Category: NATURAL-BEAUTY

  • The Best Bronzers Will Give You Snatched Cheekbones And A Warm Glow

    The Best Bronzers Will Give You Snatched Cheekbones And A Warm Glow

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    In the mood to look like you’ve just returned from a dreamy tropical vacation? The best bronzers are the easiest, most sun-safe shortcut to creating that illusion. Whether you're after something subtle or megawatt radiance, these creams, powders, and liquids will instantly brighten your complexion with a healthy glow. But the benefits don’t stop at radiance: You can also opt for a cool-toned bronzer to sculpt and contour. Talk about range.

    If you're a newbie, don't be intimidated: Bronzers are hard to mess up; just use a light hand and the right tools (we'll get to more details later). To help you figure out your perfect formula, we surveyed our editors and chatted with makeup artists who gave us a rundown on what to look for in a bronzer. Scroll on, and thank us later.

    Our Top Bronzers

    • Best Palette Overall: M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette, $64
    • Best Powder Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer, $59
    • Best Cream Overall: Nars Laguna Cream Bronzer, $44
    • Best Liquid Overall: Saie Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Sculpting Liquid Bronzer, $26
    • Best Shade Range: Rhode Pocket Bronze, $25

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What are common bronzer mistakes?
    • What's the difference between powder, cream, and liquid bronzers?
    • What is the best bronzer for older skin?
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Palette Overall: M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    m.ph by Mary Phillips Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    m.ph by Mary Phillips

    Face Palette

    $64

    Sephora

    Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Shanna Shipin

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it’s worth it: Seldom can a product be touted as both beginner-friendly and professional-grade, but m.ph’s Underpainting Face Highlight & Contour Palette is exactly that, beloved by makeup lovers—including Allure editors, of course—across the experience spectrum. The palettes are available in six shades—fair, light, medium, tan, deep, and deep rich—and each palette includes six colors for color-correcting, highlighting, and contouring. The exceptionally creamy, sheer-to-medium-coverage formula builds up easily; the ingredients include skin-blurring and oil-absorbing powders, as well as sodium hyaluronate and vitamin E for hydration and moisture. While the palette is designed for “underpainting,” a.k.a. defining and before foundation application, it can also be layered over base products for those who prefer more traditional contouring and bronzing methods.

    Shipin before applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Shipin before applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Shanna ShipinShipin after applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Shipin after applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Shanna ShipinKinonen before applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Kinonen before applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Kinonen after applying the M.PH by Mary Phillips Face Palette

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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    “Is this actually a bronzer? No, not technically—but there is a bronze shade in the palette that gives the dreamiest warmth to my face. I use this in place of a separate bronzer on most days, and I like to use it particularly around my nose and just above where I place the actual contour (the deeper cool-toned shade in the palette). When the "underpainting" is done, I even use the bronze pigment on top of my foundation for touch-ups and extra glow. If you're heavy-handed or prone to patchy application, there's no need to worry—this may be the creamiest, most blendable product you own. It plays so well with my dry, textured skin, but I could see the formulation being a touch too oily for those who already lean that way (but it's nothing a powder can't fix!).” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “I loveeeee cream bronzer. In fact, it's really the only type of bronzer I use these days. I find that the texture is easy to build and blend (compared to liquid and powder options), which gives me a little more control and a dewier finish. This multi-purpose palette from m.ph has been great for both, plus a little more. Although I've only used the two brown shades on the far right of the palette (with a fluffy blush brush), I love that it comes with lighter shades to use as a highlighter (or color corrector!) when I'm ready to play a little more. Until then, I'll keep bronzing and blending!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E
    • Finish: natural
    • Shades: 6 colorways (Fair, Light, Medium, Tan, Deep, Deep Rich) with 5 shades each

    Best Powder Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer in branded component with the best of beauty 2025 seal in the top right corner on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Airbrush Bronzer

    $59

    Amazon

    $59

    Nordstrom

    $59

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why it's worth it: Not all powder bronzers leave your skin looking cakey by midday, especially not Allure Best of Beauty Award winners. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer is infused with mica to blur texture and add a hint of shimmer, as well as a touch of hyaluronic acid to keep skin feeling soft and comfortable all day. It's perfectly buffable, diffusable, and leaves a matte finish that never reads flat. All four shades are refillable, which is a nice bonus if you become as obsessed with the formula as we have.

    Calaor before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Calaor before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Jesa Marie CalaorCalaor after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Calaor after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    “Despite the many prescriptive face charts and rigid tutorials out there, I see bronzing and contouring as more of an art than a science. My preferred tools are the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer and a fluffy brush. I dust on this featherweight formula to create soft shadows that help shape my face and add warmth. The giant pan sits in a compact with a mirror that is just as large, so I can see myself clearly as I sweep it on.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, mica
    • Finish: matte
    • Shades: 4

    Best Cream Overall: Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream

    Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Nars

    Laguna Bronzing Cream

    $44

    Nordstrom

    $44

    Sephora

    $44

    Bluemercury

    Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream

    Sophia Panych

    Why it’s worth it: It's no secret that Nars shines in the base arena (Hello, foundation! Powder blush!) and even less of a secret that the Laguna Bronzing Cream is a Best of Beauty Award winner and an editor fave. Its melt-into-skin formula and semi-matte finish instantly give your complexion that “just got back from the beach” glow without looking overdone. Makeup artist Tomy Rivero has also given this cream bronzer big props. "The Laguna Bronzing Cream adds warmth to your look while adding contour," Rivero says. "Don't be afraid of the shimmery look of the product—once it's applied, it has a satin finish, and the shimmer dissipates.” It’s infused with Nars' signature French Polynesian monoï de Tahiti oil, which not only helps hydrate and firm the skin but also imparts subtle notes of white frangipani, ylang-ylang, and vanilla. Oui, oui.

    Panych before applying the Nars Laguna TalcFree Bronzer Powder

    Panych before applying the Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream

    Sophia PanychPanych after applying the Nars Laguna TalcFree Bronzer Powder

    Panych after applying the Nars Laguna Bronzing Cream

    Sophia Panych

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    "One of the many things I'm grateful for in life is that Nars made the decision to make its Laguna Bronzing Cream a permanent part of the line, after originally launching it as part of a limited-edition summer collection back in 2021. Everything about this bronzer—the look, the feel, the finish, the scent—is fantastic. Because it's shimmer-free, it doesn't look very pretty in the jar, but when you spread it on, you get the most beautiful, natural-looking sun-kissed bronze on your skin. It blends effortlessly (seriously, just a few swipes of your brush buffs it into the skin) and has the faintest blurring effect, so you never see an unsightly streak or splotch (that is, unless you just don't blend it at all). I use shade Laguna 02, a neutral light-medium color with neutral undertones that honestly looks like the exact same shade my skin turns in the sun (if I was to skip sunscreen, which I don't). I am not someone who likes to fuss around with their makeup, so I appreciate a bronzer that is super quick and easy to apply. And while I don't normally like scented makeup, I love the fact this formula smells like Nars' coconuty/white floral Monoï de Tahiti Oil. It puts me in a summer mood every time I wear it." —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: synthetic fluorphlogopite, mica
    • Finish: radiant
    • Shades: 8

    Best Liquid Overall: Saie Dew Bronze

    SAIE Dew Bronze in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Saie

    Dew Bronze

    $26

    Amazon

    $26

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Saie Dew Bronze

    Deanna Pai

    Why it’s worth it: Saie’s Dew Bronze more than lives up to its name, providing an airbrush-like finish thanks to its inclusion of silica, which helps give it its smooth consistency and light-blurring properties. The ingredients also include a plant-derived glycerin for moisture and licorice root extract to brighten dull skin—making it a solid pick for mature skin. The formula is sheer and very blendable, and the doe-foot applicator makes it perfect for targeted sculpting (though it works just as well for all-over bronzing, too). This bronzer comes in six shades—two for fair-to-light skin tones, two for medium-to-tan skin tones, one for tan-to-deep skin tones, and one for deep-to-rich complexions. “The tones are thoughtfully balanced, so fair to medium complexions won’t turn orange,” Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston, attests.

    Pai before applying the Saie Dew Bronze

    Pai before applying the Saie Dew Bronze

    Deanna PaiPai after applying the Saie Dew Bronze

    Pai after applying the Saie Dew Bronze

    Deanna Pai

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    "While I love the ease of a powder bronzer, nothing beats the natural look of a liquid. The doe-foot applicator makes this incredibly easy to dab and blend, and I just have to add it around the perimeter of my face and just under my cheekbones to get instant depth. It practically melted into my skin—and surprisingly (to me), the final result is really subtle and hard to overdo." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: plant-derived glycerin, elderberry extract, licorice root extract, silica
    • Finish: natural
    • Shades: 6

    Best Shade Range: Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Rhode Pocket Bronze in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Rhode

    Pocket Bronze

    $25

    Sephora

    Allure contributor Eden Stuart applying the Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Eden Stuart

    Why it’s worth it: Hailey Bieber has a reputation for creating viral products that are worth the hype, and the Rhode Pocket Bronze is no exception. This stick bronzer (which, as the name suggests, comes in a petite, pocket-size tube) provides buildable, lightweight coverage with a natural, healthy-skin finish, bolstered by smoothing peptides and nourishing tamanu oil. The shade range is particularly impressive: Not only are there a whopping eight options, but within each of the four shade families—light, medium, tan, and deep—there are two different undertone options (cool, warm, and/or neutral), making it easier to find a match that seamlessly blends into your complexion.

    Allure associate social media editor Katie Gunderman before applying the Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Allure associate social media editor Katie Gunderman before applying the Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Katie GundermanGunderman after applying the Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Gunderman after applying the Rhode Pocket Bronze

    Katie Gunderman

    Tester feedback from contributor Eden Stuart

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    “Bronzer is probably the base makeup I use the least, in part because I find it a little too ‘high risk, high reward:’ Yes, a great, well-applied bronzer will leave you glowing to the gods. But a splotchy, unblended bronzer will leave you looking like you played in the mud. So no one is more surprised than I am that I’ve been using Rhode’s Pocket Bronzer pretty much every day since I received it. The shade Bake has the perfect neutral-gold undertone that looks warm against my own neutral undertones (as opposed to orange), and the formula melts right into the skin and blends like a dream. I’ve been adding it to my cheeks, forehead, and around my jawline to warm up my go-to foundation—which is a tad too light for me now that it’s summer—and I’ve been impressed by how well-blended it looks when I’m out and about in natural lights, or even under the harsh fluorescents at stores.” —Eden Stuart, contributor

    Tester feedback from associate social media editor Katie Gunderman

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    “The Pocket Bronze is such a rich and creamy bronzer. It can be applied directly on the face or with a brush or sponge, which is my favorite way to use it. The formula is so buttery and makes blending it out such a dream. It warms up my complexion so perfectly and the shade range is also really great!” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: peptides, tamanu oil
    • Finish: natural
    • Shades: 8

    Best Duo: Juvia's Place Bronzed Duo

    Bronzed Duo in branded rose gold compact on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Juvia's Place

    Bronzed Duo

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Ulta

    Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo

    Annie Blay-Tettey

    Why it’s worth it: Melanated skin is very seldom one color; often, those with medium-deep to deep skin tones need to use different shades around the perimeter of their faces and the center. Juvia’s Place’s Bronzed Duo Palettes take this into account, featuring two matte powder bronzers that are about one shade apart. The neutral undertones make them perfect for, say, using the deeper shade along the jawline and forehead, and the lighter tone on the cheekbones or down the nose. It’s available in five shade duos that span the complexion spectrum, but the real highlight has to be the richest option—Deep Dark, designed to complement chocolate brown skin tones.

    BlayTettey before applying the Juvia's Place Bronzed Duo

    Blay-Tettey before applying the Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo

    Annie Blay-TetteyBlayTettey after applying the Juvia's Place Bronzed Duo

    Blay-Tettey after applying the Juvia’s Place Bronzed Duo

    Annie Blay-Tettey

    Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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    "There aren't many bronzers on the market that are dark enough to show up on deep skin but also warm enough that they actually bronze instead of contour. So when I discovered that the Juvia's Place Bronze Duo does both, I was immediately sold. I became an even bigger fan the more I used the product. I tap a brush into the deeper of the two shades and sweep it across my cheekbones after applying blush and powder. Then I brush on the lighter shade sparingly above my cheekbones to blend it all out. The result is always a warm, sun-kissed glow." —Annie Blay-Tetty, associate beauty editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: synthetic fluorphlogopite (synthetic fluorine mica), talc
    • Finish: soft matte
    • Shades: 5

    Best Applicator: LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer

    LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer on a grey background with Allure Best of Beauty award winning badgeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    LYS Beauty

    No Limits Cream Bronzer

    $24

    Sephora

    $24

    Credo Beauty

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it's worth it: Bronzer sticks are some of the most versatile (and bag-friendly) of the bunch, and the Best of Beauty-winning LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronzer proves it. This ever-creamy, balm-like formula sculpts and contours precisely where you need it and melts into skin effortlessly. That’s not all: It delivers a hit of hydrating sodium hyaluronate (a derivative of hyaluronic acid) to hydrate skin and leave a glowy (but never greasy) finish, while antioxidant-rich rosehip oil helps soften the look of dark spots. Keep in mind that this formula is ultra-pigmented, so we recommend using a dense bronzing brush or makeup sponge to apply and blend. Don't fret if you overdo it because the No Limits Cream Bronzer's tint easily blends out to a sheerer finish.

    New York City-based makeup artist Jamie Dorman says this cream bronzer is one of her favorites for its wider range of undertones. "It can be so hard to find bronzer shades for dark skin with options for people who want a warmer or cooler tone," she says. "This product comes in multiple undertones and has a silky formula that will make skin look naturally tan."

    Kinonen before applying the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronze

    Kinonen before applying the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronze

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronze

    Kinonen after applying the LYS Beauty No Limits Cream Bronze

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    "My contour game is pretty pathetic. A few swipes across my forehead, down my cheekbones, and along my jawline is the extent of it—applied with my fingers. This bronzer/contour stick makes it so much easier; the mess-free tool chisels even better than my digits." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: rosehip oil, green tea extract, sodium hyaluronate
    • Finish: demi-matte
    • Shades: 7

    More bronzers we like

    Best for Mature Skin: Laura Geller New York Baked Bronze-n-Brighten Multipurpose Bronzer

    Laura Geller New York Baked Bronze-n-Brighten Multipurpose Bronzer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Laura Geller

    New York Baked Bronze-n-Brighten Multipurpose Bronzer

    $34 $30 (12% off)

    Amazon

    $34

    Sephora

    $34

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it’s worth it: While cream bronzer might be the classic first choice for mature skin, don’t write off powders entirely. In fact, New York City-based makeup artist Kat Dorn loves Laura Geller’s Baked Bronze-n-Brightened Multipurpose Bronzer precisely because it’s formulated for skin over 40. This marbled formula features a trio of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, jojoba seed oil, green tea, and cica, for a seamless blend—plus, the finely milled powder won’t emphasize texture. “You can apply this with a powder brush under the cheekbones, around the forehead, under the jawline, [and] even on the apples of the cheek anywhere you want extra warmth,” says Dorn.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, green tea extract, Centella asiatica extract
    • Finish: natural
    • Shades: 3

    Best for Dry Skin: Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm

    Summer Fridays Bronzer Butter Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Summer Fridays

    Bronzer Butter Balm

    $32

    Sephora

    $32

    Revolve

    Why it’s worth it: One of the main reasons someone (especially those with dry skin) may choose a cream bronzer over others is moisture, and Summer Fridays’ Bronzer Butter Balm offers plenty of it. Anchored by ceramides, peptides, and a blend of shea, mango seed, and illipe butters, these hydrating and moisturizing ingredients create a creamy, pigmented balm that offers medium-buildable coverage. Also on the ingredients list: a “soft-set complex” designed to help the formula melt more easily into the skin before settling into a natural finish. It’s available in six shades, five of which have a neutral or cool undertone, making this one a solid pick for contouring, too.

    More to Know

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    • Key ingredients: ceramides, peptides, shea butter, mango seed butter, illipe butter
    • Finish: natural
    • Shades: 6

    Best for Contouring: Hung Vanngo Beauty Tansculpt Bronzing Contour Balm

    Hung Vanngo Beauty Tansculpt Bronzing Contour Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Hung Vanngo

    Beauty Tansculpt Bronzing Contour Balm

    $34

    Sephora

    Why it’s worth it: The Hung Vanngo Tansculpt Bronzing Contour Balm is a favorite of New York City-based makeup artist Jewels Grogan; she describes it as “a blurring, balm-to-powder formula, which helps it just glide onto the skin and create effortless bronzing and sculpting.” It comes in eight shades, all of which have neutral undertones, making them not only great bronzers but also ideal contouring products for most people. The coverage level is medium and buildable, which is another win for contouring—for natural-looking dimension, strong pigment, and the ability to work in layers are crucial.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: silica microspheres and vitamin E
    • Finish: natural velvet-matte
    • Shades: 8

    Most Natural Coverage: Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

    Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Makeup by Mario

    SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer

    $34

    Sephora

    Why it’s worth it: Makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic did his big one with the SoftSculpt Transforming Skin Enhancer: Both Grogan and Dorn recommend this Makeup by Mario offering for those with more mature skin. The cream formula has a radiant finish and provides some of the lightest coverage of any of the options on the list—ideal for those who want to avoid emphasizing texture, since heavier products can settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamins A, D, and E are on the ingredients list, providing plenty of smoothing and hydration, while omega-6 fatty acids offer nourishment. While the lighter coverage does mean that this one isn’t going to be your first choice for heavy contouring, it can still provide plenty of warmth.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E, omega-6 fatty acids
    • Finish: radiant
    • Shades: 6

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are common bronzer mistakes?

    “The most common mistake I see with bronzer is over-indulging,” says Grogan. It’s important to remember that bronzer is for adding warmth or sculpting— meaning you want to think of it as your icing, not the cake. “There is no need to apply bronzer all over the face,” says Grogan. “The best way to create a beautiful, glowy, bronzed complexion is to be very intentional where you apply it.” Stick to the high points of the face that would naturally be hit by the sun, she says; think the nose, forehead, cheekbones, and chin. After blending it into those areas, you can “use whatever is left on the brush to lightly sweep around the mouth, ears, and temples, but keep it minimal.”

    You also want to make sure you’re using the right tools; Dorn says people frequently use brushes that are too big for the task. “When using a powder bronzer, you want a medium-size blending brush,” so that you don’t cover too much surface area, she explains.

    And perhaps unsurprisingly, “another common mistake is getting a color that does not suit your skin tone,” says Dorn. If you have fair skin, New York City-based makeup artist Elisa Flowers recommends looking for a shade or two darker than your natural skin tone and always using a light hand when applying.

    Those with light-to-medium complexions can also benefit from choosing shades one or two hues darker than their natural skin color. For these skin tones, neutral undertones will always look the most organic. "Be sure to avoid bronzers that appear overly orange or red-toned in the pan, as they will only become more intense when you apply them to the skin," says Flowers.

    People with tan, olive-toned skin can get away with wearing most bronzer shades as long as they don't stray too far from their natural skin color, says Flowers. That said, she does note that terracotta hues with a hint of red look beautiful on tan complexions. Finding a suitable bronzer can be especially tricky for those with dark and deep complexions, as fewer options on the market cater to melanated skin. Still, brands like LYS and Fenty Beauty are getting it right with a more comprehensive, inclusive range of shades.

    What's the difference between powder, cream, and liquid bronzers?

    Apply your bronzer to the areas of the face where the sun would hit, including the top of your cheeks, along your hairline, nose, middle of the chin, and forehead, according to Brielle Pollara, a New York City-based makeup artist. "Using a brush, apply onto the skin using light strokes," she told Allure. "Make sure to blend well into the skin for a natural finish." That said, there are nuances to application techniques, depending on the type of formulation you use:

    Liquid Bronzers

    Liquid bronzers can be used under your complexion products, alone as an all-over glow booster, or concentrated on specific areas of the face for a more contoured appearance. "With any liquid product, I always recommend using a dense brush to apply it," says Pollara. "This will give you more control over the product placement." For a softer, natural-looking finish, she suggests applying your liquid bronzer to the back of your hand and picking up product with your brush before applying it to your face.

    Cream Bronzers

    Similar to a liquid formula, apply your cream bronzer with your fingers onto the top of your hand and use a dense, angled brush to transfer the product to your skin, per Jamie Greenberg, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup. "I like to first place the product here because it allows the formula to warm up and it'll lay better on the face," she says. Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist based in New York City, recommends moisturizing your skin before applying your cream bronzer for ultra-dewy results. "Spray your setting or hydrating mist right before your cream bronzer application," he says. "Not only does it help the bronzer go on smoother and more evenly, but once the moisture dries down, it naturally sets the cream bronzers for a more skin-like finish."

    Powder Bronzers

    Cream and liquid bronzers tend to have buildable, opaque formulations, whereas powder bronzers are sheerer in pigment. You can layer for more intensity, but bronzer powders are overall more helpful for a subtler definition or on top of your denser creams and liquids. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Daniel Chinchilla previously told Allure to tap any excess bronzer off your makeup brush before applying, since "a little goes a long way." He suggested applying your powder bronzer from your temples down to your cheeks for natural-looking warmth.

    What is the best bronzer for older skin?

    In general, cream bronzer formulas work best for more mature skin types; Grogan says they’re less likely than powder formulas to sit on top of texture. “With mature skin, I am always trying to add moisture and a youthful dew, so I tend to avoid powder products in general,” she adds.

    And you can even maximize your hydration during the application process: “Before blending, I like to spray the face with a hydrating setting spray, then blend with either a dense foundation brush or a damp Beautyblender sprayed with the same setting spray,” advises Dorn.

    Meet the experts

    • Jamie Dorman, a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Elisa Flowers, a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Brielle Pollara, a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Jamie Greenberg, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist and founder of Jamie Makeup
    • Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist based in New York City
    • Daniel Chinchilla, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
    • Jewels Grogan, a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Kat Dorn, a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist

    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 bronzers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear, longevity, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • Zara Larsson’s Rhinestone Butterfly Eye Makeup Took Me Back to “TRL”—See the Photos

    Zara Larsson’s Rhinestone Butterfly Eye Makeup Took Me Back to “TRL”—See the Photos

    Zara Larsson performs in a pink and blue beaded top with a matching rhinestone butterfly on her eye.Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Swedish pop musician Zara Larsson is all about incorporating color, sparkle, and a healthy dash of ‘90s and early ’00s nostalgia into her looks, both onstage and off. If anyone has embraced the pop star-slash-Lisa Frank aesthetic, it's Larsson and makeup artist Sophia Sinot, whose close working partnership has brought us some of the most fun beauty inspo we've seen in awhile—like the enormous pink rhinestone butterfly Larsson donned for her performance at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, which took up a significant amount of facial real estate and has us feeling absolutely enchanted.

    Larsson and Sinot have done so many great looks; a quick scroll through Sinot's Instagram reveals everything from rainbow eye shadow dotted with matching rhinestones to leopard print body gems. For the festival, they skipped the colorful eye shadow—which has now become something of a Larsson signature—in favor of a magenta pink rhinestone butterfly outline that spanned from the top of Larsson's cheek to the center of her forehead.

    Zara Larsson performs wearing a purple and teal top with a bold butterfly design on one eye.Getty Images

    According to Sinot, she hand placed every single rhinestone on Larsson's face, which is no small feat given how many gems made up the butterfly shape and how precise the placement was. The butterfly encircles Larsson's eye, with its wings spanning the whole area from her inner brow to well past its tip. Inside the butterfly, Sinot applied a shimmery blend of icy white and mauve shadows anchored by a thick wing of black eyeliner and lush false lashes.

    This isn't the first time a butterfly motif has fluttered, so to speak, into Larsson's glam routine. In April, she wore a line of butterfly gem tattoos down her back—seven in total—designed by Lucas Stowe. Plus, the “Midnight Sun” singer has been absolutely instrumental in bringing back body glitter and body decals, which have seen quite the comeback in our nostalgia-obsessed beauty culture. While Larsson's butterfly gems are the work of a very talented professional and require a very steady hand, you could channel some of that retro pop girl energy with some stick on gems of your own, like this butterfly-themed set. Pop 'em on and go soak up that (midnight) sun!

  • 6 Best Travel Razors for Smooth Skin Wherever You Go

    6 Best Travel Razors for Smooth Skin Wherever You Go

    A collage of pink travel razors on a beige backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Packing for a trip is a balancing act between saving space and bringing all your (actual) essentials. The best travel razors—and leaving your everyday shaver at home—can help you accomplish both in a single tool. A fraction of the size of a standard razor, a travel razor makes it easy to avoid banged-up blades, gummy lubrication strips, and that awful, damp-all-over feeling, so you can comfortably shave on the go.

    Most models come with a carrying case that’s designed to protect the blades and keep the whole thing dry with perforations or vents. They usually don’t need shaving cream to achieve silky-soft results, either. Just make sure yours has a built-in moisturizing strip, says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist in New York City. Beyond that, look for one with a hinged head that follows the contours of your body and a handle that’s comfortable to hold. Because the best options don’t just save you some packing stress—they can deliver an amazing shave in their own right, too.

    Our Top Travel Razors

    • Best Overall: Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit, $10
    • Best for Bikini Area: Flamingo Travel Razor Kit, $16
    • Best for Long Stays: Schick Hydro Silk Mini Razor, $10
    • Most Comfortable: Athena Club The Mini Razor, $12
    • Best Electric Razor: Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer, $65
    • Best Travel Case: Billie Travel Case, $5

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What is TSA's razor policy?
    • How should I pack my razor for travel?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    We can’t guarantee your journey will be smooth sailing, but with these editor- and expert-approved travel razors, at least your shave will be.

    Best Overall: Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit

    Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Gillette Venus

    Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit

    $10

    Amazon

    $10

    Walmart

    Why we love it: Gillette’s Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor Kit gives you the same top-notch shave you might expect from the brand, but in a compact little package. The tiny handle is easy to maneuver, making short work of quick cleanups and everything showers alike. The razor head has five blades that are surrounded by Venus’s Lubrastrip, which activates when wet and nourishes the skin with time-tested conditioners like avocado oil. That’s this razor’s main selling point for Dr. Camp, who notes that the moisturizing strip should help prevent post-shave irritation. The mini handle is compatible with most Venus refill cartridges (except the Simply Venus and Venus Pubic Hair varieties) and comes in a vented clamshell case to keep the head nice and dry between uses.

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “When I travel internationally (a luxury I'll never take for granted), I limit myself to a single carry-on suitcase and a personal bag (usually a small duffel or backpack). I refuse to check bags in the land of Lost Bag Central, and, honestly, I don't want to lug extra weight around when I don't have to. So that means I have to get scrappy when it comes to packing. Aside from cutting down my 20 pairs of underwear to 10 (you can never have too many!), I also limit my toiletries. If I'm traveling with my husband, we bring enough minis to share, but I draw the line at my razor. I need my own. I really like the Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Travel Razor for this exact reason. It's not too big or bulky, and still manages to get the job done as well and as fast as (sometimes faster) my traditionally sized razor at home.

    “I don't use shaving cream or gel (never really have), so the fact that I can use this sans barrier—without getting nicks or cuts—in oddly shaped hotel showers makes this worth the purchase. I also like that it comes in bright colors, which makes it easier to quickly find in my toiletry bag when I'm in a rush.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Blades: 5
    • Cartridges included: 1

    Best for Bikini Area: Flamingo Travel Razor Kit

    Flamingo Travel Razor Kit in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Flamingo

    Travel Razor Kit

    $16

    Amazon

    Why we love it: You don’t have to pack an entirely separate razor for your pubes and bikini line—just swap out the razor head on Flamingo’s Travel Razor Kit, a top pick from Dr. Camp specifically for its versatility. It comes with one razor head for general use, as well as one that’s designed for the pubic area (it’s slimmer and more flexible, to allow for more control in smaller, more sensitive areas). The standard razor features a moisturizer bar infused with aloe and shea butter, which helps the five sharp blades to glide smoothly over your skin and minimizes irritation. And there’s room in the ventilated carrying case for both heads, with compartments that hold them in place while stored.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Blades: 5 (on both the Original Travel Blade and the Pubic Travel Blade)
    • Cartridges included: 1 Original Travel Blade; 1 Pubic Travel Blade

    Best for Long Stays: Schick Hydro Silk Mini Razor

    Schick Hydro Silk Mini Razor in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Schick

    Hydro Silk Mini Razor

    $10

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Schick’s Hydro Silk Mini Razor has five flexible blades that hug your curves, a moisturizing strip infused with shea butter and hyaluronic acid, and a grippy handle. We love those features, but what we adore about this itty-bitty razor is its case, which is much cuter than it has to be. It has a magnetic closure that keeps the razor safe and secure, as well as vents directly under the razor head to promote airflow where it counts. And when you arrive at your destination, the case lies flat and turns into a shower stand: Just pop the handle into the gap at the top of the case, and the razor will stay dry and ready to grab for the duration of your trip—because your long, luxurious vacation shouldn’t involve a damp or misplaced razor.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Blades: 5
    • Cartridges included: 1

    Most Comfortable: Athena Club The Mini Razor

    Athena Club The Mini Razor in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Athena Club

    The Mini Razor

    $12

    Amazon

    Why we love it: If you’re worried that travel razors sacrifice control and maneuverability in exchange for their more compact designs, let us introduce you to Athena Club’s Mini Razor. Its handle is smooth yet grippy, and slightly longer than some of the other options on our list. That makes it comfier to hold and use, and may add a little extra heft that fans of weighted razors will appreciate. The handle comes with one original Athena Club cartridge, which has a skin guard to prevent nicks and a hyaluronic acid serum strip. For refills, it’ll work with any of the brand’s styles of razor heads. Plus, it’s available in three sweet color options.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “I always seem to forget a razor while traveling but now that I have this very cute dedicated mini—with a nice travel case that keeps the blades away from my fingers as I’m rummaging around my beauty pouches—that’s no more! I love how sturdy and wide the handle is, so I have a strong grip as I shave. And the case has vents so it doesn’t get all muggy and gross. Did I mention I love how cute it is??” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Blades: 5
    • Cartridges included: 1 (cartridge refill subscriptions available through Athena Club)

    Best Electric Razor: Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer

    Bushbalm The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Bushbalm

    The Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer

    $65

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Electric razors tend to be less irritating than manual options, but they don’t exactly seem travel-friendly. Enter the Francesca Body + Bikini Trimmer from Bushbalm, which has a battery life of a whopping five hours. Even if you lose the charger somewhere along the way, this shaver probably has enough juice to see you through your trip. Its ceramic blades easily tackle coarse hair and its waterproof design makes in-shower shaves a breeze. It’s not as small as an analog travel razor, but it’s just as user-friendly. “I like that it is easy to hold, and the shape allows for contours,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, previously told Allure.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Blades: n/a
    • Cartridges included: n/a

    Best Travel Case: Billie Travel Case

    Billie Travel Case in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Billie

    Travel Case

    $5

    Amazon

    Why we love it: If you can’t stand to part with your full-size razor, you’re not alone—and that means a good carrying case is a must. Billie’s Travel Case snaps over the head of the razor, keeping it dry, protected, and clean. It creates a tight and secure seal around the razor, but it’s perforated along the bottom for maximum airflow. The base is also magnetic, so your razor won’t be free-floating around the hotel bathroom.

    Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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    “I don't travel often, but when I do, bringing my favorite razor from home is non-negotiable—I've had too many shaving mishaps with cheap disposables to even look in their direction. Luckily, Billie makes a clip-on case that makes it safe, fast, and easy to pack its five-blade razor (the whole shebang with the handle and all, not just the razor cartridge itself). All you gotta do is pop it open, place the end of the razor inside, pop it closed, and chuck it wherever it needs to go. Even when I've thrown it in a heavy toiletries bag stuffed with stuff, it stays shut and secure the whole trip through.

    “I'll never stop waxing poetic about Billie's razors in general beyond how portable they are with this case. They come equipped with five ultra-sharp blades and a moisturizing bar on top and bottom for a seamless shave—even on my thickest, darkest leg stubble. I rarely get cuts, bumps, or ingrowns, which I can't say for almost any other razor like it.

    “All of Billie's products are insanely affordable compared to much of the shaving market, and this little $5 guy is no exception. It may seem silly to spend any amount of money on such a tiny piece of plastic, but if you're already shopping from Billie, I think throwing it in your cart as an add-on is more than worth the convenience and peace of mind it brings for travel, no matter the distance.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Blades: n/a
    • Cartridges included: n/a

    Frequently asked questions

    What is TSA's razor policy?

    Great news: Both disposable razors and electric shavers are approved for carry-ons and checked luggage. The TSA just recommends wrapping or protecting sharp objects so baggage inspectors don’t accidentally cut themselves (and this is why we love a travel razor with a case).

    How should I pack my razor for travel?

    Your razor should be dry and its blades should be protected when you travel, Vidya Shivakiumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, says. Make sure it’s clean and not damp in the first place, then use a breathable case or pouch to store it separately from the rest of your toiletries. Dr. Shivakumar says keeping the blades dry will prevent them from corroding or growing bacteria over time, “which can lead to folliculitis” (a.k.a. inflamed or infected hair follicles). When you reach your destination, “unpack the unit to allow it to air out,” she adds.

    Meet the experts

    • Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist based in New York City
    • Vidya Shivakiumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago

    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.

    And for our reviews of the best travel razors, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • 10 Best Cleansers for Mature Skin to Hydrate and Soothe at Every Age

    10 Best Cleansers for Mature Skin to Hydrate and Soothe at Every Age

    Image may contain Bottle Lotion Cosmetics and PerfumeCollage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of Amazon and GettySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    The way you start and end your day is important—and should definitely include washing your face with one of the best cleansers for mature skin. Removing makeup, dirt, oil, sweat, and general grime is a must for a host of reasons (for one, it allows the rest of your skin care to absorb properly). But your cleanser needs to do a little more than that once you're dealing with signs of aging. Over time, "our skin changes in predictable ways. It becomes thinner, drier, and more prone to irritation and allergic reactions,” says Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. “Oil production slows down, the barrier weakens, and cell turnover declines, which contributes to dullness.” That's why choosing the right ingredients is so important. "A cleanser with hyaluronic acid or squalane can work wonders by hydrating dry skin and supporting elasticity," says Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin.

    Our Top Cleansers for Mature Skin

    • Best Overall: Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil, $58
    • Best for Discoloration: Tatcha The Rice Wash, $40
    • Best for Dryness: SkinMedica HA5 Hydrating Foam Cleanser, $48
    • Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser, $35
    • Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser, $20

    If age spots, fine lines, or dullness are your focus, Dr. Collins recommends "looking for a cleanser with niacinamide, vitamin C, or gentle exfoliants to brighten and even out skin tone." Avoiding certain ingredients in cleansers for mature skin is also essential. "Harsh detergents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) can strip the skin of moisture, and avoid potentially drying or irritating ingredients like clay, alcohol, charcoal, and essential oils," says Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. With that in mind, scroll ahead for the formulas experts recommend for aging skin.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • What is the best facial cleanser for mature skin?
    • What should an older woman wash her face with?
    • What is a good skin-care routine for mature skin?
    • How do you double-cleanse mature skin?
    • Why should you use a cleanser to wash your face, rather than just water?
    • Can drugstore cleansers be just as effective as higher-end ones?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

    Mara Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Mara

    Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil

    $58

    Amazon

    $58

    Sephora

    $58

    Credo Beauty

    Why we love it: Mara’s signature algae-infused approach to skin care—the brand name itself inspired by “mar,” meaning “sea” in several languages—anchors this 2024 Best of Beauty winner in deep hydration. “I love that the Algae Enzyme Cleansing Oil is both nourishing and exfoliating, two important properties in a cleanser for mature skin,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada. Spirulina and kelp team up with four gentle fruit enzymes—papaya, pineapple, grapefruit, and pumpkin—to lightly exfoliate and refine texture without irritation. “As we age, cellular turnover slows, which leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration, and our skin becomes thinner and drier. These plant-based enzymes work within a base of rich oils like jojoba, sunflower, and squalane to whisk away debris without compromising the skin barrier,” says Dr. Yadav.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, papaya enzymes, chia, moringa, squalane, spirulina, kelp
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Discoloration: Tatcha The Rice Wash

    Tatcha The Rice Wash in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tatcha

    The Rice Wash

    $40

    Amazon

    $40

    Ulta Beauty

    $40

    Sephora

    Why we love it: Inspired by the traditional Japanese practice of cleansing with nutrient-rich rice water (komenuka), Tatcha's The Rice Wash takes this ritual to the next level. It's packed with rice powder, which is full of enzymes and vitamins (A, B2, B12, and E) that soften, brighten, and give your skin a healthy glow. "The creamy texture feels incredibly luxurious as it smooths and brightens the skin," says Dr. Collins. But this cleanser goes beyond surface-level results—Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid strengthen your skin barrier and lock in hydration. That's a major bonus for mature skin, especially since retaining moisture gets more challenging as we age.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “This is one of those exfoliating cleansers that set the bar high, and you end up comparing every other face wash to it. The rice grains are barely noticeable (if you want a true physical exfoliation moment, the Rice Polish is the better pick), and the texture lathers into this really foamy, luxe cloud—FYI, a little goes a very long way. I use it as the second step in my double cleanse. Since it’s not oil-based, it doesn’t do much to tackle waterproof eye makeup. But on bare-face days or when I’m just washing off complexion products, it leaves my dry, sensitive skin hydrated and baby-soft.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: Okinawa algae, hyaluronic acid, rice powder
    • Fragrance-free: no

    Best for Makeup Removal: Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm

    Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm green jar on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Farmacy

    Green Clean Cleansing Balm

    $26

    Amazon

    $39

    Farmacy

    Why it's worth it: Whether you're taking off a full face of makeup or trying to dissolve your fourth layer of sunscreen (good for you), Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm is up to the task. The minty-green balm melts into an oil as you massage it in, effortlessly breaking down stubborn SPF and waterproof makeup. While dry skin types will especially appreciate it, we’ve found that the residue-free finish makes it just as appealing to those with oily skin. It has since been reformulated since winning a Best of Beauty Award, but the newest version is arguably even better: It swaps synthetic waxes for plant-based ones, updates the emulsifier system, and introduces the brand's Super Greens Blend of upcycled moringa, holy basil, and arugula. While free of synthetic fragrance, its signature citrus-herbal scent comes from essential oils like orange, bergamot, lime, and ylang-ylang. Prefer no scent? There's also a fragrance-free version.

    Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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    “Few products completely remove every trace of makeup quite like Farmacy's Green Clean Cleansing Balm. My skin is generally pretty clear, but when I'm not washing my face properly, it's quick to let me know it's angry with me. This balm provides such a thorough, gentle cleanse that it's never made my skin unhappy.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, Super Greens Blend (upcycled moringa, holy basil, arugula), papaya extract
    • Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrance

    Best for Dryness: SkinMedica HA5 Hydrating Foam Cleanser

    SkinMedica HA5 Hydrating Foam Cleanser blue bottle on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinMedica

    HA5 Hydrating Foam Cleanser

    $48 $38 (21% off)

    Amazon

    $48

    Dermstore

    $48

    Bluemercury

    Why we love it: If this blue bottle looks familiar, it’s because it mirrors the packaging of SkinMedica’s Best of Beauty Award-winning HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator. The HA5 Hydrating Foam Cleanser is the newest addition to the hyaluronic acid–packed lineup. “With mature skin that’s chronically dry, I always aim for gentle, soap-free cleansers without any harsh abrasives like this one,” says Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in British Columbia, Canada.

    This soothing foam helps keep your skin barrier happy and your pH in check, so you’re left with that clean, but still hydrated feeling. “This practically sparkles on contact and removes makeup well without stripping, thanks to the help of its Amino Acid Complex,” says Dr. Humphrey. “It’s designed to replenish moisture, leaving skin feeling clean, calm, and soft.”

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “Foam cleansers are naturally lightweight, but SkinMedica managed to up the ante and create a truly weightless formula that envelops my skin in the gentlest cloud. The best part is how hydrating said cloud is, thanks to five types of HA, so my skin always feels soft, replenished, and rebalanced after my nightly double-cleanse, and ready to welcome the rest of my skin care.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: HA5 Hydra Collagen Complex (hyaluronic acid), amino acid complex, hydrolyzed pea protein
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    La Roche-Posay

    Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

    $20

    Amazon

    $20

    Dermstore

    $22

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: When it comes to a minimalist formula that delivers maximal results, La Roche-Posay's Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser stands out as a soothing solution for sensitive, mature skin. "It gently cleanses away dirt, makeup, and impurities without compromising the skin's natural moisture barrier," says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Formulated with ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide, it hydrates while soothing the skin." What else? The brand's signature prebiotic thermal spring water is rich in selenium, a powerful natural antioxidant known for its soothing, protective properties.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “Sorry, but I love to beat up my skin. There's nothing that I won't put on or in it—Retinol! Glycolic acid! Botox! And whenever that comes around to bite me—meaning my skin feels tight and raw—I rely on this cleanser, which feels instantly nourishing. It's powerful enough to remove my makeup (although I do tackle waterproof mascara with my micellar water) but always leaves my skin calm, cool, and comfortable.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: selenium, ceramides, glycerin, niacinamide
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Barrier Support: Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser

    Ourself Daily Purifying Cleanser bottle of pale yellow facial cleanser with white pump cap on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Ourself

    Daily Purifying Cleanser

    $45

    Ourself

    Why we love it: If you've avoided foam cleansers in the past because they left your skin feeling stripped, Ourself’s Daily Purifying Cleanser might just change your mind. The formula starts as a silky gel before transforming into a light foam that lifts away makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil without sacrificing moisture. That's thanks to “gentle, sulfate-free cleansing agents derived from coconut and murumuru butter, plus hydrating ingredients like saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, and beet root extract, which help support the skin barrier and replenish moisture,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada, who uses this daily. “My skin feels clean and refreshed but never tight or dry.”

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: coconut, murumuru butter, saccharide isomerate, niacinamide, beet root extract
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best Fragrance-Free: Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild for Dry Combination Skin

    Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild for Dry Combination Skin in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Clinique

    All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild for Dry Combination Skin

    $29

    Amazon

    $29

    Nordstrom

    $29

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: It's gone through a few updates since its 1968 (!) debut, but the tinkering has been worthwhile: The latest iteration of Clinique All About Clean Liquid Facial Soap Mild draws on hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, soothing aloe vera, and sucrose—a sugar-derived humectant that draws moisture into the skin—as it cleanses. "The lightly foaming texture provides a clean finish while maintaining comfort and balance," says Dr. Hovenic. The Dry Combination Skin formula is especially well-suited for mature skin, which naturally produces less oil over time and is more prone to dryness and barrier disruption, since "it's a dermatologist-tested staple that's fragrance-free, so it's great for those with sensitive skin as well," she says. We love it as the water-based second step in a double-cleansing routine, washing away any lingering residue without leaving skin feeling stripped. As Dr. Hovenic puts it: "It's a classic for a reason."

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, sucrose
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser

    EltaMD Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    EltaMD

    Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser

    $35

    Amazon

    $35

    EltaMD

    Why we love it: Turns out, getting older doesn’t mean you outgrow acne or oily T-zones. EltaMD’s Skin Recovery Amino Acid Foaming Cleanser is a dream for mature skin prone to breakouts—whether they’re triggered by shifting hormones, stress, or pore-clogging products—without compromising its delicate moisture barrier. “Though many foaming facial cleansers can strip the skin barrier, this formula actually strengthens it with a blend of essential amino acids, soothing extracts, and gentle hydrators,” says Dr. Yadav. As it lifts away sunscreen, makeup, and environmental grime, it doesn’t just stop there. Thanks to bisabolol and ginger root extract, “it’s also clinically proven to reduce facial redness in just two weeks and relieve dryness in only one,” says Dr. Yadav.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: amino acids, bisabolol, ginger root extract
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Post-Procedure: Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream

    Alastin Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Alastin

    Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream

    $58

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Whether your skin is reactive after an at-home exfoliant or tender post-laser, Alastin’s Ultra Calm Cleansing Cream is specifically designed for sensitive complexions. This ultra-gentle, non-foaming cleanser sweeps away impurities, sunscreen, and light makeup without compromising an already-fragile barrier. Its creamy, milky texture is enriched with linoleic acid and oat protein extract to soothe irritation. “Since mature skin tends to be drier and more reactive, it benefits from this formula that also features tremella mushroom, an adaptogen that helps skin adapt to stress and self-regulate, and is a more powerful humectant than hyaluronic acid,” says Dr. Yadav.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: silver mushroom, linoleic acid, oat protein extract, panthenol
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser

    Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser white bottle with blue top on light grey backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Vanicream

    Gentle Facial Cleanser

    $13 $10 (23% off)

    Amazon

    $13

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it’s worth it: Sensitive skin merits a mild cleanser that won’t create irritation or spark eczema flare-ups. Dr. McDonald recommends Vanicream’s Gentle Facial Cleanser because it’s free from fragrance, dyes, and other ingredients that can cause a reaction. As you suds up, gentle surfactants sweep away dirt and debris, while glycerin restores hydration for a plump, healthy complexion. The formula is so easy on skin that it earned a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. “I often recommend it for patients with reactive or allergy-prone skin,” Dr. McDonald confirms. “As we age, we see more cases of irritation from products people have tolerated for years. A minimalist cleanser can be a reset for sensitive, mature skin.”

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glycerin, coco-glucoside
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the best facial cleanser for mature skin?

    The best facial cleanser for mature skin should check off a few boxes—namely, they should "prioritize hydration, barrier support, and gentle cleansing," says Dr. Collins. She cites ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and peptides, as well as green tea extract and vitamin E for antioxidant protection. "Cream cleansers and oil-based formulations are ideal, as they effectively remove impurities without stripping natural oils," she adds.

    What should an older woman wash her face with?

    As your skin gets older (and wiser!), it needs a little extra TLC in the cleansing department to keep it looking and feeling its best. Natural oil production decreases, leading to dryness and a weakened skin barrier, so older women benefit from using hydrating cleansers to restore moisture. Dullness becomes more noticeable as cell turnover slows, so incorporating a cleanser with mild alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) like glycolic or lactic acid can help gently exfoliate and reveal brighter, smoother skin. "Those with mature skin should avoid sulfates like sodium lauryl sulfate, harsh alcohols, and high concentrations of acids, as they can strip moisture and exacerbate dryness or sensitivity," says Dr. Collins.

    What is a good skin-care routine for mature skin?

    A solid skin-care routine for aging skin focuses on three key things: hydration, protection, and repair. According to Dr. Collins, your morning routine should include a cream- or oil-based cleanser to gently remove impurities, followed by an antioxidant serum, like vitamin C, to brighten skin and fight free radicals. Afterward, apply a moisturizer to hydrate, and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with SPF 30 or more) to shield against UV damage.

    For your evening routine, Dr. Collins recommends starting with a face wash—either a single or double cleanse, depending on your needs. "Next, incorporate a retinol or peptide serum to boost collagen and improve skin texture. Wrap up your routine with a hydrating cream or moisturizer to seal in moisture and give your skin the overnight support it needs to recharge and repair," Dr. Collins says. With this simple yet effective routine, you'll address common concerns like dryness, fine lines, and dullness while keeping your skin healthy and radiant.

    How do you double-cleanse mature skin?

    Double-cleansing mature skin involves using two non-stripping formulas to thoroughly cleanse without compromising hydration or irritating delicate skin. "People may prefer this method, particularly if they are wearing heavy makeup, or if they like to use an oil-based cleanser but don't like the residue that some oil-based cleansers leave behind," says Dr. King. "Start with a cleansing balm or oil onto dry skin to remove makeup and sunscreen, then rinse or gently wipe away with a soft cloth. Follow with a gentle cream or gel cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup stragglers," says Dr. Collins.

    Why should you use a cleanser to wash your face, rather than just water?

    Let’s dust off your chemistry knowledge for this one. “Water can rinse away sweat and some surface debris, but it cannot dissolve oil, sunscreen, makeup, and environmental pollutants,” says Dr. McDonald. “Those substances are not water-soluble. A proper cleanser binds to oil and lifts it off the skin, so it can be rinsed away.” If you don’t cleanse properly, your serums and moisturizers will sit on top of a layer of buildup, she adds—meaning they won’t absorb effectively. Washing your face is the first foundational step that allows the rest of your skin-care routine to do its job.

    Can drugstore cleansers be just as effective as higher-end ones?

    Absolutely. “I always tell my patients that a cleanser does not have to be expensive to be effective,” says Dr. McDonald. “What matters most is choosing a gentle, well-formulated product that respects the skin barrier.” La-Roche Posay and Vanicream make some of our drugstore favorites on this list, but we’ve also unpacked our love for other budget-friendly face washes in the past.

    Meet the experts

    • Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at California Dermatology Specialists, based in Los Angeles
    • Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
    • Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
    • Shannon Humphrey, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Humphrey & Beleznay Cosmetic Dermatology, based in British Columbia, Canada
    • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, based in Toronto
    • Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Central Texas Dermatology, based in Austin

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

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • 5 Best At-Home Waxing Kits for Smooth Skin from Head to Toe

    5 Best At-Home Waxing Kits for Smooth Skin from Head to Toe

    A collage of athome waxing kits on a dark pink backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Waxing may seem like an intimidating (read: painful!) way to remove body hair, but the best at-home waxing kits make the process easy, mess-free, and as approachable as your favorite razor. Plus, there are unique benefits to waxing, anyway: It can reduce your risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn and lasts longer than shaving. So if you’re on the fence, changing up your routine could be worth it if you’re prone to post-shave irritation.

    These days, many waxes are infused with ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and other trusty moisturizers, which make them less likely to tick off your skin, says Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetics in Closter, New Jersey. And most kits have user-friendly features like precise wax strips, hard wax warmers that prevent burns, and pre- and post-wax skin care products, so you can feel even more comfortable giving them a try.

    Our Top Picks

    • Best Overall: Flamingo Body Wax Kit (2-Pack), $20
    • Best Hard Wax: Bliss Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit, $35
    • Best for Beginners: Tress Wellness Waxing Kit, $50
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips, $19
    • Best for Face: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face, $9

    One thing to note: If you’re a total waxing newbie and have highly sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema, consider seeing a pro before trying it at home, Lilin Alba, a licensed esthetician and founder of Alba Aesthetics in New York City, says. “A trained provider can assess whether waxing is appropriate in the first place,” she explains. Ready to give waxing a rip? These expert- and editor-approved kits make ridding yourself of unwanted hair a breeze.

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • What type of wax is best to use at home?
    • What are common waxing mistakes to avoid?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Best Overall: Flamingo Body Wax Kit

    Flamingo Body Wax Kit inclusive of 20 large strips 8 medium strips and 6 post-wax cloths on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Flamingo

    Body Wax Kit

    $20

    Amazon (2-Pack)

    $10

    Walmart

    Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin using the Flamingo Body Wax Kit

    Shanna Shipin

    Why we love it: An Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner three years running, Flamingo’s Body Wax Kit clears body hair in a matter of seconds and only hurts about as much as pulling a bandage off your skin (seriously). The soft-gel wax contains nourishing castor oil and comes ready to use on two sizes of strips, which are great for tackling hair on your legs, arms, and underarms. The kit also comes with six post-wax cloths to wipe away any residue (they’re also infused with vitamin E to help your skin recover if it’s red or stinging). And once the hair is gone, it stays gone: Our testers only needed to break out the kit every few weeks. They come in handy for upkeep between salon visits, working on the stubbliest of strands as short as two millimeters.

    Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

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    “I have superdark hair on my upper lip that frankly requires a lot of attention—and, unfortunately, I can't use any old wax strip or wax cream since my eczema-prone skin loves to come off…with my hair…if the product is too harsh. Thankfully, these Flamingo wax strips never let me down. The game-changing thing about these is that you don't need to warm them up! I cannot stress the sheer convenience of this when you're in a pinch and the stress of rubbing your hands together would just make everything worse. There have been plenty of times that I didn't (evidently) warm the strips up enough, and wasted wax and time. Instead, you get a perfect 10 when using Flamingo—whether it's the made-for-the-face strips or the body wax strips, which are easy to cut down to size to use wherever you need to. These strips lift the hair without lifting the skin, pull from the root, and I love that it comes with oil wipes for clean up without breaking me out.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

    More to know

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    • Number of strips: 28
    • Wax type: glyceryl rosinate

    Best for Face: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

    Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Athena Club

    Wax Strip Kit for Face

    $9

    Amazon

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

    Deanna Pai

    Why we love it: The skin on your face is more delicate and sensitive than the skin on your body, so it’s important to use a wax that reflects that. With its ultra-nourishing formula, Athena Club’s Wax Strip Kit for Face ticks that essential box—star ingredients include trusty moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. Its strips are also sized correctly for small areas like your upper lip or cheek (or, according to the brand, your bikini area). “If you just want quick facial touch-ups with no equipment to deal with, the Athena Club Face Wax Strips are a smart grab-and-go option,” Coppola says. She also likes the serum that comes in the kit. It restores moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid and reduces irritation with aloe leaf juice.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “I don’t love getting my upper lip professionally waxed—it’s too intense, in my opinion, and my skin gets red and irritated—so I rely on these strips instead. They’re amazing. They do the trick in under a minute, pulling out even the fine hairs by the corner of my mouth. I also love the serum, which has a cooling rollerball that feels nice and soothing afterwards.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Number of strips: 20
    • Wax type: glyceryl rosinate, carnauba wax

    Best Hard Wax: Bliss Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit

    Bliss Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Bliss

    Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit

    $35

    Amazon

    Why we love it: After a quick turn in the microwave (in its adorable spa-style cup), Bliss’s editor-recommended Poetic Waxing At Home Wax is ready to use. It comes with spatulas (in two different sizes) for easy application—just spread an even layer at least ⅛-inch thick onto your skin—and it hardens quickly, coating and gripping each hair for clean removal. Its unscented formula also contains chamomile oil to calm skin, making it a good bet for sensitive skin. For extra soothing, follow up with the included nourishing oil, which is made with more chamomile oil and skin-softening apricot kernel oil (FYI: It also contains fragrance). A couple heating tips from Bliss: Warm the wax in 30-second intervals until it’s the consistency of thick honey, and before applying it, test a little on your inner wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Size: 5.3 ounces
    • Wax type: rosin, beeswax, lanolin, paraffin

    Best for Beginners: Tress Wellness Waxing Kit

    Tress Wellness Waxing Kit in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tress Wellness

    Waxing Kit

    $50

    Amazon

    $31

    Walmart

    Why we love it: Wax strips are easy to use and potentially less messy, but hard wax is generally gentler, making it a better entry point for newbies, according to Alba. (The more you know.) Coppola recommends Tress Wellness’s Wax Kit because “it hits everything I look for in an at-home kit.” The hard wax beads are made with jojoba oil to hydrate skin and come in two formulas: lavender for all-around waxing and tea tree oil for coarser hair. They melt quickly and evenly in the included wax warmer, which has a clear digital readout of the temperature. “At home, temperature precision is the whole game. It's the difference between a clean pull and a burn,” Coppola says. This kit also comes with wipes for pre- and post-wax skin care, as well as the brand’s “Wax Like a Pro” manual that walks you through the steps.

    More to know

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    • Size: 5 bags of hard wax beads, totaling 1.1 pounds
    • Wax type: rosin, beeswax, glyceryl rosinate

    Best for Sensitive Skin: Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips

    Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Parissa

    Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips

    $19

    Amazon

    Why we love it: Fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated to be gentle, Parissa’s Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips won’t leave sensitive skin irritated and inflamed. The cream-based wax feels smooth and doesn’t catch or pull. After waxing, the Ultra Soothe Oil hydrates with jojoba oil and vitamin E, then cools the skin with peppermint oil. Parissa’s wax strips “effectively remove unwanted hair without the hassle,” Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, says. Doing a whole-body wax? The brand also makes strips for the bikini and underarm areas using the same non-irritating formula.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Number of strips: 48
    • Wax type: glyceryl rosinate, beeswax

    Frequently asked questions

    What type of wax is best to use at home?

    It depends on what feels more approachable to you. Wax strips don’t need to be heated, saving you time and the risk of accidental burns, which is why Dr. Rastogi prefers them for at-home use.

    Meanwhile, Alba and Coppola make a case for hard wax, which you need to heat up and spread onto your skin yourself. “Hard wax wraps around the hair rather than gripping the skin, so you get far less pulling on the surface and much less irritation, especially in delicate areas,” Coppola says. Just remember to test the temperature of the wax on your wrist before applying it to a larger area. If you have any hesitance around trying hard wax at home, visit a licensed hair removal professional instead.

    Finally, regardless of your preferred type of wax, check the kit’s ingredient list before you use it, especially if you have reactive skin. Most waxes use rosin, beeswax, or a combination thereof for their base, but some also contain fragrances, dyes, or essential oils that may cause irritation.

    What are common waxing mistakes to avoid?

    The week before you wax, stop using products with retinols or retinoids on the targeted area. “These ingredients can make the skin more susceptible to skin lifting, irritation, and even burns during hair removal,” Dr. Rastogi says. A day or two beforehand, gently exfoliate the area. The day of, keep your skin dry and clear of lotions, oils, or deodorants to ensure the wax sticks and lifts off properly, Alba says.

    For wax strips, your hair needs to be at least two millimeters long in order to effectively wax it. For hard wax, it should be a quarter of an inch long, or about the length of a grain of rice, Alba says. Coppola emphasizes the importance of your waxing technique. “Keep your hand close to the skin and pull parallel to it, against the direction of growth,” she explains. “Never [pull] up and away,” she adds, because that can lead to bruising.

    After waxing, show your skin some TLC. Apply moisturizer to keep it hydrated and support the skin barrier, Dr. Rastogi says.

    Meet the experts

    • Lilin Alba, a licensed esthetician and founder of Alba Aesthetics in New York City
    • Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC a board-certified nurse practitioner, integrative aesthetics and menopause expert, and founder of Bare Aesthetics in Closter, New Jersey
    • Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City

    How we test and review products

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

    And for our reviews of the best at-home wax kits, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • Jennifer Lopez Brought Coquette Hair to Couture Week — See Photos

    Jennifer Lopez Brought Coquette Hair to Couture Week — See Photos

    Jennifer Lopez in a sleeveless dressPhoto: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Of course Jennifer Lopez packed an entire beauty mood board into just a few days at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week. In less than 72 hours, she’s checked off the boxes for a voluminous, high ponytail, pin-straight hair with a razor-sharp center part, a Bumpit-esque bouffant, and now what may very well be the prettiest look of her trip abroad: a half-up hairstyle finished with a sizable black bow. If it feels familiar, that may be because she’s embraced the coquette bow craze in Paris before—and she's proving it’s a finishing touch that’s outliving the typical trend cycle.

    To attend the Zuhair Murad show, Lopez wore her honey-highlighted hair in a polished half-up style with the top section smoothed back and away from her face before being secured high at the crown. That’s where an oversized black bow sat as the centerpiece of the romantic hairstyle, as the rest of the length was left loose.

    Jennifer Lopez smiling in sunglasses and an embellished white jacketPhoto: Getty Images

    The bow echoed the dramatic black sash cinching the waist of Lopez's embellished white ensemble. But rather than competing with it, it complemented it, adding just enough sweetness to offset the sharp tailoring and plunging neckline.

    Jennifer Lopez walking in an embellished white ensemble with a black ribbon at the waistPhoto: Getty Images

    It's also a callback to one of J.Lo’s most memorable Paris Fashion Week beauty moments from 2024. She previously embraced the coquette trend by pairing a velvet, olive green bow with another partial updo, about a year into the ribbon resurgence.

    This latest bow moment is just one chapter in what's been an especially versatile hair week for Lopez. She’s been seen in a seemingly casual high ponytail worn with an off-the-shoulder bustier gown, stick-straight hair parted cleanly down the center in a style that recalled Y2K looks, and a half-up style with a softly teased bouffant and gently waved tendrils. But this bow-adorned moment may be the most memorable, especially since it seems to reflect a personal Paris tradition for the superstar.

  • 6 Best Korean Eye Patches for Brighter, Smoother Undereyes

    6 Best Korean Eye Patches for Brighter, Smoother Undereyes

    Image contains an Allure editor holding the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches surrounded by a collage of the best...Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editor and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    The best Korean eye patches do far more than provide a fun selfie opp—they're like a cold compress, serum, and power nap for tired eyes all at once. While eye patches have become a staple in beauty routines around the world, Korean brands have long been using them as everyday rituals rather than once-in-a-while pampering sessions. “Korean skin-care culture tends to emphasize consistency and frequent use,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. (That's why many K-beauty eye patches come packaged in jars rather than single-use sachets.)

    The formulas themselves often spotlight ingredients deeply rooted in K-beauty, including “ginseng, Centella asiatica, snail mucin, fermented extracts, and, more recently, PDRN,” says Dr. Chang. These ingredients are typically paired with hydrating staples like hyaluronic acid, collagen, and ceramides to soothe, plump, and support. Many Korean eye patches also use hydrogel materials that adhere closely to the skin, keeping those ingredients in contact with the undereye area for longer. And unlike many of their Western counterparts, they often feature larger, more generously sized shapes that extend to crow’s feet and upper cheeks.

    Our Top Korean Eye Patches

    • Best Overall: CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, $23
    • Best for Dry Skin: Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches, $23
    • Best for Puffiness: Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch, $25
    • Best for Dark Circles: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches, $19

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • How are Korean eye patches different from Western ones?
    • What are the most common ingredients in Korean undereye patches?
    • How we test and review products
    • Meet the experts
    • Our staff and testers

    Ahead, discover our favorite Korean eye patches to help your undereyes look brighter, smoother, and more refreshed. Better yet, even the most expensive option on our list works out to less than $1 per treatment when you use two patches per application—way less than your daily coffee habit.

    Best Overall: CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

    CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Cosrx

    Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

    $23

    Amazon

    $23

    Ulta Beauty

    Associate beauty editor Annie BlayTettey wearing the CosRx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

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

    Annie Blay-Tettey

    Why it's worth it: You don’t have to take our word for it—Allure readers have repeatedly made CosRx’s The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch one of their favorite K-beauty products. The first thing you'll notice is its bright pink hue, which comes from vitamin B12, an ingredient known for its soothing properties. Hyaluronic acid draws moisture into the skin to plump and smooth, while adenosine supports elastin production for a firmer-looking appearance over time. The formula also features four peptides (including acetyl hexapeptide-8, sometimes called the “Botox peptide” for its ability to soften the appearance of expression lines) “that encourage collagen production and improve elasticity, says Dr. Chang. “Niacinamide brightens the appearance of dark circles, collagen maintains skin’s bounce, and caffeine calms puffiness,” so eyes look more refreshed and awake, she says.

    ​​Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, adenosine, vitamin B12
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Best for Dry Skin: Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Biodance

    Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    $23

    Amazon

    $23

    Nordstrom

    $23

    Sephora

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it’s worth it: If you love Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask but don't always have a few hours to wait for it to dry, the Collagen Peptide Eye Patches offer a more targeted alternative. The hydrogel patches borrow many of the same ingredients that made the original face mask so popular, including collagen, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and probiotic ferment. But the eye patches go a step further with 97,000 ppm (or parts per million, a common K-beauty marketing method of expressing how much of an ingredient is present in a formula) of collagen water along with elastin, caffeine, and an impressive list of 11 peptides like acetyl hexapeptide-8, copper tripeptide-1, and palmitoyl peptides that plump and support firmer-looking skin while soften the appearance of fine lines.

    Kinonen before applying the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Kinonen before applying the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Kinonen after applying the Biodance Collagen Peptide Eye Patches

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “Maybe it’s the heat, maybe it’s the vast array of new options on the market—whatever it is, I’ve been loving undereye patches lately. They’re cooling, hydrating, and overall a fun play on the traditional eye treatment —what’s not to adore? These slimy Biodance half-moons easily adhere to undereye crevices and stay put (a feat for some patches!) for as long as you’d like them to. I typically wear them for 10 to 15 minutes while I’m getting ready in the morning, but I’ve been known to keep them on for up to an hour. I told you, it’s hot out there!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: peptides, collagen, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, probiotic ferment, elastin, caffeine
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Best for Puffiness: Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Medicube

    PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    $22

    Amazon

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Alessandra Foresto

    Why it’s worth it: If you're new around here, it won't take long to realize that PDRN is K-beauty's latest ingredient obsession. “PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, is increasingly being incorporated into Korean skin-care products, including eye patches,” says Dr. Chang. Medicube’s PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch pairs salmon-derived PDRN with retinol and collagen to help improve the appearance of firmness and smooth the look of fine lines, while caffeine “reduces swelling through vasoconstriction,” says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor based in Fort Lee, New Jersey. The cooling hydrogel patches hug the contours of the eye area to help deliver these ingredients while providing a soothing, de-puffing effect in as little as 10 minutes. “The effect is typically temporary and subtle rather than dramatic, but it can be especially helpful for morning puffiness after a poor night's sleep, allergies, or fluid retention,” says Dr. Kim.

    Still, an important caveat: “Consumers should understand that topical PDRN is very different from injectable PDRN treatments,” says Dr. Chang. “While topical products may offer hydrating and skin-conditioning benefits, we don’t yet have robust clinical data showing that eye patches can replicate the regenerative effects seen with injectable treatments. As with any eye product, I recommend discontinuing use if irritation develops and avoiding direct contact with the eyes.”

    Foresto before applying the Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Foresto before applying the Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Alessandra ForestoForesto after applying the Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Foresto after applying the Medicube PDRN Caffeine Collagen Eye Patch

    Alessandra Foresto

    Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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    “I have a couple of non-negotiable must-haves for eye patches: They must stay put and not slide down your face if you walk around doing other things while wearing them, and they must feel refreshing and tightening right away. These Medicube ones hit both of my requirements and more. I like their jelly-like consistency that feels cooling right away, and that they are soaked in serum. I've been using these in the morning as a pick-me-up, and I can see that my undereye immediately looks brighter and smoother after 10 minutes of wearing them. I like that they have a lot of product on them, but they are not so sticky that they are hard to apply and rip. I like to use these before I apply my morning serums, lotions, and SPF.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: salmon-derived PDRN, collagen, retinol, caffeine
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Best for Dark Circles: Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches

    Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Goodal

    Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches

    $19

    Amazon

    $26

    Olive Young

    Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches

    Bianca Richards

    Why it’s worth it: K-beauty has long turned to Korea's idyllic Jeju Island for skin-care ingredients, and Goodal's Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Gel Patches put the region's famed green tangerines front and center. Unlike fully ripened tangerines, green tangerines are harvested earlier in the season, when they naturally contain higher levels of vitamin C and antioxidant compounds—making them especially prized in brightening formulas. Here, the fruit extract is paired with ascorbyl glucoside, a stable vitamin C derivative, along with niacinamide and arbutin—a trio that helps brighten the look of dark circles and uneven pigmentation around the eyes.

    Three forms of hyaluronic acid help plump the appearance of fine lines ("you can feel the hydration immediately," says Dr. Chang) while soothing ingredients like allantoin calm irritated skin. The cooling hydrogel patches also contain adenosine to soften the look of fine lines, making them a particularly good option for anyone whose dark circles come with a side of dryness.

    Richards before applying the Goodal Green Tangerine VitaC Eye Patches

    Richards before applying the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches

    Bianca RichardsRichards after applying the Goodal Green Tangerine VitaC Eye Patches

    Richards after applying the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches

    Bianca Richards

    Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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    “I'm pretty picky when it comes to eye patches. I usually gravitate toward cooling hydrogel formulas that stay put, but the Goodal Green Tangerine Vita-C Eye Patches have won me over (best believe I will be traveling with them this summer!) After just one week of using them, I've noticed a significant improvement not only in how my undereyes look but also in how they feel. One skincare lesson I've always stood by is that keeping the undereye area hydrated and moisturized is key to minimizing the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. These patches do exactly that without causing any irritation, which is a huge plus for me. I also think you get a generous amount of product for the price, making them an excellent value. I really can't complain!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: green tangerine, ascorbyl glucoside, niacinamide, arbutin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, adenosine
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Best for Early Signs of Aging: Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch

    Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Beauty of Joseon

    Revive Under Eye Patch

    $20 $15 (25% off)

    Amazon

    $20

    Sephora

    Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon bridges old and new ingredients with the Revive Under Eye Patch, combining traditional Korean herbal ginseng with modern retinoid technology. The formula features ginseng root water, an ingredient long used in Korean herbal medicine for its antioxidant properties, which protect skin from environmental stressors that can contribute to fine lines and loss of firmness. “It’s paired with retinal—a more potent vitamin A derivative than traditional retinol—as well as bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative to improve the look of fine lines and uneven texture,” says Dr. Chang. Centella asiatica, another K-beauty staple, soothes the delicate undereye area, while ceramides, beta-glucan, and collagen support hydration and help skin appear plumper. You’ll also find adenosine and peptides like acetyl hexapeptide-8 to help tackle crow’s feet and a loss of bounce around the eyes—so when those first signs of aging start to appear, you’re covered from all angles.

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han wearing the Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han wearing the Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch

    Sarah Han

    Han applying, waiting for 10 mins, and removing the Beauty of Joseon Revive Under Eye Patch

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “Appearance isn't everything, of course, but the wing-shaped, slightly iridescent Beauty of Joseon eye patches do stand out in that regard—and when you're a beauty editor with multiple tubs (that have 60 pairs each!), sometimes appearance is what makes you reach for one brand over another. They do, however, stand out for another major reason. They have one of my favorite ingredients: retinal! I slap on these babies at nighttime after I've applied my retinal serum for extra smoothing benefits—plus, ginseng boosts circulation and helps minimize discoloration (though I don't have a ton of that to begin with). I don't have fine lines to speak of, but since using these and my other retinals (including the eye cream version of these patches!), I also haven't seen any lines or texture form—at 33, prevention of signs of aging is my foremost goal, and I consider any non-appearances a win.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: ginseng root water, retinal, bakuchiol, Centella asiatica, ceramides, beta-glucan, collagen, adenosine, peptides
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Best for Sensitive Eyes: Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Abib

    Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    $23 $16 (30% off)

    Amazon

    Allure contributing writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: There’s a reason the eye area is often the first place to react if you’re experiencing sensitivity to a product. Since the skin around the eyes is so thin and delicate, Abib’s Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch balances its brightening actives with a generous dose of calming ingredients for sensitive skin. The formula pairs glutathione and kojic acid—"two ingredients commonly used to address discoloration"—with niacinamide and vitamin C to “brighten the look of dark circles and dullness,” says Dr. Kim. But what keeps the formula from feeling too aggressive is its strong list of barrier-supporting ingredients, including allantoin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. “If your primary concern is dark circles or dullness rather than volume loss, this is a good, fragrance-free option for you,” says Dr. Kim.

    Lee before applying the Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Lee before applying the Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Christa Joanna LeeLee after applying the Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Lee after applying the Abib Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patch

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “Not only are Abib's Glutathione Kojic Acid Eye Patches made from cooling hydrogel, but they also have a slightly embossed texture that helps them stay put, so I can answer emails at my desk without finding them halfway down my face. Glutathione is a K-beauty staple, and paired with kojic acid, the duo gives my undereye area a brighter, more refreshed look. I also loved the glassy glow they left behind. Eye masks have always been an ‘if I remember’ step in my routine, but these have quickly become a every-morning habit." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glutathione, kojic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C, allantoin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Number of patches: 60

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How are Korean eye patches different from Western ones?

    According to Dr. Chang, Korean eye patches are designed with hydration and daily maintenance in mind rather than as occasional treatments. Many formulas use cooling hydrogel technology that hugs the skin, helping ingredients remain in contact with the undereye area longer—and, perhaps just as importantly, preventing the patches from slowly migrating down your cheeks. They also tend to be larger, extending toward the cheekbones and outer corners of the eyes to treat more than just the undereye area.

    What are the most common ingredients in Korean undereye patches?

    Hydration is the name of the game. “You’ll normally see nourishing and soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, collagen, peptides, panthenol, ceramides, and allantoin to make the undereye area appear smoother and brighter,” says Dr. Chang. Korean eye care formulas also often incorporate ingredients rooted in K-beauty tradition, like ginseng and Centella asiatica. Rather than relying on more aggressive treatments, these ingredients tend to focus on “soothing, hydration, and brightening,” reflecting K-beauty’s broader emphasis on prevention and consistent, long-term care, says Dr. Chang.

    Meet the experts

    • Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
    • Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified medical doctor and Medical Director of PureenMD based in Fort Lee, New Jersey

    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 Korean eye patches, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • 6 Best PHA Products to Smooth and Brighten Sensitive Skin

    6 Best PHA Products to Smooth and Brighten Sensitive Skin

    A collage of an Allure editor holding a bottle of Glow Recipe toner alongside other product silos on a offwhite backgroundCollage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    When it comes to exfoliants, you no longer have to choose between brighter skin and a happy skin barrier. The best PHA products deliver both, gently whisking away dead skin cells while helping skin stay comfortable. "PHAs, or polyhydroxy acids, are a type of chemical exfoliant—and what makes them special is that they slough off surface buildup much more gently than other acids," says Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans. The most common PHAs you'll spot on ingredient labels are gluconolactone, lactobionic acid, and galactose.

    Like alpha hydroxy acids, PHAs work on the skin's surface to smooth texture and brighten the complexion, but “their larger molecular structures reduce the risk of deep penetration through the epidermis, making them a particularly gentle exfoliating option for dry, sensitive, or easily irritated skin,” says Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Better yet, "they also act as humectants, meaning they attract water to the skin," adds Dr. Turegano, so you get brighter and hydrated skin with less irritation. The only catch is that PHAs aren't a replacement for pore-clearing salicylic acid (betahydroxy acids are oil-soluble and dive deeper into pores to dissolve excess oil and congestion, making them a better fit for acne-prone skin).

    Our Top PHA Products

    • Best Overall: Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence, $42
    • Best for Large Pores: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner, $36
    • Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum, $150
    • Best for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List PHA Toner, $15

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Are PHAs good for sensitive skin?
    • Can I use PHAs every day?
    • Do PHAs play well with other actives like retinol or vitamin C?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Ahead, we've rounded up the Allure-approved PHA serums, toners, pads, and exfoliants that leave skin smoother and brighter without compromising your moisture barrier.

    Best Overall: Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence

    Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Eadem

    Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence

    $42

    Amazon

    $42

    Sephora

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence

    Sarah Han

    Why it's worth it: A winner of our 2024 Best of Beauty Award, Eadem’s Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliating & Hydrating Essence stars the brand's proprietary FastFade Complex, which combines gluconolactone, lactic acid, azelaic acid, tranexamic acid, and citric acid to “visibly even skin tone by gently sweeping away dull, pigment-packed surface cells to reveal brighter skin underneath,” says Dr. Vieira.

    “It's the perfect pick for anyone dealing with stubborn post-breakout marks or melasma but still wanting that smooth, glowy 'fresh skin' without adding five extra steps to their routine,” he says. "What really makes this formula stand out is how soothing it feels.” Panthenol calms inflammation and supports the skin barrier, while rice water, colloidal oatmeal extract, and glycerin add an extra layer of comfort. It simply feels nice too: "The texture is lightweight, milky, and silky on the skin with an elegant finish,” he says.

    Han before applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant  Hydrating Essence

    Han before applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant  Hydrating Essence

    Han after applying the Eadam Cashmere Peel Milky Exfoliant & Hydrating Essence

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “Not only do I love the substantial texture of a milky toner, but the Cashmere Peel offers the best of both worlds—hydrating and exfoliating—it really goes above and beyond. It leaves my skin with a visible glow that even my phone camera can pick up, but more importantly, it sloughs away dead skin cells and makes my almightily annoying nose blackheads less noticeable. My skin does feel a bit tacky afterward, but I think it helps my serum, moisturizing sunscreen, and makeup apply all the better and smoother.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • PHA percentage: 9% AHA + PHA blend
    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, lactic, azelaic, tranexamic, citric acids, rice water, colloidal oatmeal extract, glycerin, panthenol
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Large Pores: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Glow Recipe

    Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

    $36

    Amazon

    $36

    Sephora

    Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

    Elizabeth Gulino

    Why it’s worth it: Inspired by the Korean aqua peel facial—a treatment similar to a HydraFacial that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, and floods skin with hydrating serums—Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner delivers a gentler at-home alternative. It won't replicate the dramatic results of an in-office treatment, but it does nudge skin toward that same hydrated, glassy glow with minimal irritation. The formula “combines gentle 3% gluconolactone paired with betaine salicylate (a naturally derived BHA) to clear congested pores,” says Dr. Turegano. (BHA, which you might know as salicylic acid, is oil-soluble, so it can penetrate and clear out clogged pores from within.) A 62% “blend of watermelon extract and cactus water, along with glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid, keeps skin feeling soothed, hydrated, and balanced,” she adds.

    Gulino before applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA  BHA PoreTight Toner

    Gulino before applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

    Elizabeth GulinoGulino after applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA  BHA PoreTight Toner

    Gulino after applying the Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner

    Elizabeth Gulino

    Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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    “This exfoliating toner works magic on my pores—I usually apply it with a cotton pad and am left with smooth and hydrated skin. While the scent of watermelon in this product is definitely noticeable, it's a plus if you're into fruity, summery fragrances.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • PHA percentage: 3%
    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, betaine salicylate, watermelon extract, cactus water, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, polyglutamic acid
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Mature Skin: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum

    SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum black serum bottle on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    SkinCeuticals

    P-Tiox Serum

    $150

    SkinCeuticals

    $150

    Dermstore

    $150

    Bluemercury

    Why it's worth it: The peptides in this 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner may get lots of love, but they don't deserve all the credit for the formula’s smoothing abilities. The SkinCeuticals P-Tiox Serum also packs 5% gluconolactone, along with 5% niacinamide to even out hyperpigmentation and support the skin barrier and 1% laminaria digitata extract (“derived from sea kelp extract, which delivers antioxidant protection,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure). Together, they target aging skin from multiple angles, improving texture and luminosity while “softening the appearance of expression lines and wrinkles," says Dr. Turegano.

    Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

    Jessica CruelCruel after applying the SkinCeuticals PTiox

    Cruel after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

    Jessica Cruel

    Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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    “There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • PHA percentage: 5%
    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 5% niacinamide, 1% laminaria digitata extract
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Acne: Some by Mi AHA BHA PHDA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

    Some by Mi AHA BHA PHDA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Some by Mi

    AHA BHA PHDA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

    $18

    Amazon

    $25

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it's worth it: Ask an Allure editor where they first fell for PHAs, and don't be surprised if the answer starts with K-beauty, as Korean skincare has long prioritized gentle, barrier-conscious formulas that don't skimp on results. Some By Mi's AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pads are a bit stronger than your average PHA formula, so we'd stick to using them once or twice a week. That’s because lactobionic acid works in tandem with 0.5% betaine salicylate (a gentler BHA derived from beets), citric acid, and 85% willow bark water to smooth rough texture, clear clogged pores, and rein in excess oil. While the PHA provides gentle resurfacing and hydration, tea tree and the brand's soothing Truecica complex, spotlighting Centella asiatica, calm and balance acne-prone and oily skin.

    Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

    Sarah HoffmannSelfie of Sarah Hoffmann after using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

    Hoffmann after using the Some by Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Truecica Clear Pad

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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    “I treat these toner pads like a first aid kit for my skin. Whenever I'm inconsistent about skin care, the first place the neglect starts to show is around my nose and chin, where I'm prone to clogged pores. Whenever I notice this kind of congestion, a day or two of using these exfoliating pads clears that right up. My skin is pretty sensitive, so I appreciate how these toner pads are perfectly dosed with the right amount of product, so I don't need to stress about over-exfoliating. The first time I used these after a week of not-so-great skin, I woke up the next day and genuinely thought, ‘Well, that made my skin perfect.'" —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

    More to know

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    • PHA percentage: 0.01%
    • Key ingredients: lactobionic acid, 85% willow bark extract, tea tree oil, betaine salicylate, Centella asiatica extract, 0.01% citric acid
    • Fragrance-free: free of synthetic fragrance, but has peppermint oil

    Best for Sensitive Skin: The Inkey List PHA Toner

    The Inkey List PHA Toner in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    The Inkey List

    PHA Toner

    $18

    Amazon

    $15

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying The Inkey List PHA Toner

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: Known for its less-is-more approach to skin care, The Inkey List has built its reputation on making active ingredients easy to understand—and The Inkey List PHA Toner, aptly named for its hero ingredient, is a prime example. The straightforward formula doesn't try to do too much beyond its core ingredients, which include “a lower concentration of 3% gluconolactone to gently smooth rough skin texture,” says Dr. Vieira. It’s paired with 3% niacinamide to brighten and support the skin barrier, while aloe vera and glycerin replenish moisture so skin never feels stripped. Sensitive skin types will especially appreciate the gentle approach, as will anyone dealing with redness or rosacea, according to Dr. Turegano.

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee before applying The Inkey List PHA Toner

    Lee before applying The Inkey List PHA Toner

    Christa Joanna LeeAllure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after applying The Inkey List PHA Toner

    Lee after applying The Inkey List PHA Toner

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “The Inkey List PHA Toner is about as uncomplicated as a toner gets. There's no sting, no irritation, no sticky residue, and no scent, so it gets to work smoothing away rough, built-up skin without making my sensitive skin unhappy. I did notice a tiny bit of pilling before makeup one morning, but I suspect that had more to do with all the dead skin it was lifting (and me not giving it quite enough time to dry) than the formula itself. Its travel-friendly size makes it easy to bring along wherever you go—I'm almost out for toting this around and definitely need to restock." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • PHA percentage: 3%
    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 3% niacinamide, aloe vera, glycerin
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Best for Uneven Texture: Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Blue bottle of Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum on light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Mara

    Flower Acid Algae Serum

    $74

    Amazon

    $74

    Sephora

    $74

    Bluemercury

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it's worth it: If you already have dry skin, the last thing you want is an exfoliant that leaves it feeling even more parched. Mara’s Flower Acid Algae Serum proves that gentle exfoliation and deep hydration can coexist. Alongside gluconolactone and 11% lactic acid to smooth rough texture and lift away dull skin, the formula is packed with moisturizing squalane, hydrating glycerin, and a blend of nourishing botanical oils (including milk thistle seed, black currant, and evening primrose) to replenish lipids as it exfoliates. Marine algae and plankton extracts support the skin barrier and boost hydration, while antioxidant-rich flower extracts, such as daisy and hibiscus, brighten the complexion. Plus, it won a Best of Beauty Award in our clean category, meaning it's formulated without the 14 ingredient classes outlined in our Clean Standard.

    Kinonen before applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Kinonen before applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Sarah KinonenKinonen after applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Kinonen after applying the Mara Flower Acid Algae Serum

    Sarah Kinonen

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “I use this serum every other night in place of my prescription Tretinoin. After cleansing and before moisturizer, I massage a small pump into my skin from my forehead down my neck. As someone who has easily irritated skin, this never causes the usual side effects I experience with potent serums, like inflammation and/or flaking. Instead, it leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking glowy. I'll admit that $74 for an exfoliating serum is a bit pricey, but I promise it's worth the investment! I've recommended it to so many friends and family members, and they've all agreed with how great the results are.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • PHA percentage: not disclosed
    • Key ingredients: gluconolactone, 11% lactic acid, squalane, glycerin, milk thistle seed oil, black currant oil, evening primrose oil, marine algae, plankton extracts, daisy, hibiscus
    • Fragrance-free: yes

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are PHAs good for sensitive skin?

    PHAs are widely considered one of the best exfoliating acids for sensitive skin. "Because they have a larger molecular size than AHAs like glycolic acid, they penetrate more slowly and tend to cause less stinging, redness, and irritation while still helping to smooth texture and brighten the skin," says Dr. Turegano. Another bonus: "PHAs have humectant properties, so they attract water to the skin while they exfoliate," she says. That means you get the smoothing and brightening benefits of chemical exfoliation without the tight, stripped feeling that can sometimes accompany stronger acids. If your skin is dry, reactive, or easily irritated, PHAs are an excellent place to start. “If you’re experiencing any irritation with a PHA though, it’s your body’s way of telling you it’s time to dial back frequency,” adds Dr. Vieira.

    Can I use PHAs every day?

    For many people, yes. "PHAs are gentle enough to be used daily," says Dr. Turegano. But how often you should reach for them “depends on your skin type, the strength of the formula, and what other active ingredients are already in your routine,” she says. If you're new to exfoliating acids or have sensitive skin, she recommends easing in by using a PHA product “a few times a week, then gradually increasing to daily use as your skin tolerates it,” she says. As with any exfoliant, pay attention to signs of overdoing it—like persistent redness, dryness, or stinging—and scale back if needed.

    Do PHAs play well with other actives like retinol or vitamin C?

    "PHAs generally play very well with other skin-care ingredients, including retinoids and vitamin C," says Dr. Turegano. Because they're gentler than stronger exfoliating acids, they're less likely to compound irritation. That said, if you have sensitive skin or are layering multiple actives, Dr. Turegano recommends “introducing new products gradually and paying close attention to how your skin responds before increasing frequency.”

    Meet the experts

    • Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist based in New Orleans
    • Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia

    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 PHA products, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists. 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.

  • The Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum Gives Me Instantly Glassy Skin

    The Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ Serum Gives Me Instantly Glassy Skin

    A photo of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying the Medik8 ExoPDRN Prismatic serum next to a product silo on...Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    There’s nothing I want more from my skin-care routine than glass skin. While not a new concept, this K-beauty term for clear, poreless, luminous, and seemingly transparent skin continues to be the gold standard for beauty editors and, well, everyone else. While I indulge in sheet masks a few times a week and my LED mask when I remember, serums are a daily step I refuse to skimp on in my quest to get (and maintain) glowy, plump, and youthful-looking skin. TL;DR: Serums are high-potency products that deliver active ingredients into the skin most efficiently, Boston-based board-certified dermatologist Ranella Hirsch, MD, previously explained, and target specific skin-care concerns like dullness, fine lines, and more. (For this reason, I always tell my friends to invest in their serums! Cleansers and moisturizers? Not so much.)

    And, as a Korean skin-care obsessive, I was super curious about the UK-based brand’s take on two of Korea’s biggest innovation exports of the past few years: PDRN and exosomes. Meet the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+.

    Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate in branded bottle component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Medik8

    Exo-PDRN Prismatic+

    $96

    Medik8

    Jump to:AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • The ingredients breakdown
    • My first impressions
    • How I tested it
    • The results
    • Final thoughts
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    The ingredients breakdown

    Inspired by injectable PDRN used primarily in Asia and Europe—where it helps to stimulate collagen production and promote wound healing—its topical counterpart is thought to improve skin texture, elasticity, and overall radiance, though experts aren't fully sold on that claim. Full disclosure: Allure’s stance on PDRN is that there isn’t enough clinical research (yet) to support the efficacy of topical PDRN, and our reporting on exosomes, another key ingredient in Prismatic+, has a similar conclusion. (Exosomes, for the uninitiated, are tiny structures that transport proteins, lipids, and genetic material in an effort to encourage wound healing and other forms of cellular repair—although again, whether this translates to topical products is TBD.)

    It’s perhaps worth noting that Medik8 uses a vegan source of PDRN (listed simply as “DNA” in the ingredients list) that “might imply a biotech source, something prepared by fermentation,” says Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist. However, the brand doesn’t disclose its exact source; plus, “DNA, no matter the source, is pretty fragile when it comes to cosmetic stability,” Dobo explains. The “Prismatic” of it all refers to a three-dimensional, pyramid-shaped structure that the brand claims improves the formula’s stability and penetration. To this, Dobos says more information on the molecular size and weight of the structure (which determines the level of skin penetration) is needed.

    Working alongside the star ingredients, however, are widely tested supporting ingredients that are seriously pulling their weight, according to Dobos. In addition to a high concentration of hydrating glycerin and soothing, redness-minimizing allantoin, Dobos calls out niacinamide as a star ingredient. “As one of the most reliable multitaskers we have, [niacinamide] supports barrier function, improves skin tone, and can help with overall skin brightness and texture,” she says. I personally have also had luck with growth-factor serums, which are formulated to support the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Medik8 uses its own technology, GF MiniProtein and oligopeptide-1 (a lab-engineered version of epidermal growth factor, or EGF for short), to smooth and plump skin.

    Me applying the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ after rinsing my face.

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Medik8 ExoPDRN Prismatic  Pro Concentrate

    Me after applying the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ with a visible glow.

    Sarah Han

    My first impressions

    The first thing that struck me about the Prismatic+ serum was its texture. It has this silky slip that allows it to really glide onto the skin—there’s no tugging whatsoever. (I’ll be damned if I accelerate the formation of any wrinkles!) As it melts into my skin, it does leave a slightly tacky finish—but I don’t mind it because I think it helps my gel moisturizer (if I wear one), sunscreen, and eventually makeup grip on better. They’re all one big happy family!

    Most mornings I’ll apply a toner or essence, but I’ve skipped that step to see if Prismatic+ alone leaves me with a visible, healthy glow, and I’m happy to report that it does. Even if I only got five hours of sleep, my skin doesn’t look the least bit tired.

    How I tested it

    For reference, I’m 33, have combination skin (featuring a very oily T-zone), and my biggest concern is delaying early signs of aging. I’ve also never used injectables and don’t plan on it for the time being, so topical skin care—and a sporadic laser or facial here and there—is the crux of what I’m working with. To test, I incorporated Prismatic+ into my daytime and nighttime routines for a month. After I rinse my face in the morning, I’ll typically go in with a toner (currently, Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner), Prismatic+, a second serum (more on that in a moment), and a moisturizing sunscreen (I forego a standalone moisturizer in the summer since I find the extra layer to be too heavy/cause pilling.) At nighttime, my typical routine is a double-cleanse, essence, Prismatic+, retinol, and richer cream.

    I had one hesitation from the beginning: Is Prismatic+ enough as the only serum in my routine to address my concerns (again, early signs of aging)? When I asked Dobos for her opinion, she affirmed my skepticism: “This could be a nice supporting product in your skin-care routine, but I don't think it can replace proven antioxidants and retinoids.” I don’t see that as a downside, necessarily, as I already love cocktailing my serums—the more the merrier! I’ve been layering Prismatic with my usual vitamin C (I like Medik8’s C-Tetra Advanced) during the day and a retinol or retinal serum at night. Reminder: Derms always say to go from thinnest to thickest consistencies, and Prismatic+ is thinner than most—hence, it’s the first serum I apply.

    The results

    I appreciate how versatile Prismatic+ is; not only does it give me an incredible glow from the outset, but it’s incredibly lightweight and layers well with my other skin-care products—sans heaviness (especially important in the humid dog days of summer) or pilling. For one, my skin looks bouncier and feels softer to the touch after each application. It often goes through bouts of stress (dryness, dullness) whenever the seasons change, and after a month of testing the Exo-PDRN Prismatic+, my skin definitely appears overall brighter, more hydrated, and balanced. I can imagine Prismatic+ shining in the colder months, too, when my combination skin suddenly craves more moisture. Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ is the kind of formula that plays well with all skin types. Case in point: David Kim, MD, a NYC-based board-certified dermatologist who uses Prismatic+ himself, adds that it's “great for acne-prone skin, especially in the summer, and layers well with salicylic acid.” (Dr. Kim also loves the lightweight texture, by the way—so two points for Prismatic+!)

    A hand holding the Medik8 ExoPDRN Prismatic serum in front of dried flowers

    I’m almost done with my first bottle—time to re-up soon.

    Sarah Han

    Final thoughts

    All things considered—busy office days, long evenings filled with work events, choppy sleep, and everything else that life throws my way—I think I take pretty good care of my skin, but I can’t say skin care never falls to the wayside. On days I fall asleep before doing my full nighttime routine (including Exo-PDRN Prismatic+), my skin looks a little duller come morning. But a few pumps of this serum later, and my skin instantly perks up. It’s been a satisfying, glow-inducing addition to my skin-care routine, and I look forward to maintaining said glow in the coming months and reupping my supply of Prismatic+ when I run out. Moreover, whenever I’m at my derm’s office (Hi, Dr. Kim!) for my next round of Clear + Brilliant, I’ll be reaching for this as a post-laser treatment to soothe and intensely hydrate my skin. If you’re looking for a deeply hydrating serum that restores glow and bounce and makes your skin look healthier week after week, I can’t recommend Exo-PDRN Prismatic+enough.

    Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+ & Pro Concentrate in branded bottle component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Medik8

    Exo-PDRN Prismatic+

    $96

    Medik8

    Meet the experts

    • Kelly Dobos is a Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist and an instructor for a laboratory course on color cosmetic formulations at the University of Cincinnati.
    • David Kim, MD, is a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of Soho Dermatology.

    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 review of the Medik8 Exo-PDRN Prismatic+, we considered the product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear—along with special consideration from a cosmetic chemist and board-certified dermatologist. 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.

  • Zendaya Is an IRL Goddess With Waist-Lenth Wavy Hair — See Photos

    Zendaya Is an IRL Goddess With Waist-Lenth Wavy Hair — See Photos

    Zendaya posing with a braid crownPhoto: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Four months into Zendaya’s bixie, we haven’t come close to tiring of it. She's cycled through soft curls, slicked-back styles, and vintage-inspired swoops that have made her hair one of the biggest beauty stories of the year. But for the world premiere of The Odyssey, she surprised us by suddenly wearing waist-skimming waves and a braid crown that couldn’t be more fitting for someone playing a goddess.

    Zendaya arrived at the London event on July 6 with not several inches but several feet of additional hair. Simultaneously regal and seemingly effortless—her hairstylist would surely disagree—it cascaded in the softest of undone waves down to her corseted waist.

    Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. Two thick braids began just above the temples before wrapping over and around her head like an organic headband. Rather than being tightly woven, the braids had a relaxed texture that blended with the softness of her length.

    Zendaya posing over her shoulder in a white beading corseted gownPhoto: Getty Images

    The style feels especially appropriate given her role as Athena in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey. It evokes exactly what you’d picture for mythological beauty, and just like so many of Zendaya’s premiere looks for other movies, it stays on-theme.

    Zendaya posing in a white highneck dressPhoto: Getty Images

    Her makeup by Ernesto Casillas was even more ethereal, thanks to a wash of frosty, pearlescent eye shadow emphasized along the inner corners of her eyes and blended out both above and below, behind well-defined lashes. Her nails, on the other hand (no pun intended), went in the opposite direction with a super-dark, short manicure, keeping the look from skewing too angelic.

    Between the braided crown, flowing waves, and luminous makeup, Zendaya's latest red carpet appearance feels like what we might see if Athena herself showed up for an A-list movie premiere.