feel, says Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta. It incorporates skin-care ingredients, like vitamin E to deeply condition, kiwi fruit extract to help retain moisture, and aloe vera leaf extract to minimize breakage and add shine. Yes, it gives hair that fuller, bouncier look—but it also leaves strands feeling so soft, you’ll want to run your fingers through them all day long.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E, kiwi fruit extract, aloe leaf extract
• Who it’s good for: frizzy, dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Extending Styles: Redken Stay High Mousse

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Redken

Stay High Mousse

$31

Amazon

$31

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: “Redken’s Stay High Mousse is thick and has a lot of stiff texture to it, so it holds fine hair up in a way that a lot of volumizing products don’t,” says Johnson. She adds that the volume stays put all day long, whether you apply it only at the roots or throughout your hair shaft.“ Just make sure to use a small amount and run it through wet hair section by section before blow-drying,” she advises. It immediately melts into hair, never feels sticky, and hydrates and strengthens with help from castor oil. A win-win-win, in our book.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, polymers
• Who it's good for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. "Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair," he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure, "It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo." Hurtado explains, "You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue."

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure, "Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)" can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it's essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. "If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice," she adds. If you're just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since "not all oils or silicones are created equal." She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don't need to be a scientist to determine which is which. "If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair," King advises.

Meet the experts

• Mia Santiago, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Kate Johnson, a hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team
• Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta, Georgia

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. 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.

Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of Amazon and UltaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you’re a mom, you’re probably familiar with doing a lot of things on the go: eating breakfast, firing off emails, scheduling doctor’s appointments—and yes, doing your makeup. We’ve mastered the art of lining our lips without a mirror, one hand on a stroller (what a flex). While I don’t recommend doing a full face of makeup mid-chaos, we also know that 10 minutes at home is often all you have to get your “glam” done before rushing out the door.

As a mom of two, on-camera beauty expert, and podcast cohost, I’m intimately familiar with getting ready in a pinch (because let’s face it—I’m already late). And while I’ve gotten better at it over the years—thanks to plenty of practice, plus tips and tricks from my favorite makeup-artist friends—the products have gotten better, too. It’s easier than ever to fake an almost full beat, thanks to a new generation of easy-to-apply, multitasking, and long-lasting makeup products designed for exactly this kind of time crunch. Here are the ones I rely on when I need to get camera-ready (whether for the news or a Zoom) in under 10 minutes.

Set it Up: Kelly Zhang Lifting & Firming Face Primer

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Kelly Zhang

Lifting & Firming Face Primer

$35

Kelly Zhang

I don’t love wearing a heavy moisturizer during the day, especially if I’m layering makeup, but my skin still needs a little extra love—particularly after a sleepless night spent being held hostage by a tiny toddler. This Lifting & Firming Face Primer from Kelly Zhang is packed with peptides, soothing aloe, and brightening orange peel extract to help smooth, firm, and illuminate skin, all while creating an ideal base for makeup. Massage it in, and it’s almost as if your skin just did a quick Barry’s Bootcamp class—lifted, firmed, and ready to go in seconds.

Work of Art: m.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette

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m.ph by Mary Phillips

Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette

$64

Sephora

Contouring can feel intimidating—and not necessarily like an everyday step—but I’ve found it makes a noticeable difference in how polished my makeup looks. Makeup artist Mary Phillips has a way of making it feel approachable, which might explain why she never skips this step on clients like Hailey Bieber and Kendall Jenner. This cream-based Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette includes two contour shades, two highlighters, and a color-correcting shade, making it easy to customize your sculpt. I simply “paint” where I want definition, blend it out, and instantly look more defined.

Balm Dot Com: IT Cosmetics Do-It-All Sheer Tint Face Balm

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IT Cosmetics

Do-It-All Sheer Tint Face Balm

$34

Ulta Beauty

This new skin-tint-meets-balm from IT Cosmetics has quickly become a staple in my routine, especially as a woman inching closer to her 40s. The lightweight formula wears like skin care (it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides) while delivering just the right amount of coverage for everyday wear, helping to blur redness, dark spots, and fine lines. The Do-It-All Sheer Tint Face Balm is sheer but buildable, and one of my favorite things about it is how easy it is to touch up throughout the day. I keep one in my purse so I can tap it on with my fingers as needed. It gives me a naturally glowy, radiant finish that tends to earn compliments wherever I go.

Focus on Me: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

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Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

$27

Sephora

Leave it to Danessa Myricks (beauty mogul and busy mom herself) to create a truly multitasking cheek-and-lip product that brings instant life to the face. The Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed has a unique blurring texture, delivering a soft, Paris-filter effect on skin. This creamy balm-powder hybrid blends seamlessly, wears beautifully throughout the day, and comes in a range of flattering shades. I’m especially drawn to Jubilee, a soft terracotta that works both as a blush and a lip.

Seeing the Light: Chanel Baume Essential

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Chanel

Baume Essential

$49

Chanel

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Chanel’s Baume Essential might be the longest-running product in my entire routine—and there’s truly no highlighter quite like it. It’s nothing like the blinding, stripey highlights of the 2016 era. Instead, it melts seamlessly into my complexion, looking elegant and natural while delivering just the right amount of glow exactly where I want it. Best of all, the stick format makes application effortless: You can swipe it directly onto the skin or tap it in with your fingertips. And while it is an investment, the stick lasts forever, making it well worth the splurge.

Take a B(r)ow: Colourpop Brow Boss Pencil + Boss 24HR Lifting Brow Gel

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Colourpop

Brow Boss Pencil

$9

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

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Colourpop

Brow Boss 24HR Lifting Brow Gel

$9

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

If there’s one nonnegotiable in my routine, it’s brows that last all day—through meetings, workouts, and right up until I wash my face. Brows frame the face, so it’s important that they stay put and, if I may borrow a bit of 2016 jargon, remain on fleek. ColourPop’s Brow Boss Pencil is thin and precise, making it easy to create natural, hair-like strokes, which I then lock in with the brand’s new brow gel. The result is fluffy, full brows that truly last all day, without any crunchiness or flaking. It’s a truly winning combination.

Flick of the Wrist: Fenty Beauty Fine Linez Lash Line-Enhancing Eyeliner

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Fenty Beauty

Fine Linez Lash Line-Enhancing Eyeliner

$26

Ulta Beauty

$26

Sephora

I don’t love a lot of drama on my eyes during the day, but a touch of eyeliner and a subtle wing instantly makes me look more awake and feel a little cuter, too. Fenty Beauty’s Fine Linez Lash Line-Enhancing Eyeliner is my recent go-to. The gel formula is perfect for tightlining my waterline and adding a precise flick. Once it sets, it truly doesn’t budge, so you’ll want to work quickly if you plan to clean up or sharpen the wing using the other end of the pencil. I love the black (Cuz I’m Black) and brown (In Big Truffle) shades, but if you like to play with color, the navy (The Navy) and burgundy (Riri) can add the perfect subtle pop.

Multitasking Wand: DIBS Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo

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DIBS Beauty

Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo

$31

Ulta Beauty

$31

Dibs Beauty

Full disclosure: I don’t wear mascara. I’m a lash-extension apologist and firmly believe they’re a high-maintenance investment that ultimately makes life low-maintenance. But if mascara is more your speed, this mascara is one I consistently recommend. The duo pairs a lengthening tubing brown primer with a volumizing black mascara, which is what makes it so good. My podcast cohost and work wife Kirbie Johnson is a true mascara pro and swears by this formula, especially the brown primer, which many people love wearing on its own for a softer, more natural lash look. Together, the combo adds length and volume, builds easily from everyday to full glam, and stays flake-free and smudge-proof. If I ever gave up my extensions, I’d go straight to this.

Just a Tint: Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain Slipper

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Summer Fridays

Flushed Lip Stain Slipper

$22

Sephora

$22

Summer Fridays

Even with a full face of makeup, I feel incomplete without a lip, which is why I gravitate toward formulas that last as long as possible between reapplications. Summer Fridays has long dominated the lip balm category, so a lip stain felt like a natural next step. The Flushed Lip Stain Slipper comes in a felt-tip marker, making it easy to outline, fill in, or fully customize your lip shape. What sets it apart is that it isn’t drying like many stains I’ve tried, thanks to soothing ingredients like aloe vera gel and panthenol. It’s lightweight and buildable, and once it sets, it’s completely transfer-proof for hours—I’ve tested it after eating and even showering. While every shade is great, I’m especially partial to Rosette (cool pink) and Mocha (deep neutral brown). I finish with one of the lip balm glosses I keep in my purse, and I’m good to go.

Set and Go: Saie CitySet Setting Spray

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Saie

CitySet Setting Spray

$34

Sephora

$34

Saie

There’s nothing more frustrating than spending time on your makeup only to have it disappear a few hours later. I need insurance, especially when I’m chasing after two kids. Saie’s CitySet Setting Spray is my go-to everyday setting spray. It’s alcohol-free and formulated with hydrolyzed corn starch, which helps lock makeup in place without that stiff, traditional setting-spray feel. The mist is incredibly fine, and I often reach for it throughout the day to refresh my skin as well. With wear claims of up to 16 hours, it lasts exactly as long as I need my makeup to hold—through school pickup, errands, workouts, and bedtime routines—before I finally wash my face at night.

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

When your skin’s moisture barrier takes a hit—from overdoing retinol, over-exfoliating, cleansing too often, the list goes on—the best barrier repair creams are here to save the day. These derm-approved formulas are specially formulated to calm inflammation, soothe redness, and restore a compromised barrier with nourishing, moisture-locking ingredients.

Otherwise known as the outermost layer of your skin (a.k.a. the epidermis), your barrier acts as a shield against bacteria, pollution, and UV rays. But when it’s damaged, “the skin barrier can start to crack, which can leave the skin more vulnerable to free radical damage,” Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, a Davie, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. The result? Dry, irritated, and even flaky skin. For fast-acting relief, we’ve rounded up the best barrier repair creams to add to your routine right now.

Our Top Barrier Repair Creams

• Best Overall: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream, $50
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Prequel Barrier Therapy Rich Skin Protectant Cream, $20
• Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2, $155
• Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Barrier Butter, $36
• Best for Oily Skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream, $54
• Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5, $19
• Best for Flaky Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream, $16
• Best for Redness: Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream, $26

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How does the skin barrier become damaged?
• Which skin barrier repair ingredients should I look out for?
• How often should I use barrier repair products?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

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Dr. Jart+

Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

$50

Amazon

$50

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Dr. Jart+’s upgraded version of its beloved Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream contains twice the amount of the brand’s 5-Cera Complex, a proprietary blend of five types of ceramides to condition and comfort your skin barrier during times of stress. "This cream combines ceramides with hyaluronic acid, a humectant that absorbs water molecules from the environment and deep within the skin for improved skin hydration," says Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Ingredients aside, the beauty lies in its fast-absorbing texture that soothes skin without clogging pores, so it’s perfect for dry and acne-prone skin types alike.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Skin Barrier Moisturizing Cream

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My combination skin gets capital-d Dry from external factors, be it freezing winter weather or stale airplane air. That’s why a travel-size tube of this lives in my toiletry kit. I put it to the ultimate test—a trip to central Missouri in the dead of winter to visit my in-laws—and found that it still kept my skin radiant and comfortable.” —Deanna Pai, contributing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, panthenol, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sensitive Skin: Prequel Barrier Therapy Rich Skin Protectant Cream

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Prequel

Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream

$18

Prequel

Why it's worth it: Irritation, itchiness, and eczema are the bane of our existence, so when we notice the first signs of a flare-up, we reach for Prequel’s Barrier Therapy Rich Skin Protectant Cream. A thicker, more hydrating version of the Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream, this extra-nourishing formula houses more hydrating glycerin than its predecessor for a richer texture. Like the original version, it soothes super dry, red skin and acts as an emollient, drawing in moisture. To up the ante on its restorative effects, the cream also contains a calming lipid complex—otherwise known as a moisture-sealing trio of ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol. Use it anywhere on the face or body you’re experiencing discomfort—then sit back, relax, and relish in your soothed state of mind.

Doubling down on our “best for sensitive skin” superlative, we'd like to highlight the National Eczema Association's Seal of Acceptance, which signifies the brand has conducted specific (and vigorous) clinical testing for an individual product, which is then thoroughly vetted by a committee of dermatologists, allergists, and eczema experts. What's more, the seal is licensed on an annual basis upon meeting strict criteria, and if there have been any formula changes (even minor ones!), an entirely new application with new clinical testing must be submitted.

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Prequel Barrier Therapy Skin Protectant Cream

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“This is a new launch, but so far, I’ve been using this moisturizer morning and night, on both my face and body. My skin is so dry this winter—I need all the moisture! Normally, I’m not a two-in-one girlie, but I will always make an exception for Prequel. This face-and-body cream is super rich but blends nicely, leaving a dewy finish. Like all Prequel products, this one doesn’t have a scent, so it’s great for those with sensitive skin! And you’ll notice the tube is huge, which is great for those, like me, who love generous portions.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, 1% colloidal oatmeal, lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol), allantoin, adenosine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

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SkinCeuticals

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155

SkinCeuticals

$155

Dermstore

$155

Bluemercury

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: According to Lincolnshire, Illinois-based dermatologist Amy Taub, MD, SkinCeuticals' Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 “mimics the skin’s optimal lipid ratio to restore suppleness, elasticity, and comfort in very dry or compromised skin.” It has long been an Allure favorite (winning a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award in 2016), thanks to a 2:4:2 ratio of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. Translation: "It infuses skin-identical fatty acids into the barrier in the exact proportion that naturally exists in our barrier," Mona Gohara, MD, associate clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale School of Medicine, told Allure. Other star ingredients include glycerin (a fantastic hydrator) and sunflower seed oil (an emollient to help seal in moisture). Bonus: In addition to its wrinkle-fighting powers, it slows down glycation, the biological process that breaks down your skin's collagen over time. The result? Firmer, smoother skin for the long haul.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Let me tell you: This cream is so nice and buttery but not so rich that it feels like I have a greasy film on my face. I have combo skin so this is a great nighttime moisturizer—it really feels as if all of my other skin-care products are properly sealed in. Over time, along with the other hydrating formulas I pack onto my face, I can say it's helped improve the firmness of my skin—which can turn dull and lifeless with just a few days of poor sleep, diet, etc.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, ceramides, sunflower seed oil, cholesterol, fatty acids, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Barrier Butter

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Rhode

Barrier Butter

$36

Sephora

$36

Rhode

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Rhode Barrier Butter

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it's worth it: The balm-like texture of Rhode’s Barrier Butter leaves skin feeling impeccably soft and smooth, but its benefits go deeper than its sensorial feel. This buttery cream contains five different weights of hyaluronic acid to bind water and hydrate different surface levels of the skin. Ceramides and murumuru butter also make an appearance in this formula for max-strength moisturization while providing an extra layer of protection to your skin’s barrier. Quick tip: If you’re using an intensive active ingredient like retinol in your routine, the ultra-moisturizing Barrier Butter will help ease any active-related irritation.

Calaor before applying the Rhode Barrier Butter

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Rhode Barrier Butter

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Using tretinoin in the fall and winter makes my skin extra thirsty and sensitive. It’s truly the most painful time of year for my face but this rich cream is the only product making it bearable. It ensures it stays calm and coddled for hours.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, murumuru butter
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

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SkinFix

Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

$54

Amazon

$54

Sephora

$54

SkinFix

Why it's worth it: Formulated with a skin-soothing trio of niacinamide, shea butter, and glycerin, this cream is our top pick for anyone with a moisture barrier that’s on the mend but still leans oily, since its formula is moisturizing and promotes barrier healing without leaving a greasy film behind. Board-certified dermatologist Nazanin Saedi, MD, based in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, loves SkinFix’s 2025 Allure Best of Beauty-winning Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream because it "contains a combination of peptides and lipids to smooth and strengthen the skin barrier."

It’s clearly a derm-favorite, as David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, has also vouched for its “super creamy and hydrating” formula. “It’s exactly what you need on a cold, dry winter night to restore and repair your skin barrier," he says. We also love this jar’s push-top packaging, which ensures you don't have to dip your finger into the product.

Han applying the SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Sarah Han

Han after applying the SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I love both the original and gel-cream variation of this barrier-supporting cream. “The original SkinFix Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream is fabulous for when my skin needs extra love and hydration but my combo skin adores a gel cream, and its sister product, the Barrier+ Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream is truly one of the best—it's soothing, gentle, absorbs like a dream, and doesn't make my sunscreen pill,” she says. “It cuts all the bells and whistles that some moisturizers offer (not always necessary!) and plumps my skin with squalane, niacinamide, saccharide isomerate to bolster my barrier and help refine pores (a constant struggle of mine).” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, peptides, jojoba oil, shea butter, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Eczema: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

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La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Baume B5

$19

Amazon

$19

Dermstore

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: When you want the soothing, ultra-conditioning effects of a denser balm without the greasy feel that typically accompanies them, La Roche-Posay’s Cicaplast Baume B5 provides the relief you need in a lighterweight, cream-like texture. “This balm is rich in panthenol and madecassoside, which help to soothe, repair, and protect the skin's barrier,” says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. (The latter ingredient is a concentrate derived from Centella asiatica, also known as cica.) “It’s great for healing irritated skin while providing deep hydration and promoting skin regeneration,” Dr. Rambhia says of this formula, which also bears the Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. Though it has a classic balmy texture upon first application, La Roche-Posay’s formula immediately dries down to a matte, velvety finish.

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“Before I started using Cicaplast regularly, I basically had a perpetual eczema breakout from the minute the heat came on in New York City to the first days of spring. While its thick consistency can be heavy for some, my skin soaks this moisturizer right in. I apply it all over my face at night and on dry patches only in the morning at the very end of my routine (usually after a hydrating serum and another lighter lotion). This balm (and no longer eating mushrooms, a trigger for my skin) has stopped my persistent eczema from being a permanent fixture in my life. Previously, I used the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Eczema Med Cream, which is only available in Europe and should be kept cool after being opened, and it was not very practical. I like that this one comes in many different sizes so I can travel with it easily but also keep a jumbo-size tube in my bathroom cabinet.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panthenol, madecassoside (Centella asiatica), shea butter
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Flaky Skin: Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

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Vanicream

Moisturizing Cream

$16 $14 (13% off)

Amazon

$21

Ulta Beauty

Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the Vanicream Moisturizing Cream

Melanie Curry

Why it's worth it: One of the most dermatologist-recommended moisturizers on the market is, without a doubt, Vanicream’s ultra-gentle Moisturizing Cream. Dr. Rambhia, for one, appreciates its mild, gentle feel on sensitive skin—it has a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, after all. To thank is a conditioning combination of sorbitol (an emollient that smooths and fills cracks in the barrier), propylene glycol (a humectant that increases hydration), and petrolatum (a.k.a. petroleum jelly, an occlusive that creates a physical seal to prevent moisture loss).

“Free from common allergens, this non-greasy, fragrance-free cream strengthens the skin's barrier by replenishing lipids and preventing moisture loss,” says Dr. Rambhia. “It’s perfect as a barrier restoration cream for those with sensitive skin, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and more.” Its formula may feel thick at first, but once you massage it onto your skin, it instantly dries down to a velvety-smooth, non-greasy texture.

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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"I have uber sensitive skin, so I need a moisturizer that 1) won't break me out and 2) keeps my skin hydrated all day, which is why I love this Vanicream moisturizing cream. It feels amazing, and just a dab of it keeps my skin fresh all day, without any touchups. I also love how I can use it year-round—not too heavy for the summer but also not too light for the winter (when my skin gets super dry and flaky)." —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sorbitol, petroleum, propylene glycol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: Eau Thermale Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

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Eau Thermale Avène

Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

$26

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: If your skin gets red and easily irritated from time to time, tone it down with Eau Thermale Avène’s Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream. Supercharged with the brand’s proprietary Thermal Spring Water, it immediately soothes flared-up skin. It also houses a postbiotic called C+Restore, rich in proteins that breathe life (hi, plumpness and hydration) back into the skin barrier. An antibacterial copper zinc sulfate complex is also in the mix to aid in skin repair. For Dr. Taub, it’s a go-to for patients who have recently undergone a procedure or have chronically sensitive and eczema-prone skin. With just a few applications—morning, night, and even throughout the day—you’ll see radiance restored.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Thermal Spring Water, C+Restore, copper zinc sulfate complex
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the skin barrier become damaged?

"Our skin barrier gets damaged from extreme weather, sun exposure, medical conditions, physical damage such as over-exfoliating, and also age," explains Dr. Saedi. She adds that, over time, ingredients like alcohol and glycolic acid can be abrasive to the skin if overused, which can lead to dermatitis or inflammation of the skin.

Dr. Clark-Loeser's number-one tip: Go easy on the exfoliation. Try simplifying your skin-care routine and minimizing the amount of exfoliants and active ingredients in it in order to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Additionally, the skin barrier can become damaged by frequent hot showers, not using a moisturizer, and certain medications, so take note.

Which skin barrier repair ingredients should I look out for?

A key way to maintain a healthy skin barrier is to add a barrier repair product, which is strategically formulated to address the specific needs of the skin barrier, to your routine. Where traditional moisturizing products provide supplemental hydration to the skin, "barrier repair products help to actually repair the skin's barrier to help it better retain moisture and prevent environmental damage," explains Dr. Clark-Loeser. If you're unsure what ingredients to seek out in a barrier repair cream, San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD, told us to look for "ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, natural moisturizing factors and ceramides" for their conditioning properties and soothing benefits.

How often should I use barrier repair products?

Our experts recommended applying the product at least once a day, ideally after cleansing, to help reinforce the skin's natural protective barrier and keep it hydrated. For those with particularly dry or damaged skin, using the product twice daily can more effectively restore and maintain the skin's health. Just remember, it's important to use the product as directed and not overuse it, as this can lead to further irritation.

Meet the experts

• Pooja Rambhia, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Papri Sarkar, MD, a Newton, Massachusetts-based board-certified dermatologist
• Pooja Sodha, MD, a Washington, D.C.-based board-certified dermatologist
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, a Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania-based board-certified dermatologist
• Brendan Camp, MD, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• David Kim, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Lesley Clark-Loeser, MD, a Davie, Florida-based board-certified dermatologist
• Melanie Palm, MD, a San Diego, California-based board-certified dermatologist
• Amy Taub, MD, a Lincolnshire, Illinois-based dermatologist

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best barrier repair creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from 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.

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The Actor Awards, formerly known as the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) Awards, may not be the first event you think of when you picture the glitz and glamour of the award-show season—the Oscars and Golden Globes tend to steal the spotlight—but it certainly has a history of delivering some of the most dazzling red-carpet beauty moments. Last year alone brought us Selena Gomez's red lip/retro bob combo and Pamela Anderson's Veronica Lake waves. So we knew we'd be in for multiple treats once the celebrities started to arrive.

For the first time, stars were given a theme: reimagining Hollywood glamour from the '20s and ‘30s. And as you might expect, some, like Quinta Brunson, truly understood the assignment, while others, like Odessa A'zion, completely ignored it—but in the best way possible.

Here, you'll find all of our favorite hairstyles, makeup looks, and manicures of the Actor Awards, because the actors attending, presenting, and being honored didn't just roll out of bed and stumble in front of the cameras. Plenty of thought and glam-team talent went into the gorgeousness they're giving.

Kate Hudson

Photo: Getty Images

Kate Hudson could not have looked more radiant thanks to an anything-but-matte, monochromatic, light pink makeup look by makeup artist Tonya Brewer. “We wanted to give a subtle nod to ‘60s glam with super glowy skin, lots of lash, and a pop of peachy-pink on the cheeks,” she says, referring to Beauty Pie Supercheek Cream Blush in the aptly named Fresh Face. The shimmery eyes are a combination of the brand’s Wondercolour Longwear Cream Eyeshadow Stick in shades Cream Fresca, Little Star, Brazilionaire, and Umber One, topped off by Lashify Stardust Gossamer lashes, while the glossy lip was achieved with Wondergloss Collagen Lip Oil in Spicy Pink. That glossiness carried over into Hudson's hair, styled by Marcus Francis with lots of wavy volume down the lengths. He used a dollop of Joico JoiWhip foam on the mid length to ends, combing through to distribute the product evenly. “I blew dry the hair with a center part, and used medium-sized hot rollers rolling up from the ends, keeping it flat on the top of her head," he says. "After 20 minutes I took the rollers out and let sit for five minutes before brushing out to smooth and marry the texture together.”

Jenna Ortega

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: Jenna Ortega attends the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Amy Sussman/Getty Images

Welcome back, Jenna Ortega's eyebrows! After months of being bleached into invisibility, the nominee's brows are back to the same dark brown as her side-parted, loosely wavy hair. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis used Dior's Diorshow Brow Styler in #03 Brown to help embrace her dark side again. Her polished beauty look—right down to her black nail polish—stood in perfect contrast to her intentionally tattered, nightgown-esque dress.

Emma Stone

Emma Stone at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards Presented by SAG-AFTRA held at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Tommaso Boddi/WWD via Getty Images)Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

Emma Stone can make an otherwise casual-looking attempt at partially pulling back a bob look elegant enough to wear with lavender Louis Vuitton. The soft bends of her tendrils frame an equally low-key makeup look featuring natural-looking pink lips and a hint of shimmer around the eyes that echoes the color of her ensemble.

Teyana Taylor

Photo: Getty Images

They say, if it ain't broke, don't fix it, and Teyana Taylor knows her signature makeup look needs no notes. Makeup artist Yeika Olivia gave her that softly graphic eye look and glossy ombre lip—featuring L'Oréal Paris Plump Ambition Hyaluron Lip Oil in shade 201—that stuns every time. “I used the L’Oréal Paris Haute Precision Eyeliner to create a sharp, smoky liner moment that enhances her natural eye shape while keeping the look bold yet refined," Olivia says. She also wore her go-to pixie, cut just a little bit shorter and styled by Edith Donaldson-Wheeler. Her nails exhibited an elevated French manicure, given a hint of gold go with the glamour of the night.

Parker Posey

Photo: Getty Images

Easily the most playful makeup look of the night, Parker Posey's eyes were a gentle explosion of vibrant pastel. “Today’s look on Parker Posey is all about feminine fun and joyful springtime energy," says makeup artist Jo Baker. “We chose a fresh, dewy complexion paired with spiky, statement lashes. A soft wash of pastel lavender is swept across the lids and along the lower lash line, adding a playful pop.” Baker used the Tweezerman Classic Lash Curler to help achieve the retro eye look, and that '60s curl was also seen in her voluminous bob.

Yerin Ha

Photo: Getty Images

Yerin Ha might have been attending one of the biggest nights in Hollywood, but she just inspired our everyday hair and makeup look from here on in. Absolutely flawless in its simplicity, the soft, powdery pink of her cheeks and lips—Merit Flush Balm Cream Blush in Bespoke and Signature Lip Lightweight Lip Blush in Andie—is offset expertly by makeup artist Misha Shahzada with minimalist black, winged liner. Hairstylist Takuya Yamaguchi gave her hair an easy yet polished look with a middle part and a hint of texture. "After adding loose, weightless waves with a curling iron, I finished with Olaplex No.9 Bond Protector Nourishing Hair Serum to create a light touch of refined, effortless texture—polished in the most understated way," he says.

Kirsten Dunst

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 01: Kirsten Dunst attends the 32nd Annual Actor Awards at Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall on March 01, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images)Neilson Barnard/Getty Images

Kirsten Dunst has declared that coquette is destined to continue, and who are we to argue? Hairstylist Jenny Cho used Nexxus MVP Styler Multitasking Cream to uplift her hair into a just-loose-enough bun secured with something that has officially surpassed trend status: a black ribbon. Makeup artist Patti Dubroff made her eyes the subtle centerpiece of her glowing makeup look, with a smoky but not overly intense eye.

Dove Cameron

Photo: Getty Images

Allure cover star Dove Cameron proved dark makeup can read soft with her deep burgundy lips and charcoal liner with lush lashes. Her dark brown, middle-parted hair was tucked behind her ears, flowing in loose, smooth waves to the top of her strapless gown, which matched her simple yet impactful black manicure.

Chase Infiniti

Photo: Getty Images

Chase Infiniti celebrated her first Actor Award nomination by sticking with the night's theme, bringing a flapper-like feel with an incredible, bejeweled Louis Vuitton headpiece that let pincurls peek out the sides and the rest of her hair flow out the back. Hairstylist Coree Moreno made sure it stayed perfect all night with L'Oréal Paris Elnett Satin Extra Strong Hold Hairspray. Makeup artist Amber Dreadon prepped her seemingly poreless skin with Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream before giving her a fresh-faced look that works for truly any occasion, including the Fara Homidi Essential Eye Compact in Trio No. 61 and a blend of Smudge & Contour Lip Pencils topped off with Glass Lip Plumping Oil in Pomme.

Demi Moore

Photo: Getty Images

Demi Moore is already a walking work of art, but her sculptural updo took her gorgeousness to a new level. Seemingly mere moments after giving her a head-turning bob for fashion week, hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos did his magic to create a low, knotted look only possible with her famous length. In what may seem like an unexpected makeup move for an otherwise dark look, makeup artist Raoul Alejandre brightened things up with peachy pink on Moore's lips and cheeks.

Odessa A'zion

Photo: Getty Images

Of course Odessa A'zion can make messy and makeup-free look as red-carpet-worthy as any full-beat look with nary a hair out of place. The nominee's curls were piled atop her head in an apparent tribute to chaotic good, and her seemingly bare skin and mascara-less lashes make us want to really lock into our skin-care routine.

Quinta Brunson

Photo: Getty Images

“There once was a girl with a curl right in the middle of her forehead”—and that girl, namely Quinta Brunson, could not have looked more exquisite. A tribute to beauty trends of the past, the multi-hyphenate's hair and makeup felt simultaneously 1920s and 2020s. Her warm, softly smudgy eye shadow was understated enough to really let her dimensional red lip steal the spotlight.

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Jenna Ortega has been rocking bleached brows for what feels like an eternity in the beauty world; the Wednesday star first reached for the brow bleach nearly a year ago, debuting them at CinemaCon in April 2025. At first, they were a light brown shade a few hues lighter than her natural dark brow, but over time, they got lighter and lighter until they were pretty much invisible… until now, anyway!

At the 2026 Actor Awards (previously known as the Screen Actors Guild or SAG Awards), Ortega's dark brows were back with a vengeance. She hit the red carpet aligned to the Old Hollywood theme in a plunging lace Christian Cowan slip dress and thigh-high stockings. While the bleached brows gave her looks a cool, gothic edge, bringing back the color was definitely the right choice for her Actor Awards glam; her razor-thin dark brows completed the flapper-esque ensemble in the most picture-perfect way.

Getty Images

Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis used all Dior products on Ortega, most notably the Diorshow Brow Styler in #03 Brown to define the actor's newly dark brows. Instead of a thick, full brow, Ortega and Inglessis opted for a slim, subtly arched shape that echoed the penciled-in eyebrows of the ‘20s and ’30s, and the vampy lip also felt thematic without looking costumey. (For that, Inglessis defined Ortega's lips with Rouge Dior Contour Lip Liner in #303 Greige Attitude, filled in with Rouge Dior On Stage in #496 Berry Attitude, and finished with a touch of Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in #104 Black Cherry.

There's no telling if Ortega will keep her dark brows or go back to the bleached look, but if you've been curious about lightening your brows like the Wednesday actor and fellow celebs including Miley Cyrus and Michelle Yeoh, we compiled a comprehensive guide to help you lighten up—and we think Ortega would approve.

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As an actor, Viola Davis definitely has serious range. I just think about her in Doubt versus her role in The Woman King—it's mindblowing that that's the same person. So I guess you could say the bob is the Viola Davis of hairstyles. It shows up in incredibly diverse ways, and it always impresses. A bob is never just a bob. And Davis herself demonstrated that over the weekend when she attended at the NAACP Image Awards and the Actor Awards—just a day apart—in two distinctly different bobs.

On Friday, Davis was honored with the Chairman's Award at the Image Awards, which honors excellence, impact, and advocacy. She wowed the audience with both her inspirational acceptance speech and gorgeous, strapless Marmar Halim burgundy gown and cape. Makeup artist Sergio López-Rivera even matched her lips to the rich color.

But it was her sharp bob, styled by Jamika Wilson, that literally and figuratively topped off the look. Styled perfectly straight with blunt bangs, the subtly highlighted style couldn't have looked more glamorous. And it's not as intimidating as it may look, according to hairstylist Olya Iudina, who previously told Allure, “If I have a client who wants to cut a bob the first time, I would recommend this one, since it’s simple and very easy to style.”

Photo: Getty Images

No matter how amazing she looked, Davis knows it's downright gauche for an A-lister to wear exactly the same hairstyle to another award show just 24 hours later. But even though just a little adjustment would have been fine, she went in a completely different direction for the Actor Awards while still staying decidedly in bob territory.

Wearing a gorgeous, off-the-shoulder, teal gown, Davis switched to a wavy A-line bob, meaning it's a little shorter in the back than in the front. Wilson gave it soft yet sculptural waves that conveyed the retro 1920s and 1930s theme of the night, deeply parting it to the side to give it some extra drama.

Photo: Getty Images

“This style adds structure and drama without sacrificing elegance, making it a favorite for those who want a modern yet timeless look,” stylist Rogerio Cavalcante previously told Allure. “Ask your stylist for a precise, graduated cut with a clean angle from back to front. Whether worn straight or with a slight wave, the A-line bob always delivers a bold, sophisticated edge.”

And there's no clearer proof of that than Viola Davis.

Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brands and GettySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Using one of the best face exfoliators is a key step in any skin-care routine (yes, even if you have sensitive skin). These formulas work hard to slough away dead skin cells and unclog pores to minimize the look of fine lines and boost radiance—plus, they help the rest of your skin-care products absorb better. Whether you prefer physical or chemical exfoliants, using one regularly can help reveal a smoother, more even-toned complexion. From serums with alpha and beta hydroxy acids that gently dissolve buildup, to gritty yet delicate scrubs that polish your skin, these are the exfoliators our editors actually use, and we’ve got the receipts (a.k.a. selfies) to prove it. Scroll on for our tried-and-loved picks, plus pro tips from board-certified derms to keep your skin smooth and clear for the long haul.

Our Top Face Exfoliators

• Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, $94
• Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic, $35
• Best Fast-Acting: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel, $125
• Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, $85
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $37
• Best for Mature Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, $85
• Best Budget: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% Plus Hyaluronic Acid, $9
• Best for Hyperpigmentation: First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads, $39

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are chemical exfoliators?
• What are physical exfoliators?
• Can you over-exfoliate?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

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Dr. Dennis Gross

Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

$94

Amazon

$94

Nordstrom

$94

Dermstore

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Jessica Cruel

Why it’s worth it: If the word “peel” makes you nervous, don’t worry—Dr. Dennis Gross’s Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peels are of the gentle variety. The two-step system is designed to exfoliate and nourish without irritation, so even sensitive skin types can get in on the glow. “These peel pads contain both alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids to improve the appearance of pores, radiance, fine lines, texture, and tone,” Brendan Camp, MD, a New York-based double board-certified dermatologist, told Allure. Step one clears away dead skin and gunk with exfoliating acids like lactic, malic, and glycolic; step two adds in soothing, anti-aging ingredients like green tea and adenosine. You know what they say: Just a few swipes a day keeps dullness at bay.

Cruel after applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Jessica Cruel

Allure features director Dianna Singh after applying the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“Whenever someone asks me the best peel for beginners, I always point them to Dr. Dennis Gross. His portfolio of exfoliating pads suits both first-timers and experienced pros, and this Universal Peel sits right in the middle. Step 1 contains the exfoliating AHA and BHA acids. The second step is the neutralizer. The first part gives a slight tingle, and the second step is a true burn that lasts about 30 seconds. The glowy skin results are instant. I love that they come individually wrapped, which means they will never dry out. Plus, they are easy to throw in your toiletry bag for travel.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"What may look like a makeup remover wipe at first glance is actually a pad packed with chemical exfoliators that help brighten instantly and improve discoloration over time. I first discovered these back when I was a beauty assistant (so, longer ago than I'd like to admit), and yet somehow I'm still pleasantly surprised by the next-day glow I get from using one of these at night." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, salicylic acid, green tea, adenosine
• Who it's for: people with dark spots, uneven skin tone, or dullness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

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SkinMedica

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

$48

Amazon

$48

Dermstore

$48

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Large pores, meet your match. Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Mountain View, Washington, is a fan of SkinMedica's AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser because it contains "a blend of AHAs (lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic), BHA (salicylic), and jojoba spheres to gently exfoliate and polish, while lavender helps to soothe the skin." Dr. Park adds that BHA is lipid-soluble, meaning it’s able to easily pass through the skin’s natural oil barrier, so it can get deep into pores for a thorough cleanse. This makes it an ideal choice for oily and combination skin types. Dealing with bumps and flakes? Even in the minutes you scrub using this cleanser, the blend of acids offers a quick (albeit mild) exfoliation that improves texture and leaves skin looking oh-so fresh.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying SkinMedica’s AHA + BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"This exfoliating cleanser does the impossible: It leaves my skin super-soft and smooth, even when I'm dealing with hormonal breakouts, but never feeling squeaky-clean or overly tight. That's a big deal, considering the potent ingredients in its lineup. Plus, the combo of AHAs and BHA targets my two primary concerns, hyperpigmentation and acne, respectively." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical and physical
• Key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, jojoba beads
• Who it's for: oily skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

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Medik8

Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

$35

Amazon

$35

Dermstore

$35

Medik8

Why it’s worth it: Sometimes used interchangeably with toners, tonics like Medik8’s Press & Glow prioritize hydration and moisture—while still resurfacing skin. “Press & Glow is a daily exfoliating PHA tonic that gently removes dead surface cells to reveal more radiant skin,” Dendy Engelman, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, told Allure. The key player here is gluconolactone, a polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that locks moisture in as it sweeps away dead skin. With added calming ingredients like aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extract, this tonic is safe for sensitive skin (no irritation here, as confirmed by our commerce editor).

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Medik8 Press & Glow Daily Exfoliating PHA Tonic

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“As someone with combo skin, my T-zone is easily the most problematic area of my face, so I'm trying to take better care of it by incorporating regular exfoliation into my skin-care routine. I'm a fan of polyhydroxy acids (PHA) because they have larger molecules than other acids that don't penetrate as readily and therefore are more gentle on your skin. I don't experience any stinging or redness (thank goodness), my skin feels extra smooth, and my pores look a teensy bit tighter. This toner's great for morning use when I keep my routine quite simple, but I typically go with a stronger serum at night. You can totally use a cotton pad to use Press & Glow, but in the interest of saving waste and product that inevitably is lost to the pad, I dispense the liquid directly into my clean hands. Easy!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 5.5% gluconolactone, hyaluronic acid, green tea, aloe, prickly pear extract
• Who it's for: people with uneven texture or dullness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Fast-Acting: Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

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Shani Darden

Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

$125

Revolve

$125

Sephora

Cruel applying the Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Jessica Cruel

Why it’s worth it: Have a wedding in your future or just want to give your skin a reboot? Shani Darden's Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Triple Acid Signature Peel delivers almost immediate radiance, thanks to a two-step process that deeply resurfaces and cleanses skin. The first step uses a blend of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids to remove dead skin cells, which makes it all the easier for the neutralizing clay mask—your second step—to clear oil and gunk from pores. (The mask contains glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and allantoin, so it won't leave skin feeling tight, but you should still follow up with a nourishing moisturizer after.) It's potent, so you only need to use it every other week at most, or as needed for special occasions.

Cruel before applying the Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the Shani Darden Triple Acid Signature Peel

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from Cruel

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“When I have to be on TV or walk the red carpet, there is only one product I trust to leave my skin glowing, and that's this peel. I have been lucky enough to get the full celeb facial treatment at Shani Darden's LA studio. This two-step exfoliant bottles a little of that magic up for at-home use. I love that it comes with a brush to apply the acid step. Then, you slather on the clay mask, which gives the whole thing a whipped consistency. It tingles a bit, but after I rinse, my skin is visibly glowier.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: mandelic acid, lactic acid, kaolin clay
• Who it's for: anyone who wants dramatic brightening
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

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Kate Somerville

ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

$85

Amazon

$85

Nordstrom

$85

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Allure editors and Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, only have good things to say about the Best of Beauty Award-winning Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. Dr. Henry shouts out papaya and pumpkin enzymes (natural AHAs), as well as salicylic acid, which stop dullness in its tracks. The intensive treatment also features superfine silica particles to physically buff dead skin cells away. While some initial tingling is normal, rest assured that aloe vera, honey, and vitamin E soothe and add moisture back into the skin—great news for those whose skin errs on the drier side. Remember, this pick isn't meant for daily use; instead, stick to once or twice a week.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ll caveat this by saying: Kate Somerville makes it very clear that the ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment is not for the super-sensitive crowd, but as someone with sensitive skin who’s forever chasing the glowiest glow, I couldn’t resist. I followed their advice and left it on for only one minute (instead of two), and then mixed it with a creamy cleanser to tone it down. It’s definitely on the intense side, as the product name suggests, with a tingly feeling upon application. Once I rinsed it off, my skin felt cloud-level soft—maybe the smoothest it’s ever been.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Type: chemical and physical
• Key ingredients: lactic acid, fruit enzymes, aloe vera
• Who it's for: dry skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

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Paula's Choice

Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

$37

Amazon

$37

Dermstore

$37

Sephora

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin before using the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: There are skin-care products that live up to the hype, and then there's the Best of Beauty Award-winning Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, which lives well beyond a viral moment. This is partly due to the 2% concentration of salicylic acid, which is the highest amount allowed in over-the-counter products. "Salicylic acid is an oil-soluble beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) that goes deep into the pores to clear out dirt, oil, and other impurities," Claire Chang, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, told Allure. "It exfoliates and reduces clogged pores, leading to clearer and brighter skin." So, if you struggle with texture or acne, consistent use will help with cellular turnover to promote clearer, smoother skin. Antioxidant-rich green tea counters irritation typically experienced with harsh exfoliators, for softer skin without the sensitivity.

Felbin before using the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after using the Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“Paula's Choice has never let me down, and this toner is no different. It's gentle enough on my sensitive skin, yet tough enough on my oily T-zone and acne to prevent future breakouts. A splash on a cotton round is enough to treat my entire face, and I'm always left glowing.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 2% BHA (salicylic acid), green tea, butylene glycol
• Who it's for: those looking to reduce the look of large pores
• Fragrance-free: yes

Other face exfoliators we like

Best for Mature Skin: Sunday Riley Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

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Sunday Riley

Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment

$85

Amazon

$85

Nordstrom

$85

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: Aging shows itself in many ways: hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, dullness—the list goes on. Luckily, a comprehensive treatment for it comes in one bottle: Sunday Riley’s Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment. “The lactic acid in the formula improves clarity, skin damage texture, and fine lines while remaining hydrating,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City, adding that licorice extract offers a brightening boost. “It results in far less irritation than stronger formulas with glycolic acid,” she explains. Lemongrass and aloe are also in the mix to tone and soothe the skin. Use it regularly under moisturizer day or night to keep those exfoliating effects going. If you have super-sensitive skin, you can leave the serum on for 15 minutes (like you would a mask) before rinsing and applying the rest of your routine.

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: lactic acid, licorice root, lemongrass, aloe
• Who it's for: those with mature skin looking to soften fine lines
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% Plus Hyaluronic Acid

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The Ordinary

Lactic Acid 10% Plus Hyaluronic Acid

$9

Amazon

$9

Nordstrom

$9

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: The Ordinary’s Lactic Acid 10% Plus Hyaluronic Acid is Dr. Karcher’s favorite affordable pick. An exfoliating serum that smooths the skin while also hydrating, its 10% concentration of lactic acid gently removes the dull outer layer of skin. Meanwhile, 2% hyaluronic acid fills in for any lost hydration, so you’re left with a brighter, glowing complexion. If you have super sensitive skin, the high concentration of lactic acid may be a little harsh, so start slowly and build up use over time (or opt for something with a lower percentage, closer to 5%). The serum is also boosted with free-radical-fighting and anti-inflammatory Tasmanian pepperberry extract to relieve skin of outside stressors and immediately calm any exfoliation-induced redness or irritation.

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 10% lactic acid, 2% hyaluronic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry extract
• Who it's for: those with dull, dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation: First Aid Beauty Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads

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First Aid Beauty

Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads

$39

Amazon

$39

Dermstore

$39

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: The combination of lactic and glycolic acid in First Aid Beauty’s Brighten + Glow Facial Radiance Pads is a winner for Rosanne Paul, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake, Ohio. These acids target dark spots, large pores, and uneven texture, while lemon peel extract and Indian gooseberry step in to brighten and tone skin. Also included: hyaluronic acid and aloe, for a soothed, hydrated finish. Use these pads after cleansing and before moisturizing to unleash that just-got-a-facial glow. Unlike the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel Pads, these don’t contain salicylic acid, making them a gentler option that may feel less drying.

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, lemon peel extract, Indian gooseberry, hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf extract
• Who it's for: those with dull, textured skin
  Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are chemical exfoliators?

Chemical exfoliators are active ingredients that help loosen the bonds between dead skin cells, allowing them to shed and reveal newer and healthier cells beneath, according to Dr. Libby. "They also help unclog pores and exfoliate surface skin cells, brighten skin, improve skin cell turnover and renewal, and some may even help stimulate collagen production within the skin," she explains.

Choosing a chemical exfoliant that contains the best ingredients for your skin type is critical. For oily, acne-prone skin, Dr. Henry suggests choosing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic acid. "They exfoliate the upper layers of the skin while also hydrating and helping your skin retain moisture," she says. Glycolic acid is great for people with more resilient skin who need an intensive acne-fighting treatment. If you want something a bit gentler, opt for salicylic acid, and if you have sensitive skin, Dr. Libby recommends starting withpolyhydroxy acids, lactic acid, or mandelic acid. These are alpha hydroxy acids with larger molecules that don’t penetrate as deeply into the skin, making them least likely to cause irritation, she says.

What are physical exfoliators?

Physical exfoliators have granules that manually buff away dead skin cells from the surface of your skin. Dr. Henry says physical exfoliation is key for oily skin, since it helps remove layers of oil buildup. "When you have oily skin, your dead skin cells are more adherent and don't flake off as quickly, which can contribute to breakouts," she explains. She recommends using an exfoliating face scrub with salicylic acid, which "gently speeds up skin turnover and better penetrates oil and oily follicles" to keep skin clean and clear of blemishes. Dr. Libby agrees, adding that salicylic acid “is excellent at targeting oil and unclogging pores.”

Can you over-exfoliate?

Yes, definitely. Despite the benefits of using an exfoliator, overdoing it can cause redness, irritation, breakouts, and damage to your skin barrier. Additionally, using an exfoliator that's either too harsh or too gentle for your skin type can rob you of that luminous finish you're seeking. To strike the right balance, make sure you're not exfoliating too often—no more than three times a week (one or two times should be enough for dry or sensitive skin). Or, look into the dermatologist-approved skin-cycling trend, a regimen that alternates between using active ingredients and letting the skin rest.

Dr. Henry recommends exfoliating with a physical exfoliator for about 30 seconds (or less) using small, gentle, circular motions. She adds that it’s important to follow the instructions printed on the packaging for chemical exfoliators, as they can vary by product.

Meet the experts

• Joyce Park, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of virtual dermatology clinic Skin Refinery.
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology.
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan.
• Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin.
• Brendan Camp, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist in dermatology and dermatopathology at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.
• Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City.
• Cheryl Karcher, MD, is a dermatologist 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 the best face exfoliators, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Design by Briana RengifoSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Natural deodorant, it’s you, not me. I just can’t do this anymore.

As a sweaty person, I need stability. I need to feel protected. I need something that puts as much work into the relationship as I do. Unfortunately, over the last decade, I haven’t gotten any of that from you. In fact, I’m walking away with 10 years' worth of sweat stains, body-odor baggage, and that phantom feeling of underarm drippage. I’ve had enough.

TL;DR: I’m breaking up with my natural deodorant—and going back to antiperspirant.

First, what’s the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant?

Growing up, I didn’t know the difference between deodorant and antiperspirant. They were used interchangeably in my house (and still are today), even though they are completely different products. A refresher: “Deodorants help with odor, usually by reducing bacteria or masking scent,” says Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in California. “Antiperspirants actually reduce sweat, which, in turn, reduces odor because there’s less moisture for bacteria to break down.”

Unlike deodorants, antiperspirants are made with aluminum and undergo much more testing before hitting shelves. “They’re considered over-the-counter [drugs] and have stricter regulations and formulation guidelines than deodorants,” says cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam.

The aluminum salts in the formula (usually aluminum chlorohydrate or aluminum zirconium) reduce sweat by temporarily blocking the opening of the sweat duct, Lam explains: “When you apply it to slightly damp skin, the aluminum dissolves and interacts with proteins in your sweat to form a plug near the surface of the duct,” temporarily stopping the sweat.

“Traditional antiperspirants will typically include other adsorbents like silica, talc, and starch to boost sweat reduction and are anhydrous,” Lam says. “They may also include various silicones to improve feel and glide on the skin.”

Deodorants are also anhydrous (sans water), but they are made without aluminum. “They can also contain absorbents (typically plant-derived starches) and will usually contain something like zinc ricinoleate, which is an odor neutralizer,” Lam adds. “Deos typically feature a blend of natural waxes, butters, and oils rather than silicones. Kind of like one giant lip balm with some starch in it.”

A giant lip balm certainly sounds more fun, but I had used antiperspirant for most of my life. One of my first favorites was the now-discontinued Secret Scent Expressions Va-Va Vanilla, which, as you can imagine, was a sweet-smelling, solid stick, practically made for a 12-year-old girl. It was also incredibly effective at stopping the puberty-induced sweat and odor of said 12-year-old girl (hi, that’s me).

Why I decided to switch to using a natural deodorant:

Before I quit antiperspirant a decade ago, I was struggling with yearslong underarm irritation (itchy inflammation). It wasn’t chronic, but it was constant. “Aluminum salts can be irritating for some people, especially right after shaving,” says Dr. Park. “Fragrance is still a big trigger. More often, it’s a combination of friction, occlusion, shaving, and individual skin biology.”

Also, I worked out all the time, would shave frequently (much too frequently, compared to my current once-a-week razor date), and loved anything with added fragrance. (The sweeter, the better!) Little did I know that I was likely experiencing my now-diagnosed fragrance allergy. These days, too much of it (worn anywhere on my body), and I break out in hives. Fun! All this to say, there was a lot that went into my decision to give up antiperspirant.

In 2016, during the clean beauty boom, I finally kicked antiperspirant to the curb. I’d just joined the Allure team, and we were talking more about what our definition of “clean” was. (Based on our reporting, the topic was introduced around 2010, but didn’t pick up steam until a few years later. It wasn’t until 2019 that Allure recognized the market with its official Clean Best of Beauty seal, which is still prominent today.) During this time, many common, well-known ingredients became our enemies. So, sulfates were stripped from shampoo formulas, parabens were no longer primarily seen as product-extending preservatives (which they are), and conversations about aluminum salts being linked to breast cancer swirled and spiraled. (The breast-cancer link has since been debunked many times over, but more on that later.)

Aluminum-free deodorant, colloquially known as “natural deodorant,” began to flourish. Brands like Lavanila, Schmidt’s, Native, and Kopari dominated the market. Though they did not invent the category, they can definitely be considered a catalyst for the growth of it, especially with representation on shelves in mass retailers like Target, Walmart, and drugstore chains.

As a beauty editor, it was (and still is) my job to try new products, and at the time, there were so! many! deodorants! I was inundated with them in all formats: sticks, mists, and even creams. But the one common thread with all these deos? No aluminum.

The sweat-stopping, often controversial ingredient certainly had a reputation back then (see above), but experts say there has been no hard data to suggest there’s a connection between the aluminum salts in antiperspirant and the development of breast cancer. “This is one of those myths that has had a very long life online—I still get asked this question in my clinic,” says Dr. Park.

"This is one of those myths that has had a very long life online."

“We do not have good evidence showing that aluminum-containing antiperspirants cause breast cancer,” Dr. Park continues. “The theoretical concern came from the fact that aluminum can be detected in breast tissue, and that sweat glands sit near the breast, but detectable does not equal dangerous. Correlation does not equal causation.”

Ten years later, the rumor mill has died down a bit, and, at least for me, antiperspirant no longer feels like a scary option when compared with deodorant. Of course, no one really has to choose between the two—wear one, wear none, wear both, do you!—but they are often pegged against each other in the market.

Why I decided to switch back to using antiperspirants:

Yes, I’m pitting them against each other again, but flipping and reversing it. I’m crawling back to my antiperspirant ex for a few reasons.

First, I’m a heavy sweater.

Quite frankly, the sensation of moisture pouring from my underarms and trickling down my torso has given me the heebie-jeebies one too many times. Now that I’ve upped my gym time, I also have to be cognizant of how my profuse sweating impacts the people around me. I don’t want to fling it onto someone else as I run and jump in my Barry’s classes. They deserve better. I deserve better.

My armpits are “getting used” to natural formulas more quickly.

I’m most excited to leave behind the sensation of waking up one morning, after months of wear, to discover my deo doesn’t want to do its job anymore. It’s like my body would get used to the formula, and then immediately decide it was over it. I’d start to smell just as bad as I did before I started using it.

Obviously, that’s not the way it works; the body doesn’t build a “tolerance,” explains cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. “The amount and type of sweat and microbial populations can change just enough that the product no longer fits your biology,” she says. “When the bacterial community changes, a deodorant that once worked well may no longer be as effective. It might seem like your body ‘getting used to’ the product, but it’s really microbial drift, not physiological adaptation.”

It could also be due to olfactory fatigue, which, Dobos says, is when you “become so used to the scent of your deodorant that you no longer smell it, making you more sensitive to any breakthrough body odor.” For me, it was most likely the first option—which literally and figuratively stunk.

My rashes didn’t go away.

The underarm irritation I experience every time I wear deodorant is just as uncomfortable as the rashes I got from using aluminum. I was tossing out a natural-deo tube every couple of months, which is superfluous, especially in this economy. “Many natural deodorants rely on essential oils and strong fragrance blends to mask odor, and those are common triggers for allergic contact dermatitis,” says Dr. Park. “The underarm is already a high-friction, occluded area, so it’s more reactive.”

I prefer the texture of aluminum deodorants.

The product textures are different, too, which could also be causing that dreaded, unwanted exfoliation and irritation. “Most natural deodorants have absorbents like clays that may have larger particle sizes than what we are typically used to with traditional deodorants,” says Lam. “This can give that grainy, gritty feel that is sometimes associated with natural deos.”

The experts I spoke with for this story note that none of this makes natural deodorants inherently bad. “If my patients want to use them, I’m fine with that, too, as long as they aren’t running into issues,” says Dr. Park. “But if someone has chronic underarm irritation, and they’re using a heavily fragranced ‘clean’ deodorant, that’s often where I start troubleshooting.”

A final word

So here I am, troubleshooting. I’ve now experienced inflammation, rashes, and even chafing from both types of products. There is no true winner here. But of the two options, only one stops my sweat, and right now, that’s what is most important to me. Therefore, I am going back to the product that will prevent morning, midday, and evening sweats while also keeping me smelling fresh. I will no longer experience afternoon showers under my shirt. Sweat stains on my favorite white tee will be minimal. (Though I’m fully predicting white-powder marks on all my dark tops—you can’t win ’em all.)

And if I accidentally forget to apply one day, no one will notice, thanks to my new nighttime application routine. “Sweat glands are less active when you’re sleeping, so the product has a better chance of forming those plugs effectively instead of getting washed away by active sweating,” says Dr. Park. “Apply it to completely dry skin before bed, let it dry down, and you can reapply lightly in the morning if you want. That simple switch alone often makes a big difference.”

Probably about as big a difference as ending a 10-year relationship, but I digress.

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

Don't get us wrong, we love a full-coverage foundation moment, but the best skin tints give us year-round glow—with a barely-there feel that doesn't emphasize texture. Instead, skin tints boast supremely lightweight, nongreasy textures, sheer yet buildable coverage, and natural or slightly radiant finishes. To achieve this, most formulas feature nourishing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide. Another bonus? Added SPF. While a skin tint with SPF shouldn't necessarily replace a standalone sunscreen (unless you’re applying the required ¼-teaspoon amount), we always welcome extra UV protection. So, without further ado, these are the very best skin tints approved by editors and makeup artists to perfect your no-makeup-makeup look.

Our Top Skin Tints

• Best Overall: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, $72
• Best with SPF: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30, $50
• Best Glowy Finish: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint, $42
• Best Buildable: Make Up For Ever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint, $36
• Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint, $48
• Best for Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint, $49
• Best Blurring: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir, $34

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Overall: Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

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Chanel

Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

$72

Chanel

$72

Nordstrom

$72

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint, “light coverage” doesn’t mean lacking pigment. Think of it as the perfect middle ground between a breezy skin tint and skin care—weightless on skin yet features just enough coverage to even out tone. The formula is composed of 75% water, so you can bet it’ll offer that hydrated, healthy-looking glow (and feel). It also has tamarind seed extract to add even more moisture and help skin feel refreshed and never dehydrated. But, according to Westchester, New York-based makeup artist Camila Mancipe, it’s not too hydrating, so oily skin types can still use it. Since it’s super lightweight without added oils, it sinks in quickly and leaves no residue behind—making it great for all skin types.

If you have super dry skin, Mancipe notes you may want to layer on a thicker moisturizer underneath or choose a more hydrating base. For added antioxidant protection, the foundation also features meadowfoam seed oil and jasmine stem extract that neutralize free radicals and guard against pollution and blue light. While the shade range isn’t extensive, the lightweight, adaptable finish allows each shade to blend seamlessly across a variety of skin tones.

Felbin before applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“For a light layer of coverage on weekends or work-from-home days, I'm reaching for this tint. Once you pop the droplets of color inside the clear gel, you're left with a thin, hydrating tint that covers just enough redness and discoloration. (The mixing process is also super-satisfying.) It plays well with my other makeup and never pills on me. And it lasts—I have a pretty oily T-zone, but once I set this with a little powder, I'm good for the whole day.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: water, tamarind seed extract,
• Who it's for: people who want lightweight, buildable coverage
• Shade count: 8

Best with SPF: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

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Laura Mercier

Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

$50

Amazon

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: Sheer coverage, SPF 30, 20 shades, and a glowy finish—Laura Mercier’s Natural Dewy Tinted Moisturizer has it all. This lightweight, sheer-to-light formula smooths skin without creasing or settling into fine lines, creating an even base that can be worn alone or underneath other base makeup. Also key: It’s a hybrid formula with both chemical and mineral UV filters, so you get an elegant, never-chalky finish. On top of an already-impressive resume, prebiotics also help strengthen your barrier, and upcycled black grape pomace (made with winemaking byproducts, such as skins, seeds, and stems) boosts collagen and softens the appearance of fine lines over time. (Though, of course, we rely most heavily on active-forward serums to do the heavy lifting when it comes to signs of aging.)

Wohlner before applying the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’ve been using some version of Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer—through its many iterations—since high school, and it’s still a staple in my routine today. It blurs imperfections while looking completely weightless on the skin, and you truly can’t feel it once it’s on. When I want more coverage, I add a hit of concealer on red spots, but I often wear it alone for a light glow that hits all the bases.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%), titanium dioxide (0.84%), zinc oxide (3.04%)
  probiotics, upcycled black grape pomace, raspberry leaf extract, rose extract
• Who it's for: people who want coverage and protection in one
• Shade count: 20

Best Glowy Finish: Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

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Summer Fridays

Sheer Skin Tint

$42

Amazon

$42

Revolve

$42

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: For a natural yet slightly dewy finish that won't quit, Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint is your gal. One of our testers said her skin still looked hydrated and non-oily after trekking through New York City on a hot summer day. Since Summer Fridays debuted as a skin-care brand, it's no surprise that its skin tint features some familiar, skin-loving ingredients, including glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane to attract and lock in moisture. Those with sensitive skin will appreciate the addition of tiger grass to soothe skin and reduce the look of redness. We wish the shade range was a bit wider, but thanks to its sheer finish, each shade flexes across multiple skin tones.

Shipin before applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tiger grass, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane
• Who it's for: people who want a sheer, no-makeup-makeup-like finish
• Shade count: 12

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

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Make Up For Ever

Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

Wohlner applying the Makeup Forever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: Less is more with Make Up For Ever’s Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint. The weightless, skin-care-forward formula is loaded with polyglutamic and hyaluronic acids to hydrate and plump the skin, while grapefruit extract brightens and exfoliates via its natural alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs). The coverage? Just enough to take down redness and blur uneven spots, but sheer enough to let your skin still look like…well, skin. (Just tap it on with fingers for that barely there, melted-in finish.) And, because it’s buildable without ever getting greasy, you can layer it on the days you need a little extra backup.

Wohlner before applying the Makeup Forever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying the Makeup Forever Super Boost Lightweight Moisturizing Skin Tint

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“I always go either barefaced or full-coverage—no middle ground. But when I tried Make Up For Ever’s Skin Tint, I finally got the appeal of the in-between. It gives that natural, your-skin-but-better finish while still toning down redness and uneven spots. The glow is real, but never oily, and as someone with combination skin, I love that it keeps the shine in check without killing the dew.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: polyglutamic acid, hyaluronic acid, grapefruit extract
• Who it's for: people who want a sheer, no-makeup makeup-like finish
• Shade count: 18

Best Shade Range: Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

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ILIA

Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Ulta Beauty

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

Lexi Herrick

Why it's worth it: Ilia's Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 is a silky, radiant pick beloved by the pros. "This feels like skin care and looks like skin care, but with good coverage," says Kirin Bhatty, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles. “The shade range is also so beautiful." The aforementioned skin-care ingredients include tried-and-true actives such as squalane, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and brighten skin. If you have oily skin, just know it leaves behind a healthy glow, so it might be better for normal to drier skin types. If you do want to mattify, one of our testers says that powder blends well on top of this formula. Keep in mind that your shade might look lighter on your skin at first, but then it will dry down to its true tone in 30 to 60 seconds.

Herrick before applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint

Lexi Herrick

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

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide
• Who it's for: those with normal to dry skin who want a healthy glow
• Shade count: 30

Best for Dry Skin: Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

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Hourglass

Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

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

Alessandra Foresto

Why we love it: In the years since Hourglass’s Hydrating Skin Tint won a Best of Beauty Award, our editors still reach for it on the regular (the hallmark of a makeup staple). This is because it delivers a natural, second-skin finish on days we need a touch of spot coverage, but don’t want to commit to full-blown foundation. The best part? You don’t even need to use a brush or sponge—though the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush is our favorite—because the lotion-like texture proves to be easily blendable and smoothable with just your fingertips. And, those with dry skin are in luck: The lightweight formula is made with meadowfoam seed oil to nourish and support the skin barrier, hyaluronic acid to boost hydration levels, and plant-based squalane to lock in moisture.

Foresto before applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Hourglass Veil Hydrating Skin Tint

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, hyaluronic acid, rambutan, squalane
• Who it's for: dry, sensitive skin
• Shade count: 18

Best Plumping: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint

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Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Tint

$39

Sephora

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

Edward Horgan

Why it’s worth it: If your skin needs a bit of pep in its step, the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Skin Tint houses a peptide called SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1, which is designed to help smooth the appearance of fine lines over time. For more plumping benefits, the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty-winning formula taps vegan collagen peptides, along with squalane and cactus extract for added barrier care and soothing. Apply a quarter-size dollop to your skin for a natural glow that still lets your skin peek through. Want extra coverage? This formula is super layerable, so just tap on a little extra where you needed (like you would a concealer!) and blur your redness or discoloration away.

Horgan before applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Horgan after applying the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Tint

Edward Horgan

Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides (SR-Hydrozoan Polypeptide-1), squalane, cactus extract
• Who it's for: those with fine lines
• Shade count: 20

Best Long-Wearing: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Skin Tint

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Milk Makeup

Hydrogrip Skin Tint

$38

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

$38

Sephora

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Skin Tint

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it’s worth it: Like its fan-favorite Hydro Grip Primer, Milk Makeup’s Hydro Grip Skin Tint clings to skin without sinking into fine lines, making it a great option for those with dry and mature skin. The gel formula feels as refreshing as it sounds and is loaded with three weights of hyaluronic acid (for deeper moisture) and niacinamide for a satiny finish, while blue agave extract keeps your makeup locked in for up to 12 hours—no reapplication needed. Like some of the other skin tints in this list, the 15-shade range is a little low for our preference, but the brand says each hue is “flexible,” meaning some shades are adaptable across different skin tones and undertones.

Calaor before applying the Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Skin Tint

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Milk Makeup Hydrogrip Skin Tint

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“I'm always red, thanks to my rosacea and really sensitive skin. This lightweight skin tint evens out tone and hides my redness, without hiding the beauty marks on my face that I love. It glides across my face easily, whether I'm using a brush or my fingers to apply it—and doesn't fade or crack when I sweat.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, blue agave extract
• Who it's for: those with oily skin or who want a longer-lasting tint
• Shade count: 15

Best Blurring: Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

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Kylie Cosmetics

Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Ulta Beauty

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

Sydney Malone

Why it's worth it: During 2025 Allure Best of Beauty testing, our team unanimously swooned over the soft-focus blur of the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir. Silica and mica powders reflect light and smooth texture, but there’s also hyaluronic acid for a hydrating, natural finish. With 24 shades that range from richly deep to ultra fair, we stay impressed by the versatility of pigments. We wore it through sweltering New York City days, and instead of melting into a cakey, greasy mess, it stayed smooth and airbrushed, while feeling weightless.

Malone before applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Malone after applying the Kylie Cosmetics Skin Tint Blurring Elixir

Sydney Malone

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mica, silica
• Who it's for: people who want to smooth texture
• Shade count: 24

Best for Mature Skin: Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

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Lisa Eldridge

Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

$45

Selfridges

$49

Lisa Eldridge

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

Sophie Panych

Why it’s worth it: When an esteemed makeup artist like Lisa Eldridge launches a namesake brand, you take notes—and give them a Best of Beauty Award or two. (Hey, Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner.) Additional proof lies in her Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint, which not only offers sheer coverage but makes skin look noticeably more even, luminous, and plump. Glycerin and squalane help skin retain moisture, prickly pear seed oil is packed with vitamin E and omega fatty acids for antioxidant support and a luminous complexion, sunflower seed oil calms and soothes, and coco caprylate, a coconut-derived emollient, leaves skin touchably soft. Available in 20 shades (so you can easily stock up on your winter and summer shades), it melts seamlessly into skin instead of sitting on top or settling into fine lines—leaving behind a smooth, naturally radiant finish.

Panych before applying the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

Sophie Panych

Panych after applying the Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“I've worn Lisa Eldridge's Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint for over a year now and wear it a couple times a week. It's an incredibly thin, runny liquid, so I squeeze two-to-three drops onto the back of my hand, and then apply it over my face like a moisturizer, blending it from the center, outwards. I'll then add a dab or two either side of my nose and chin—areas that need a bit more coverage. The fluid is wet and hydrating, so I don't like to use brushes or sponges as I find they sop up too much product. It also means that after I apply it, I wait a couple minutes until it dries down. I love the way this tint looks on my combination skin—dewy and hydrating enough that my skin looks five years younger, but not so wet that I look sweaty or that I look greasy or can't layer the rest of my makeup on top of it. I have a bit of redness around the center of my face, and this formula is impressively pigmented for something so thin and liquid-y. All the redness is concealed, which I don't find is always the case with a lot of other skin tints. I primarily wear shade 6 but shade 4 can also work in the dead of winter.” —Sophie Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, prickly pear seed oil, vitamin E, sunflower seed oil, coco caprylate
• Who it's for: people who want to brighten, smooth, and hydrate skin
• Shade count: 20

Best Brightening: Westman Atelier Vital Skincare Complexion Drops

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Westman Atelier

Vital Skincare Complexion Drops

$68

Nordstrom

$68

Sephora

$68

Credo Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Westman Atelier’s Vital Skin Care Complexion Foundation Drops

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: They glide on like a lightweight oil, they transition into a dewy burst with light coverage, and they’re great for all skin types—Westman Atelier's Vital Skincare Complexion Foundation Drops don’t mess around when it comes to glow. The non-pore-clogging formula swirls together tsubaki oil, ginseng, and pomegranate extract to boost brightness and hydration—while providing the ideal wash of barely there coverage. Allure editors and makeup artists have been among fans since 2022. "I love these complexion drops for everyday use because they give light-to-medium coverage while still being breathable," sums up Katrina Klein, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I didn't love this formula at first, since it left my naturally oily skin a little too dewy. Turns out, it was a matter of timing. It's a godsend, especially in the winter, when my skin practically begs for the blend of sunflower, almond, and tsubaki oil. It imparts enough coverage to even out my skin tone while feeling like nothing at all."—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tsubaki oil, ginseng, pomegranate extract
• Who it's for: people who want a dewy finish
• Shade count: 20

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

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Saie

Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

$38

Amazon

$38

Sephora

$38

Kohl's

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it's worth it: The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer has earned a devoted following for more than just its lightweight, barely-there coverage—it leaves you with a soft-focus, lit-from-within finish that tricks people into thinking you woke up like this. Packed with hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump, as well as antioxidant-rich pansy extract and licorice root to boost radiance, it's the type of buildable, skin-care-makeup hybrid that's an easy shoo-in for everyday looks. Offered in 14 versatile shades, the silky texture blends in effortlessly—sans creasing or settling.

We can't overlook the added bonus of SPF 35 protection, either. Infused with 15% zinc oxide, this mineral formula is gentler on those with sensitive skin because it reflects UV rays off the skin, instead of penetrating the dermis (like chemical sunscreens do). "Mineral sunscreens also typically do not irritate the eyes like chemical sunscreens," says New York City-based dermatologist Joel Lamm, MD.

Gulino before applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after applying the Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer

Elizabeth Gulino

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% zinc oxide, pansy extract, hyaluronic acid
• Who it's for: people with sensitive skin who want a dewy finish
• Shade count: 14

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between foundation and skin tint?

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

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

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

What ingredients should I look for in a skin tint?

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

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

Meet the experts

• Doris Day, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Katrina Klein, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Kirin Bhatty, a bi-coastal makeup artist
• Samantha Fisher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
• Tommy Napoli, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Camila Mancipe, a makeup artist based in Westchester, New York

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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