Category: ENERGY

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Just barely over five feet tall, Vanessa Hudgens isn't exactly in the typical height range for supermodels. But that doesn't mean she can't borrow from (and stun with) one of their most famous go-to hairstyles of the early '90s—and it adds a couple of inches to her height to boot.

At the HollyShorts Film Festival in Los Angeles on Thursday night, Hudgens stepped onto the red carpet looking as though she'd jumped out of a 1992 Revlon ad. (Look it up, kids.) It's impossible not to enviously home in on her voluminous hair and reflexively envision the bouncy, built-to-last, gravity-defying styles that were so ubiquitous some 35 years ago. Her long, glossy hair was swept dramatically over to one side, with lots of lift at the roots and big, soft waves cascading down to her ribs.

It has all the hallmarks of the bombshell blowouts that were so closely associated with the likes of Cindy Crawford and Claudia Schiffer. It may not be quite as gigantic as some of their (literally) biggest supermodel moments of the era, but the reference is unmistakable and so well-executed.

Photo: Getty Images

But it's not just Hudgens's hair that gives the look a nostalgic quality. Her eyes are fully lined, just like I was taught to do when I first started wearing eyeliner in the ‘90s. (It was a time.) And is there anything more ’90s than a slip dress? Her satin, contrast-trim L'Agence pick keeps it simple yet glamorous.

Photo: Getty Images

That said, Hudgens made the look decidedly 2026 with her nails, which are topped off with a cat-eye effect—clearly one of her favorite manicure modes considering how often she's seen wearing it in a variety of colors. (We didn't have such a cool nail polish option back in the day!)

A few decades have passed since the supermodel-blowout zenith, but Hudgens has certainly proven that some beauty trends never really go out of style—they just wait for the right person to revive them.

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There are few things in fashion quite as anticipated as a September issue of Vogue. It's the glossy, grown-up equivalent of a first-day-of-school outfit. But it also serves as one of the biggest beauty moments of any given year. So when British Vogue put Nicole Kidman on its September 2026 cover, photographed by Venetia Scott, the shoot did not disappoint—particularly if you enjoy a beauty look that makes you do a little bit of a double-take.

Kidman's brows are there, technically. But they're playing a rather refined game of hide-and-seek.

Normally, the actor's brows are noticeably deeper than her famously strawberry blonde hair (which has been more blonde than strawberry in recent years). Here, however, they appear to have been matched almost exactly to her hair color. The result is so monochromatic that the brows practically dissolve into her skin.

Photo: British Vogue/Venetia Scott

The barely-there brows are paired with voluminous hair, allowing hairstylist Adir Abergel and makeup artist Fulvia Farolfi to work together on a vision that provided much of the cover's visual drama. In fact, the hair and makeup get even more intense in many of the shoot's other photos.

Photo: British Vogue/Venetia Scott

Kidman has never seemed particularly precious about experimenting with hair and makeup. In fact, she credits a formative experience with teaching her just how impactful beauty can be. “I've said it before, but I used to go to trans clubs. That's where I learnt to do my hair and make-up. I would sit down as a little freckled-faced red-headed girl, and they would make me beautiful,” she says in the interview with executive editor Giles Hattersley. “They would do my lashes and straighten my hair and put hairpieces on me and makeup. I would walk out of there, and I would feel pretty. I would feel like I was transformed.”

Photo: British Vogue/Venetia Scott

Kidman clearly understands that hair and makeup can be transformative without having to be permanent—and this particular transformation is less “I bleached my brows!” and more “What if we made them disappear just for the afternoon? As a treat.”

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Nothing is as refreshing as splashing on one of the best citrus perfumes on a hot, sticky summer day. The crisp, zingy burst of citrus feels like an instant reset for your senses: energizing, invigorating, and enlivening. On the flip side, wearing a citrus scent in the depths of winter is a reminder of sunnier days to come and can be just the optimistic boost you need when you’re deep in the doldrums.

TL;DR: If you’re looking for a transportive, refreshing orange scent, we love Tom Ford's Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum. For something unique, with notes of mandarin, rose, and leather, try Tory Burch’s Sublime Eau de Parfum. And if you’re craving a spicy, cozy citrus fragrance, you’ll be obsessed with By Rosie Jane’s cardamom-infused Remi Eau de Parfum.

Our Top Citrus Perfumes

• Best Orange: Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum, $195
• Best Grapefruit: Henry Rose Windows Down Eau de Parfum, $120
• Best Lemon: Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette, $95
• Best Gourmand Citrus: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum, $350
• Best Earthy Citrus: Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum, $155
• Best Spicy Citrus: By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum, $86

The best citrus perfumes often feature notes like mandarin, orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, and bergamot as their “hero” notes, so to speak, but it’s very common to find citrus notes in all kinds of perfumes, from florals to gourmands. Bergamot, in particular, is a popular way for perfumers to add lift and brightness to the opening notes of a fragrance, and neroli, which is derived from the flowers of the bitter orange tree, is a gentler, sweeter floral note.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is the difference between citrus and fruity fragrances?
• Why do citrus scents typically fade faster than other fragrances?
• How would you recommend making a citrus scent last longer?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

We believe that everyone should have at least one citrus scent in their perfume wardrobe; they're so varied (and so much fun!) that their sparkling, spirited personality becomes almost addictive to wear. And what better time to round them all up than at the peak of summertime? Ahead, find an orange, lemon, grapefruit, or bergamot perfume that sparks joy for you.

Best Orange: Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum

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Tom Ford

Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum

$195

Nordstrom

$202

Sephora

$202

Bluemercury

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Tom Ford Taormina Orange Eau de Parfum

Sophia Panych

Why we love it: Orange scents are just as refreshing and sweet as a glass of freshly squeezed juice, and Tom Ford’s version of orange is unsurprisingly chic and sophisticated. Taormina Orange, which was inspired by the sweeping views of a Sicilian summer near the blood orange groves, opens with tart blood orange and mandarin notes, with spicy cardamom and earthy patchouli and oakmoss at the base to ground you in the (theoretical) scenic setting.

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“Tom Ford Taormina Orange is an unapologetically citrus fragrance—it leans into the brightest, most tart citrus ingredients like blood orange, lime, green mandarin, and bitter orange—and doesn’t try to soften the sharpness of those notes. What the woody-mossy base does so well is add depth, making it more interesting and complex (and longer-lasting) than many options in this category. Throughout this summer’s heatwaves, it’s the fragrance I've been gravitating towards the most because a few spritzes leave me feeling fresh, pretty, and mentally on a beach in Sicily versus my sweaty underground commute.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key notes: blood orange, cardamom oil, orange flower absolute, orange bigarade oil, patchouli oil, oakmoss absolute
• Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1 oz, 1.7 oz

Best Lemon: Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette

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Granado

Bossa Eau de Toilette

$95

Nordstrom

Allure contributor Kara Nesvig applying the Granado Bossa Eau de Toilette

Kara Nesvig

Why we love it: Lemon is a unique citrus note because it plays equally well with sweet scents as it does with earthy, spicy, or floral fragrances; if you’re a lemon dessert fan, you know exactly what I mean. But Granado’s Bossa is definitely more on the light and fresh side of lemon—and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The eau de toilette is crisp and easy to spritz throughout the day thanks to a blend of citrus, solar, and oceanic notes that make you feel like you’re soaking up the sun in Brazil, cocktail in hand.

Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig

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“My husband and I are big fans of Granado’s retro-chic packaging and evocative fragrances, and Bossa is definitely one of my go-tos during the dog days of summer. The lemon top notes mingle playfully with mandarin and petitgrain, and marine and tiare notes add a beachy warmth to the base. Since it’s an EDT, you can’t really go overboard with it, which is part of its sunny, breezy charm. I’m already looking forward to wearing this one in the middle of a Minnesota winter.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: lemon, mandarin orange, petitgrain, marine, tiare, musk
• Sizes: 3.4 oz

Best Gourmand Citrus: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum

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Dior

La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum

$350

Dior

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privée Christian Dior Paradise Eau de Parfum

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Just like how citrus notes elevate a cake or pastry, they do the same for a gourmand fragrance. Exhibit A: Dior’s Paradise, a woody gourmand that pairs juicy, cheery mandarin with almond and tonka notes. The scent was inspired by Monsieur Dior’s gardens in the south of France and, despite its gourmand profile, captures a unique, outdoorsy freshness. This sweet balance is exactly why we think even people who might not typically be into citruses will dig this one.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Citrus runs in my blood—at least I like to think so (my mom ate lemons and oranges daily when she was pregnant with me, and I came out with an insatiable appetite for all things citrus)—so this feels a bit like a twin flame fragrance for me. It comes on strong with all sorts of citrus notes (mandarin, lime, bergamot), then you get the warmth from almond and maybe some vanilla. This fragrance also has some notable woody threads, which give it an air of mystery rather than a typical gourmand scent, and make it a good unisex option. The combination is equal parts sweet and smooth, like a luxurious and layered summertime cocktail that you'd feel very cool ordering at the bar. I'm so in love with this fragrance that it's one I want to hoard even from myself! Good thing: It lasts so incredibly long on my skin—I'm talking dawn to dusk—which helps justify the price tag.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key notes: mandarin, orange, lime, bitter almond, tonka bean, woody notes
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz. 6.8 oz

Best Earthy Citrus: Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum

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Tory Burch

Sublime Eau de Parfum

$155

Nordstrom

$155

Ulta Beauty

Allure social director Kassidy Silva with the Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Tory Burch’s fragrances are the ultimate complement to her unique, preppy-with-a-twist designs, and Sublime is the perfect example. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is an earthy, leathery scent that opens with a cheerful pop of mandarin, which brightens up the richer notes of rose, osmanthus, and vetiver. Burch wanted it to smell like the inside of a handbag, and it does—albeit a very fancy one. If you like the idea of a citrus fragrance but want something with more complexity and depth, give Sublime a sniff. (The bottle is gorgeous, too, and looks like a work of art on your vanity.)

Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva

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“If you could bottle up the essence of summer, it would exist as 90 milliliters of Tory Burch's Sublime Eau de Parfum. The bright mandarin note hits you first, followed by a tinge of rose and peach, and ends with a surprising hint of leather. This perfume is consistently my go-to recommendation for anyone looking for a more elevated citrus scent or is looking to test the waters in the category.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director

More to know

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• Key notes: mandarin, rose, osmanthus, vetiver
• Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1 oz, 3 oz

Best Floral Citrus: Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne

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Jo Malone London

Orange Blossom Cologne

$175

Nordstrom

$175

Sephora

$170

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Jo Malone London Orange Blossom Cologne

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Orange blossom and neroli scents toe the line between citrus and floral fragrances, and that’s part of their magic. Orange blossoms come from the orange tree (surprise surprise!) and have a delicately sweet scent with just a hint of citrus freshness. Jo Malone’s perfectly lovely interpretation is a bestseller for a reason; because Orange Flower is a cologne versus an eau de toilette or parfum, it has a lighter concentration of perfume oil—ideal for those days when you’re in the mood for something airy and simple but still elevated.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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"As someone who's pretty sensitive to fragrance—and prone to headaches from anything too strong—I've been on a mission to find fresh perfumes that don't overwhelm me. It turns out Jo Malone London has quite a few favorites that fit the bill, with the latest being the Orange Blossom Cologne. The orange note is definitely noticeable, but because it comes from clementine blossom and orange blossom rather than straight citrus peel, it smells softer, airier, and more floral than zesty. I usually do three spritzes—two on my neck and one on my wrists—which gives me plenty to have it last throughout the day!" —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key notes: orange flower, clementine, lilac, orriswood
• Sizes: 1 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Spicy Citrus: By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum

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By Rosie Jane

Remi Eau de Parfum

$86

Amazon

$86

Nordstrom

$86

Sephora

Allure temporary features director Kara McGrath applying the By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum

Kara McGrath

Why it's worth it: At first you’d think Remi is an all-citrus, all the time fragrance, but then it surprises you with a generous sprinkle of cardamom. This spicy, cozy take on citrus opens with mandarin and bergamot, then quickly warms up with the addition of cardamom, petitgrain, and a luscious base of amber and cedar. While many citrus fragrances feel extra summery, Remi is one you could easily wear all through fall and winter, especially with your favorite cashmere sweater.

Tester feedback from temporary features director Kara McGrath

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“Remi has become one of my go-to travel scents: It's so light, fresh, and universally appealing that I know it'll work well for any variety of activities I have planned for a trip. I love a mandarin-forward scent—it smells a bit sharper (in a good way) to me than other orange citrus—but particularly appreciate the cardamom note in this one. That hint of spice makes it feel a little sexy and, in my opinion, helps it last longer than other zesty scents. Remi dries down to a beautiful amber fragrance by the end of the day, which works well as a base if I want to layer a new evening scent on top.” —Kara McGrath, temporary features director

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot leaf, mandarin, cardamom, petitgrain
• Sizes: 0.3 oz, 1.7 oz

Best Marine Citrus: The Harmonist Sacred Water Eau de Parfum

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The Harmonist

Sacred Water Eau de Parfum

$285

Nordstrom

$285

Bluemercury

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen holding The Harmonist Sacred Water Eau de Parfum

Sarah Kinonen

Why it's worth it: The Harmonist’s Sacred Water is the kind of citrus scent (and Best of Beauty Award winner, mind you) you reach for when you need to recenter yourself. Inspired by the immersive, invigorating energy of the ocean, it’s an uplifting fragrance that blends crisp citron and mandarin notes with a twist of zingy ginger to wake up your senses, then relaxes into a heart of marine and woody notes—essentially bringing the rejuvenating beauty of a vast seaside view to you wherever you are.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I've been wearing this fragrance—with notes of orange blossom, ginger, and amber—exclusively since I discovered it during Best of Beauty testing in 2022. It's light, fresh, and has a certain je ne sais quoi that elicits compliments throughout the day—in and out of the office. I do wish Sacred Water was more affordable, but it's such a beautiful scent in an even more beautiful bottle, so it's easy to see why the cost is so high!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key notes: citron, mandarin, ginger, orange blossom, cedar
• Sizes: 1.7 oz

Best Fresh Citrus: Better World Fragrance House Cloudar Eau de Parfum

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Better World Fragrance House

Cloudar Eau de Parfum

$86

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Better World Fragrance House Cloudar Eau de Parfum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: OK, first things first: the bottle! How cool is this orb-shaped, frosty white bottle? Good news—the scent inside is equally exciting, a woody, aromatic fragrance with top notes of spicy ginger balanced by juicy mandarin orange and crisp pear. Sage sings at the heart, enhanced by jasmine and lily of the valley, and as the scent develops, it settles into a base of warm tonka and woody vetiver and cedar. Like Sublime, this is a fragrance you’ll definitely want to display; it could do double duty as an objet d’art in your home.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Never did I think I'd be into a scent created by checks notes Drake out of all people, but here we are! I would've clocked his scents as intense and heady but Cloudar is quite the opposite: light, fresh, and uplifting, thanks to notes of mandarin, ginger, and clary sage. It's kind of like a spa, bottled, but not as herbal-y or woody as an actual spa. It's the type of approachable but unique scent I can wear just about anywhere, from the office to happy hour. I'm not usually into minimalist packaging, but I have to say, the sculptural design of it is pretty cool—even if it does take up more space than your usual perfume.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key notes: ginger, mandarin, nashi pear, sage, tonka, vetiver
• Sizes: 3.4 oz

More citrus fragrances we love:

Best Grapefruit: Henry Rose Windows Down Eau de Parfum

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Henry Rose

Windows Down Eau de Parfum

$120

Amazon

$120

Nordstrom

$120

Credo Beauty

Why we love it: Grapefruit is the kind of citrus note that practically sparkles right out of the bottle, and Windows Down has a delightfully adventurous air that feels like hopping in the car for a summer road trip. This Best of Beauty Award winner is paired with the equally zesty bergamot right up top, with Earl Grey tea, orange flower, and jasmine mid-notes bringing a calm, sweetly floral freshness to the heart. Moss, guaiacwood, and musk are reminiscent of forest scenes whipping past the windows as you drive down the highway.

Tester feedback from contributor Jihan Forbes

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"Henry Rose's Windows Down Eau de Parfum was made for the summer; its notes of grapefruit, bergamot, and neroli combine to create a fresh-but-not-overpowering smell. It's one of those scents that just melts into your skin, mingling beautifully with your body chemistry. Yes, it smells like you're wearing a bit of perfume, but it mostly smells like you smell good naturally. I've been rotating between this and two other fragrances this month, applying this after moisturizing." —Jihan Forbes, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: grapefruit, bergamot, Earl Grey tea, orange flower, jasmine, moss, musk
• Sizes: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz

Best Bergamot: Le Labo Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum

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Le Labo

Bergamote 22 Eau de Parfum

$250

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Le Labo’s Bergamote 22 is a best-in-class bergamot scent that spotlights the tart green citrus fruit in all its glory. Along with the star, Bergamote 22 expertly blends in grapefruit and petitgrain for an effervescent opening, combined with white tea notes for extra freshness, plus a woody backbone of vetiver paired with amber and musk. Because of its high citrus concentration and lighter profile, Bergamote 22 would be the perfect pick for an office fragrance.

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• Key notes: violet leaf, grapefruit, petitgrain, amber, vetiver, musk
• Sizes: 0.33 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz

Best Green: Chloe Atelier des Fleurs Vert Soleil Eau de Parfum

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Chloé

Atelier des Fleurs Vert Soleil Eau de Parfum

$330

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: “Vert soleil” means “green sun,” and that’s exactly what the fragrance feels like on the skin: bright, energizing, and evocative. The key note is lentisque, a shrub that is native to the Mediterranean and elevated by the delightful sweetness of mandarin. A lot of scents claim to be a vacation in a bottle, but this green citrus fragrance really is one! (And we can’t get over that gorgeous bottle color, either.)

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• Key notes: mandarin, bergamot, pink pepper, black pepper, musk
• Sizes: 5 oz

Best Citrus Blend: Chris Collins Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum

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Chris Collins

Citrus Grandis Eau de Parfum

$175

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Chris Collins’ Citrus Grandis does it all: It’s bright and cheerful, yet deep and thoughtful. At first spritz, you’re instantly enchanted and uplifted by sparkling, tart notes of pomelo and yuzu. As the scent develops, notes of vetiver and cedarwood add a woody complexity, especially when paired with the citrus-herbal verbena heart. This is the citrus fragrance you’ll want to wear in the depths of winter when you’re craving spring so much you can almost taste it.

More to know

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• Key notes: pomelo, yuzu, verbena, vetiver, cedarwood, incense
• Sizes: 1.7 oz

Best Refreshing: Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial

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Bvlgari

Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial

$250

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: As refreshing as a glass of freezing-cold iced tea on a steamy day, Bvlgari’s Eau Parfumée Thé Impérial is a blend of crisp, malty black tea from Sri Lanka and a healthy squeeze of Italian citrus. Just like a slice of lemon enhances the flavor of your iced tea, the fruit does the same thing here, making it all the more luscious without ever feeling heavy. Instead, the perfume is light, bright, and a total delight to wear.

More to know

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• Key notes: citrus, black tea
• Sizes: 2.5 oz, 5 oz

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between citrus and fruity fragrances?

The lines can sometimes get a little blurry when it comes to fragrance descriptors, but citrus and fruity scents are not the same. According to Christina Christie, senior perfumer at Givaudan, citrus notes bring “freshness, brightness, energy, and an uplifting quality to a fragrance.” Citrus scents include ingredients like bergamot, lemon, orange, or grapefruit; fruity fragrances would include ingredients like berries, peach, or pear.

Why do citrus scents typically fade faster than other fragrances?

As Christie explains, citrus notes tend to fade faster because they’re “primarily derived from natural materials and are composed of highly volatile molecules” that evaporate quickly. “Citrus ingredients are designed to create an immediate burst of freshness and impact rather than long-lasting performance,” she says.

How would you recommend making a citrus scent last longer?

To make a citrus fragrance last longer, Christie suggests layering with musks, woods, and floral notes for a longer-lasting foundation. And don’t underestimate the power of a fragrance-free lotion as a base to help lock in your scent.

Meet the experts

• Christina Christie, senior perfumer at Givaudan

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

When our strands feel dry and brittle, and our flyaways have a mind of their own, the best frizzy hair products can save the day—because nothing tames static and strays like a hearty dose of moisture. Luckily, the market is flush with smoothing, softening, and shine-inducing formulas that are spiked with nourishing botanicals, beautiful scents, and strand-loving ingredients (argan oil, cupuaçu butter, rice protein, and more).

Take your pick between rich masks, non-greasy hair oils, and lightweight mists, each with its unique perks, but all with the shared goal of making your hair look awesome. Ready to enter your glossy hair era? Scroll on for editor favorites, expert picks, and the absolute best of the best frizzy hair products.

Our Top Products for Frizzy Hair

• Best Overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $30
• Best Hair Mask: Ceremonia Mascarilla de Guava, $36
• Best Styling Cream: Rizos 6-in-1 Styling Cream, $25
• Best for Damaged Hair: Ouai Bond Repair Balm, $50
• Best for Refreshes: Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil, $45

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How does frizz form?
• What is the root cause of frizzy hair?
• What kind of hair products should I use for frizzy hair?
• What are common mistakes in treating frizz?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

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Color Wow

Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

$30

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Color Wow's Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is beloved for its ability to tame frizz in even the most trying circumstances—think intense workouts, heavy humidity, and complete downpours. It pulls this off through heat-activated polymers, which wrap around each strand to create a protective coating that repels moisture, leaving a sleek, smooth texture that should last you between three and four washes. (Note that since these polymers are heat-activated, you do have to blow-dry your hair to reap the benefits of this product; fortunately, it also offers heat protection.)

The ingredients list also includes chamomile extract, which provides color protection, and glycerin for moisture and additional shine. Allure contributor Jessica Chia raved about this Best of Beauty Award winner's ability to weatherproof her hair. "It's the closest thing I’ve ever found to a raincoat for my hair," she said. Pro tip: If you're ditching the blow-dryer but still need frizz maintenance, spray on Color Wow's Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner, which doesn't need heat to activate.

Shipin before applying the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Ah, Dream Coat. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Traveling to a supremely humid environment? Dream Coat. Headed to a dinner and event? Color Wow. Busy week with the kids with zero getting-ready time? Dream Coat. It's always the answer for me. But before we go any further: Rule number one when using the Dream Coat Supernatural Spray is that it's heat-activated. It's not going to do anything if you're not following up with a hot tool. Now that that's out of the way, this is the perfect blow-dry spray for a smooth, bouncy, and shiny blowout. Period, end of story. No product's held a candle to the effect this spray gives. I've had decent alts, but this product packaging also makes a difference: the pump-top is narrow with a circular top that's so easy to push down when your hair is wet, and your hands are sticky with leave-in; the body of the bottle is also nice and narrow so you can easily wrap your hand around it.

Because I use this product (in conjunction with either the Dyson Co-anda brush head or the GHD Duet Blow Dry Brush), people think I get my hair professionally blown out. Nope! The salon-smooth (and bouncy) finish comes from this silver bottle. One tip that really works for me? Getting really good tension with your brush when using this product. The shine is off the charts.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Proprietary anti-humidity complex, glycerin, chamomile extract
• Who it's for: people who want weightless, strand-softening moisture

Best Hair Mask: Ceremonia Mascarilla de Guava

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Ceremonia

Mascarilla De Guava for Damage Repair

$39

Amazon

$36

Sephora

$36

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Not only does Ceremonia’s Mascarilla de Babassu smell incredible (roll call: lemon zest, black tea, brown sugar, and jasmine petals), but it also works like a charm to juice up curls and stave off flyaways. A generous layer and five to 10 minutes of treatment time will do the trick to reel in frizz, moisturize, and nourish hair with a blend of Peruvian babassu oil and cupuaçu butter. All in all, it’s a sweet pick for color-treated hair, curls, waves, and pin-straight strands alike.

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before applying Ceremonia’s Mascarilla De Guava for Damage Repair

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying Ceremonia’s Mascarilla De Guava for Damage Repair

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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"My hair walks the line between wavy and curly, but always errs on the side of wavy (and frizzy) when it needs a hydration reset. When I wake up and my curls are flat and have completely lost their shape like in the photo above, I know it's time for a little extra oomph in the shower, which is where this mask comes in. I use it in place of my conditioner once a week, and always notice refreshed shine and shape after my curls air dry. I wouldn't say I have super damaged hair—I don't heat-style often and haven't colored it in years—but my hair always looks and feels so much healthier after mask day." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: babassu oil, cupuaçu butter
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with damaged hair

Best Styling Cream: Rizos 6-in-1 Styling Cream

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Rizos Curls

6-in-1 Styling Cream

$25

Amazon

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy applying the Rizos 6-in-1 Styling Cream

Why it's worth it: Six in one is a bold claim, but it’s one that this Rizos styling cream successfully fulfills via a laundry list of impressive ingredients, including a whopping thirteen vitamins and amino acids, hyaluronic acid for attracting and retaining moisture, mango butter to strengthen and smooth, and lactic acid for hydration and moisture. Along with frizz control, it targets split ends, provides heat protection, and, for curls and waves, offers light definition and hold. It’s got a creamy consistency that’s pretty rich (a little goes a long way) but won’t weigh down finer hair types, and the mango scent conjures up tropical drinks on the beach. Apply it from roots to ends on your damp hair; to really get rid of the frizz, skip the air-dry and go in with your diffuser instead.

Roy before applying the Rizos 6-in-1 Styling Cream

Roy after applying the Rizos 6-in-1 Styling Cream

Tester feedback from commerce editorial assistant Hailey Roy

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“There are two kinds of curly girls: those who prefer defined ringlets and those who opt for luscious volume—I’m the latter. So when it comes to leave-in conditioners, my curls crave something lightweight enough to let them do their thing. What I love about the Rizos 6-in-1 is that, yes, it graciously allows my hair to billow, but it still keeps frizz in check. And on the rare occasion that I want more definition, applying a little extra product gets the job done with ease. Plus, the scent gives decadent mango—the perfect fragrance for summer.” —Hailey Roy, commerce production assistant

More to know

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• Key ingredients: blend of vitamins and amino acids (including vitamins, hyaluronic acid, mango butter, lactic acid
• Who it’s for: people with waves or curls looking for something that will define while smoothing and adding shine

Best for Touch-Ups: Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

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RŌZ

Santa Lucia Styling Oil

$45

Amazon

$45

Sephora

$45

Nordstrom

Shipin applying the Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: A Best of Beauty Award Winner and perennial editor fave, Rōz’s Santa Lucia Styling Oil is straightforward and streamlined in its mission: deliver shine, protect against heat up to 450 degrees, and target frizz. It does this via a blend of tried-and-true oils, specifically argan, olive (which is filled with fatty acids), and chamomile (for conditioning and softening). It’s designed for use on both damp and dry strands, and is a fabulous way to zhuzh hair up and add a little luster on day two or three. And the elevated scent, which is citrus and woody with major beachy vibes, is a feature, not just a bonus.

Shipin before applying the Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Rōz Santa Lucia Styling Oil

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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"This is, hands down, my favorite hair oil. It smoothes frizz, smells heavenly, and has consistently calmed my hair—which seemingly expands by two feet in circumference—when the humidity hits. But what I love almost as much as the oil's performance is that the brand's founder, Mara Roszak, grew up in Laurel Canyon (a legendary area in Los Angeles), and Rōz's entire line perfectly captures the magic and mythology of the landscape!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, olive oil, Roman chamomile oil
• Who it’s for: people with medium to thick hair looking for a quick burst of luster and shine

Best for Damaged Hair: Ouai Bond Repair Balm

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Ouai

Bond Repair Balm

$50

Amazon

$50

Ulta Beauty

$50

Sephora

Why it's worth it: As the saying goes, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”—meaning the best way to tame frizz is by preventing factors that can cause it. Ouai’s Bond Repair Balm uses a blend of vegan silk protein, hyaluronic acid, and peptide from hydrolyzed rice protein to repair the damage that’s already been done and fortify the strands against future damage, breakage, and split ends. (All of which can make your hair look frizzy.) It’s got an expensive-smelling fresh-floral scent, and the almost gel-like formula is suitable for all hair types. Plus, it works in as little as three minutes—meaning you can apply it to your freshly shampooed hair as a replacement for your conditioner, and by the time you finish shaving your legs, you’ll be ready to rinse it out.

Allure senior director of creative programming and development Natalie Campbell applying the Ouai Bond Repair Balm

Natalie Campbell

Campbell after applying the Ouai Bond Repair Balm

Natalie Campbell

Tester feedback from senior director of creative programming and development Natalie Campbell

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“This product is now a staple within my wash day routine. My hair tends to skew frizzy and is prone to breakage due to color treatment. I noticed a difference in my hair’s consistency post my first wash and a continuous improvement in hair strength after multiple washes. The product really helps create an overall smoother look for my natural hair, and then lessens my need for other products for styling. I am already on my third bottle!” —Natalie Campbell, senior director of creative programming and development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vegan silk protein, hyaluronic acid, peptide from hydrolyzed rice protein
• Who it's for: anyone looking to nip frizz in the bud (or cuticle)

Best for Fine Hair: Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment

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Reverie

Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment

$44

Amazon

$44

Nordstrom

$44

Credo Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Frizzy fine hair faces an unfortunate conundrum: Many of the ingredients associated with smoothing strands can also add some heft. Reverie’s Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment strikes the seemingly impossible balance: It’s “non-greasy and hydrating, without weighing the hair down,” says New York City-based professional hairstylist Tiffani Patchett, who likes its combination of “shea butter, which is incredibly hydrating, and pracaxi oil, which is a natural silicone [that leaves] the hair feeling smooth and glossy,” she says. (It also contains a protein complex for surface strengthening and French mushroom extract for frizz control and moisture.) Patchett says you can use it on your wet hair to air-dry, as prep for blow-drying, or to refresh dry hair.

Pai before applying the Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Reverie Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-in Treatment

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“Postpartum shedding has turned what was once a dense mass of fine curls into thinning, stringy hair—think Severus Snape—so I currently can’t handle the rich products that would otherwise control my frizz. That’s where this milk has been perfect: It takes my frizz down to manageable levels, and is so lightweight that my hair still maintains volume and bounce. Plus, a little goes a long way.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, pracaxi oil, protein complex, French mushroom extract
• Who it’s for: fine-haired folks who don’t want to sacrifice movement for shine

Best for Thick Hair: Davines Love Smoothing Perfector

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Davines

Love Smoothing Perfector

$33

Amazon

$33

Nordstrom

$33

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Davines Love Smoothing Perfector

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: When you have thick or coarse hair, just getting it detangled and ready for styling can feel like a Herculean task. Along with zapping frizz, Davines’ Love Smoothing Perfector is formulated to improve manageability, conditioning hair to help knots melt away easily while generally smoothing everything out. The key ingredient is apple pulp extract, which helps lock in moisture to—you guessed it—cut frizz and boost shine. The formula has a thick consistency, but doesn’t feel heavy or greasy on the hair, and has a light, fruity-floral scent.

Lee before applying the Davines Love Smoothing Perfector

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Davines Love Smoothing Perfector

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“My hair is super prone to frizz—especially since I usually let it air-dry about 70% before heat styling—but this cream has been a game-changer. It leaves my hair noticeably softer and shinier, with a delicate, pretty scent that’s a nice perk. With the humidity lately being next-level, I love how much more polished and put-together my style looks.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: apple pulp extract
• Who it’s for: people with thick and/or coarse hair who want to get rid of frizz and make detangling less of a workout

Best for Curls: Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam

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Briogeo

Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam

$26

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: For those with waves or looser curls, scrunching with a lightweight mousse can be a great way to show off your natural texture—and with Briogeo’s Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam, you can do just that while giving frizz the boot. It achieves this one-two punch via a blend of yuzu extract (which helps fight environmental aggressors with its antioxidant properties); plum oil, which provides lightweight moisture; and a proprietary vitamin B blend that supports healthier-looking hair. Along with providing a pump-up of volume and soft definition, it offers heat protection for up to 450 degrees, so you can air-dry or diffuse.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before applying Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying Briogeo Yuzu + Plum Oil Full Miracle Styling Foam

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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"This airy foam gives buildable volume and hold to my curls—without crunch—all day. Plus, it defines my curl pattern, nourishes my strands, and preps me for the inevitable blowout a few days later. It's easily the best multipurpose product in my hair routine." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yuzu extract, plum oil, vitamin B
• Who it’s for: people with curls, people who style dry hair

Best for Dry Hair: Kérastase Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

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Kérastase

Nectar Thermique Heat Protecting Cream

$50

Amazon

$50

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Dryness and frizz are kind of a “buy one, get one free” deal; if you have one, there’s a solid chance you’re experiencing the other. Kérastase’s Nectar Thermique gets rid of the frizz by addressing the dryness, thanks to plant-based proteins—which provide nutrients and help with moisture retention—and niacinamide for elasticity and strand strengthening. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Sophie Rose praises it for its ability to replenish moisture, its lightweight feel, and its sheer versatility. “I can use it on my curly clients and my clients who have straight hair,” she says, noting that it softens hair without weighing it down. You can use it on wet hair to air-dry or before heat-styling (it protects up to 450 degrees).

More to know

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• Key ingredients: plant-based proteins, niacinamide
• Who it’s for: dry-haired people who want hair that feels as smooth as it looks

Best for Coily Hair: Charlotte Mensah Manketti Oil Pomade

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Charlotte Mensah

Manketti Oil Pomade

$60

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Coily hair is more fragile due to the lack of natural oils, meaning top-tier moisturizers are crucial for strength and shine—and Charlotte Mensah’s Manketti Oil Pomade contains the best of the best. Patchett recommends it for its strategic ingredient lineup, which includes vitamin E-rich manketti nut oil as well as shea butter and cocoa seed butter, which work together to lock in hydration. “This is a very thick and luxurious pomade, so start with a little and add more as needed,” she says; she recommends emulsifying it in your hands for a few seconds before applying it from mid-lengths to the ends, then going in to your roots. “This product can be applied to wet hair or on dry hair to smooth and add shine,” she adds.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: manketti nut oil, shea butter, coco seed butter
• Who it’s for: people with coily hair looking for strength and shine

Best Oil: Verb Curl Oil

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Verb

Curl Oil

$22

Amazon

$22

Nordstrom

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: The scalp’s natural oils can’t travel down curls as easily as they do straighter hair types, meaning that curly hair is more prone to dryness, for one, and curls can handle products with a little more proverbial heft to them. Verb’s Curl Oil is positively loaded with oils—specifically sweet almond, argan, and castor, along with a trademarked SunflowerCurl Complex that blends oils and extracts from the eponymous plant. They work together to nourish, detangle, and fight frizz. Even with that oil-rich ingredient list, the formula doesn’t feel heavy or greasy. (And the light, citrus-tinged floral scent is divine.) Add two to three pumps to dry or damp hair, and watch the frizz fade away.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: SunflowerCurl Complex (sunflower oils and extracts), sweet almond oil, argan oil, castor oil
• Who it’s for: curly-haired folks looking for instant frizz freedom

Frequently Asked Questions

How does frizz form?

So, what causes our hair to frizz up in the first place, and how do we get it to stop? Frizz happens when the outermost cuticle layer of the hair shaft is out of alignment, creating a jagged look. Multiple factors have an impact on your hair and its texture, but one of the most likely causes is dehydration. Frizzy strands can also form from heat damage, friction, and breakage.

What is the root cause of frizzy hair?

Simply put, frizzy hair is dry or dehydrated hair. When the hair cuticle (that protective outer layer) is lifted, it takes in more of the surrounding moisture and humidity in an effort to balance the moisture levels between the hair and environment. After it takes in that moisture, it swells, appearing to the naked eye as frizz.

And dryness and damage are what lead to that lifted cuticle. Rose and Los Angeles-based hairstylist Chris Russell both cite dehydration; Patchett adds heat and chemical damage to the list. You could also be washing your hair a little too frequently, “especially if you have dry, curly, or textured hair,” says Patchett.

What kind of hair products should I use for frizzy hair?

A frizz-fighting hair routine starts in the shower—namely, with a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner. You’ll also want to make use of “hair masks, leave-in conditioners, and hair serums; I would suggest using all three if you really want to make sure that you are keeping your hair hydrated,” says Patchett. Ingredients-wise, as New York City-based hairstylist Paul Labrecque previously told Allure, "naturally moisturizing ingredients”—such as shea butter and nut oils—“will smooth the hair shaft but not overly weigh the hair down."

As you move on to styling, Russell recommends using heat protectants and anti-humidity finishing products; indeed, the latter might be the most valuable of all. “If a big cause of frizz is damaged hair, I want to make sure none of my tools are causing more heat damage,” he says. “My clients’ hair depends on me using hot tools intentionally.”

If you’re not heat-styling but still want to target frizz, Atkin says to elevate your post-shower, damp hair regimen with conditioning, moisture-replenishing products. When air-drying, foregoing a wrap altogether is key to minimizing frizz, but if you'd prefer your floors to stay dry, Atkin suggests using a microfiber towel or an old cotton T-shirt to wring out the excess water.

And if the arsenal of products feels a touch overwhelming, there are longer-term options. “If you would like something slightly more permanent, I suggest a smoothing treatment like Lasio [a keratin treatment], which will eliminate frizz, but the hair will still have natural volume and movement,” says Patchett.

What are common mistakes in treating frizz?

• Getting too touchy-feely: If you decide to air-dry, do your absolute best not to touch your hair after applying your styling products. This can loosen shorter hairs and create friction on the cuticle, causing frizz to form, says Patchett. “Your best bet is to let your hair fully dry before moving it around,” she adds.
• Being too conservative with products: “People tend to be very reserved with how much product they use,” says Patchett. “I recommend reading the label’s suggestion, starting there, and adding more product depending on your hair density.” Remember, these serums, leave-ins, and oils are crucial for moisture. And consider dampening your hair a quick fix and only that. “Applying water will only temporarily smooth the frizz,” explains Rose. So, if you aren’t locking in that hydration, it will return.
• Using heat irresponsibly: Since damaged hair can lead to frizz—and heat can lead to damage—always start with a heat protectant and use the lowest possible temperature that will yield the desired results on your hair type. “I want to make sure none of my tools are causing more heat damage,” says Russell. “My priority is moisture first, then protection.”

Meet the experts

• Tiffani Patchett is a hairstylist with Beauty Supply in New York City
• Sophie Rose is a hairstylist and curly-hair expert based in Los Angeles
• Chris Russell is a hairstylist based in Los-Angeles
• Paul Labrecque, a New York City-based hairstylist and colorist and founder of the Paul Labrecque Salon and Skincare Spa

How we test and review products

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

For our review of the best frizzy hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists who all want frizz-minimizing formulations for their own hair-care routines. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Photos: Courtesy of subjectSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

We can't all be makeup artists (though that does sound fun). But if you've ever watched a makeup tutorial that seems to incorporate 17 brushes, three different concealers, and an insistence on completely shape-shifting your eyebrows and lips, you might wonder if you require an advanced degree in makeup application just to get started. Fortunately, actual makeup artists say that anyone—even complete beginners—can get comfortable with and good at doing their own makeup. And it doesn't take an army of complex products.

"Makeup doesn't have to be complicated to be impactful," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy, who reminds us that even professional artists are constantly learning new techniques. "Sometimes the simplest products create the biggest difference, enhancing what's already there and helping you feel like your best self." Rather than overstuffing your makeup bag, she encourages beginners to start with a handful of versatile, easy-to-use products.

That's welcome news considering how many makeup formulas are now designed to help you succeed rather than baffle anyone who's never worked a makeup counter. Skin tints can stand in for heavy foundations, cream blushes melt into skin with your fingertips, and soft eye pencils can be smudged long before you have to commit to a less-than-perfect line.

Makeup artist Jenny Patinkin points out that products like these can make the transition to wearing makeup look and feel much more natural. Jumping straight into full-coverage foundation, shadowy contour, or dramatically winged liquid liner can feel jarring, not to mention discouraging if you're not yet confident with bolder products and dexterity-demanding techniques. “If you're accustomed to only seeing your bare face in the mirror and photos, it'll be a subtle difference versus a shocking, dramatic change in your appearance,” she says.

Marquis Ward, an Atlanta-based makeup artist, agrees. "My biggest piece of advice is to focus on enhancing your natural features rather than trying to completely transform them," he says, recommending that beginners start with products that are buildable, blend easily, and give you room to experiment without punishing every little mistake. (There will be mistakes, and that's okay.) "Makeup should feel approachable, fun, and confidence-building."

The products below are formulated to be more forgiving. Think of them as training wheels that work with you as you master makeup (and stay in your bag well beyond your beginner status). They're easy to blend, difficult to overdo, and self-assuring from the very first application.

Meet the experts:

• Mezhgan Hussainy is a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.
• Jenny Patinkin is a makeup artist and founder of Jenny Patinkin.
• Marquis Ward is a makeup artist based in Atlanta and Los Angeles.

Foundation: Skin tint

Commerce editor Sarah Han before applying skin tint.Photo: Courtesy of subjectHan after applying Iconic Super Smoother Blurring Skin TintPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

Unlike traditional full-coverage foundations that require careful blending and precise color matching, skin tints simply even out the complexion while allowing your natural skin to shine through. The result looks more like you, just a little more rested, a little more even-toned, and a little more hydrated, as they're often packed with moisturizing ingredients.

"For beginners, I always recommend a lightweight skin tint," says Hussainy. "They're much more forgiving than full-coverage formulas because they blend seamlessly into the skin and allow you to build coverage only where you need it."

Patinkin likes them because they don't require any special technique. "A sheer tint is a great place to start because it can be evenly spread onto the skin with just your fingers," she says. Her favorite is the Lisa Eldridge Skin Tint, which she calls “gorgeous.”

Ward also recommends skin tints, especially in stick form, like the LYS Beauty Triple Fix Blurring Skin Tint Foundation Stick. “It allows you to apply only where you need it,” he says, “while creating a natural, skin-like finish that never feels heavy.”

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Iconic London

Super Smoother Blurring Skin Tint

$35

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$35

Ulta Beauty

Forget fancy tools—for now. Patinkin says your fingers are perfectly capable of applying a skin tint, and the warmth of your hands actually helps melt the product into the skin. If you'd like a little extra polish afterward, gently bounce a damp sponge over everything to remove excess product and eliminate any streaks.

Hussainy recommends starting in the center of your face, where redness and discoloration are typically the most visible, before blending outward toward the hairline. Ward adds that thin layers are always your friend; it's much easier to add another swipe than to remove too much foundation.

Editor-approved skin tintsArrowArrow

Concealer: Illuminating medium-coverage liquid concealer

Senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor before applying concealerPhoto: Courtesy of subjectCalaor after applying Kylie Cosmetics Power Plush Longwear ConcealerPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

Concealer is one of those products that's easy to overthink, but it doesn't have to be. Rather than reaching for full-coverage formulas, Patinkin recommends a lighter illuminating concealer, like her favorite YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Concealer Click Pen. These lightweight yet still creamy liquid formulas brighten instead of masking, making dark circles and discoloration appear softer without looking obviously covered.

Hussainy agrees that less is more. "A creamy, blendable concealer is the easiest place to start," she says. "You don't need to cover everything—just brighten under the eyes or spot-conceal where needed."

Ward says medium-coverage concealers strike the perfect balance because they camouflage discoloration while still blending seamlessly into skin. They're also forgiving enough that beginners can slowly build coverage exactly where it's needed instead of accidentally applying too much.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kylie Cosmetics

Power Plush Longwear Concealer

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

All three makeup artists we spoke to agree that more concealer doesn't equal better coverage. Patinkin recommends applying a small amount of your chosen formula onto the back of your clean hand instead of going straight to your skin with the applicator brush. Then, use a small concealer or eye shadow brush—her brand's Angled Multi-Blender is perfect for this—to lightly tap it right where you need it. This gives you much more control and helps prevent creasing.

Hussainy likes the technique of using your ring finger to gently press concealer into delicate under-eye skin, while Ward recommends placing tiny dots only at the inner corners, outer corners, and any areas of discoloration before gradually blending with your finger, brush, or sponge.

Editor-approved concealersArrowArrow

Eye shadow: Neutral matte-powder shadow

Associate social media manager Katie Gunderman before applying eye shadowPhoto: Courtesy of subjectGunderman after applying shades from the Morphe ChromaPlus 6-Pan Eyeshadow PalettePhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

It's understandable to associate powder eye shadow with expertly diffused smoky eyes or mathematically flawless cut creases, but it's also surprisingly kind to newbies. Patinkin suggests starting with flesh-toned matte-powder shadows, which subtly even out discoloration on the lids while making eyes appear brighter and larger. Because powder stays blendable longer than many cream formulas—yes, she says powder is easier than cream—it's a snap to mitigate mistakes.

Ward suggests investing in a thoughtfully curated neutral palette. Something like the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Palette offers enough variation to create everything from barely there definition to more dramatic looks without overwhelming beginners. For this same reason, Patinkin also loves the Natasha Denona Mini Matte Palettes.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Morphe

ChromaPlus 6-Pan Eyeshadow Palette

$16

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Patinkin recommends using a fluffy crease brush to softly sweep color across the entire lid and through the socket line instead of trying to create multiple distinct sections.

When you feel ready for a little more dimension, Ward suggests beginning with a matte shade in the crease before pressing a subtle shimmer onto the lid with your fingertip. The key isn't precision—it's blending until you can't see where one color ends and another begins.

Editor-approved neutral palettesArrowArrow

Eyeliner: Creamy pencil

Gunderman before applying eyelinerPhoto: Courtesy of subjectGunderman after applying Make Up For Ever Artist Color PencilPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

Liquid eyeliner has a reputation for making even experienced makeup lovers sweat. Creamy pencil liners, on the other hand, are much more forgiving. "A soft pencil liner is much easier to control than liquid liner," says Hussainy. "It gives you time to blend or soften mistakes before it sets." That little bit of flexibility can make a huge difference.

Ward notes, too, that creamy pencils can easily be smudged if your line isn't perfect: "The learning process becomes much less intimidating." He and Hussainy recommend the Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil, which glides on without tugging and comes in a wide variety of shades.

Patinkin specifically recommends kohl (also known as kajal) pencils—she loves the Jillian Dempsey Khol Eyeliners—because they stay workable long enough to adjust the shape before setting. “Once you master lining with kohl, you can graduate to a gel liner,” she says, which is equally creamy but a little quicker to set.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Make Up For Ever

Artist Color Pencil

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Sephora

Forget trying to draw one continuous line from inner corner to outer corner—that's difficult even for professionals. Instead, Hussainy recommends, making tiny dashes along the lash line and connecting them afterward. Ward echoes this advice, explaining that short, connected strokes give you far more control than one sweeping motion.

Patinkin offers another trick: Lightly hold the outer corner of your eye taut and, with a freshly sharpened pencil, work from the outside toward the center before switching directions and finishing from the inner corner outward. Then, use a small liner brush to gently smudge everything together so the individual dashes disappear into one soft, seamless line. “You should feel the base of your lashes moving as you apply your liner,” she says. “That's how you'll know you have the right placement.”

Editor-approved creamy pencilsArrowArrow

Mascara: Wire-bristle applicator

Contributing editor Marci Robin before applying mascaraPhoto: Courtesy of subjectRobin after applying Jenny Patinkin Big Reveal Fluff and Hold Volumizing MascaraPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

Some people may be skipping mascara these days, but there's a reason the rest of us aren't hopping on that trend: Nothing opens the eyes quite like lengthened, darkened lashes. And for many makeup users, new or experienced, nothing is more intimidating than the moment you lift that wand to your face; you may not even know which wand material and shape is the easiest to control.

“I prefer a longwear mascara with a bushy wire-bristle applicator for beginners instead of a silicone one because you get more grip and control,” says Patinkin. Silicone applicators typically have more widely spaced teeth, she adds, and wetter formulas that slide through the lashes, making them more likely to smudge and speckle on your skin. Her own Big Reveal Fluff and Hold Volumizing Mascara has plenty of grip, and the even curve of its spoolie applicator is as straightforward as it gets. We also love Essence Bye Bye Panda Eyes for its fluffy, uncomplicated wand and easy-to-remove tubing formula.

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Jenny Patinkin

Big Reveal Fluff and Hold Volumizing Mascara

$29

Amazon

$29

Credo Beauty

Forget everything you've seen in the movies: “The easiest way for beginners to apply mascara is to hold the wand at the base of the lashes, with your eyes open, and then blink into it,” Patinkin says. “You get used to the feeling of having something close to your eye this way, and it makes your eyes more dominant than your hands.”

Once you feel comfortable doing that, you can start gently pressing the wand into the lashes, wiggle the applicator back and forth a bit to deposit product in between each lash to help define your lash line a little more, and then fluff up over the tips.

ArrowArrow

Brow product: Tinted brow gel

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen before applying brow gelPhoto: Courtesy of subjectKinonen after applying KS&CO Sheer Tinted Brow GelPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

Few products deliver as much payoff with as little effort as a tinted brow gel. In just a few swipes, it fills in sparse areas, shapes, and keeps hairs in place—no painstaking strokes required. "A tinted brow gel is the most foolproof brow product," says Hussainy. "It adds color, shape, and hold in one step without requiring precise drawing."

Ward calls it the easiest brow product to master because it's essentially multitasking for you. Rather than filling every gap with a pencil, you're enhancing what you already have.

Patinkin says the application is almost impossible to mess up as long as you remove excess product from the wand first. She recommends Maybelline New York Brow Fast Sculpt Mascara, while Ward likes Benefit Gimme Brow+ Volumizing Eyebrow Gel for its ability to add subtle fullness while still looking natural.

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KS & Co.

Brow Gel

$36

KS & Co.

Start by brushing the brows upward through the inner portion of the shape, then work toward the tails before returning to the center. Patinkin says this helps to prevent depositing too much pigment where your brows are naturally thickest.

Hussainy recommends letting your natural brow shape guide you instead of trying to redraw it completely. Ward also says to fill in sparse areas only and resist the urge to create overly crisp outlines.

If you accidentally color outside the lines, Patinkin says a pointed cotton swab easily cleans up stray pigment.

Editor-approved tinted brow gelArrowArrow

Blush: Cream blush stick

Gunderman before applying cream blushPhoto: Courtesy of subjectGunderman after applying Merit Flush BalmPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

If there's one product that instantly makes your complexion look healthier with almost zero effort, it's cream blush. "I'm team cream blush all the way," says Patinkin, who notes that it blends beautifully into skin's natural texture, creating a hydrated, fresh-looking flush that's difficult to overdo and nearly impossible to duplicate as easily with powder blush. Her favorite is Merit Flush Balm: “It's sheer and easy to blend, and the colors are very pretty,” she says.

Hussainy loves cream blush for beginners because it practically melts into the complexion. "It's incredibly forgiving," she says. "You can apply it with your fingertips for a fresh, skin-like finish." Ward agrees that cream blush is one of the easiest formulas to start with because it blends effortlessly and builds gradually versus depositing all its color at once.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Merit

Flush Balm

$30

Sephora

All three artists recommend tapping—not rubbing—cream blush into the skin. But even if you apply it straight from the stick, you can easily succeed in creating a natural-looking flush. Hussainy likes placing color on the apples of the cheeks before blending up toward the temples for a lifted effect. Ward uses a similar approach, building the color slowly in thin layers.

Patinkin also offers an easy placement trick: “Make sure you stay one finger's width away from the bottom of the eyes to avoid getting into fine lines, and try not to apply lower than nostril level as this can make the cheeks appear droopy.”

Editor-approved cream brush sticksArrowArrow

Bronzer: Cream bronzer

Gunderman before applying cream bronzerPhoto: Courtesy of subjectGunderman after applying Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer StickPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

"A cream bronzer is much easier to blend than powder," says Hussainy. "It gives warmth without looking harsh."

Ward likes cream bronzers for the same reason: They melt into the complexion, making harsh lines far less likely than with traditional bronzing powders. Because they remain blendable longer, you have plenty of time to soften edges before they set.

The goal isn't dramatic contouring; rather, it's just re-creating the warmth your skin would naturally get from spending time outside.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Rare Beauty

Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Sephora

Ultimately, proper placement is all about where the sun would naturally hit your face. But you wear sunscreen, of course, so if you need a reminder, that means lightly around the forehead, temples, cheeks, and jawline. Blend thoroughly with a sponge or fluffy brush. Hussainy emphasizes that you should never be able to see exactly where the bronzer starts or stops.

Editor-approved cream bronzersSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

RMS Beauty

Buriti Bronzer

$33

Amazon

$35

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Chanel

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream

$61

Ulta Beauty

Lip Color: Glossy tinted balm

Gunderman before applying tinted lip balmPhoto: Courtesy of subjectGunderman after applying E.L.F. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Melting Lip BalmPhoto: Courtesy of subjectWhat makes it beginner-friendly?

With lip products, there are probably more format and color options than in any other category. So why punish yourself with a matte, purple stain and contrasting contour when you can take it easy with a shiny, tinted balm?

"A tinted balm or glossy lip color is the easiest starting point," says Hussainy. Because these formulas are hydrating and semi-sheer, they don't require perfectly crisp edges or frequent mirror checks throughout the day. Says Ward, they're comfortable and flattering, and they enhance your natural lip color instead of completely covering it.

"I love a nourishing tinted balm like the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm,” says Hussainy. “It gives beautiful color while keeping lips hydrated."

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Glow Reviver Melting Lip Balm

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

Choose a shade that's close to your natural lip color. According to Hussainy, you can swipe it straight from the tube and lightly tap around the edges with your fingertip for a foolproof finish.

Ward suggests you seek out a shade that mimics the natural tone of your lips. He recommends hydrating lips before applying color (your favorite colorless lip balm will do) and starting from the center of the mouth before blending out.

Unlike a bold, matte lipstick, you don't need perfect precision. If you can apply Chapstick, you can apply a tinted balm. And even if you apply nothing else, it serves as one of the easiest confidence-boosting products in any makeup bag.

Editor-approved tinted lip balmsArrowArrow

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As a resident of the upper Midwest, the northern lights are a really big deal; people travel miles and miles just to see them. But now, I don't have to drive a few hours to glimpse that gorgeous, neon-streaked sky—I can just look at Zara Larsson's eye makeup!

The Swedish pop icon returned to her homeland for the Way Out West music festival in Gothenburg and paid homage to Scandinavia and the northern lights with her signature colorful, glittering makeup, crafted by makeup artist Sophia Sinot. Sinot applied a mix of seafoam green, cobalt blue, and violet shadows to Larsson's lids, applying the pastel green shade all over the eye, up to the brow, and underneath Larsson's lashline, then defined her eyes with bright blue and a pop of vivid violet in the crease, similar to how the vibrant colors of the northern lights dance across the night sky. The color-saturated eye makeup would have been impressive in its own right, but Sinot went one step further and applied a generous handful of rhinestones to serve as “stars” across Larsson's face, starting at her temple and twinkling in a diagonal direction down to the hollow of one pink-blushed cheek. As a fun finishing touch, hairstylist Adam Lukacs added cloudlike streaks of sky blue to Larsson's blonde curls.

Instagram content

Music and makeup fans were equally obsessed with the latest installment in Larsson and Sinot's increasingly stunning concert looks. “They’re gonna put yall in the Smithsonian of best duo,” wrote one Instagram commenter, and they were absolutely right; should a makeup museum exist, these creative collabs would absolutely need their own exhibit. Other commenters requested a coffee table book of Larsson's makeup, which is honestly a genius idea.

Nature has been a central theme of Larsson and Sinot's glam routine this year, including animals—like leopard print eyes and sparkly cat whiskers—and underwater creatures. Larsson said in a comment that the northern lights-inspired glam was in her “top 5” of all time, which is a pretty big deal given how many creative looks the two have come up with thus far. Can they top it? For these two, the sky is the limit.

Illustration by Mark Baker-Sanchez; Source Images: Adobe StockSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

For many, the age of social media has turned us into blurry-eyed, doom-scrolling hobbyists. From anxiety to disrupted sleep to negative thoughts about how we look, social media’s impact on how we feel about ourselves is well documented. Now, a new study suggests it’s also making us forget what we look like.

Published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, 95 people—Millennial and Gen Z men and women, all of whom had a history of using Instagram for an average of eight years—underwent a virtual reality experience called body illusions. Researchers hypothesized that prolonged Instagram use and “exposure to idealized, homogenized appearance-focused content” would make it harder for an individual to tell this difference between their own face and that of a stranger’s.

In one part of the experiment, a person wearing a virtual reality headset watched a stranger’s face being brushed on the cheek while feeling that same stroke on their own cheek for 120 seconds. The only similarity between the person participating in the experiment and the stranger was gender—the stranger’s face was not a doppelgänger. After the experiment, participants took a survey in which they had to say how much they agreed with statements like “Sometimes, I felt like virtual face was my face” and “Sometimes, I was not aware that my physical face was different from the virtual face.” Based on the results of that survey, researchers found that the more years a person reported spending on Instagram, the more likely that person was to view the stranger’s face as their own.

It feels like a more dystopian progression of the age of facial conformity. “When you're online for so long, when you’re exposed to these beauty standards so much, you don't feel this sense of uniqueness that’s your own characteristic,” says Maria Sansoni, PhD, lead author of the study and postdoctoral research fellow at Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan, Italy. The lines between what you look like and what other people look like start to blur.

Notably, those who had a history of using beauty filters for years were more likely to feel a sense of agency over a stranger’s entire body in another part of the study. The study was small, but the results suggest that the memory our brains and bodies have of what makes us unique is pretty pliable. “It’s so plastic, so malleable that you can confound yourself with another person that you have never seen,” Sansoni says. Years of exposure to the same beauty standards on Instagram could slowly break down how our brains recognize our own faces. It does feel like every scroll through social media feeds shows the same features on similar faces from different accounts, from the mandatorily smooth forehead to glass-like skin to thick eyebrows to plumper-than-usual lips.

This apparent inability to distinguish ourselves from a stranger is just another piece of the body dysmorphia pie social media has served up. Francesca Emma, LMHC, a psychotherapist in New York who was not involved in the study, tells Allure repeated exposure to the same beauty look on social media isn’t just an “aesthetic pattern,” it’s a “psychological one.”

Illustrations by Mark Baker-Sanchez; Source Images: Adobe Stock

“The more frequently someone is exposed to the same body type, facial features, skin texture, or overall appearance ideal, the more the brain can begin to register that image as the ‘default’ way someone is supposed to look,” Emma says.

Over time, anything outside of that can feel abnormal and unfamiliar. When you don’t look like everyone else on social media, feelings of being “different” or “not enough,” may arise, Emma says. But the issue is not seeing an attractive person. “It is the meaning our brain attaches to that comparison,” Emma says. “It becomes the belief that ‘if I do not look like this, something is wrong with me.’” What makes this moment particularly challenging, Emma adds, is that it’s hard for people to distinguish what’s real and what’s not real on social media. Since people can apply filters and use AI to edit photos of themselves, much of our modern standard of beauty is a look that can’t actually be replicated in real life.

Sera Lavelle, PhD, a clinical psychologist in New York City, adds that seeing so many faces in such a short amount of time is a modern phenomenon. Before social media, and even television, people saw maybe 100 faces in a day—usually the same ones in their neighborhood and all without any sort of beauty filter. Even as television led to growing celebrity influence on fashion and beauty, viewers could still tell those beauty standards weren’t necessarily achievable or even real. There was a stronger separation between everyday beauty standards and celebrity culture. But that started to change with the rise of reality television, and then later social media. Television was the first technology to bring beautiful strangers to life in our homes, and reality television made celebrity culture more accessible, but the latter has been associated with a decrease in body satisfaction.

Today, for people who have spent years on social media, Instagram face has become the new normal in their brains. While research falls short on estimating how many faces a person sees in a day in 2026, researchers estimated a decade ago that 95 million photos and videos were posted to Instagram each day. Considering that posts with faces in them receive more attention, and that Americans spend an average of four hours and 30 minutes on their phones each day, there has undoubtedly been a rise in exposure to so many faces (many of which look similar) in one digital ecosystem.

“Your mind is saying, ‘This is what the world looks like,’” Lavelle says. “We almost start to tune out the people around us, and we start to feel like the whole world looks like these people on social media.”

This could be one reason why plastic surgeons are seeing demand for facelifts in their 20s, and are reportedly being asked to recreate AI-generated faces on their human patients. But even cosmetic procedures aren’t guaranteed to quell the feeling that your face isn’t up to snuff. “The standard continues to shift because the image they are chasing may have never been fully attainable in the first place,” Emma says. “For many people, there is no finish line because the target itself is constantly changing.”

While it might feel like the only way to escape this cycle of conformity is to sign off forever, Emma disagrees. The goal isn’t to eliminate social media, Emma says, but rather to make more of an effort to question the images we consume and to build more diverse and realistic social media feeds.

“Reducing time spent in isolation while increasing connection, and reconnecting with our bodies can all be protective factors for mental health,” Emma says. This can be as simple as getting off your phone for a few minutes, and perhaps calling in help from the Brick app or just putting the device in a separate room. The goal should be to reduce the time you’re spending on your phone in small increments. When you feel the urge to mindlessly scroll, Emma adds, call or text a friend instead. And at lunch or dinnertime—which can be a prime time to scroll—try to make plans to eat a meal with a friend. “Isolation gives more room for body image and negative thoughts to get stronger,” she says.

It’s not just about not avoiding isolation; it’s also about reconnecting with your physical body. To do this, Emma recommends taking a walk without your phone and using your five senses to notice your environment. When you take a shower, notice the sensation of water on your body. You can also practice “box breathing,” which is when you inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for four seconds, exhale for four seconds and hold your breath for the same period before repeating.

Sansoni, the lead author of the study, agrees that getting back into your body is essential, as the research is a reminder for people to sharpen their “inner body signals,” which is information from within the body—like a person’s heartbeat—that helps the brain construct its sense of self.

This is because, when it comes to your brain losing its sense of self, people rely more on what they see—not what they feel. Sansoni’s study suggests that years of scrolling on Instagram can weaken our ability to rely on these inner signals, essentially weakening our brain’s ability to accurately perceive its own face and body. This is a problem because the face—of all our body parts—is most closely linked to our own identity. “More than any other, it's basically who we are,” she says. If we lose our ability to discern between our own face and a stranger’s face, even for a couple of minutes, we “lose the perception of identity,” she says. “Paying attention to those internal and functional aspects of bodily experience can remind us that we are much more than a photograph or an image on a screen.”

Ultimately, we as individuals should not be the only ones responsible for unlearning what the algorithm has taught us about being beautiful. Tech companies could modify the Instagram algorithm to prioritize all types of faces and bodies, Sansoni says. The change could encourage more self-expression and individuality online and offline. It’s not that social media is inherently bad or can’t be used in a positive way. “It’s like when you drive a motorbike, it's cool, you can drive to another city, but you also need to be aware that if you go too fast, for example, you can get hurt,” Sansoni says. The same idea applies to social media. “It’s about raising awareness and helping people be stronger to avoid this risk.”

$15 at Half Magic BeautySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A buildable shimmer eye shadow you can literally apply with your finger
• What it does: Adds light-catching dimension with minimal effort (see finger-friendly application)
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants an eye shadow that works for both low-maintenance makeup days and full-on glam moments

My hot take? Glitter eye shadow is one of the best hacks for no-makeup days.

I know, it sounds like a paradox, but let me explain. Shimmer has a reputation for being reserved for nights out, but I started to notice that when I was only wearing mascara, my bare eyelids were pulling the focus.

So when in doubt, add shimmer. The fix may seem counterintuitive, but now it’s my go-to—and this buildable glitter shadow from Half Magic is the one I keep reaching for. Yes, it’s made by the creator of the iconic glittery looks from Euphoria, makeup artist Donni Davy, but don’t let that make you think it’s too dramatic for everyday wear.

Here’s how I use it: I dip my ring finger into the pot, tap the color across my lids, and then gently blend. It may look questionable for a few seconds, but trust the process. As you blend, the formula starts to add dimension and creates a vibe that looks put together without even trying.

It’s versatile, too. If I’m going out, the very same shadow can build for more impact, or I like to dab it in the inner corners of my eyes for some light-catching, Rue- and Jules-approved magic.

Half Magic Eye Shadow Single is in the August Allure Beauty Box.

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Half Magic Eye Shadow Singles

$15 at Half Magic Beauty$15 at Half Magic Beauty

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Megan Thee Stallion is ready for Act III. The rapper has been teasing her forthcoming album and the return of her alter ego Tina Snow, but before that drops, she popped by former First Lady Michelle Obama's podcast—and thankfully IMO isn't an audio-only podcast, because Megan's towering French roll updo simply must be seen.

Megan joined Obama and her brother Craig Robinson on IMO for a wide-ranging conversation about her Texas childhood, dealing with loss, grief, and pain, curating your TikTok algorithm, her role in Moulin Rouge!, and what to expect from Act III. For the interview, the Hot Girl Coach wore her hair in a sculpted blonde French roll, styled by her hairstylist and BFF Kellon Deryck. A French roll is a sibling to the French twist, where hair is wrapped and twisted vertically up the back of the head, then pinned in place. The rest of the hair is then gathered into a small, pastry-like bun at the top of the head, with tendrils typically left out to frame the face or brush over one eye. The French roll had a major moment in the ’90s, but it's been making a comeback on red carpets over the past few years, and we know Megan loves a good updo—especially one with throwback vibes.

For her interview, Megan opted for a dimensional, cool-toned champagne blonde with an ash blonde base, a subtle departure from the a warmer honey tones and icy platinum colors she often wears. Blonde may also be a key hair color for the Act III album and its accompanying era, as the teaser images Megan shared show her in a platinum blonde bob. ("Tina is grown now," Megan teased of her alter ego's return. “She has been through lots of life since you heard her last.”)

During their chat, Megan touched on identity and remaining true to yourself both in the music industry and in a world where social media wants to tell you who you are. “I've always been really expressive. I've always known exactly what I wanted. Any situation I walked into, I might not have had all of the knowledge that I have now, but I definitely will put my foot down about who I was, what I wanted to look like, who I want to be, what my message is," she shared. "I didn't walk into any situation where anybody had to build the person I was. I already came here Megan Thee Stallion.”

Watch Megan's interview below:

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best skin scents are the olfactory equivalent of mood rings—if the 1970s accessories were, perhaps, just slightly more refined. The intimate, shape-shifting scents adjust to their wearer’s body chemistry so they smell slightly different on everyone—if you can smell them at all. Soft and gentle with the most subtle of sillages, the scents wrap around the skin like an invisible cashmere cocoon. (This personal quality also makes skin scents especially well-suited to unisex fragrance.) If the scents sound irresistible, it’s because they are, and they’re getting more coveted all the time.

TL;DR If you want an everyday crowd-pleaser, you can't go wrong with Phlur Missing Person or Glossier You—they didn't become viral hits for no reason. In the mood for an indie darling? We recommend Clean Classic Rain and Nonfiction Dew and Light for a breath of fresh air in the midst of a busy day.

Our Top Skin Scents

• Best Sandalwood: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum, $99
• Best Creamy: DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum, $90
• Best Musk: Glossier You Eau de Parfum, $82
• Best Rose: La Privée Collection Christian Dior Rose Kabuki Eau de Parfum, $350
• Best Minimalist: Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum, $115

“The rise of natural beauty and the ‘clean’ aesthetic—think no-makeup makeup—aligns well with the soft, effortless nature of skin scents,” says Alexandra Monet, a Paris-based perfumer with DSM Firmenich. “Skin scents are often described as comforting, cozy, and familiar, making them appealing for everyday wear.” Ahead, shop the eight best skin scents that Allure editors can’t stop spritzing—then leaning in to sniff.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly is a skin scent?
• Who might like a skin scent?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Sandalwood: Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Phlur

Missing Person Eau de Parfum

$99

Amazon

$99

Nordstrom

$99

Revolve

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying the Phlur Missing Person Eau de Parfum

Elizabeth Gulino

Known for stirring deep feelings of longing, Phlur’s Missing Person has caused many a beauty editor and TikTok creator to cry over scent-fueled flashbacks of a loved one. That emotional pull isn't accidental. One of the first fragrances that creative director Chriselle Lim helped launch for the brand, Missing Person was inspired by her own experience navigating divorce and rebuilding her life.

Rather than simply smelling like a blend of skin musk, sheer jasmine, neroli blossom, orange blossom, and soft nectar (because who really imagines those notes on their own?), it captures a feeling—the same way a familiar scent or favorite song can instantly transport you back to a person, place, or moment. On our tester, it conveys familiarity and comfort—the scent equivalent of a long hug from an old friend. That coziness is wrapped in a floral musk with a subtle citrus brightness that mirrors the fragrance's sunny, peachy-pink hue, making every spritz feel like a little nostalgia trip.

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I refer to Missing Person as my ‘no-brainer’ perfume—when I’m running out the door in a rush or can’t decide what fragrance I want to wear for the day, I end up gravitating toward this one. It’s easy, smells familiar, and I can always count on a compliment or two when I’m wearing it.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Key notes: musk, bergamot nectar, jasmine, neroli blossom, sandalwood
• Sizes: 0.32 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Creamy: DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum

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Dedcool

Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum

$90

Amazon

$90

Sephora

$90

Revolve

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum

Sarah Han

Why we love it: If your idea of the perfect perfume is something so fresh you’d happily spray it on your sheets—or wash your clothes in it—DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum is exactly that kind of clean. An amplified take on the brand’s fan-favorite Milk scent, this 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner keeps its note list intentionally simple: bright bergamot up top, soft white musk at the center, and warm amber underneath. Despite the “Xtra” in its name, it still sits relatively close to the body, creating a slightly creamy, subtly musky scent that smells more like freshly washed skin than perfume. And if you want that just-cleaned feeling everywhere, DedCool also bottles the scent as a room and linen spray, incense, and—yes—laundry detergent.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Unlike beauty categories (most notably makeup), I’m relatively cautious when it comes to fragrances. It’s a hard preference to pin down, especially with so many innovative blends coming out every day that question your own preconceived notions. I only tried DedCool Xtra Milk because my coworkers love it and it’s won a Best of Beauty Award, but I quickly discovered that it’s one of the most approachable scents I’ve ever tried. It’s really the fragrance version of “my-lips-but-better” and feels like a warm hug on the skin. Because it’s so light, I’ve found myself experimenting with layering fragrances, which is something I’ve never done—in particular with another light fragrance further down on this list. Together, they’ve earned ample compliments, which again is a new experience for me!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, white musk, warm amber
• Sizes: 0.05 oz, 0.5 oz, 1.7 oz

Best Floral: La Privée Collection Christian Dior Rose Kabuki Eau de Parfum

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Dior

La Privée Collection Christian Dior Rose Kabuki Eau de Parfum

$350

Dior

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Dior Rose Kabuki Eau de Parfum

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: There’s a reason rose is one of perfumery’s most enduring notes: It can smell fresh, romantic, powdery, or even sensual depending on what surrounds it. Dior’s Rose Kabuki takes the flower in an especially understated direction, pairing centifolia rose and rose oil with clean white musks and cedarwood so it feels soft and sheer. As it settles, the musk gives the rose a warm, skin-like quality, while cedarwood keeps the florals from smelling too sweet. Rose also has deep roots at Dior: It was Christian Dior’s favorite flower, which he famously grew in the gardens of his childhood home in Normandy. The fragrance nods to another of his longtime inspirations, Japanese art and craftsmanship; named after Japan’s iconic Kabuki theater, its delicate interpretation of rose is meant to recall the elegance of a silk kimono.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“Dior's Rose Kabuki is a lighter, softer version of a traditional rose perfume with added notes of warm musk and fresh dew drops, which is probably why I like it so much. One or two spritzes on my neck usually last me all day, but I like to go a little heavy-handed, misting it into my hair, whatever I'm wearing, and sometimes even in my purse." —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key notes: centifolia rose, rose oil, white musk, and cedarwood.
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz

Best Airy: Clean Classic Rain Eau de Parfum

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Clean

Classic Rain Eau de Parfum

$78

Amazon

$78

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Clean Classic Rain

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: “Fresh fragrances are no longer only about soap and citrus,” says Jeniece Trizzino, VP of innovation and product at Scentbird and Drift, based in New York City. “Many newer clean scents feel more watery, green, or mineral—like cool air after rain.” Clean Classic’s Rain takes that idea quite literally, capturing the refreshed feeling after a passing thunderstorm has washed away the day. Dewy melon and watermint create a crisp, watery opening, while daffodil, spring daisy, water lily, and violet leaves add a light, green-floral freshness. As it dries down, fluid musks and sheer woods soften the brighter notes, giving the fragrance its skin-scent quality. It smells undeniably fresh, but in a cool-air-after-the-storm way rather than a just-stepped-out-of-the-shower one.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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"Whenever I’m trapped in my office for hours on end, the Clean Classic Rain Eau de Parfum is my little breath of fresh air. It captures that very specific smell after a heavy rainfall—clean, crisp, and slightly watery. I’m especially sensitive to strong fragrances, so I appreciate that this one wears lightly (almost like a body mist rather than an EDP) and never feels like it’s taking over the room." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key notes: melon, watermint, daffodil, spring daisy, water lily, violet, musks, sheer woods
• Sizes: 0.34 oz, 1 oz, 2.11 oz

Best for Layering: D.S. & Durga I Don't Know What Eau de Parfum

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D.S. & Durga

I Don't Know What Eau de Parfum

$225

Nordstrom

$225

Revolve

$225

Bluemercury

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the D.S. & Durga I Don’t Know What Eau de Parfum

Bianca Richards

Why we love it: Think of this fragrance enhancer as shapewear for your perfume. Designed as a base layer for other scents, D.S. & Durga I Don't Know What has a radiant quality that lifts the freshness, smokiness, or whatever-it-is-ness out of any scent. Opening up with bergamot essence, the perfume has a heart of Iso E Super—a synthetic aroma molecule that perfumers use to add a soft, diffused quality to a scent. Rather than smelling like a single recognizable note, it creates a smooth, velvety aura that's often described as warm cedarwood, clean skin, airy amber, or even freshly sharpened pencils. (Fun fact: Some people can barely smell Iso E Super, while others find it completely irresistible.) A base of proprietary Ambrox Super adds another layer of warm, woody musk, making this the kind of fragrance that gently enhances everything it's paired with.

Our tester likes to use it as a base beneath Sol de Janeiro's fruity-floral Brazilian Crush Cheirosa '68 Beija Flor Hair & Body Mist and Kayali's ultra-juicy Eden Juicy Apple 01 Eau de Parfum.

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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"The D.S. and Durga I Don’t Know What perfume is one of my most used perfumes in my collection. It makes for the most beautiful, skin-like scent while also being a perfect layering scent with any other perfume. It comes off as a soft musk, almost smelling a bit citrusy with the bergamot essence really coming through strong. Think of the essence of a citrus peel on golden hour skin. I imagine that if I were ever stranded on a deserted island, this will be one of my top 5 must-haves.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

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• Key notes: bergamot, Iso E Super, Ambrox Super
• Sizes: 0.34 oz, 1.7 oz

Best Musk: Glossier You Eau de Parfum

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Glossier

You Eau de Parfum

$82

Amazon

$82

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Glossier You Eau de Parfum

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: When Glossier launched its debut scent back in 2017, it became an instant classic. Soft, comforting, and clean—like a plush robe wrapped around shower-fresh skin—Glossier You opens with bright and spicy notes of pink pepper. As it dries down, the eau de parfum takes on the cozy, creamy scent of ambrette seeds and ambrox; its base note is a powdery iris. Fun fact: The frosted pink bottle has a thumbprint-like indentation on its side, designed to reflect that in order to be complete, the scent needs you to hold it.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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"I fell in love with this fragrance seven years ago and have had it on hand ever since. With a musky blend of iris and pink pepper, it's a fragrance that never fails at turning heads." —Kassidy Silva, social director

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• Key notes: pink pepper, ambrette seeds, ambrox, iris
• Sizes: 0.27 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Minimalist: Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum

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Juliette Has a Gun

Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum

$115

Amazon

$115

Sephora

Lee applying the Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume Eau de Parfum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Juliette Has a Gun’s bestseller is composed of a single molecular ingredient: Cetalox. According to brand founder Romano Ricci—the very idiosyncratic, very French great-grandson of Nina Ricci—the woody, musky fragrance is typically used as a base note. In this minimalist perfume, the note is thrust into the spotlight, where it lingers on the skin with a warming, musky scent. Housed in an opaque, all-white bottle, the fragrance’s packaging matches its clean, elegantly restrained appeal. What’s more, the allergen-free scent is safe for sensitive skin and layers beautifully with other perfumes.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“As someone with some very specific fragrance sensitivities—anything too musky or gourmand can mean an instant migraine. For anyone in the same camp, Juliette Has a Gun’s Not a Perfume revolves around a single note, Cetalox, which indeed has a woody, musky quality, but it never feels overwhelming to me. I still play it safe with just one spritz on my wrist, which leaves behind a subtle scent that I can comfortably wear all day. I especially love it for layering: Paired with my favorite fruity or floral fragrances like Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Orchid, it adds a little more depth without overpowering what I already love about them." —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key note: Cetalox
• Sizes: 0.25 oz, 1.7 oz, 3.3 oz

Best Chypre: Nonfiction Dew and Light Eau de Parfum

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Nonfiction

Dew and Light Eau de Parfum

$145

Nonfiction

Han applying the Nonfiction Dew and Light Eau de Parfum

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: K-beauty may be best known for skin care, but Nonfiction’s Dew and Light makes a pretty convincing case for adding Korean fragrance to your radar. The Seoul-based brand brings that same less-is-more sensibility to scent, pairing delicate peony with juicy pear for a fresh and airy floral. White moss adds a clean, crisp quality, while Akigalawood—a fragrance ingredient derived from patchouli oil with woody, earthy, and subtly spicy facets—adds a little more depth. Every spritz captures the feeling of petals still damp with morning dew: sheer and fresh, with just enough earthiness to keep it all grounded.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I never thought I’d get the most compliments from such a light scent, but Nonfiction Dew and Light has officially proven me wrong. It’s just so gorgeous—fresh, woody, and chic all at once—like the start of a perfect spring day (Spring is my favorite season and ‘Spring Day’ is the name of one of my all-time favorite songs by BTS—I love scent associations!). I love how large the bottle is, too—it’s going to last me forever! S/O Allure Korea for my sample. Thankfully, Nonfiction has opened up a brick-and-mortar in New York City—which I highly recommend everyone check out!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key notes: peony, pear, white moss, Akigalawood
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a skin scent?

Since skin scents tend to smell a bit different on everyone—adjusting to an individual’s body chemistry—it can be tough to pin down what characterizes them. As Monet describes it, “Skin scents can be seen as ‘introverted’ fragrances because they sit close to the skin rather than projecting loudly." Ultimately, she says, "They tend to be more linear and intimate, meaning they are back-driven and create a subtle, steady presence that enhances your personal experience rather than making a bold statement.”

Who might like a skin scent?

According to Monet, skin scents appeal to anyone who prefers subtle, natural-smelling fragrances over bold scents that make a statement with a sillage that turns heads. Their personal, easy-to-wear quality also makes them a natural choice for a signature scent. “Fans of minimalist, clean, and musky fragrances would also like a skin scent,” she notes.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Monet, a DSM Firmenich perfumer based in Paris
• Jeniece Trizzino, VP of innovation and product at Scentbird and Drift, based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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