Category: NATURAL

  • I Got Chin Filler for the First Time—See the Before-and-After Photos

    I Got Chin Filler for the First Time—See the Before-and-After Photos

    side by side before and after photos of woman with chin fillerCourtesy of Entière DermatologySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    My jaw ate my chin.

    At least, that’s what it looked like to me. Every time I looked in the mirror from the side, all I could see was the general lack of structure along my jawline to my chin. “You have a mildly recessed chin,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Levin’s for roughly eight years. She knows my face up close and personal and can attest to the fact that my jaw did not, in fact, eat my chin. Still, my lack of chin had made me feel self-conscious for a long time.

    There’s nothing “wrong” with my chin. It’s a chin! It does its chin job. But I wanted more balanced facial features without undergoing a permanent procedure, such as an implant. I wasn’t looking to dramatically change my chin, but over the years, Dr. Levin and I had talked about the option of filler to give it more structure, and the idea stuck with me.

    In this story:

    • What is chin filler?
    • Making the decision to get chin filler
    • Prepping for filler
    • The injection process
    • Post-injection guidelines
    • Overall thoughts

    What is chin filler?

    “Filler generally refers to any substance that can help lift or angle tissue; it’s most commonly composed of hyaluronic acid,” says Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Fillers tend to be good options for those who have volume deficits.” With chin filler, specifically, “we look to see if there is an imbalance, with chin protrusion appearing disproportionate with the rest of the face,” he explains. Colloquially speaking, you might call this a “weak chin.”

    Determining what type of filler a “weak chin” would need is a little more nuanced because not all fillers are created equal. What works for the lips or other parts of the face may not work for the chin and vice versa. That's why dermal fillers are categorized by their stiffness, a.k.a. their G-prime level. “When we are looking at the chin, generally, we use a pretty firm, high G-prime filler, and that's because it helps mimic the bone,” Dr. Levin explains. “Something that's going to give a lift.”

    There are a number of high G-prime filler options on the market—Allergan's Juvéderm Volux and Juvéderm Voluma XC (both are best used for structuring the chin and jawline), Merz Aesthetics' Radiesse (best for smoothing deep wrinkles and adding volume to the lower face), and Galderma's Restylane Lyft (best for adding volume to the cheeks and midface)—but deciding what is right for your face is a decision between the provider and patient. For my face, Dr. Levin determined Volux would be best. (More on that later.)

    Making the decision to get chin filler

    Rewind to two years ago, during an ordinary neurotoxin appointment, when, on a whim, I asked Dr. Levin for filler. She obliged.

    As scary as this may sound, “on a whim” is typically how I describe my decision-making process, especially when it comes to in-office procedures. This has also applied to neurotoxin treatments, radio-frequency microneedling, and lasers. As a beauty editor, I’m a little less fearful of treatments because of the reporting and extensive research I’ve done over the span of my career. Still, I have to admit, suddenly deciding to get facial filler after years of insecurity felt a bit radical.

    side by side images of woman before and after getting chin filler with black and white text on screen

    Beauty director Sarah Kinonen before and then immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

    Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

    But as I said, Dr. Levin knows me and my face very well, and from her perspective, this decision, although it was unexpected, made sense anatomically. And because I was an ideal candidate for filler, she immediately approved.

    “You have great skin: thick, healthy, robust skin,” she says. “You don't have any underlying skin laxity. You really fit the profile of what makes for a good candidate.” That’s also because I was 33 at the time. People in their early 20s are less likely to be appropriate candidates for filler because facial features change as we age. (As we get older, volume and bone loss occur, as well as general sagging.) Plus, I don’t smoke, and I do have realistic expectations when it comes to results.

    “Patients should have an understanding of what fillers can and cannot achieve,” says Dr. Levin. “They can enhance, but they don't offer the same type of dramatic results that surgical interventions can. The role of filler is more subtle, natural-looking improvements rather than dramatic changes, [though] they may feel dramatic to you.”

    Prepping for filler

    After it was decided I would get filler right then and there during my 2024 appointment, Dr. Levin and her team started to prep. This included cleaning the injection sites (chin and jawline), slathering on a hefty amount of numbing cream, walking me through the procedure, and, most importantly, ensuring I knew the possible side effects of facial filler.

    Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and potential allergic reactions. “With any cosmetic procedure, there are always risks,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “Even in the most experienced hands, there is always a risk of occlusion (injecting filler into a vessel), which can lead to compromised tissue, blindness, and other issues.” That’s why it’s important to always see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for these types of in-office procedures.

    Dr. Levin also needed to confirm that I didn’t have any alcohol in my system (no problem—I don’t drink); hadn’t gotten a dental procedure in the last two weeks or have one scheduled (this can weaken the immune system); and that I hadn’t taken aspirin or ibuprofen within the last day or two (this can cause bruising).

    The injection process

    As I was waiting for the numbing cream to kick in (I couldn't feel anything from the bottom lip down), Dr. Levin decided which filler I’d be getting. Here’s the thing about filler: It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are many (and I mean many) different types of injectable hyaluronic acid on the market, and the kind I got during my procedure was right for my face and body. It’s important to note that what is right for me may not be right for everyone; that decision should be made by the patient and dermatologist together.

    There are different types of filler available for use on the chin, says Dr. Levin, but for my 2024 appointment, she chose Juvéderm’s Volux, which is FDA-approved for jawline enhancement. “Volux is a filler that we use more for structural enhancement,” she says. “We inject it onto the bone to help with that anatomical recession of your chin.” Volux made the most sense in my case because she would be building out my chin and jawline—and this filler is FDA-approved to do just that.

    Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

    Kinonen before and then immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

    Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

    Because you can’t just inject one area of the face to create anatomical symmetry, especially in my case, Dr. Levin also used another filler, Juvéderm Vollure, to give me “some periorial support” in the area right above my chin but below my lips. With Vollure, she used a cannula, a blunt-ended tube, to do the injection. This was “to minimize the risk of [the filler] moving [around after it is injected/while it is injected], but also to help minimize the risk of filler getting into arteries and veins,” Dr. Levin explains, “so we can be a bit more safe in an area that has more arteries and more vessels.”

    She adds, “There is no perfect way to inject. There's no recipe that says, ‘This is exactly how you do it.’ It's more like cooking intuitively.”

    And to cook up my results, Dr. Levin used “two syringes of Volux and half a syringe of Vollure” on my chin and jawline. I should note that the cost of filler varies and typically depends on what type is used, how many syringes are needed, where in the country you’re getting treatment, and who is doing the injecting. In my case, the procedure would likely range from $800 to a few thousand dollars, but because I would be writing about my experience, the treatment was performed gratis.

    After the filler was injected, Dr. Levin sculpted it into place. Imagine crafting a figurine out of clay—she was literally molding the hyaluronic acid injected under my skin into a shape and position that best suited my facial anatomy. This was the most interesting and hands-on aspect of the entire procedure to me, but it’s not always necessary, according to Dr. Levin.

    Once injected, she sculpted the filler into place, literally molding the hyaluronic acid that was under my skin, like crafting a figurine out of clay.

    “There are certain places where sculpting helps with achieving the desired outcome when we're using fillers. Every face is unique, and fillers are obviously placed strategically and sculpted to complement the patient's natural contour,” she points out. “For me, sculpting helps fine-tune the placement, and it also ensures that the filler integrates well with the surrounding tissue to enhance the facial structure. I will sculpt typically on the chin, maybe a little bit on the jawline, for a sharper angle or a softer transition, depending on what I'm trying to achieve.”

    This may sound painful, but because I was numb from the bottom lip down, all I felt was pressure. The actual injections didn’t hurt, and the pottery work didn’t either. What did hurt, though, was my chin, about an hour post-procedure—but more on that in a minute.

    Post-injection guidelines

    As someone who had never gotten any kind of facial filler before, I wasn’t sure what to expect post-injection. And when Dr. Levin said, “We don't want you to eat a ton of salty foods because it can increase the risk of swelling,” I audibly gulped. I certainly wasn’t expecting that directive, and it couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time: The next morning, I would be hopping in a rental car for a six-hour road trip during which fast food would be the only thing on the menu. Spoiler: I did end up eating McDonald’s hashbrowns despite my doctor’s advice. (I’m sorry, Dr. Levin, I couldn’t resist!)

    Diet aside, I was also told to take it easy on the workouts for the next couple of days. Again, this wasn’t ideal: I was in the midst of training for a marathon! Dr. Levin did mention that a jog here and there wouldn't hurt—“It’s not going to mess up or move the filler,” she explained, but I wasn’t about to chance losing my fancy new chin just to log a few lakeside miles.

    side by side images of woman before and after getting chin filler with black and white text on screen

    Kinonen immediately before and immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

    Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

    Plus, my face (well, the lower half) was really tender. Dr. Levin said it would feel like “someone punched me in the chin,” and she wasn’t wrong. It also felt like my face had just been injected with a foreign object….Hmm, weird. I tried my best not to touch the area (or let my dog accidentally touch it—she’s a jumper) and slept on my back for the next two weeks. (The joke’s on me because, apparently, my preferred side-sleeping position would have been just fine after the first 24 hours.)

    “Sleeping on your face is fine,” Dr. Levin reassured me when I went back for my two-week checkup. “But filler migration is 100% real. For a long time, the aesthetic industry treated migration like a myth or a rare complication. That's not true. We have ultrasound MRIs of the face that have conclusively proven that dermal fillers can, and they do, move away from your original injection site." Migration can occur for a number of reasons, such as overfilling, using the wrong type of filler, or being treated by an unskilled injector (which is why it's so important to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon).

    When this happens, there is a fix. “The good thing is that migrated filler is made up of hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Levin says. "If we see filler migration, we use hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that basically dissolves the product.” Luckily, I didn't have movement after either of my appointments, but it is still a real fear of mine, hence the sleeping on my back.

    Bruising and swelling typically go down after five to seven days, and that was definitely true for me. It took a full week for the faded bruising to clear, but during that time, no one seemed to notice my blue and purple spots and lack of concealer to cover it up. As I said, I didn’t want to touch the area, so I went sans makeup for as long as I could during the healing process.

    Overall thoughts

    Two weeks after my first appointment

    After my initial two-week checkup, when Dr. Levin inspected her work (and complimented me to no end), I couldn’t be happier with the results. The outcome is subtle but noticeably beneficial to my overall facial balance, at least as I see it. “You have incredibly beautiful bone structure in your mid-face,” says Dr. Levin. “You have a beautiful jawline. Your enhancement is actually quite mild.”

    Mild or not, the procedure has changed my life (not to sound dramatic). It changed my outlook on filler as a whole and gave me a big ol' boost of confidence. I have a chin! I have a jawline! And I can see both in photos—from every angle!—for the first time. It’s a beautiful feeling.

    Even more beautiful? The fact that I don’t need to get a re-up every few months. “Filler can last between 8 and 12 months, and sometimes longer, depending on the patient,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “So start slow and remember, you can always add more; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” As someone who has run a marathon, I get it.

    side by side before and after photos of woman with chin filler

    Kinonen before and then two weeks after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2026.

    Courtesy of Entière DermatologyTwo years after my first appointment

    It's now been two years since my first marathon and initial filler appointment, and while I've halted my racing career, my filler journey is just getting started. The filler has been slowly dissolving over the last 24 months, so I was due for a refill.

    For my first appointment, Dr. Levin used almost two syringes of Volux, but for my second round this year, she pivoted to Voluma, a high-G-prime filler, and used only one syringe. “You still had a bit of support there, so I felt like we didn't need to use something so hardy,” she explains. “This year, I actually did even more jawline support (last time, we did it at the angle of the jaw all the way, like in front of your ear), but this time, I did the entire angle of the jawline. We actually filled the dips behind the jowl—we call it a post-jowl sulcus, so that you can straighten a wavy jawline.”

    She did this with the use of a cannula, which I'm not a big fan of. Sure, it doesn't pinch like a needle would, but it does feel…weird. Imagine a long, thin tube under your skin, pumping in filler—it's an odd sensation (more pressure, less pain) that doesn't bring me much joy. “We made a little entry site behind your jowl, so that we can thread the filler in the subcutaneous plane," she says. “It's like a smooth ribbon of filler.”

    And just like my first filler experience, Dr. Levin also built up the area around my mouth (filling in my marionette lines) with Juvéderm Vollure to give a bit more support to my chin. “It's a lot softer and is very flexible, so I like it for areas that need a lot of mobility,” she says, adding that Vollure can last up to 18 months.

    selfie of allure beauty director sarah kinonen

    Kinonen, two weeks after her filler appointment in early 2026.

    Courtesy of subject

    The results—a chin that falls directly under my mouth (as opposed to its previously receding position) and a sharper jawline with structure—speak for themselves. I have a chin and a jawline. And both are (temporarily) anatomically pronounced. Because of that last bit, I've been asking myself, Is this something I want to continue to do for the rest of my life? And dermatologically speaking, can I?

    “Yes, long story short, you can definitely continue getting dermal fillers, but is it going to be exactly the same every time? No,” says Dr. Levin. “The aging needs of when you're 60 are going to be really different when you're 35.” She says doing the same thing for every appointment can eventually look overfilled or distorted. “Sometimes you can't just keep on mimicking and giving high G-prime filler in the same way,” she adds.

    For now, though, I'm only 35, and I've got a few more decent filler appointments up my sleeve. Based on the results of my first two sessions, I will absolutely continue down the filler road. So, see you back here in two years for my next update?

  • Neck Sagging Stands No Chance Against These Lifting Creams

    Neck Sagging Stands No Chance Against These Lifting Creams

    A photo of Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin holding the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex in a...Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    If you're overlooking your neck skin, you're not alone. However, you should pay close attention to that delicate, aging-susceptible area. Worry not: The best neck creams can help minimize and prevent sagging skin, crepiness, and dark spots. If you didn't already realize, the décolletage—the delicate area from the chin to the chest—is one of the first areas to develop signs of aging, so a dedicated neck cream can prove useful in reducing the effects of tech neck (as in, fine lines and double-chin-like sagging caused by looking down at your smartphone). Many key ingredients to look out for are similar to the ones in our face serums and moisturizers—hey, hyaluronic acid and peptides—but some actives, such as retinol, are formulated at lower concentrations to avoid irritating this delicate neck area.

    Whether you're looking for temporary skin-tightening benefits or discoloration-reducing ingredients, we rounded up the creme de la creme of neck creams for all skin types, even the most sensitive—as recommended by dermatologists and editors.

    Our Top Neck Creams

    • Best Overall: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, $135
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex, $158
    • Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex, $120
    • Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, $98

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Why does neck skin age faster?
    • What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?
    • What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
    • When should I consult with a dermatologist?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

    SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinMedica

    Neck Correct Cream

    $135

    Dermstore

    Why it's worth it: Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream is one of his favorite neck creams to recommend to clients: “This cream deeply hydrates, addresses hyperpigmentation, and tackles existing wrinkles while preventing new ones,” he says. Chock-full of microalgae, rich in antioxidant vitamins A (also known as retinol), C, and E, this 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner deeply hydrates and encourages cell regeneration to improve overall laxity—with regular use, of course. This firming cream also contains peptides and mushroom extract to give skin a firming boost—perfect for addressing the beginning signs (or more advanced) of tech neck.

    Texture-wise, Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, says that it’s so lightweight that it quickly absorbs into the skin so you never have to worry about stickiness. Consider our every tick box checked.

    Allure associate beauty editor Sarah Kinonen applying the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

    Sarah Kinonen

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “Like every other young person in America, my screen time is horrifying. I’m on my phone for most of the day (for both work and pleasure), and because of that, I’ve developed the ‘ole tech neck. Tiny fine lines now etch across my once-smooth neck, and sometimes, they are all I see in the mirror. So lately I’ve been reaching for SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream, a serum-like treatment made with firming peptides and hydrating squalene, twice a day to target said fine lines. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t interfere with any of my other skin-care products, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin (especially the thin-skinned neck area), so here's to hoping it tackles those wrinkles while I work on finding a new hobby…away from my phone.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “I basically have horizontal neck lines permanently etched into my skin, which I'm hyper-aware of whenever I look in the mirror, and are no doubt heightened by my constant laptop slouching. (Typing this just made me instinctively raise my head and sit up straighter. I should think about my neck area more often.) It's not thin enough to be considered a neck serum, per se, but it has this unique, silky lotion that absorbs incredibly fast—my skin feels so soft (and almost velvety?) after the fact, and I can't feel the slightest bit of residue. With consistent use, I have a lot of faith that my neck wrinkles will look much less apparent.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: peptides, shiitake mushroom extract, microalgae
    • Who it's for: those with sagging skin, laxity, and hyperpigmentation
    • Fragrance-Free: yes

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

    Alastin Restorative Neck Complex clear bottle with silver cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Alastin Skincare

    Restorative Neck Complex

    $158

    Amazon

    $158

    Alastin Skincare

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

    Deanna Pai

    Why it's worth it: Lifting the skin can be a tall order for many topical formulas, but Alastin Restorative Neck Complex deploys a unique, patented peptide blend called TriHex technology to replace damaged collagen and elastin with new, healthy fibers. That’s why Austin-based dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD, says it’s great for those concerned about tech neck, horizontal lines, or post-procedure skin recovery. “It helps the skin repair itself, which is especially important in an area that tends to age faster than the face,” she says. The fast-absorbing formula also contains niacinamide and phytoene and phytofluene (two phyto-antioxidants to guard against free radical damage), all of which help improve hyperpigmentation (such as sun spots) along your neck and décolleté, Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, adds.

    This formula is quite lightweight and fluid, so it feels more akin to a neck serum—making it easier to spread one pump of the goodness down to your chest area. You'll see the best results if you use it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night).

    Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

    Shanna ShipinShipin after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

    Shipin after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex

    Shanna Shipin

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “Do I always have time to use neck cream? Not really—but I do whenever I remember, since I don’t always bring my skin-care products down to my décolleté (as the experts recommend). I love Alastin across the board, and appreciate that this stuff, which absorbs quickly and feels nourishing, delivers those same benefits below the face. So far, it’s done the trick to fade dark spots, and I’m hoping the investment pays off on neck wrinkles and lines down the road.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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    “I have a combination of genetic and poor-posture-induced deep lines on my neck that didn’t start to bother me until I reached my mid-30s. I know this is going to be a long game, and that creams can’t exactly undo the deep lines, but I’m hopeful that Alastin’s neck cream can help ward off any future fine lines or uneven skin tone. I absolutely love the wide pump-top bottle; more than enough is dispensed to lather your neck and décolletage. There’s no tacky finish, it doesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skin, and leaves me feeling hydrated for hours. There is a noticeable difference in how the skin around my neck and chest feels after I apply this product. It all just feels more supple!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: peptides, phytoene, flaxseed extract
    • Who it's for: people with sagging or crepey skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex

    iS Clinical Neck Perfect Complex on a grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    iS Clinical

    NeckPerfect Complex

    $120

    Amazon

    $120

    Dermstore

    $120

    Bluemercury

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it’s worth it: The skin on your neck doesn’t always get the same love as your face, but it’s the first place that both dryness and signs of aging tend to appear. This skin-elasticity-boosting formulation takes an innovative approach by incorporating exfoliating acids to offset both. “iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex has some key ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids, that are going to give you a more even skin tone,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It also includes hyaluronic acid to leave skin “hydrated and glowing,” she adds. With added antioxidants (such as acacia senegal gum and quinoa) to fight off environmental aggressors, this silky treatment helps lift, firm, and smooth the delicate skin below your jawline.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “After breastfeeding and pumping, my décolleté was looking dry and crepey—years of tugging (thanks, kids) definitely took a toll. NeckPerfect Complex glides on silky smooth and sinks in fast without any greasy residue. The skin on my chest actually feels hydrated now, and those tiny creases I used to see have basically disappeared.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, acacia senegal gum, mixed fruit acids, quinoa
    • Who it's for: people with dry skin who want to restore hydration, firmness, and elasticity
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

    NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream blue bottle on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    NeoStrata

    Triple Firming Neck Cream

    $98

    Amazon

    $98

    Dermstore

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream

    Sarah Han

    Why it's worth it: NeoStrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is a favorite of Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, who says that it frequently sells out at her practice. At the heart of this formula is a proprietary ingredient called NeoGlucosamine, "an amino sugar that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Dr. Turegano calls out, which boosts hyaluronic acid production—therefore increasing hydration and smoothing the look of fine lines—and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Furthermore, it's enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides) to firm the skin, while shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E restore and strengthen your barrier. This rich, buttery formula may take a beat to fully absorb, but the results are well worth the few extra seconds.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “I almost always bring my facial skin-care products down to my neck, but because the amount of product that actually makes it down there varies a lot, I like the added assurance of using a dedicated neck cream—similarly to how I like a standalone sunscreen, even if I'm using a skin tint or foundation that has SPF over it. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, and my neck and décolleté always look dewy and hydrated after each application. I do think my horizontal neck lines have softened a bit, which is a huge win for me—as someone who’s constantly crouching over my laptop and looking down at my phone.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate (a patented ingredient of NeoStrata that claims to boost collagen production and plump the skin), amino acids
    • Who it's for: Those with fine lines and wrinkles
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Other neck creams we love

    Best for Uneven Tone: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus

    StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream white jar with double walled clear and yellow lid on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    StriVectin

    TL Advanced Tightening Neck Plus

    $99

    Amazon

    $99

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it's worth it: StriVectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus is loved by beauty editors and derms alike because of the brand's patented, high-performing ingredients. This neck-firming cream features a niacinamide-powered technology called NIA-114 alongside a proprietary, bio-engineered peptide chain called Alpha-3 Peptide, which targets the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Translation: These help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin along the neck, jawline, and décolleté in as little as four weeks. It also has shea butter and spilanthol, a botanically-derived fatty acid that plumps and moisturizes skin.

    P.S. StriVectin also offers a broad-spectrum SPF 35-infused neck cream to provide ample protection against sun damage.

    Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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    "The bad news: If you ever owned a cassette player, it's probably time to start using a neck cream. The good news: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ exists. The formula has a rich, creamy texture that absorbs into skin surprisingly quickly. I've been using it on and off for the past couple of years, and I do believe it's kept my décolleté from looking less crepey than it would otherwise." —Dianna Singh, features director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
    • Who it's for: those who want immediate and long-term benefits
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Best for Crepey Skin: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair

    SkinCeuticals Triple-R Neck Repair white bottle with nickel cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinCeuticals

    Tripeptide R Neck Repair

    $136

    Dermstore

    $136

    SkinCeuticals

    $135

    Bluemercury

    Why it's worth it: Living up to the SkinCeuticals hype is the Triple-R Neck Repair, a fragrance-free retinol cream that goes beyond the surface to treat the deeper layers, targeting a variety of signs of aging, including wrinkling and sagging. Dr. Hartman says that although it has retinol—a beloved active known to boost cell turnover and promote collagen production—SkinCeuticals uses a slow-release retinol that is far less likely to cause any dreaded irritation or unnecessary dryness. Plus, the formula has plenty of hydrators like glycerin and soybean oil to soothe skin. Dr. Hartman adds that the formula also contains peptides, which signal the skin to produce collagen, helping to plump and “fill in” smaller wrinkles.

    Dr. Hartman uses Triple-R as part of his own skin-care routine, so if it’s good enough for someone who treats skin for a living, it’s certainly good enough for us (and you).

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: 0.2% slow-release retinol, peptides, glaucine
    • Who it's for: mature skin, normal-to-oily skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Age Spots: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced

    Revision Skincare Nectifirm black tube on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Revision Skincare

    Nectifirm

    $115

    Amazon

    $115

    Dermstore

    Why it's worth it: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced, an iteration of the original Nectifirm for those experiencing more advanced signs of aging, is one of Dr. Collin’s go-to recommendations for more noticeable laxity and crepiness.” She touts its blend of peptides to improve elasticity, antioxidants like lingonberry extract for brightness, and plant-based ingredients like red microalgae extract to help improve firmness and texture.

    Other key active ingredients are tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (or THDA, a highly stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that's well-tolerated by sensitive skin), diglucosyl gallic acid, a melanin inhibitor that helps treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Although it comes at a hefty price point, it feels “incredibly luxurious” on the skin, absorbs quickly, and does much more than simply moisturize.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: lingonberry extract, red microalgea extract, peptides, diglucosyl gallic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate
    • Who it's for: most skin types (not sensitive)
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why does neck skin age faster?

    The skin on the neck is thinner and lacks the same oil composition as facial skin, which makes it more prone to dryness and sagging over time, Dr. Hartman explains. Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it's an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. In other words, "tech neck" is very real.

    What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?

    “Because the skin is more delicate, neck creams are formulated to provide more intense hydration, with a higher concentration of actives that are more suitable for the skin on your neck,” Dr. Hall notes. Some moisturizing agents featured in the creams on this list are hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane to keep the skin smooth and plump. Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as they're frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits.

    What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?

    Aside from the essential hydrators, retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and, therefore, addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. "This can help with sagging skin, wrinkles, and some crepiness," says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low, and the results are subtle."

    When should I consult with a dermatologist?

    If you've noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Dr. Wang recommends consulting a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.

    Meet the experts

    • Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
    • Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
    • Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
    • James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
    • Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
    • Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
    • May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina

    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 neck 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.

  • 12 Best LG Beauty Products, According to Editors

    12 Best LG Beauty Products, According to Editors

    Image contains a collage of the best LG Beauty productsCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Here in the States, Korean giant LG is best known for appliances like refrigerators and TVs—but the best LG Beauty products prove that the brand is a force in the K-beauty universe, too. Over the years, the Korean beauty giant has built an impressive portfolio of brands that have shaped routines long before double-cleansing and glass skin entered the mainstream. A few editor favorites? Belif is beloved for its herbal-inspired hydration and bouncy gel moisturizers, Dr. Groot approaches scalp care with the same mindset used for your face, and The Face Shop built a loyal following with formulas inspired by classic Korean beauty staples like rice water.

    While each brand has its own personality, they’re all connected by a shared K-beauty values: gentle ingredients, innovative formulas, and a focus on helping skin, hair, and even smiles look healthier over the long run. Ahead, the LG Beauty products that have earned a forever spot on our vanities.

    Our Top LG Beauty Products

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundRice and ShineThe Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming CleanserJump to review$17

    Amazon

    White and turquoise tube of Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream with black cap on white backgroundCaught a ChillBelif Aqua Bomb Frozen CreamJump to review$26

    Amazon

    Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum in branded dropper component on a light gray backgroundBoost from the RootsDr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in SerumJump to review$37

    Sephora

    Euthymol Purple Toning Toothpaste in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundBrushed with GreatnessEuthymol Purple Toning ToothpasteJump to review$28

    Amazon

    Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner in branded bottle and tube components on a light gray backgroundSoothe thy ScalpDr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and ConditionerJump to review$66 $60 (9% off)

    Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)

    CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundJuiced-Up LipsCNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip BalmJump to review$18 $16 (11% off)

    Amazon

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Rice and Shine: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

    The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Face Shop

    Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

    $17

    Amazon

    $13

    Ulta Beauty

    $13

    LG Beauty

    Why it's worth it: Korean beauty rituals have been using rice water for centuries as a skin-softening staple. And while back then you could DIY pantry rice water in pursuit of glow, today’s formulas are a lot more sophisticated (and significantly less sticky). The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser updates the tradition with rice water—rich in vitamins, minerals, and ceramides—alongside nourishing rice bran oil and soapwort extract, a botanical ingredient naturally packed with cleansing compounds called saponins (basically nature’s original soap). Together, the rice-derived ingredients support a softer, brighter complexion, while soapwort whisks away excess oil, makeup, and buildup.

    The creamy formula lathers into a rich, cushiony foam that makes it especially great for combination or oily skin—particularly those prone to congestion or clogged pores—who want that deeply cleansed, fresh-faced feeling without being stripped.

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

    Sarah HanA selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after using The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

    Han after applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract
    • Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types with congested pores
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Moisture Bomb: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Belif

    The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    $24 $20 (17% off)

    Amazon

    $27

    Ulta Beauty

    $22

    LG Beauty

    Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Annie Blay-Tettey

    Why it's worth it: While “cream” is right there in the name, Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is actually much closer to a bouncy gel moisturizer—but it still practically melts into skin. The lightweight formula combines hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty skin, niacinamide to smooth and brighten, and the brand’s signature herbal blend—featuring ingredients like oat, calendula, and chickweed—to keep skin feeling fresh and comfortably hydrated. It’s especially great for combo or oily skin types (or anyone ready to retire heavy moisturizers as summer temperatures creep up), and thanks to its juicy texture, our testers say it wears nicely under makeup without pilling.

    Allure associate beauty editor Annie BlayTettey before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Blay-Tettey before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Annie Blay-TetteyAnnie BlayTettey after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Blay-Tettey after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

    Annie Blay-Tettey

    Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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    “I love how cooling and hydrating this gel cream is—and the texture truly lives up to the name. This formula achieves the perfect hybrid between a lightweight gel and a moisturizing gel. It leaves my skin supple and glowing all day and layers well under makeup and SPF.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oat, calendula, and chickweed
    • Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Caught a Chill: Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

    White and turquoise tube of Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream with black cap on white backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Belif

    Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

    $26

    Amazon

    $26

    Ulta Beauty

    $26

    LG Beauty

    Why it’s worth it: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream acts like a cold splash of water if your skin’s feeling flushed and overheated—minus the trip to the sink. The lightweight gel-cream uses the brand’s Pro Frozen Capsules, which burst on contact to deliver an instant cooling sensation while helping lock in moisture and reduce heat stress. Hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration, squalane supports the skin barrier, and niacinamide smooths and refines the look of pores. “It’s formulated to deliver intense hydration without heaviness,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.

    Fermented ingredients like Lactobacillus and soybean give the formula extra smoothing and depuffing powers. A foundational part of K-beauty, fermentation has long been used to help transform ingredients into smaller, more skin-friendly compounds that may be easier for skin to absorb. The result: boosted hydration, a calmer-looking complexion, and skin that appears smoother and more refreshed.

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

    Christa Joanna LeeAllure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

    Lee after applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “I found that the gel doesn’t immediately sink in, which actually works in its favor—it sits on skin just long enough (a minute or so!) to add to the cooling effect. You can feel the tiny capsules at first, but they pop within seconds as you massage the formula in. The cooling sensation is genuinely noticeable, and whenever my skin feels a little hot, irritated, or puffy, this is the kind of formula that instantly makes it feel calmer and more comfortable.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, Lactobacillus ferment, soybean ferment
    • Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with dry or sensitive skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Wake-Up Call: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

    Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Belif

    Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

    $32

    Amazon

    $32

    Ulta Beauty

    $32

    LG Beauty

    Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

    Lexi Herrick

    Why it's worth it: You can drink all the coffee in the world, but if you’re hoping it’ll magically erase tired undereyes, your latte can only do so much—and for some people, consuming too much caffeine can even contribute to dehydration, which can leave skin looking a little less plump. Applied topically, though, caffeine plays a different game: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Eye Gel uses it to temporarily constrict blood vessels so undereyes appear less puffy, swollen, and shadowy.

    The 2025 Best of Beauty winner also pairs hyaluronic acid for a surge of hydration with niacinamide to smooth and brighten, while the brand’s signature blend of herbal and fermented ingredients—like refreshing rosemary and eucalyptus leaf extracts alongside Lactobacillus ferment—adds an extra calming, soothing touch. The ceramic tip applicator helps the cooling texture sink in quickly, making it especially nice for early mornings when your eyes are broadcasting exactly how little sleep you got.

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

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    “The applicator for this eye cream is incredibly smooth and easy to use. This is one of my favorite products to bring with me when traveling or on the go. It's so gentle and hydrating, instantly adding moisture to my undereyes. I also have very sensitive skin under my eyes, and this has never given me an ounce of irritation.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, rosemary, eucalyptus leaf, Lactobacillus ferment
    • Who it’s best for: people with dark undereye circles or dry skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Return to Your Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

    Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner in branded bottle and tube components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dr. Groot

    Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

    $66 $60 (9% off)

    Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)

    $33

    Sephora (Shampoo)

    $33

    Sephora (Conditioner)

    Why it's worth it: K-beauty has long treated the scalp the same way it treats skin. Why spend hundreds on serums for your face if you’re ignoring the skin underneath your hair? Dr. Groot’s Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner take that skin-care-for-your-scalp mission seriously, loading the formulas with ingredients you’d just as easily spot in facial products. Ingredients like Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments support the scalp environment, while caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and salicylic acid refresh buildup-prone roots and keep scalps feeling balanced.

    There’s also a lineup of classic K-beauty botanicals—including ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, and Centella asiatica—to soothe and comfort the scalp. You’ll get that deeply clean, cool, menthol-y feeling that makes your roots feel reset, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or buildup. Unlike many Western formulas, even the conditioner is designed to be worked into the scalp, but it won’t leave hair feeling heavy or weighed down.

    Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

    Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

    Sarah HoffmannAllure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

    Hoffmann after using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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    “I'm blessed with a pretty unproblematic scalp, but I've always had an issue with frizz, dryness, shine—pretty much every other hair complaint in the book. I used to just accept that silkiness wasn't in the cards for me, but this Dr. Groot duo made me eat my words. Even without blow-drying, my air-dried curls just behave differently when I use this shampoo and conditioner. Paired with a quick pass of my Dyson (and no post-shower products, mind you), I'm living out my flippy, shinny blowout dreams.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, Centella asiatica
    • Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Boost from the Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum in branded dropper component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dr. Groot

    Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    $37

    Sephora

    Why it's worth it: Another example of K-beauty’s skin-care-first approach to hair growth, Dr. Groot’s Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum Leave-In Treatment focuses on creating a healthier scalp environment where stronger-looking hair can thrive. Biotin supports keratin—the protein that makes up hair—while rosemary oil takes center stage. “Rosemary oil has been shown to encourage hair growth, with results similar to those of 2% minoxidil,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, previously told Allure. The formula also packs in microbiome-friendly ferments like Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces extracts, alongside a nourishing blend of rosemary, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, and soybean oils to support both scalp health and softer, silkier strands. Amino acids, caffeine, and niacinamide round out the formula to keep the scalp feeling balanced and healthy.

    Despite the oil-in-serum name, it feels surprisingly lightweight, delivering a refreshing minty-cool sensation. Plus, the pretty gradient packaging looks much more vanity-worthy than your typical clinical-looking hair-growth treatment.

    Han applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    Sarah HanAllure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    Han after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “My scalp is chronically dry and itchy so a leave-in that targets that specific area is crucial. As soon as I'm out of the shower and rough-dry my hair, I put a few droppers of this oil-in-serum into different sections of my scalp and really give it a thorough massage. It has a slight cooling tinge to it, thanks to the rosemary oil, and keeps my scalp soothed until my next wash—which, admittedly, happens anywhere from three to six days. The texture, as you can tell by the tiny suspended beads, is super cool. Despite having ‘oil’ in the name, I don't find this formula heavy or greasy at all.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: biotin, rosemary oil, amino acids, caffeine, niacinamide, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, soybean oils, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifida, Saccharomyces ferments
    • Who it’s best for: people looking for healthier, stronger hair growth
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Stay Clear Headed: Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

    Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dr. Groot

    Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

    $33

    Sephora

    $33

    LG Beauty

    Why it's worth it: Dr. Groot’s Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water is a pre-shampoo treatment that starts clearing away excess sebum and buildup in about the time it takes to scroll a short TikTok. The formula relies on a trio of exfoliating acids—beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and lipohydroxy acid (a gentler salicylic acid derivative)—to gently loosen dead skin, decongest pores, and smooth the scalp. Rosemary oil invigorates the scalp for healthier, thicker, stronger-looking hair, while menthol delivers a deeply satisfying, icy-cool sensation that instantly refreshes the roots. Panthenol and niacinamide replenish moisture and support keratin, while K-beauty staples like Lactobacillus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces ferments help maintain a balanced, happy scalp environment.

    Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

    Bianca RichardsAllure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

    Richards after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

    Bianca Richards

    Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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    "Whether I'm styling my natural curls or looking for my dreamy voluminous blowout, I like to add product to my scalp for added volume—so I tend to experience a lot of buildup in my scalp. A scalp rinse is always in my rotation, and the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution is one of the very few products that work effectively to gently cleanse away buildup and prep my hair for a perfect restart. Because I have a lot of hair to sort through, I like to work the product in sections, applying it from my hairline back towards my crown. I'll sometimes use my fingers to massage the product in; however, I find that using a scalp massager works best and gives it a more soothing experience. I really love how it lathers once the product is massaged thoroughly into the scalp, unlike most rinses that have more of a watery consistency, and it can be tricky to determine if the product is actually being used to the best of its ability. As someone who also has scalp psoriasis along my hairline, it's gentle enough to use!" —Bianca Richards, social media manager

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, rosemary oil, menthol, panthenol, niacinamide, Lactobacillus, Bifida, Saccharomyces
    • Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Ready for This Jelly: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Crème Shop

    Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    $13

    Amazon

    $13

    Ulta Beauty

    $13

    LG Beauty

    Lee applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: Hello Kitty called, and she wants you to show your lips a little more TLC. The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze serves up a juicy wash of color and that glassy, jelly-like shine, but there’s a surprising amount of skin care tucked beneath the adorable packaging. Shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E keep lips soft, cushioned, and hydrated, while a lineup of peptides supports smoother, fuller-looking lips. Consider it equal parts lip treatment, gloss, and tiny serotonin boost you can easily slip into your pocket. Even cuter: There are additional shades inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends, so your lip color can match your favorite Sanrio character energy.

    Christa Lee before applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    Lee before applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    Christa Joanna LeeChrista Lee applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    Lee after applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from Lee

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    “Well, I’m an easy sell when it comes to anything Hello Kitty—and the adorable macaron-shaped packaging had me before I even twisted off the cap. I’ll admit, at first glance, I was bracing myself for a stick-to-your-lips situation, but the second I applied it, it completely melted in with a cushiony, jelly-balm feel. If you’re looking for bold color payoff, you’ll want to layer this over your usual color—this is more of a soft tint than a statement lip. But when it comes to lasting hydration, it’s next level. My lips stayed ridiculously comfortable for hours, and I’d be shocked if you found yourself reaching to reapply throughout the day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: copper tripeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, shea butter, glycerin, vitamin E
    • Who it’s best for: everyone
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Believe the Buzz: CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    CNP

    Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    $18 $16 (11% off)

    Amazon

    $18

    Ulta Beauty

    $18

    LG Beauty

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it's worth it: Honey, your lips deserve better than a basic waxy balm. CNP’s Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm treats dry, flaky lips with propolis—a protective substance bees create for their hives that’s prized for its soothing properties—with deeply nourishing New Zealand manuka honey. A barrier-supporting trio of ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane lock in moisture, while madecassoside and beta-glucan calm irritation and roughness. There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat. The texture starts rich and thick, but it melts into lips instead of sitting on top—and once it’s on, it really sticks around, making it especially satisfying for anyone tired of constantly reapplying.

    Kinonen before applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    Kinonen before applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    Kinonen after applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “Aside from sunscreen, I never leave the house without a tube of lip balm. Doesn’t matter what the brand is; I just need to have something on hand to touch up during the day. But at night, that’s a different story. I need a lip mask that’s going to coat my lips and still be there come morning. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm. It’s a thick consistency, thanks to the propolis (a.k.a. ‘bee glue,’ which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), but it instantly melts onto lips like butter—and lasts. I usually apply two coats, making sure it’s extra goopy, and then crawl into bed. When I wake up, my lips feel super soft, smooth, and hydrated. I’ve now gone through two tubes!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: propolis, manuka honey, ceramides, cholesterol, squalane, peptides
    • Who it’s best for: people with dry lips
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Amp Up Your Glow: CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

    CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule in branded dropper component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    CNP

    Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

    $25

    Amazon

    $25

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it's worth it: If you’re new to ampoules, they’re typically designed to deliver a targeted boost of actives when your skin needs extra support. CNP’s Derma+ Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule centers around a 1:1 ratio of S-PDRN and Expecial Solution (Lactobacillus ferment extract). Unlike traditional PDRN, S-PDRN (sodium DNA-derived PDRN) is a lab-designed version intended to support skin barrier health and enhance the appearance of firmness and density. Niacinamide brightens and balances, while collagen, squalane, and adenosine work together to contribute to a hydrated, bouncier-looking complexion. While it’s concentrated, this isn’t the kind of formula making dramatic overnight promises—because, as with most skin care, consistency is where the magic really happens. Instead, it leans into K-beauty’s “slow-aging” approach: small, steady steps that keep skin looking healthier the more you use it.

    Han applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

    Sarah HanSarah Han after applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 11 Ampule

    Han after applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “I picked up this CNP serum or ampoule in Olive Young at the recommendation of a corporate staffer. I clearly don't need much convincing, but I also noticed the Glowpick and Hwahae badges (two of Korea's most popular beauty review/ranking platforms) on the packaging. That's how I could tell it was a legit local favorite, which is what I'm obviously seeking when I'm all the way in Seoul. The formula is silky and has some slip (so there's no rubbing or tugging the skin!), which is exactly the type of serum I prefer. Aside from the lovely feel, I love all of the tried-and-true ingredients: niacinamide, adenosine, collagen, squalane, and cica. I know the jury's still out on PDRN, but I've found all of the PDRN serums I've tried to be very hydrating, which is what's most important to me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: sodium PDRN, Lactobacillus ferment, niacinamide, collagen, squalane, adenosine
    • Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with mature skin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Brushed with Greatness: Euthymol Purple Toning Toothpaste

    Euthymol Purple Toning Toothpaste in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Euthymol

    Purple Toning Toothpaste

    $28

    Amazon

    $15

    LG Beauty

    Why it's worth it: We interrupt your regularly scheduled skin-care programming for something slightly unexpected: purple toothpaste. Euthymol’s Purple Toning Toothpaste comes from Euthymol, a British oral-care brand dating back to 1898 that now sits under the LG umbrella, and it borrows a trick straight from the color-correction playbook (similar to how purple shampoos tone brassiness). Its violet hue neutralizes yellow tones, making teeth appear visibly brighter. It also uses whitening particles to lift surface stains and defend against new ones, while strengthening enamel and delivering the brand’s signature bold minty freshness. Consider it the oral-care equivalent of a color-correcting primer—just for your smile.

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “As I get older, elevated versions of everyday products (nice hand soap, etc.) bring me lots of joy—and this Euthymol toothpaste very much falls under that bucket. I love how solid and luxe the packaging is, and that it's not too big, so I don't have to worry about whether or not it might get confiscated by TSA. I drink at least one latte every day so that's a lot of staining caffeine—but, despite how insecure I am about my not-so-white teeth, I'm not willing to curb my consumption! I haven't used the toothpaste for long enough to really tell if it has whitened my teeth considerably but I do think the purple, yellow-canceling of it all has been working, even if the difference is subtle. Moreover, I like that the flavor is more toned down—I historically have found most mint toothpastes to be too strong and uncomfortable.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 0.243% sodium fluoride, hydrated silica, eucalyptus extract, vitamin E, glycerin, SLS
    • Who it’s best for: people who want whiter teeth

    Let’s Get Physio: Physiogel Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream

    Physiogel Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Physiogel

    Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream

    $16

    Amazon

    $16

    LG Beauty

    Why it's worth it: If there’s one thing you can associate K-beauty with, it’s a deep appreciation for keeping easily irritated skin happy. Physiogel’s Calming Relief Redness Cream strips things back to the essentials with a short ingredient list focused on calming redness and supporting a stressed-out barrier. The star here is palmitamide MEA, a soothing lipid compound that helps reduce irritation caused by dryness, while squalane replenishes moisture, and hydrogenated lecithin helps reinforce the skin barrier and soften flaky patches.

    It’s also earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, where products undergo ingredient review and screening to ensure they’re less likely to trigger irritation in eczema-prone, highly reactive skin. If you’re new to the brand, consider it the skin-care equivalent of if CeraVe and Vanicream had a baby: straightforward, sensitive-skin-friendly, and all about barrier support without extra bells and whistles.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: palmitamide MEA, squalane, hydrogenated lecithin
    • Who it’s best for: people with sensitive, dry skin prone to redness
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Meet the experts

    • Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
    • Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

    How we test and review products

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

    For our review of the best LG Beauty products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. 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.

  • 8 Best Shave Creams to Level Up Your Everything Shower

    8 Best Shave Creams to Level Up Your Everything Shower

    A collage of Fur and Hanni shave creams with a white product swatch on a light gray backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Finding the best shave cream is a lot like finding the perfect pair of sheets—and not just because each should be silky smooth. In both cases, you don’t actually know how much of a difference it’ll make in your life until you find the right one. Shave creams don’t just provide much-needed lubrication for razor blades, thus reducing friction and preventing irritation. They also hydrate the hair shaft, “causing it to swell and soften, which lowers the force required to cut it,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This results in fewer passes, less irritation, and a lower risk of razor burn and follicular inflammation.” That can be a godsend for sensitive areas like your bikini line.

    Our Top Shave Creams

    • Best Overall: Skintimate Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer, $9
    • Best Drugstore: Gillette Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam, $3
    • Best for the Bikini Area: Fur Shave Cream, $34
    • Best for Dry Skin: EOS Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter, $9

    These days, they’re also chock-full of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, like shea butter and nut oils, that can help you get a closer shave and leave you with softer skin. They also come in a variety of formats—think oils, gels, or foams—and scents, which can make the entire shaving experience more enjoyable and tailored to your preferences or skin type.

    To help you find your best shave cream, we went through Allure Best of Beauty Award winners, editor recommendations, and dermatologist favorites. Ready to head into shorts-and-tank-top season with your silkiest skin yet? Read on for the standout picks.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Do I really need to use shaving cream?
    • Are there areas of the body that especially benefit from shave cream?
    • How can I get my best shave?
    • What ingredients should someone look for in a shaving cream?
    • Meet the Experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Skintimate Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer

    Skintimate Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer in branded clear bottle with white pump on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Skintimate

    Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer

    $9

    Amazon

    Why we love it: The best shaving solution isn’t always a cream; you just need “a lubricant to create a protective barrier between your blades and your delicate dermis, preventing cuts, nicks, irritation, and razor burn,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in southern California. The star ingredients of Skintimate’s Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer are ideal for creating just that, pairing vitamin E—which is both a water-attracting humectant and water-trapping emollient—along with shea, almond, and jojoba oils. Those moisturizing ingredients help create a silky-smooth base upon which your razor can simply glide, even without the traditional soapy lather. You can apply this oil after shaving for maximum radiance, too.

    Prefer an old-school gel-to-foam formula? Editors love Skintimate Skin Therapy for Sensitive Skin, which builds to a nice lather and doesn’t dry out skin.

    Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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    “I genuinely did a double-take the first few times I used this shave oil because I could swear my leg hair was melting off—even the really stubborn stubble that's barely long enough to shave. Nothing has given me as close a shave as this. And you should take my word for it; I've got Italian body hair." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: vitamin E, shea oil, aloe, almond oil, jojoba oil
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best Drugstore: Gillette Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam

    Gillette Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Gillette

    Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam

    $3

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Not only does Gillette’s Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam tackle coarse hair that grows on sensitive areas—think the ingrown-prone bikini area, with its plentiful contours—but it does so with a light-as-air texture that won’t clog up your razor, all while coming in at under $4 a can. (And a little bit goes a long way, upping the value factor even more.) Technically a men’s shaving cream meant for facial hair, the no-frills formula isn’t loaded with fancy skin-care ingredients, but it does the trick for reducing razor burn and skin irritation while leaving skin smooth but never tight. Plus, this classic shaving cream has a nice, clean fragrance that’s mild enough to layer under any scented body oils or lotions that you might apply post-shower.

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    “I love trying a fancy shaving cream, gel, oil, or foam. I'll try them all. But I always just come back to this classic Gillette shave gel that you can grab in the men's aisle. My husband and I share it, and it's always a buck or two cheaper than the women’s offerings. It's just one of those basic, reliable formulas. It protects your skin from nicks, keeps skin soft, and doesn't gunk up your razor. So basically, it makes an annoying task go faster and smoother (literally and figuratively). You'll always find a tube in our shower and whenever I'm travelling, I grab a travel size at the airport or train station.” —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: water, triethanolamine, palmic acid, stearic acid
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Sulfate-free: no

    Best for the Bikini Area: Fur Shave Cream

    Fur Shave Cream in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Fur

    Shave Cream

    $34

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Among the top-line ingredients in Fur’s Shave Cream are antioxidant-rich olive oil—which, as an emollient, can help provide a buffer between your skin and the razor—and aloe, one of the best-known soothing agents around. They’re exactly what you want in a shaving product for the bikini area, where the skin is more sensitive but the hair is coarser. To strike that happy medium, this formula “cuts down on ingrown hairs and irritation while leaving the skin feeling soft and pampered,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California. It’s got a creamy, non-foaming consistency that won’t give you a sudsy lather, but can help you get a super-close shave, and the fresh scent is light enough for even the most sensitive noses.

    Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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    “My super-sensitive skin doesn't love it when I shave—unless I use Fur's Shave Cream. It's thick and smooth (almost fluffy) and goes on in one sheer white layer that makes it easy to see every stroke. After I rinse it off, my skin is left feeling ultra-soft, with no irritation in sight. I'll admit, I didn't see shaving cream as a necessity until I tried this one—now, I'm not sure how I'll shower without it. I just wish the tube was bigger!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: olive oil, aloe
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best for Dry Skin: EOS Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter

    EOS Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    EOS

    Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter

    $9 $8 (11% off)

    Amazon

    $10

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: At the heart of EOS’ Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter—the sibling of the EOS Cashmere Skin Shave Oil, a past Best of Beauty Award winner—is the brand’s Cashmere Smooth Complex. It’s a blend of shea, cocoa, and argan butters, which translates to a rich, luxurious cream that creates a pillowy base, providing your skin with ample moisture while you shave, and offsetting dryness. There are also plenty of oils (specifically, avocado, macadamia, and almond) to help prime the skin for a close, comfortable shave, free of irritation. And the benefits don’t stop in the shower: The shaving soap also includes colloidal oatmeal, which can soothe inflammation immediately, according to Dr. Reszko.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, cocoa butter, argan butter, colloidal oatmeal
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best Scent: Athena Club Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla

    Athena Club Fluffy Shave Butter in branded holographic tube with tan cap on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Athena Club

    Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla

    $7

    Walmart

    $11

    Athena Club

    Why we love it: While there are plenty of great-smelling shave creams out there, few can compete with the sophistication of Athena Club’s Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a blend of vanilla cream, cashmere, and sandalwood that would be right at home in a perfume bottle (and is, in fact, available in a hair and body mist format, as well as a body wash, lotion, and deodorant). But the benefits go beyond the fragrance-layering opportunity: The thick, creamy, non-foaming formula contains shea butter—which is great for sealing in moisture and banishing dry skin—and rosemary extract, which provides post-shave soothing for more sensitive skin types, while keeping ingrowns at bay.

    Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky

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    "You can keep the creams, foams, and gels because Athena Club's Fluffy Shave Butter is my new go-to for getting a comfortable, nick-free shave. Even better is how soft and smooth my sensitive skin feels days later, thanks to the glycerin, shea and cocoa butters, and rosemary leaf packed into the formula. Bonus: The light coconut-and-vanilla aroma is enough to perk up your shower, but subtle enough for people who prefer those scents in small doses." —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, rosemary extract
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best Fragrance-Free: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel

    Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel branded bottle component with blue accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Aveeno

    Therapeutic Shave Gel

    $6 $4 (33% off)

    Amazon

    $6

    Walmart

    Why we love it: If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you might want to think twice before bringing your scent routine into your shower routine. “Fragrance is a common trigger for both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, especially in more sensitive areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line,” says Dr. Reszko, who recommends skipping the ingredient altogether if you fall into either of those categories. Aveeno’s Therapeutic Shave Gel is formulated without fragrance, but does feature the brand’s signature oat along with a host of hydrators and barrier boosters. For instance, it “has hydrating glycerin for a smooth shave,” notes Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. “In addition, its vitamin E and vitamin B5 can help comfort skin and support a healthy skin barrier.”

    Tester feedback from former associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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    “I never know how my body will react to products (thank you, contact dermatitis), so I'm hesitant to try anything new. But I picked up this shave gel for its “sensitive-skin” branding, and I'm so glad I did. It’s so foamy and thick that my razor glides easily without any nicks or irritation, leaving me with a baby-smooth shave. The formula also has vitamin E and aloe, so your skin isn’t thirsty for hydration. You’ll still need a post-shave oil, of course, but stripping is no more after shaving with this bb.” —Melanie Curry, former associate manager of audience development

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: oat, vitamin E, vitamin B5
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Shave Cream

    Vanicream Shave Cream in branded component tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Vanicream

    Shave Cream

    $13 $10 (23% off)

    Amazon

    Why we love it: The only thing dermatologists might agree on more than daily sunscreen use is Vanicream being a go-to brand for those with sensitive skin. The Vanicream Shave Cream is no exception. “It avoids common irritants and focuses on barrier protection, making it a very reliable choice for reactive patients,” says Dr. Reszko. That can mostly be chalked up to what isn’t on the ingredients list: The formula is “hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free,” says Dr. Shamban. “It is also paraben- and lanolin-free, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive or reactive skin.”

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: stearic acid, glycerin
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Best for Travel: Hanni Shave Pillow

    Hanni Shave Pillow in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Hanni

    Shave Pillow

    $26

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Heading to the gym or a hotel? Skip the can and reach for Hanni’s Shave Pillow instead. It’s a smooth, handheld balm stick that can help you achieve a water-free shave in or out of the shower. It achieves this through glycerin—which, according to Dr. Shamban, provides both glide and moisture retention—as well as antioxidant-rich cactus water and adaptogenic mushrooms. And it really is water-free: Once you’ve finished shaving, just rub the remaining product into your skin to reap the antioxidant and soothing benefits.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: cactus water, adaptogenic mushrooms, glycerin
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Sulfate-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I really need to use shaving cream?

    Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Wet shaving with some form of lubrication—be it a traditional shaving cream, oil, or butter—is important for your skin health. “Shaving on dry skin increases transepidermal water loss and creates microtears in the stratum corneum layer,” explains Dr. Reszko. “A proper shaving cream provides a lubricating interface, therefore reducing friction and sheer stress from the blade.” This is all to say: Unless you’re in a pinch, you should use one every time you whip out a razor.

    Are there areas of the body that especially benefit from shave cream?

    Wherever the hair is coarse and/or the skin is thin, it’s especially important to use shave cream. This includes the neck and beard, underarms, and genital area; essentially, any “very sensitive areas where you don't want a lot of friction,” explains Dr. Brian Hibler, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology. “These are all areas where hair tends to be coarser, or the skin is more prone to irritation, so you want as much cushion and glide as possible.” Not doing so could lead to some unpleasant side effects: Since these areas are also more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, “minimizing trauma during shaving is key,” says Dr. Reszko.

    People with curly body hair will also want to make sure they’ve used proper lubrication before pulling out the razor, says Dr. Shamban, due to the increased risk of ingrown hairs.

    How can I get my best shave?

    • It’s best to shave during or before a shower, not after, and warm water is ideal. “Heat and water increase hair shaft hydration and elasticity, allowing for a smoother cut,” Dr. Reszko explains.
    • Let your shaving product sit on the skin for about thirty seconds before you start to lather up and shave; Dr. Reszko says this will help soften the hair.
    • Reszko and Hibler both recommend shaving with the grain (so, in the direction of growth) and not against it, especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs and breakouts. You also want to make sure you’re using light pressure and not bearing down too hard on the skin with your razor—which is especially important if you’re using a safety razor.
    • You want to apply a full layer of product, but not too much; Shamban recommends about a quarter to half an inch of thickness. “As long as your skin is not ‘visible’ and no areas are left uncovered, you should be fine,” she adds.

    What ingredients should someone look for in a shaving cream?

    “The best ingredients in shaving cream enhance gliding and supporting barrier function,” says Dr. Reszko. This includes emollients—think squalane, shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil—as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Barrier-boosters like ceramides and panthenol are also great (Dr. Shamban especially likes the latter for sensitive skin).

    Soothing ingredients should also be top of mind; these include aloe vera, allantoin, or colloidal oatmeal. These ingredients are especially important for people with sensitive skin and those who are prone to follicular inflammation, says Dr. Reszko.

    Meet the experts

    • Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Brian Hibler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
    • Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
    • Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California
    • Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami

    How we test and review products

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

    For our review of the best shave creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. 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.

  • Why We’re Still Seduced by Marilyn Monroe’s Doomed Glamour

    Why We’re Still Seduced by Marilyn Monroe’s Doomed Glamour

    Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a publicity still for the 20th Century Fox film 'How to Marry a Millionaire' in 1953 in...Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    On the occasion of Marilyn Monroe’s 100th birthday, Allure revisits a story journalist and author Rebecca Mead wrote for our August 2012 issue to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the star's death. In the piece, Mead examines Monroe's legacy, and how her disarming beauty still holds the power to seduce today.

    In March 1955, Life magazine featured a familiar figure on its cover: an actress with a cap of platinum-blonde curls, her deep-set eyes accentuated with bat-wing eyeliner and high-arched brows, her pink lips parted in a smile that revealed a row of perfect white teeth. It was the look of Marilyn Monroe, who at the time was riding the wave of her comic, bombshell popularity. Less than two years earlier she'd appeared in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes singing “Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend,” and within a few months she would be seen again, in another fluttering moment of exposure, having her white dress blown above her knees in The Seven Year Itch.

    But the young woman on that 1955 magazine cover was not Marilyn Monroe. She was Sheree North, a 22-year-old former burlesque dancer (and former brunette) whose chance had come: Monroe's studio, Twentieth Century-Fox, had hired North as an alternative to Monroe, casting her in a movie called How to Be Very, Very Popular, in which she played a striptease dancer who witnesses a murder—a role written for, and rejected by, Monroe, who aspired to more serious dramatic work. When, a few months after the Life cover, North appeared as a mystery guest on the TV show What's My Line? and was asked by a blindfolded Bennett Cerf if she had ever been mentioned in the same sentence as Monroe, she replied with some chagrin, “I think that all of us have.”

    North's opportunity came and went: After a couple of years she was eclipsed by somewhat more durable Marilyn substitutes, including Jayne Mansfield and Mamie Van Doren. But if North was the first actress who was obliged to mold herself in the remarkable shape of Marilyn, her example has been followed by countless others since.

    Madonna at the Oscars in 1991 dressed as Marilyn Monroe.

    Madonna channeling Marilyn at the Academy Awards in 1991.

    Getty ImagesLady Gaga poses with award for Best Actress TV Series or Limited Movie for her role in American Horror Story Hotel in...

    Lady Gaga evokes the starlet at the 2016 Golden Globes.

    Getty Images

    For many actresses, channeling Monroe, who died 50 years ago at 36 of an overdose of barbiturates, is virtually a rite of passage. Nicole Kidman impersonated Monroe for Australian Harper's Bazaar; Scarlett Johansson did her for a Dolce & Gabbana ad; Lindsay Lohan, an avowed Monroe obsessive who bought a West Hollywood apartment the star once lived in, reenacted for New York magazine the actress's famed nude shoot with Bert Stern, in which Monroe posed behind colored chiffon and bit a pearl necklace. For makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, Lisa Marie Presley shed her resemblance to one American icon—her father, Elvis—to incarnate, uncannily, that other lost legend. Monroe's likeness is so recognizable that it has been refracted through pop-cultural iterations many times over: Guess model Anna Nicole Smith presented herself as a coarser version of Monroe, while subsequent models for the same brand impersonated Smith impersonating Monroe. Most famously, Madonna took the trappings of Marilyn's look and put them to her own uses: As Gloria Steinem observed in the mid-1980s, “She has imitated Marilyn Monroe's hair, style, and clothes, but subtracted her vulnerability.” And Monroe's blonde legacy is so unmistakable that Lady Gaga's platinum pose recalls Monroe because of its evocation of Madonna.

    Why does Monroe endure? She wasn't Hollywood's first voluptuous, fair-haired beauty. She wasn't even Hollywood's first voluptuous, fair-haired beauty who died at a tragically young age: That would be Jean Harlow, for whom the term “blonde bombshell” was coined in 1933, and who died four years later at the age of 26, from kidney failure. But Monroe is the one whose beauty is so instantly recognizable that it can be indicated merely by a handful of components: blonde bouffant hair; sleepy, half-shut eyes; slightly parted lips on the verge of a welcoming smile. Andy Warhol's Marilyn silk-screen prints, which he made in the immediate aftermath of her death and which were reproduced from a publicity photo from the 1953 thriller Niagara, reduced her image to those very components, highlighted in vivid Pop Art color. Monroe's beauty belongs to a common language of American pop culture—a fact that was evident even as early as 1955. As Sheree North observed in Life magazine, “Marilyn's an institution, like Coca-Cola.”

    Monroe's own debut on the cover of Life happened in 1952. In what now seems a striking choice of phrase, the magazine characterized the young actress—who had already appeared in small roles in All About Eve and The Asphalt Jungle and was about to be seen in her first starring role, in Don't Bother to Knock—as a “sturdy blonde.” If sturdiness is not the first characteristic that leaps to mind when considering Monroe, whose legend is bound up with her frailness and vulnerability, it's easy to understand why it could have seemed an apposite description back then. Monroe's vital statistics were reported to be about 36-22-35: She was full and fleshy where it mattered, in the breasts and the hips, and narrow and nipped in at the waist. She had, with only the slightest help from the corset-and bra-building industries, a figure that looks to contemporary eyes as if it were generated by digital trickery.

    Actress Marilyn Monroe in a scene from 'The Seven Year Itch' in 1955.Getty Images

    Even if her curves exceeded the standards of beauty that have prevailed in the fashion industry in recent decades (“I'd kill myself if I was as fat as Marilyn,” Elizabeth Hurley once said), her body shape has an enduring appeal. In 2004, a Polish anthropologist named Grazyna Jasieńska published findings indicating that women with hourglass figures may have higher levels of the hormones that facilitate conception and pregnancy—evidence that there is a possible biological explanation for Monroe's sex-goddess appeal.

    After her first, silent screen test, which was done in 1946 when she was 20, “every frame of the test radiated sex,” according to cinematographer Leon Shamroy, quoted in The Secret Life of Marilyn Monroe (Grand Central Publishing), a biography by J. Randy Taraborrelli. Whether or not she is, as she has sometimes been described, “the world's most photographed woman” (in the digital age, there are probably teenagers with more pictures on Facebook than were ever taken of Monroe), it seems likely that she was the woman most photographed lying down. Even in her first Life shoot, she is seen lounging on a chaise, and so many photographers portrayed her in horizontal languor—including a shot for the first issue of Playboy, in 1953—that it sometimes seems as if she rarely got onto her size-7 feet.

    “Women couldn't take her seriously enough to be indignant: She was funny…in a way that made people feel protective.”

    Billy Wilder, who directed her in The Seven Year Itch and Some Like It Hot, remarked upon the “luminosity” of Monroe's face. She seemed literally incandescent: her skin was covered with a fair, downy peach fuzz that reflected the light and amplified her glow before the camera. When the studio wanted to wax it off, she wouldn't allow it. Her natural radiance was helped along by surgical interventions. An overbite, which accentuated her pout, was corrected, and a bump on her nose was reduced early in her career.

    There was also the aid offered by cosmetics, often applied by her longtime makeup artist, Allan Snyder. For her final movie, The Misfits—during the filming of which she was drinking to excess and abusing prescription drugs—Snyder started working on her while she was still lying in bed in the mornings, because of how long it took her to get up. At the time of her death, her makeup case contained pots of Erno Laszlo creams, as well as a green Leichner of London eye shadow, two Elizabeth Arden Eye Stopper pencil liners, and false lashes made by Glorene of Hollywood. It was auctioned at Christie's in 1999, along with other personal effects, with a pre-auction estimated price of $1,000 to $1,500. The case and its contents sold to Ripley's Believe It or Not! for more than a quarter of a million dollars.

    A teenage Marilyn Monroe sits on the beach in a bikini and high heels in 1940.

    A teenage Marilyn Monroe at the beach.

    Sunset Boulevard/Getty Images

    Early photographs of Monroe, taken when she was an 18-year-old munitions-factory worker, show her with long brunette curls that were only transformed into what became her signature platinum after she signed with a modeling agency. She turned to Pearl Porterfield, a colorist who had been responsible for Jean Harlow's locks and who used old-fashioned peroxide to achieve the desired result. Monroe would rely upon several hairdressers over the decades, including Kenneth Battelle, who prepared her for her appearance at the birthday gala for President Kennedy. (Battelle also did Jacqueline Kennedy's hair.) Blonde hair—like a high, breathy voice, which Marilyn demonstrated in her presidential serenade—is associated with youth and innocence. Her womanliness was augmented by a childlike cuteness that rendered her unthreatening to other women at the same time that she was irresistibly appealing to men. As Pauline Kael, the film critic, said of her, “Women couldn't take her seriously enough to be indignant: She was funny and impulsive in a way that made people feel protective.”

    As an actual child, rather than an onscreen reimagining of one, Monroe had not found protection from those who were most obliged to provide it. Born in Los Angeles in 1926 to a mother who was mentally unstable and ill-equipped to care for her, Monroe—or Norma Jeane Mortensen, as she was then called—spent most of her childhood in a series of foster homes. Later, she said she'd been sexually abused. She was married at 16, to the son of a neighbor, and was divorced for the first time at 19. The hardships of her upbringing are thought to have contributed to her onscreen power: Her beauty was animated by a neediness that commanded attention. In his memoir, Timebends (Penguin), playwright Arthur Miller said of Marilyn, his wife of four and a half years, that she was “the saddest girl I've ever known.”

    Actress Marilyn Monroe poses for a black and white publicity portrait for the film 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes' in 1953 in...

    A publicity still from “Gentleman Prefer Blondes.”

    Getty Images

    The sadness of Monroe's life predominates: The images from the Bert Stern nude shoot, which might have been a kittenish footnote in a longer career, now have the status of a tragic valediction, having been shot six weeks before her death. It is a curious function of celebrity culture that Monroe is now better known for the still images of her than she is for any of the movies she appeared in. She's instantly recognizable to generations who have never even seen Gentlemen Prefer Blondes or Some Like It Hot.

    As such, she presents a stilled image of impending tragedy; her dynamism and her kinetic energy are lost—as is the much-lampooned sway of her hips. (“There's a broad with her future behind her,” the actress Constance Bennett reputedly remarked.) The literary critic Diana Trilling wrote in an essay published not long after Monroe's death that to see her in a photo, rather than in a moving image, was to see her diminished, “since no still picture could quite catch her electric quality.” It was that motion and aliveness that powered Marilyn Monroe's beauty—and that helps explain why, although it has been stilled for 50 years, her beauty retains the power to move us today.

  • Does the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Live Up to the Original? 5 OG Fans Put It to the Test

    Does the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Live Up to the Original? 5 OG Fans Put It to the Test

    Marc Jacobs Beauty makeup packaging and testers wearing itCourtesy of brandSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    So far, 2026 has been a year of long-awaited comebacks. Hillary Duff hits the stage after 18 years; Ariana Grande after seven. Fans waited five years for Euphoria season three to air on HBO and two decades for The Devil Wears Prada 2 to arrive in theaters this month. And for makeup lovers, it has felt like ages waiting for the return of Marc Jacobs Beauty, the fashion designer’s beloved makeup brand that shuttered unexpectedly in 2021.

    News broke of the reboot last year, but it’s been a slow crawl to launch day. I’m not sure about you, but for us beauty editors, the press rollout has felt like 84 years of blind items, occasional red-carpet and runway spottings, and teasers of teasers of teasers.

    They say patience is a virtue, and with Marc Jacobs Beauty finally arriving at Sephora on June 1, (and today on MarcJacobs.com), I'm feeling particularly virtuous—and eager to dig into how these products look, feel, and perform. For many beauty editors at Allure, we remember the initial launch fondly, some of us holding onto our Highliners and bottles of Dew Drops despite being fully aware of how expiration dates work.

    Now, it’s important to note that Coty, the brand’s parent company, has been very adamant that this new Marc Jacobs Beauty has nothing to do with the original. As Allure contributor Marci Robin noted last week, the press release “would have you believe that the Marc Jacobs Beauty you're about to meet is the first installment.” That being said, at the launch event in New York City, Jacobs admitted that “we looked at, obviously, what Marc Jacobs Beauty was before” when rethinking this new iteration.

    For those of us who coveted the brand in the 2010s, part of our excitement for the launch is powered by nostalgia—in my case, for the gel liner and the Omega Bronzer—and we couldn’t help but feel curious about how they compare. So, in the name of beauty journalism, I asked my fellow Allure editors, regular contributors, and makeup artists who were fans of the OG Marc Jacobs Beauty—all who still own original items—to try the new range and share their thoughts. But first, a little more about the collection in general.

    Is the New Marc Jacobs Beauty the Same as the Original?

    No. And I should reiterate that Coty—the same company that creates Marc Jacobs fragrances—is promoting this as an entirely new line, completely separate from the original (which was owned by LVMH's Kendo). “This is not a reissue of the original line; everything has been reimagined: the formulas, the textures, the performance,” a representative of the brand specified via email. And while the product names have a similar cheekiness to them (Gagged, Heart & Fast, Money Shot, to name a few), you won't see reformulations of the old formulas. The packaging also looks completely different.

    One similarity? A heavy focus on eye makeup, which seems to come directly from Jacobs' personal preferences. When Allure interviewed him about the first Marc Jacobs Beauty launch in 2013, he told us, “I’ve always been very drawn to the eyes,” and it seems that still holds. “It's the eyes for me,” he told preview guests earlier this month. “I think it's the place where there's the most opportunity for experimentation, for expression. It's what I look at first when I see someone. So, I think the eyes just have all that possibility.”

    What Products Are in the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection?

    The initial June 1 drop introduces seven products, including the Flashes Mascara, available in black, brown, and blue; Drawn This Way Eyeliner, a waterproof gel formula that's as creamy as a kajal and comes in 21 colors and four finishes: matte, metallic, and “magical” (the latter includes glitter and duochromes); Born Star Eyeshadow, 14 individual powder shadows also broken up into matte, metallic, and magical textures; Joystick Blush Stick, multiuse balms for lips and cheeks that come in 10 shades; Legally Bronze Bronzer, a buildable powder bronzer in nine shades that range from fair to deep; Money Shot Highlighter Gel, which comes in just one hue with pink and blue reflects; and finally, the Heart On Lipstick, a hybrid lipstick balm in 15 neutral, pink, red, purple, and “trendy” hues, like electric purple and Barbie pink.

    Lavender tube of Marc Jacobs Beauty  Flashes Mascara on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Flashes Mascara

    $29

    Sephora

    Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Green star-shaped container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Born Star Eyeshadow on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Born Star Eyeshadow

    $29

    Sephora

    Yellow tube of Marc Jacobs Beauty Joystick Blush Stick on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Joystick Blush Stick

    $35

    Sephora

    Silver container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Legally Bronze Bronzer on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Legally Bronze Bronzer

    $42

    Sephora

    Container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Money Shot Highlighter  with silver cap on light gray background Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Money Shot Highlighter Gel

    $29

    Sephora

    Container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Heart On Lipstick on light grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Heart On Lipstick

    $34

    Sephora

    Why Did the Marc Jacobs Beauty Packaging Change?

    At the press preview, Jacobs explained that back in 2013, he felt strongly that the packaging should be black. “I did feel that it should be simple,” he explained, noting that it seemed more in line with how he felt sophisticated beauty brands were packaged at the time.

    For Marc Jacobs Beauty 2.0, the aesthetic couldn't be further from simple. “I remember the conversations being, ‘We want to do something that’s more disruptive and different,'” he said. Presented with loads of options (including penis-shaped lipstick tubes), Jacobs went home and started sketching ideas. He landed on three shapes: stars, to represent the eyes; daisies, the innocence of which reminded him of skin; and hearts, which look like lips. Eventually, he came up with the idea of giving the shapes a party balloon-like quality, adding an element of fun and playfulness that the designer wanted to convey.

    How Do the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Products Compare to the Originals?

    This is where I got help from my fellow MJ Beauty fans, including Allure editors, contributors, and professional makeup artists. It's hard to offer a true comparison because many of the products we own from the original line have either dried up or gone in the trash after Marie Kondo-esque clean-outs. (I recently tossed the most perfect red-brown metallic Omega Gel-Powder Eyeshadow during a type-A cleaning rage.) In any case, we did our best.

    Keep scrolling to see how Allure editors tested Marc Jacobs Beauty.

    Legally Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer ($42)Tester: Content director Sophia Panychwoman holding bronzer in selfie

    Sophie with the new Legally Bronzer Pressed Powder Bronzer.

    Courtesy of subject

    Sophie applying the new Legally Bronzer Pressed Powder Bronzer.

    Courtesy of subject

    How I loved the original Omega Bronzer. It's been a long time since I've used or seen one in real life, but I remember the texture being silky smooth and super blendable. Upon first glance, the new Legally Bronze Bronzer is nothing like the original. For one, the size. The Omega Bronzer compact was comically large (makeup artist Dick Page once joked to me that it was big enough to bronze a horse), but the idea was that you could also use it over your body (which, I'll admit, I never did). Second, is the smell. The original powder had a tropical, coconutty scent that you'd get a whiff of with every swipe. The Legally Bronze Bronzer is a normal size and has no discernible smell.

    The Omega Bronzer was top tier in 2014, but probably wouldn't hold up in 2026, most notably because it came only in one shade (boo). Legally Bronze Bronzer comes in nine (I'm Light Medium Plus), and in general, I'm really impressed by the formula. I prefer cream bronzers these days, but Legally Bronze buffs on just as seamlessly. Blending with a fluffy brush—I use the Smith 118 Powder Brush—takes little to no effort.

    Silver container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Legally Bronze Bronzer on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Legally Bronze Bronzer

    $42

    Sephora

    Drawn This Way Eyeliner ($26)Tester: Acting features director Kara McGrathphoto of woman wearing pink eyeliner

    Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Up?

    Courtesy of subjectphoto of woman wearing pink eyeliner

    Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Up?

    Courtesy of subject

    Sadly, the original MJB liners in my makeup archive have long dried up, but this new formula definitely lives up to my memory of them. They are so creamy and pigmented, I actually gasped when I tried them for the first time. If you want to use the liner for a smoky look, you'll have to smudge it out quickly because the pigment sets almost immediately—and then stays set. I applied You Up? at 3 p.m. on a Friday, then went to dinner and dancing after. When I got home around 11 p.m., my base makeup had totally melted off, but the liner was almost perfectly intact.

    woman holding brown eyeliner

    Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Wish.

    Courtesy of subject

    Kara applying the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Wish.

    Courtesy of subjectTester: Makeup artist Cass Raimundi

    Marc Jacobs Beauty was a powerhouse from the beginning! Their original lineup was unlike any other "fashion" brand I had experienced at the time, where beautiful skin was at the center, and the colors and textures of the shadows, liners, and glosses felt sleek and sexy. The new lineup feels like a more playful, bold, and youthful story. It's so exciting to see an array of colorful eye shadows and eyeliners, especially since the OG MJB liners were my absolute favorite ever! Despite their differences, both the original and current launches inspire you to play up your natural beauty with an unexpected twist.

    photo of woman holding marc jacobs beauty eye shadow and eyeliner

    Cass wearing the new Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow.

    Courtesy of subjectphoto of woman wearing blue and green eye shadow and eyeliner

    Cass wearing the new Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow.

    Courtesy of subject

    I put Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow to the ultimate test. There is no better feeling than creating a high-impact look with minimal effort; the liner and eye shadow do just that! I was already infatuated with the stellar new packaging, but the quality did not disappoint with the intense color, buttery glide, and flawless blendability. I've missed my Marc Jacobs Beauty eyeliner for years, and I'm happy to say… She is new, improved, and ready to play! I can't wait to try the rest of the lineup and experiment with all of the beautiful colors and textures.

    Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Green star-shaped container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Born Star Eyeshadow on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Born Star Eyeshadow

    $29

    Sephora

    Born Star Eye Shadow ($29)Tester: Acting features director Kara McGrathAllure contributing editor Kara McGrath wearing the Marc Jacobs Beauty Star Eyeshadow in Mood Swing.

    Kara holding the new Bold Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

    Courtesy of subjectsunny photo of woman sitting outside with eye shadow on

    Kara wearing the new Bold Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

    Courtesy of subject

    While I'm completely in love with the new MJB eyeliners, I wasn't quite as smitten with the eye shadows, beyond the very cute packaging. The new ones feel similar to the old versions: They're very silky and soft to the touch. This could have been specific to the shade I tested—Mood Swing, a very pretty blue-purple duochrome—but I found the formula to be quite messy, and without enough payoff or staying power to make the cleanup worth it. I'd definitely recommend applying with just your fingers; the formula glided on a bit better when I went that route.

    Kara applying the Born Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

    Courtesy of subject

    It's also not an office-to-dinner option: I first applied the shadow around 1:30 p.m., and by the time I finished work at 6:30, the shadow seemed to have slid from my eyelids to my temples and cheeks.

    Tester: Makeup artist Cass Raimundi

    Cass creating a look with some of her favorite products from the original Marc Jacobs Beauty collection.

    Courtesy of subject

    Cass creating a look using the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in No Cap and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow in Zero Chill.

    Courtesy of subject

    After 12 hours on an 84-degree day with no eye shadow primer, I can truly say this liner-and-shadow combo is long-wearing and waterproof! Initially, I applied using only my fingers, and was impressed by how easily I was able to blend. There's about a minute of playtime before it fully sets. I have quite greasy lids, and after 12 hours, I still had no creasing, even through the sweat and heat! These will definitely be going into my personal beauty rotation and professional makeup kit.

    Joystick Blush Stick ($35)Tester: Contributing writer Sable Yongphoto of woman wearing blush

    Sable wearing the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush.

    Courtesy of subject

    Sable applying the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush.

    Courtesy of subject

    I’ve had the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush since… 2017? Maybe earlier. I think these came out around the time the draping trend was coming back, so I’d see people applying them dramatically, all the way up the temples. I love how the powder has a gradient of pigment and highlight shades that, when mixed together, give me a diffused finish—semi-matte but with a luster. The overall effect is quite soft and, as the name implies, airy. It’s very pigmented, a little goes a long way, and it stays on my face all day.

    photo of woman wearing blush

    Sable wearing the new Joystick Blush in Self-Centered.

    Courtesy of subject

    Sable wearing both blushes—one on each cheek.

    Courtesy of subject

    The new Joystick Blush (shade Self-Centered) is a totally different format—a cream cheek-and-lip formula. It packs on pigment and has a nice tack to it, sinking into my skin in a way that looks almost like a stain. This is a really easy color to blend and build (I hate when cream blushes feel greasy and kind of smear around in streaks). It’s a much more user-friendly formula than other options, in my opinion, but for staunch powder blush loyalists, probably not a suitable replacement. I have dry/dehydrated skin, so this doesn’t look quite as vibrant by the end of the day on me, but it’s still there. (The cute packaging might make up for it, though.)

    Yellow tube of Marc Jacobs Beauty Joystick Blush Stick on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Joystick Blush Stick

    $35

    Sephora

    Heart On Lipstick ($34)Tester: Contributing editor Marci Robinwoman holding lipstick in hand

    Marci wearing the old Le Marc Lip Crème in Infamous.

    Courtesy of subjectwoman wearing lipstick

    Marci wearing the new Heart On Lipstick in Love Muscle.

    Courtesy of subject

    I held on to a mini of Le Marc Lip Crème in the shade Infamous, a warm pink, for nearly a decade. I never used it because, first of all, I’m not a pink-lipstick kinda gal; secondly, I wanted it as a souvenir of the time—as if I knew the first version of Marc Jacobs Beauty wasn’t meant to last. Now that I’ve finally tried it along with the second coming’s Heart On lipstick, I can confidently say that I won’t be using the old one again. Maybe it didn’t age well (despite my storing it meticulously), but the classic, creamy formula is nowhere near as pleasant to apply and wear as Heart On.

    Image may contain Head Person Face Adult Cosmetics and Lipstick

    Marci wearing the new Heart On Lipstick in On Red.

    Marci applying the new Heart On Lipstick in On Red.

    Courtesy of subject

    I tried Love Muscle—perhaps my least favorite lipstick name ever—and On Red, and both knocked my socks off. The formula feels like a balm, but still delivers intense color. It may not be as opaque as its predecessor, but it’s still pigmented as all get-out. Love Muscle is the closest thing I’ve ever gotten to a YLBB shade, and On Red is the perfect cool red without the dreaded pink-leaning tones. They last as long as you don’t eat, drink, or kiss; but I implore you, please don’t avoid any of the above for its benefit, as you’ll get the good fortune of the reapplication experience, which is truly a pleasure.

    Container of Marc Jacobs Beauty Heart On Lipstick on light grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Marc Jacobs Beauty

    Heart On Lipstick

    $34

    Sephora

    Shop the new Marc Jacobs Beauty collection at MarcJacobs.com starting today and on Sephora.com on June 1.

  • Euphoria Season 3: All the Makeup Details From Episode 6

    Euphoria Season 3: All the Makeup Details From Episode 6

    Makeup artist Donni Davy in the Euphoria makeup trailer touching up actress Hunter Shafer who is sitting in a chair.Josalyn AndromedaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    In The Scenario, reporter Kirbie Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of the buzziest movies and TV shows to reveal how the best wigs, special-effects makeup, and more are created. For this edition, Johnson interviewed Euphoria department head Donni Davy in the makeup trailer as season three wrapped last year. As you may expect, some spoilers about the first episode are ahead.

    “For better or for worse, everyone's kind of trying to find God.”

    HBO’s Euphoria has returned. Much has changed: The students are now adults, and a five-year time jump finds everyone in the real world—and finding God, according to makeup department head artist Donni Davy. Changes have also happened behind the scenes, where Hans Zimmer took over the musical score, a stark contrast to Labrinth’s haunting high school melodies of seasons one and two; and costume designer Colleen Atwood came on as coproducer and helped with wardrobe direction, now overseen by Natasha Newman-Thomas after the departure of Heidi Bivens.

    Despite the show’s dark themes, this season is also visually brighter, with the first episode featuring scenes of sun-soaked California and vibrant decor, including Lexi’s apartment and Nate and Cassie’s ornate home. With these visual and audio changes, the show reads more like an epic Western than the dreamy, neon-coated atmosphere of seasons one and two.

    But a lot also remains the same. There’s no shortage of drama for Rue (Zendaya), who’s still involved in the drug business. The impact of narcotics in the US continues to be a major theme, according to showrunner Sam Levinson. At a press screening of the first episode, he discussed how the death of actor Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fez, in 2023 affected him, and how fentanyl continues to be the main culprit of drug deaths in America. Season three, according to Levinson, alludes to the third step of the 12-step recovery plan: “Surrender your will and life to the care of your higher power”—hence taglines leading up to the premiere like, “May God have mercy.”

    A photo of a makeup mood board from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    High contrast lip-spo

    Kirbie JohnsonA photo of a makeup mood board from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Inner and outer winged liner

    Kirbie Johnson

    Crucially, the makeup remains a constant and vital element in the show. Davy has designed the makeup looks for Euphoria since the show’s inception in 2019. From the get-go, Levinson wanted Davy to create makeup looks that “people would pause the show and study,” a task she had to execute without distracting from the themes of the show.

    In season one, Davy gravitated toward the pastel shades and winged liner of the late 1960s—an era that’s heavily inspired her over the years—as well as ’70s glam rock, ’80s elongated cat eyes, and ’90s grunge liner. That first season was seven years ago, and “Euphoria makeup”—now synonymous with sparkling gemstones, winged liner that could gut someone, and glitter tears—has gone on to captivate audiences and inspire tens of thousands of fans to play with makeup. And the interest hasn’t slowed since. According to Google Trends, searches for “euphoria makeup” reached peak interest in 2022 after season two premiered, and searches have already spiked in the week leading up to the third season’s release on April 12.

    I’ve seen firsthand how hungry fans are for Euphoria makeup. In 2021, I was given a tour of the show’s makeup trailer. While there, I got a behind-the-scenes look at what Davy—who has amassed her own huge social following because of the show—used on the cast, as well as a first look at Half Magic, the makeup brand Davy launched with studio A24’s blessing (and backing). After posting videos from my time in the trailer, I gained more than 35,000 followers on Instagram in one day, simply for reporting on things like Zendaya’s onscreen foundation and how (and why) Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie always looked sweaty.

    A photo of a makeup mood board from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    More season three makeup inspiration

    Kirbie Johnson

    I was invited back to the makeup trailer for season three at the end of filming in November 2025. ”Base camp,” as the set was called, was situated on a closed-off lot in downtown Los Angeles. Everything was shrouded in secrecy, from the trailer doors labeled “LA Nights” (a code name taken from the show where Lexi works as an assistant this season), to yellow production signage reading “10 Commandments,” another code to keep filming confidential. I had no idea who was on set or what was being filmed, but it didn’t matter. I was there to find out if we were getting what the Euphoria makeup people have come to expect—or if everyone matured out of “look at me” beauty in the time jump.

    Good news: While season two featured more subdued makeup, in season three we’re back to “capital G glam,” says Davy. But it’s not the bold color and dazzling rhinestones we were introduced to in 2019. Instead, it’s Davy’s take on nostalgic Hollywood makeup, with nods to the looks of icons past and present. “It's not as experimental,” she says. “In high school, there was tons of glitter. There’s also tons of glitter in season three, but the girls are grown up, and the creative vision is different. Sam [Levinson] wanted me to do my version of traditional glam—Hollywood glam.”

    It was also important for the makeup to be high-contrast, whether that meant a dark lip liner with a nude lipstick or red lips with exaggerated black eyeliner. That’s because the film stock used specifically for this season pushed the contrast on camera, causing makeup elements to look blown out or change color, something Davy realized when reviewing the raw footage (called “dailies” in TV land). It was clear some makeup looks weren’t landing and needed to be taken up a notch. “We need cunt-ery here,” she says, “we need to go hard.”

    A photo of a photo of Anna Van Patten in her Euphoria makeup look from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Anna Van Patten wearing three Euphoria makeup trends at once

    Kirbie JohnsonImage may contain Sydney Sweeney Sydney Sweeney Head Person Face and Adult

    Sydney Sweeney with frosty lids and tightlined lashes

    Maddy’s eyeliner offers a good example: “I'm like, ‘Girl, the wings are always iconic on you,’” Davy recalls saying to actor Alexa Demie. “They always look so good, but without that high-contrast moment, whether it's a sharp line on the bottom or just a tightline, we don't get that extra-visual thing to sink your teeth into.”

    Nineties-era Pamela Anderson, Y2K makeup, and a touch of the ’60s all inspired Davy this season. Her mood boards—plastered across every square foot of the trailer—showed references that ran the gamut depending on the character and the scene: Hustler and Playboy spreads with handwritten notes from Davy like, “red nails, simple eyes, classic lips”; “super glowy—NO POWDER”; and “babydoll lashes.” Pages upon pages of similar makeup looks featuring models and notable celebrities like Kate Moss, Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gabriette. “[The makeup overall] is sparkly, luscious, juicy, glam,” says Davy. “It's like a campaign against the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. That's my inspiration. It's big, unapologetic glam.”

    After reading the scripts, Davy imagines what a character may be doing at that point in their life to help her design their look. Take the aesthetic for Jules (Hunter Schafer) this season, which includes bleached brows and core shades of red, silver, and black. “I wanted [Jules] to have this deranged moment at home [where we had the] Pat McGrath Labs peel-off mask on top of makeup, and I wanted her to peel it off on camera and stretch it,” Davy says. “These are the things I imagine the characters doing, and it helps me figure out what to do. If there's no imagination or story or passion for me, it’s hard to get inspired.”

    A photo of of a photo of singer Rosalia in her Euphoria makeup look  hanging inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Rosalía as Magick

    Kirbie Johnson

    There are a few things you’ll see a lot of this season: Sharpen those eyeliners, because inner-corner wings are a big one. Brown tightliner is another. “Everyone is tightlined,” says Davy. “I really want the eyes to be super-fucking piercing,” says Davy. Frosty lips and a shitload of body shimmer are coming our way, too, while blue eye shadow is a throughline for several characters because, she says, it’s the “eye shadow shade of the woman that's kind of going off the rails” or “the woman who's really extra.” There are also more nail sets this season, which Davy commissioned from artist Caroline Cotten.

    A photo of a makeup mood board from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Davy’s mood boards for Cassie and Jules

    Kirbie JohnsonA photo of images of Sydney Sweeney in her makeup looks from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Sydney Sweeney in Cassie’s “vixen” makeup

    Kirbie Johnson

    Each character has their own distinct aesthetic for the season, even if they didn’t play with makeup much in the past. For example, in season two, Cassie was trying to emulate Maddy and Jules. Now she’s forged her own beauty direction as a vixen—think video girl or classic pinup. “[Brigitte] Bardot is always on my Cassie boards,” says Davy.

    In the past, they could create a Cassie look in under an hour, says Davy, but this season Sweeney was in glam for two hours before filming because she was in full, head-to-toes body makeup. We learn that Cassie wants her wedding to Nate exactly the way she envisions it—$50,000 flowers included—and if that means joining OnlyFans, she’s willing to do what it takes to make her own money. “It's very performative,” Davy says of Cassie’s makeup this season, noting that Sweeney was typically down to try anything makeup-wise. “It's kind of desperate, unapologetic. She's trying to get attention. It’s for the male gaze.” But Davy’s doing her own take on the “male gaze” by creating looks female viewers will want to emulate and compliment each other on—not makeup that men would find suitable.

    A still from Euphoria season 3 of actor Alexa Demie as Maddy wearing oversized sunglasses.

    Alexa Demie as Maddy

    HBO

    Maddy is an assistant in Hollywood, working with a top manager but just making ends meet. Her makeup projects someone she’s aspiring to be. “Her inner light has gone out,” says Davy. In an office job and in her “hustler era,” as Davy describes it, Maddy feels defeated—at least in the beginning of the season. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in her life, so I think this matte colorless colorscape really works. She’s trying to be more grown-up—all business, no frills.”

    This is a stark contrast to who Maddy was in high school. “Her makeup was this theatrical performance; it was playful, tapping into these different sides of her,” says Davy. Maddy was “unfuckwithable” and fierce, but the sparkle and color helped home in on her hopeful, tender side too. One thing Maddy knows how to do is do her makeup and look a part (which we learned from her backstory in season one), and Davy believes she’s using this new look strategically: “Showing up to work with a purple sparkly eye is not going to get her the results she wants in terms of being taken seriously.”

    Demie was very involved in Maddy’s looks and wanted to go the more traditional glam route, notes Davy. “Because it’s Maddy and me and my team, we get this unapologetic, bold version of something traditional,” she explains. “This style of makeup is new for Euphoria because we’re not usually bringing in traditional styles of makeup.”

    A photo of a makeup mood board from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Some of Lexi’s makeup inspo

    Kirbie JohnsonA photo of a board of photos of the Euphoria season 3 cast including Maude Apatow all in full makeup.

    Maude Apatow in Lexi’s season three makeup look

    Kirbie Johnson

    While Rue was meant to look worse for wear in previous seasons, Davy says, there are only a few times when she makes her look rough this go-around. Otherwise, she’s still wearing MAC Face and Body, as we previously reported, and has a healthy glow, thanks to Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray. She even has a few legitimate makeup looks, like brown eyeliner in her water lines for the wedding, says Davy.

    As a teen, Lexi (Maude Apatow) was mostly a no-fuss makeup girl, although she occasionally threw on some kind of a red lip. In season three, though, she embraces her own version of Hollywood glamour. “Even Lexi has a banging glam—not just a statement lip—but lashes, the whole shebang,” says Davy of the character’s brick red lipstick and subtle wings. “We wanted a more mature version of her high school red-lip look,” adds Davy, who drew from her vintage ’70s wardrobe for inspiration. “Clearly, she’s really into this formal attire, so we thought she would have a real makeup routine, too, that she’s been working on and perfecting. She wants to look well-rested. She is definitely not showing up to work with no makeup.”

    A photo of a Hunter Schafer from inside the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Hunter Schaffer in one of Jules’ season three looks

    Kirbie Johnosn

    Jules isn’t in the first episode of the new season, but Davy shares that her look this time around is more minimal than the others (and for the character), due to the seriousness of her life when we see her again. “It's not colorful,” says Davy. “It's not happy.”

    There's no shortage of prosthetics this year, either. “This has been the most prosthetic-heavy and glam-heavy of all the seasons,” Davy says. “Season one was makeup-heavy in a different way; it was all about eyes. Skin was [just] tinted moisturizer. The lip was a gloss. I think Alexa was the only one who had lip liner. This season, however, is full, head-to-toe glam.”

    As you can see, there will be no shortage of Euphoria makeup discussions this season, and I still have a lot to share. Each week, I’ll break down the highlights of the makeup, including products used, straight from the source. Bookmark this story and follow us on social media so you don’t miss anything.

    In this story:

    • Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
    • Episode 2: "American My Dream"
    • Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin
    • Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”
    • Episode 5: This Little Piggy
    • Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”
    • Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”

    Episode 1: "New Beginnings"Euphoria head makeup artist Donni Davy with a ventilation mask and an airbrush machine.

    Davy prepares to give an on-set spray tan

    Kirbie JohnsonA counter full of bottles of body makeup in the Euphoria makeup trailer for season 3.

    The formulas behind Cassie’s fake tan

    Kirbie Johnson

    Skin is always a big part of the show, but especially this season. Davy used Suqqu foundation, which has a satin effect and is “super buildable,” she says. “It can be really high coverage, or it can be sheer—and it looks so much like skin.” She mixed it with Saie Super Glowy Gel and applied it by infusing a Pawpaw sponge with Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray and the foundation, so it lasted throughout filming.

    In episode one, Cassie is scantily clad and tan, in case you didn’t notice. Sweeney would get a spray tan, then Davy would mix OFRA Cosmetics RCK Red Carpet Color with Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector, Vita Liberata Body Blur, and Hempz Body Lotion to give her skin an even, in-your-face glow.

    Some scenes, however, required stronger, transfer-proof makeup. “For Syd, if she has a sex scene or is in bed or is wearing white or swimming—anything where my body lotion mixture isn’t going to cut it, we use full-on, alcohol-based, body-coverage paints,” says Davy. She used Allied FX Bluebird Iridescent Inks in Cashmere and Bronze Pearl to add shimmer to the tans, avoiding a matte, flat look.

    Episode 2: "American My Dream"Actress Alexa Demie as Maddy in Euphoria season 3 sitting in front of a pool.

    Maddy meeting Cassie in episode two.

    Warner Bros. Discovery

    In episode two, we get more intel on Maddy, while Jules makes her first appearance with a radical hair change. “Maddy is a little evil this season,” says Davy. We get a glimpse of this when her former best friend, Cassie Howard, reaches out.

    As Davy mentioned, Maddy's look might be more muted than past seasons, but for her meeting with Cassie, she's still expressing herself through makeup. “She’s there to set the tone,” Demie says in HBO Max's behind-the-scenes segment for episode two. Demie notes it was scorching hot that day, but Maddy is still in a fur coat and gloves to insinuate power. She wants to be taken seriously at work and she wants to appear in charge during her meeting with Cassie, sporting visible lip liner and double-winged liner. Paired with her wardrobe and hair, her look is mob wife meets old Hollywood.

    Mara Rouse, who worked with Demie on the look, said they were inspired by French-Italian actress Edwige Fenech, as well as the makeup of other Italian actresses where the top liner lifts before the outer corner, creating and “upward, feline” shape.

    To achieve the look at home, Davy suggests starting with a base of a matte brown cream eyeshadow (she likes the Colourpop Shadow Stix) over the lids, followed by a taupe-colored powder shadow pressed on top to both cool-down the color and add a velvety finish. Davy's brand, Half Magic, was used heavily this season. For Maddy's double wings, they used the Flik Liquid Eyeliner Pen and Flik Eraser Correcting Pen, create two lines that extend out from upper and lower lash lines. Half Magic Cheek Fluff in Magic Brownie went on her cheeks, while her lip combo included the Sculptitude Lip Liner in Seize the Slay and You’re my Taupe topped off with a coat of Lip Snuggle in Killah Meows.

    For Maddy's hair, department head Kim Kimble shared that a T3 Micro Large Barrel Curling Iron was used to add volume volume, while the Kim Kimble Signature Infrared Flat Iron added sleekness to the look. To finish her Amika hairspray and ColorWow shine spray were applied.

    Jules’s makeup, per Davy, needed to reflect her new lifestyle, but her signature experimental style still shines through—especially in this episode (that bra dress, anyone?). She wears black liner right the middle of her lower waterline—underneath her iris—paired with a light blue shadow.

    As for her hair, Jules has gone from a crop senior year to wearing a 50" buss-down. "Sam said, 'I want Jules’ hair to be 50” long,’” says Kimble in a behind-the-scenes video for HBO Max, which showcases Schafer’s wig being applied. "She’s like a modern-day Rapunzel, she’s trapped up in the tower."

    Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin

    You’re cordially invited to Nate and Cassie’s wedding in this episode and, of course, drama ensues: Reunions take place, guests show up half-naked. Nate’s toe gets cut off. Very normal wedding festivities. Amidst all that, there’s some pretty incredible beauty looks going on. Let’s break it down.

    Sydney Sweeney as Cassie on her wedding day in Euphoria season 3 episode 3.

    Cassie’s bridal beauty look.

    Patrick Wymore/HBOCassie's Bridal Look

    “I wanted to do what I thought was pretty makeup,” Davy says, “I wanted her eyes to be really piercing—that’s my jam this season.” Davy did this by emphasizing the waterline in a brown tone. “I wanted her eyes to be really visible through the veil, because there’s this long shot of her coming down the aisle while her mom is saying the most ridiculous shit,” Davy says. “I know Sydney, she's really good at emoting and she’s gonna have her eyes filled up with tears as she’s coming down the aisle. In my head, I was like, ‘These high-contrast eyes through the veil welling up with tears.’”

    Davy said they toyed with a few ideas for her look but she didn’t want to stray too far from Cassie’s traditional makeup because she gets amore defined and different glow up later in the season. “I wanted it to feel like that sweet, Cassie vibe,” Davy says. “I actually thought of doing a version of a cheesy wedding makeup look, but then I saw her dress and was like, I think we just have to make her look like a princess. She looks like Cassie Wedding Barbie.”

    A photos of a moodboard of makeup looks titled Cassie Wedding captured in the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Davy’s moodboard for Cassie’s wedding makeup.

    Kirbie Johnson

    Nate and Cassie’s reception was filmed before the ceremony, which is why we have an eyeshadow switchup. “Her eyeshadow for the [reception] is blue,” Davy says. Cassie changes into a shorter version of her wedding dress, which gave Davy the greenlight to update her eyeshadow, too. “The [blue] color calls back to the scene [in season 2] when she says ‘I’m in love with Nate Jacobs and he’s in love with me.’” Davy says the sparkly blue is Half Magic GlitterPuck in Princess Ghost, a baby blue.

    “For cinematic flair, we added a new unreleased Half Magic body product to her chest so she definitely has body glitter on,” Davy says. “Her nails are pearlescent with little floating gems on them. Very sweet-leaning-innocent vibes.”

    A set of pearly fake nails with crystals on them.

    Cassie’s wedding nail set by nail artist Caroline Cotten.

    Caroline Cotten

    “Donni and I definitely wanted to go 'classic bridal,’ but a bit more gaudy to add to the over-the-top energy of the wedding,” Cotten says. “By doing a classic white French but turning it up with a bright white chrome and gems, I think these nails read ‘I’m the bride, look at me,’ and are a bit unhinged.”

    Jules' Siren Makeup

    Davy doesn't know why Jules decides to show up to the wedding nearly naked, but it’s that barely-there, blue Acne dress that dictated her makeup look. “She looks like a goddess, a siren, a mermaid, an unearthly spiritual being—so I wanted to do a gorgeous, fairy-like goddess moment on her. This was not a moment for an experimental artsy look," she says.

    On her lids, Davy used a taupe eyeshadow with the new Glitterpuck x Euphoria Collection Glitterpuck in Feel Something layered on top, a color she describes as “so season one, Jules and Rue-coded.” She also gave Jules spiky, manga lashes, a tiny smoky wing, and terracotta along her lower lashes and waterline, with the periwinkle glitter on the lid. On her lips, she’s wearing the Never Been Happier lip gloss from the new Half Magic x Euphoria collection. Her nails are from Lost Angels in Stop Copying Me. "I would give these artistic touches to her, but really the energy she’s inhabiting is a complete otherworldly siren,” adds Davy. “Rue says ‘dress sexy’ and she does."

    Maddy’s Revenge MakeupActress Alexa Demie sits at a table as Maddy in Euphoria in episode 3.Warner Bros. Discovery

    According to Davy, Demie wanted to wear color for the wedding. “It’s a burgundy smoky eye with a plum burgundy waterline and shimmery gold in the middle [of the lid],” Davy says. “ It felt like a moment to go more dramatic. She needed this 'eye-makeup armor' to attend this wedding."

    A photos of a moodboard of eyemakeup looks titled Wedding captured in the Euphoria season 3 makeup trailer.

    Maddy’s wedding makeup moodboard.

    Kirbie Johnson

    For her nails, Cotten says that the shape differed from what Maddy normally wears throughout the season. “Maddy mainly sticks to a long round or narrow square shape, but for the wedding we felt stiletto was appropriate and exciting,” Cotten says. “I didn’t want to do a design too visually stimulating as her dress and glam really say it all, but I definitely wanted them to have energy. The outline of the pointed nail feels like an arrow giving energy to wherever she points her hands at."

    An image of a hand holding pieces of fabric with a matching fake nail.

    Cottens showing off one of Maddy’s wedding nails.

    Caroline CottenNate’s Collector’s Item

    Nate has been screwing people out of money and ends up in debt, which results in the collectors coming to get what’s theirs on his wedding night. After carrying Cassie over the threshold, we see him get beaten within inches of his life—something he’s not new to if you remember season two. To prove a point, they chop his pinky toe off.

    A prosthetic foot with the pinky toe missing from the Euphoria special effect designerScreenshotKirbie Johnson

    Davy shared the specific-effects limbs were created by Vincent Van Dyke Effects and that there were four of Jacob Elordi’s legs (and feet) made, plus a tester to see how the fake blood would exit the wound once the toe was severed. The prosthetic feet felt like real limbs and were painted to match Elordi’s real legs and feet. They even had strands of hair punched in to make them appear lifelike, despite the fake foot being on camera for only a few seconds.

    Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”

    This episode, we meet Kitty, played by actress Anna Van Patten. Meanwhile, Cassie has gone full OnlyFans model, and Maddy tries out blue eye shadow.

    Cassie's “Trashy” LookPhotos of photos of Sydney Sweeny trying out her Euphoria episode 4 makeup look for season 3.Kirbie Johnson

    Cassie gets a makeover in episode four, a scene in which the hair and makeup department (including Davy and Kimble) are featured. Her hair goes from light brunette to bleach blonde, she’s super tan, and her makeup—including tightliner, frosted lips, and shimmery pink eyeshadow—is heavily inspired by Brigitte Bardot, the 1960s, and '90-era Pamela Anderson. The look was deemed “dreamy trashy” by fans—a descriptor Davy loves. “It is trashy, but it’s trashy in a super sexy, hot confident that's own-able and cool,” Davy says. Everything they did—from the super frosty lip to the pink cheetah nails—was intentional. “It’s the perfect, ‘Trying too hard, but in a sweet, whimsical, desperate way.’”

    When it comes to her makeup, “a blush-pink eyeshadow is so, so Cassie,” Davy says. “It’s kind of a throwback to the [season 2] New Year’s Eve look,” a scene where another party took place and Cassie was getting herself into trouble (by hooking up with Nate in the bathroom). “This is a much, much more glam version of that look.” For the makeover scene, Davy applies Half Magic Sparklestick in Cloud Kid and Crystal Butter Balm in Shellebrity to Sweeney for her look.

    Pink is the New Rhinestones

    Speaking of pink, we see a lot of the color this season and, much like the rhinestones and glitter did for the first two seasons, it's meant to convey the emotions of the characters wearing it. Cassie wears it, as does Kitty, a dancer at the Silver Slipper. Davy says that in her eyes, pink is a tender color, and the use of it helps portray the vulnerability of the people wearing it. “Pink shimmers are sweet and innocent,” says Davy, as opposed to blues and purples, which can read too fierce on camera. “Kitty is sweet, genuine, and sincere and we wanted [her eye makeup] to read invisible from across the room, but up close you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not a nude eye shadow.’” Kitty’s look—executed by makeup artist Tara Lang Shah—will evolve throughout the season but it was important we get a sense of her sincerity in her opening episode.

    Sydney Sweeney and Alexa Demie dressed as their Euphoria characters in photos captured on set in season 3.ScreenshotKirbie JohnsonMaddy’s Blue Eyes to Kill

    According to Davy, the shimmering blue shadow Maddy wears to the TikTok party works so well because it’s the opposite of Cassie’s more girly, pinup style. To Davy, blue and pink are yin and yang,and for Maddy and Cassie to be wearing them in this episode demonstrates they’re back in their respective roles—working together but also taking advantage of each other.

    “Since the beginning, [Demie] wanted to do old Hollywood glam, but also wanted to do color,” says Mara Rouse, Demie’s makeup artist during filming. “Looking at her wardrobe, looking at her boots, we were trying to match this very particular deep indigo.” Rouse says that this is the only glitter eye we’ll see Maddy in this season and that Demie wanted a particular tapered shape from a ‘90s reference as well as a nod to Cleopatra and ancient Egypt.. “Her whole look is very wet, which you can see from her hair as well,” says Rouse. “We wanted to invoke that wetness in the makeup. She’s very dewy, she has very glossy lips, her eyes sparkle like moving water.

    Episode 5: This Little Piggy

    Cassie is now a full-time OnlyFans creator at the hands of Maddy’s managerial expertise. Nate loses another phalange despite his wife bringing home the bacon (in this case, $30,000). We have details from hair department head Kim Kimble on Cassie and Maddy’s hairstyles in this episode, whileDavy explains how working with Jacob Elordi’s hand prosthetic works.

    Sydney Sweeney as Cassie in Euphoria season 3 episode 5 stands over a desk looking down.

    Cassie’s blonde bombshell wig.

    HBO / Eddy Chen

    Maddy and Cassie’s Classic Hairstyles

    Kimble used both wigs and hairpieces to create Maddy’s “film noir” hair this season. “It’s a little retro with a modern twist,” Kimble explains, noting that the curls, the movement, and the softness of the hair keep the classic styles from looking too dated. Like Davy, Kimble also alludes to Maddy’s “evil” character arc this season, sharing that there’s something “a little dark and a little sinister” about her hair.

    For Cassie, Kimble shares that Sweeney started with long hair extensions at the beginning of the season, while wigs were utilized for her makeover. When designing the styles, Kimble kept Cassie’s storyline as a rising influencer top of mind. “I feel like influencers have something a little more when it comes to their hair. They really create attention for themselves, so they have to have a look and an image as well," she says.

    For Cassie's “blonde bombshell look,” Kimble's inspiration was “a little Farah Fawcett, a little ‘70s-esque—we wanted something sexy, bold and beautiful." In this episode's controversial ode to Attack of the 50 Foot Woman—where Cassie is seen taking over Hollywood and swinging her giant ponytail to take out a helicopter—Kimble says the full ponytail she’s wearing was inspired by the iconic B-movie, Barbarella.

    Jacob Elordi’s $15,000 "Hands"

    two prosthetic hands photographed in the makeup trailer for Euphoria season 3.

    Two of Nate’s prosthetic hands, before and after being painted and punched with hair.

    Kirbie Johnson

    Nate Jacobs is getting his due this season. After assaulting Tyler and Maddy in season one, Nate has now not only been beaten up himself, but he’s had his pinky toe and finger chopped off. The scene is excruciating to watch and took several takes to get right.

    Of course, Elordi’s digits were not harmed in the process. For filming, Davy had several casts of Elordi’s arm and hand taken and made into prosthetics by special-effects house Vincent Van Dyke. They look and feel extremely lifelike, from the bending of the fingers and the paint job, to the hair punching technique used to make it look like Elordi’s actual arm. Additionally, Davy says they would powder the fingernails to keep them from looking too shiny.

    To make the cutting off of Nate’s finger appear realistic on camera, Elordi was directed to struggle away from the fake clippers (for safety reasons). Levinson called cut and Elordi exited the set. Then, filming resumed and a stunt person (or Levinson) held the prosthetic in a way that made it appear as if the owner of the (fake) hand was struggling. The actor doing the cutting was then given real clippers so he could actually cut off the prosthetic finger.

    To create fake blood spurts, the prosthetic was fitted with internal tubing that traveled through all the fingers, allowing fake blood to flow into them via a large syringe. “When [the finger] is cut on camera it falls off and that’s exactly the moment when I, or someone else, would push the blood through the syringe,” says Davy. “The harder you hit the syringe, the faster the blood will come out.” Ultimately, Levinson requested Davy have over at least four of these prosthetics made, which she says could cost around $15,000.

    Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”

    I have the feeling someone isn’t going to survive this season—who that is, I’ll keep to myself. We finally get Alamo Brown’s backstory and understand his obsession with power over women, especially as the owner of the Silver Slipper Strip Club. The episode opens with a flashback to his childhood in the late 1970s where we meet his mother, “Mama Brown,” played by Danielle Deadwyler. She brings home a man named Preston, whom she hoped would support them. Although he was affected by an explosion in a lab, effectively scarring most of his face, he was kind and treated both Alamo and his mom with love and respect. Preston ended up getting compensated for his injuries and, with his new fortune, upgraded the family to a new economic standing. Ultimately, Mama Brown schemed to have their home “robbed” by her lover, stealing everything Preston had worked for and leaving him alone, broke, and heartbroken. Alamo never recovered—both from the incident and his mother's betrayal.

    Danielle Deadwyler in Euphoria episode 6.HBO MaxDanielle Deadwyler in Euphoria season three episode six.HBO Max

    Deadwyler’s incredible hairstyles were a bright spot during a storyline that was almost unbearable to watch. According to Kimble, the hairstyles were meant to showcase the family's status as they acquired more wealth. When we first met Mama Brown, it “looked like someone in the neighborhood could have braided her hair and beaded it,” Kimble says. “When she got into some money, we gave her a fantastic ‘70s blowout that was also popular in the ‘80s.” Artists like Patrice Rushen and Peaches from Peaches & Herb were on the inspo board for the beaded braids.

    Mood board for Mama Brown in Euphoria season three episode six.HBO Max

    For her makeup, a red lip and nails were already written into the script for her character. “Mama Brown needed to have classic powerful woman vibes,” Davy says. “It was also in the script that Maddy reminds Alamo of his mama, so we made sure to play with red lips on Maddy for her scenes with Alamo.” Actresses like Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll, Nina Simone, and Barbara Summers were all featured on Davy’s mood board, as well as advertisements for Avon and Raveen hair conditioner.

    Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”A photograph of photographs stuck against a wall of Jacob Elordi's face as Nate in Euphoria S3.

    The special effects done on Jacob Elordi by makeup artist Tara Lang throughout the season.

    Kirbie Johnson

    To put it bluntly, a lot of people fucked around and found out this episode. For starters, Nate died. Not from being buried alive, but from a rattlesnake bite. (Cue “When I RIP” by Labrinth.) Maddy learned her lesson: Alamo doesn’t do anyone favors. And Faye fails Rue once again.

    We get more Rosalía in this episode, and it’s worth noting her makeup look is one of Davy’s favorites of the season. “Rosalía and I, we wanted Magick to have a signature look that feels like she’s been doing it for years—like since she was a teenager,” explains Davy. “We loved that the look would be achievable with one product: a black pencil, used in her eyebrows, and as eyeliner and lip liner.” Davy used the aptly named Half Magic Sculptitude Lipliner in Badassery Parade.

    Rosalia as Magick in Euphoria season 3 sitting at the bar and looking off into the distance.HBO/Eddy ChenAn image of a photo of Rosalia as Magick in Euphoria season 3 wearing pencilthin black brows crystalstudded liner and...

    Rosalía is wearing an unreleased shade of Crystal Butter Balm in a taupe shade, Davy says.

    Kirbie Johnson

    Davy really wanted Magick to stand out from the other girls, so her makeup needed to have a “zero fucks given vibe” to it. It’s also a pseudo-homage to chola makeup, with pencil-thin black brows and contrasting lip liner. “She’s queen bee at the Silver Slipper,” Davy says. “There’s something very unapologetic about her, the neck brace—she doesn’t give a shit about appealing to the male gaze. She’s raunchy and aggressive on stage; she does her own thing and makes her money by leaning into that.”

  • 6 Best Bacne Sprays for Hard-to-Reach Breakouts

    6 Best Bacne Sprays for Hard-to-Reach Breakouts

    Best bacne sprays A group of three bacne spray bottles on a white backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Breakouts on your back can be annoying to clear—and even harder to reach. The good news? The best bacne sprays can help on both, ahem, fronts. Formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hypochlorous acid, these products help resolve active breakouts, soothe inflammation, and prevent future pimples from dotting your back. While they aren’t all that different from products for acne on your face, they often have higher concentrations of active ingredients, since the skin on your back is thicker and less sensitive. And, because they come in easy-to-use spray bottles—many of which apply the product in a continuous mist—they spare you the messiness (and contortions) that lotions or scrubs require.

    Our Top Bacne Sprays

    • Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray, $28
    • Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray, $15
    • Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist, $28
    • Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray, $29

    Even better? Bacne sprays slot right into your post-shower routine, too. Just spritz on your product of choice once your skin is clean and dry. (While other body products like lotions and creams are best applied to damp skin, you don’t want any lingering moisture to dilute the active ingredients in the spray.) You can reapply it if you shower again or break a major sweat, but once a day should suffice for most people, according to Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois. Scroll ahead for the best bacne sprays worth misting, as selected by skin-care experts and Allure editors.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?
    • What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

    Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray in pink branded spray component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dermalogica

    Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray

    $28

    Amazon

    $28

    Dermstore

    $28

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Both Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York, and Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York, both give Dermalogica’s Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray their seal of approval, since it’s especially effective against acne and packed with calming ingredients; that makes it a great option for daily use for most people. “It pairs salicylic acid with soothing botanicals like witch hazel and tea tree oil, which may help calm redness and irritation while treating breakouts,” Dr. Camp tells Allure.

    It has a slight cooling effect, which makes it all the more refreshing after a steamy shower or sweaty workout. Also worth noting: This continuous spray contains a lower concentration of salicylic acid than many other bacne sprays, which makes it especially good for bacne newbies and people with dry skin, Dr. Shah tells Allure.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 1% salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oil
    • Fragrance-free: no (contains essential oils)
    • Who it’s for: newcomers and seasoned users of bacne sprays alike

    Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray

    Spray bottle of Differin Acne Body Spray with white cap on a white backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Differin

    Acne Body Spray

    $15

    Amazon

    $20

    Ulta Beauty

    $15

    Walmart

    Why we love it: An expert-approved bacne treatment from a Best of Beauty Award-winning brand for under $20? Say no more. Differin’s Acne Body Spray has a relatively simple—yet effective—formula that uses a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel to reduce and prevent breakouts. That glycolic acid also works double-time to brighten any dark spots that arise after your bacne resolves (though it’s also helpful if you generally deal with dull, uneven skin). Its packaging deserves a shout-out, too: Dr. Shah gives it extra points for its continuous spray nozzle that allows for 360-degree application.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, glycolic acid, witch hazel
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Who it’s for: anyone who wants effective skin care at a great value

    Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist

    First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    First Aid Beauty

    Body Acne Clearing Mist

    $28

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: As with many acne products, a lot of bacne sprays tend to be pretty drying—but not this one. First Aid Beauty’s Body Acne Clearing Mist, a top recommendation from Dr. Camp, contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin in addition to 2% salicylic acid, so you can clear blemishes and keep your skin hydrated all in one convenient spritz. It’s also alcohol-free, which can be hard to find in sprays (since it helps them dry quickly). This omission keeps the spray from pulling moisture from your skin and potentially drying it out. If your skin isn’t just dry but irritation-prone to boot, you’re in luck: Dr. Camp notes that this spray is suitable for people whose skin is on the sensitive side.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, glycerin, glycolic acid
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Who it’s for: people with dry, acne-prone skin

    Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray

    Paula’s Choice Clear Back & Body Acne Spray in blue branded spray component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Paula's Choice

    Clear Back & Body Acne Spray

    $29 $20 (31% off)

    Amazon

    $29

    Dermstore

    Why we love it: If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, Paula’s Choice’s Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray can help tackle bacne and any resulting dark spots alike. “This spray gently exfoliates and unclogs pores while calming redness and irritation,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. That calming effect comes from barberry extract and licorice extract, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Their benefits extend beyond that, though: Barberry extract also helps reduce oil production, which licorice extract can help fade skin discoloration.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 2% salicylic acid, barberry extract, licorice extract
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people who deal with dullness and hyperpigmentation in addition to bacne

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray

    Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray with Hypochlorous Acid in orange branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tower 28

    SOS Daily Rescue Spray

    $12

    Amazon

    $28

    Sephora

    $28

    Credo Beauty

    Why we love it: If common anti-acne ingredients irritate your skin, consider skipping the heavy hitters and using a hypochlorous acid spray instead. “Hypochlorous acid sprays are generally very gentle and well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Shivakumar says. Their active ingredient targets bacteria—including the kind that causes acne—without damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation. Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Zoë Indigo, MD, is a fan of Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray in particular. While it’s sold (and works great) as a facial spray, you can use it all over, she says. And we like it for its simple ingredient list, which leaves out common irritants: In addition to hypochlorous acid, it only contains water and sodium chloride (a.k.a. regular old salt).

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: hypochlorous acid
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people with sensitive, irritation-prone skin

    Best Spray Alternative: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

    The INKEY List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick in branded white and black twist up applicator on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Inkey List

    Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick

    $20

    Amazon

    $20

    Sephora

    $20

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: If you’re still not sold on a spray formula—or want something easy to throw into your gym bag or suitcase—then try the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick from The Inkey List. Just swipe it onto your skin like a deodorant, where it will leave zero greasy or sticky residue behind. Not only does the Best of Beauty Award winner tackle body acne with a one-two punch of glycolic and salicylic acids, but it can also address rough, KP-ridden skin and discoloration as well.

    Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    “I was dealing with pretty bad bacne, but after swiping this on once a night after showering, it cleared it up in a week—faster than any prescription I’ve tried.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: 7% glycolic acid, 0.5% salicylic acid, shea butter
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people who want a more travel-friendly bacne product (and don’t mind stretching to get to those hard-to-reach spots

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?

    “Bacne develops for many of the same reasons facial acne does,” Dr. Shah says, pointing to excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation as common culprits. “When dead skin cells and oil build up inside the pore, they create an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can thrive, leading to breakouts,” she explains.

    But unlike the skin on the face, “the back naturally contains larger and more active oil glands than many other areas of the body, which can make acne there appear deeper and more persistent,” says Dr. Shah. Once you factor in excessive sweat, tight clothes, oily hair products, and hormonal fluctuations, bacne can be hard to avoid—but not impossible. That’s why Dr. Camp recommends showering as soon as you can after workouts, wearing breathable clothes, and using noncomedogenic skin and hair-care products in order to reduce your likelihood of developing bacne.

    What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?

    The tried-and-true actives found in facial acne treatments will help with bacne too. Dr. Shivakumar points to salicylic acid, which exfoliates and unclogs pores, and benzoyl peroxide, which reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, as excellent options. (Heads up: If you apply a product with benzoyl peroxide to your back, wear an old or white top, because the ingredient can bleach your clothes.) Don’t stress if you notice that they come in higher concentrations than you’re used to seeing in facial products. The thicker skin on your back tends to be more tolerant of stronger products, Dr. Shivakumar explains.

    You can also look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, Dr. Camp says: “[They] may help improve skin texture and post-inflammatory discoloration left behind by breakouts.” And folks with sensitive skin may prefer the gentler effects of antimicrobial hypochlorous acid, which targets acne-causing bacteria with less risk of irritation and dryness.

    Meet the experts

    • Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York
    • Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas
    • Zoë Indigo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, California
    • Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York
    • Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois

    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 bacne sprays, 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.

  • Florence Pugh’s Turquoise Eyeliner Is the Summer Makeup Trend to Watch — See Photos

    Florence Pugh’s Turquoise Eyeliner Is the Summer Makeup Trend to Watch — See Photos

    Florence Pugh posing in a blue Pucci headscarfPhoto: Faye BrowneSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Summer may not officially start for another few weeks, but we all know the summer vibes really begin in late May—early June at the latest. And there's no better proof of that than the way people's appearances start to subtly shift: more open-toed shoes, more breezy attire, beachier waves, and a heavier hand with the bronzer. And this summer, it seems one of the most prevalent ways to celebrate the season is with bold, pool-blue eye makeup, as recently and gorgeously demonstrated by Florence Pugh.

    Hairstylist Faye Browne and makeup artist Lauren Buckley posted a collaborative Instagram carousel giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how they dolled up Pugh for Harris Reed's Ibiza birthday party. Browne gave her waves some summery, salty texture with Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray by Sam McKnight and topped it off with a vibrant, turquoise Pucci scarf worn as a headband.

    Florence Pugh posing in a blue Pucci headbandPhoto: Faye Browne

    That scarf seems to have served as the color inspiration for how Buckley approached the acclaimed actor's eye makeup. After applying a matte, neutral base from the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette all over her lids and the tragically discontinued MAC Reflects in Transparent Teal in the inner corners, she applied a substantial swipe of Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick in Baby Blue Matte.

    Sephora Collection Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sephora Collection

    Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

    $15

    Sephora

    And the look feels especially Ibiza-esque thanks to her bronzed skin. That warmth comes from Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer, a blurring powder formula that comes in four shades.

    Florence Pugh posing in a blue head scarf and gold necklacesPhoto: Faye Browne

    The Gloss Angeles podcast called it: Blue eye makeup is having such a moment right now, and makeup artist Ash K. Holm's recent Ocean Eyes tutorial is even more evidence. She used a similar matte blue shade, Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Oasis, all over her lid, followed by a shimmery inner corner.

    Clearly, this is a thing. Even if you won't find yourself poolside any time soon, that doesn't mean you can't channel that tropical, chlorinated blue through your makeup. It'll signal to everyone who sees you that you are definitely already in the summer mindset.

    More makeup news:

    • Marc Jacobs Beauty Isn't Back
    • Why TikTok Can’t Stop Fighting About “Transitional Blush”
    • E.L.F. Cosmetics Is Lowering Prices After Tariff-Induced Increases
  • 4 Black Women Over 50 on Going Natural During Menopause

    4 Black Women Over 50 on Going Natural During Menopause

    Images of three Black women over 50 with natural hairCourtesy of subjectsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    “I’m just going to cut the rest of it off.” These words looped through Susan Wiley’s mind as she sat in the salon chair, working up the courage to finally part ways with her relaxed hair. The 60-year-old had permed her hair every six weeks for 30 years before realizing that chemically straightening her hair had become a time-consuming and self-imposed obligation. “I was so exasperated with having to go to a salon and spend my whole Saturday waiting on hairstylists that were running late,” she says.

    As Wiley entered menopause and experienced the hot flashes, hair-thinning, and other physical symptoms that come with it, her straightening treatment—once, a moment for pampering—became an exhausting chore.

    Black woman in her 60s wearing natural hair

    Susan Wiley in 2025, wearing her natural hair.

    Courtesy of Susan Wiley

    Like Wiley, many Black women in their 50s and beyond reach the same breaking point and choose to ditch their relaxer. Brendnetta Ashley, a hairstylist in San Francisco, has recently noticed this shift as her more mature clients have started going through menopause. With the hair changes that often come with it, “they didn’t want to put any extra stress on their hair, like getting a relaxer or using harsh chemicals,” says Ashley.

    Facing the physical realities of aging, these women are going natural in response to what their hair is already going through, and it requires unlearning decades of messaging about what is acceptable for Black hair.

    Robin Richards’s big chop was more spontaneous when, at 55, she “just got up from the kitchen table and went upstairs and chopped it.” Richards was tired of scheduling hair appointments every few weeks, ultimately letting go of the ritual when she learned of reports linking chemicals commonly found in relaxers to cancer. She’s been natural for four years now.

    While many millennial and Gen Z Black women embraced their natural texture during the YouTube-driven natural hair movement of the early 2010s, older Black women were often left out of the cultural conversation. The faces of the movement, from the models fronting natural hair campaigns to the content creators filming washday tutorials, were overwhelmingly young—women like Chizi Duru, now 30; Whitney White, now 40; and Shaneice Crystal, 31.

    Richards vaguely remembers seeing messages on social media around 2016 about Black women embracing their natural hair. “I was pleased that wearing our natural hair was more accepted,” she says, but she wasn’t heavily involved in or influenced by the discourse.

    As the Black community is on the verge of another natural hair movement, older women are finally entering that conversation and sharing their experiences. We spoke to four Black women over 50—Wiley, Richards, Avvi Forcer, and Marie Randall—who went natural later in life. For these women, parting with the comfort and familiarity of straight hair required more than a social trend. It would take a deeply personal desire to return to their most authentic selves.

    Why are more Black women over 50 going natural now?

    For many Black women, going natural wasn’t simply a matter of trying a new style. It required unlearning decades of messaging that framed straight hair as more professional, manageable, and ultimately more acceptable. All four women we spoke to said they had considered going natural earlier in life, but the limited product options, a lack of education around caring for natural hair, and the social pressures tied to straightened styles often kept them from making the transition sooner.

    For Wiley’s generation, straight hair wasn’t simply about aesthetics; it was often tied to social survival. Raised during the early years of integration following the Civil Rights Movement, many older Black women learned to view straightened hair as a way to navigate predominantly white schools, workplaces, and social spaces more safely. “For women my age who grew up back in the ’80s, our hair was not celebrated at all; everybody had a relaxer back then,” says Wiley, who was raised in a predominantly white neighborhood in Maryland. “My hair didn't look like my friends’ hair. So all of those things painted this negative picture that I carried all the way into adulthood,” Wiley says.

    Many millennial and Gen Z women—including myself—explored going natural in college as part of the common self-discovery that comes with leaving home. This was during the beauty boom on YouTube during the 2010s, where there was a rise in service-driven beauty tutorials on the platform. Many of us saw washdays as an opportunity for pampering and experimentation with the different hair products and styles that our favorite YouTube creators were touting.

    Black women in Gen X, however, had a different experience. Wiley recalls that during her high school and college years, Black women didn’t have nearly as many styling options as they do now, and there weren’t tutorials to guide them through the process (YouTube launched in 2005 when these women were in their 40s). Braids, silk presses, and similar styles weren’t “really a thing.” Your hair was either relaxed or worn in its natural texture—and the latter wasn’t very common. Richards, who began relaxing her hair when she was 13-years-old, echoes this: “It was easier for it to be relaxed; that way, it could just be washed and put in a ponytail,” she says.

    Susan Wiley with relaxed hair in 2012

    Wiley with relaxed hair in 2012.

    Courtesy of Susan Wiley

    When these women graduated from college, the pull to conform to Eurocentric standards didn’t subside—if anything, it intensified. They faced pressure that influenced not only how they styled their hair but also how they presented themselves in the workforce. “Being in corporate America, you always just wanted to stay mainstream,” says Richards, who works in the medical field. “You didn't want to bring any attention to your hair or to the fact that it was different.” This was before the CROWN Act (legislation designed to prohibit workplace discrimination based on hair texture) was enacted, so women of Richards’s generation really felt that wearing their natural hair at work wasn’t an option.

    Wiley faced a similar dynamic in her career. “You get so used to this idea of code-switching and trying to present yourself in a way that is acceptable to other people,” she says, noting that relaxers became such a part of her identity that the idea of wearing natural coils to work felt intimidating.

    The pressure to conform didn’t always come from outside the Black community, though. As the saying goes: “It be your own people.” Forcer experienced this firsthand 13 years ago. She was 43 and wearing her natural hair at a family member’s wedding. “Everyone had relaxed hair,” she says, adding that she felt uncomfortable because her hair made her feel like she wasn't “dressed up” enough.

    Two years later, she got an invitation to attend another wedding with the same family members. This time, she chose to relax her hair before the festivities. “I always loved the natural look, but I wasn't as grounded in myself, so I gave in and got a relaxer,” she adds.

    A few years after getting a relaxer, scalp dermatitis drove Forcer to go natural again. This time, she had more confidence—and the look stuck. She’s now 56 and has not used a relaxer since.

    Like Richards, Randall, 59, went natural at 55. Her decision to do so, though, was part of a much larger emotional reset. Randall got her first perm at seven years old and consistently relaxed her hair for nearly five decades. After losing her mother in 2021, Randall took time away from work to focus on her mental and physical health. Cutting off her relaxed hair was a part of that reset. “I did the big chop myself, before I went into a salon,” she says. “The next day, I looked in the mirror, and I had all these beautiful curls—really short, but really beautiful.”

    Marie Randall after her big chop in 2021

    Marie Randall after her big chop in 2021.

    Courtesy of Marie Randall

    Before her big chop, Randall had already scaled back her relaxer touch-ups to twice a year instead of every few months. As a result, she began noticing more of her natural texture peeking through at the roots than ever before, which made her realize she didn’t actually know what her natural hair looked like.

    Having started on relaxers as children and teenagers, the women we spoke to spent decades disconnected from their natural texture. Eventually, curiosity became reason enough to meet that version of themselves again. Wiley, Forcer, Randall, and Richards also found that age came with less regard for what other people thought about them. “As I was approaching menopause and all these physical changes, I got really tired of performing for people. I just decided to present myself as who I naturally am,” says Wiley.

    Richards relates to this desire to be unapologetic in her later years. “I used to always tell my son, 'When I turn 60, I'm going to chop all my hair off, and I'm going to color it blonde and buy me a convertible,'” she says. “Because when you get older, you don't have to fit in. You're more accepting of how you look and how you feel, versus when you're younger, trying to stay with the trends and have long, beautiful hair.”

    How do menopause and aging affect relaxed hair?

    Hair damage from relaxers isn’t exclusive to people in their 50s and older. However, the negative effects of chemical straighteners can become more pronounced with age. “As women get into menopause, something called miniaturization happens,” says Yolanda Lenzy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Massachusetts. “It’s when the hair follicle gets smaller.” She explains that it occurs due to the large drop in estrogen and progesterone that happens during menopause. The result is sparser hair. Add relaxers into the mix, and your hair can appear even thinner. “Relaxers break disulfide bonds in the hair, causing curls to become straight, but when you’re already experiencing thinning, perming your hair is going to lead to decreased hair density,” Dr. Lenzy says. “So even though you have the same amount of hair, perming it can make it look less full as opposed to if you had it natural.”

    Richards recalls experiencing exactly what Dr. Lenzy described: thinning hair caused by a combination of the natural miniaturization process and her continued perm appointments. Wiley, too, found that as she aged, her hair changed. It became drier and more brittle, and suddenly the relaxer that she’d gotten for years without issue no longer felt compatible with her hair. “I did not have this beautiful, long, flowing, relaxed hair. My hair was very, very short, and it was broken and damaged.” Eventually, she had to ask herself, Why am I doing this?

    Dr. Lenzy explains that hair density isn’t the only thing that can change. “I’ve definitely seen textural changes that come with aging and menopause,” she says. “If you had very coarse hair in your younger years that’s now becoming fine and looser in texture, you could run into some issues if you continue to relax your hair.” Dr. Lenzy adds that the main risk of continuing to relax natural hair that’s becoming finer and looser in texture is also loss of density.

    For her patients who are dealing with thinning and hair loss caused by menopause, Dr. Lenzy prescribes minoxidil either in a topical form or as a prescription tablet. And for those who want a more natural alternative, “pumpkin seed extract has been found to help lengthen the growth phase of the hair cycle,” she says.

    Caring for natural hair after giving up relaxers

    When you’ve gone for decades disconnected from your natural hair, there can be a learning curve in figuring out how to care for your curls and coils. Randall and Richards opted for a big chop upfront, while Wiley and Forcer chose to transition, partially because they were nervous about having to suddenly care for a texture they were unfamiliar with.

    “I kept my relaxed ends for about as long as I could,” says Wiley, whose journey to natural hair took about a year. “I remember the day I cut off my relaxer and just had natural hair. I felt this feeling of freedom. I didn't really realize it, but having a relaxer kind of made me feel trapped, and I think that was because I felt it was like an obligation, like I had to do it.” No longer being completely bound to a relaxer, these four women began navigating the fun, at times frustrating, terrain of natural hair care.

    Wiley often wears her hair in a stretched state, combing through her gray coils with a blow-dryer before doing a braid-out. “My hair is something that I'm still learning how to work with and how to do the things that are going to make it look its best,” she says, adding that going natural has even helped her embrace her grays.

    Susan Wiley in 2026 wearing her natural hair.

    Wiley in 2026, wearing her natural hair.

    Courtesy of Susan Wiley

    Richards still prefers to wear her hair straight and gets a silk press every two weeks, though her natural pressed hair is fuller and healthier than when it was relaxed; plus, she loves being able to wear it curly whenever she wants.

    Older Black woman with silk pressCourtesy of Robin Richards

    One of the most surprising things about going natural for these women has been the ease of caring for their hair. There’s a common sentiment in the Black community that textured hair (especially type 4 hair) is hard to manage. This misconception is part of the reason these women held on to their relaxers for so long. But Randall has found that washday is not as time-consuming as she thought, and is actually enjoyable. Now, she makes it a self-care day, picking a Saturday or Sunday to wash her hair, deep conditioning while she does chores, then styling it in twists or braids. “It feels more rewarding,” she says.

    Regardless of age, Dr. Lenzy tells all her patients with natural curls and coils to wash their hair once a week. Going two weeks without a wash is acceptable, but ideally no longer than that. Ashley gives her clients the same guidance. “I recommend using a hydrating shampoo and conditioner, considering deep conditioning [weekly], especially if the hair is on the drier side, and using a water-based moisturizer versus a lot of oils on the scalp,” says Dr. Lenzy, who adds that products heavy in oils and occlusives “can create a breeding ground for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis by feeding the yeast that naturally lives on the scalp.”

    Going natural for Gen Z and millennial Black women usually looks like a lot of DIY (with the help of YouTube and TikTok ‘experts’), but for Gen X, the salon is still their main source of hair-care knowledge—and even community. “Many of my mature ladies actually need the assistance. So that's where we [stylists] come into play by offering these maintenance services,” says Ashley. “I like to do a lot of two-strand twists on them. That way, they can wear that style for maybe a week. Ashley teaches her clients how to undo the twists so they can wear a twist-out for an additional week. “This way, they're getting two weeks of wear out of the style versus having to frequently do their hair, which can be more strain on them,” she adds.

    No matter your age, embracing your natural hair as a Black woman can be an emotional and transformative experience—one that goes far beyond aesthetics. For women who have spent decades wearing relaxers, that shift can make them feel especially vulnerable. But for those ready to take the leap, Forcer, Randall, Wiley, and Richards say the decision can also be freeing: an opportunity to prioritize health, rediscover themselves, or simply move through the world more authentically. As Richards says, “You have no idea what lies under there. Your hair is beautiful.”