Category: THE-BEAUTY

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

If you’ve spent any time scrolling through K-beauty TikTok, chances are you’ve spotted at least one of the best Kahi products without even realizing it. The Korean skin-care brand shot to fame with its Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, a chunky pink stick that became nearly as recognizable for its K-drama cameos as for its skin-care benefits. (In shows like Extraordinary Attorney Woo, characters could be seen casually swiping it across their cheeks, forehead, and neck for an instant hit of moisture and glow.) And while multi-balms have since become a much bigger K-beauty category, Kahi has stuck with the formula that helped popularize them (the original Multi Balm hasn’t been reformulated in six years!).

That portable approach to skin care is still Kahi’s calling card. Rather than keeping moisturizing and glow-boosting formulas confined to your bathroom shelf, the brand packages many of them in swipe-and-go formats made for skin care anywhere, anytime.

Our Top Kahi Products

• Bounce Back: Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm, $23
• Root Awakening: Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm, $23
• Stick With It: Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF Broad Spectrum 50+, $21
• Soft Spot: Kisstin Balm, $23

But convenience doesn’t come at the expense of ingredient-packed formulas. Depending on the formula, you’ll find skin-care ingredients such as PDRN, adenosine, niacinamide, collagen, ceramides, and botanical oils. The lineup has expanded beyond its viral multi-balm, too, with lightweight SPF sticks and even a mess-minimizing grinding cleansing balm. Ahead, find our favorite Kahi products for smoothing and glowing on the go.

Bounce Back: Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kahi

Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

$23

Amazon

Why we love it: Anyone who’s dabbled in K-beauty has probably heard of buzzy PDRN. “PDRN, or polydeoxyribonucleotide, refers to DNA fragments that are most commonly derived from salmon sperm DNA that have been studied for wound healing, tissue repair, inflammation control, and regeneration,” Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City, previously told Allure. While there still isn’t enough clinical research to determine whether the benefits of injectable PDRN translate to topical skin care, at least we know the supporting cast in Kahi’s Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm is doing some heavy lifting.

Hydrolyzed collagen acts as a humectant to retain moisture, while adenosine smooths the appearance of fine lines. Licorice root extract brings soothing and brightening benefits, and a nourishing blend of sunflower, sweet almond, moringa, and rice germ oils, plus shea butter, softens dry skin and seals in moisture. The best part: It’s all packed into a swipe-anywhere stick you can use on your face, neck, and lips, before or after makeup.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“At first glance, Kahi’s Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm looks like a giant lip balm stick, but one swipe delivers a surprising amount of hydration and nourishment all over my skin (even my dry elbows!). I love gliding it along my cheekbones—almost like a highlighter—for a glossy glow under makeup, but I mostly reach for it at night underneath my usual moisturizer when my skin is feeling extra dry. The fine lines that are starting to creep up around my cheeks and eyes always look especially nourished after I use it, without my skin feeling slick or greasy. It’s also become my hands-free fix for dry patches during the day: I can swipe it straight over areas like my cheeks whenever they start feeling parched, without dipping my fingers into a jar or slathering on another layer of moisturizer.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: PDRN, hydrolyzed collagen, adenosine, licorice root extract, shea butter, sunflower, sweet almond, moringa, and rice germ oils
• Fragrance-free: no

Root Awakening: Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kahi

Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

$23

Amazon

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Kahi Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Whether your K-beauty routine clocks in at 10 steps or a streamlined three, washing off the day typically starts with a double cleanse—and an oil-based formula like Kahi’s Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm makes an ideal first step. Instead of digging your fingers (or a tiny spatula you’ll inevitably lose) into a jar, its grinding mechanism shaves off a fresh portion of balm with every twist, keeping the rest of the formula tucked away and making it easier to dispense just what you need. Sunflower seed oil forms the base of the formula, helping dissolve makeup and sunscreen, while sweet almond, sea buckthorn, apple seed, acai, moringa, and rice germ oils leave skin feeling soft and conditioned. The ingredient list also folds in antioxidant-rich turmeric and licorice root extracts, plus hydrolyzed collagen and adenosine to support smoother, more supple-looking skin.

Hoffmann before applying the Kahi Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Kahi Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I can't live without a cleansing balm in my routine, and this one from Kahi is a lovely addition to my nightly makeup removal. Grinding jars are one of my favorite innovations in skin-care packaging in the last few years, because not having to dig into a jar of cleansing balm or search for an applicator spoon is just so much more pleasant. I wear mascara and tightline my eyes pretty much daily, and this balm does a great job of melting all the product away with minimal scrubbing. My skin feels very clean, but I definitely notice the hydrating effect from the carrot seed extract too.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: sunflower seed, sweet almond, sea buckthorn, apple seed, acai, moringa, and rice germ oils, hydrolyzed collagen, adenosine
• Fragrance-free: no

Stick With It: Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF Broad Spectrum 50+

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kahi

Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF Broad Spectrum 50+

$21

Amazon

Why we love it: K-beauty culture takes sun protection seriously—and that includes reapplying throughout the day. Kahi’s Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ makes that habit a whole lot easier: The portable stick glides directly onto skin, so you can top up your protection without getting sunscreen on your hands or messing up your makeup. Texture-enhancing powders and silicones give this stick its silky finish, while chemical filters—octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, and avobenzone—provide high UVA and UVB protection. Antioxidant vitamin E, soothing bisabolol, and botanical extracts like purslane and watercress round out the formula. We love that you can snag an optional duck keychain case—an adorable little reminder to keep your sun stick close.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Kahi Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Kahi Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“As someone guilty of not reapplying my sunscreen often (until this summer!), I've been on a mission to find sunscreen sticks that don't leave a greasy finish or mess up my makeup. Kahi's Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ is, in fact, airy, as the name implies, and feels like nothing on—even though I apply a few passes on each section of my face. One pass isn't enough! This is crucial to guarantee you have adequate UV protection! I'm sure there's a small percentage of my makeup that fades as I swipe, but it's not noticeable to me. And, as a true test, my faux freckles stay put! The finish is slightly dewy and cast-free, which I attribute to the chemical filters in the formula. Now, let's address the duck in the room. Am I extra swayed by the cute keychain covering that I got with the stick? Yes, of course. If it's cute, I will be more likely to use it—I don't make the rules! (Ok, I do.)” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: octocrylene, homosalate, octisalate, avobenzone, vitamin E, bisabolol, purslane, watercress
• Fragrance-free: no

Soft Spot: Kisstin Balm

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kahi

Kisstin Balm

$23

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: While all of Kahi’s stick balms bring a level of moisture and glow wherever you swipe, Kisstin Balm adds a little color to the equation with this flattering pink tint. The multi-use stick can be glided onto lips, cheeks, and even lids for a sheer, dewy flush, while still delivering the skin-care benefits the brand’s balms are known for. Its emollient base packs sunflower, sea buckthorn, macadamia, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils alongside shea butter to soften and seal in moisture, while a cocktail of Korean seaweed extracts adds antioxidant and conditioning benefits. You’ll also find niacinamide to brighten and even out skin tone, adenosine to smooth the appearance of fine lines, and hydrolyzed collagen to draw in moisture.

Pai before applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I was a little nervous when I first started using this—I have naturally oily skin, so avoid anything dewy, and the pink tone didn't seem to show up on my skin—but the pictures are all the proof I need. The dewy sheen on my cheeks does that none of my other blushes can, and it's become a staple in my routine: I swipe it on my lips for quick moisture, dab it on my cheeks, and suddenly I look polished but not overdone.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: shea butter, Korean seaweed extract, niacinamide, smoothing adenosine, hydrolyzed collagen, sunflower, sea buckthorn, macadamia, apricot kernel, and sweet almond oils
• Fragrance-free: no

Ready to Roll: Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kahi

Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

$110

Amazon

Why we love it: Unlike the basic roller you may already have stashed in your vanity, Kahi’s Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha has four multi-faceted, diamond-cut rollers that create a kneading massage as they travel along your facial contours. Gua sha and massage can encourage circulation and move excess fluid, temporarily reducing puffiness and making facial contours appear a little more defined (though, no, they can’t permanently reshape your face). Kahi’s signature “Seagull Line” shape is designed to hug different angles of the face, so you can get into the unique contours of your chin and jawline. At just 1.4 ounces, it’s also more travel-friendly than your average hi-tech sculpting device (plus, no batteries needed). Our tester found that it glides comfortably over bare skin without tugging, but you can also pair it with a serum, cream, or facial oil for even more slip and let the rollers do their thing.

Lee using the Kahi Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after using the Kahi Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Thanks to TMJ, I hold so much tension in my jaw, so even if I’m not totally convinced this gua sha is doing much for puffiness, I love it purely for the massage. I’ve used more basic gua sha tools in the past, and the little spheres on this one glide so gently across my skin—no uncomfortable tugging or dragging. I’ll admit, though, I’ve only used it on clean, dry skin. I’m a little wary of pairing it with a serum or moisturizer because I can’t help but wonder if product would build up in all those tiny crevices between the rollers.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Weight: 1.4 oz.
• Material: platinum-coated

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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.

$12.99 at TeletiesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A flat-back claw clip designed for a comfortable hold and all-day wear
• What it does: Keeps hair securely in place while allowing you to lean back, drive, travel, and relax without digging into your head
• Who it’s for: Anyone who loves claw clips but hates constantly readjusting them

As a self-proclaimed BookTok girlie, I love to read. Literally anywhere and everywhere: on my couch, in bed, on the subway, when I’m traveling, you name it. But when I pull my hair back to keep it out of my face while reading, most claw clips end up digging into the back of my head, which…does not make for the most pleasant page-turning experience.

Then one of my colleagues put me onto Teleties Flat Back Hair Clips, and I’ve never looked back.

And they’re so easy to use! I pull my hair back into a ponytail style, then twist it up, and then secure it in place with the clip’s flexible teeth. The flattened design (which comes in so many fun shades and shapes!) keeps my hair firmly in place for however long I’m reading—and/or binge-watching Ted Lasso, sweating it out at Barry’s, or simply sitting on an airplane.

All without a random poke in the back of my head or constantly having to readjust my clip! Honestly, I don’t know if I could go back to traditional claw clips again after using these—and you don’t have to either.

Teleties Flat Square Hair Clip is in the August Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Teleties Flat Square Hair Clip

$12.99 at Teleties$12.99 at Teleties

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.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

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.

Application tipsCourtesy of subjectSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"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

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Musk: Glossier You Eau de Parfum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"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

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Chypre: Nonfiction Dew and Light Eau de Parfum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“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

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• 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.

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

Let’s get one thing out of the way: You don’t need to conceal anything. The best concealers aren’t here to convince you otherwise. Dark circles happen, acne pops up, and dark spots can even appear despite diligent sunscreen use. But we also get those days when you simply want your complexion to look a little more even—and there’s nothing wrong with that, either.

Today’s concealers have come a long way from the thick, cakey cover-ups you may remember from your first makeup bag. Many are packed with nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides, and antioxidants, so coverage feels more like an extension of your skin-care routine than an extra layer sitting on top. Ahead, we tapped makeup artists and put plenty of formulas to the test to find the ones that cover what you want—and let everything else still look like you.

Our Top Concealers

• Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer, $42
• Best Full-Coverage: Nars Soft Matte Concealer, $36
• Best for Combination Skin: Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer, $24
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer, $8

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I choose the right concealer shade?
• What makes a concealer move well with the skin?
• What concealer looks best on mature skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Lexi Herrick

Why we love it: Some beauty products need a little time to earn their icon status, but Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Concealer was an instant hit: When it launched in 2020, it immediately won an Allure Best of Beauty Award—and then did it again in 2025. (Yes, it’s that good.) With caffeine, vitamin E, and glycerin to hydrate and brighten, the formula delivers buildable coverage with the second-skin finish that made the Luminous Silk line famous. “This concealer truly melts into the skin thanks to its serum-like texture,” says Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore. “It layers beautifully without ever looking heavy or creating that crepey, mask-like effect, especially under the eyes.” Build it up when redness, dark circles, or blemishes need extra attention, or keep things sheer when you want to keep skin more breathable. Its “radiant satin finish creates a rested, lifted look by softly reflecting light,” says Young, all while wearing throughout the day without creasing or separating.

Herrick before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Lexi Herrick

Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"This concealer has quickly become a staple in my routine. It's the perfect amount of coverage for addressing some of my problem areas, including breakouts and acne scars. A little really goes a long way, and the felt tip application makes application a breeze. The shade range is also impressive, and it holds up great throughout the day." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: vitamin E, caffeine, glycerin
• Shades: 25
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Best Full-Coverage: Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Nars

Soft Matte Concealer

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Ulta Beauty

$36

Sephora

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Bianca Richards

Why we love it: Purple-toned dark circles can be especially hard to hide, which is where the Nars Soft Matte Complete Concealer’s full-coverage formula comes in. Think of it as the more matte, concentrated cousin of the beloved Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (an editor-favorite formula that won a 2024 Readers' Choice Award). The creamy pot formula uses light-diffusing powders to blur the look of discoloration and uneven texture, while its soft-focus finish keeps the undereye area from looking overly shiny. And despite the word “matte” in its name, it’s designed to stay flexible rather than dry or cakey, with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and vitamins A, C, and E helping to condition and smooth skin. Even better for undereyes, the waterproof, sweat- and humidity-resistant formula ”holds where you place it without creasing,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. “The full coverage means I use this sparingly and strategically.”

Richards before applying the Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"This Nars concealer was the very first product I tested as a beauty intern back in 2016, and I haven't looked back since. It's the first product I use in my makeup routine because it creates such a flawless, even canvas, especially for my undereyes, where I experience some discoloration due to lack of hydration, sleep, etc. It instantly makes me look awake, and though it's the only matte concealer that doesn't dry out my skin due to its blendable formula." —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin A, C, and E
• Shades: 30
• Coverage: full
• Finish: matte

Best for Acne: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laura Mercier

Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

$33

Amazon

$33

Nordstrom

$33

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Here’s the thing about blemishes: They don’t always show up in exactly the same shade. One spot might be angry and red, while another has faded into a darker post-breakout mark, which is where Laura Mercier’s Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector gets clever. Each compact comes with a base shade plus two adjusters: Mix in the cooler shade when your match is looking too light, or the warmer shade when it’s looking too dark, letting you customize your coverage from blemish to blemish—or as your skin tone changes throughout the year. The full-coverage formula sets to a natural matte finish and promises up to 16 hours of waterproof, sweat-, crease-, and transfer-resistant wear, so spots stay undercover. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and chamomile extract round things out with antioxidant and soothing benefits, particularly welcome when you’re concealing breakout-prone skin.

Pai before applying the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"I've been using this concealer since high school, and it has worked wonders in concealing breakouts and dark spots alike. The original version had two shades to mix, but I'm loving the addition of a third, which gives me more flexibility to make a good color match. The creamy texture makes it easy to pick up and dab with my (clean!) fingers, and all I have to do is press it onto spots to conceal them." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: blend of emollients, vitamin C, vitamin E, chamomile extract
• Shades: 8
• Coverage: full
• Finish: matte

Best for Combination Skin: Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tower 28

Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

$24

Revolve

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Combination skin likes to keep you guessing: Your T-zone might be shiny and your undereyes could be dry, so your concealer has to make peace with both. Tower 28’s Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer is up to the task, pairing a featherlight, serum-like texture with buildable coverage. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid pull moisture into skin without the richness of heavy oils or butters, while Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), green tea, and vitamin E soothe and condition, which is especially nice when you’re covering an angry breakout. “This is one of my favorites because it’s super lightweight and hydrating while still being long-wearing,” Los Angeles-based makeup artist Ash K Holm previously told Allure. Swipe it over blemishes and redness or tap it beneath your eyes; either way, it leaves behind fresh, natural-looking coverage that plays nicely with both the oily and dry parts of your face.

Han before applying the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Tower 28 Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Tower 28's Swipe Serum is my absolute ride-or-die concealer. I've been using it since it launched in 2023, and it comes with me on every trip. (The highest honor!) I love a skin-care-infused makeup product, and this creamy formula blends in like a dream with a sponge and has never pilled on me even once! This isn't necessary by any means, but I sometimes use two shades: DTLA (my main shade and what I often use alone) under my eyes, on my forehead and chin, and on my cheeks and nose. I tend to have more discoloration in the center of my face, so I like a deeper shade in those areas, whereas DTLA is great for brightening and adding subtler coverage to areas that don't need as much. I always blend out my undereyes and T-zone first, while I let the formula sit for a minute and really meld into especially redness-prone areas (around my nose) and stubborn dark spots (on my nose—one of my worst skin habits is that I'm a stress-picker!). The finish is just perfectly radiant and covers everything I want to, while still looking like skin. It's also reasonably priced at $24 and one of the best-valued concealers you'll find at Sephora—trust. (My second-fave concealer, also available there, is almost $60. Eek!)” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, lysine, caffeine, cica, glycerin
• Shades: 28
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Best for Dark Spots: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tarte

Shape Tape Concealer

$32 $26 (19% off)

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Why we love it: The repeat Readers' Choice Award winner earned its holy-grail status in part because a little goes a very long way: Its full-coverage pigment can camouflage stubborn dark spots, post-acne marks, and other discoloration without requiring layer after layer of product. Licorice root adds a skin-care bonus, as the botanical is commonly used in brightening formulas to improve the look of hyperpigmentation, while shea and mango butters and olive oil give the formula enough slip to keep all that coverage from looking dry or cakey. Once set, it dries down to a natural matte finish that keeps dark spots from peeking back through. “I also love Shape Tape because I know once it’s set, it’s not going anywhere,” Los Angeles-based makeup artist Alondra Excene previously told Allure.

Jusu before applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Jusu after applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I use Tarte’s Shape Tape Radiant Concealer in 47H (Tan-Deep Honey) to brighten under my eyes, and the Shape Tape Contour Concealer in 53H (Deep Honey) to cover hyperpigmentation while subtly contouring for an everyday glow. A little goes a long way, and paired with a touch of blush, it pulls the whole look together effortlessly.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: mango seed, shea butter, licorice root, shea butter
• Shades: 50
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural matte

Best Longwear: Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

$38 $34 (11% off)

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Ulta Beauty

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Why we love it: According to our editor in chief, Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer has held up through live TV filming, in-office meetings, and dinner events—all in the same day—so, yes, it’s built for the long haul. The Best of Beauty-winning formula uses oil-absorbing silica to keep shine at bay, while film-forming ingredients like flexible silicones create a lightweight layer that grips skin and moves with it, preventing coverage from cracking, creasing, or sliding around. Despite all that staying power, glycerin and hyaluronic acid keep the full-coverage formula from feeling dry, while caffeine gives tired undereyes a brightening, de-puffing assist. Even the wand applicator is an overachiever, with three distinct edges designed for everything from precise spot-concealing to highlighting and contouring.

Cruel before applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I am a big Double Wear foundation fan, so when this concealer came across my desk, it was a must-try. It is a bit thicker than your average concealer—something the Double Wear formula is known for. What I like is that one swipe erases the panda pads under my eyes. Because it is already full-coverage, I like to use my fingers to blend the formula naturally. That way it's not too cakey or splotchy. I often just use this concealer instead of foundation. This product has a 24-hour claim, but I have never put it to that long of a test. The farthest I have gotten is a marathon day of live TV filming, in-office meetings, and dinner events. It stood up through all of that, which is what a busy woman needs.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: micro silica spheres, sodium hyaluronate, caffeine
• Shades: 30
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

E.L.F. Cosmetics

16 HR Camo Concealer

$8 $7 (13% off)

Amazon

$8

Ulta Beauty

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: “Creamy, concealing, and consistent”—according to our tester, those are the only three C’s you need to remember when it comes to e.l.f. Cosmetics’ 16HR Camo Concealer. The budget-friendly formula offers full coverage and a matte finish that stays put for up to 16 hours. Film-forming polymers keep pigment in place, while oil-absorbing silica and kaolin tamp down excess shine, which is especially handy for oily skin and blemishes that you want to keep undercover all day. Boron nitride gives the formula its silky slip and creates a blurring effect, while avocado oil adds conditioning moisture so a matte doesn’t look like skin is parched. Not bad for a drugstore concealer that costs less than a venti Starbucks.

Kinonen before applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics 16HR Camo Concealer

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"Creamy, concealing, and consistent is how I’d describe e.l.f’s 16 HR Camo Concealer. A little bit goes a long way with this stuff, so I usually only need a dot or two on my dark, puffy undereyes to truly cover any evidence of getting less than six hours of sleep (when the enemies finally become lovers, how do you expect me not to stay up and keep reading?!). And once it’s blended, it doesn’t budge. It comes in so many shades (20!)—I use Light Ivory—and is only $8; you can’t beat it!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: silica, boron nitride, avocado oil
• Shades: 24
• Coverage: full
• Finish: matte

Best for Melasma: Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Lancôme

Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Melasma can be particularly tricky to conceal: It often covers larger patches of skin than your average dark spot or blemish, so piling on an opaque formula can quickly look cakey with the wrong formula. Lancôme’s Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer offers buildable, natural-looking coverage that can camouflage melasma, sunspots, and other hyperpigmentation without masking your skin entirely. “This concealer is long-lasting yet hydrating, thanks to moringa seed and rose extract,” says Paris-based makeup artist Kelly McClain. Better yet, you won’t have to worry if your concealer is melting off as the day goes on: “It’s crease-resistant and impressively long-wearing, yet still feels completely weightless,” says Carl Ray, a makeup artist based in Washington, D.C. The brand claims up to 24 hours of wear—and while we’d certainly recommend double-cleansing well before you hit that mark, it’s nice to know your coverage can clock some serious overtime when you need it to.

Lee before applying the Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Lancôme Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I had high hopes for this concealer since the foundation version topped our list of best full-coverage foundations—and it did not disappoint. During the winter, I use prescription tretinoin to fade melasma, but since it leaves my skin more sun-sensitive, I rely on concealer for a smooth, even-toned finish the rest of the year. It offers full coverage, but it's so breathable and skin-like that I can forget I’m even wearing makeup with this on." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: glycerin, water lily extract, moringa seed extract
• Shades: 24
• Coverage: full
• Finish: natural matte

Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Kosas

Revealer Concealer

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Allure tester applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Why we love it: Kosas Revealer Concealer is pretty much eye cream dressed up as makeup—and mature skin gets the best of both worlds. The super-creamy formula pairs medium, buildable coverage with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to draw in moisture, squalane and panthenol to keep skin soft, and peptides to smooth the look of fine lines. Caffeine also gives tired undereyes a brightening, de-puffing assist. Instead of drying down flat or cakey (and calling extra attention to every little crease), “the super creamy texture is incredibly hydrating, but once it sets, it stays,” Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles, previously told Allure. Plus, with 38 shades (plus brightening, color-correcting versions), “the full range of skin tones covers everyone,” says Rivero.

Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Allure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"This is like the Swiss Army Knife of concealers for me. I use the flat sponge to deposit just a few dabs of concealer beneath my eyes or the more precise tip to spot-cover redness around my nose. I've also found that it blends in seamlessly with my fingers—no brushes needed, which is always a plus." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: caffeine, pink algae, hyaluronic acid, arnica, peptides
• Shades: 38
• Coverage: medium
• Finish: radiant

Best for Undereyes: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Haus Labs

Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

$32

Sephora

Lee applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: It doesn’t just win for shade range (51 shades—the most of any pick on our list); Haus Labs’ Triclone Skin Tech Foundation also marries makeup and skin care. It offers breathable, buildable coverage and highlights the brand’s patent-pending fermented arnica, which calms redness and reduces puffiness while supporting a more even-looking complexion. “This Haus Labs concealer is one of my most-used concealers because it moves with your face,” says Loiz. “It evens tone without masking expression and wears beautifully over time.” The formula is flexible with a skin-like finish, “which is critical as skin texture changes—it never looks stiff or over-applied,” Loiz says.

Lee before applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Lately, I’ve been noticing that the more pigmented the concealer's formula, the more it seems to show off every little fine line under my eyes. This one has the nicest creamy, second-skin consistency, but it’s also very pigmented, so I only need the tiniest amount to get the coverage I want. That means I’m not piling on layers under my eyes only to have them settle into creases later. I also love using whatever’s left on my finger or brush to tap over patches of melasma—it covers them well without making my skin look like it’s wearing a ton of makeup.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: fermented arnica, BioFerment 7 Complex (fermented green tea, marine algae, squalane), IntelliZen 7 Complex (chamomile, licorice root, dandelion, tiger grass)
• Shades: 51
• Coverage: medium/buildable
• Finish: natural

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right concealer shade?

For the most natural-looking coverage, choose a concealer that closely matches your skin tone and undertone, especially when covering blemishes, redness, or dark spots. And remember: Your perfect match may change with the seasons. “People run into difficulty when blending and shade-matching, especially when they rely on one shade year-round,” New York City-based makeup artist Tommy Napoli previously told Allure. “We know this is trouble because we are not the same shade in summer as we are in winter.”

If your usual concealer suddenly looks too light or dark, consider when you bought it—you may need a different shade as your skin tone changes throughout the year. For undereyes, you can also go about one shade lighter than your current skin tone for a subtle brightening effect.

What makes a concealer move well with the skin?

Concealers that move with the skin tend to have emollient, moisturizing ingredients that keep the formula flexible rather than letting it dry down into a stiff layer. “Hydrating, rich ingredients like jojoba oil, vitamin E, and petrolatum will allow the concealer to move naturally with the skin,” says Michelle Radow, a makeup artist based in Beverly Hills. That flexibility can be especially helpful around expressive areas like the undereyes, where a drier formula may be more likely to emphasize fine lines or look cakey as you smile, squint, and talk throughout the day.

What concealer looks best on mature skin?

Concealers with hydrating, natural-looking finishes tend to be especially flattering on mature skin because “they create reflection and bounce to the skin and can create the illusion of smoother skin,” says Radow. On the flip side, she notes that very matte finishes can make skin appear drier and duller, potentially drawing more attention to fine lines, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity.

Meet the experts

• Ash K Holm, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Kelly McClain, a makeup artist based in Paris
• Tommy Napoli, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Michelle Radow, a makeup artist based in Beverly Hills
• Carl Ray, a makeup artist based in Washington, D.C.
• Tomy Rivero, a makeup artist based in New York City and Los Angeles
• Ngozi Olandu Young, a makeup artist based in Baltimore

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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.”

$28 at Athr BeautySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A volumizing and lengthening mascara
• What it does: Gives lashes a lengthier look on life
• Who it’s for: Anyone in the market for a new mascara that removes without much mess

No matter how tired I am at the end of the day—whether it’s a long day at work, an extra-long dinner with friends, or getting in late from a red-eye—I always take off my makeup. It’s one of those cardinal beauty rules I’ll never break.

For the longest time, I accepted that this meant ending every day the same way: painstakingly wiping and swiping off every last bit of makeup, with mascara taking the longest.

That’s not so true these days, after I discovered The Comeback Mascara from Athr Beauty. This mascara, made with nourishing acai and sunflower seed oils, lengthens and plumps up my stubby lashes in just two coats, without mess—during both the application and removal processes.

To apply, I like to wiggle the wand at the base of my lashes to make sure each individual lash is grabbed and coated in the inky formula. Then I do it again, making sure each lash has at least two layers of product.

And at the end of the day, when it comes time to take it all off, all it takes is a little warm water and light rubbing. Not too bad!

The Comeback Mascara is proof that some of the best mascaras aren’t just ones you love wearing—they’re also the ones you don’t dread taking off.

Athr Beauty The Comeback Mascara is in the August Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Athr Beauty The Comeback Mascara

$28 at Athr Beauty$28 at Athr Beauty

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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.