Author: qeayxz

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You can’t tell me 2026 hasn’t been the year of quiet silver. Whether it’s subtle streaks, uninhibited roots, or full-on salt-and-pepper, celebrities have been demonstrating that going gray doesn't have to mean choosing between dyeing over the evidence and going completely silver in a single salon sitting. And while there are plenty of famous faces (or scalps?) making a compelling case for silver blending, Olivia Colman has quickly and enviably emerged as the unofficial ambassador for the look.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicker on October 20, Colman wore a vivid red shirt tucked into a high-waisted, floor-length, gathered, burgundy skirt that extended into a dramatic train. But despite the colorful combination, her hair managed to steal the show. Colman's long, side-parted strands cascaded over one shoulder in loose, voluminous waves, with soft ribbons of silver and gray beautifully intermingled with her brunette base.

Photo: Getty Images

The transformation has been one of the most delightful parts of Colman's Wicker press tour (which is saying something, considering the cast is a joy in and of itself). As hairstylist Clayton Hawkins told Allure earlier this month, he exhibited Colman’s color with “big, sexy romantic curls” that really played up the variegation

That's precisely the appeal of quiet silver: It's about blending rather than battling your grays.  L'Oréal Professionnel's Jacob Habib Khan describes what some call French blending as a personalized way to create “a more natural look and seamless grow-out.” Colorist Farah Hurdle previously explained to Allure that her “gray-blending” approach uses highlights where silver is concentrated and lowlights in darker areas to limit demarcation and get a glow going between shades.

If you're considering your own quiet-silver era, start with a professional consultation rather than attempting an at-home transformation. And once you've got your blend, maintenance matters: Hawkins recommends using a purple shampoo to help keep silver strands bright. As he put it, “If you take care of gray hair and keep it silvery, there's nothing better.” And Colman is clearly proof of that.

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We should’ve known we hit peak beauty phone case in 2025 when Justin Bieber sang That’s my baby / She’s iconic / iPhone case / Lip gloss on it. To some, the lyrics are nonsensical, but tapped-in consumers know that he was talking about the Rhode Lip Case. Created by his wife Hailey Bieber for her beauty brand, the $38 silicone case not only protects your phone but also holds a tube of Rhode’s best-selling Peptide Lip Treatment. You’ve likely clocked the case in Mrs. Bieber’s many mirror selfies or spotted them gripped tightly in the hands of tweens walking, well, anywhere in downtown Manhattan.

The phone case immediately went viral after launching in February 2024. The people of the internet—namely, the girlies—couldn’t get enough, matching it to their favorite lip shade and anticipating new colorways. For Rhode fans, it was a way to showcase allegiance to their favorite brand and its very famous and influential founder. An accessory that seemingly came out of nowhere, it changed the beauty merch game… and maybe not in a good way.

Now, two years later, it’s not hard to find knockoffs that don’t exactly live up to Rhode’s creation. Temu and Shein are flooded with dupes in every color of the rainbow, and loads of brands have been inspired to create their own phone case-beauty product hybrids to, at best, try and replicate some of Rhode’s original magic or, at worst, reheat Bieber’s nachos into a stale soggy mess.

Earlier this year, Daise Beauty launched a lip balm that sticks to the back of your phone like a Pop Socket, and just this past week two brands released similar concepts: Dior started selling a mini lip balm on their website and Charlotte Tilbury announced a mini setting powder, both of which adhere to the back of your phone. (Dior’s costs $95, Tilbury’s is free as a gift with purchase.) Fenty Beauty also collaborated with Casetify to create a case that holds both a tiny powder and a tiny lip gloss, resulting in a product so clunky it couldn’t possibly fit in a cute little purse, let alone someone’s pocket. There have likely been other gimmicky iterations thrust upon consumers since 2024, but none of them made enough of an impact to come to mind.

Frankly, I’ve had enough of this landfill-bound, wasteful junk. Two years ago, Rhode did something novel, sure, but brands attempting to hitch a ride on Bieber’s coattails just to make a buck aren’t helping when it comes to overconsumption in the beauty industry—they’re only making it worse by attempting to create a new category of highly disposable products. (Although Bieber recently told Fortune she’s not interested in overconsumption, she is in the business of making products and selling them—including the current six colorways of the case.)

According to Euromonitor International, almost 7.9 billion units of rigid plastic were created just for beauty and personal care products in the U.S. in 2018, and that was before the influx of charms, cases, merch, and other random accessories sold by the very beauty brands accumulating the bulk of the waste. (The global market is expected to grow by 5 percent annually until 2030, so that number is likely now even larger.) And even if your of-the-moment accessory ends up in the recycling bin, it may never be recycled: Only 9 percent of all plastic waste ever produced has actually been turned into something reusable.

Not only are many of these items superfluous and a waste of both money and resources, but they also sound like a hygiene nightmare. Almost a decade ago, a study published in Time said our cell phones were ten times dirtier than most toilet seats—a stat I’m sure has multiplied over the past decade as people become even more glued to their miniature screens. (It was around that time that Dscout data uncovered that the average cell phone user touches their phone 2,617 times per day). So why, on God’s green Earth, would you purposely stick a beauty product onto the back of a filthy device just to then jam your finger into a formula you’re going to spread onto your mouth or over your skin? Phones can also heat up, so I can’t imagine a warm surface is a great environment for your products to rest on.

Of the Daise stick-on, Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman says her amusement with the accessory was short-lived. “My initial thoughts were about how cute, fun, colorful, and potentially practical it was,” she explains. “After about a week of my phone being in my back pocket or jammed in my purse, it kept sliding open, collecting debris along the way. After that, there was no way I was applying it on my lips."

That also begs the question: Does no one put their phone in their pocket anymore? How are we fitting an entire mini computer and a pressed powder in our already tight denim pouches? And while I know girl grip is impressive, the bigger these get, are they at all comfortable to hold?

Every brand contributes to beauty’s waste problem, including Rhode, simply because they make products that don’t last forever. But at least the originators of the beauty phone case brought a level of intentionality to the product’s design. It’s more hygienic than a pot of sample-sized lip balm stuck on pop socket-style, and it pairs with a full-size product. The case, of course, can be used with however many lip treatments you go through in your phone’s—and thus your case’s— life cycle.

I’m not seeing the same level of, we thought this one through! from other brands. But if I’m to aim my pitchfork at anyone—or anything—it’d be late-stage capitalism. Every aspect of our lives has been commodified, down to the charms that hang off of our handbags and the trinkets we attach to our handheld internet portals. We’ve all become walking billboards for brands whether you like it or not, and if you think about the amount of mirror selfies a branded phone case would appear in, we’re doing a lot of marketing legwork for free.

The glut of phone accessories isn’t just unhygienic or jading—it’s exhausting to keep up with, and points to a dismal answer to the “is originality dead?” discourse pervading our feeds. To be clear, I’m not trying to be a hater. Of course we should be able to do whatever the hell we want with our beauty products and continue to implement the small, meaningful ways we express ourselves to the world. But maybe let’s keep them off of the devices—we probably don’t need more screentime anyway.

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Megan Thee Stallion has been spending plenty of time in platinum territory lately—including at the Victoria's Secret fashion show—but for her new “Thin Ice” music video, she’s taken the color to an appropriately frigid extreme with not one but two icy platinum-blonde hairstyles.

“Thin Ice” officially revives her Tina Snow alter ego, marking the beginning of the Act III era. The new material comes after a difficult year personally, including an abrupt breakup in April—though that doesn't necessarily mean every lyric is a coded message. Fans are, of course, free to conduct their own forensic analysis of every bar. Meg’s hair, however, is considerably easier to interpret.

One of the video’s platinum looks features stick-straight hair cascading down her body, the color pushed to a cool, almost-white tone that looks particularly striking against her all-black outfit. The lengths—as well as the bangs—are sleek and glossy, creating an almost fluid quality around her as she dances. She makes the look unmistakably hers with a sparkling crystal “Tina Snow” embellishment—essentially a nameplate necklace for her head, which feels like an accurate level of extra for Megan.

She switches things up considerably with a shorter platinum style with glamorous, voluminous curls. Where the first look is sleek and almost intimidating, this one feels more bombshell—proof that changing the silhouette can make essentially the same hair color read like an entirely different character. The shade is still the star, but the curls give it a softer, more old-school glamour.

That said, the color gives both hairstyles an ice queen vibe, and honestly, if you’re going to make a music video for a song called “Thin Ice,” this is beauty tie-in exactly what I’d expect from Megan’s go-to hair genius, Kellon Deryck.

Watch the new video below:

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As your lips change with age, so should your makeup. That's where upgrading to the best lip liners for mature skin comes in: Paired with a good lipstick for older women, they can help restore definition, create the appearance of fuller lips, and keep color from feathering into fine lines around the mouth. “They’re the underrated MVP of the lip category,” says LA-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles. “They can help define your shape and maximize it while also giving your lip color more staying power.”

While many of us tend to focus on how our facial skin changes over time—leading to a newfound demand for targeted moisturizers and serums for aging skin—the lips get overlooked. But they have a naturally impaired skin barrier and few to no oil glands, so aging can be uniquely tough on them. “Structurally, the lips lose volume, and the border of the lips loses definition,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Not only that, but "the lips often become dry and the skin barrier becomes weaker as we get older,” he adds.

Our Top Lip Liners for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Liner, $28
• Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour, $13
• Best Longwear: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain, $25
• Best for Color Range: MAC Creamy Lip Liner, $25

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?
• How do you keep lipstick from bleeding on older skin?
• Is lip liner good for mature lips?
• Meet our experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

That means formulas that drag or settle into lines can make those changes more noticeable. Instead, look for a lip liner that glides on smoothly but has enough grip to keep color from migrating beyond the lip line. You want to choose one that has staying power, but also isn’t too drying,” says New York City–based celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty.

Luckily, that no longer limits you to a classic pencil. Today’s options include nude lip liners that look like your lips but better, long-wearing stains, and chubby contour sticks that can softly bring back volume you’ve lost. Ahead, we found the best lip liners for mature lips, with expert-approved picks that make defining your shape a whole lot easier.

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

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Charlotte Tilbury

Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: There’s a reason this pencil has become a makeup bag staple. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner nails the trifecta with a comfortable formula, impressive staying power and shade range that makes finding a natural-looking match refreshingly easy. The formula, which can glide onto skin without skipping, is especially helpful for mature lips. “The texture is beautiful,” says Bhatty. “It's not dry but not too creamy, so it wears really well.”

Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which hydrate and moisturize, give the pencil that slip. Then comes polybutene, which is “a flexible film former that helps prevent feathering and smudging by locking pigments in place,” explains Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati. That means your color will stay in place even through multiple cups of iced coffee. We’re partial to the brand’s iconic Pillow Talk family, which includes four takes on the original rosy-nude shade.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, ceresin
• Shades: 19

Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour

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L'Oréal Paris

Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour

$13

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Lip shape can subtly change over time. “We lose not only volume in our lips as we age, but also the vermilion border, which is your visible lip line, tends to fade,” says Stiles. Enter L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour, a twist-up crayon that brings definition back into the picture without requiring a super-precise application (or your reading glasses).

The namesake blurring effect of this lip liner is especially forgiving with hydrated silica that "scatters and diffuses light to soften the appearance of fine lines and texture,” says Dobos. Combined with waxes, these ingredients create a soft-focus effect that makes lip contours appear naturally defined. The formula is effectively doing some of the blending for you, which is exactly why it appeals to Bhatty, who finds it so hydrating that she sometimes uses it all over the lips.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: dimethicone, hydrated silica, beeswax
• Shades: 8

Best Longwear: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain

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Huda Beauty

Lip Contour Lip Stain for 12-Hour Wear

$25

Shop

$25

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If your lipstick seems to vanish somewhere between your morning coffee and lunch, Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain offers a different strategy. It's powered by a polymer that creates a lightweight, flexible film on the lips. “That film helps anchor the colorants to the lip surface,” says Dobos, who adds that this contributes to the product's transfer-resistant and long-wearing properties. The staining effect, she explains, comes from water-soluble dyes that tint the outer layers of the lips rather than simply sitting on top like traditional solid pigments.

The felt-tip applicator glides without tugging or skipping, making it easy to trace your natural lip shape or subtly enhance it. One thing to note: Store the pen cap side down to help keep the formula from drying out. As for the payoff, “The stain lasts for hours and doesn’t fade when a gloss or balm is added into the mix as a wax-based liner can,” says Stiles, who especially loves the shade Rosewood. “It’s a perfect muted rose that feels like it’s enhancing my vermillion border."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe, argan oil
• Shades: 11

Best Shade Range: MAC Cosmetics Creamy Lip Liner

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MAC

Creamy Lip Liner

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Whether you’ve been rocking lip liner for years or just started wearing it, one thing reigns true: MAC lip pencils are the GOAT when it comes to the shade range. With more than 28 shades spanning neutrals, pinks, reds, browns, and other statement-makers, MAC Cosmetics Creamy Lip Liner offers the kind of collection that allows you to match your liner to your lipstick, instead of trying to make one beige pencil do everything. “They are so saturated in color, and they have a beautiful opacity,” says Bhatty, who regularly restocks this classic in her kit. That intensity makes it especially useful when you're wearing a more dramatic lip and want the liner to pull its weight as part of the finished look.

The texture does run slightly drier than some of the other picks here, so give lips a little prep with a hydrating balm before application. For anyone who likes a true red lip, berry, plum, or any color that demands a precise match, the selection is unparalleled.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: C10-18 Triglycerides, japan fruit wax, vitamin e
• Shades: 36

Best Lip Liner Stain: Sacheu Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn

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Sacheu

Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn

$14

Shop

$14

Ulta Beauty

$14

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Sacheu Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn, which you apply and then peel off once it sets, made its way to TikTok virality—but it’s not just a gimmick. “They have good colors and the product stays on for ages,” says Stiles. While the peel-off application may feel like it was built for social media, it may have some functional benefit, too. “Because the film stays in place while the dyes are depositing, it can help create a more even stain and reduce the chance of immediate smudging or bleeding beyond the lips,” says Dobos.

There is a slight learning curve, though. You'll want to apply a generous, even layer and give it enough time—about five to seven minutes—to set before peeling it away. (Stiles recommends applying it at the beginning of your makeup routine so the stain has plenty of time to develop.) Once you peel it off, soften the resulting line with your finger or a brush for a more diffused finish. The result is a wash of color that can act as a subtle lip contour on its own or as a base underneath lipstick or gloss.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Shades: 16

Best for Lip Lines : Refy Lip Blur Lip Liner

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Refy

Lip Blur Lip Liner

$24

Shop

$24

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: When fine lines around the mouth are your biggest concern, a traditional pencil isn't necessarily the best way to go. Refy's Lip Blur takes a smarter approach by pairing a blurring formula with a rounded applicator that diffuses the edges, rather than creating the kind of sharp, precise line that can look severe on lips that have lost volume. While the applicator helps, it also uses a mix of polymers and silicones to create a soft-focus effect, according to Dobos. “They scatter light and help soften the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture,” she says.

The domed tip is equally important: “A traditional pencil is sharpened to a point, so the line you produce is very clean and sharp,” says Stiles. The rounded shape creates a softer edge, which can make lips look subtly fuller and more naturally contoured. It's an especially good choice when you want definition without drawing attention to your lip lines or areas where your lip line has become less defined.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: polymethylsilsesquioxane, vinyl dimethicone, silsesquioxane crosspolymer a
• Shades: 7

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?

Start with hydration. “Make sure you prep your lips before you get your pencil ready,” says Bhatty. She likes to prep with a thick, hydrating lip balm. Her favorite? Sisley. “It’s fancy but worth it.” She also recommends applying moisturizer around the mouth so the surrounding skin is smooth and plump. “I’ll apply eye cream to the lips and around the mouth because your lip skin is similar to the skin around your eyes. That will help the lip liner go on smoothly.”

Just be sure to remove excess product before reaching for your liner. “Tissue off the excess balm so it won’t slide, and I’ll use micellar water or a skin mist so it won’t be extra emollient,” says Bhatty. From there, she applies lip liner just outside the natural lip line to subtly maximize volume.

Rather than tracing one continuous line, use short strokes from the center of the mouth outward, stopping before you reach the corners. “Going to the edge can make the mouth look a little droopy as you get older,” says Bhatty. Finish by using a lip brush or your finger to gently diffuse any harsh edges.

How do you keep lipstick from bleeding?

Fine lines around the mouth can turn a precise lip into a smeared one surprisingly quickly. “If feathering is an issue, then I would lean more toward long-wearing formulas as they have better staying power,” says Stiles.

She also recommends using a clear lip liner slightly outside the natural lip line. “Those are made to function as a barrier and prevent feathering,” says Stiles. A clear liner can create a subtle boundary without introducing another color that might compete with your lipstick.

Overlining also requires a light touch. You can slightly exaggerate the Cupid's bow, but keep the liner close to your natural shape around the outer corners, where feathering can be more noticeable. A softly blended edge will generally look more natural than a sharply drawn line.

Is lip liner good for mature lips?

Absolutely, and it can be one of the most useful tools in your makeup routine as your lips change with age. A well-chosen liner can bring back definition as the natural lip border becomes less distinct, help keep lipstick from feathering, and subtly enhance the shape of your lips. The key is choosing a formula that works with drier lips rather than against them. Look for creamy, comfortable lip pencils and always give lips a quick hit of hydration first. A swipe of lip balm can make all the difference before you pick up your lip liner.

Meet our experts

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
• Kirin Bhatty is a New York City–based celebrity makeup artist.
• Fiona Stiles is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist.
• Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati.

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 lip liners for mature lips, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness 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 are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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If there’s one type of styling tool our editors rely on the most, it’s the best blow-dryer brushes. These tools can help you get a professional-level blowout, no salon appointment (or sore arms) required. While they won’t entirely replace your blow-dryer—you’ll still want to rough-dry or air-dry first—they’re a game-changer once your hair is damp, cutting down on both frizz and styling time.

The concept of a hair dryer brush is simple yet intuitive: The handy, two-in-one tools combine the detangling ability of a brush with the power of heat, allowing you to get the right amount of tension to style, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. Even better? “Blow-dry brushes work for most hair types—fine, wavy, straight, medium, and even very thick hair if the sections are small enough,” says Reagan Baker, a stylist based in New York City, adding that they’re the closest you can get to a professional blowout without needing expert technique.

Our Top Hair-Dryer Brushes

• Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer, $749
• Best Overall Runner-Up: Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System, $450
• Best for Frizz: GHD Duet Blowdry, $429
• Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, $66

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I get the most out of a hair-dryer brush?
• How do I minimize heat damage from a hair-dryer brush?
• Are hair-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional hair-dryers?
• How do I clean my hair-dryer brush?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Even if you've gotten used to—or resigned yourself to—maneuvering your blow-dryer and round brush simultaneously, these hair-dryer brushes make styling more controlled, easier, faster, and smoother. Interest piqued? Keep reading to learn more about our tried-and-true picks.

Best Overall: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

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Dyson

Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

$749

Dyson

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: As far as we're concerned, the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x is one of the most powerful, user-friendly blow dryer brushes on the market—so much so that it took home a Best of Beauty Award. For starters, its high-powered Hyperdymium 2 motor spins 150,000 times a minute (in comparison, the standard Airwrap motor spins at 110,000 revolutions per minute, or RPM for short). That gives it a faster airflow, which means it can dry and style hair more quickly than the original model. It's also ultra-lightweight, at 0.9 pounds, which can make all the difference when you’re styling in sections, and automatically shuts off when you put it down (so you'll never again wonder whether you unplugged it). The suite of attachments—five to be exact—makes it easy to define your curls or straighten your strands for soft, sleek, hair-commercial-worthy styles. In other words, you get endless opportunities to touch up and play around with your styles, minus the heat damage.

The Airwrap Co-anda is available in two versions: Curly+Coily and Straight+Wavy. Both have the same number of attachments, with a few differences. Our tester is using the Curly+Coily version, which comes with a diffuser for setting bouncy curls and a wide-tooth tension comb that gently stretches and smooths hair. The Straight+Wavy version features an Airsmooth attachment that straightens without a hot plate (so you can ditch your emotional-support high school flatiron) and a 1.2-inch curling barrel instead. It all bundles up into a sleek case you can easily keep on your vanity or under your sink.

Shipin before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

Jenny Bailly

Bailly after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer

Jenny Bailly

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). This is coming from someone with low-porosity hair that takes seemingly forever to dry. The fact that I can get my curly hair handled before one of my two kids notices I'm gone is a miracle in itself. I love to use the round brush to create gentle tension that makes my blowouts last for days on end; the attachment is a vast improvement over the older version, IMO. This new iteration gets far closer to the roots for a more natural finish. There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary. And the diffuser? There are two settings, and both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me.

If you have the original Airwrap, if you're new to multi-stylers, or if you're Dyson-curious, this is the product to buy—especially in this new Amber Silk color. It’s a pretty warm honey that's more my style than the classic midnight blue. Any Dyson is an investment, and while this one's steep, you'll be able to kiss your curling iron, blow dryer, and straightener goodbye with a single hot tool. For curly girls especially, it's nice to have a tool that feels tailor-made for your routine. The only person I might not recommend it for? A constant traveler who loves doing their hair on the go; the power cord is heavy and not very compact, making this less frequent flier-friendly than other stylers on the market.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“As an OG Airwrap owner, I had my doubts that the Co-anda2x could possibly be worth another $200+. Then I used it. If, say, you take the 8:32 train and sometimes wait until 8:15 to blow-dry your hair—I’d definitely consider investing. Since I started using this multi-styler, my blowdry time has been cut down by at least five crucial minutes. This tool is powerful, and it is hot (so hot that I must warn you to wait a beat before switching out attachments during your blowdry). The dryer attachment is–on my long, wavy, medium-thickness hair–as effective as the Dyson’s dedicated Supersonic dryer. (If you have very thick or coarse hair, you might feel differently but for me, this can replace a regular blowdryer.) After a couple of minutes of rough-drying, I go in with the large round brush to smooth and get some volume at my roots. Four minutes of sectioned brushing and I switch to the larger of the two curling barrels to create loose waves. In less than 10 minutes—a first for me—I’m done.” —Jenny Bailly, executive director

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types and textures
• Weight: 0.9 lbs
• Wattage: 1600W
• Noise level: moderate
• Attachments: 5

Best Overall Runner-Up: Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

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Shark

Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

$450 $400 (11% off)

Amazon

$500

Nordstrom

$450

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

Elizabeth Gulino

Why it's worth it: For people with longer hair, drying your hair with a round brush can turn into a whole-day affair. The Best of Beauty-winning Shark FlexStyle Glam helps cut down on that. (One Allure editor said it dried her thick, long hair in just 30 minutes.) Its high-velocity airflow is powered by a 1,500-watt digital monitor that checks and then adjusts temperature 1,000 times per second to keep heat below 302 degrees Fahrenheit (which is an ideal temperature for minimizing heat exposure). Its speedy airflow works alongside heat-controlled ceramic to easily smooth and wrap hair, no matter which of the five attachments you choose. For instance, the Shark Silki Hot Tool + Air Straightener dries and straightens hair in a single pass, thanks to two air-emitting ceramic plates that help reduce frizz and boost shine. A bonus: The dermatologist-developed Scalp Shield technology instantly adjusts the temperature to protect your scalp if you accidentally get too close for comfort.

Gulino before using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

Elizabeth Gulino

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto before using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after using the Shark Glam Ceramic & Powerful Air Styling and Drying System

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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"What can’t this thing do? My most-used attachment with a hair-styling tool is the round brush, and the Shark Glam’s version effortlessly skims through my hair with each pass. Shout-out to the curling attachments, too, that work so fast I was able to do my whole head from wet to perfectly blown-out in under 30 minutes." —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I have a lot of thick hair (not complaining!) but that means that it can take a while to style it. When you work out almost every day and wash your hair as often as I do, a time-saving tool like this one is, no exaggeration, life changing. I love that this 5-in-1 set has an attachment for every style, so I can go from having damp hair to straight hair, curly hair, or wavy hair in 10ish minutes. I do wish it came with a case to keep all its parts organized, though (I bought one on Amazon).”—Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types and lengths
• Weight: 1.63 lb
• Wattage: 1,500W
• Noise level: loud
• Attachments: 5

Best for Frizz: GHD Duet Blowdry

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GHD

Duet Blowdry

$429

Amazon

$429

Ulta Beauty

$429

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the GHD Duet Blowdry

Christa Lee

Why it's worth it: Even with a blow-dryer brush that cuts your routine in half, there’s nothing more frustrating than a perfect blowout that deflates the minute you step outside. The GHD Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush would never let that hard work go to waste, keeping your blowout bouncy and humidity-resistant for up to 24 hours—so even muggy weather won’t ruin your look. How it works: The brush’s proprietary Heat-Air Xchange Technology evenly distributes heat and airflow through the brush—while built-in sensors monitor the temperature up to 400 times per second—to speed up drying, smooth frizz, and boost shine without overheating hair. “It’s truly effortless and delivers a polished, salon-quality finish in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship and quality are unmatched,” says Linda Gattineri, a colorist based in Del Mar, California. Bottom line: This tool checks every box for a long-lasting, damage-free blowout.

Lee before using the GHD Duet Blowdry

Christa Lee

Lee after using the GHD Duet Blowdry

Christa Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My strands usually get wild when I air-dry, but the before photo (at about 80% dry, as GHD instructs) shows the difference—rolling each section down with its smooth tension makes styling easy without tugging. It’s a little heavier than some tools I’ve tested (close to three pounds), but because it dries hair so quickly, you’ll barely notice the weight. I never knew my hair could possibly be this frizz-free and shiny.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types
• Weight: 2.82 lbs
• Wattage: Approx 260W
• Noise level: moderate
• Attachments: none

Best for Beginners: T3 Airebrush

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T3

Airebrush

$150

Amazon

$150

Nordstrom

$150

Shop

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: We get it: Using a blow dryer brush for the first time is no small feat. That’s why New York City-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab calls the T3 Airebrush One Step her go-to blowout brush, especially for beginners, because it has everything you need for easy styling: multiple heat and speed settings, smooth bristles, and a lightweight design that takes the guesswork out of it.

There are two versions of the Airebrush, based on your hair length and type: One is outfitted with an oval head and the other with a round head. We’ve tested and loved both, but there are some key differences. For thick, longer hair, the wideness and flatter edges of the oval brush help add soft waves, bends, and a just-left-the-salon lift that doesn’t drop once you head out the door. The round brush, on the other hand, is slimmer and better for shorter hair because it gets into the hard-to-reach edges around the crown more easily, creating a sleeker, more polished finish with a subtle flip at the ends. Thanks to the ceramic barrel and smooth bristles, both brushes literally feel like you’re brushing your hair with a comb—no pulling or tugging necessary, which can make all of the difference if your hair is fine or thin. Finish with the Cool Shot setting, which activates a burst of cool air to lock in shine and set your style.

Hoffmann before using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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“This was the first blow-dryer brush I've ever used, so it'll always hold a special place in my heart. It's pretty quiet for how powerful it is, and it's not particularly heavy either. I like holding it upside down and letting my hair wrap around the round barrel as I pull the brush through while twisting. I prefer a curly blowout and find that letting a freshly passed strand cool slightly on the barrel before releasing it really helps maintain the shape for a long time. A little bit of mousse to prep and hairspray to finish really help with longevity too, especially if your hair is textured.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types and textures
• Weight: 16 oz
• Wattage: 1200W
• Noise level: low
• Attachments: 1 (you can purchase it with the oval or round attachment, but they're not interchangeable)

Best for Volume: Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

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Dyson

Airsmooth Styling Brush

$250

Dyson

Cruel using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

Jessica Cruel

Why it's worth it: Although your Dyson Airwrap might come with a round brush attachment, the Airsmooth Styling Brush is a worthwhile addition to your rotation, especially for those with textured hair. Instead of a traditional round barrel, the Airsmooth’s barrel has a teardrop shape, with a slightly more tapered edge that can get close to the root, allowing more flexibility to smooth the ends or lift at the crown without burning your scalp. Inside the barrel are two different types of bristles—PivotFlex and Antisnag—that bend at 90 degrees to help the teeth smoothly glide through tangles with less snagging or pulling. Its open base also distributes airflow evenly to minimize frizz and unnecessary heat exposure. Pro tip: For tighter curl patterns, our editors recommend styling in small sections for faster drying and a smoother, voluminous blowout.

Cruel before using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

Jessica Cruel

Calaor before using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after using the Dyson Airsmooth Styling Brush

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“This is my first time using a blow-dry brush, and I finally understand why stylists use a round brush for a voluminous blowout. Prior to this, I was always worried about my coily hair getting tangled, but unlike boar bristles, this brush has smooth tines that bend with the hair. I started my test with freshly washed, damp hair. I sprayed small sections with my Kenra Professional Thermal Styling Spray and used my FHI Heat Unbrush to make sure everything was detangled before going in with the Airsmooth. Because I’m new to a brush tool, I used smaller sections than I normally would. I first focused on stretching the hair at the ends, then I went back to the roots. I moved the brush both on top of and below the section in order to get the best tension—I was a bit of a contortionist!

Something about this blowout is fluffier and more voluminous than my normal result with the Dyson Airwrap comb attachment, and I’m not sure if I like that. Overall, the process takes the same amount of time—45 minutes to an hour. The brush is great at getting the tension you need to smooth coily hair, so much so that I was a little worried I was pulling too hard on my fine hair. However, it was hard to get the very ends smooth.” —Jessica Cruel, editor-in-chief

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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"My long, thick, naturally wavy hair easily takes and holds whatever shape I put it in, which makes styling pretty easy for me, especially with heat. This makes me not want to reach for hot-air brushes as often as other tools because they create an in-between effect that isn’t quite what I’m after: They don’t retain my natural waves, but they also don’t give me the super-bouncy, polished look I want. (The heads are usually too big for that.) My primary interest in Dyson’s iteration of the tool was the promise of ‘faster drying’ and ‘healthier hair.’ If a hot-air brush can give me a look I’m thrilled with and quickly, then that’s money well-spent.

To test it, I sprayed my hair with water so it was slightly wet. Then, I prepped it with the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion, working a quarter-size amount throughout the lengths of my hair and sectioning it off with a scrunchie (I ultimately created three sections). Next, I set my tool to the highest setting. The teardrop shape and bristles made it easy to grab my hair close to the root and create tension to smooth and dry my hair. (It never got too hot as I held it close to my roots.) As I became more comfortable with it, I began moving faster, grabbing bigger and bigger sections, and was still able to get the same effect as opposed to the smaller sections I started with. I had to manipulate the dried sections with my hands to get my flippy ends, but I didn’t mind that at all, as that’s usually what I do with air-dry brushes.

It took less than 15 minutes to style my whole head. All in all, this was the most seamless experience with a hot-air brush I’ve ever had. My hair is smooth and has nice shine and movement. However, for the price, I don’t know if I’d invest in it. While it gave me a very pretty result, I already have an Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer that gives me a style I'm even happier with." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types, textured hair included
• Weight: 1.4 lbs
• Wattage: 950W to 1080W
• Noise level: low-medium
• Attachments: none

Best for Shine: Drybar The Double Shot

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Drybar

The Double Shot

$155

Nordstrom

$155

Ulta Beauty

$155

Sephora

Former Allure content director Kara McGrath using the Drybar The Double Shot

Kara McGrath

Why it's worth it: The Drybar The Double Shot packs everything we love about visiting a Drybar salon into a handy hot tool. Its ionic technology reduces frizz by smoothing the hair shaft, while a combination of nylon and tufted bristles walks a careful line between tension and control for more ease and less tug-of-war. Plentiful vents inside its large barrel also ensure even, strong airflow that leaves your hair with a springy bounce (without looking like Shirley Temple ringlets) and a larger-than-life lift. Pro tip: If you have very thick or long hair, you can do a preliminary rough dry with a regular blow-dryer to prep for The Double Shot.

McGrath before using the Drybar The Double Shot

Kara McGrath

McGrath after using the Drybar The Double Shot

Kara McGrath

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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"If you want people to ask if you just got a professional blowout—that is, super smooth with loads of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the tool for you. Since the barrel is larger than others, it gives tons of volume, but is still thin enough to create some curls as well (and to really get into the cowlick that curses my bangs)." —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Best for: fine-to-medium hair textures, straight-to-wavy hair types, short-to-medium lengths
• Weight: 2.6 lbs
• Wattage: 1100W
• Noise level: 80.8 dB
• Attachments: none

Best Budget: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

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Revlon

One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

$66

Amazon

$66

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If you haven't already seen one of the many Allure editors and TikTokers raving about the award-winning Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, you have some serious catching up to do. This brush's innovative, groundbreaking design (which has inspired many copycats) is so good that we’ve given it not one, but two Allure Best of Beauty Awards. (In fact, the original One-Step arguably started the entire blow-dryer brush trend!) Let’s run through all of its pros: The under-$70 tool has four heat settings that suit different textures and a slightly smaller brush head (compared to the original’s)—so it’s easier for those with shorter hair to use, or if you’re looking for extra volume, and a slimmer handle that's easier to grip. During Best of Beauty testing, one of our editors got away with styling their whole head with just one hand.

Han before using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Sarah Han

Han after using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"I'm no expert at styling my hair, so the more straightforward a tool, the better—so I really appreciate that Revlon's One-Step 2.0 doesn't have much of a learning curve. I wrap my hair in a microfiber towel and wait until it's 75% dry before using low heat. I'll sometimes set my front pieces with the cool shot mode, but I'm not super precious about it. The tool itself is still rather bulky for my liking—even though the top of the handle is slimmer than that of the 1.0—but it gets a good job for the price, and you can probably snag it when it's on sale, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Best for: all hair types and textures
• Weight: 1.8 lbs
• Wattage: 1100W
• Noise level: 75 dBs
• Attachments: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the most out of a hair-dryer brush?

Even with the fanciest hot tool, the key to a glorious blowout starts with prep, prep, and more prep. Always start with clean, detangled, and damp hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. "Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair," Sturdivant-Drew explains. And even if a blow dryer brush claims to incur minimal heat damage, applying a heat protect (or a leave-in with one) helps protect your style and hair health.

For straight or wavy hair, volume is even easier to achieve, especially with the right technique: "Twist the dryer as you go in a circular motion to add volume if that's what you are looking for," says Sturdivant-Drew. If your hair is on the curly or coily side and you're going for a sleek look, you can follow up with a flatiron or brush it out with the heat off. "If you want it straight, you should use the blow-dryer brush and, right under it, use another brush to smooth those kinky strands all the way out," she says.

How do I minimize heat damage from a hair-dryer brush?

To minimize the risk of heat damage, opt for a blow-dryer brush that features several temperature settings, so you can better moderate the amount of heat your hair is undergoing. Not all hair types call for the same heat level, so if you're getting acquainted with a new blow-dryer brush, pay attention to how your hair reacts to different temperature settings as you become more familiar with the tool.

As previously reported, another tried-and-true defense mechanism is to prep your blowout with a heat protectant. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells Allure, "If you're using heat styler or any heat products directly on hair, using a heat protectant, usually made with meadowfoam seed oil, light polymers, or even silicone, can help to minimize damage as they can form a coating on hair." But the best way to fend off heat damage is to not overuse heat on your hair—plain and simple.

Are hair-dryer brushes easier to use than traditional hair-dryers?

Choosing a new hair tool is a matter of personal preference, but shoppers and professional hairstylists alike vouch for the ease of use of hair-dryer brushes, even if you are a beginner. “Blow-dry brushes are so incredibly user-friendly—you can achieve a great blow-dry at home without needing pro-level skills. They take about half the time compared to juggling a dryer and a round brush,” says Baker.

Additionally, if you have pain or limited mobility in your hands or arms, a hair-dryer brush is an excellent alternative to a traditional blow-dryer. “Because they’re easier to maneuver, you’re less likely to tire out your arms or need a second round of styling with a flat iron or curling iron,” says Baker. That said, be sure to let your hair air-dry about 70%—or give it a quick rough dry with a traditional blow-dryer—before reaching for your brush. Starting on damp strands helps prevent breakage and ensures a smoother, frizz-free finish, as these tools aren’t designed for sopping-wet hair (and ultimately lead to damage or breakage).

How do I clean my hair-dryer brush?

Hair-dryer brushes come in a range of designs, so depending on the type of barrel, bristles, or shape of your tool, cleaning techniques may vary. "Every brand has different features, but if yours has a filter, remove the dust from it every week," says Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist. "If you are interested in removing hair from the bristles, use either a comb or a boar bristle brush cleaner—a brush used to clean other brushes," he suggests.

To remove product buildup from the bristles of your blow dryer brush, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Cherin Choi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, previously told Allure that if product buildup won't budge, she uses a small amount of rubbing alcohol to tackle residue from hairsprays, pomades, and the like.

Remember that cleaning your hot tool regularly is critical to peak performance. "[The product/hair buildup] can prevent your tools from working at full capacity," Atlanta-based hairstylist Tukia Allen told Allure. Brian O'Connor, a Nashville-based hairstylist, agreed with Allen, adding that a hot tool with buildup can lead to the "uneven heating of the hair."

Meet the experts

• Tukia Allen, a stylist based in Atlanta
• Reagan Baker, a stylist and founder of House of Reagan based in New York City
• Cherin Choi, a stylist based in Los Angeles
• Linda Gattineri, a colorist and owner of Equo Co. based in Del Mar, California
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist based in Parsippany, New Jersey
• Brian O'Connor, a stylist based in Nashville
• Takisha Sturdivant-Drew, a stylist based in New York City
• Devin Toth, a stylist based in New York City
• Jennifer Korab, a stylist based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

For our review of the best blow-dryer brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and stylists—each of whom have different hair types, experiences with hair-drying, and desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, versatility, ease of use, and value. 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.

NetflixSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Morally complex and full of memorable performances, Netflix’s adaptation of East of Eden has quickly become one of the year’s biggest TV hits. The adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, created by Zoe Kazan (whose grandfather Elia Kazan directed the first onscreen interpretation of the book in 1955), centers Steinbeck’s multigenerational saga on the book’s most controversial character, Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh), exploring her agency and evil from a different perspective. Pugh’s performance is hands down the most memorable of the show, enhanced by her hair and makeup that serve as visual markers for the character’s shifting identity.

Creating beauty looks for a series that spans four decades offers a particular challenge for those working behind the scenes, like co-hair and makeup designers Nancy Hennah and Sarah Rubano. “East of Eden is set over 43 years, so our beauty vision changed with the characters and with what was in fashion during each time period,” says Hennah. The first episode places the audience in New England, right after the American Civil War, and introduces us to veteran Cyrus Trask and his sons, Adam and Charles. We watch as Adam and Charles grow from boys to teenagers to men before a bloodied Cathy arrives on their family farm and disrupts their world. By the end of the seven-part series, we’re in the 1910s as men are being sent off to fight in World War I.

Hennah and Rubano collaborated closely with the show’s art and costume departments when researching the time periods and gathering historically accurate references in order to root the characters in realism across each chapter of their lives. “We focused mainly on the script rather than the book for reference,” says Rubano. “And Zoe [Kazan] was very descriptive and had clear ideas for most characters.”

Pugh on set with her personal glam team for the series, hairstylist Jaime Leigh McIntosh and makeup artist Heba Thorisdottir.

Netflix / Geoffrey Short

Pugh’s personal on-set hair and makeup team—who worked alongside Hennah and Rubano—also challenged themselves to work as historically accurately as possible. For example, hairstylist Jaime Leigh McIntosh avoided using hot tools when styling Pugh’s wigs. Instead, she “wet set the hair to create texture.” Makeup artist Heba Thorisdottir, on the other hand, had to take into account that in the late 1800s, at the beginning of the series, cosmetics weren’t yet widely manufactured or commercially available. But as Cathy moves through life and eventually into her role as a brothel owner (when she is known as Kate), makeup becomes increasingly accessible, aligning with her character arc. “The cosmetic availability went perfectly with the storyline of Cathy transforming into Kate and wearing makeup,” says Thorisdottir.

In Kazan’s remake, Cathy craves power and freedom and manipulates the men in her life to achieve those goals. Her beauty is one tool she uses, and if you look closely, you’ll spot cosmetic clues that hint at Cathy’s motives and power plays. Below, McIntosh and Thorisdottir reveal the hair and makeup details you might have missed. And a warning: There are spoilers ahead!

McIntosh, Pugh, and Thorisdottir on set.

Netflix/Geoffrey ShortCathy plays the innocent

East of Eden follows Cathy through the many chapters of her life, so it was important for her hair to reflect those changing realities, says McIntosh. “I needed to figure out her starting point and her end point and then fill the space in between to work out how we get from A to B,” she says, adding that she was “very aware of the passage of time” when designing the styles that Pugh would wear over the more than 40-year timeline.

Pugh wore three wigs in the series, all created by wigmaker Samuel James. She wears the first while Cathy is in Boston with Mr. Edwards (a brothel owner she becomes romantically involved with), while on the Trask farm (where she shows up after being beaten by Mr. Edwards), and on the ranch in Salinas Valley, California (where she moves with Adam Trask, whom she marries and has twins with).

Wig number one is lighter, offering a natural development from Cathy’s adolescent blonde to a very realistic adult hue her hair would have naturally grown into, explains McIntosh. “We wanted the color to be a darker blonde than it was when she was a child, but still look incredibly natural with lighter ends, as if they were sun-kissed.”

Cathy arrives at the Trask farm with her arm in a sling, so her hair needed to be simply styled.

Netflix/Geoffrey Short

Leaving Cathy’s hair down during this period was intentional for a number of reasons. It made logical sense: When she arrives on the Trask Farm, she is healing from her injuries, including a broken wrist. “We figured the most she would be able to physically do herself is brush it, so we left it out and natural,” McIntosh explains. “As she begins to heal, we started pulling it back softly into a half-up style, but we kept it very practical, effortless, and soft.”

The entire hair team were also all big fans of fluff, wisps, and flyaways at this point in filming. The whimsical additions to Cathy’s hair play into the character's healing state. They also give Cathy a softness that helps her present herself to Adam as vulnerable in order to gain his trust and eventually become his wife.

Cathy’s hair accessories are also important clues to her character’s psyche and societal position: “When we see Cathy in Boston, she is young; she is presenting with beauty and innocence. We chose key moments to have an Alice in Wonderland-inspired blue ribbon in her hair,” McIntosh adds.

While on the farm, Cathy is wearing hand-me-down clothing from Mrs. Trask, and still a version of her innocent, helpless self. “I was using small pieces of fabric ripped into ribbons to tie her hair back,” says McIntosh. “I also created one of those out of the bloodied dress she [was wearing when she] arrived at the home. Just a bit of a secret for Florence and me that no one would notice unless pointed out.”

Cathy’s flushed cheeks comes courtesy of Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal.

NetflixThe guise of a youthful flush

In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important. “For her younger look, I sheered out the [Westman Atelier] stick foundation with Beau Domaine The Cream to add a wash of color,” says Thorisdottir. But what really sells Cathy’s faux-naïf act is her flushed cheeks and rosy lips, courtesy of Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal and HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick in English Rose. Thorisdottir has since used English Rose on at least one actor on every job since East of Eden. “It is the perfect nude [for this skin tone].”

Pugh was also integral in shaping Cathy’s beauty looks. “Florence is very authentic in her approach to her acting, which sets the tone for my work,” says Thorisdottir. “She is just as comfortable in front of the camera with or without makeup on as long as it is right for the scene.” Along with always giving the makeup artist the freedom to create before the two discuss details of her character's looks. “If it makes sense, she is game.”

McIntosh and Pugh nicknamed this hairstyle her “kitten ears.”

Netflix/Geoffrey ShortKate’s dark side eclipses Cathy

Adam offers Cathy shelter and protection when she most needs it, but after giving birth to two boys, she feels her agency slipping away, tied down and forced to play the role of wife and mother. In a brutal attempt to reclaim her narrative, Cathy shoots Adam and abandons her sons, running away to a brothel in Salinas proper in hopes of reclaiming her prior profession as a sex worker for financial independence.

The brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton), takes Cathy in. “It’s not until we see Cathy at Faye’s that we see the first big change [in her hair],” says McIntosh. “When she meets Faye, she wears her signature blue ribbon, presenting herself as she did to Mr. Edwards. Then we slowly start to see her morph into Kate.”

Cathy’s first, lighter wig.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

McIntosh dyed the second wig slightly darker than the first.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Pugh wearing Cathy’s second wig.

Netflix/Geoffrey Short

A detail taken from the book helped determine what Cathy’s second wig would look like. After recognizing her from her portrait that hangs in Adam and her sons’ homes, the town sheriff and Cathy reach an agreement: She’ll create a new identity for herself, and the sheriff will honor her secret if she leaves her old family behind, unharmed. “Once the sheriff tells her to color her hair darker, she is presenting to the world as Kate and not Cathy anymore,” McIntosh explains. “This second wig was made identical to the first, but then I dyed it. I didn’t want it to be made with darker, naturally brown hair. I wanted to color it like Kate would have [in order] to have more control over the final result.”

Once settled in and working at Faye's brothel, we see Kate playing with different hairstyles and shapes. “I did a style one morning, which featured two peaks at the top of her head, that Florence was very drawn to,” McIntosh explains. “We ended up nicknaming [the look] ‘kitten ears,’ and throughout the rest of the series you see [the ears] continue and grow with Kate.”

Kate’s statement red lip is a combination of shades from MAC and Le Rouge Français.

NetflixMadame Kate becomes queen of her arena

By the time Kate becomes the owner of the brothel, time has again passed, and her final wig is closer to her natural hair color. Given that she spends less time in the daylight, this wig is darker and includes visible grays running through it. “Because she is running the brothel and not working [in it], she is presenting with intricate styles,” says McIntosh. “I am also keeping in mind where in the world this is taking place. She is not in Paris, London, or New York, so I never went too elaborate or perfect.”

As Kate blossoms into her most powerful self, “Florence beamed with delight at the idea of Kate wearing tiara-type hair accessories—for Kate to be queen of her arena, and to be in full control of her world,” McIntosh says. Along with costume designer Kirsty Cameron, McIntosh sourced a number of hairpins, crowns, and accessories, including some handmade by a local New Zealand artist, Daughters of July.

One of the crowns sourced for Kate.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Another tiara-like accessory sourced for Kate.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

As Cathy transitions into Madame Kate and embraces her newfound power and wealth, Thorisdottir imagined Kate would also be dabbling in the newly purchasable makeup of the early 1900s. “While makeup products might not have been readily available in Salinas, her clients would have likely traveled and traded, so she could have cosmetics before anyone else in that town.” Thorisdottir made her own cosmetics discovery while filming, a fact that impacted what she used on set. “I got introduced to Westman Atelier while I was in New Zealand, and I just loved it,” she says. “[Gucci Westman’s] foundations were the perfect fit for almost all the looks for Cathy from young to old.”

Pugh was thrilled at the idea of Kate wearing tiaras to show she was in full control of her world, says McIntosh.

Netflix

In episode six, “The Great Try,” we see Kate in the boldest red lipstick she wears in the show—a far cry from the innocent Cathy from past episodes and one of Thorisdottir’s favorites. “For the red lips, I mixed Le Rouge Français 010 and MAC Russian Red, a shade that’s been in my kit since I did Inglourious Basterds,” she says.

In the final episode, “Timshel,” Kate’s empire is falling apart, and her hair follows suit. “In her final hours, we wanted Kate [to look] a little unraveled,” says McIntosh. “We also wanted to keep those kitten ears, essentially keeping a crown of sorts on her head, but made of hair. The half-up style also mirrors the little Cathy we see her come face-to-face with at the very end.”

In the final episode, Thorisdottir wanted “the makeup to break down and move with [Pugh]."

Netflix / Kirsty Griffin

Unlike many other productions, where the goal of the makeup is to have it hold up on set through long hours and weather, Thorisdottir wanted “the makeup to break down and move with her.” Thorisdottir explains that she secretly loved Cathy’s look at the end of the series when, decked out in all her jewelry, she hugs her younger self. “She has yet another breathtaking costume on, her hair is long and messy with the ‘kitten ears' styling, and her makeup is all broken down. That scene is so epic. I was in awe watching it all happen in front of me.”

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

Whether dryness stems from the weather, aging skin, hormonal changes, or medication, the best sunscreens for dry skin provide instant relief and hydration, smoothing flakiness and rough patches while leaving an illuminating glow. “When choosing a sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to find one that protects and hydrates the skin barrier,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati. These can include ingredients like “hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, or ceramides,” which attract and lock in moisture while soothing irritation, says Ashley McGuinness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chesterfield, Missouri. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens fit the hydrating bill; however, mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are overall kinder to sensitive skin.

Our Top Sunscreens for Dry Skin

• Best Overall Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT, $40
• Best Overall Mineral: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60+, $26
• Best Lightweight: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45, $38
• Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50, $53

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?
• Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Allure editors test tons of sunscreen formulas—both chemical and mineral—all year round, but these are the formulas that go beyond UV protection, offering moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants that give you a glowing, hydrated complexion. We’re spilling our top picks that glide on like a dream while keeping your skin moisturized all day.

Best Overall Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Amazon

$40

La Roche-Posay

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: There's a new UV filter in town, and it's kind of a big deal. Meet bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen filter approved by the FDA in more than two decades—and La Roche-Posay is among the first brands to bring it stateside. Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen features 2% BEMT, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is photostable, meaning it doesn't break down as easily when exposed to sunlight. The brand’s patented Cell-Ox Shield technology combines sunscreen filters with an antioxidant blend of litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E to help fend off free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. Dry skin gets a hydration boost, too, thanks to moisture-attracting glycerin and butylene glycol, plus dimethicone, which helps seal in moisture and smooth over rough, flaky patches.

Of course, even the most impressive sunscreen ingredients won't mean much if you dread putting the stuff on. Luckily, this one also gets high marks for how it feels. "It feels silky on the skin with no white residue," says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who gave it the ultimate sweat test during the Chicago Marathon. "I generously reapplied all over my face, neck, and arms at the halfway point," she says, adding that it felt lightweight and smooth without getting greasy or stinging her eyes, even after a second application. If it can hold its own through 26.2 miles, your morning commute should be a breeze.

Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"La Roche-Posay does it again. I love sunscreens that are on the more fluid side—think serum-like textures—and the Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT clearly falls under that umbrella! Like everyone in the beauty world, I'm ecstatic about a new UV filter, but I'm also hoping *taps watch* that the next approval doesn't take another 36 years. (We need to keep up with our global counterparts who are light-years ahead!!) Anyway, back to this formula. It's so lightweight and elegant that it practically disappears on contact, especially when you're applying two finger lengths' worth (the standard guideline). I was a little extra for this particular demo and used three fingers, so it did take a beat longer to fully rub in. Either way, the formula feels like nothing on the skin—and outside of the depths of winter—my combo skin and I don't need a standalone moisturizer because this doubles as both! The finish is definitely not as glowy as the UVAir serum, but these days, I kind of prefer a more ‘natural’ and ‘balanced’ look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 2% BEMT, 3% avobenzone, 5% octisalate, 6% octocrylene, 11% homosalate, Cell-Ox Shield technology (litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E), glycerin, butylene glycol, dimethicone
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: not disclosed
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types, though those with particularly sensitive skin may want to patch-test the formula first, as chemical UV filters can sometimes cause irritation

Best Overall Mineral: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

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Shiseido

Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

$26 $22 (15% off)

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Sephora

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it’s worth it: When you want your sunscreen to feel more like soothing skin care—and less, well, sunscreen-y—Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ is the answer. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a lightweight, lotion-like texture that glides on smoothly and dries down to a non-greasy, invisible finish. It’s spiked with skin-loving ingredients like raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, and five types of algae to keep your complexion hydrated and calm. Our tester swears by how seamlessly it layers under makeup—and while the bottle is on the smaller side, a little does go a long way.

Calaor before applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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"With my extra-dry complexion, I am always looking for hydrating products that leave me with a summery, dewy glow. This sunscreen gives me exactly that. The mineral formula is more like a fluid than a lotion, and quickly melts down to blend in with my medium-tan skin." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 5.7% titanium dioxide, 5.9% zinc oxide, raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, algae
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with extra-dry skin

Best Lightweight: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

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Belif

The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

$38 $27 (29% off)

Amazon

$38

Sephora

$38

Shop

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: What if your favorite moisturizer came with a side of SPF? That's the idea behind Belif's Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45: it takes everything fans love about the brand's editor-favorite The True Cream Aqua Bomb Moisturizer and adds broad-spectrum sun protection. Like the moisturizer, it's packed with moisture-boosting glycerin, soothing panthenol, brightening niacinamide, and Belif's botanical blend of oat seed, calendula, and other calming herbs.

The biggest difference comes down to texture, which has a “creamy consistency that feels so classically K-beauty,” says Dr. Yoo. That signature Korean beauty feel comes courtesy of lightweight silicones and smoothing polymers, which give the sunscreen a silky, almost primer-like finish. It glides on without feeling heavy or greasy, making it an easy addition to your morning routine (or a replacement for a separate moisturizer, depending on your skin type). "It's refreshing and quick-absorbing while still leaving skin feeling plumped and comfortable," she says.

Lee before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I have yet to try the famous Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer (I know—sacrilege), but after practically emptying my tube of Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45 in just a couple of weeks, I'm not sure I need to. This sunscreen checks every box on my wish list: It's incredibly lightweight and moisturizing, has a cream texture yet absorbs with the speed and ease of a gel, and leaves behind absolutely zero white cast. The results may not be dramatic in my demo, but the difference is immediately noticeable once it's on your skin. I couldn't ask for much more from a sunscreen.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 2.7% avobenzone, 9% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 9% octocrylene, glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, oat seed, calendula
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: not disclosed
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially for people with dry skin

Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

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EltaMD

UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

$53

Amazon

$53

Dermstore

Calaor applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it’s worth it: A little color theory goes a long way when it comes to tackling redness: Green cancels out red. EltaMD's UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 puts that art-class lesson to very good use. A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, this mineral sunscreen has a sheer green tint that helps neutralize visible redness. But it does more than color-correct: The formula features soothing Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), an amino acid complex of taurine, arginine, and glycine to help stressed, irritated skin bounce back, and ceramides to reinforce the moisture barrier and keep dryness in check. The lightweight, non-greasy texture is great for sensitive, redness-prone skin, whether you're dealing with a temporary flare-up, a naturally flushed complexion, or irritation brought on by cold, dry weather.

Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

Sophia Panych

Panych after applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

Sophia Panych

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“I love how this green sunscreen tones down the redness I typically experience around my nose and on my cheeks. It feels so good—like a moisturizer—and never ever leaves a white cast.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“After my morning cleanse, vitamin C serum, and face cream, I applied two to three pumps of the stuff on my face. It goes on green, then immediately turns white, and then sheers out as you rub it in. On days when I wore makeup, I’d wait about five minutes before applying my favorite base (Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, or the Lisa Eldridge Enhancing Skin Tint). The EltaMD UV Skin Recovery worked well with all of them and didn’t pill throughout the day. I'm in my late 30s, have combination skin, and live in a city with very hard water that dries you out from head to toe. I loved that this sunscreen left my complexion looking dewy, something I’ve never seen from an all-mineral sunscreen.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 12.9% zinc oxide, amino acids, cica, ceramides
• Tinted: yes (green tinted)
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: anyone dealing with redness

Best Dewy Finish: Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

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Supergoop

Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Ulta Beauty

$38

Shop

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Some days, sunscreen is the only thing you have time (or energy) to put on your face. Other days, you're going all out with a full face of makeup. Either way, Supergoop's Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF has you covered. This chemical sunscreen doubles as a makeup primer, creating a smooth, grippy base that helps foundation apply evenly and stay put, without leaving a white cast. The finish is fresh and dewy without feeling greasy, even on our tester's combination skin, which tends to get oily in certain areas. Peptides help skin look plumper and bouncier, while hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom provide plenty of hydration without making skin feel slick. The only minor trade-off? It takes a little longer to rub in than some other sunscreens, but for this much moisture, those extra few seconds are well worth it.

Han before applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Supergoop is a top-tier sun-care brand, but the brand really deserves its flowers with its latest creation. Dewscreen is easily my favorite Supergoop product, ever: It’s a true moisturizer-first formula with a boost of SPF, which my dehydrated skin drinks up like that, and there’s just a hint of grippiness that helps my makeup look flawless and stay in place all freaking day and night. Dewscreen makes my skin look like a dewy dumpling—no matter how tired I feel in the morning, it instantly perks up my skin. Because it’s so moisturizing, it takes a beat to fully blend out, but that’s not a con at all. I’d rather be as thorough as possible and ensure I’m applying the right amount—yes, even on the dreariest winter days.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 9% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 9% octocrylene, peptides, hyaluronic acid
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: not disclosed
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types

Best Tinted: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

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Iris & Romeo

Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

$50

Shop

Why it’s worth it: Iris & Romeo’s Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow comes in four flexible shades—Universal, Cool Glow, Warm Glow, and Bronze Glow—designed to flatter a range of skin tones while delivering a noticeable glow. The formula leans heavily into brightening, thanks to a potent mix of vitamin C, vitamin E (to help keep that vitamin C stable), and niacinamide for a more even-looking complexion over time. The texture is on the richer side, so it wears more like a tinted moisturizer than a barely-there sunscreen, which we love for light coverage days.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“It may be called ‘weekend skin,’ but I use this beauty every single day. This moisturizer hydrates, provides impressive SPF 50 coverage, and leaves me with a natural radiance that’s glowy, not glittery. I have acne scars, flakiness, and fine lines; still, Weekend Skin leaves me looking airbrushed, well-rested, and, frankly, I'm flabbergasted at how it does all I need it to do so elegantly and effectively.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 10% non-nano zinc oxide, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types that want a bit of coverage, including sensitive skin and mature skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?

“When searching for sunscreens for dry skin, it’s crucial to find products with ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides,” says Dr. McGuinness. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin, but chemical sunscreens packed with hydrating ingredients work just as well. Extra points if your sunscreen of choice includes antioxidants (hi, vitamin E and vitamin C) to combat free radicals. And, of course, stick to lightweight, non-greasy formulas for a comfortable, glowing finish.

“In addition to making sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, people with dry skin should opt for a cream or lotion-based formula instead of gels or sprays, which can sometimes be more drying,” says Dr. Foad. Sprays commonly feature alcohol, which people with dry skin should definitely avoid, Dr. McGuinness points out.

Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?

For both mineral and chemical formulas, start with a lightweight moisturizer, let it fully absorb, then follow with sunscreen. That said, if your skin isn’t especially dry and you prefer chemical SPFs, you can often skip the separate moisturizer and apply sunscreen directly—many formulas are hydrating enough on their own.

Meet the experts

• Ashley McGuinness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, Missouri
• Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best sunscreens for dry 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 around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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

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

Some may say that it's too early to start thinking about holiday shopping—but not us. (After all, who enjoys waiting until the last minute to secure gifts?) Luckily, Amazon’s Holiday Beauty Event is the perfect time to start checking off everyone on your list, transition your skin-care routine from warm to cold weather, or simply restock your year-round favorites. This two-week-long sale is happening now and runs through November 1, 2026, with up to 40% off makeup, skin care, fragrance, and more—including a few Allure Best of Beauty winners. (Bonus: Look out for 48-hour flash deals across every beauty category!)

Our Top Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Deals

• Holy Hydration: Biodance Day Glow Kit, $34 $20
• Pretty in Pink: CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, $23 $20
• Cherry on Top: Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, $75 $60
• Getting Steamy: WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh, $79 $57
• Pucker Up: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, $37 $26
• Major Perks: Amika x Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo, $29 $23
• Love You A Latte: Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists, $26 $21

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• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

So, whether you’re checking off stocking stuffers or simply need a restock of your go-tos, now is a good time to get shopping. To make sifting through the slew of discounts easier, we’ve curated a list of the best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event deals below. Happy saving!

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals

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Biodance

Day Glow Kit

$34 $20 (41% off)

Amazon

This K-beauty lineup has everything you need to bring the bounce back to dry, dull skin in one convenient, travel-size kit. Take it home with you during the holidays—cleanser, toner pads, moisturizing cream, and the brand’s viral overnight masks, of course—so you can end the year on a high note with plump, glowy skin.

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Revolution Beauty

Makeup Sparkle Advent Calendar

$65 $20 (69% off)

Amazon

An advent calendar is literally the gift that keeps on giving. This 24-piece box is for the makeup lover in your life (yourself, included!) who’s always looking to try a new blush, eyeliner, or mascara to add to their glam routine. In fact, with everything from makeup essentials to tools, this has everything you need for a complete beauty routine makeover.

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Anua

Dewy Glow Holiday Amenity Kit

$37 $31 (16% off)

Amazon

PDRN has become one of the buzziest skin-care ingredients over the last few years for its supposed regenerative, skin-strengthening properties. This five-step kit—including a mist, serum, cream, lip serum, and face mask—combines the star active with10 types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and repair the skin at different levels.

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Medicube

Rosemary PDRN Glass Hair Set

$79 $59 (25% off)

Amazon

We’ve heard all about glass skin, but the smooth, glossy look of glass hair is equally as desirable. Each product in this bundle (shampoo, conditioner, scalp serum, and hair mask) is infused with rosemary PDRN, which helps to soothe and nourish the scalp and, in turn, potentially support healthier hair growth.

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Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips

$32 $24 (25% off)

Amazon

Laneige’s Sleeping Mask is not only a Best of Beauty Award winner, but it’s also a three-time Readers’ Choice winner for its softening, moisture-locking overnight formula. This shea butter-infused bundle includes the Sleeping Mask and the Lip Glowy Balm in the Berry and Vanilla flavors for a complete strawberry shortcake–inspired lip routine. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

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Sol De Janerio

Delicia Drench Vanilla Moisturizing Body Routine Gift Set

$74 $56 (24% off)

Amazon

A good shower routine doesn’t stop once you step out of the bathtub. This Sol de Janeiro gift set includes a shower oil, body butter, and perfume mist, each concocted with notes of velvet plum, amber, and sandalwood to make sure your skin smells and feels amazing long after you wash.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals

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Biodance

Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

$19 $15 (21% off)

Amazon

Jelly, serum, and mist aren’t three words that you’d usually see listed together, but unlike traditional water-based mists (this mist uses collagen water, which has a lower molecular weight that allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin) that quickly evaporate or oil-based mists that can leave the skin feeling greasy, this hydrogel mist delivers lasting hydration with a blend of 10 different peptides to plump the skin.

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Kiehl's Since 1851

Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

$34 $26 (24% off)

Amazon

With all of the scrolling involved in shopping for beauty steals, a heavy-duty, moisturizing hand cream should be top of mind. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is a classic formula infused with shea butter, avocado oil, and sesame seed oil to soften and deeply moisturize dry, rough hands.

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Cosrx

Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch for Puffy Eyes

$23 $16 (30% off)

Amazon

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a beauty-loving teen, look no further than these Pink Peptide Collagen Eye Patches from CosRx. The adorable pink patches are packed with caffeine, niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to depuff and hydrate dry undereyes and keep the skin looking fresh and radiant.

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Elemis

Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

$75 $60 (20% off)

Amazon

Unless you live in a temperate state, the holiday season inevitably lends itself to cold, windy weather, and your drier skin will 100% need extra TLC. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm has a rich balm-to-oil-to-milk formula that removes makeup without stripping the skin. Hero ingredients like elderberry oil and starflower oil act as natural antioxidants to soothe skin and support your barrier.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals

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Amika x Ellis Brooklyn

Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$29 $23 (21% off)

Amazon

You may not have a vacation on the books until 2027, but this tropical-scented dry shampoo will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an island escape with each spritz. This limited-edition dry shampoo combines Amika’s oil-removing rice starch technology with the fruity notes of guava, mango blossom, and banana from Ellis Brooklyn’s Guava Granita scent to refresh and soften your strands while leaving behind a tropical aroma.

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Wavytalk

Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh

$79 $57 (28% off)

Amazon

Steam to straighten your hair? I know it sounds impossible, but the WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener will make you suspend your disbelief. This tool uses Hydro-Infusion steam to turn water into a fine heated mist that hydrates the hair it straightens, meaning less frizz and silkier strands with fewer passes than needed with a traditional flatiron.

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Dyson

Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer in Strawberry Bronze and Blush Pink

$450 $372 (17% off)

Amazon

Pretty much all of our editors rave about this 2024 Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award winner. Why? Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology amplifies airflow by 3x for faster drying. This blowdryer also uses an exclusive Time in Flight sensor that measures the blowdryer's distance from your scalp and adjusts the heat temperature for comfortable styling. No more stinging your scalp in the name of a flawless blowout.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals

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Charlotte Tilbury

K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick

$37 $26 (30% off)

Amazon

In the nursery rhyme, first came love, and then came marriage. For Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, first comes intense pigment and hydration, and then comes plump, kissable lips. Infused with lipstick tree oil, the aptly termed botanical extract derived from the achiote tree and known for its rich red pigments and hydrating properties, and crambe oil to soften the skin and lock in moisture, and light-diffusing pigments for more vibrant color payoff, this is essentially the lipstick of the holidays—and beyond.

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Stila

Glitter & Glow Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

$25 $15 (40% off)

Amazon

This shimmering Best of Beauty-winning eye shadow combines pearls and glitter, leaving behind a luminous, multidimensional, and otherworldly shine. With a flat doe-foot applicator, the formula glides onto the eyelid with zero fallout—hello, smooth sailing.

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Urban Decay

All Nighter Setting Spray

$34 $27 (21% off)

Amazon

Last year, Urban Decay caused a stir with the re-release of its beloved All Nighter Setting Spray. The new formula, according to our tester, boasts similar all-day staying power, but with an improved spray nozzle and finer mist for more controlled application.

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Bobbi Brown

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

$37 $30 (19% off)

Amazon

There are few makeup looks that defined the ‘90s quite like the grungy, smoky eye. Now, that same vibe has evolved into Charli XCX’s lived-in black Brat look, and this long-wearing Bobbi Brown gel liner is an easy way to replicate it. With the help of an angled brush, it glides on smoothly with easily buildable, bold pigment.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

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Sol De Janerio

Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists

$26 $21 (19% off)

Amazon

Sol de Janeiro is taking the phrase “wake up and smell the coffee” literally. This limited-edition Leite Cafe mist blends mouth-watering notes of lychee, coconut milk, frothy vanilla, and latte accord for a creamy Brazilian cafezinho–inspired (a sweetened shot of coffee) scent.

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Hugo Boss

BOSS Ma Vie Eau de Parfum

$65 $52 (20% off)

Amazon

Who says fruity florals should be reserved for spring and summer? This fragrance opens with notes of cactus blossom and rose, which are then grounded with woodsy cedar notes that make a strong case for bringing this garden-like scent well into the holiday season.

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Clean

Warm Cotton

$78 $55 (29% off)

Amazon

If the winter season is about being all bundled up and cozy, what’s better than slipping into warm cotton sheets? This fragrance is inspired by the feeling and aroma of freshly dried linen with notes of verbena, floral cotton accord, and musk.

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Billie Eilish

No. 2 Perfume for Women

$82 $55 (33% off)

Amazon

If the sculptural vessel alone isn’t enough to make you want to snag this perfume, the spicy-woody notes of Italian bergamot, black pepper, palo santo, and musk certainly are. Give Billie a round of applause!

Frequently Asked Questions

How we find the best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event deals

Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.

Why trust Allure?

No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want 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.

Looking to update your skin-care and makeup routines? We've got you:

• 8 Best Night Creams for Waking Up to Plumper, Bouncier Skin
• PSA: These Aren't the Toners You Used as a Teen
• 10 Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Cover Without Clinging
• 7 Fall Lip Combos Allure Editors Can’t Stop Wearing

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

When your skin is easily irritated by what can feel like everything under the sun, the best sunscreens for sensitive skin may be your saving grace. Even the most beloved sunscreen formulas might not be a good match for reactive skin, since certain chemical UV filters can penetrate the skin and trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Enter mineral sunscreens, which make up every recommendation on our list. These use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UV rays while largely staying on the skin's surface, making them less likely to trigger irritation. The growing skin-care market is catering to those with reactive skin more than ever, so it's easier to find a formula that suits you and your sensitivity while providing top-of-the-line protection against cancer-causing sun exposure.

Our Top Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

• Best Overall: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50, $53
• Best for Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $22
• Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen, $43
• Best Over Makeup: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $58

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How can I benefit from sunscreen for sensitive skin?
• What's the difference between a chemical and a mineral sunscreen?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Read on for the favorites trusted and recommended by editors and dermatologists that leave skin soothed and, more importantly, protected from the sun (with proper reapplication, of course).

Best Overall: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

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EltaMD

UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

$53

Amazon

$53

Dermstore

$53

Bluemercury

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying EltaMD’s UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Sunscreen

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it's worth it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, EltaMD's UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 is like the Swiss Army knife of sunscreens—sensitive-skin-friendly, non-greasy, and redness-neutralizing, thanks to a green tint that works some color-theory magic. That green pigment comes from Centella asiatica (cica), a skin-care staple that counteracts redness and soothes irritation. The amino acid complex—comprising taurine, arginine, and glycine—was refined through over 100 rounds of testing to repair damage and help prevent future irritation and redness. This mineral sunscreen is also packed with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration, ensuring your complexion remains calm, protected, and comfortable throughout the day.

Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

Sophia Panych

Panych after applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

Sophia Panych

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“I love how this green sunscreen tones down the redness I typically experience around my nose and on my cheeks. It feels so good—like a moisturizer—and never ever leaves a white cast.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“After my morning cleanse, vitamin C serum, and face cream, I applied two to three pumps of the stuff on my face. It goes on green, then immediately turns white, and then sheers out as you rub it in. On days when I wore makeup, I’d wait about five minutes before applying my favorite base (Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, or the Lisa Eldridge Enhancing Skin Tint). The EltaMD UV Skin Recovery worked well with all of them and didn’t pill throughout the day. I'm in my late 30s, have combination skin, and live in a city with very hard water that dries you out from head to toe. I loved that this sunscreen left my complexion looking dewy, something I’ve never seen from an all-mineral sunscreen.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 12.9% zinc oxide, amino acids, cica, ceramides
• Tinted: yes (green tinted)
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone

Best for Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

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Innisfree

Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

$22

Amazon

$22

Sephora

$22

Shop

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: If you've yet to find a sunscreen that actually makes you excited to apply it to your redness-prone skin, allow us to introduce you to Innisfree’s Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a “subtle green tint that helps neutralize visible redness” while 17% zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection, says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And the skin-care benefits don't stop at sun protection and color correction: Eight types of hyaluronic acid team up with squalane to keep skin hydrated and nourished, while soothing cica helps calm irritation. The texture is a touch thicker than you might expect from a Korean sunscreen (which are known for being especially lightweight), but nothing a little more time rubbing in can't fix. Besides, if its redness-neutralizing tint means you can go lighter on the concealer and foundation, we'd say those extra seconds are well spent.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Between the dryness from rubbing my skin raw with tissues from a recent cold, ongoing redness and discoloration from melasma, and extra sensitivity from upping my tretinoin use, my skin is dealing with a trifecta of redness. I'm already a huge fan of Innisfree's chemical sunscreens, so I was curious to see how its Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 would compare. I'll admit, the zinc oxide takes a beat to rub in, and the texture is definitely a little thicker than what I've come to expect from a K-beauty sunscreen. But I've always found that my sensitive skin seems less prone to sunburn when I use mineral formulas, so I'm willing to spend a few extra seconds blending. I also appreciate that this one helps tone down some of the redness without making my skin look chalky. I wouldn't go so far as to say it magically evens out my complexion enough to skip foundation entirely, but I can definitely get away with a slightly lighter hand when applying makeup afterward.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

Tester feedback from Panych

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“My biggest issue with mineral sunscreens is how they can sometimes interfere with my makeup. I was immediately drawn to this formula, not just because as someone with mild rosacea, I love anything that neutralizes redness, but also because when it dries down, it doesn’t leave a greasy film or chalky residue, meaning it doesn’t get in the way or react funny with anything you layer on top of it." —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 17% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cica, niacinamide, ceramides
• Tinted: yes (green tinted)
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with redness-prone, dry, and sensitive skin

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

$43 $30 (30% off)

Amazon

$43

La Roche-Posay

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: If you didn’t think a drugstore sunscreen could rival your fanciest, most luxe formulas, you’ve clearly never tried La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen. The 2024 Best of Beauty winner is so ultra-sheer and fast-absorbing, it practically disappears on contact. “It has a subtle mattifying effect that's perfect to wear under makeup,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Beyond the elegant texture, the formula does a lot of skin-care heavy lifting. It’s infused with tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), a more stable form of the antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and support the skin barrier, along with silica to softly blur and control excess shine. And because it’s a La Roche-Posay staple, it also contains the brand’s thermal spring water, known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, which is especially clutch for sensitive or easily reactive skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin. Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose, leaving my very oily T-zone looking more matte, but not flat or one-dimensional. The tube also holds a ton of product, too, so it can last me through a beach trip and then some.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: 40 minutes
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types

Best for Body: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

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Blue Lizard

Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

$11 $9 (18% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Blue Lizard has built its reputation on gentle, no-fuss formulas, and its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is a perfect example. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide handle the broad-spectrum sun protection, while soothing aloe and antioxidant vitamin E help keep skin feeling soft and comfortable. It also contains dimethicone, which helps lock in moisture and smooth over dry patches. Its thicker, more substantial texture feels especially comforting on skin from the neck down. "This is one of my favorite sunscreen recommendations for very sensitive and reactive skin types," says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, who points to its fragrance-free formula and mineral UV filters as reasons it’s especially gentle, even for eczema-prone skin.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This sunscreen can be used by everyone in my family: me with my dry skin, my daughters with their eczema-prone skin, and my husband with his extremely oily skin. It smooths over your body like a lotion, with some nice emollients and a ribbony feel‚ not like a typical chalky mineral sunscreen that you have to squeeze out of the bottle and rub into skin. Be warned: It will leave a white cast. That's not something I care about, and honestly, it alerts me to spots I've missed on myself or my kids, but it could be a dealbreaker for some people. Something I haven't loved is their rebrand—it's had no impact on the product performance, of course! But it's a bit stuffy-looking, and I preferred the playful and bright packaging of yore. The sunscreen is so good that I'll simply have to live with it, though!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 10% zinc oxide, 8% titanium dioxide, aloe, vitamin E, dimethicone
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone

Best for Whole Family: Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

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Babo Botanicals

Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

$24

Amazon

$24

Shop

Shipin applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Ever wondered why the brand is called Babo? The answer is surprisingly cute: It was the name of the founder’s son’s beloved stuffed bunny—perfectly in line with a line built around gentle, plant-based skin care for the whole family. Babo Botanicals’ Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 packs a hefty 20.6% zinc oxide for reliable, broad-spectrum protection, yet it avoids that telltale chalkiness (even if it does take a minute to fully rub in). You can thank polyhydroxystearic acid—which keeps the zinc evenly dispersed so it glides on in a sheer, fluid layer—along with iron oxides that help subtly neutralize any white cast. For extra-sensitive skin, the formula layers in soothing support with aloe, calendula, and chamomile extracts, plus bisabolol to help calm visible redness—making it a solid option for those dealing with conditions like eczema. A blend of maracuja, raspberry seed, and sunflower oils gives the formula that light, almost serum-like slip—so it glides on easily, wears well under makeup, and feels far more elegant than you’d expect from a high-zinc mineral SPF.

Shipin before applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

Shipin after applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Love a brand that I can use for myself and on my kids, and Babo Botanicals makes great sensitive-skin-friendly products like this sunscreen that leaves no white cast and wears so comfortably on the skin. I love that the brand created it with all seasons in mind—even though I live in LA and there’s practically only one season here—but the point of that all-seasonality is that it’s comfortable to wear when it’s hot, when it’s cold, when it’s windy, when it’s dry—you get the picture. It leaves no white cast, hydrates my skin, and doesn’t pill under my makeup. Love it!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 20.6% zinc oxide, polyhydroxystearic acid, aloe, calendula, chamomile extracts, bisabolol, maracuja oil, raspberry seed oil, sunflower oil
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone, even kids

Best Over Makeup: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

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Colorescience

Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

$58

Amazon

$58

Nordstrom

$58

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Let's be honest: Many of us aren't reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially when we’re wearing makeup. If you don’t want to add a layer of lotion over your foundation—understandable—why not brush on your SPF instead? Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 packs 22.5% zinc oxide and 22.5% titanium dioxide into a convenient, portable brush, making touch-ups as easy as a quick dusting of setting powder. "This is my go-to sunscreen for reapplication during the day—it's always in my bag," says Dr. Saedi. The powder also helps absorb excess shine, which is handy for oily skin types, while hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like green tea extract provide additional skin-care benefits. Just be sure to apply it generously and evenly to get the labeled SPF 50 protection.

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 22.5% zinc oxide, 22.5% titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, green tea extract, antioxidants (green tea extract, grape seed extract, sunflower sprout extract)
• Tinted: yes (4 shades)
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially oily skin and people looking to easily reapply over makeup

Best for Eczema: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

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Vanicream

Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

$15 $14 (7% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Dye-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and grease-free, yet packed with everything your sensitive skin actually needs. Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 pulls double duty as both sunscreen and daily moisturizer, so you can skip a separate hydrator without feeling deprived. It blends in easily, making it an effortless one-and-done step under makeup or on bare skin. “It’s non-comedogenic, so it’s safer for acne-prone skin to avoid clogged pores and breakouts, plus ceramides help keep your complexion hydrated,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The addition of glycerin in this drugstore SPF keeps your skin feeling soft and comfy without a greasy feel.

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 19.5% zinc oxide, ceramides, glycerin
• Tinted: yes (universal tint)
• Water-resistant: not disclosed
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with eczema or dry skin

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I benefit from sunscreen for sensitive skin?

As we mentioned, people with sensitive skin can find it challenging to find a sunscreen that won't irritate them because of common irritants in chemical sun blockers. If that sounds like you, try a gentler mineral sunscreen.

Even if you're not sensitive to every chemical in a chemical sunscreen, figuring out what makes your skin reactive is complicated. "Even if you identify which [kind of] product it is, you don't know which chemical it is [because] formulas typically contain up to four [photoprotective chemicals]," says board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, based in Birmingham, Alabama. Thus, a mineral sunscreen with no chemicals rids you of the root issue.

Another consideration is "to avoid mineral sunscreens that have parabens, phthalates, and added fragrances, as these can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation of the skin," Dr. Lamm notes. The lesson: Always read the ingredient list, especially as some sunscreens are hybrid formulas and contain physical and chemical UV filters.

What's the difference between a chemical and a mineral sunscreen?

Physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral) work by reflecting the UV rays off the skin. Conversely, Dr. Lamm explains that chemical-filter sun protection products work by absorbing the sun's rays that hit your skin rather than bouncing them off.

Mineral-based products utilize, well, mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are usually gentler than chemical options. "Mineral sunscreens also typically do not irritate the eyes like chemical sunscreens," he says. Plus, they're photostable, so they don't need to be applied as regularly as chemical sunscreens, according to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.

That's not to say people with sensitive skin can never use chemical sunscreen—it just may involve more trial and error to discern which (if any) ingredients spur adverse reactions. More important than anything, though, is to use any sunscreen—period. "My recommendation is to find a sunscreen you love, chemical or physical, and use it every single day," says Muneeb Shah, MD, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based, board-certified dermatologist. "Whichever sunscreen you love, as long as the SPF is [at least] 30, is the sunscreen for you."

Meet the experts

• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania
• Muneeb Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Wilmington, North Carolina
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

If you have sensitive skin, the best La Roche-Posay products may already be in your skin-care routine. The French pharmacy favorite is practically synonymous with caring for easily irritated complexions, earning praise from dermatologists, Allure editors, and our Best of Beauty Awards judges alike. Its appeal? Effective formulas that don’t put reactive skin through the wringer, at prices that won’t make you feel guilty about loading up your cart.

One mainstay ingredient is the brand's signature thermal spring water, sourced from the French town of La Roche-Posay. Naturally rich in selenium, an antioxidant mineral, it helps soothe stressed-out skin and is one reason the brand has become a go-to for sensitive complexions. But the brand is continuing to innovate, with a development that even longtime fans can get excited about—namely, the brand’s latest Anthelios sunscreen, which now features bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new UV filter the FDA has approved in over 25 years. From gentle cleansers to barrier-friendly moisturizers, these are the La Roche-Posay products we keep coming back to.

Our Top La Roche-Posay Products

• Future Looks Bright: Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT, $40
• Milky Way: Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser, $20
• Bounce Back: Hyalu B5 Suractivated Face Cream, $40
• Bright Idea: Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum, $45
• Body Guard: Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, $22

Future Looks Bright: Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

$40

Amazon

$40

La Roche-Posay

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Did you hear there’s a new FDA-approved sunscreen filter on the block? Meet bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first UV filter to get the green light in the US in over two decades—and the star of La Roche-Posay’s new Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen. While BEMT has been used in European and other international sunscreens for years, American formulas have had to make do without it…until now. Unlike some older chemical filters that primarily protect against either UVA or UVB rays, BEMT tackles both, including the longer UVA wavelengths that contribute to premature skin aging. It's also photostable, meaning it doesn't readily break down in sunlight—and therefore helps you maintain protection while you're outdoors.

Why is BEMT such a big deal? BEMT gives formulators more flexibility to create sunscreens with high levels of protection without relying on such heavy concentrations of UV filters, as Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati, previously told Allure. Translation: It’s easier for them to create lightweight, less greasy formulas—even more so than the chemical sunscreens you might be used to—that you'll actually want to wear every day. And La Roche-Posay isn't stopping at sun protection. Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 also features the brand's Cell-Ox Shield Technology, which combines BEMT with an antioxidant blend of lychee extract, alteromonas ferment, senna alata leaf extract, and vitamin E to help defend against free radicals generated by UV exposure and pollution. According to the brand, the formula fends off up to 80% of the skin-damaging molecules triggered by UVA rays, with antioxidant benefits that last up to 16 hours. And as for how it feels? Think lightweight, hydrating, and practically invisible on your skin.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"La Roche-Posay does it again. I love sunscreens that are on the more fluid side—think serum-like textures—and the Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT clearly falls under that umbrella! Like everyone in the beauty world, I'm ecstatic about a new UV filter, but I'm also hoping *taps watch* that the next approval doesn't take another 36 years. (We need to keep up with our global counterparts who are light-years ahead!!) Anyway, back to this formula. It's so lightweight and elegant that it practically disappears on contact, especially when you're applying two finger lengths' worth (the standard guideline). I was a little extra for this particular demo and used three fingers, so it did take a beat longer to fully rub in. Either way, the formula feels like nothing on the skin—and outside of the depths of winter—my combo skin and I don't need a standalone moisturizer because this doubles as both! The finish is definitely not as glowy as the UVAir serum, but these days, I kind of prefer a more ‘natural’ and ‘balanced’ look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 2% BEMT, 3% avobenzone, 5% octisalate, 6% octocrylene, 11% homosalate, Cell-Ox Shield technology (litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E), glycerin, butylene glycol, dimethicone
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes

Milky Way: Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

La Roche-Posay

Han applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser is proof that sometimes less really is more. With just nine ingredients, the 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner washes away makeup and daily buildup without compromising your skin’s moisture barrier. Glycerin helps skin hold onto hydration, while ethylhexyl palmitate, a featherlight emollient, gives the formula its milky slip. The fragrance-free cleanser also contains the brand’s signature thermal spring water to soothe sensitive skin, leaving your face feeling soft and comfortable. Our tester likes using it as the second step in her double-cleansing routine, after an oil-based cleanser has done the heavy lifting of removing makeup and sunscreen.

Tester feedback from Han

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“La Roche-Posay is one of the few skin-care brands I recommend to just about anyone, especially those with sensitive and/or dry skin. While I don't fall into either category (I have combo skin), I like to keep my cleansers simple and non-stripping. This Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser does exactly that—and respects my barrier—thanks to a very minimal ingredient list featuring thermal spring water and glycerin. It always leaves my skin feeling baby-soft, which is important since it's the second step of my double-cleansing routine. The giant bottle size is a huge plus, too—more than enough to last me and my boyfriend many months, but even more convenient for families with kiddos.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, ethylhexyl palmitate, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Bounce Back: Hyalu B5 Suractivated Face Cream

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La Roche-Posay

Hyalu B5 Suractivated Face Cream

$40 $28 (30% off)

Amazon

$40

La Roche-Posay

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Suractivated Face Cream

Jennet Jusu

Why it’s worth it: What do GLP-1 medications have to do with your moisturizer? More than you might think. “People who are on GLP-1s have new fine lines and wrinkles, brown spots, textural changes and roughness, and just have lost that glow,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, previously told Allure. (It's unclear what's exactly driving these changes, although there's emerging evidence that GLP-1s decrease both collagen and moisture levels in skin.) To address that, La Roche-Posay actually specifically tested its Hyalu B5 Suractivated Serum and Face Cream together on people taking GLP-1s, who reported that their skin looked smoother, firmer, and more radiant. The cream packs three forms of hyaluronic acid, which attract and hold onto water, to give dehydrated skin a plumper, smoother appearance, while vitamin B5 (panthenol) and ectoin help reinforce the moisture barrier and soothe dryness. The brand also adds its signature thermal spring water for antioxidant benefits, plus adenosine to help soften the appearance of fine lines. And you certainly don’t need to be taking a GLP-1 to appreciate it—the rich, nourishing formula is a welcome pick-me-up for skin that’s lost a little of its bounce.

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

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“My skin is super dry, and I prefer oils over creams. However, La Roche-Posay nailed it with this cream. It doesn't have a strong scent, and the texture is very smooth when I apply it. I've been using it consistently for about a month now, and I'm seeing the long-term benefits. My skin doesn't look, well, thirsty. I used to have dry spots, but now my skin feels much more supple and soft. I use it in the morning and at night.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5 (panthenol), ectoin, glycerin, adenosine, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: no

Body Guard: Lipikar AP+MAX Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

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La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

$23 $21 (9% off)

Amazon

$23

La Roche-Posay

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+MAX Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

Jessica Cruel

Why it’s worth it: When Allure’s editor in chief goes too long without using La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+Max Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, her skin practically demands it—by getting dry and itchy. And she’s not the only fan. “This is my favorite body moisturizer,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. She recommends its blend of ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for keeping dry, eczema-prone skin hydrated. For those who struggle with persistent itchiness, the latest version of the brand’s longtime favorite introduces proprietary Neurobioma technology to prevent the urge to scratch by targeting the interaction between the skin’s microbiome and the nerve signals involved in itching.

Despite its thick, balm-like texture, “it absorbs so well that you can get dressed immediately—it leaves no residue,” says Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And it’s not just for your body, either: “Many of my prescription retinoid patients use this on their face and body during their acne treatment course to combat the dryness that can occur with their medication,” says Dr. Lin. She adds that it won’t clog pores, and it’s gentle enough for kids, too.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“I am particular about body lotion. Just like Goldilocks: too thick and it's greasy, too thin and it's useless. This La Roche-Posay formula is just right. I find that it is moisturizing enough to quench my dry elbows and knees. Yet, it doesn't leave me feeling like I am going to slip and slide all over every surface I touch. There is no scent, so it's good for sensitive skin types. When I don't use it for a while, I can feel my dry, itchy skin begging for moisture. It's screaming ‘Lipikar, please!’” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Light as Air: Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen

$40 $30 (25% off)

Amazon

$43

La Roche-Posay

Jusu applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen

Jennet Jusu

Why it’s worth it: La Roche-Posay's UVAir SPF 50 Serum Sunscreen is the sunscreen for people who don't like sunscreen. A recent addition to the dermatologist-loved Anthelios family, this chemical formula has a lightweight, breathable texture that feels more like your favorite serum. Like other sunscreens in the Anthelios lineup, it features the brand's Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, which pairs UV protection with antioxidant-rich senna alata leaf extract to help defend against free-radical damage caused by sun exposure. There's also niacinamide to help even out discoloration, plus glycerin and hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and keep skin hydrated. And while its easy-to-spread texture might tempt you to apply just a few drops like you would a regular serum, remember that it's still sunscreen—so stick to the two-finger rule to make sure you're getting adequate protection.

Tester feedback from Jusu

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“It feels very milky to me and smooth when I apply it. I've noticed its long-lasting impact now that summer's over. I have dry spots and hyperpigmentation, but paired with the La Roche-Posay moisturizer, it's been saving my skin. Thankfully, it goes a long way, and I always apply it to my neck and the backs of my hands.” —Jennet Jesu, editorial assistant

More to know

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• Type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate, 7% octocrylene, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, senna alata leaf extract
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: no
• Fragrance-free: yes

Easy on the Eyes: Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes

$30

Amazon

$30

La Roche-Posay

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes

Sarah Kinonen

Why it's worth it: Ever notice how the skin around your eyes seems to get irritated before the rest of your face? That's because it's some of the thinnest skin on your body, making it especially vulnerable to dryness and sensitivity. Enter La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Dermallergo Eyes. Formerly known as Toleriane Ultra Eyes, this fragrance-free eye cream focuses on what sensitive skin needs most: soothing hydration, barrier support, and relief from discomfort.

Glycerin, squalane, and shea butter soften dry, tight skin and prevent moisture loss, while niacinamide reinforces the skin barrier and evens out discoloration. There's also Neurosensine, a synthetic peptide that helps ease uncomfortable sensations like stinging, burning, and tightness, plus the brand’s thermal spring water to ease redness. And even if you can't keep track of all those nourishing ingredients, you'll appreciate how silky and comforting the formula feels without feeling heavy.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I loveee an eye cream, but my easily irritated undereyes? Not so much. So whenever that thin-skinned area is feeling a little sensitive (usually after a long day in contacts and shimmer eye shadow), I like to swap out my crow's feet-fighting formulas for something a little more soothing, like the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo Eye Cream. It's super lightweight, instantly seeps into the skin, and is jam-packed with calming and hydrating ingredients, like niacinamide and the brand's own thermal water. Because it's so lightweight, it layers well over serum and under moisturizer (and sunscreen!) and wears well with makeup. Usually, though, if I'm wearing this, my skin is in Reset Mode, so makeup is usually minimal.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, shea butter, niacinamide, Neurosensine (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester), La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Ophthalmologist-tested: yes

Sheer Genius: Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

$43

Amazon

$43

La Roche-Posay

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Sunscreen can be a tricky step, particularly for sensitive skin: The wrong formula can cause more irritation, but skipping SPF altogether can (obviously) make things worse. That’s why Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50 is a standout with both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to gently reflect UV rays, while vitamin E and thermal spring water help soothe and protect against free radicals. Its silky, fast-absorbing texture sinks in instantly and “it has a subtle mattifying effect that’s perfect to wear under makeup,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin. Not La Roche-Posay Anthelios! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose, leaving my very oily T-zone looking more matte, but not flat or one-dimensional. The tube also holds a ton of product, too, so it can last me through a beach trip and then some.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Type: mineral
• Key ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Tinted: no
• Water-resistant: 40 minutes
• Fragrance-free: yes

Bounce Back: Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

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La Roche-Posay

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$40

Amazon

$54

La Roche-Posay

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: Hyaluronic acid has become a must-have ingredient for many of us in the quest for supple, glowy, hydrated skin. “[Two forms of] pure hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, madecassosides—which are wound-healing agents derived from Centella asiatica—nourish your skin barrier, and vitamin B5 soothes and hydrates,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH. The lightweight gel texture sinks in fast, leaving skin plump, smooth, and dewy. Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, previously told Allure that, regardless of your skin type, this product is a great starting point if you’re new to serums.

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic-smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, madecassoside, glycerin, vitamin B5, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: no

Bright Idea: Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum

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La Roche-Posay

Mela B3 Dark Spot Corrector Serum

$45

Amazon

$45

La Roche-Posay

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: If you’re dealing with uneven tone, dark spots, or hyperpigmentation from breakouts, Mela B3 Serum has you covered with its silky, lightweight formula that pairs 10% niacinamide—to calm and strengthen the skin barrier—with a brightening molecule called melasyl. “This novel pigment-fighting molecule has demonstrated promising results for multiple skin concerns in clinical studies,” Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas, previously told Allure. To top it off, lipohydroxy acid (LHA), a gentle exfoliant, helps sweep away dead skin cells for instant radiance and a more even-looking complexion over time.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Since I already use prescription tretinoin every other night (or sometimes every three nights), I like having a gentler brightening option for my days off. La Roche-Posay's Mela B3 Serum does contain retinyl palmitate, a milder vitamin A derivative that converts into retinoic acid in the skin, but it's pretty far down the ingredient list. What I love most so far is how moisturizing it feels. You can really tell there's a generous amount of glycerin in the formula: It's slightly thicker and more viscous than most serums I've tried, and takes a few minutes to fully absorb. I still need to give it a few more months to see how much of a difference it makes on my dark spots and melasma, but in the meantime, I'm enjoying it just as much for its hydrating benefits.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: melasyl, niacinamide, retinyl palmitate, lipohydroxy acid (LHA)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Barrier Boss: Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$25

Amazon

$25

La Roche-Posay

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: If your skin’s barrier has been through it (think dryness, irritation, or over-exfoliation), La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer is what our tester referred to as an “emotional support moisturizer.” It strengthens and hydrates with ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural barrier and thermal water to soothe and rebalance. Niacinamide helps calm redness and even out tone, while glycerin provides up to 48 hours of hydration without leaving a heavy residue. The lightweight cream sinks in fast, leaving skin soft, smooth, and comforted—perfect under makeup or on its own. If you have oily skin and prefer a matte option, Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Coral Gables, FL, previously recommended the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Matte Moisturizer.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“It's up there with Aquaphor as a product that I can trust to perform no matter how dry or damaged my skin barrier is. It doesn't go big on fancy fine-line-reducing ingredients or anything, and instead focuses on hydration. It leaves my skin wrapped in a cocoon of moisture—but not the overbearing and itchy kind! It plays nicely with my angry eczema flare-ups, and has no fragrance, so I can use it on my kids too.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Dull Skin, Where?: Pure Vitamin C12 Serum

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La Roche-Posay

Pure Vitamin C12 Serum

$45

Amazon

$45

La Roche-Posay

Allure social media director Kassidy Silva applying La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: In case you've been living under a rock, vitamin C has long been a gold standard for skin brightening. To sum things up, it's a powerful antioxidant that inhibits melanin production (which leads to dark spots and discoloration), defends against free radicals (which speed up signs of aging, like fine lines), and encourages collagen production for plumper, firmer skin. La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C12 Serum is formulated with 12% L-ascorbic acid to address all of the above. The beloved brightener is flanked by salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid, as well as the brand's signature thermal spring water, for additional pore-refining, hydrating, and soothing benefits that we can't get enough of.

Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva

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“To say I'm picky in my beauty routine is an understatement. I never hesitate to throw a product in the bin if I see no results after a month, and I tested seven other serums before finding my beloved La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12. It's simply a cut above the rest. I use about a quarter-size drop each morning after cleansing and toning. I quickly swipe it across my face and make sure to work the product down my neck (forgetting my décolletage was a skin-care mistake I made for too long), finishing with a gentle pat to any spots I might have missed. Typically I wait about two minutes for it to dry and finish with a moisturizer before starting my makeup routine. After two months, it's helped bring the luminosity back to my skin and smoothed out the texture, especially around my nose.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 12% pure vitamin C, salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, Neurosensine (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester)
• Fragrance-free: yes

Seeking Calm: Cicaplast Balm B5

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La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Balm B5

$33

Amazon

$33

La Roche-Posay

Han applying the La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Oh, La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, the crown jewel of rich creams. As its name suggests, two key ingredients are cica—more specifically, a form called madecassoside—and vitamin B5 (a.k.a. panthenol) to seriously soothe redness, irritation, and above all, dryness. Multiple derms have recommended this formula as a barrier repair cream, including one suitable for people with rosacea. TL;DR Dull, damaged skin trembles at the sight of this nongreasy, semi-matte cream that dries down beautifully and without any heaviness.

Tester feedback from Han

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“My first impression was: a balm? That must be way too heavy. The plot twist? Cicaplast is more akin to a rich cream, and not greasy-feeling at all—especially after a few minutes have passed. It does take a bit longer to sink in and blend, but it dries down to a semi-matte, velvety finish I barely notice. This is definitely more of a nighttime cream for me—I sometimes even skip my toner/essence steps, so it's just double-cleanse, a retinol and/or hydrating serum, and Cicaplast. That's the simplest my p.m. routine has ever been, and honestly, I'm not mad at it. It's so moisturizing that I still feel the benefits—a.k.a. baby-soft skin—come morning.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: cica, shea butter, panthenol, glycerin, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, Ohio
• Debra Jaliman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology based in Dallas, Texas
• Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and president and co-founder of Modern Dermatology based in Westport, Connecticut
• Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
• Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Coral Gables, Florida

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 La Roche-Posay 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 board-certified derms and K-beauty experts. 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.