Category: THE-BEAUTY

Photographed by: Giancarlos Kunhardt; Prop styling: Briana Rengifo

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

By now, you know that the Allure Best of Beauty Awards bestow that instantly recognizable seal on the products that editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and dermatologists agree are the cream (and serum) of the crop. Spotting that red circle while shopping feels like getting an instant and highly enthusiastic recommendation from your most beauty-savvy, ingredient-literate friend.

We've been bestowing Best of Beauty Awards for nearly three decades now, so repeat winners are inevitable, not because there's a lack of competition in certain categories—trust us, there are plenty of amazing new launches that give more familiar products a run for their money. It's just that some winners somehow manage to remain untouchable. And that's why we've decided to salute them with a Hall of Fame—a designation given only to products that have won three or more Best of Beauty Awards.

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

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

The products below are only some of the Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famers—yes, there are even more habitual winners—so check them out and then find out for yourself why they keep conquering their categories.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Best Physical Body Scrub

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

$11 $8 (27% off)

Amazon

Senior audience development director Lexi Herrick using the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Moroccan Rose.

Lexi Herrick

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Oral-B iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

$100 $90 (10% off)

Amazon

Not everyone gets excited about brushing their teeth, and those unenthusiastic people are the ones who haven’t tried the Oral-B iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush yet. We, on the other hand, have been using it for years, and it keeps coming out on top of our electric toothbrush picks. Editor in chief Jessica Cruel has been using this rechargeable, round-brush wonder for years and really appreciates the sensitivity sensor, and her dentist has even noticed a difference.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Best Powder Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

$27

Sephora

Senior art director Ingrid Fowler applies the Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.

To love the look of a liquid highlighter but prefer a powder format is to find yourself with few options that really deliver that gorgeously glassy look, so, of course, we keep coming back to Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter. Winning each year since its launch in 2022, this magical little mound of radiance never looks cakey or costume-y. “It’s so light and fine that it feels like you're applying air,” says senior art director Ingrid Fowler. “You only need a little bit to get a glimmery, shimmery—but not too shimmery—payoff.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

Best Monthly Peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel gives you the opportunity to play esthetician at home with a two-step, brush-on framework that feels straight out of a spa. Starting with an exfoliating combo of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids and ending with a clay mask, it delivers fast, noticeable results that have earned it three Best of Beauty Awards. "I feel so fancy every time I use this peel," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey. "The two-step system makes it seem more thorough than most acid-based peels, and the glowy results prove it actually is."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Lush Bath Bomb

Best Bath Bomb

Lush Bath Bomb

$8

Lush

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen drops a Lush Bath Bomb into her tub.

Ask 10 people to describe a Lush Bath Bomb, and you’ll get 10 different answers. That’s because, even though it’s the quintessential bath bomb that so many of us picture when we think of bath bombs, it comes in seemingly countless shapes, colors, and scents. Watching it become one with your bath water and then immersing yourself will never not be whimsical. Bonus: “They never fail to leave soothed, soft skin in their wake,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Best Skin-Care Steals

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

$15 $13 (13% off)

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel, who has access to pretty much any cleanser you can imagine, keeps a reserved parking space for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser in her shower. Like so many of us who have made it a part of our routines over the years—it has double-digits Best of Beauty Awards, so that really is so many of us—she knows that sometimes you just want clean skin without frothy fanfare and potentially irritating active ingredients. Ultimately, this hydrating formula is kind to both sensitive skin and sensitive bank accounts, and that earns it Hall of Fame status.

Best of Beauty Awards: 11

Jones Road The Blush Brush

Best Blush Brush

Jones Road The Blush Brush

$36

Jones Road

Managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying blush with the Jones Road The Blush Brush.

The true test of a makeup brush’s brilliance: making an uncoordinated person seem like a pro with its foolproof application. “Even when I think I've added too much product, Jones Road’s The Blush Brush proves me wrong as I watch it blend out with ease,” says contributing editor Marci Robin. This ease of use and reliability are only part of what makes it a repeat red-seal recipient; it also boasts soft, thick bristles that feel as fantastic as they perform.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

Best Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

$25

Amazon

Sometimes we forget that tweezers weren’t named after the name Tweezerman—that’s how gold-standard (or perhaps stainless-steel-standard)—the brand’s plucking tools are. And that’s especially true of the Slant Tweezer, which is the winningest Best of Beauty Award recipient in the honor’s history with 26 red seals. You can always rely on it—and boy, have we—to grab even the finest and most stubborn hair.

Best of Beauty Awards: 26

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Best Mattifying Primer

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

$34 $29 (15% off)

Amazon

Lily Wohlner

Although there was quite a gap between the 2009 and 2025 Best of Beauty Awards bestowed upon The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, this Smashbox classic has always been That Girl. Social director Kassidy Silva—who loves the lightweight, oil-free, even matte base it creates with its transparent formula—keeps finding herself making a U-turn back to the smooth, transparent formula on her long road of trying new primers. “If you also subscribe to the ‘apply in the morning and hope it stays all day’ makeup routine, this is the primer for you.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Homecourt Room Deodorant

Best Room Spray

Homecourt Cece Room Deodorant

$45

Revolve

$45

Bluemercury

Once you can admit that your home may be stinky beyond the help of a scented candle, it’s time to look to something that can actually solve the problem, and we’ve found, over and over, that Homecourt Room Deodorant does the job with odor-neutralizing zinc, yeast ferment, and charcoal. We’re especially big fans of the smoky-meets-sweet scent, Cece.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Best Color Pencil Eyeliner

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

$23

Amazon

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen creates a purple liner look with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil.

Nicola Dall’Asen

You know a product is iconic when, every few years, Allure editors are like, “There really is nothing quite like this in the category.” Such is the case with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, which has undeniably served as the inspiration for countless eyeliners that have come after it. Now, accepting its third Best of Beauty Award—following wins in 2009 and 2015—it has several staffers contending that it’s the G.O.A.T. because of its incredible opacity, durability, and shade range, which includes both everyday and experimental colors, like the matte dark brown Demolition and the sparkling hot pink Woodstock, respectively.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Best Liquid Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

$11

Amazon

The definition of affordable luxury, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is such an indulgently hydrating cleansing experience that it feels like you must have made a financially regrettable decision every time you take a shower. Thankfully, you can get suspiciously soft skin without overspending with this long-loved formula, which is welcoming its ninth instantly recognizable seal to its own instantly recognizable bottle.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Nars Powder Blush

Nars

Powder Blush

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Bluemercury

Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor brushes the Nars Powder Blush onto her cheekbones.

Don't call it a comeback! OK, call it a comeback. Nars Powder Blush has racked up numerous Best of Beauty Awards since the turn of the century, but its winning streak slowed in recent years as the blush competition thickened. We're not saying that's what prompted the brand to reformulate what is arguably its most famous product (even your grandma knows about Orgasm), but we were so impressed with 2024’s talc-free, even more blendable, and conveniently refillable reimagining of Nars Blush that we couldn't deny it its eighth red seal. "The new formula feels ever-so-slightly more velvety and deposits even more color with each swipe," says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor.

Best of Beauty Awards: 8

CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat

CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat

$12

Amazon

Your favorite nail polish color may change from week to week, but when it comes to that last clear layer, it's hard to stray from a formula as fantastic as the CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat. It helps any color from any brand (it doesn't discriminate) look shinier and last longer, acting as a force field against annoying chips. In other words, your favorite color may need to stay your favorite color for longer than a week because it’s going to stick around beyond seven days with this level of protection on top.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

Patrick Ta

Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

$40

Sephora

Size matters, especially when it comes to your go-to sculpting product. "I put contour and bronzer on every single day. It's a product you just use more, and in more places, so I didn't want it to run out quickly," makeup artist Patrick Ta previously told Allure of his Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo. As its name suggests, this winner actually gets you two products—and plenty of 'em—and their textures are so incredibly blendable that it feels like the makeup artist's mastery was one of the ingredients. And it’s no wonder that it applies perfectly with Patrick Ta’s new addition to the Hall of Fame, Major Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

ghd Platinum+ Styler

GHD

Platinum+ Styler

$319 $239 (25% off)

Amazon

$279

Revolve

$289

Dermstore

Contributor Paige Stables straightens her hair with the ghd Platinum+ Styler.

Is it a flatiron? Sure, technically. But what's earned the ghd Platinum+ Styler the "styler" designation—and four Best of Beauty Awards—is its so-much-more-than-a-flatiron flair. In addition to easy-peasy straightening, it allows you to create waves and curls with its rounded barrel and no-snag plates, which never deviate from 365 degrees—the perfect temperature for styling without singeing. No matter how high-maintenance your bangs may be, this tool makes sleek child’s play of them.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

eSalon

Custom Hair Color Set

$33

eSalon

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 10

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Beautyblender

Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Revolve

Contributor Hunter Lacey blends in concealer using the Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge.

There have been many—oh, so many—imitators, but nothing will ever replace the original Beautyblender. Shaped like a pointy egg, the makeup-kit staple is now a 14-time Best of Beauty Award winner. "I wanted a tool that gave you an airbrushed look without having to actually use an airbrush machine," founder Rea Ann Silva previously told Allure, and that's achieved by how foundation sits atop the Beautyblender once it's wet, not to mention the way its suede-like texture and edge-free shape blends it out gorgeously and into every tiny angle and contour of the face.

Best of Beauty Awards: 14

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara

Maybelline New York

Great Lash Mascara

$10 $7 (30% off)

Amazon (2-Pack)

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara has been winning Allure awards—both Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice—since before some of our current staff members were born. The pink and green packaging may be instantly recognizable, but it's what's inside the tube that makes it the most iconic everyday mascara on the market. We've seen it reimagined as a waterproof formula and in different colors, but we'll always keep coming back to the original for its simple yet effective lengthening and separating results.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Tangle Teezer The Original

Tangle Teezer

The Original

$15

Amazon

The original Tangle Teezer completely changed not only the way we treat our hair when it's wet, but the way we view hairbrushes. Turns out that a giant, plastic jelly bean is exactly what so many of us needed to get through our knotty hair—straight, curly, or in-between—without any discomfort. "It fits perfectly into your palm, which allows for less of the tugging that makes hair snap," hairstylist Tommy Buckett has told Allure of the four-time Best of Beauty winner. And while it may not look (or for that matter, be) as expensive as some other pro-loved hairbrushes on the market, you have to admit, the huge array of colors it comes in (and the adorable fact that the brand now makes Tangle Teezers for our furry friends) just adds to how delightful it is to use.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Touchland

Touchland

Power Mist

$30

Amazon (3-Pack)

Features director Dianna Mazzone Singh cleanses her hands in a pinch with the Touchland hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer isn't fun… said someone who has yet to be introduced to Touchland. The recipient of multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, this germ-killing mist lures you in with its colorful, chic packaging and has you coming back for more with its unexpectedly lovely scents, like Beach Coco, Citrus Grove, and Pure Lavender. It's easy to forget that it serves such a practical purpose, but even easier to remember to use it because you'll actually want to.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Kevyn Aucoin

The Eyelash Curler

$26

Bluemercury

$26

Dermstore

This eyelash curler won its first Best of Beauty Award more than 20 years ago, if you can believe it—and you should definitely believe it because it's absolutely worth making it the one in your makeup bag. The Kevyn Aucoin classic may not be one of the color-cosmetics products the brand is so celebrated for, but the fact that this tool has been around (and winning awards) for so long shows just how iconic it is. We especially appreciate how its bright red pad makes it almost impossible to pinch yourself when you go in for the curl.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez

Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

$46 $32 (30% off)

Amazon

Nearly every self-tanner on Earth does its darkening with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the sugar that reacts with amino acids on your skin to prompt a faux golden glow. But somehow, St. Tropez has managed to make the customizable results of its Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse the most convincingly un-faux—to the point that your staunchly pro-sunscreen friends might scold you for lying out in the sun. A three-time Best of Beauty winner, this advanced formula even wows scientists with its ability to provide a customized level of color depending on how long you leave it on. "What's really impressive about this technology is that they've been able to show that every time you wash it off after an hour, you'll get a light, even tan, and so on for the rest of the shades," cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer previously told Allure. "From a chemistry perspective, this sort of consistency is a real achievement. And for people at home, being able to pick three shades from one bottle? That's a first."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Self-Tanner

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

$12 $10 (17% off)

Amazon

$10

Walmart

If the bronze bottle of Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer looks a bit trophy-esque, perhaps that's because it's surrounded by multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards. The long-time go-to self-tanner for people who are nervous to use self-tanner, the formula promises the kind of gradual build-up of color that doesn't feel as overwhelming as the prospect of a full-blown tan in a matter of minutes. "And just like the color is more subtle than that of the self-tanners you may be used to, so is the scent," says contributing editor Marci Robin. "Sure, brands have come a long way in masking that telltale DHA smell, but Jergens mastered that long before the rest, and it's only gotten more pleasant to use and smell in recent years."

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit

Neutrogena

Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit

$38 $29 (24% off)

Amazon (3-Pack)

$10

Target

For so many people, Neutrogena Body Clear Body Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit was the first product that we ever used to address backne and other body breakouts; and for so many people, it's still what we turn to when things get bumpy below the neck. Its salicylic acid makes it a no-brainer, especially in the summer or after workouts, and its grapefruit scent has always been the ideal amount of citrusy-but-not-too-sweet. No wonder it's won a nice handful of Best of Beauty Awards.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Olive & June Polish Remover Pot

Olive & June

Polish Remover Pot

$10

Olive & June

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen removes her red nail polish with the Olive & June Polish Remover Pot.

You think it's humiliating to be terrible at painting your own nails? Try being a klutz at removing that nail polish—knocking over the bottle, getting remnants of cotton stuck to your nails, etc. The worst. And that's why we've been so thankful—to the tune of four Best of Beauty Awards—for the Olive & June Polish Remover Pot. The sponge inside is saturated in a gentle non-acetone formula, so after a couple twists of the fingertip, your nail is totally clean, free of both polish and fuzz. And you're ready to give painting your nails another good-faith try.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Aveeno

Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

$25 $18 (28% off)

Amazon

We should all be applying sunscreen every day—yes, even if we're just sitting inside near a window—the way we apply moisturizer every day. Aveeno makes multitasking super easy and (clearly, from the Best of Beauty Awards it has racked up) effective with its Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This drugstore favorite goes beyond hydrating to provide broad-spectrum protection that lessens the likelihood of sun damage, like discoloration. All the while, it addresses existing dark spots with its proprietary tone correcting soy formula.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

RevitaBrow

RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$60

Amazon

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Dermstore

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

Best of Beauty Awards: 13

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

BareMinerals

Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

$39 $27 (31% off)

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Revolve

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer isn't just an Allure editor and beauty expert favorite. In addition to its four Best of Beauty Awards, it has also impressed shoppers enough to win multiple Readers' Choice Awards. (We like to think that means you're listening. Thanks!) Ever so much lighter than foundation but just as transformative, it blends beautifully into your complexion (there are 20 flexible, glow-imparting shades), hydrates like the dickens, and even provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Color Wow Root Cover Up

Color Wow

Root Cover Up

$34 $26 (24% off)

Amazon

$35

Revolve

$35

Ulta Beauty

At first glance, if you didn't know what Color Wow Root Cover Up is, you might think it's an eye shadow or brow powder. But inside the easily portable compact is actually a multiple Best of Beauty award-winning gray-hair concealer like no other. "It's a pressed powder—in eight shades, from platinum to black—that comes with a small brush so I can pinpoint my grays and avoid my fancy salon highlights better than I can with a spray or loose powder," says Bailly, who adds that its finish is like real hair, so it never turns dull or stiff the way some sprays and hair mascaras do.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder

L'Oréal Paris

True Match Super-Blendable Powder

$13 $9 (31% off)

Amazon

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder's Best of Beauty wins date back all the way to 2005, and it's still impressing drugstore beauty shoppers nearly 20 years later. (Just think of how many other foundations have come and gone in that time.) It keeps wowing us with how strangely un-powdery (read: undetectable) it is, and if redness is one of your biggest frustrations, this pressed formula will become one of your biggest allies.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinish Loose Powder

Make Up For Ever

HD Microfinish Powder

$39

Sephora

We're devastated every time a few of Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinish Loose Powder’s super airy particles land anywhere other than our faces because that's a tiny bit of blurring, light-diffusing magic that our skin is missing out on. This loose powder visibly minimizes pores and lines while somehow remaining invisible itself. It has won several Best of Beauty Awards since its first in 2008, and we're just grateful that Make Up For Ever has never messed with this magic.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Allure editors, courtesy of editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

In case you didn’t know, some of the deepest discounts for Amazon Prime Day happen before the sale even begins. The event runs from October 7th to 8th, but the best early Prime Day beauty deals are already in full swing. These steals are worth shouting about, especially since so many are 2025 Best of Beauty winners or have been thoroughly tested by our editors. From glow-boosting face oils to handy blow-dryer brushes, this lineup is packed with editor-approved picks across skin care, hair care, makeup, and wellness. Now’s your moment to hit “add to cart,” because we’ve already seen tons of our picks sell out—and we don’t want you to miss your chance to save big.

In This Story

• Best of Beauty-Winning Early Amazon Prime Day Deals
• Early Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals
• Early Amazon Prime Day Hair-Care Deals
• Early Amazon Prime Day Makeup Deals
• Early Amazon Prime Day Wellness Deals

Our Favorite Best of Beauty-Winning Early Amazon Prime Day Deals

If you missed it (are you living under a rock?), we just dropped our 2025 Best of Beauty Awards—and plenty of winners are already marked down for Prime Day. After months of editor testing, standouts like the L'Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray, House of Lashes Iconic False Eyelashes, and Elemis Superfood Facial Oil all earned top spots. Shop them now before they’re gone (trust, they’re going fast!).

L'Oreal Paris

Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

All you need is a few spritzes of L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist over your makeup, you get 36 hours (!) of budge-free coverage that feels like nothing on the skin.

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist

Bianca Richards

Crest

3D Whitestrips Professional Effects

$46 $30 (35% off)

Amazon

Worn 30 to 45 minutes a day for 20 days, Crest 3D Whitestrips Professional Effects can remove a decade’s worth of iced coffees, Diet Cokes, and chiantis, returning your mouth to mint condition and keeping it that way for months.

House of Lashes

House of Lashes Iconic False Eyelashes

$12 $11 (8% off)

Amazon

Comfort and drama rarely go together in the lash world, but House of Lashes’ Iconic collection changes that. Available in three strip styles (Iconic, Iconic Lite, and Iconic Mini), each lash has a flexible, weightless band and criss-crossed fibers for some extra length and volume.

Elemis

Superfood Facial Oil

$72 $56 (22% off)

Amazon

Elemis’ Superfood Facial Oil is packed with almost too many skin-saving oils to count. Sweet almond, cucumber, rice bran, broccoli, and rose hip—they work together to give your skin the radiant glow of someone who gets their daily servings of veggies.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Elemis’s Superfood Facial Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lancôme

Lash Idôle Flutter Extension Lash-Lengthening Mascara

$30 $26 (13% off)

Amazon

According to Bailly, this new formula from Lancôme gives her the long, fluttery lashes of her dreams. And, it won’t budge until you pull out your go-to makeup remover.

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying Weleda’s Skin Food Hydrating Facial Mist

Weleda

Skin Food Hydrating Facial Mist

$24 $20 (17% off)

Amazon

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and the same botanical blend (calendula, chamomile, rosemary, pansy, and sunflower seed oil) as Weleda’s iconic Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, this milky mist refreshes thirsty skin during dry winter days and long afternoons spent in stale office air.

Differin

Acne Treatment Gel

$36 $23 (36% off)

Amazon

An retinoid once only available by prescription, Differin’s Adapalene Gel 0.1% remains a dermatologist- and Allure editor-favorite for clearing up breakouts—and seven Best of Beauty wins proves it. It regulates skin cell turnover and, when applied all over the face, is unrivaled in its ability to clear pores and reduce inflammation over time.

Panasonic

Water Flosser for Travel

$50 $44 (12% off)

Amazon

Some water flossers blast like a firehose, while others barely trickle. Panasonic’s Portable Cordless Water Flosser lands right in the sweet spot. Its two pressure settings are powerful enough to clear away plaque without overdoing it, all in a compact design that tucks neatly under the sink or into your carry-on.

Shark Beauty

FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

$350 $240 (31% off)

Amazon

Five removable attachments mean the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is like having an entire hairstylist’s tool kit at home—that you don’t need a hairstylist’s skill set to use.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Our Favorite Early Amazon Prime Day Skin-Care Deals

Summer did a number on our skin (hello, sun and sweat), which makes fall the ideal time to refresh the top shelf of your medicine cabinet. A few of our favorites: Dr. Althea’s cult-favorite hydrating face mask, La Roche-Posay’s gentle cleanser for dry-skin season, and St. Tropez's Self Tan Express Mousse, which allows you go get an island-worthy tan in just three hours.

Dr. Althea

Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

$13 $11 (15% off)

Amazon

Instead of a standard cotton sheet, Dr. Althea’s mask uses a gauze infused with gel technology that hugs your face without slipping. It’s made with 10 types of hyaluronic acid for deep hydration and elasticity, plus plant-derived PDRN (an ingredient typically sourced from salmon DNA that’s known for boosting skin repair) and panthenol to strengthen the skin barrier.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Dr. Althea’s Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Sarah Han

Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Belif’s Aqua Bomb

Lexi Herrick

Belif

Aqua Bomb

$40 $30 (25% off)

Amazon

A staple in many Allure editors’ cabinets, this Korean moisturizer cools skin on contact and keeps inflammation at bay with tiger grass and oat kernel extract. You’ll also notice plumper, bouncier skin, thanks to glycerin and squalane.

La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

$20 $16 (20% off)

Amazon

La Roche-Posay has long been a favorite for sensitive skin—the brand has earned multiple Seals of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association (and Allure Best of Beauty Awards). On sale right now: the Foaming Facial Cleanser. It features a hard-working team of ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water that gently lifts makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

Deanna Pai

StriVectin

Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correct Vitamin C Serum

$75 $56 (25% off)

Amazon

Former Allure staff editor Jihan Forbes loves a product that cuts out a few steps in her routine, and this serum does just that. “It not only brightens with the power of vitamin C, but the retinol in it goes to work so no fine line formed against me shall prosper," she says.

Cosrx

The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

$25 $19 (24% off)

Amazon

Get your K-beauty fix with CosRx’s The 6 Peptide Skin Booster, which tackles multiple skin concerns: calming redness, strengthening your skin barrier, softening and plumping for a more youthful look, and evening out tone.

Versed

Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm

$18 $15 (17% off)

Amazon

We’re looking out for you when we say, "please step away from the single-use cleansing wipes." Our advice? Use a small scoop of Versed’s Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm to melt away even your toughest makeup without leaving your complexion looking raw and irritated.

Origins

GinZing Refreshing Scrub Cleanser

$29 $25 (14% off)

Amazon

There’s nothing like a burst of citrus to wake up the senses, which is why Allure commerce editor Sarah Han starts her mornings with Origins Refreshing Scrub Cleanser. “I’m not a huge scrub person so I appreciate how fine the jojoba beads in Origins’s GinZing cleanser—they lather slightly with water and don’t rub my skin raw,” she says.

St. Tropez

Self Tan Express Mousse

$46 $32 (30% off)

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Ulta Beauty

Customize your glow with St. Tropez’s Self Tan Express Mousse, a fast-acting formula you can leave on for one to three hours, depending on your desired shade. Leave it for just an hour for a natural-looking hint of color, or keep it on for three for a deeper, more bronzed finish—the control is entirely in your hands.

Foreo

Luna 4

$199 $149 (25% off)

Amazon

The Foreo Luna 4 is an investment, but at Allure, we only recommend splurges that really work—and this one does. This cleansing brush has three settings that provide a deep clean on all skin types, removing makeup and SPF so your skin care goes on smoothly (and actually works).

Our Favorite Early Amazon Prime Day Hair-Care Deals

Tons of our hair staples are on sale during Prime Day, including a long-time editor favorite, the Wavytalk Thermal Brush. Also in our carts: The Multi-Styler from T3 that smooths hair into styles that look like you came straight from the salon. Throw in a good heat protectant, and consider your hair-care routine officially rescued.

Wavytalk

Thermal Brush

$60 $46 (23% off)

Amazon

Wavytalk’s Thermal Brush is the star of tens of thousands of videos highlighting its ability to deliver a solid blowout on any hair type. “For my longer layers, wrapping my hair around the brush before gently pulling while twisting did the trick for creating a nice curl all the way through,” Hoffmann says.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using Wavytalk’s Thermal Brush

Sarah Hoffmann

Former Allure associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez using T3"s Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System

Talia Gutierrez

T3

Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System

$300 $250 (17% off)

Amazon

The bristles on T3’s Aire Multi-Styler get a tight grip around even the thickest hair. Allure former associate manager of special projects Talia Gutierrez says this shortens the number of passes needed to smooth her “wavy, coarse strands.”

SexyHair

Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

$23 $15 (35% off)

Amazon

Few things are more frustrating than spending an hour perfecting your hair only to have gravity flatten it. SexyHair Big Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray is the solution, keeping your bouncy volume intact for hours on end (even if the dance floor calls).

Verb

Ghost Oil

$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

There’s a reason Verb Ghost Oil is so beloved: It hydrates without feeling heavy and enhances shine, thanks to moringa oil, green tea extract, and vegan proteins.

R+Co

Cool Wind pH Perfect Air-Dry Crème

$36 $34 (6% off)

Amazon

True to its name, R+Co’s Cool Wind pH Perfect Air Dry Cream makes your hair look, well, perfect. It’s made with hydrating apricot and watermelon extracts, as well as mango butter to detangle and add softness.

Ouidad

Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream

$26 $18 (31% off)

Amazon

“This is a major key for luscious, juicy type 3 curls and up," hairstylist Lana Hunter says of Ouidad’s paraben-, sulfate-, and mineral oil-free Curl Cream. She tells us that it will eliminate the use of unnecessary products and works amazingly alone.

Our Favorite Early Amazon Prime Day Makeup Deals

We’re all about keeping it simple, and these Prime Day makeup deals make looking polished effortless. Think: a glow-boosting primer for a lit-from-within base, a precise brow pencil that shapes your arches without looking overdrawn, and a blush that instantly wakes up your complexion.

L'Oréal Paris

True Match Lumi Glotion

$18 $12 (33% off)

Amazon

L’Oreal Paris True Match Lumi Glotion does more than add radiance to your base—it also nourishes your skin. Infused with glycerin and shea butter, it boosts hydration and leaves your complexion looking smoother.

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Brow Definer

$27 $23 (15% off)

Amazon

The standout feature of Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Brow Definer is its creamy, blendable texture. It effortlessly fills sparse areas while diffusing naturally, giving your brows definition without looking overdrawn.

Rom&nd

Better Than Cheek

$15 $10 (33% off)

Amazon

Powder blushes are officially back—and nothing like the chalky versions of years past. Rom&nd’s Better Than Cheek delivers a soft-matte, blurring finish in versatile, easy-to-wear shades that flatter just about everyone.

Perricone MD

No Makeup Blush

$39 $29 (26% off)

Amazon

No-makeup makeup is Perricone MD’s specialty, and this blush proves it, delivering a natural-looking flush that brings dull skin back to life.

Our Favorite Early Amazon Prime Day Wellness Deals

From high-tech skin tools to oral care upgrades that make fresh breath feel less like a chore, these wellness deals are all about feeling good from the inside out. One standout is the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage, which rarely goes on sale. You’ll also find the Foreo Luna 4, a splurge that truly delivers on its deep-cleansing claims.

ThisWorks

Deep Sleep Pillow Spray: Natural Sleep

$33 $28 (15% off)

Amazon

Ever wake up in the middle of an amazing dream? Never again—snooze better (and longer) with this time-released lavender spray.

Ōura

Ring Gen3 Heritage

$216 $199 (8% off)

Amazon

The Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage isn’t just a ring—it’s a round-the-clock wellness tracker that monitors your sleep, activity, and recovery. Its advanced sensors give personalized insights, helping you feel and perform your best. Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner even says it’s changed her from a night owl to a morning person—something she’d never thought she’d say.

Oral-B

Pro 1000 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

$66 $47 (29% off)

Amazon

You probably know Oral B for lots of products in the oral care aisle at the drugstore. But the brand makes our all-time favorite toothbrushes, including the Pro 1000. It automatically stops if you’re brushing too hard, has three cleaning modes, and features a timer that alerts you every 30 seconds to change brushing zones.

TheraBreath

Anticavity Fluoride Mouthwash

$23 $18 (22% off)

Amazon (2-Pack)

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen says the TheraBreath Fresh Breath Mouthwash—which is gentle on her sensitive gums—is her favorite "unsexy" beauty product. "It helps keep excess food debris out of the crevices of my teeth and gums, while simultaneously leaving behind a minty aftertaste," she says.

Braun

Smart IPL, Skin i·Expert Pro 7

$600 $487 (19% off)

Amazon

The Braun Smart IPL Skin i·Expert Pro 7 uses Intense Pulsed Light technology to safely reduce hair growth without the salon visit, leaving skin smoother after each session. With built-in smart features that adapt to your skin tone, it takes the guesswork out of at-home hair removal, for results that last.

How We Find the Best Prime Day Beauty 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.

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Of all the runway shows during Paris Fashion Week, no front row is as buzzy and celeb-heavy as Dior's. The legendary French fashion house brings out the A-list, and in turn, celebrities bring their beauty A-games—like Willow Smith, who stunned me with a gorgeous combo of a braided updo and baby-blue eye shadow.

Smith, who is a global ambassador for Dior Beauty, sat front row at the spring/summer 2026 womenswear show—alongside fellow ambassadors Anya Taylor-Joy and Blackpink's Jisoo—wearing head-to-toe Dior and a high, multi-layered updo that began with braids and ended in a perky pile of waves.

The musician's updo has three distinct levels, starting with two elevated, braided sections that begin right near her hairline. The smaller section was rolled at an angle, and the larger portion looks like it was rolled around a hairpiece or a hair donut for added lift, volume, and shape. The lengths were gathered into a knot at the base of the second braided section, descending in long, easy waves.

Getty Images

The sculpted style is gorgeous from a straight-on view, but you've gotta see the side view to really appreciate every detail. It's a little beehive-y, a little bouffant-y, and in true Smith fashion, totally cool.

Getty Images

Smith paired her updo with the prettiest frosty blue pastel eye shadow, which she wore dusted all over the lid, up to the brow, and in her inner corners, plus a poppy pink blush. Given her sponsorship, my best guess is that she's wearing a soft wash of Diorshow Mono Couleur shadow in Denim.

This season's Dior show was even more important than usual, as it marks the official beginning of Jonathan Anderson's work as creative director. Smith joined the Dior family in 2024 and has appeared in several Dior Beauty campaigns since then, including one with Taylor-Joy for the Forever Glow Star Filter. At the time, the brand described her as “one of the most visionary and daring young women of her generation,” and we've gotta agree.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Featured in this article

SkinCeuticals Best Sellers Discovery SetSkinCeuticals Best Sellers Discovery SetRead more$490

SkinCeuticals

Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de ParfumChanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de ParfumRead more$143

Nordstrom

Tatcha Dewy Skin & Lips Hydrating Ritual SetTatcha Dewy Skin & Lips Hydrating Ritual SetRead more$83

Amazon

Finding the best gifts for women is easier said than done. Whether it’s because mom insists she already has everything or because little sis is super picky about skin care, choosing something special, suitable, and unique takes talent. Lucky for you, we’ve scoured the web to create a gift guide that'll help you prep prime presents ahead of the holiday season. No matter the age, vibe, or taste of your recipient, you’re bound to find something to make her day…and the day after that, and the day after that. Scroll on for the best gifts for women, and thank us later.

• SkinCeuticals Best Sellers Discovery Set

  1/53

  SkinCeuticals

  Best Sellers Discovery Set

  $490

  SkinCeuticals

  Mom deserves nothing less than the best skin care, which she'll get in this three-piece SkinCeuticals set. Truly, these products need no introduction, but here’s a primer anyway. C E Ferulic is a potent antioxidant serum that brightens dark spots and discoloration and tackles fine lines. Former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein described the derm-approved investment as "the mother of all vitamin C serums."

  H.A. Intensifier Multi-Glycan is a 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner. In the words of creative director Amber Venerable, "it feels substantial but not heavy and gives instant hydration to the skin." Star ingredients include licorice root, purple rice extract, and hyaluronic acid, an all-star humectant that draws water into the skin.

  As for Triple Lipid Restore, it's the end-all-be-all moisturizer, "infusing skin-identical fatty acids into the barrier in the exact proportion that naturally exists in our barrier," board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, explained. The result? Younger-looking skin.

• Chanel Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum

  2/53

  Chanel

  Chance Eau Tendre Eau de Parfum

  $143

  Nordstrom

  $143

  Ulta Beauty

  $143

  Sephora

  Chanel's Chance first took home a Best of Beauty Award 22 years ago, and it continues to impress us with its clean, fruity-floral scent. Notes of grapefruit and quince come through on top of a jasmine and white musk base, for a scent that's light enough to wear every day, but will still earn her compliments.

• Tatcha Dewy Skin & Lips Hydrating Ritual Set

  3/53

  Tatcha

  Dewy Skin & Lips Hydrating Ritual Set

  $83

  Amazon

  Treat her to a midwinter pick-me-up with this set of Japanese-inspired products. The Dewy Skin & Lips Hydrating Ritual Set comes with an intensely moisturizing lip mask, a gentle face wash, and the brand’s Dewy Skin Cream, which one Allure editor says “has a luminous finish that makes my skin look fresh and radiant.” Sign us up.

• Ugg Tasman II Slipper

  4/53

  UGG

  Tasman II Slipper

  $125

  Amazon

  $125

  Nordstrom

  Warm, cozy slippers are always a hit. Ugg’s Tasman II is a major upgrade from her old pair, with a super-soft, shearling lining and some pretty embroidery around the ankle.

• Benefit Glam Cube Holiday Calendar Set

  5/53

  Benefit Cosmetics

  Glam Cube Holiday Calendar Set

  $149

  Nordstrom

  $149

  Ulta Beauty

  $149

  Revolve

  Benefit did not come to play with its Glam Cube Holiday Calendar Set. Inside, your giftee will find over 20 mini and full-size makeup and skin care products, including Allure editor favorites like the Hoola Powder Bronzer and the 24-Hour Brow Setter Shaping & Setting Gel. (And yes, the box even swivels like a Rubix cube—but doesn’t require hours of puzzle-solving.)

  More from Allure

  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel
  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic
  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving

• Guerlain Rouge G

  6/53

  Guerlain

  Rouge G

  $43

  Nordstrom

  Before you scroll: This is no ordinary lipstick. Guerlain’s Rouge G is a customizable lipstick case with a built-in mirror that your giftee can fill with the shade of their choice (the actual bullet of product is sold separately). This year, it won a Best of Beauty Award for its clever, timeless design: “There are very few items in my beauty collection that I know I'll pass on to my daughter, and the Guerlain Rouge G is at the top of the list,” says Allure social director Kassidy Silva. “It’s a pocket-size luxury that's meant to last.” (Want to go the extra mile? Pair it with a gift card, so she can choose her favorite shade to fill it with.)

• Dyson Airwrap ID Multi-Styler and Dryer

  7/53

  Dyson

  Airwrap ID Multi-Styler and Dryer

  $649

  Amazon

  $650

  Ulta Beauty

  $650

  Dyson

  Plain and simple, the Dyson Airwrap ID is one of the most coveted hot tools around. Its versatility is unmatched, it all but eliminates heat damage, and the super-fast styling time is the icing on the cake (it’s a Best of Beauty Award winner for a reason!). Pro tip: If the Airwrap ID sits slightly outside your budget, go halfsies with a like-minded gifter.

• Olive & June Gel Mani System Set

  8/53

  Olive & June

  Gel Mani System Set

  $85

  Amazon

  The Best of Beauty Award-winning Gel Mani System Set from Olive & June impressed us, big time. “I found the kit to be easy to use and loved the results,” says Allure content director Kara McGrath. “It produces a glossy manicure that feels as strong as the one I’d get at a salon,” added senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor. It comes with everything they’ll need to get started, and while there’s a bit of a learning curve, the two- to three-week wear time is worth it.

• RPZL The Morgan Stacked Cuff

  9/53

  RPZL

  The Morgan Stacked Cuff

  $30

  Amazon

  Yes, your mom adores her drugstore claw clip (and, duh, same), but allow her to mix things up with this totally trending (and Best of Beauty Award-winning) RPZL The Morgan Stacked Cuff. The chunky, gold-toned cuff is fastened to an elastic hair tie to vibe-boost even the most low-effort ponytails. Instant sophistication.

• Summer Fridays The Jet Lag Essentials Hydration Set

  10/53

  Summer Fridays

  The Jet Lag Essentials Hydration Set

  $34

  Sephora

  On top of the Best of Beauty Award-winning Jet Lag Mask, this Summer Fridays set includes de-puffing undereye masks, a soothing face mist, and a hydrating serum. Basically, everything dull, dry skin needs for a total refresh.

• Theraface Depuffing Wand

  11/53

  Theraface

  Depuffing Wand

  $170

  Amazon

  $169

  Nordstrom

  $170

  Ulta Beauty

  One device, two settings: The tip of Theraface’s Depuffing Wand warms up to boost circulation and then cools down to tackle swelling and make pores look smaller. We tested it for months before giving it a Best of Beauty Award for its quick, effective technique. “This tool is your shortcut to a snatched face,” says Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin. “When using the cool setting in the A.M., I can immediately see a difference in my face. I also love how soothing the heat setting is before bed—the warmth is supposed to help with product absorption.”

• Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Pink Honey Stocking Stuffer

  12/53

  Clinique

  Almost Lipstick in Black Honey and Pink Honey Stocking Stuffer

  $50

  Ulta Beauty

  Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey has been a makeup bag staple for decades—now, you can snag it along with the Pink Honey shade, too, for a loved one. Both sheer lip balms are packed with moisturizing castor seed oil for soft, smooth lips and the perfect hint of color.

• Tower28 x Poppi Fizz + Frost Blush Lip Kit

  13/53

  Tower 28

  Fizz + Frost Blush Lip Kit

  $26

  Sephora

  $26

  Revolve

  $26

  Credo Beauty

  This new collab between prebiotic soda brand Poppi and makeup brand Tower28 has their name written all over it. The blush is yet another 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—we love how pigmented it is (but still user-friendly—no blush blindness here). “I love that it’s self-setting, so I know it won’t fade or slip throughout the day,” says Allure commerce editor Sarah Han. Also included: A Tower28 ShineOn Lip Oil Jelly that moisturizes lips, adds a sheer shimmer, and is flavored like Poppi’s Cranberry Frizz soda.

  More from Allure

  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving
  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic
  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel

• Oura Ring 4

  14/53

  Ōura

  Ring 4

  $349

  Amazon

  The Oura Ring 4 tracks sleep, stress, and activity, then bundles all of those stats into a simple readiness score the wearer can use to plan their day. If she’s into all things health and fitness, she’ll likely appreciate the smart, personalized advice Oura sends straight to their phone.

• Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask

  15/53

  Shark

  CryoGlow LED Face Mask

  $349

  Amazon

  $350

  Dermstore

  $350

  Ulta Beauty

  Our favorite LED mask makes an excellent present for the person who has (almost) everything. In addition to firming, acne-busting red light, it has cold cryotherapy settings that kick puffiness around the eyes to the curb. “I like the cooling, calming feel as I bask in the mask’s LED lights,” reported one Allure staffer. More of that in 2026, please.

• Tom Ford Fabulous Candle

  16/53

  Tom Ford

  Fabulous Candle

  $140

  Nordstrom

  For the giftee who talks like a sailor and smells like a saint, meet Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous Candle. Proudly emblazoned with the F-bomb, this sultry candle is scented like rich, spicy leather, tonka bean, and sage. Effing delicious.

• Jolie Filtered Showerhead

  17/53

  Jolie

  Filtered Showerhead

  $169

  Ulta Beauty

  $169

  Revolve

  Hard water can mean hard times for hair. If you've heard your giftee complaining about brittle strands (or dry skin), she may be in the market for a showerhead filter and not even know it. Jolie makes a sleek option—available in five colors, to match any bathroom aesthetic—that promises to catch chlorine and heavy metals that can strip skin and hair of natural oils.

• Jones Road Miracle Balm

  18/53

  Jones Road

  Miracle Balm

  $40

  Jones Road

  Jones Road's Miracle Balm is the everything-in-one product that low-effort beauty lovers have dreamt of. Wrap and pass a jar of this glowy goodness to your best friend, so she always looks like she just came back from vacation. She can apply the balm with a finger (just be sure to tell her to “break” or press down firmly on the balm to activate it first) or makeup sponge to her lips, cheeks, eyes, and even the tip of her nose.

  "If your skin is dull, dry, and needs some waking up, you absolutely need this product," shopping director Shanna Shipin attests. "I can use it anywhere on my face for instant life. Yes, life. It adds a natural wash to the skin and doesn't sink into fine lines or accentuate my pitted acne scars." Shipin notes the colors are buildable, comfortable, and so goof-proof that you really don't need a mirror to apply them. (Her favorite is the red-bronze Tawny.)

• Osea Bestsellers Body Set

  19/53

  Osea

  Bestsellers Body Set

  $48

  Nordstrom

  $48

  Revolve

  Harnessing the power of seaweed, botanical oils, and essential fatty acids, Osea’s Bestsellers Body Care Set—made up of a body butter, oil, balm, and scrub—buffs, smooths, and rehydrates dry skin. This non-daunting quartet makes it easy for her to incorporate new steps into her routine without a total overhaul.

• Hatch Restore 3

  20/53

  Hatch

  Restore 3

  $170

  Amazon

  $170

  Nordstrom

  $170

  Ulta Beauty

  A TikTok-viral product that's actually worth it? Groundbreaking. The Hatch Restore 3 is a sunrise alarm clock, white noise machine, and bedside light rolled into one. If anything can turn her into a morning person, it's this.

• Cozy Earth Silk Pillow

  21/53

  Cozy Earth

  Silk Pillow

  $198

  Cozy Earth

  $198

  Anthropologie

  Shipin (a mom of two girls) called the Cozy Earth Silk Pillow "life-changing" and had no regrets when she accidentally ordered two. If you're familiar with synthetic down, you know you can usually tell the difference—but mulberry silk turns out to be the perfect alternative. It's stuffed inside the actual pillowcase, which makes for the ideal firmness.

  More from Allure

  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic
  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel

• Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

  22/53

  Phlur

  Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

  $38

  Amazon

  $38

  Nordstrom

  $38

  Revolve

  This 2024 Best of Beauty-winning bottle of Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist is the definition of irresistible. A few spritzes of this mist and you'll understand why it won our hearts. "Vanilla Skin couldn't be a better name for this mist," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay. "It's sweet and light, giving gourmand warmth while maintaining a natural musk that doesn’t make it too sugary."

• TheraBody TheraGun Mini

  23/53

  Therabody

  TheraGun Mini

  $220

  Amazon (3rd Generation)

  $220

  Dermstore (3rd Generation)

  $220

  Ulta Beauty (3rd Generation)

  The portable version of Therabody's classic massager, the Theragun Mini is great for smoothing out smaller kinks and knots in the hips and shoulders. Whether she needs muscle therapy post-workout or is struggling with mobility in her later years, this gadget—which comes with three attachments—can be a huge source of relief.

• NuFace Mini + Starter Kit

  24/53

  NuFace

  Mini + Starter Kit

  $250

  Amazon

  $250

  Nordstrom

  $250

  Dermstore

  The microcurrent tool is like a face-sculpting workout that might sound too good to be true, but take it from board-certified dermatologist Zain Husain, MD. "The microcurrent stimulates energy production to drive the creation of collagen and elastin in the skin, creating a more lifted appearance,” Dr. Husain explains. This NuFace Mini + Starter Kit comes with everything she needs to try it herself.

• 111Skin Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

  25/53

  111Skin

  Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask

  $120

  Nordstrom (8-Count)

  $120

  Dermstore (8-Count)

  Mom loves an undereye mask, and you love to spoil mom. Grab her a splurgey 8-pack of 111Skin’s Celestial Black Diamond Eye Mask for a relaxing, hydrating, and de-puffing session. She’ll appreciate the inclusion of hard-working ingredients like hyaluronic acid and a peptide complex.

• Anthropologie The Fiona Beaded Bag: Food & Drink Edition

  26/53

  Anthropologie

  The Fiona Beaded Bag: Food & Drink Edition

  $98

  Anthropologie

  The radish-printed Fiona Beaded Bag from Anthropologie is simply to die for. The intricately glass-beaded exterior is a nod to her favorite veggie and looks so darn cute with everything. If she’s not so into radishes, we also stan the pear and apple prints.

• Hourglass Travel Vegan Brush Set

  27/53

  Hourglass

  Travel Vegan Brush Set

  $340

  Nordstrom

  $340

  Sephora

  Lots of brands tout products you can apply with your finger, but sometimes, a digit just won’t do. That’s when we wrap and pass this Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Set. The versatility of these brushes is divine, and the presentation is beautiful.

• Brightland The Artist Capsule 4-Piece Infused Olive Oil Set

  28/53

  Brightland

  The Artist Capsule 4-Piece Infused Olive Oil Set

  $150

  Amazon

  $150

  Nordstrom

  What’s a midlife crisis without a new hobby? For your aunt, it’s binge-watching Gordon Ramsey videos and suddenly becoming an incredible chef. Grab her this 4-Piece Infused Olive Oil Set from Brightland. The bottles themselves are stunning, with flavors to match. The set includes olive oils infused with chili oil, garlic, lemon, and basil.

• Nécessaire The Body Essentials

  29/53

  Nécessaire

  The Body Essentials

  $40

  Amazon

  $40

  Nordstrom

  If your loved one is looking to amp up their body-care routine, there’s no better way to kick things off than with Nécessaire’s The Body Essentials. Complete with The Body Wash, The Body Lotion, and The Deodorant, this luxe trio delivers nourishing vitamins and can be purchased in the Eucalyptus scent or fragrance-free.

  More from Allure

  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving
  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel

• Béis The Cosmetics Case

  30/53

  Béis

  The Cosmetics Case

  $78

  Nordstrom

  $78

  Revolve

  An organizer like Béis’s The Cosmetics Case will earn you major points, with its sleek design, plentiful pockets, spill-proof build, and mini mirror. It fits all of her essentials (and then some).

• New Balance 530 Sneaker

  31/53

  New Balance

  530 Sneaker

  $100

  Nordstrom

  $100

  Anthropologie

  Sneaks she wants, sneaks she gets. New Balance’s 530S sneakers are the classic, versatile 90s dad shoe that don’t go out of style. They come in lots of colors, but we love the Angora/Dusk Shower blue combo.

• Eberjey Gisele Relaxed Jersey Knit Short Pajamas

  32/53

  Eberjey

  Gisele Relaxed Jersey Knit Short Pajamas

  $148

  Amazon

  $148

  Nordstrom

  $148

  Revolve

  Lightweight and comfy-cozy, Eberjey's Gisele Relaxed Jersey Knit Short Pajamas are just as much for bed as for camera-off WFH days. They come in lots of cute colors, like white with blue piping or light pink with black piping.

• Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

  33/53

  Stanley

  The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

  $45

  Amazon

  $45

  Nordstrom

  Stanley’s The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler will keep your bestie hydrated all day long. Whether she notoriously skimps on water drinking or chugs her H2O like a world-class athlete, this stainless steel tumbler stores a whopping 40 ounces that’ll quench her thirst wherever, whenever.

• Aura Carver Digital Photo Frame

  34/53

  Aura Carver

  Digital Photo Frame

  $149

  Amazon

  $150

  Nordstrom

  Nana is always on your case for not sending her enough pics of you and your growing family. And you know what? She’s right; you could do better (brave to admit!). Thankfully, Aura’s Photo Frame makes it super easy. Upload photos from your phone and they’ll go straight to her Aura, which will display them in a slideshow. Whether you do a photo dump every Sunday or upload a new image nightly, she’ll be totally tickled.

• Favorite Daughter Classic Logo Baseball Cap

  35/53

  Favorite Daughter

  Classic Logo Baseball Cap

  $48

  Amazon

  $48

  Nordstrom

  $48

  Revolve

  This one's an easy smash hit for your daughter. Just make sure that if you have more than one, each gets her own. The cotton twill hat comes in a bunch of colorways and is decorated with the brand's name, which doubles as a cheeky nod to her awesomeness.

• Estelle Colored Glass Stemless Wine Glasses

  36/53

  Estelle

  Colored Glass Stemless Wine Glasses

  $170

  Nordstrom

  $170

  Anthropologie

  A set of six hand-blown pink Estelle Colored Glass Stemless Wine Glasses is the beautiful gift your loved one didn't see coming. If they're not team vino, the brand also makes rocks tumblers and highball glasses that'll dazzle equally.

• Dior Lip Glow Oil

  37/53

  Dior

  Lip Glow Oil

  $42

  Nordstrom

  $42

  Ulta Beauty

  Dior’s Addict Lip Glow Oil is that girl, and for good reason. The nourishing, tinting, and never-sticky lippie doles out unbeatable shine and moisture. Gift the lip oil in any of the 11 hues and watch her swipe it on right out of the box. A special shout out to the cushiony doe-foot applicator, which saturates the pout every time.

  More from Allure

  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel
  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving

• Diptyque Solid Perfume

  38/53

  Diptyque

  Solid Perfume

  $76

  Nordstrom

  $76

  Diptyque

  A welcome switch-up from her traditional eau de parfum, the Diptyque Solid Perfume is a must-have portable fragrance, available in many of the brand’s most beloved scents such as Doson (pictured here), Eau Rose, and L'Eau Papier. Not only is it quite a bit more affordable than its bottled counterparts, but the metal packaging is stunning and can be refilled over and over.

• Aesop Resurrection Duet

  39/53

  Aesop

  Resurrection Duet

  $140

  Nordstrom

  $140

  Dermstore

  $140

  Bluemercury

  Ask any Allure editor, and they'll emphatically explain how and why Aesop's hand wash and lotion are unrivaled—and it's not just because of the Insta-worthy packaging. The formulas are super luxe and aromatic, and you only need a tiny dollop to cleanse and moisturize your skin.

• Merit Five Minute Morning

  40/53

  Merit

  Five Minute Morning

  $206 $176 (15% off)

  Merit Beauty

  It's no secret we love Merit—after all, the minimalist beauty brand earned three Best of Beauty Awards the same year it launched (2022) and continues to rake ‘em in. For the busy women in your life, the Five Minute Morning streamlines their a.m. routines without compromising quality. This seven-piece set includes a cream blush balm, a makeup brush, a lash-enhancing mascara, and more.

• Bose QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

  41/53

  Bose

  QuietComfort Bluetooth Headphones

  $359

  Amazon

  Bose knows headphones, and your mom has been eyeing the QuietComfort over-ear pair ever since Santa misread her list (read between the lines, dad). These deliver first-rate noise cancellation, high-fidelity audio, an adjustable EQ, and all the comfort needed for all-day wear. We say this with only love for the Airpod Maxes, but these are just as good and a couple hundred bucks cheaper.

• Papier Wellness Journal

  42/53

  Papier

  Wellness Journal

  $32 $27 (16% off)

  Amazon

  $35

  Papier

  Papier has a vast selection of personalized gifts, but there's something that stands out about the vibe of this painterly Wellness Journal. Inside, there are 12 weeks of pages that guide her through reflecting on her goals, habits, sleep, and moments of gratitude. And the best daughter award goes to you.

• Canopy Bedside Humidifier

  43/53

  Canopy

  Bedside Humidifier

  $99

  Amazon

  $159

  Sephora

  Turns out your daughter’s beauty routine can extend beyond the products on top of her vanity. Air quality can be just as significant to her skin health as her favorite moisturizer, and the Canopy Humidifier Starter Set can help with that. It can also help relieve allergy and cold symptoms and doubles as a scent diffuser.

• Mejuri Dôme Huggies

  44/53

  Mejuri

  Dôme Huggies

  $58

  Mejuri

  For earring-wearers of any age, the Mejuri Dôme Huggies are a good value for you and a hit for her. Made of 18-karat gold vermeil and 92.5% pure silver, these effortlessly cool chunky huggies are perfect for sensitive ears. If hoops aren't her thing, Mejuri makes a ton of other sweet options, like these Gemstone Mini Studs.

• Allure Beauty Box

  45/53

  Allure Beauty Box

  Quarterly Subscription

  $79

  Allure Beauty Box

  The Allure Beauty Box is the gift that keeps on giving, with skin care, makeup, hair care, and more delivered to their door every month. Each box comes with at least six products worth $100 or more that have been tested and approved by Allure beauty editors.

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  • These Advent Calendars Are the Gifts That Keep on Giving
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel
  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • 48 Best Gifts for Teen Girls That Are Anything But Basic

• Yves Saint Laurent Libre Eau de Parfum

  46/53

  Yves Saint Laurent

  Libre Eau de Parfum

  $145

  Nordstrom

  $145

  Ulta Beauty

  This TikTok-loved fragrance has all the makings of her new signature scent. Its warm-yet-floral profile features notes of lavender and orange blossom, thoughtfully rounded out with hints of vanilla. As one Allure editor previously put it, this fragrance "smells like the kind of woman whose finances are together." Sold.

• Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

  47/53

  Ember

  Temperature Control Smart Mug 2

  $150 $90 (40% off)

  Amazon

  There are coffee sippers and coffee chuggers, and this one's for the former, who'll appreciate still being able to drink warm tea or coffee hours after it was made. She can charge the mug for 1.5 hours of portable heat or keep it set on its charging station for all-day toastiness.

• Hermès Les Mains Hermès Nail File Set

  48/53

  Hermès

  Les Mains Hermès Nail File Set

  $62

  Nordstrom

  The Hermès Les Mains Nail File Set is a perfect example of a quiet-luxury lift your loved one didn't know she needed (and maybe doesn’t actually need…but isn’t that the point?). The set is a welcome step up from the disintegrating nail file she's had for eons, and the signature orange Hermès box is a serotonin boost in and of itself. Give it some time, and maybe you’ll be able to afford to gift her a matching handbag. Maybe. Someday.

• Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced

  49/53

  Dermaflash

  Luxe+ Advanced

  $199

  Amazon

  $199

  Nordstrom

  Long story short, the Dermaflash Luxe+ Advanced is where science steps in to snatch your loved one's face. This tool removes the topmost layer of the skin that's composed of dead cells, allowing the face to look smoother and brighter. Take it from former Allure editor Taylore Glynn, who said, "The results were instant and obvious: My skin was glowy with no product on it whatsoever, and the contours of my face looked much more defined."

• Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

  50/53

  Parachute

  Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

  $149

  Nordstrom

  $149

  Parachute

  If your mother-in-law has finally come around to replacing the robe she's been using since you first met, Parachute's plush option is a strong contender. It's soft and absorbent, but won't retain water for mildewy ickiness. The brand also sells some of our favorite bath towels, in case you want to tack those onto your order.

• Alo Warrior Mat

  51/53

  Alo

  Warrior Mat

  $148

  Alo

  The Alo Warrior Mat is satisfyingly thick, weighty, and nonslip. At eight pounds, it's definitely heavier than most travel mats, but if she drives to the studio, it shouldn't be an issue. Like everything else at Alo, this yoga mat comes in a bunch of cute colors.

• Oribe Gold Lust Repair & Restore Duo

  52/53

  Oribe

  Gold Lust Repair & Restore Duo

  $109

  Amazon

  $109

  Dermstore

  Oribe has delivered yet again. The Gold Lust Duo features two luxe, latherable formulas to spruce up your loved one’s shower. The shampoo amps glossiness while dishing out heat protection, and the conditioner strengthens weakened strands and seals in moisture.

• Gucci Trademark Heart Necklace

  53/53

  Gucci

  Trademark Heart Necklace

  $330

  Nordstrom

  Gucci's Trademark Heart Necklace is a great special-occasion gift. The pendant is engraved with the classic "Gucci" stamp, made of 925 sterling silver, and totally hypoallergenic. It's the perfect way to dress up a jeans-and-tee fit.

  More from Allure

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  • 9 Best Lip Oils That Offer All of the Gloss and None of the Gloop
  • 6 Best Lip Masks for a Soft, Plump, and Flake-Free Feel

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Few Instagram posts can garner more than two million likes in a mere half hour, but if anything can do it, it's Selena Gomez's wedding carousel. Rumors about the Only Murders in the Building star's nuptials with Benny Blanco being this weekend turned out to be 100-percent true, and as soon as a few beautiful photos of the cute couple were green-lighted to be shared with the eager public, fans were double-tapping with tears in their eyes. And when we wiped away our own, we couldn't help but immediately focus on all of the gorgeous elements of her bridal beauty, from a fanciful spin on a classic manicure to her decision to pass on the traditional wedding updo.

Gomez shared 15 slides—both soft-focus photos and and charmingly stylized videos—showing the happy couple in their wedding attire: Blanco in a handsome tux (is that a pastel blue shirt we see?) and the beautiful bride in a lacy high-neck halter gown.

Although the filtering of the photo doesn't allow for the clearest close-ups of the details, a few shots let us see that the Best of Beauty cover star opted for pearly, off-white polish on an elegant oval shape. The color is a quintessential bridal look, but the seemingly iridescent touch gives it just the right amount of modernity and whimsy. And from what we can tell, it seems she may have gotten a pedicure to match.

Instead of a bun or twist, as so many brides wear on their wedding days, Gomez decided to wear her long bob down in a style not unlike how she wore it to the Oscars in March. (What a genius test run!) The deeply side-parted style was a smooth as can be, curving into a voluminous wave at the ends.

Instagram content

Gomez's wedding makeup was as timeless as it gets: soft, cool-brown shadow, lush lashes, and rosy lips and cheeks in shades that look made for her. (And let's be real: They were probably made by her—or at least her brand, Rare Beauty.)

Gomez has yet to tag her glam team as of the time we're publishing this, but we can't wait to see the additional details her go-to beauty squad reveals over the coming days.

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brands

Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

A good face primer is essential for keeping your makeup from melting off by midday, especially in the summer. But when it comes to the best primers for oily skin, the search gets trickier. You need a formula that not only locks everything in place but also mattifies, minimizes pores, and won’t clog or irritate acne-prone skin. Also important in your search: oil-fighting ingredients. (Try cellulose and niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that helps balance skin tone and control excess oil.)

To find the best primers for oily skin, Allure tapped makeup artists for their go-tos and tested over 15 formulas that claim to mattify, smooth, and control oil. During testing, we looked at how long they kept makeup on, how well they blurred pores, and whether they truly helped curb shine. Ahead, the expert-backed, editor-approved primers that actually hold up all day.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Nars Soft Matte Primer, $38
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, $34
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Poreless Putty Primer, $11
• Best Blurring: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm, $39
• Best Longwear: One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Primer, $34
• Best Lightweight: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer, $38
• Best for Visible Pores: Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer, $36

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Which primer type is best for oily skin?
• What should you keep in mind when shopping for a primer for oily skin?
• What ingredients should you look for in a primer for oily skin?
• Are primers better for oily skin than dry skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Nars Soft Matte Primer

Nars

Soft Matte Primer

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Of all the formulas we tried, the Nars Soft Matte Primer came out on top because it combines everything we’re looking for in a primer for oily skin. First off, the gel-like texture is super lightweight, something we can't say for all the mattifying primers we tested. It glides on easily, instantly knocks out shine, and smooths over pores, uneven texture, and fine lines without feeling like a film on your skin. And it doesn’t make your face look flat or chalky—as with the brand’s setting powder, it gets rid of excess oil but still leaves skin with a natural finish that reflects just the right amount of light.

During testing, we were especially impressed by how well it held up throughout the day. Like a setting spray, it kept our makeup in place from morning to night—even through sweat and oil buildup—and gave us a clean, smooth base for foundation. Plus, it somehow manages to keep skin feeling hydrated and plump (rare for a mattifying formula!).

Pai immediately after applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer

Deanna Pai

Pai at the end of the day after applying the Nars Soft Matte Primer

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My skin is naturally oily, not to mention acne-prone—so I sit in the space of needing a good mattifying primer, but being worried it'll feel heavy or occlusive. That's never been the case with this one, which can somehow make my skin look more matte throughout the day. I recently wore it when the temperature reached the upper 90s and, on top of it, I had to wear a mask due to a cough. This primer held up like no one's business: It kept shine from forming on my forehead and nose, and my full-coverage foundation didn't budge until I washed it off." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice bran extract, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower extract
• Formula: gel
• Finish: soft matte

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Smashbox

The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

$34

Smashbox

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: If redness, large pores, oiliness, and breakouts sound like your daily lineup, makeup artist Christian Briceno has one solution: the 2025 Best of Beauty–winning Smashbox Photo Finish Mattifying Primer. “It has a super lightweight feel, and its matte finish blurs pores instantly,” he says, noting that he often wears it solo for a no-makeup look. When layering foundation on top, Briceno suggests sticking with silicone-based formulas for the smoothest finish.

Beyond its blurring superpowers (hi, silicones), the primer is infused with vitamins A and E to nourish skin and extend your makeup’s wear. Bonus: It doubles as a shield against environmental stressors, so you’re also protecting your precious skin while serving a flawless base.

Wohlner immediately after applying the Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner at the end of the day after applying the Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“The only primers I use are the blurring formulas that make my pores disappear and my acne look smoothed out—this one is a forever fave. At first touch, it feels a little oily, but once it melts into skin, it smooths out in a few swipes and blurs imperfections into oblivion. Unlike super-mattifying formulas, it leaves more of a soft satin veil, so makeup glides on super easily.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin A, vitamin E, polymers
• Formula: gel
• Finish: satin

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

$11 $10 (9% off)

Amazon

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why it’s worth it: Sure, the price tag is under $15, but that’s not the only reason to love e.l.f. Cosmetics’ Liquid Poreless Putty Primer. The formula grips makeup all day while blurring pores into near-oblivion for a silky-smooth base. It’s formulated with silica to absorb oil and soften the look of pores, along with glycerin and squalane to draw moisture into the skin. Despite its thicker texture, it feels surprisingly lightweight on skin, which is why it works across the board for all skin types. Even oily complexions—usually quick to reject heavier primers—can handle this one without hesitation.

Blay-Tettey immediately after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey at the end of the day after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

Annie Blay-Tettey

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“Most mattifying primers are dry and chalky but not this one! I love how the e.l.f. Cosmetics Liquid Poreless Putty Primer is hydrating but leaves my skin looking smooth. Whether I’m doing a full beat or a no makeup makeup look it plays well with the rest of my base products and always give me such a pretty result.”—Annie Blay, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silica, glycerin, squalane
• Formula: balm
• Finish: satin

Best Blurring: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder

$39

Sephora

Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder

Melanie Curry

Why it’s worth it: If you're looking for a skin-blurring primer and tinted balm in one, the 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award–winning Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm is basically an IRL smoothing filter. You can wear it on its own or under foundation (it even comes in a clear version if you prefer no tint) and it always feels lightweight and breathable, which is a big win for oily skin. The balm-to-powder formula means it won’t sit on your face and leave a greasy residue. Instead, it melts in and actively mattifies, thanks to ingredients like silicone for blurring, vegan squalane to balance oil, and upsalite to absorb excess sweat throughout the day. There’s also a dose of hyaluronic acid for hydration, because oily skin still needs moisture to keep the barrier healthy.

Curry immediately after applying the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder

Melanie Curry

Curry at the end of the day after applying the Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm Powder

Melanie Curry

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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“I get super oily and sweaty in the summer (don't we all?), so I need an oil-free primer that keeps my makeup in-tact in the humid New York heat. Danessa Myricks Blurring Balm does just that, and more. What I love the most about this bb is its cream-to-powder finish and lightweight feel. Plus, a little goes a long way. So, while this balm isn't the cheapest on the market, it'll last you a long time (like months), even if you're wearing it daily.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, upsalite, hyaluronic acid
• Formula: balm-to-powder
• Finish: natural-matte

More face primers for oily skin we love:

Best Longwear: One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Primer

One/Size

Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Alkaline Primer

$34

Sephora

$34

Kohl's

Why it’s worth it: The most powerful of all the primers on this list, the One/Size Oil Sucker Extreme Mattifying Primer is beloved by makeup artists Briceno and Dani Parkes, who says it’s one of the only primers she’s found actually keeps the skin matte all through the day. “This primer truly grips makeup while controlling oils,” she notes.

Another welcome plus? It also blurs the pores so effectively that it creates a smooth base to apply your foundation or concealer, Briceno says. But don’t get it twisted—it’s not going to sap your skin of all moisture. This formula is also loaded with hyaluronic acid, which visibly plumps and boosts moisture without the shine. One thing to note? “Avoid using oil-based products on top of it, as they tend to separate from the skin and look flaky,” says Briceno.

Expert tip from makeup artist Parkes

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If you want another layer of oil-blocking protection, Parkes loves to spray the One/Size On ‘Til Dawn Setting Spray to lock in her client’s makeup looks. It claims to be waterproof, transferproof, smudgeproof, and sweatproof for 16 hours straight.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mineral silicate complex, hyaluronic acid
• Formula: cream
• Finish: super matte

Best Lightweight: Milk Makeup Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer

Milk Makeup

Pore Eclipse Mattifying Primer

$38

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Who doesn’t love a good two-in-one? When it comes to makeup, we’re all about products that instantly make skin look better and deliver long-term benefits. That’s exactly what you get with Milk Makeup’s Pore Eclipse Primer. (Its sister product, the Pore Eclipse Matte Setting Spray, won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award.) This lightweight, water-cream primer blurs pores and controls shine on contact, but it also packs some of the most skin care-forward ingredients of any primer on this list. Think: niacinamide to visibly minimize pores, bakuchiol to smooth texture, and lentil extract for oil control.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, bakuchiol, lentil extract, moonstone
• Formula: water cream
• Finish: soft matte

Best for Visible Pores: Benefit Cosmetics The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer

Benefit Cosmetics

The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Ulta Beauty

If you’re after long-lasting oil control, Benefit’s The Porefessional Matte Pore Minimizing Primer is an Allure favorite. The original Porefessional Pore Primer is a classic (we were using it back in our high school days), but this newer version takes that pore-blurring power and cranks up the mattifying effect. The texture is different, too: It’s silky and a bit milky, rather than having a silicone-y slip, which makes it easy to smooth over your whole face without pilling. It leaves behind a velvety, soft-focus finish that keeps shine in check all day. Bonus: The formula is packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide (spotting a theme?), oil-absorbing rose hip extract, and mineral powders to help blur large pores over time. So, the more you use it, the better your skin will look.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, rose hip extract, mineral powders
• Formula: water cream
• Finish: matte

Frequently Asked Questions

Which primer type is best for oily skin?

According to Briceno, silicone-based primers are the way to go if you have oily skin. “They contain silicate, which helps absorb the oils in the skin, creating a smooth, grippy texture for makeup,” he says. Another bonus of silicate? It provides that velvety-looking finish that improves the appearance or pores and helps control areas of the face with excessive oil production, Briceno says. One caveat: If you have acne-prone skin, be aware that silicones can trap bacteria, so make sure to cleanse your skin thoroughly when removing it.

If you don’t see a silicone callout on the package, you’ll know that a primer is good for oily skin if the bottle has words like “mattifying” and “pore blurring,” says Parkes.

What should you keep in mind when shopping for a primer for oily skin?

“Make sure your primer pairs well with your skin-care products,” says Briceno, who prefers water-based moisturizers since they layer best with silicone primers. “They’re lightweight and absorb more easily into the skin,” he explains. If you’re using a thicker moisturizer, give it a few minutes to fully sink in before applying your primer to avoid pilling. Briceno also advises steering clear of alcohol-based products, which can overdry the skin and trigger even more oil production. Instead, he recommends gel-based formulas, which are more durable and help keep oil in check.

What ingredients should you look for in a primer for oily skin?

When shopping for a primer for oily skin, it’s important to keep ingredients in mind. Briceno recommends looking for niacinamide, which helps regulate oil and refine pores, along with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica and kaolin clay to mattify and smooth skin texture.

Silicones such as dimethicone and cyclopentasiloxane are great for blurring imperfections and minimizing the look of pores. For those prone to breakouts or congestion, charcoal and salicylic acid can help keep skin clear while controlling excess oil.

Are primers better for oily skin than dry skin?

Both skin types can benefit from primers, but there are clear differences between primers made for oily skin and options made for drier skin types. “Primers for oily skin control shine and prolong wear usually by providing the skin with a grip barrier, so the makeup stays looking fresh for an extended time,” says Briceno. On the other hand, primers for dry skin focus on hydration and provide skin with luminosity. Parkes says a hydrating moisturizer or face oil will do the job for dry skin, too. Where these two types of primers align is with their purpose: They both make your makeup look its best without the need for multiple touch-ups.

Meet the experts

• Christian Briceno, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Dani Parkes, a makeup artist based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Bella Hadid is in Paris! I repeat, Bella Hadid is in Paris! The model jetted off to the City of Lights to walk a few selected runways during Paris Fashion Week, and while she may have been wearing spring and summer 2026 designs, she kept a little bit of cozy fall energy alive with her hot chocolate-colored manicure.

Before she stalked the runway at Saint Laurent in a marigold dress with bold ‘80s shoulder pads, Hadid was spotted leaving her hotel in her signature effortlessly cool street style, complete with blonde pigtail braids and dark brown nails. Hadid’s nails were short and filed into a soft squoval shape, then painted a luscious brown shade with just a hint of purple-red color for a dash of vampy glam that still felt down to earth—which is honestly kind of Hadid's whole style philosophy, when you really think about it.

PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 29: Bella Hadid leaving her hotel on September 29, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pierre Suu/GC Images)Pierre Suu

October is right on the horizon, so go ahead and indulge in the deepest, darkest, most luxurious manicure and pedicure colors—even if it still feels like summertime outside. Turns out that Hadid's brownish-purple shade is right on trend for the season too. “It provides the perfect contrast against neutral tones, adding a pop of color that isn’t overwhelming, as it’s still an earthy tone,” nail artist Sarah Chue recently told Allure in a roundup of the best fall nail polish trends. On toes, we're loving all shades of brown, including light amber and deep espresso shades.

Hadid's polish was MIA when she walked the Saint Laurent runway, but if you want to dupe it from the comfort of home, try Londontown's Lakur in Teak, a plush chocolate; Cirque Colors's Terroir, a cool taupe with a drop of purple; or Essie's Fringes & Saddle, a dark brown shade with red undertones that would be picture perfect on noted horse girl Hadid.

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Last night, Snooki showed up on my TikTok For You page. Today, Zendaya seemingly wore a Bumpit—the very hair-heightening apparatus made famous by the Jersey Shore star—to the Louis Vuitton Womenswear Spring/Summer 2026 show. Coincidence?

Probably.

But it speaks volumes—no pun intended—about how a bouffant defies the parameters of style and time, refusing to be kept down. (OK, the pun was intended that time.)

Zendaya arrived for her front-row seat at the September 30 show in a metallic foil mini dress with fur trim, its retro vibes only amplified by her hairstyle: what stylist Ursula Stephen calls a '60s-meets-'90s bouffant. The smooth look features a ton of oomph at the back of the head, while the front is framed in a swoopy, super-deep side part.

Photo: Getty Images

And as much as I really want to believe there's a Bumpit in there, Stephen knows exactly how to achieve this glam shape without any inserts. She applied a combination of Milk Shake Insta.Light Potion and Incredible Milk leave-in treatment to Zendaya's damp hair to add shine before blow-drying with a round brush, setting each section in a velcro roller. Once the hair was set, she teased the hair at the crown and finished with Milk Shake's Lifestyling Flexible Hold Hairspray.

Photo: Getty Images

The rest of her stunning beauty look included soft, rosy-brown makeup tones and the simplest of manicures: a sheer, creamy color on short nails.

Zendaya at the Louis Vuitton fashion show as part of Spring/Summer 2026 Paris Fashion Week held at The Louvre on September 30, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by Swan Gallet/WWD via Getty Images)WWD/Getty Images

If you still need a hidden accessory to help hoist your hair, there's no shame in that—and there's no shortage of options, like plastic arches and sponge combs. All that matters is that you set your goals and your hair high.

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Curly hair flourishes when you embrace its natural texture, but if you're aiming for a more defined look with your hair styling, the best curl cream can make a world of difference in keeping those spirals intact. That's easier said than done, though: The journey to discovering your perfect formula can be tricky, especially when dealing with frizz and humidity.

Intended for hair types 2A to 4C, these oil-infused, hold-boosting formulas can enhance your natural curls by adding definition, taming frizz, and amplifying shine all at once. Unlike hair gels and mousses, creams work by coating each strand with nourishing ingredients that help natural hair maintain its curl shape while preventing moisture loss throughout the day. For wavy hair, these creams work especially well when applied with scrunching techniques to encourage natural wave formation.

Our Favorite Curl Creams

• Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream, $36
• Best for Curl Definition: Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream, $31
• Best for Damaged Hair: Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream, $32
• Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Curl Crème, $32
• Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume, $11
• Best for Twist-Outs: The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream, $16
• Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream, $21
• Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream, $8
• Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream, $14
• Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream, $24
• Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream, $26

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What should you look for in a curl cream?
• Is it better to put curl cream on wet or dry hair?
• Is mousse better than curl cream?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best of all, using a curl cream is pretty effortless—in fact, the less you do, the better. Don’t touch or fluff your hair until it’s fully dry, or you risk disturbing the shape and creating frizz, says New York-based hairstylist Cataanda James.

Don’t know where to start? We've curated a list of the best curl creams, butters, and leave-ins to suit every texture and curl pattern. With these carefully selected picks from Allure editors and experts, you'll have dreamy waves, coils, and curls in no time.

Best Overall: Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream

Aveda

Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancing Cream

$36

Aveda

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: If your curls constantly feel like they’re running on empty, this cream delivers the tall drink of water they’ve been craving. Aveda’s Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream hydrates hair while also keeping frizz at bay for up to 72 hours. The payoff? Softer, shinier, and more defined strands that hold their shape. Its curl-perfecting peptide penetrates deep into fragile hair with 17 essential amino acids, strengthening from within while helping curls and waves maintain bounce. Kokum seed butter provides slip, making detangling easier and minimizing breakage, while adding long-lasting moisture and a frizz-free shape. Add in a refreshing citrus aroma, and this styler turns hydration into both a treatment and a sensorial experience.

Hoffmann before applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Aveda Be Curly Advanced Curl Enhancer Cream

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“Don't tell the other curl creams I've tried for work recently, but I'll always come back to Aveda. I scrunch about a nickel-sized amount through wet hair every time I shower, and my curls always turn out springy, soft, and shiny. My hair is pretty fine, so it's easily weighed down by curl products if I'm not careful, but I can be pretty reckless with the amount of this curl cream I use and it comes out perfect every time.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: kokum seed butter, vegan curl-perfecting peptide, amino acids
• Who it’s for: wavy and curly hair
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: lemon, orange, and bergamot

Best for Curl Definition: Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream

Fenty Hair

The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream

$31

Sephora

$31

Kohl's

Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream

Edward Horgan

Why we love it: Fenty Hair’s The Homecurl Curl-Defining Styling Cream is designed to take the guesswork out of curl styling by combining curl control, hydration, and frizz protection in one easy step. The gel-cream hybrid spreads easily through damp strands, coating each curl from root to tip without weighing it down or leaving a crunchy cast. The formula’s standout is Rihanna’s proprietary Replenicore-5 complex, a blend that helps repair split ends, strengthen strands, and shield against environmental stressors; it’s paired with wild mango butter, which deeply moisturizes curls throughout the day. This is a curl cream that enhances natural curl patterns while keeping volume and definition intact.

Horgan before applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream

Edward Horgan

Horgan after applying the Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl-Defining Cream

Edward Horgan

Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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"This is one of the only curl creams that gives me the perfect hold without that crunchy feel that we all hate. It keeps my hair hydrated and in place all day and has a scent that people consistently compliment whenever I use it."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: wild mango butter, green tea extract, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Who it’s for: all curl types
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: yuzu, amber, freesia, coconut, lily of the valley, vanilla, and sandalwood

Best for Damaged Curls: Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream

Curlsmith

Awestruck Definition Cream

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: When you crave definition without the stiffness, a soft-hold styler delivers. Curlsmith’s Awestruck Definition Cream strikes that perfect balance, enhancing curls and waves while maintaining their natural bounce. To call it a cream would be an understatement: It actually uses a unique gel-in-oil technology to deliver mid-level hold with a soft, flexible, and touchable feel. It also has built-in heat and UV protection, making it ideal if you're working with heat-styled, color-treated, or otherwise damaged hair, and controls frizz and defines curls for days (and days).

Shipin before applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Curlsmith Awestruck Definition Cream

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

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“It’s not dramatic to say that I was genuinely awestruck (as the name would suggest!) by this product from Curlsmith. It’s extremely lightweight and has a hold similar to that of a flexible gel or soft-hold jelly—but the difference is that this styling cream can truly define a pattern out of a fried and frizzled mess of hair. Having put my hair through the wringer, I can tell you: This cream works miracles. It speeds up the replenishment process and helps you find your curl pattern again after months or years of heat styling. I go from S-shaped waves to coily, bouncy curls—with hair that looks hydrated and split-end-free. If you want more frizz control, you’ll want to layer in the Moisture Memory Release spray before using the cream. But when using this styler, I don’t even need to use a gel for juicy curls all day—it’s that good! If you have thick, heavy hair that doesn't quite work with the brand's popular Air Dry Cream, you've got to give this one a try.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract
• Who it’s for: all curl types
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: n/a

Best for Fine Hair: Ouai Curl Crème

Ouai

Curl Crème

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Revolve

Why it's worth it: Jen Atkin might be a hair queen in her own right but she tapped 150 people in her network to test and co-create a do-it-all curl cream. Our editors with 2B, 2C, and 3C/4A curl types fell in love with the sweet-smelling, lightweight Curl Crème. A blend of chia and linseed oils add shape and protect hair from humidity, while babassu oil brings in the shine. Unfortunately, there isn't a fragrance-free formula (like there used to be), so people who are sensitive to scents (or prefer not to use scented styling products), keep that in mind.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Ouai Curl Crème

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Ouai Curl Crème

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I tend to reach for leave-in conditioners since my hair is so dense but fine. But when I want more defined curls and extra bounce, I go to this. It’s easy to scrunch into hair but never weighs down my hair at the crown or on the ends.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sunflower seed extract
• Who it’s for: types 2 and 3 curls
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: bergamot, apple blossom, raspberry

More curl creams we love:

Best Drugstore: SheaMoisture Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream

SheaMoisture

Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Shrinkage can make type 4 curls feel like they never reach their full potential, but SheaMoisture’s Kalahari Melon Oil Curl Stretch Multi-Tasking Volume Cream was designed to change that. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner delivers five days of definition, flexible hold, and volume while addressing the main culprits of shrinkage: dryness, breakage, and tangles. The formula combines hyaluronic serum, activated coconut oil, and Kalahari melon oil to deeply hydrate, condition, and elongate curls, giving them both length and resilience. The slip makes detangling easy, helping curls stay smooth and defined without breakage. And to top it off, the mango, rose, and vanilla scent adds an indulgent finishing touch.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"Slipping and sliding! That is what my coils were doing after I applied this cream. It has amazing slip that helped detangle but also brought every individual curl to life. It works best when applied to wet hair for either a wash and go or twist out. Bonus points: Use a dryer to set the length instead of airdrying. One con is that it can't stand up to high Georgia humidity. However, it's got a soft hold for touchable definition." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic serum, kalahari melon oil, activated coconut oil
• Who it’s for: type 4 hair
• Silicone-free: no
• Scent: mango, rose, and vanilla

Best for Twist-Outs: The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream

The Doux

C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream

$16 $15 (6% off)

Amazon

Why we love it: The satisfaction of a plump and bouncy twist out is unmatched, but to execute it, you need the right cream, a.k.a. The Doux’s C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream. This moisture-heavy formula fights shrinkage, keeping curls elongated, bouncy, and soft. It coats strands with slip that makes twisting, coiling, or shingling a smooth process. Coconut oil helps minimize shrinkage so your hard-earned length stays visible, while rose water boosts elasticity, and vitamin E adds protection and hydration. The result is curls and twists that stay defined, moisturized, and resilient for days. You’ll minimize breakage, maximize length, and give your hair’s natural texture the spotlight it deserves.

Expert feedback from hairstylist Cataanda James

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"The Doux C.R.E.A.M. Twist & Curl Cream is king! It is a top-shelf pick for myself and my clients who want high definition and bouncy curls in a variety of styles. The Doux mastered this mix, and it is a true-to-form cream in every sense of the word. It's smooth, dense, and combats shrinkage for long-lasting elongated curls while intensifying curl formation and moisture retention. The slip factor allows for ease in distribution from root to tip!" —Cataanda James, hairstylist

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut oil, rose water, vitamin E
• Who it’s for: curly and coily hair
• Silicone-free: no
• Scent: Fragrance-Free

Best for Coily Hair: Matrix A Curl Can Dream

Matrix

A Curl Can Dream

$21

Amazon

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Coily textures need extra moisture and protection, and Matrix’s A Curl Can Dream Moisturizing Cream delivers both in one step. Infused with manuka honey extract, this rich formula wraps coils and kinks in lasting hydration while guarding against heat up to 450 degrees. It defines without stiffness or flaking, making it just as reliable for a rod set as it is for a blow-dry or diffuse. By sealing in moisture and smoothing each strand, it keeps coils soft, springy, and uniform long after wash day. For anyone balancing the delicacy of coils with the need for versatility, this cream is the kind of multitasker that earns a permanent spot in your hair routine.

Expert feedback from James

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“I love Matrix A Curl Can Dream because it is a professional line that was specifically formulated for curl types 3 and 4. What this means is that, from concept to completion, this Curl Preserving System was designed to bring solutions to the nuances of higher curl patterns, which explains the foolproof results I’ve [experienced since using] it on my clients' 3C/4A hair for the first time. It hydrates and provides definition on types 3 and 4 without flakes or crunch! It works best on clean, wet hair (do not towel dry).” —Cataanda James, hairstylist

More to know

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• Key ingredients: manuka honey extract
• Who it’s for: curly and coily hair
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: n/a

Best for Frizzy Hair: Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream

Marc Anthony

Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream

$8

Amazon

$9

Walmart

Why we love it: Your curls won’t stand a chance on high humidity days—unless your strands are set in place with Marc Anthony’s Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream. The formula smooths and softens curls while actively blocking airborne moisture that typically causes expansion and shape loss. Enriched with nourishing shea butter, moisturizing avocado oil, and antioxidant vitamin E, it delivers sustained hydration and frizz control without sacrificing bounce. Silk proteins fortify each strand and enhance manageability, delivering definition minus the crunch. From loose waves to tight coils, this versatile cream locks in your desired shape while resisting even the most challenging humidity. However, ““the viscosity is similar to a deep conditioner, so be sure not to over-apply,” warns James.

Expert feedback from James

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“Marc Anthony Strictly Curls Curl Envy Cream is my go-to for humidity-resistant, free-flowing curls with definition. For curly girls with 2-3C curls that want maximum curl definition without the coated feel that other cream formulas containing emollients deliver, this is the perfect solution. If you are a wash ‘n go girlie that has experienced the highly visible white cast while setting your hair to air dry, you know the short- and long-term benefits of NO white residue! You can literally wash and go, and that is really significant and allows for you to truly set it and forget it! [And for] more dense curl patterns, it dupes as the perfect primer before a styler because of its lightweight finish.” —Cataanda James, hairstylist

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, avocado oil, vitamin E
• Who it’s for: frizz-prone, wavy and curly hair
• Silicone-free: no
• Scent: n/a

Best for Wash and Go Styles: Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream

Mielle Organics

Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream

$15

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Few things feel better than stepping out with a soft and defined wash and go, especially one in collaboration with Mielle’s Babassu & Mint Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream. Formulated with a powerhouse blend of Brazilian oils like babassu, buriti, copaiba, and murumuru, this hair-care essential quenches thirsty strands while securing long-lasting definition. The result is curls that look smoother, feel bouncier, and stay uniform long after styling. Its rich yet lightweight texture makes it versatile enough for wash-and-gos or rod sets, giving curls the freedom to hold their shape without any crunch. With nourishing fatty acids that ease detangling and add shine, this formula treats your hair and prevents damage in the process.

Expert feedback from James

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"Mielle Organics Brazilian Curly Cocktail Curl Cream performs like a styler with firm hold but provides all the moisture a curly girl needs for soft, pliable curls. Tthe texture is very thick and dense, so I like to warm it up by rubbing it between my fingertips and work it upwards onto the strands to set the curls." —Cataanda James, hairstylist

More to know

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• Key ingredients: babassu oil, buriti oil, copaiba oil
• Who it’s for: dry and curly hair
• Silicone-free: no
• Scent: n/a

Best for Mixed Curl Patterns: Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream

Briogeo

Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Cream

$24

Amazon

$24

Dermstore

$24

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Defined curls don’t happen by accident. They need the right balance of moisture and control, and Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino + Avocado Leave-In Defining Crème gets it exactly right. Rice amino acids and tomato fruit ferment work together to seal the cuticle and lock in your natural curl pattern, while avocado oil and quinoa extract provide weightless hydration that keeps strands soft and flexible. The result is that 3A and 4C curls alike stay uniform, hold their shape all day, and never feel crunchy. The best part? Definition doesn't fade after day one; the formula locks in curl structure that withstands humidity and movement for days on end.

Editor Tip

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Scrunch the cream into damp curls for natural definition, then let it air-dry for soft, touchable curls that last all day.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice bran oil, rooibos tea, shea butter
• Who it’s for: mixed curl patterns
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: citrus

Best for Dry Hair: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream

Ouidad

Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream

$26 $18 (31% off)

Amazon

Why we love it: Ouidad Curl Quencher Hydrafusion Intense Curl Cream is guaranteed to restore life to your dried-out, frizzy curls, thanks to ingredients like curl-defining milk thistle and sweet almond and damage-repairing wheat protein. There's no shortage of hydration, either, with a bursting blend of chamomile, hydrolyzed silk, and meadowfoam seed and corn oils. Pro tip: Apply to extra-wet hair to lock moisture in.

Expert feedback from hairstylist Lana Hunter

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“This is a major key for luscious, juicy type 3 curls and up," hairstylist Hunter attests, says of this paraben-, sulfate-, and mineral oil-free formula. "This curl cream will eliminate the use of unnecessary products and works amazingly alone."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, soybean seed extract, milk thistle
• Who it’s for: dry and curly hair
• Silicone-free: yes
• Scent: almond

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you look for in a curl cream?

When choosing a curl cream, focus on ingredients that hydrate and define without leaving your curls feeling greasy or weighed down. "Curl creams should be free from synthetic ingredients like amodimethicone and dimethicone," says Joseph. "Also avoid oils or butters that just sit on top of the hair, leaving behind a greasy residue." Instead, look for lightweight ingredients like shea butter or argan oil that soak into your strands, giving you soft, touchable curls with plenty of definition.

It’s also a good idea to avoid alcohol, which can dry out curls and strip them of moisture. A good curl cream should feel creamy (but not too heavy) and distribute easily from root to tip. Keep an eye out for humectants like glycerin or aloe vera, which draw moisture into the hair, keeping your curls hydrated and bouncy. These ingredients help fight frizz while keeping your curls soft and full of life.

Is it better to put curl cream on wet or dry hair?

For curls that pop, the secret is in how wet your hair is when you apply the product. "It’s 100% better to apply any styling product—cream, gel, and/or mousse—on soaking wet hair," says Rae. "Curly hair is more prone to dryness, so we require so much water. Curl-friendly products are activated with water, so it won’t weigh our hair down." In other words, moisture is your curls’ best friend.

Joseph agrees: "Apply creams to super wet hair to elongate curls and retain length,” he says. “Apply to damp hair to increase spring factor, making the hair fuller and the curls tighter." So depending on your vibe—whether you want more stretched-out, relaxed curls or tighter, bouncier coils—just how wet your hair is can make all the difference.

Is mousse better than curl cream?

The answer really depends on what kind of curls you’re after. Mousse is your go-to if you want more volume and hold—perfect for styles that need a little more structure and definition. On the flip side, curl creams are all about hydration and nourishment, giving you softer, more touchable curls. "I tend to apply mousses over creams to get ultimate nourishment without losing control and hold," says Joseph. "This combo will create soft, touchable, lived-in curls with enough hydration and definition to look like you just left the salon." So, if you’re craving defined curls with some staying power, try layering mousse over cream for the best of both worlds.

Meet the experts

• Evan Joseph, curly hair educator and owner of Evan Joseph Salon in San Diego, CA
• Kiana Rae, curl specialist and owner of West Coast Curls in Los Angeles, CA
• Alex Mouneu, LA-based texture specialist
• Cynthia Alvarez, a celebrity hairstylist in New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA
• Ginger King, cosmetic chemist in Edison, New Jersey
• Lana Hun, hairstylist and curl specialist in Los Angeles, CA
• Leigh Hardges, hairstylist in Chicago, IL
• Kristin Ess, celebrity hairstylist and founder of Kristin Ess Hair in Los Angeles, CA

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 certainly 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 curl creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists—who know how to manage curly hair. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. 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.

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Beauty has always been a focal point for Doja Cat. The singer and rapper has never shied from experimenting with bold looks. I mean, hello—that red crystal-covered pièce de résistance became one of the most iconic makeup moments of the 21st century. More recently, she was named the latest MAC global brand ambassador, which is a truly perfect pairing considering they have so much creativity in common. And now, in what feels like a very fitting celebration of one of her favorite things, Doja's new music video for the song “Gorgeous” is a clear homage to the beauty ads of the 1980s.

Born in 1995, Doja Cat wasn't a first-hand witness to the undefeated glamour of the biggest beauty brands' late-‘80s and early-’90s print and TV ads. But as “Gorgeous” opens up on a golden typeface that recalls Estée Lauder, L'Oréal, and Revlon. But it's not just the font; we see Doja in what feels like a full-on commercial for a lavish lip gloss, complete with product close-ups and the burnished vibes that were so ubiquitous in that era.

As more models start appearing in the ode—including current Allure cover models Alex Consani and Anok Yai—we see imaginary yet totally familiar takes on lipstick, mascara, eye shadow palettes, hair dye, and perfume. An underlying sax solo in the song really enhances the ‘80s ambience, and I keep expecting Kelly LeBrock to show up and tell me not to hate her because she’s beautiful.

The only thing that might remind you that you're not falling through a hole in the cosmetic space-time continuum is the lyrics, peppered with beauty terms we definitely weren't dropping back in the day, like, “She lasered all that hair off, and she thank God for that Emsculpt.”

Whether you lived through the beauty ads of the late 1980s and early 1990s or you've only seen them like archival footage, all beauty lovers can absolutely appreciate the amazingly executed tribute.

Watch the video right here: