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As a bona-fide millennial—I'm smack dab in the center of the generation—I've always been a side part gal. I don't feel too passionately about the whole generational debate re: parts, but when I try a middle part, it always feels weird and wrong, like I'm four again wearing my hair in Dorothy-style pigtails, and my hair itself prefers to lean over to one side or the other. Or does it? Selena Gomez has me reconsidering.

Gomez, who is herself also a millennial born in 1992, stepped out in New York City on September 17 wearing her new long hair styled in a ‘60s-style blowout with curled-under ends that swooped perfectly over her shoulder. This wasn’t a big, bouncy, voluminous blowout, but rather a sleeker style that began with a very defined middle part. From there, her hair was smoothed out nearly flat on either side, with the front portions tucked behind each ear and the lengths blown out equally smooth with a curvy bend at the ends for a little motion and movement.

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Sure, this style (by Renato Campora, who frequently works with Gomez) would work just a well on a side part, but doesn't it look so good with that precise parting right in the center of her forehead? It's so precise it feels nearly mathematical! The business-chic look was right on the money for her event; Gomez was in town for the Fast Company Innovation Festival, where she spoke on a panel about her brand Rare Beauty.

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Gomez was also feeling the center part the day prior, when she was snapped in Tribeca with a full, wavy bombshell blowout, again descending from a center part. (I love her bobs, but this long hair looks soooo good.) OK, OK, I'm convinced—it's the start of a new season and time to try a new-to-me parting too.

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Over the last 30 years, the Allure Best of Beauty Awards have bestowed what has become an instantly recognizable seal on the products that editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, dermatologists, and other experts 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.

Repeat winners are inevitable, of course, not because there's a lack of competition—trust us, there are plenty of amazing new launches—but it's just that some winners somehow manage to remain untouchable. And that's why we salute these persistent products with a Hall of Fame recognition—a designation given only to products that have won three or more Best of Beauty Awards. And as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Best of Beauty Awards this year, 30 products have picked up their umpteenth win, including seven new members of the Hall of Fame.

Does their consistent greatness 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 them have won three, four, even 27 times is still incredibly impressive—even more so when you consider how many have won Readers' Choice Awards, too.

The products below are the Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famers that picked up yet another seal in this, our 30th year of celebrating superlative formulas, tools, and pigments. Check them out and then find out for yourself why they keep conquering their categories.

Shop All 2026 Best of Beauty Winners

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

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Best Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

$25 $22 (12% off)

Amazon

Tweezers weren’t named after the Tweezerman brand, but its plucking tools are the gold standard (or perhaps the stainless-steel standard), so it’s easy to forget which came first. That’s especially true of the Slant Tweezer, which is the winningest Best of Beauty Award recipient in the honor’s history with 27 red seals, all affixed to the packaging with the precise tool itself. (Just kidding.) You can always rely on it—and boy, have we—to grab even the finest and most stubborn hairs.

Best of Beauty Awards: 27

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

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Best Makeup Sponge

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen blends in concealer using the Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge.

Sarah Kinonen

There have been an almost embarrassing number of imitators, but nothing will ever replace the original Beautyblender. Ingeniously shaped like a pointy egg, the makeup-kit staple has won a Best of Beauty Award for the vast majority of the years it has existed, having launched in 2003. "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 blend it out gorgeously into every tiny angle and contour of the face.

Best of Beauty Awards: 16

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

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Best Brow Serum

RevitaLash Cosmetics RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$111

Amazon

Other brow conditioners and serums may promise miracles, but RevitaLash Cosmetics 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: 14

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

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Best Powder Blush

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Sephora

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applies and blends the Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush.

Jesa Marie Calaor

Nars Talc-Free Powder Blush has racked up numerous Best of Beauty Awards since the turn of the century, but its winning streak slowed as the blush competition thickened. We're not saying that's what prompted the brand to reformulate what is arguably its most famous product (your grandma has probably used Orgasm), but we were so impressed with 2024’s talc-free, conveniently refillable, even more blendable reimagining of Nars Blush that it has picked up where it left off, snagging more red seals like in the good old days. "The new formula feels ever-so-slightly more velvety and deposits even more color with each swipe," says senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor.

Best of Beauty Awards: 12

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

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Best Permanent Hair Color

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

$32

Amazon

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 just as good. That's because eSalon puts just as much care and expertise into crafting the single-process shade you want as a live-and-in-person colorist, taking into consideration your hair's texture, history, and more. 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: 11

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

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Best Eyelash Curler

Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

$24

Amazon

If your eyelash curler doesn’t also serve as an avant-garde tchotchke with a permanent spot on your vanity, is it really deserving of a Best of Beauty Award? Longtime fans of the Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler don’t even bother putting it away—it’s such a daily must-use. Its distinctive curved shape and ability to get close to the lash line prevent turning the curling process into an exercise in controlled panic. Its silicone pad gives lashes a beautifully lifted bend—never a harsh kink—creating an eye-opening effect before mascara even enters the picture.

Best of Beauty Awards: 10

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

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Best Thinning Hair Treatment

Women’s Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

$45

Amazon (2-Pack)

Products that address hair loss are more abundant than ever (something we’d like to say about our hair itself, to be honest), but even with all of the new options, Women’s Rogaine’s 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam continues to endure as a reliable solution for thinning. It’s designed to be applied directly to the affected areas of your scalp, making it easy to target where density has diminished without marinating your head in a drippy liquid formula. And that ease is important, considering consistency is key: This is not a one-and-done kind of treatment, but rather a daily commitment. The fact that its fans keep using it for years indicates that its results justify the dedication.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

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Best All-Over Acne Treatment

Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel

$24

Amazon

It was a watershed moment for acne when Differin 0.1% Adapalene Gel became available over the counter nearly a decade ago, putting a retinoid that had previously required a prescription within significantly easier reach. Surprisingly affordable, the no-frills treatment fearlessly confronts existing breakouts while also helping to prevent new ones with its all-over application. Think of it as a spot treatment in that your entire face is the spot. And because retinoids have a reputation for doing more for skin than just battling blemishes, Differin has also earned its keep among those looking to address signs of aging, like uneven skin tone.

Best of Beauty Awards: 8

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

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Best Brow Powder

Joey Healy Luxe Brow Powder

$28

Amazon

We’re in an era inundated with brow options—pencils, gels, fine-tip markers—but Joey Healy’s Luxe Brow Powder makes a strong case for why powder is still one of the most dependable eyebrow-enhancing formats. Its finely milled formula creates soft definition, if that’s what you’re going for, or a bolder shape without blatantly announcing, “Hello, I am a filled-in eyebrow.” With shades ranging from blonde to charcoal, it also doesn’t force everyone into the same taupe box. The result is polished but believable, and easier to achieve than pencil devotees might imagine.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

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Best Quick-Dry Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color

$8 $6 (25% off)

Amazon

Best of Beauty editorial assistant Arietta Hallock paints her nails with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color.

Arietta Hallock

Surely there’s a Norwegian word for the extremely specific pleasure that is painting your nails and not having to spend the subsequent half hour acting as if you’ve just had both of your hands surgically reattached. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color has built its reputation on making that possible without compromising on color quality, with a fast-drying formula that combines pigment with base and topcoat functions. It comes in an enormous assortment of shades and finishes too, so it actually takes longer to pick your polish than it does for it to set.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Stick

Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant

$14

Amazon

For an antiperspirant to earn Hall of Fame status, it has to do something considerably more important than just smell nice. Secret Clinical Strength Completely Clean Invisible Solid Antiperspirant/Deodorant laughs in the face of aluminum-free deodorant, proudly flaunting aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly as the active sweat-stopping ingredient in its easy-gliding stick. And the “invisible” part means those aggravating white streaks are just as undetectable as B.O. It’s an overachieving staple whose place in Best of Beauty history is solid in more ways than one.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

$185

Skinceuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applies the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic to her skin.

Jenny Bailly

If skin-care enthusiasts weren’t taking the impact of antioxidants seriously before 2005, that all changed with the launch of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic. And with its recent reformulation (the brand announced it's adding endophytol and carnosine to its famous blend of ferulic acid and vitamins C, specifically the L-ascorbic acid variety, and E), it’s still impressing Allure editors. “I notice zero differences between the old version and the new one, besides the fact that my older one has oxidized,” says senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino. “This is amazing news for someone like me who hates when things change.” It still expertly addresses photodamage, including discoloration and fine lines, and the texture is still lightweight enough to layer under the rest of a morning routine. And yes, it still has its famously peculiar smell, but the fact that so many people are willing to look past that—or have even come to like it—is proof that its staying power is nothing to turn your nose up at.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

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Best Antiperspirant Spray

Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

$24

Amazon (3-Pack)

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen sprays on the Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant.

Sarah Kinonen

A few quick passes and you’re done. Dove Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant feels like a whisper as you mist it on, but it stops sweat and stink like a wall. The aerosol formula dries without the icky, sticky feeling you might associate with some sticks, and the cucumber scent is refreshing enough to enjoy but light enough not to interfere with your chosen fragrance. And this is Dove we’re talking about, so you know your underarm skin is getting a softening session with each spritz.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

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Best Hand Sanitizer

Touchland Hand Sanitizer

$30

Amazon (3-Pack)

Managing editor Alessandra Foreso mists on the Touchland Hand Sanitizer while on the go.

Alesandra Foresto

Hand sanitizer is boring…said no one who’s ever had the pleasure of using Touchland Hand Sanitizer. The recipient of multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, this germ-killing mist lures you in with its colorful, contemporary packaging and has you coming back for more with scents that aren’t just obvious alcohol plus cheap vanilla. They’re thoughtful fragrances like Velvet Peach, Blue Sandalwood, and Citrus Grove. 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: 6

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

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Best Nail Polish Remover

Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover

$12 $8 (33% off)

Amazon

Commerce editor Sarah Han removes her manicure with the Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover.

Sarah Han

Nail polish remover is decidedly not the most glamorous part of the manicure process, but Zoya Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover has spent years proving that, at the very least, it deserves the duty of erasing even your fanciest mani. Rather than simply dissolving lacquer, the formula is also designed to prep nails for a fresh, new coat. And if you’re changing colors frequently, you want a remover that gets the old polish off cleanly without leaving the nail plate looking parched. The pump packaging is also a boon for anyone who’s ever knocked over a bottle of nail polish remover and immediately regretted every single life choice that led up to that moment.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler

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Best Root Coverage

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler

$36

Amazon

Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly brushes the Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler into her roots.

Jenny Bailly

Madison Reed The Great Cover Up Root Touch Up & Brow Filler is one of those products that seems oddly niche—until the moment you need it. The compact contains a pigmented powder that can camouflage grown-out roots, and it also doubles as a brow filler, making it unusually useful while you’re waiting to get in to see your colorist, and every day as part of your makeup routine. It’s easier to control than many root-covering sprays—particularly when you need precision near the part or hairline—and while it doesn’t replace actual hair dye, that’s precisely the point. It offers a temporary intervention to make those more obvious between-appointment days a lot less obvious.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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Best Skin Splurges

SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

For devotees of high-tech skin care, SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum has long been a perennial heavyweight. It has the clinical-looking packaging and price tag that suggest it's seen a white lab coat or two in its time, but it’s definitely not cosplaying as a serious serum. The formula centers on growth factors and peptides, with the goal of addressing multiple visible signs of aging at once—fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, loss of firmness (you know, all the usual suspects)—and the fact that it has won a Best of Beauty Award for most of the years it has existed is ample evidence that it follows through on its promises.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

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Best Matte Eye Shadow Stick

Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick

$34

Amazon

Imagine a world in which eye shadow doesn’t require a small arsenal of brushes, a degree in color theory, and the patience of a saint. Bobbi Brown Cosmetics Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow Stick is the key that opens the door to that world. It can be swiped directly across the lids and blended with fingers, taking out the intimidation factor even for makeup novices. Once set, it wears for hours without the fallout that so often bedevils powder formulas, and the 28-shade range in matte, shimmer, and multichrome finishes makes it almost unfairly easy to use one as a quick wash of color or several for a more elaborate, layered look.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Cocolab Cocofloss

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Best Floss

Cocolab Cocofloss

$10

Amazon

Dental floss doesn’t usually inspire the same level of enthusiasm as traditional beauty products, but Cocolab’s Cocofloss is a rare exception. It’s noticeably thicker and more substantial than the typical varieties you probably grew up using, and that texture gives it more traction as it moves between teeth. It feels more like you’re actually cleaning those spaces rather than just quickly saying hello. Singlehandedly responsible for making floss kind of adorable, Cocofloss comes in flavors like Lychee Breeze and Young Coconut, which may not exactly make flossing exciting, but it does make the whole experience feel considerably less like a chore.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

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Best Microcurrent Skin Device

NuFace Trinity+ Complete Set

$595 $506 (15% off)

Amazon

Does anyone else feel like they’re handling a funky-shaped magic wand when they’re using the NuFace Trinity+? Just us? Okay, cool. Having evolved well beyond the original version of the device, this handheld gadget uses microcurrent technology to stimulate facial muscles as it moves along the contours of the face, promoting a temporarily lifted, toned appearance. You can’t help but feel like you’re living in the future as you glide it along your cheekbones before (or during) coffee. And as you see the effects of its interchangeable attachments, you’re willing to accept that we got the NuFace Trinity+ instead of flying cars.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

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Best Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

$100

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel brushes her teeth with the Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush.

Jessica Cruel

Anyone who still doesn’t get jazzed about brushing their teeth obviously hasn’t tried the Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush. It not only puts manual, disposable toothbrushes to shame, but it also 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. Even her dentist has noticed a difference—and is there any more satisfying compliment than that?

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

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Best Monthly Peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel uses the Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel.

Jessica Cruel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel gives you the opportunity to play esthetician at home with a two-step, brush-on process that turns your bathroom into a very small, very exclusive 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 four Best of Beauty Awards. “I love that it comes with a brush to apply the acid step,” says Cruel.
“It tingles a bit, but after I rinse, my skin is visibly glowier.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

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Best Body Steals

Tree Hut Body Scrub

$12 $9 (25% off)

Amazon

There’s truly a Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub scent for every imaginable mood—social media manager Bianca Richards is obsessed with the freesia, sandalwood, and vanilla combo of Exotic Bloom—but no matter which fragrance floats your boat, you always end up with soft, glowing skin from shoulders to soles. “I 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 entrusted with its fourth Best of Beauty Award.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

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Best Mineral Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$21 $17 (19% off)

Amazon

Mineral sunscreen has a reputation for making its wearers look like they lost a fight with a tub of zinc oxide, but Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is designed to make the notorious white cast associated with this category considerably less obvious. The lightweight lotion spreads easily to evenly distribute its filters (both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), and the water-resistant formula makes it a practical pick for both everyday wear and more active experiences.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

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Best Round Brush

British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

Social director Kassidy Silva gives herself a blow-out using the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush.

Kassidy Silva

Nicely situated somewhere between a curling iron and a round brush, the British M Hot Curling Ceramic Brush is ideal for anyone who wants the look of a bouncy blowout without having to wrestle with multiple tools. Its ceramic-coated barrel and nylon bristles allow the hair to be wrapped around the brush for curl, bend, or volume, depending on how it’s wielded. It’s especially useful for creating the kind of soft body that has somehow survived every major hair trend cycle.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

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Best Color Lip Oil

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

$42

Sephora

Editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applies the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil.

Jennet Jusu

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil is a lip oil, sure, but it pulls off the tricky balancing act of feeling like both makeup and a treatment without making a big production out of either. The lightweight, glossy formula gives lips a jolt of shine and a hint of color, and the comfortable texture makes it easy to swipe on whenever lips look or feel a little blah. The cushiony layer of moisture it imparts makes it the kind of product that can live permanently in a handbag because there’s truly never an incorrect time to put it on, especially if you don’t mind being spotted visually dropping a designer name.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

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Best Foundation Brush

Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

$48 $41 (15% off)

Amazon

Social media manager blends her base makeup with the Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush.

Bianca Richards

A great brush should make foundation look less like flawless makeup and more like flawless skin, and Laura Mercier’s Real Flawless Foundation Brush is designed to do just that. Its densely packed synthetic bristles and rounded shape allow it to reach the contours around the nose, eyes, and jaw while distributing foundation evenly. The angled ferrule gives the brush a little more control than other foundation brushes, while the soft bristles make buffing and pressing product into the skin as easy as can be.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

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Best Liquid Eyeliner

Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner

$34

Shop

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor draws on a cat-eye look with the Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner.

Jesa Marie Calaor

Liquid liner is notorious for striking fear into the hearts of the most steady-handed makeup wearer, but even beginners can quickly get comfortable with Lisa Eldridge’s Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner. Its very fine tip is designed for precise lines and teensy flicks, and it allows plenty of control to hug the lash line with intense pigment. "I’ve tried every liquid liner under the sun, and this inky, long-lasting black pen is the one I always come back to, to create my signature cat eye,” says Calaor. “It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

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Best Brow Pen

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow

$16 $13 (19% off)

Amazon

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen fills in her brows with the Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow.

Sarah Kinonen

Maybelline New York Build-a-Brow takes two of the most common brow tasks—drawing in sparse areas and setting hairs in place—and combines them in one dual-ended product. One end uses a fine pen to create extremely convincing hair-like strokes, while the other contains clear gel to fix the finished shape. Beauty director Sarah Kinonen says it looks a little intimidating at first, but it's anything but. “First, I comb up my brows with a spooley (any will do), then lightly flick the pen tip into my brows, focusing on areas that look a little sparse or need a little extra color. Then I set the look by brushing up the hairs with the brow gel side. Easy!” she says. “And it lasts all day and doesn't budge.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

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Best Lip Scrub

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

$15

Amazon

Poppy & Pout’s Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub uses sugar to physically slough away annoying flakiness while coconut and sunflower oils deposit moisture to keep lips from feeling stripped afterward—and onward. A small amount is enough to seriously smooth away dryness before applying lipstick, and the mint flavor gives the whole massaging moment a refreshing little kick. The reusable glass jar is another nice touch, but the real reason it has remained a standout is because it makes one of the least glamorous parts of lip care feel like a treat.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

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Once upon a time, there were Brigitte Bardot’s thick, piece-y bangs. Next came Farrah Fawcett’s angelic, flipped-out fringe. Then Sabrina Carpenter became the unofficial ambassador for curtain bangs with her signature, voluminous, face-framing style. Now, the classic look is ubiquitous on red carpets and social media. Stars like Nicole Kidman, Jodie Turner-Smith, and Chappell Roan have shown just how universally flattering curtain bangs can be, regardless of hair length or texture.

Curtain bangs have stood the test of time not only for their versatility but also for being surprisingly low-maintenance. Compared with other types of bangs, they don’t have the dreadfully noticeable, awkward, growing-out phase. They simply “curtain out from the middle” even more as they get longer, blending naturally into the rest of your hair, says Rubi Aguilar, a New York City hairstylist, who’s worked with Courtney Cox, Kaia Gerber, and Paloma Elsesser. Plus, they’re becoming softer, less meticulously styled, and more effortless than ever, according to British hairstylist Carl Bembridge.

Ahead, stylists explain exactly what qualifies as curtain bangs, how to achieve them based on your hair type, along with recommendations for which products to reach for to style your new look.

Meet the experts:

• Rubi Aguilar is a hairstylist and owner of Salon in New York City.
• Karen Arechiga is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Carl Bembridge is a hairstylist in Essex, England, and a spokesperson for Colorwow.
• Brian Christopher is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Eduardo Méndez is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.
• Lacy Redway is a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands.
• Bronwen Robinson is a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City.

In this story:

• What are curtain bangs?
• Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?
• Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?
• How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon
• Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.
• How to style curtain bangs
• How to maintain curtain bangs
• Curtain bang hairstyle inspiration

What are curtain bangs?

Curtain bangs are a “long, face-framing fringe that typically hug around your brows,” explains Aguilar. They’re cut shorter in the middle and longer on the sides, with the longest parts hitting the top of the cheekbones, she adds. Depending on how they are cut, curtain bangs can enhance the natural symmetry of your face and complement other features, says Brian Christopher, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist.

Which face shapes and hair types work best with curtain bangs?

A major reason curtain bangs are so popular is that the look suits everyone, regardless of face shape, says Bronwen Robinson, a hairstylist at Suite Caroline in New York City. The right hairdresser will customize the length and shape to highlight your facial features in the most flattering way, taking into account your hair texture and growth patterns, Aguilar says. “The worst is a stylist who will talk you out of a style instead of educating you and finding a creative way to cut the style you're excited about,” she adds.

If you have textured or curly hair, seeking a stylist skilled in dry cutting is essential for the most flattering curtain bangs. Curls tend to shrink as they dry, Christopher explains, so this technique helps gauge how they'll fall. Cutting while they are dry also lets the stylist give each curl individual attention for the softest, most consistent curtain bangs, adds Los Angeles hairstylist Karen Arechiga.

Face-framing layers vs. curtain bangs: What’s the difference?

The difference lies in length and styling. “Curtain bangs are typically shorter, flare toward the ends, and are styled with a little more volume, especially at [the roots],” explains Lacy Redway, a New York City-based hairstylist and spokesperson for Unilever hair-care brands. “Face-framing layers are cut with an overall longer, gradual slope and can be styled with or without volume.”

The layers can also be cut to contour your face and blend seamlessly into the rest of your haircut. “You can have both for a really gorgeous haircut with lots of movement,” Bembridge says.

How to ask for curtain bangs at your salon

At this point, "curtain bangs" is a universally understood term among professional hairstylists, but you can mention that you want "long, soft bangs that can be parted in the middle or slightly to the side,” Christopher says. Bringing photos to your appointment that show your dream look will also be much appreciated by your stylist. (Lucky for you, we included some images below for your consideration.) You can then point out what you like—and dislike—about each look. “Pictures are always helpful,” says Aguilar, “even if they're photos of something you want to avoid.”

Be sure to tell your stylist how you style and wear your hair daily, Arechiga adds. If you air-dry your hair, say so. More of a blow-dry person? Your stylist will definitely want to know.

Here’s how to cut curtain bangs at home—but proceed with caution.

Our experts strongly recommend against cutting curtain bangs at home. You can go on TikTok to see plenty of curtain bangs tutorials that end in tears. “Bangs quite literally frame your face,” Aguilar says. “If you mess up, it won't matter if the rest of your hair looks great because your bangs aren't flattering.” Plus, she notes, most stylists offer free bangs trims for existing clients.

But if you simply must have DIY curtain bangs, “invest in good-quality hair scissors for a clean cut,” Christopher says. Need a suggestion or two? Try the Equinox Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors, made from lightweight Japanese stainless steel that stays perfectly sharp, or Fromm’s Explore 5.75-inch Shear, which is lightweight and super-easy to maneuver for precise trimming. If you want to splurge, take cues from Bembridge, who uses the Leaf the Foundation Scissors.

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Equinox

Professional Razor Edge Series Barber Hair Cutting Scissors

$14 $9 (36% off)

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Fromm

Explore 5.75'' Shear

$37

Amazon

$37

Ulta Beauty

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Leaf

The Foundation Scissor

$104

Leaf

Once you have your shears on hand, start with dry hair, so you can see the true length you’re working with. Next, create a triangle-shaped section at the front of your face with the top point starting from the crown of your head. Then angle the section down toward your temples on each side before pulling back the rest of your hair, Christopher explains.

From there, hold your professional-grade hair scissors diagonally from the ends of your hair, and cut an inverted V-shape with small snips. This method creates texture and helps you avoid blunt edges, he says. The shortest parts in the middle should start near the center of your brows, and the longest should be at the highest points of your cheekbones or even layered down to your jawline, Robinson adds.

How to style curtain bangs

If your curtain bangs are cut well, you should be able to air-dry them without disastrous results, especially if you want to wear your fringe in its naturally curly or wavy texture. “Curtain bangs are cut to look breezy and effortless,” says Robinson. “If too much heat or effort is applied while styling, it will break that illusion of ‘I woke up like this.’”

To achieve that soft, tousled vibe, grab a lightweight texturizing spray, especially if you have naturally straight hair. Aguilar recommends the ROZ Wave Texturizing Mist, while Redway suggests the Tresemmé A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray because it gives curtain bangs hold with a lived-in feel and “removes unwanted oils so they stay airy.” Allure’s content director Sophia Panych, on the other hand, swears by Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray because “it lifts roots like a dry shampoo, adds light hold like a flexible hairspray, and adds texture like a beach spray.”

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RŌZ

Wave Texturizing Mist

$35

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$35

Nordstrom

$35

Credo Beauty

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Tresemmé

A-List Collection Dry Texturizing Spray

$13

Amazon

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Oribe

Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

Those with textured or curly hair can apply a pea-sized amount of their go-to curl product before air-drying to enhance the bounce and definition of their curtain bangs. Aguilar’s pick is the Innersense Quiet Calm Curl Control, which delivers a light, hydrating hold. We also love the Isima Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream for the way it enhances your natural texture and smooths frizz. If you’re looking for sleeker, more va-va-voom curtain bangs like Sabrina Carpenter’s (or dealing with a cowlick at your hairline), you’re going to need some heat. Grab your blow-dryer and a round brush, or consider a blow-dryer brush. “A great hot brush can help create volume in your curtain bangs,” Redway says.

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Innersense Organic Beauty

Quiet Calm Curl Control Cream

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Credo Beauty

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Isima

Curls Don't Lie Curl Perfecting Cream

$32

Ulta Beauty

The smallest round brush Arechiga recommends is 1.5 inches, ideal for curtain bangs that fall just below the brows or for creating a more dramatic curl. The largest is 2 inches, suitable for longer curtain bangs starting below the cheekbones or for achieving a relaxed, beachy vibe, she adds. Bembridge is a fan of the 2-inch Dom Dom Small Round Bristle Brush, which combines boar and nylon bristles to smooth hair and boost shine. On the smaller side, the British M 33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush, which Allure’s commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann uses to style her own curtain bangs, is a great choice.

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Dom Dom

Small Round Bristle Brush

$38

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British M

33mm Hot Curling Ceramic Brush

$29

Amazon

With your preferred tools within reach, part your bangs down the middle, then place the brush under one side. Roll the entire section, including the ends, downward toward the center of your face, Arechiga explains. Repeat on the other side, then set them in place with hairspray or, if you have fine hair, a volumizing spray such as the Best of Beauty Award–winning K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray. Los Angeles hairstylist Eduardo Méndez likes to spritz on Virtue Volumizing Primer because, he says, “It gives me the right amount of grip at the root, allowing me to place the bangs exactly where I need them to fall.”

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

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$46

Sephora

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Virtue

Volumizing Primer

$42 $36 (14% off)

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$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

Then, Christopher advises raking a hair oil, such as the Unove Silk Shine Hair Oil or Fable & Mane Glossy Styling Hair Oil, through your bangs to keep them smooth and frizz-free.

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Fable & Mane

Glossy Styling Hair Oil

$36

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Unove

Silk Shine Hair Oil

$25

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$25

Sephora

How to maintain curtain bangs

Our experts agree that the best way to keep your curtain bangs fresh and in shape is to get regular trims every six to eight weeks. “You don’t need to wait for your full haircut,” says Bembridge.

Between washes, you can maintain lift and volume in a few easy ways. Redway recommends using a Velcro roller, like one of the Drybar High Tops Self-Grip Rollers, to revitalize the swoop of your bangs while “reducing excessive heat on your hair.” You can also spray a bit of dry shampoo, like Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo, at the roots and give them a good zhuzh. “It’s the perfect reset,” Méndez says.

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Amika

Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$29

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$29

Ulta Beauty

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Narka

Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara

$15

Ulta Beauty

For a more targeted refresh, swipe the Narka Fresh Sebum Hair Mascara through your bangs, starting at the roots, to cut through grease, reduce frizz, and revive the shape.

If you’ve been itching for bangs, consider curtain bangs. They’re universally flattering, whether you have a bob, curls, or extensions. They’ll fit seamlessly into your existing hair-care routine, so you won't have to completely overhaul it for your new hairstyle. Plus, curtain bangs look amazing even as they grow out, so you’re unlikely to regret them. We can’t make any guarantees, but the odds are in your favor with the right stylist and tools.

Curtain bangs hairstyle inspiration

Classic curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesLong curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesCurly curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesGetty ImagesUpdos with curtain bangsGetty ImagesGetty Images

Additional reporting by Donna Freydkin and Nicola Dall'Asen.

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Headscarves have been one of the biggest hair-accessory trends of the summer, and if you don’t believe me, just ask celebrities like Dua Lipa, Zendaya, and Florence Pugh, who were all spotted sporting a little above-the-face fabric over the last few months. It’s as practical as it is stylish, capable of turning a less-than-cooperative hair day into something seemingly intentional yet not overtly high-effort. And now, Bella Hadid is apparently unwilling to let go. She’s bringing not only the headscarf into autumn (which officially starts next week), but she’s also insisting that an especially summery print can work with an otherwise fall-focused look.

Hadid was seen in New York City with her long, blonde hair styled in a voluminous blowout that spilled over her shoulders. Styled in a traditional triangle and secured around her loose, middle-parted waves was a red and beige scarf with an elevated take on gingham’s checkered pattern. Instead of tucking the arms of her sunglasses underneath the scarf, Hadid wore the oversized, burgundy shades right on top of her covered ears.

Photo: Getty Images

The gingham is definitely picnic-coded, but the rest of Hadid’s outfit is about as late-September as it gets. She wore a Halloween-orange Oddli 3/4 Sleeve Boat Neck Dress under a tan, corduroy jacket. Few things feel more fall than knee-high, dark brown boots like the ones she wore, and even her matching, extra-large Staud bag feels like a high-end alternative to a back-to-school backpack.

It’s not that Hadid’s pretending gingham has suddenly become a fall staple; it’s still giving summer picnic. It’s just that the rest of her ensemble suggests she’s getting that picnic in on the last few days of comfy temperatures, before we have to pack up the basket and start dining—and serving headscarf panache—indoors.

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Allure editors leave no stone—or compact, palette, or tube—unturned when determining our Best of Beauty Award winners. And considering the number of submissions we receive (this year's count was around 5,500), you'd be correct to assume that doing so takes a whole lot of time and commitment.

But for you, dear reader, we'll happily do it again and again—and we have, for 30 years. That little red seal you see on Best of Beauty-winning products has become synonymous with trust—and that's something we take very seriously.

What else does our seal symbolize? Medicine cabinets overflowing with products, several dozen testers (and friends and family members of those several dozen testers), a whole lot of makeup remover, and an immense sense of pride.

We're often asked "when" we start working on Best of Beauty. But the better question might be: When are we not working on it? Our decisions don't happen overnight or in one long meeting. It's a yearlong process that happens steadily, in the background, as we conduct interviews with experts, meet with brand founders, attend launch events, and pass face mists around the office. Even when the process is over, it's not over—by the time the awards drop in the fall, we're just about ready to open submissions for the following year.

We know, we know: That sounds unbelievable. But we've got the receipts. Ahead, discover an annotated timeline of our 2026 Best of Beauty testing process, along with some candid, behind-the-scenes moments that make this journey as fun for us to put together as we hope it is for you to read—and shop.

Shop All 2026 Best of Beauty Winners

Mid-October 2025

We send out a call for the 2026 awards…

And brands answer. After posting an open call on social media inviting brands to submit their top products for Best of Beauty consideration, publicists and founders begin to complete our submission form.

Submissions fall into various categories such as skin, body, makeup, hair, and tools—plus niche categories like Clean and Breakthroughs (more on that later). We ask brands to submit any product, old or new, that they believe is a contender. The only condition is that it's available for purchase in September 2026, when the awards are announced—and it can't be a limited-edition launch (to ensure broad accessibility for winning products). For 2026, we received a whopping 5,568 submissions.

End of October

More than 5,500 products have been submitted, so there's a lot of sorting to do.

We start organizing the submissions—exporting all the data, making spreadsheets…you know, the fun stuff.

Simultaneously, we begin reaching out to members of the Allure team to ask which categories they want to test, based on their hair and skin types, their makeup styles, etc. This part is always exciting. Some editors go wild for fragrance while others are skin-care fanatics, so this is a chance for everyone to really lean into their favorite beauty categories. Each category has at least three officially assigned testers (although plenty of other editors won't hesitate to throw in their own opinions on formulas throughout the process).

Early November

We get really familiar with those spreadsheets.

Each editor receives a personal spreadsheet that includes a list of every category they're testing and the products within it. (This year, we had 75 in-house testers). At this point, the feedback fields on each sheet are blank, ready for the editor to add detailed notes about each product as they test (and re-test). And we mean detailed. We want to know everything from how difficult a jar of moisturizer is to open to how a foundation holds up throughout the day.

Early November to early December

Products begin to travel to us from far, far away…and some from just around the block.

Upon request, brands send us samples of their submissions (we ask for four of each), and it's time to get busy with the box cutters. These are the weeks when we focus on physically sorting all the submissions and getting them into the hands of our eager editors.

Packages and shopping bags piled up in the beauty closet during the call-in period.

Mid- to End of November

Last call!

Brands have had about a month to submit, and we close our first round of submissions.

December

It's time to get our Marie Kondo on.

Hundreds of boxes get unpacked, and products get sorted into more boxes for each editor, each labeled with the editor's name. While the majority of products are sent to Allure HQ, a few lucky (or maybe not so lucky?) editors have products sent directly to their homes, leaving them to deal with the aftermath: empty cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and possible paper cuts (ouch).

Social director Kassidy Silva turned her dining room into a makeshift beauty closet.

Global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick carries the aftermath of opening Best of Beauty packages out of her home.

Early December to early March

Over the next three months, we methodically test products, category by category, employing every body part necessary to get the job done.

Best of Beauty editorial assistant Arietta Hallock tests the Quick-Dry winner: Sally Hansen’s Insta-Dri Nail Color.

Arietta Hallock

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen wears the winning LED face mask from Shark Beauty while in bed.

Sarah Kinonen

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor tests the winning waver hot tool from GHD.

Jesa Marie Calaor

As we mentioned, some editors prefer certain categories more than others. Of course, we all love skin care, but beauty director Sarah Kinonen is especially into skin gadgets and gladly took on the task of looking like a robot a few times a week to find the best LED face mask. Other editors, like senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor, use testing as an opportunity to try trendy beauty products they've been dying to get their hands on.

Social media manager Bianca Richards testing out a lip gloss on a night out with her girls.

Senior art director Ingrid Fowler wearing mineral sunscreen and her Allure red sweatshirt.

Some editors like to take products for a test run in the wild. “When linking up with my girls for a casual weekend dinner, we like to keep the fits low-key, but the glam has to be on point. It's the perfect opportunity to test out Best of Beauty makeup contenders,” says social media manager Bianca Richards. Ingrid Fowler, senior art director, put mineral sunscreens—and the exclusive Allure merch she designed—to the ultimate test: beach volleyball.

January

We re-open our submissions for a couple of weeks so brands can submit samples of the 2026 launches that they weren't able to provide in the fall.

March

After all the testing is (mostly) complete, we create a master spreadsheet, compiling everyone's testing notes into one document.

End of March to mid-April

Did someone just put a two-hour meeting on my calendar?

Yes, yes, they did. At this point in the process, we hold team-wide meetings to go through each category and talk about the various notes for each product. Think of it as the ultimate beauty debate. We eliminate products editors disliked and argue over the products that didn't quite have a consensus.

As we debate one category after another, we determine which products require a bit more testing to reach a decision—and add a few more products to the mix that initially slipped under the radar.

End of March

Clean up, clean up, everybody clean up!

By this point, every editor's testing box (stored in the beauty closet) should be empty of products as we gear up to clear out the space and return it to its original function: storing everyday beauty launches and serving as a cute filming spot for Allure's social and video content.

Spring

We're getting closer!

Now it's time to finalize our list of winners, and to put any winners in the clean and breakthrough categories through a vetting process.

"For a beauty product to win a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award, it has to be a first-of-its-kind: a blow-dryer that senses how far it is from your scalp, for example, or a pimple patch with LED lights," says Liz Siegel, who reported, tested, and vetted this year's Breakthrough winners. The product has to have data in the form of clinical studies to back up its claims. A panel of our judges—including cosmetic chemists, dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and, of course, Allure editors—is enlisted to test the product, review the data, and, ultimately, agree that it really does deliver results, and that there's nothing else out there quite like it.

There is much debate in the beauty industry over the term "clean," so we came up with our own criteria, vetted by dermatologists, toxicologists, and cosmetic chemists. Products that meet our standard are formulated without: parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, cyclic silicones, aluminum salts, hydroquinone, triclosan, talc, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, toluene, microbeads, and chemical sunscreen filters (oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octinoxate).

Mid-Spring

After much testing, deliberation, vetting, and re-testing, our 2026 Best of Beauty winner list is finalized! The list first gets shared through a teamwide email, at which point everyone pauses their work to browse the winners and see if their favorites made the cut.

End of Spring

Yay! But also, shh!

We reach out to representatives of the winning brands to share the exciting news of their win— they also get an official letter from Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel, followed by a reminder to keep the news under wraps until it's time to share the list publicly.

Summer

It's a sprint to the finish line!

The work doesn't stop here, though. We shift gears from testing to creating all the content needed to share and amplify award results, including the landing page, social media posts, and our special-edition Allure Best of Beauty print magazine.

Mid-September

It’s all been leading up to this…

At long last, we are able to share our current Best of Beauty winners with the world! The site is live, the social posts are pushed out, and every editor breathes a brief sigh of relief. But, as you may have guessed, we're not done yet.

October 17

Time to party!

Amid the busyness of putting together the awards, some team members have also been planning Best of Beauty: The Live Event! This is an annual event during which we showcase the awards with expert panelists and beauty treatments from our favorite brands (such as dry-styling by Wella Professionals or personalized skin consultations from EltaMD). And you're invited! Together, we all gather to celebrate another successful year of the Allure Best of Beauty Awards.

By the time you're reading this, we've probably already sent out submission forms for next year. So it begins again!

Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The Allure Best of Beauty 2026 Box has arrived. Packed with 30 award-winning products, including 17 Best of Beauty 2026 winners, this limited-edition collection is valued at more than $740—for just $125 for Allure readers with code ALLUREACCESS

The year was 1996. Brad and Gwyneth were together; ditto Tom and Nicole. George Clooney was a charming young ER doctor. Nothing was more state-of-the-art than dial-up Internet; we wondered if the PalmPilot might replace our Rolodexes. And five-year-old beauty magazine Allure decided to create an annual list of the absolute best hair, makeup, and skin-care products you could buy. The Best of Beauty Awards quickly came to be a shopper’s guide to products that had been rigorously tested and proven to do exactly what they said they would do—and do it better than the rest.

Thirty years later, the beauty market has mushroomed (as has a thing called “sponcon”). So that little red seal is an even more valuable sign that an independent team of experts has cut through the, well you know, and vetted that lipstick or sunscreen or hair mask for the highest quality and the highest performance. To celebrate the big 3-0, we’ve put together the most jam-packed Allure Beauty Box in our history, filled to the brim with some of our favorite award winners of the recent past: Glow Recipe toner pads, Dr. Idriss’ brightening mask, an Ilia mascara, Rare Beauty’s matte blush, and 26 more. Change is constant—and those Rolodexes are long gone—but Allure’s high standard for “best” will always remain the same. – Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Director

Reserve yours now:

SHOP THE BOX

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Hope, Alive, Happy, or Worth

Why We Love It: We’re not advocating for blush blindness, but we also couldn’t blame you if you wanted just “one more tap”. The cloud-like texture of this Best of Beauty winner is so satisfying to touch and the pigment it packs builds and blends beautifully—for a bright and bold or soft and natural look.

How You'll Use It: Your Best of Beauty Box features your choice of Hope (nude mauve), Happy (cool pink), Worth (true rose), Alive (bright coral orange), four flattering shades designed to complement various skin tones. Use your finger or favorite blush brush to apply directly on the apples of your cheeks—and don’t forget to blend.

Retail Value: $27

Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask

Why We Love It: We’re all about playing the long game with skincare. But sometimes, you want immediate results. Ten minutes to resurface dull skin, soften rough texture and reveal a brighter complexion? Say less.

How You'll Use It: Apply a thin layer (2-4 pumps) over clean, dry skin. Wait 10 minutes (use your meditation app, check emails, answer texts), then rinse it off with warm water and look noticeably fresher.

Retail Value: $48

Dae Hair Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand

Why We Love It: Slicked-back buns, polished ponytails, clean middle parts—this little (dare I say magic) wand is the finishing touch that keeps any style looking sleek, not shellacked. A few swipes on flyaways and baby hairs is all it takes to look polished and put together.

How You'll Use It: Glide the wand anywhere over your hairline where you want to smooth baby hair, tame frizz, or perfect the last few details. It’s also super portable—perfect for tossing in your purse, gym bag, or desk drawer.

Retail Value: $20

Davines LOVE/ smoothing lightweight milk

Why We Love It: If you’ve ever skipped a leave-in conditioner because it felt too heavy, then hair milk is for you. The lightweight formula delivers softness, shine, and frizz control—without flattening or weighing your hair down.

How You'll Use It: After towel-drying your hair, spray several pumps from roots to end, either sectioning your hair or flipping your hair over to ensure even coverage. Comb through and then blow dry.

Retail Value: $33

tarte cosmetics Double Take Eyeliner

Why We Love It: Some days call for a slightly smoky, perfectly smudgy eye look. Other days, you need your eyeliner wing to be razor-sharp. And sometimes you need one look on the upper lash line and another on the lower. Luckily, there’s this dual-sided eyeliner for whatever look you’re ready to wear.

How You'll Use It: This formula glides on smoothly—no skipping—and has a 12-hour wear, meaning you can go from morning to night without skipping a beat with your beat.

Retail Value: $26

Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream

Why We Love It: Great skin starts with a great moisturizer. This is that moisturizer. It gives your skin everything it wants: lasting hydration, a smoother texture, a firmer look, and a healthier skin barrier—thanks to its advanced collagen-supporting peptide complex.

How You'll Use It: Dot the cream onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck, then use gentle upwards strokes to massage it into your skin. Consider it two minutes of self-care your complexion will.

Retail Value: $32

Saie Glowy Super™ Gel Lightweight Illuminator in Roseglow

Why We Love It: When you don’t want your makeup to look like, well, makeup, reach for this best-selling highlighter. The lightweight texture gives your skin a dewy glow that makes it look naturally luminous—not obviously highlighted.

How You'll Use It: For an all-over glow, apply one to two pumps on bare skin. You can stop there, or use it before your foundation as a primer or even mix in for added radiance.

Retail Value: $18

Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Mini

Why We Love It: As much fun as makeup can be to put on, this Farmacy Cleansing Balm makes it super satisfying to take off. The oil-based formula means you don’t have to overscrub your skin or tug at your eyelashes—and the blend of super-greens leaves your skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean.

How You'll Use It: The mini size makes it a must-have to include in your overnight, gym, or travel bag. Just use the spatula to dab a small amount onto your face, massage with dry hands, and then rinse with warm water or a damp washcloth. Done!

Retail Value: $26

ILIA Mini Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight

Why We Love It: Between the dual-sided wand and the buildable formula, this mascara lets you customize your look based on the lashes you want. From naturally defined, soft and fluttery, or a little more drama, you’re in control.

How You'll Use It: Use the shorter side of the wand to lift lashes. Flip to the longer side to lengthen and separate. Then add more coats for more added volume.

Retail Value: $17

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum in Medium

Why We Love It: While there are plenty of bronzers in the market, there’s only one that has redefined the category—and that’s SoftSculpt® from Makeup by Mario. It blends beautifully every single time and is nearly impossible to overdo. Win, win.

How You'll Use It: Swipe the doe-foot applicator along your forehead, beneath cheekbones, and around the jawline. Then blend everything out with a dense, angled contour brush for a naturally-bronzed looking finish.

Retail Value: $36

Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment

Why We Love It: When a blemish decides to make an unexpected appearance, this targeted treatment gets straight to work. The salicylic acid-based formula helps fight breakouts at the source, making it a must-have for those just-in-case skincare moments.

How You'll Use It: After cleansing, apply a thin layer directly to affected areas one to three times daily or as needed. Follow with your usual moisturizer and SPF during the day.

Retail Value: $27

Glow Recipe Korean Toner Pad Collection 3-Piece Trial Set

Why We Love It: This trial set is perfect for giving your skin exactly what it needs in the moment. Use the LHA + AHA exfoliating pads when your skin is feeling congested. If you’re looking red or irritated, the PDRN pads offer soothing relief, and the Vitamin C pads brighten basically on command.

How You'll Use It: Each of the pads is designed for five minutes of use, giving you plenty of time to mix, match, and multi-mask.

Retail Value: $4.75

by/ rosie jane ROSIE travel spray

Why We Love It: If your favorite beauty compliment is, “you smell so good,” this is for you. This skin scent smells like you, but better, thanks to a combination of warm notes of white musk and pure rose that interact with your personal chemistry. Subtle enough for everyday, strong enough for people to ask what you’re wearing.

How You'll Use It: The travel size makes it perfect for carrying on the go. Just remember to avoid rubbing it into your skin. This one is more of a mist and go.

Retail Value: $29

Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist

Why We Love It: If you’re already spending about 15-20 minutes a day heat-styling your hair, it’s worth it to take a few seconds to protect it from possible damage. This award-winning heat protectant spray coats your strands—and leaves a satiny, frizz-free hold.

How You'll Use It: Give the bottle a generous shake. Then spray it, section by section, throughout already dry hair before using a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.

Retail Value: $31

belif Aqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid

Why you’ll love it: Coffee, Diet Coke, and this eye treatment have more in common than you’d think. They’re all packed with caffeine to instantly jolt you (and your undereyes) awake after late nights, long meetings, and puffy mornings.

How you’ll use it: Press the pump to distribute the lightweight gel, then gently press the ceramic tip to the undereye area, lightly massage in a circular motion, and pat in any excess product.

Retail price: $32

Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops in Medium

Why We Love It: Your glow, your way. These customizable self-tanning drops make it easy to dial up your color without the streaks or commitment of a traditional self-tanner.

How You'll Use It: Mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer and apply evenly to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands after application, then let your glow develop.

Retail Value: $30

Divi Dry Shampoo

Why We Love It: Dry shampoo that does more than buy you an extra day between washes? Yes, please. This formula refreshes oily roots on the spot while helping your hair become less oily over time—so your wash days might just get a little farther apart.

How You'll Use It: Shake well and spray directly onto your roots, focusing on areas that need a refresh. Let it sit for a moment, then massage or brush through before styling as usual.

Retail Value: $16

dpHUE Glossy Glaze in Sheer

Why We Love It: Salon treatments can be expensive. This at-home hair gloss helps protect your investment. Now you can extend the color, vibrancy, and shine of your hair until your next appointment.

How You'll Use It: Follow the instructions as indicated. In just two-three minutes, you can boost the look of your color-treated hair for up to three washes. Now that’s good hair math.

Retail Value: $29

KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss in 12 Pearly Amaryllis Red, 31 Pearly Shell, 15 Cherry Red, 23 Magenta, 07 Pink Magnolia, or 26 Sparkly Hibiscus Pink

Why We Love It: Gloss that does more than shine. Whichever shade you receive, this intensely hydrating formula delivers a juicy, mirror-like finish that makes any lip look instantly more polished.

How You'll Use It: Swipe directly onto bare lips or layer over your favorite lip color for an extra dose of shine. Reapply whenever you’re ready for another glossy moment.

Retail Value: $14

Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler in Millennial Pink

Why We Love It: Detangling doesn’t have to mean tugging. This iconic brush smooths through knots while helping reduce breakage—and the Millennial Pink shade makes wash day that much cuter.

How You'll Use It: Use on wet or dry hair, starting at the ends and working your way upward toward the roots. Gently brush through tangles until your strands are smooth and knot-free.

Retail Value: $16.99

Mooncat Nail Lacquer in Mermaid Bait or Pearl Clutcher

Why We Love It: No matter which shade you receive, your nails are in for a major moment. These high-impact, chrome-like lacquers catch the light from every angle for a manicure that’s guaranteed to mesmerize.

How You'll Use It: Apply an even coat to clean, dry nails and let it dry before adding another coat for extra impact. Finish with a topcoat to help your mani stay fresh.

Retail Value: $17

ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion

Why We Love It: Another K-beauty gem for your skin-care shelf. This non-sticky, ceramide-enriched lotion helps support the skin barrier while delivering the kind of lasting hydration that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and seriously comfortable.

How You'll Use It: Smooth onto clean skin and massage until absorbed. Use it on your face or body whenever your skin needs an extra dose of hydration.

Retail Value: $15.99

Megababe Le Tush Clarifying Butt Mask

Why We Love It: Your face isn’t the only place that deserves a good mask moment. This facial-grade exfoliating treatment gives your tush some much-needed attention, helping smooth and refresh skin in an area that’s often overlooked.

How You'll Use It: Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and let it sit according to the product’s directions. Rinse thoroughly, then admire your newly pampered derrière.

Retail Value: $22

Women's ROGAINE® 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam

Why We Love It: When fuller-looking hair is the goal, this clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended treatment is a trusted addition to your routine. The unscented foam makes it easy to work into your everyday hair-care lineup.

How You'll Use It: Apply directly to the scalp, making sure to follow the product’s recommended amount and frequency. Let it absorb before styling your hair as usual.

Retail Value: $44.97

milk_shake Icy Blond Shampoo

Why We Love It: Blonde maintenance can feel like a full-time job—but with this toning shampoo, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of a traditional purple shampoo, this shampoo features black pigments that help dial down orange and yellow hues, while amping up the icy, cool-tones you want.

How You'll Use It: Designed for very light or platinum blonde hair, this toning shampoo is gentle enough to be used 1-2 times per week, in-between your regular shampoos.

Retail Value: $10

The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Why We Love It: A fresh start for your skin, courtesy of a K-beauty favorite. Made with rice water and ceramides, this foaming cleanser helps wash away pores’ worth of buildup and impurities without overcomplicating your routine.

How You'll Use It: Wet your face, work a small amount of cleanser into a rich lather, and gently massage over your skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.

Retail Value: $11.99

Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Thickening Essentials Mini Shampoo and Conditioner Kit

Why We Love It: A shampoo that doesn’t just clean your hair but actually treats your scalp is the kind of multi-tasking we can get behind—it washes away excess oil and buildup at the root, creating a foundation for stronger, fuller-looking hair. The conditioner keeps that momentum going: it hydrates and strengthens without flattening, sealing the cuticle to enhance shine.

How You'll Use It: Massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, focusing on the roots, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with the conditioner throughout strands and scalp, then rinse, dry, and style.

Retail Value: $18

Peta Jane Beauty Medium Self-Tanning Mousse + Tanning Mitt

Why We Love It: The best self-tan is the one nobody realizes is a self-tan. This easy-to-apply mousse develops into a natural golden-looking bronze that lasts for up to seven days. It’s so convincing, we guarantee you’ll have everyone asking, “Did you just get back from vacation?”

How You'll Use It: Prep is key before using this mousse. Remember to exfoliate the day before application—and avoid using lotion or moisturizer for up to 24 hours prior. Shower, pat dry, and apply with the included mitt to avoid streaks, then you’re ready to go…or glow!

Retail Value: $52

Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub

Why We Love It:
Soft, smooth lips are always a good idea. This scrub gives your pout a little exfoliating refresh, leaving lips feeling soft and ready for whatever lip color—or balm—comes next.

How You'll Use It:
Massage a small amount onto your lips using gentle, circular motions. Wipe or rinse away, then follow with your favorite lip balm for a perfectly prepped pout.

Retail Value: $14.95

Hairstory New Wash Original Cleansing & Conditioning Cream

Why We Love It: If your regular shampoo and conditioner have been in the same toxic cycle, it’s time to meet this conditioning cream. Instead of shampoo stripping hair just for conditioner to come in and weigh it down, New Wash cleanses and conditions in one easy step.

How You'll Use It: Use a generous amount of the cream on wet hair, then add a splash of water to activate the formula. Massage into your hair and scalp, let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes, and never look at shampoo and conditioner the same way again.

Retail Value: $48

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If you're familiar with the sunscreen world—and you should be, considering we should all be wearing SPF every single day—you know that America is way behind in sunscreen innovation. This is in part because in the US, sunscreen is regulated as a drug rather than a cosmetic, which means it has to undergo robust testing via the Food & Drug Administration before hitting shelves. However, the FDA has finally approved a new active sunscreen ingredient (also called a filter), which is the first major sunscreen-related approval since 1999—yes, 1999!

On June 9, the administration added bemotrizinol to the list of permitted active ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreens. According to the FDA, bemotrizinol (or BEMT) “provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays and has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body.” Now that the approvals have been finalized, BEMT is considered to be Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective (GRASE) by the FDA and recommended for use on adults and children ages six months and older.

“The agency has historically moved too slowly in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad. We’re continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and other over-the-counter drug products,” FDA commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a December 2025 statement when the organization began the formal process toward approving BEMT. “Americans deserve timely access to the best safe, effective, and consumer-friendly, over-the-counter products available.”

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously wrote in Allure that chemists in the US have a “pretty limited toolbox” for sunscreen formulation: just 16 active sunscreen ingredients, only eight of which are commonly used. For comparison, in Japan, formulators can choose from more than 30 approved filters. According to Dobos, who attended the 2025 Sunscreen Symposium, BEMT is manufactured by DSM-Firmenich, which has been trying to get the ingredient approved in the US for 20 years; it cost them roughly $20 million to bring it to market.

BEMT approval gives cosmetic chemists another ingredient to add to their list, and Dobos praises it for its efficiency. BEMT provides “true broad-spectrum protection with two distinct absorption peaks, one in the UVA range and one in UVB,” she explains, which means better defense against both sunburns and aging rays. “Unlike older filters that often require high concentrations to achieve adequate SPF, BEMT allows chemists to use lower overall levels of actives while still meeting high SPF and UVA protection targets,” Dobos tells Allure. It may also improve the sunscreen experience: “We can make products with lighter texture and less greasiness in formulations. And, like other organic filters, it's transparent on the skin.”

The American Academy of Dermatologists is also very much on board with BEMT. “The academy has been advocating for many years for the availability of more sunscreen options for US consumers,” Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, the immediate past president of the AAD, said in a statement last December, noting that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. “The United States lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.”

Now that BEMT is officially approved, you can expect to see sunscreens with the new filter hitting shelves this year. The first three arrived to the U.S. in September, and they all pair BEMT with filters that have been available in the States for a while. Ultra Violette's Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly Skinscreen is a semi-matte, zinc-BEMT formula meant to be particularly good for oily skin. Neutrogena has two: Clear Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60 (which, like the Ultra Violette formula, is formulated for acne-prone skin) and Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 (which has peptides and antioxidants too). Both of the Neutrogena options pair BEMT with avobenzone, octisalate, and homosalate filters for full-spectrum protection.

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Ultra Violette

Unblock Screen SPF 50 Breakout-Friendly Skinscreen

$40

Sephora

$40

Ultra Violette

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Neutrogena

Clear Face Sunscreen Acne-Prone Skin Broad Spectrum SPF 60

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

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Neutrogena

Ultra Sheer Daily Face Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

Dobos says she's “very excited” about putting BEMT to work in sunscreen formulations. “Many times in the past, I felt like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls that football away just as he's about to attempt a kick, as progress would start and stall,” she says. “I've been following this my entire career.”

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People can be so obsessed with the idea of twins that sometimes they see them when they’re not even there. Maybe that’s because there’s a thrill to imparting some sinister subtext to the lives of twins: spooky telepathy, midnight rituals, clueless-husband swapping. And of course, everyone wants to know, who’s the evil one? Some fans of the modeling business spend an unusual amount of time pitting non-twins Gabbriette, 29, and Amelia Gray, 25, against each other. I’m aware of a narrative that insinuates this duo is a case of copycat-ism between mortal enemies—one model allegedly stealing the other’s steez a few years ago—yet I witness no sign of it when I meet them both at Gray’s sleek midcentury home in the Hollywood Hills.

On Amelia: J.R. Malpere hat. Cosabella bra. Chanel cuff. On Gabbriette: J.R. Malpere hat. Chanel jacket. Dolce & Gabbana bra.

Gray is a rangy five feet nine with incredible, furry brows. Her outfit is reminiscent of her famous mom, Lisa Rinna, and the uniform Rinna wears in her dance videos online: a tee with FreeCity sweatpants that start at $195. She has a pimple patch on her face, which is clear of any makeup. She considers herself a dedicated homebody. Gabbriette is in heels, making her petite five-foot-four frame a bit taller. Her hair and makeup are done, with her signature pale skin, dark, pencil-thin brows, and frosted lips. She has a more social persona and loves to go out to dinner and drinks with her friends, at least on the weekends.

“That is part of the dichotomy of Amelia and Gabbriette,” says Gray. “Gabbriette is always put together. I could never. This bitch is wearing jeans on the plane!”

“Gabbriette is always put together. I could never. This bitch is wearing jeans on the plane!”

Skin care, though, is where Gray puts in the extra effort. She describes herself as “high-maintenance to be low-maintenance,” sharing her treatment regimen with the detail of a forensic accountant. She’s fond of so-called regenerative injectable treatments like platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, and says she’s done the hyaluronic acid microdroplet injectable Skinvive in her lips for hydration.

Conversely, Gabbriette says she needs to write down all of Gray’s skin-care details to prepare for her nuptials (which took place after this interview, in July) to The 1975 singer Matty Healy, as she doesn’t have much of her own regimen at the moment. She stopped getting Botox because she fears passing out from the needles—and no, she didn’t get buccal fat removal.

Allure sat down with the two stars of our Best of Beauty 30th-anniversary portfolio to discuss how they first met and when they learned of the comparisons between them. They’re not twins. Not copycats or looks-cannibals. “Kindred spirits” is a phrase that feels more apt.

Ashi Studios dress. Dolce & Gabbana intimates. Chrome Hearts earring and rings. To create a similar makeup look: MAC Cosmetics Eyeshadow in Tilt, Dazzleshadow Eyeshadow Sticks in Demure Diamonds, and Lipglass High Shine Lip Gloss in Ruby Woo. (Gabbriette is an ambassador for MAC.)

Jewelry by Alexis Bittar, Misho, Ben-Amun and Laurel Dewitt. To create a similar makeup look: YSL Beauty Couture Mini Eyeshadow Clutch in Over Orange, Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in California Sunshine, and Kiss Shaper Long-Lasting Sculpting Lip Liner in Cocoa Flirt. (Amelia Gray is an ambassador for YSL Beauty.)

Allure: You’re both online. You see what people say. There's this whole thing about “who stole whose look”….

Amelia Gray: I stole Gabbriette’s. [Laughs.]

Gabbriette: And I stole every ’90’s person ever.

Allure: Did you know each other when that narrative started?

Gabbriette: No. We showed up to a shoot, and our friend Loftjet, who was doing the makeup, was like, “Are you stupid? This is the whole narrative.” But there was no negative connotation behind [doing] the shoot together.

Amelia: I had bleached eyebrows back then. I did it for a shoot and it ended up being the only thing that would get me booked in the beginning of my career. It got me signed. And Gabbriette's thing is having thin eyebrows.

Gabbriette: Then we saw each other, maybe four months into it being “nasty,” and I didn't know if I was supposed to be responding. I'm not very vocal on the internet. We saw each other at a dinner, and we were like, “Do we hate each other because the internet says we do? We don't even know each other!” So we laughed it off.

Full Saint Laurent RTW + ACC.

“We saw each other at a dinner, and we were like, ‘Do we hate each other because the internet says we do?’ We don't even know each other!”

Amelia: I've never had a feeling of, “Oh, I need to become somebody else,” and I'm so grateful for that. I was raised very secure about my quirks and my weirdness. I'm a rising Aquarius. I'm fucking weird. But to my point, the internet started telling me who I was. I was so confused. Like, “Oh, fuck, have I been copying this girl and completely stealing her steez?” Lisa Rinna is my mom; she taught me to fucking own it. At that dinner I went up to Gabbriette, and I was like, “I am so fucking sorry.”

On Amelia: Dolce & Gabbana bra. On Gabbriette: Cosabella bra.

Allure: When I first heard this narrative, I wondered if there was a way you could use this to your benefit.

Amelia: That's why we both wanted to do this.

Gabbriette: Because we literally don't care. [Addressing Gray:] Yes, we look similar, but you are on a completely different spectrum. You're taller, you're more of a runway thing. You are an insane, Gisele-type editorial model.

Amelia: Gabbriette is a pop culture icon.

Gabbriette: If we are in the same industry, we're not going to do the same jobs, because she brings so many different things to the table.

Amelia: And that’s what’s so beautiful about it, is that there's no threat. I want Gabbriette to get the job and I know she wants me to get the job.

Allure: Have your teams ever advised you not to work together?

Gabbriette: No! If anything, my agent is like, “Yes, bitch!”

Allure: Amelia, has your mom ever warned you about experimenting with your looks?

Amelia: My mom was the guinea pig of our family. Homegirl had fucking silicone in her lip. My mom told me to learn through her experience of what not to do. She was never the type of mom that [said], “No, you can't get anything done,” because she always empathized with not feeling like herself.

I remember really hating my nose, and being like, “Mom, I want to get a nose job.” My mom was like, “Listen, if that's something that you want to do, you need to decide that on your own and you need to understand and make that decision for yourself. I can't tell you that your nose is perfect, because I'm your mom and I think it is. I would be a hypocrite to tell you no, because I’ve dealt with this in my life.”

“When I was 16, I got a nose job. It changed my life.”

When I was 16, I got a nose job. It changed my life. Half of me [thinks], Why would you change what God gave you? But then the other half of me is like, I have one fucking life to live. We live in a vain world. I want to wake up and [say], “I like myself,” because at the end of the day, that's all that matters. It sucks that it has to do with beauty standards sometimes, but that's the society and culture we live in.

Allure: Gabbriette, what do you bring from your Mexican side of the family into how you think of beauty?

Gabbriette: I grew up in Laguna Beach, so I felt my version of beauty was very California standard. I was the only Hispanic girl in my grade… it felt like I was the only one. Then I started going to Los Angeles at 16 to see shows. Burger Records was the thing here, and I went to shows with my friends, and that is when I kind of saw what [a side of] Chicana culture was, with all the goth girlies.

“I started going to Los Angeles at 16 to see shows. Burger Records was the thing here, and that is when I kind of saw what [a side of] Chicana culture was, with all the goth girlies.”

When I first came to LA, I was so grateful for it. I got really into the old-car culture, and into the cholo scene. This felt like a part of me that I hadn't explored. People think I'm not Mexican enough. I'm as Mexican as I feel, and as I am, I'm half. I didn't grow up speaking Spanish, but the culture is through me. I go to Mexico every single summer and see my grandma. Not that I have to prove myself to [anyone].

Allure: When did you decide on your signature brows?

Gabbriette: It was 2017 or 2018. I was watching Never Been Kissed with Drew Barrymore. Then it was Angelina Jolie, Penélope Cruz, all these people. I said, “What is missing from the makeup that I like doing? It's the fucking eyebrows.” I took my mom's tweezers and I plucked them in the window light—and I didn't hold back. [My mom] fucking loved it.

“I was never the type that would go out of my way and try a new look, but when I'm Amelia the Model, I'll do anything to get the photo.”

To create a makeup look similar to Gabbriette’s: MAC Cosmetics M·A·Cximal Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in You Wouldn’t Get It and Brushstroke 24-Hour Liner in Brushstroke.

To create a makeup look similar to Amelia’s: YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture Satin Lipstick in Unshy Cacao and La Laque Couture Nail Polish in Noir Primitif.

Allure: Has your relationship with beauty gotten healthier as your career has kept going or do you think it's gotten worse?

Amelia: I am so down to create when I'm on set. I was never the type that would go out of my way and try a new look, but when I'm Amelia the Model, I'll do anything to get the photo. I think that has taught me a lot about the possibility of how you can change.

Gabbriette: With beauty, I know who I am. I used to get a haircut and then rebuy my entire wardrobe every three months from, like, 12 to probably 21. The only crazy thing I've done in the last five years is getting Botox, [then stopping because of the needles,] and considering getting my lips done. I want to be me, but more refined. But I’m also too carefree—I don't want to go to the doctor.

Watch Amelia Gray & Gabbriette Spill Secrets After Sipping the Truth Serum

In this episode of Allure’s Truth Serum, Amelia Gray & Gabbriette answer candid questions about beauty, love, relationships, friendship, and more. From their biggest beauty opinions to the things they’re not afraid to get honest about, the girls spill the tea and reveal a side of themselves you haven’t seen before.

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

Some shine, some shimmer, and some even tingle, but one thing all the best tinted lip balms have in common is that they deliver equal parts moisture and color. They’re the Goldilocks of lip products: more exciting than clear balm, less fussy than lipstick, and infinitely easier to apply than anything that requires a liner, brush, or particularly steady hand. Most can be swiped on without so much as glancing in a mirror—a major selling point when you’re halfway out the door.

And tinted balm has come a long way from the barely-there tubes you may remember tossing into your middle-school backpack. Today’s formulas run the gamut from juicy, glass-like finishes to softly blurred, almost-matte ones, with pigments that can stay whisper-sheer or build into surprisingly noticeable color. The skin-care side has leveled up, too: Hyaluronic acid, shea butter, jojoba oil, vitamin E, and other moisturizing ingredients help keep dry lips soft and comfortable while you wear them. Whether you’re after a subtle your-lips-but-better flush, gloss-level shine without the tackiness, or simply a little color you can apply on autopilot, there’s a balm for that.

Our Top Tinted Lip Balms

• Best Overall: Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm, $24
• Best High-Shine: Glow Recipe Glass Balm, $22
• Best Sheer: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24
• Best Scented: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment, $16

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Which ingredients are commonly found in tinted lip balms?
• What's the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

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Eadem

Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Is it a balm, a gentle exfoliator, or a glossy tint? A 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, Eadem’s Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm is all three. “Chouchou” is French for “favorite” or “darling,” and this multitasker has certainly earned that status among Allure editors. On the exfoliating front, hibiscus flower acid and lactic acid loosen and sweep away the dead skin that can leave lips looking flaky and uneven. Then comes the balm part: Shea butter, antioxidant-rich açaí oil, mongongo oil, and moringa-derived emollients soften and replenish dry lips while giving the formula its plush, cushiony feel. Peptides round out the treatment side, reducing the appearance of fine lines and plumping the lips, says Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Alabama.

And lest we forget why you’re here, the formula delivers a sheer, buildable wash of color with the juicy shine of a gloss, in fun shades named for street foods and treats from around the world, like Butter Mochi and Boba Bounce.

Han before applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“To say I'm obsessed with Le Chouchou is an understatement. I haven't stopped using this stuff since I first tried it a year ago—seriously, I toss it into every purse, work bag, you name it. It's deliciously thick and cushiony, and feels miles more conditioning than my other lip balms, and the chemical exfoliants baked into the formula take it straight to S-tier lip balms. The metal tip is a nice soothing touch as well. My lips flake pretty easily, but now I can treat them during the daytime, instead of only relying on a lip mask at night. I also like using one of the more low-key shades (like Château Rose) as lip prep in the a.m. while I do my makeup, and then finish everything off with my lip color of choice.

However, my most-used shade by miles is Bissap Glaze, a yummy berry shade that lends my lips an instant pop. I wear it alone all the time, but these days, I've been experimenting with a liner and gloss combo for added boldness.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hibiscus flower acid, lactic acid,, açaí oil, mongongo oil, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
• Shades: 10

Best High-Shine: Glow Recipe Glass Balm

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Glow Recipe

Glass Balm

$22

Amazon

$22

Sephora

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: Glow Recipe spent years helping your skin find its glass glow, so it was only a matter of time before the brand brought that same gleam to your lips. The 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Glass Balm Lip Treatment slicks on a soft wash of color you can dial up with each pass, plus the kind of light-catching, glassy finish its name promises. That juicy effect takes inspiration from bingsoo, the glistening Korean shaved-ice dessert, with shades like Watermelon Bingsoo and Blackberry Bingsoo translating the idea into equally luscious washes of color. The formula centers on hyaluronic acid microspheres—tiny spheres of the water-binding ingredient that absorb moisture and expand, helping temporarily plump and smooth the look of lip lines—along with glycerin, a humectant that draws water into the lips. Antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, including kakadu plum, raspberry leaf, and plum, add further conditioning benefits.

It can even handle chapped, flaky, or otherwise dry lips, since “it pairs humectants with emollient and occlusive ingredients,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. “The balm base helps keep that moisture from evaporating,” she says, which is especially helpful when lips are already feeling parched.

Kinonen before applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Glow Recipe Glass Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“My dream lip balm! It’s glossy, hydrating, and comes in seven shade options (pinks, reds, and berries), which all leave behind a high-shine subtle hint of color. I toggle between the transparent Ice Bingsoo, sheer petal Watermelon Bingsoo, and pretty pink Dragon Fruit Bingsoo, but you really can’t go wrong with any of them.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid microspheres, glycerin, kakadu plum extract, raspberry leaf extract, plum extract
• Shades: 7

Best Personalized Tint: Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

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Guerlain

KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

$43

Guerlain

Han applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Why should the lip product you reach for the most be the most basic? Guerlain’s KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm gives the everyday staple a luxury treatment with a buttery formula that leans into Guerlain’s signature bee motif: Honey soothes and nourishes dry lips, beeswax gives the balm its smooth, cushiony glide, and propolis works alongside hyaluronic acid to leave lips looking softer, smoother, and subtly plumper. Shea butter tops off the moisturizing mix, helping keep lips comfortable and hydrated throughout the day. It comes in eight sheer tints, but there’s another layer of color at work: Eosin, a pH-responsive pigment, enhances your natural lip tone for a personalized flush that makes each shade look a little different on everyone.

Han before applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“As much as I love (and will always love!) my color-packed lip stains, sometimes it's clear that my lips need a hydration-focused formula. (Hey, lip lines and flaking!) The KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm helps my lips look as smooth, plump, and glossy as they possibly can be—without actually using a lip plumper or gloss (both of which I'm not a fan of and rarely use). While I wish the color range was more varied, I will settle for generous layers of Blossom Glow (a rosy peach), which add *just* enough pigment for my liking. Another bonus? The gorgeous gold packaging makes me want to keep the product always in sight so that I may actually remember to reapply throughout the day—and I do!” —Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: honey, beeswax, propolis, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, eosin
• Shades: 8

Best Shade Range: Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

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Fwee

Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

$17

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

Hailey Roy

Why we love it: Are you a glossy-lip person or more of a soft-matte type? Fwee’s Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm comes in two finishes so that you can pick your lane: Glowy leaves lips with a juicy, light-catching sheen, while Velvety has a creamy, softly blurred finish—think matte’s much more comfortable cousin. And the menu of options only gets longer from there. Across the two finishes are 17 smoothie-inspired shades spanning mauves, pinks, reds, and MLBB (“my lips but better”) tones, with delicious-sounding names like Mango Peach Blend, Guava Crush, and Banana Strawberry. The formulas are more than eye candy, too: Panthenol soothes and conditions dry lips, while hyaluronic acid draws in moisture to keep them feeling soft and hydrated.

There’s also rose PDRN, a plant-based spin on PDRN, an ingredient traditionally derived from salmon DNA. “Rose-derived PDRN is gaining popularity as a plant-based alternative that may offer additional antioxidant benefits,” Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont, previously told Allure. (That said, while PDRN has become a buzzy skin-care ingredient, there’s still limited clinical evidence showing what it can actually do when applied topically.) Both finishes feel lightweight and non-sticky, so the hardest part is deciding what to order.

Roy before applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

Hailey Roy

Roy after applying the Fwee Smoothie Tinted Lip Balm

Hailey Roy

Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy

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“I take my lip gloss game very, very seriously. Lip gloss > lipstick. This gloss is the perfect balance between sticky and slippery. It’s sticky enough for the gloss to last on my lips, but slippery enough to feel hydrating. Beware: This lippie does need to be reapplied pretty frequently, but because I’m a fan of the outcome, I don’t mind. Each shade also comes with a fun scent, which is a plus for me. However, if you’re not the biggest fan of fruity gourmand scents, that could be a downside to the product.” —Hailey Roy, commerce editorial assistant

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panthenol, hyaluronic acid, rose PDRN
• Shades: 17

Most Versatile: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

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Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: There are tinted lip balms, and then there’s the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm—the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that’s one of those products editors buy in multiples. The formula cushions lips with shea and murumuru seed butters, two rich emollients that soften dry, flaky skin, while sodium hyaluronate attracts and holds onto moisture. The tinted lineup ranges from barely-there neutrals like Toasted Marshmallow to brighter picks like Poppy, but they all go on sheer, lending lips a translucent wash of color rather than full-on pigment. And if color isn’t on the agenda, the clear Vanilla—the flavor that started it all—can be slathered on generously before bed as an overnight lip mask.

Lee before applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My perpetually dry—and, sadly, often chapped—lips mean I’m always looking for something that’ll make them look a little less worse for wear. The Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm doesn’t so much mask the dryness as it does deeply nourish my lips, leaving them feeling softer and more comfortable the longer I wear it. I was also surprised to find a subtle hint of shimmer (I don’t mind; I love a little shine in my makeup look!). I could personally do without the flavor, but that’s very much a me thing—I can see it being a fun little bonus for most people.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, murumuru seed butter, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E.
• Shades: 12

Best Fragrance-Free: Clinique Almost Lipstick

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Clinique

Almost Lipstick

$25 $21 (16% off)

Amazon

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

Alessandra Foresto

Not quite a lipstick, not quite a gloss, Clinique’s Almost Lipstick is the Goldilocks lip product for anyone who wants an effortless wash of color without the weight of traditional lipstick. The Allure Readers’ Choice Award winner comes in three layerable shades: iconic Black Honey, which—trust us—flatters just about everyone despite looking deceptively dark in the tube; Pink Honey, a soft rosy pink; and Nude Honey, a warm, barely-there neutral.

Each melts into your natural lip color for a just-bitten tint with a softly shiny finish; swipe once for a translucent coat of color or layer on more when you want to dial it up. “Castor seed oil keeps lips feeling soft and moisturized, so you get the color without that dry lipstick feeling,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Candelilla and carnauba waxes create a lightweight, balm-like glide and help lock in moisture, while vitamin E adds antioxidant benefits and extra conditioning.

Foresto before applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I'm fully part of the Clinique's Black Honey cult. Because the formula is super hydrating and glossy, I reach for it when my lips are feeling dry from a few too many days wearing lip stains or matte lipsticks. The color is truly flattering—the brand says it looks different on everyone; it looks like a true berry on me—and the pigment is sheer but buildable. It's definitely not super long-lasting. It will make it through a cup of coffee, but be ready to reapply often. I have gone through so many tubes, I wouldn't even be able to approximate the count! The one I have now is down to the very bottom.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

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• Key ingredients: castor seed oil, candelilla wax, carnauba wax, vitamin E
• Shades: 3

Best Conditioning: Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

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Nars

Afterglow Lip Balm

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Nars Afterglow Lip Balm

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Before the Nars Afterglow Lip Balm landed in our makeup bags, we caught our first glimpse of it where many good beauty trends begin: backstage at New York Fashion Week. When the balm officially debuted in 2018, Orgasm was the only shade, translating Nars’s famous peachy-pink blush into a sheer lip tint with a dusting of golden shimmer. The brand has since given Afterglow both a formula upgrade and a bigger shade wardrobe. Today, it pairs shea butter and mango seed oil with squalane and coconut oil to soften lips and prevent moisture from escaping, while antioxidant vitamin E helps condition and smooth. Hyaluronic acid pulls in moisture for a temporarily plumper, smoother look, and the formula also contains conditioning peptides.

Pai before applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I have these in multiple shades, which is important because I keep them ev-er-y-where: in my purse, at my desk, in my bathroom. I’m not exaggerating when I say I swipe one on every single day. They offer just enough moisture to keep my lips comfortable, even in the dead of winter, and pigment that's sheer enough that I don't need a mirror. (If anything, they could use a touch more payoff—that’s my sole gripe, but clearly not a dealbreaker whatsoever.) But unlike my average lip balms, they add a super-subtle wash of color that makes me look a little more polished. They're my end-all, be-all." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, mango seed oil, squalane, vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, palmitoyl tripeptide-1
• Shades: 9

Best Buildable: Violette_FR Bisou Jelly

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Violette_FR

Bisou Jelly

$30

Sephora

$30

Violette_FR

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Here’s a quick, unprompted French lesson: Bouche mordue means “just-bitten lips.” That’s the vision makeup artist and Violette_FR founder Violette Serrat had in mind when creating Bisou Jelly, a satiny, lipstick-balm hybrid that took five years to perfect. The two-tone bullet isn’t just pretty to look at: A translucent, emollient-rich jelly ring surrounds a deeper-hued core infused with vitamin E, so every swipe deposits a cushiony layer of moisture and shine along with sheer color. That translucency also makes it particularly easy to layer: Add a few more passes to dial up the pigment without it turning heavy or opaque, or swipe it over lip liner or lipstick to add a juicy veil of shine and soften the color underneath.

No need to be precious about application, either—the more casually it goes on, the more convincingly “just-bitten” the result. Even the shade names lean into Serrat’s French references: Pomme d’Amour, a juicy red, takes its cue from the glossy candied apples of her childhood, while Bonbon à la Rose is a soft nude pink inspired by French rose candies. To get the look of fuller lips, position the jelly ring just above the lip line as you swipe; its translucent shine subtly extends the edges without looking deliberately overlined.

Hoffmann before applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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"To some extent, I think this is the lip product I've been looking for for my entire life. It is far and away the easiest method of achieving the French blurred lip look I've ever found, and for that reason, it will simply never leave my purse again. I like to get really haphazard with the application—the messier you are, the prettier it looks, I swear—so the pigment in the center and the balm on the outside really get mixed together on my lips." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, jojoba esters, vitamin E
• Shades: 5

Best Flavors: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment

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Tower 28

LipSoftie Lip Treatment

$16

Amazon

$16

Sephora

$16

Revolve

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why we love it: Tower 28’s LipSoftie Lip Treatment reads a little like a dessert menu: Ube Vanilla, Dulce de Leche, Red Bean Mochi, Confetti Cake—choosing a flavor might be more difficult than choosing a shade. The tints smell and taste as delicious as their names suggest, but there’s an interesting technicality: The formulas are actually fragrance-free, relying on food-grade flavor (listed as “flavor/aroma”) rather than added fragrance/parfum to give each balm its namesake scent and taste—a distinction the sensitive skin-focused brand made intentionally.

But it’s not all about the taste: Shea butter and a blend of jojoba, castor, soybean, coconut, and olive oils soften lips, while lysine, an amino acid, adds conditioning benefits. The cushiony formula goes on glossy and non-sticky, with a sheer wash of color that’s easy to swipe on throughout the day. In other words, LipSoftie gives you the sensory fun of a flavored lip balm without forgetting that dry lips are the reason you reached for one in the first place.

P.S. The clear SOS Vanilla shade won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award in the Sensitive category.

Calaor before applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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"Not only is the LipSoftie in Ube Vanilla deliciously sweet, but it also imparts the prettiest berry tint with a glassy shine that is perfect for fall. It dispenses to look like marmalade, but the rounded tip easily spreads it across lips for an even wash of color. I also love how balmy (and not sticky) it feels on my lips." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter and a blend of jojoba, castor, soybean, coconut, and olive oils
• Shades: 8

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ingredients are commonly found in tinted lip balms?

Whether tinted or clear, a balm's main job is to offset dryness and chapping, and to do this, it’s spiked with nourishing ingredients you're probably familiar with from your skin-care routine. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Hyaluronic acid

This humectant is arguably the most popular hydrator in skin care. Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure that hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness." She also noted that while injecting hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin provides the most effective results and helps restore lost volume, this ingredient is still quite beneficial as a topical. "When used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration," she said.

Shea butter

While humectants like hyaluronic acid bind water to the skin's surface layer, emollients like shea butter act as a seal to prevent moisture loss while reducing roughness and flaking. "Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient for the skin, helping to simultaneously moisturize and protect against water loss," Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut, previously told Allure. Dr. Nichols added that shea butter is also a great source of vitamins A (also known as retinol) and E, two antioxidants that soothe and soften irritated, dry, and itchy skin. "This combination of powerhouse ingredients makes shea butter an ideal ingredient to help soothe symptoms of common skin-care conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, to name a few," she says.

Jojoba oil

Despite having "oil" in its name, jojoba oil is relatively lightweight. "Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax, which is why it feels less greasy on skin compared to oils," Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat, previously told Allure. Unlike most oils, jojoba oil is made up mainly of fatty acids, alcohol, and hydrocarbons. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, jojoba oil's composition is what gives its moisturizing properties a light texture that won't clog pores as easily as other oils. "It acts as both a humectant to draw moisture in and an emollient that softens and smoothes the skin," she says.

Peptides

You've likely seen a boom in peptide lip treatments, and for good reason. If you're looking for a (much more subtle) alternative to fillers or Botox, "Peptide lip balms can be effective for improving lip texture and hydration," says Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Though the concentration and type of peptides will determine how effective said peptides are, the star ingredient can firm, smooth, plump, and minimize the appearance of lip lines.

What's the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?

They may have similar names, but tinted lip balms focus on moisture replenishment while lip tints and stains provide more potent color. Though not every lip stain can be considered a moisturizing balm, Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously told Allure that, depending on composition, just about any lip product can act as a tint. "The color additives are the primary determinant of whether a color actually stains the lips," she says. "It's really about the chemistry of the color additives that contribute to staining, so balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all be lip stains."

Meet the experts

• Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont
• Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist
• Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skin-care brand BeautyStat
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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If there's one genre of nail color that immediately screams “fall” the moment it's applied to your fingertips, it's that almost-but-not-quite black shade that begins its slow domination at the end of August and takes over the next few months. You know the one: the OPI Lincoln Park After Dark-style polish with just a drop of purple, or the smoky, seductive black cherry vibes of an icon like Chanel Vamp. Anne Hathaway also knows exactly what we're talking about, because she's currently rocking the signature shade of the season—dark, moody, a little '90s—on both her tips and her toes.

The movie star, who has been on a truly legendary run of movie promo while pregnant with her third child, is currently promoting the Colleen Hoover thriller adaptation Verity in New York City and while her bright poppy red dress felt much more summery than September, her manicure and pedicure were right on trend for fall. Her nails were short, just barely passing the tip of her fingers in length, and painted with that rich, dark, brownish-purplish-blackish color everyone tends to gravitate to come fall. (I am literally wearing it right now.)

In fact, almost-black polishes are such a fall mainstay that we spotlighted them as one of the top color trends for fall, simply because they're the most popular way to shift into fall mode. Painting your nails and toes with one of these rich, lite-goth colors is the beauty equivalent of turning off the air conditioning and ordering a pumpkin spice latte.

Getty Images

Hathaway previously went matchy matchy not with her mani and pedi, but with her mani and her lipstick, pairing her fave bright red lip with a very similar color on her nails. Want to copy the Oscar winner's timeless fall mani-pedi? The aptly named seasonal fave, Wicked by Essie, will get you in an autumn state of mind. Spooky season is just around the corner, after all!

More nail news:

• Hailey Bieber's Cashmere Taupe Nails Are the Mani Equivalent of Your Favorite Sweater
• "Sunglass Nails" Are the Fashion Week-Approved Way to Go Sheer
• Selena Gomez's Sunset Frost Nails Capture Golden Hour in a Manicure