Category: HEALTH

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Face oils get a bad rap for being greasy, pore-clogging, or only useful if you’re chasing a temporary glow, but the best face oils have come a long way. “A face oil primarily helps seal in hydration and reinforce your skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. Because they’re made of lipids (not water), they lock in moisture rather than delivering active, water-based ingredients like serums do.

That’s also why facial oils are almost always the final step in your routine, “since they’re formulated to sit on top of the skin,” adds Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL, which helps seal in everything underneath and prevent moisture loss—key for anyone dealing with dryness and flaking. And here’s the surprising part: They’re far more versatile than people think. Even oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types can use face oils, says Dr. Hartman. Just stick to non-comedogenic options like squalane or jojoba and apply only a few drops as your last step.

Our Top Face Oils

• Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil, $55
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil, $69
• Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil, $150
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil, $26
• Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, $58
• Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $84
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil, $55
• Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil, $19

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Will face oils make me break out?
• Can face oils be anti-aging?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, we rounded up the best face oils for every skin type and concern, from lightweight, non-comedogenic oils for breakout-prone skin to deeply nourishing blends that bring dull, mature skin back to life.

Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Summer Fridays

Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

$55

Amazon

$55

Revolve

$55

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Some face oils are just about surface-level sheen, but Summer Fridays’ Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil does more than give that coveted glow. It pairs it with real skin benefits (think moisture retention, barrier support, and a subtle plumping effect) thanks to a blend of 16 oils, including sunflower, meadowfoam, pomegranate, sacha inchi, prickly pear, and hemp seed. Together, they “offer deep hydration and a more radiant, even-toned complexion,” says Dr. Hartman. We chose it as our overall pick because it feels luxe but still plays well with every skin type (yes, even oily and acne-prone), thanks to its non-comedogenic formula and surprisingly fast absorption.

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I was super-skeptical of face oils before I tried this one. My skin is naturally pretty oily, so I wasn't sure if an oil would add anything to my skin-care routine, but this one from Summer Fridays changed the game for me. It's thin and lightweight, but also incredibly moisturizing. It doesn't feel too thick or sticky and gives my skin a healthy glow without making me look greasy. I love that I can use it alone on top of my skin care or mix a drop into my moisturizer—both methods have helped heal the always-dry patches around my nose.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: prickly pear seed oil, sacha inchi seed oil, pomegranate seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Elemis

Superfood Face Oil

$72

Elemis

Why it's worth it: It’s fitting that a brand with deep spa roots would create a face oil that basically works like a green smoothie for your skin. Elemis Superfood Facial Oil—a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—takes that “daily dose of greens” idea literally, packing in a blend of nourishing plant oils that feed, cushion, and revive dry or lackluster skin. The formula leans on flaxseed oil, which is “rich in omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. Sweet almond oil “locks in moisture and supports repair thanks to its naturally high vitamin E content,” while daikon radish and broccoli seed oil bring lightweight slip and a silky, fast-absorbing finish, so you get glow without grease, says Dr. Ibrahim.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“After a few weeks of using this oil once or twice daily, some of my dullness had faded, my complexion looked brighter and more even, and those pesky dry patches around my nose and chin finally calmed down. The biggest change, though, is waking up with plump, bouncy skin that has that just-had-a-facial glow. Elemis’s Superfood Hydrating Nourishing Facial Oil has quickly become one of those rare finds that does it all: It feels luxe, smells fresh, and offers easy results. If you’ve avoided face oils because of the grease factor, this one’s the perfect entry point.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, flaxseed oil, daikon radish, broccoli seed oil, squalane
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil

La Mer

The Renewal Oil

$295

Nordstrom

$295

Bluemercury

$295

Sephora

Why it's worth it: It’s hard to talk about La Mer without talking about the Miracle Broth—the legendary fermented blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals that began as a healing experiment by an aerospace physicist and went on to power one of the most famous face creams in the world. If you love the story (and the results) but want something silkier and even more hydrating than the cream, try a few drops of The Renewal Oil. It’s formulated with that same iconic broth in a lightweight, skin-soaking oil that nourishes, softens, and smooths mature or seriously parched skin. Along with Miracle Broth, the oil features the brand’s Infinity Oil Complex—a cushiony mix of meadowfoam seed, sweet almond, and jojoba oils for deep, long-lasting suppleness—plus peptides to help support firmness over time. Since it’s a dual-phase formula, give the bottle a quick shake first to blend the oils, so you get the full benefits from each drop.

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“The La Mer Renewal Oil is the 60 seconds of luxury that every mom deserves in their skin-care routine. My skin looks instantly brighter after just three drops. I apply it in the mornings when I wake up exceptionally dry in the winter months, or anytime my skin needs a luminous boost.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: Miracle Broth (sea kelp, vitamins, minerals), Infinity Oil Complex (including meadowfoam seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil), peptides
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Gel Oil

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you love the idea of a face oil but hate the greasy, slippery feeling most of them leave behind, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Gel Oil is the happy middle ground. Its gel-to-oil texture feels weightless when applied, but still delivers the comforting, cushiony hydration you expect from an oil. The formula blends skin-softening glycerin for moisture with five ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer to help strengthen the skin barrier. You’ll also find antioxidant-rich sunflower extract, rosemary leaf extract, and rice bran extract for extra soothing support. “People don’t realize there’s a prescription-only product with similar ceramide levels. CeraVe offers the same benefits at a way more affordable price point,” says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sunflower extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil

Ole Henriksen

HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil

$58

Ulta Beauty

$58

Revolve

$58

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Oh, you thought having oily skin meant face oils were off-limits? Plot twist: Excess sebum is often due to dehydrated skin trying to make up for the lack of moisture—so the right oil can actually rebalance things instead of making you shinier. That’s where Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, comes in, as a lightweight formula that works for all skin types, even the slick ones. Its foundation is a trio of oil-soluble peptides, “which improve skin function and support elasticity,” says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA. They’re paired with Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry), packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for deep moisture without the heaviness. Ceramides help skin hold onto hydration, while “squalane and vitamin E further soften the skin,” adds Dr. Park.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptides, cloudberry oil, lingonberry oil, elderberry oil, ceramides, squalane, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl's

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

$140

Amazon

$140

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate doesn’t contain retinol or other actives that make your skin sun-sensitive, but you’ll still look forward to using this specifically as part of your p.m. routine. The lightweight lavender scent gives it a built-in wind-down moment, and the formula works in sync with your skin’s natural overnight repair cycle. A blend of nourishing, non-greasy oils, including evening primrose and rosehip, helps soften fine lines and replenish lost moisture while you sleep. By morning, skin feels smoother and looks more refreshed, with a little extra bounce, especially if you’re dealing with dryness or visible signs of aging.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: lavender oil, evening primrose oil, rose oil, squalane, jojoba seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil

Sunday Riley

Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil

$105

Amazon

$105

Nordstrom

$105

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Now, if you’re looking for a retinol-based product to tackle everything from breakouts to signs of aging, there’s a reason nearly every Allure editor has had this signature blue bottle of Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil on their vanity at some point. Luna uses a retinoid ester (a gentler, oil-soluble form of retinoid) to help smooth fine lines, even tone, and—our favorite benefit—keep acne-prone skin in check by regulating oil production and speeding up cell turnover. “Retinol is a must for anyone with blemish-prone skin, and this lightweight oil makes it easy to apply without irritation,” says Dr. Hartman. It’s also buffered with blue tansy and chamomile to calm redness and chia and blackberry seed oils to soften skin overnight.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: retinoid ester, blue tansy, chamomile, chia seed oil, blackberry seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil

Byoma

Hydrating Recovery Oil

$19 $18 (5% off)

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or reactive, that’s usually a sign your skin barrier needs a little repair work. Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil. It uses a proprietary Barrier Lipid Complex to replenish the fats your skin naturally loses, while squalane teams up with eight antioxidant-rich botanical oils (including jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, and sea buckthorn) to restore moisture and balance without leaving a greasy film.“I love this oil because it’s lightweight yet incredibly nourishing. It strengthens and hydrates the skin while giving that dewy, healthy look,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil, seabuckthorn oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Will face oils make me break out?

Contrary to what people believe, the best oils don’t automatically cause breakouts. “There are non-comedogenic face oils that use oils that do not clog pores, and if you have acne-prone skin, I only recommend using those,” says Dr. Hartman. If your skin is oily or breakout-prone, Dr. Hartman suggests easing in slowly: “Start with applying a face oil once a week and increase if desired.” And if you’re already dealing with active acne, check with your dermatologist, who can help assess the right way to use face oil in your routine.

Can people with mature skin use face oils?

“Many face oils are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that help support collagen and protect against environmental damage,” says Dr. Hovenic. She recommends looking for oils like rosehip (packed with vitamins A and C), argan (a great source of vitamin E), and marula or sea buckthorn (loaded with omega fatty acids), all of which can help smooth fine lines, boost elasticity, and give mature skin a healthier, more radiant glow. Face oils also work well alongside traditional anti-aging actives: “They pair well with ingredients like retinol by providing hydration and helping avoid irritation that can happen with retinol use,” she adds.

Meet the experts

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, based in Birmingham, AL
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
• Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, based in Santa Monica
• Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Skin & Beauty Center based in Westlake Village, CA

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 face oils, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Courtesy of @overglowedit, @nailartbyqueenie, @nailsxanalysseSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Soap, milk, clean girl, quiet luxury. After a year full of minimalist nail designs and colors, all signs point to a full pendulum swing: This winter’s nail art trends are loud, proud, bright, shiny, and spotted. You’d be hard-pressed to find a “barely there” in the bunch.

Fall runways featured flashy, reimagined animal prints. It took one innocent selfie from Hailey Bieber—the harbinger of many nail trends—to make polka-dot nails explode in popularity. And suddenly our feeds were filled with edgy, 3D takes on silver molten metal. If you’re ready for your nail art to be less whisper, more shout, these winter nail art trends are a perfect, bold antidote to the neutrals and nudes that dominated much of 2025. Below, experts break down what their clients are asking for and what they expect to see trending this season.

Polka dots

Courtesy of @nailsbyzolaCourtesy of @nail.foolCourtesy of @nailsxanalysseCourtesy of @enamelleCourtesy of @overgloweditCourtesy of @nailsxanalysse

If bare nails are like chamomile tea and sculptural, 3D nails are the quad latte of nail art, polka dots are like a half-caff—a low-commitment pick-me-up. If you’re just coming out of your natural nail daze, a good entry-level design like coquettish dots is the perfect first winter mani.

But just because the design is simple doesn't mean it has to be boring. Try a gradient Ben Day pattern (like the dots you see in comic-book illustrations or a Lichtenstein painting), create a black-and-white French manicure with dots just on the tips, à la Dua Lipa, or paint a Milky Way constellation of alternating sizes across the center. And of course, glazed pink nails with evenly-spaced white spots—like Hailey Bieber or Sabrina Carpenter—are a reliable go-to.

You’ll need a steady hand and the right tools to nail this trend, says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director of Townhouse salons. Otherwise, the spots will look amorphous, like a middle school art project done freehand. “Our nail artists work with dotting tools to ensure every detail is perfectly placed,” she explains. “It’s that precision and polish that elevate the look from playful to truly fashion-forward.”

A set like DND Dotting Nail Art Tools offers multiple dotting tips so you can create different looks. Use a larger, rounded tip for Minnie Mouse spots (see Sydney Sweeney’s inverted white-and-red polka-dot manicure; OPI Big Apple Red was practically made for this throwback combo) or a teeny pointed tip for delicate French hosiery dots (a sheer black like Cirque Colors NSFW Jelly makes a great base for black dots if you want that cheeky lingerie look). For a brighter vibe, Nails Inc. founder Thea Green recommends tiny green dots over hot pink (Wicked: For Good is in theaters this winter, after all).

Velvet French manicure

Courtesy of @jesamarie_Courtesy of @graciela.nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenie

A classic French is fine and good for the holidays, but with all the emphasis on maximalism this season, it could use a few extra ingredients. A velvet French is like an eggnog, but with a dash of peppermint flavor for intrigue. You still get the sleek silhouette of French tips, but the cool dimension of magnetic polish. “It's fashionable without [being] overpowering,” says Los Angeles-based nail artist Sarah Chue.

You could go the sleek and simple route: a regular white-tipped French with an all-over velvet sheen as the base (INLP in Cashmere is a good neutral, or Born Pretty polish in Jelly Pink if you prefer your French manicure with a pinker base). It’s a versatile look, and any length or shape will work because the finish is what makes the impact.

Or you could mix it up. Get creative with a color—or five!—or pull the cat-eye dimension on just the tips so it’s really only a French manicure at certain angles. “To achieve this, you would use a rectangle magnet,” says Chue. “Hold the magnet upright and start from the cuticle of the nail and gently and slowly drag the magnet down towards the tip of the nail, revealing the French curve.”

Surrealist animal print

Courtesy of @misspopnailsCourtesy of @happyclawsssCourtesy of @naominailsnycCourtesy of @vanityprojects

If Salvador Dalí were alive today and forayed into a side hustle as a nail tech, his clients wouldn’t end up with just a standard leopard print. Purple crocodiles, holographic blue zebras, and butterflies with gold-tipped pink wings—now that’s the stuff of a true surrealist’s dream.

This winter, we’re expecting a zoo’s worth of animal prints in unexpected colors, like the golden zebra stripes New York City-based manicurist Miss Pop painted onto Salon Perfect Magnetic Mirror Effect press-ons for Bronx and Banco at Fashion Week this fall. “I love re-creating the print and taking it to the next dimension by playing with textured, tactile spots or giving the illusion of the way fur glistens in the light,” she says.

More intricate designs are better left to the seasoned pros or press-ons, but crocodile scales are fairly straightforward. Start with a base color of your choice (since we’re dealing with Technicolor wildlife, we recommend Holo Taco nail polish in Peri-Social), then paint on a blooming gel like Gelcare Blooming Gel, which "allows drops of [gel polish color] to move without them connecting,” says New York-based manicurist Elle Gerstein.

Then place drops of your crocodile-scale color (we like Apres Gel Couleur in PB&Jelly) and watch them “bloom.” You may want a nail-dotting tool to guide them into uniform squoval shapes, but keep in mind: “This can only be done with gel and not lacquer,” says Gerstein. A UV light is what will freeze those drops of concentrated color into place.

Marbled

Courtesy of @enamelleCourtesy of @sansungnails

Another handy use for that blooming gel? The marbled stone nails we’re seeing everywhere on our Instagram feeds are thanks to nail artists like Gerstein and Naomi Yasuda.

Choose a base color, then two or three complementary colors to swirl on top of a coat of blooming gel. For a subtler set, start with a sheer neutral like Nails Inc. 1-Step Nail Polish in It’s Topless Renee, top with blooming gel, and use a dotting tool to swirl on shades of espresso and chestnut (try Essie Fringes & Saddle or Save a Cowboy) alongside a white like Static Nails Liquid Glass Lacquer in Elixir to give it that cracked-stone dimension.

If realistic marble sounds too buttoned-up for your taste, reach for varying shades of wintery blues or even swirls of hot pink and orange. The key pieces are: blooming gel to keep those colors separated and lines of white to help create realistic variation in the “stone.”

Chunky knit

Courtesy of @iris.nailed.itCourtesy of @baynailedit

The weather outside is frightful, and what better way to stave off the cold than an homage to your coziest sweater? Whether you prefer a hardy New England fisherman knit, delicate embroidery on cashmere, or classic Fair Isle patterns, a sprinkling of acrylic powder is just as good as a pair of knitting needles.

Gerstein especially loves the combo of glossy and matte to emphasize texture. “It creates the fun fabric look that we’re seeing on the runways and gives your polish some versatility,” she says.

Start with a glossy gel base and cure it with a UV light. Then use the same color to paint on your knitted design. Sprinkle a clear acrylic powder on top, cure again, and brush the excess powder away. You’ll be left with a monochromatic knit effect that rivals your favorite cardigan.

Meet the experts

• Elle Gerstein is a New York City-based nail artist.
• Thea Green is the founder of the London-based brand Nails Inc.
• Juanita Huber-Millet is the founder and creative director of Townhouse salons across the UK, and in New York City and Los Angeles.
• Miss Pop is a New York City-based nail artist.

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Millie Bobby Brown is over the constant conversation and criticism around her hair and makeup choices.

In early 2025, headlines blared that the Stranger Things star looked “old” and had possibly had plastic surgery, and the 21-year-old actor responded to all the conversation by calling the publications and writers out by name. “I started in this industry when I was 10 years old," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me,” she said her post. “Instead, they act like … I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things season one. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”

Now, Brown is revisiting that conversation in a new interview with British Vogue. The star knows that being perceived is part of the job, but bristles at some of the coverage given to a young woman who is having fun with beauty and figuring out who she is. "I understand that there’s paparazzi, even though it’s invasive, even though it feels like sh*t to me–I know that’s your job,” she shared. "But don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it.”

According to Brown, the headlines regarding her ‘90s-inspired blonde hair and glam from the The Electric State press tour really hurt her feelings. “I was depressed for three, four days. I was crying every day,” she told British Vogue, adding that she was crying in the glam chair before presenting an award to Sabrina Carpenter at the Brit Awards. (Carpenter gave her a hug and told her to “F**k ’em!")

But today, she's feeling much more confident in her beauty experimentation and isn't afraid to call people out. “If me being blonde or wearing more make-up really bothers you, I’m going to address it—not just for myself, but for every other girl who wants to try a new hairstyle or wear a red lip,” Brown shared. “It’s, like, get off my f***ing case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.”

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best skin-care gift sets aren’t just for checking off a loved one’s birthday or holiday gift list—value sets are also the perfect excuse to treat yourself and discover new favorites without splurging on full sizes. Each curated kit is packed with mini versions of fan favorites, so you can find what really works before committing. Plus, their travel-size packaging makes them perfect for tossing into your gym bag, carry-on, or overnight tote for easy, on-the-go routines. Whether you’re new to a brand or just want to streamline your regimen, the best skin-care gift sets make healthier-looking skin feel effortless.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most giftable, travel-ready, and editor-approved options that make glowing skin one less thing to stress about.

Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets to Shop Now

Rice to Meet YouTatcha The Starter Ritual SetJump to review$74

Amazon

Take That Glow to GoLaneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift SetJump to review$32

Amazon

Plumping PinnacleSkinCeuticals Injectables Power PairJump to review$238

SkinCeuticals

Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Rice to Meet You: Tatcha The Starter Ritual Set

Tatcha

The Starter Ritual Set

$74

Amazon

$74

Tatcha

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Tatcha Rice Wash

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: When we think of Tatcha, the first word that often comes to mind is “luxe,” and they’ll quickly see why with The Starter Ritual Set. Inspired by centuries-old geisha rituals and traditional Japanese beauty practices, this four-step lineup is ideal for anyone with dry or mature skin looking to restore a healthy, lit-from-within glow. It includes The Rice Wash to purify (“the creamy texture feels incredibly luxurious as it smooths and brightens the skin,” Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, previously told Allure), The Essence to plump, The Dewy Serum to treat, and The Dewy Skin Cream to nourish. Featuring ingredients like double-fermented rice, antioxidant-rich green tea, and hydrating algae, this routine leaves skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated. From its silky textures to its serene lavender packaging, every detail will remind them to slow down and enjoy a moment of self-care.

Tester feedback on Tatcha’s The Rice Wash from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“This is one of those cleansers that actually makes you look forward to washing your face. When you first start lathering it up, there’s a teeny bit of grittiness from the rice powder doing its gentle exfoliating thing—but then it instantly melts into the softest, creamiest foam. That said, it didn’t really budge my waterproof eyeliner (I don’t blame it; I wear MAC Liquidlast and it’s truly bulletproof), so I wouldn’t rely on it for full makeup removal. But it’s incredible as a second step to a double-cleanse or a no-makeup day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: The Rice Wash (1.7 fl. oz.), The Essence (0.8 fl. oz.), The Dewy Serum (0.35 fl. oz.), The Dewy Skin Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: double-fermented rice, green tea, algae
• Who it’s for: people with dry or mature skin

Take That Glow to Go: Laneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set

Laneige

Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set

$32

Amazon

$32

Sephora

Allure former shopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: We probably don’t need to say much more than that this limited-edition kit includes Laneige’s viral Lip Sleeping Mask, but we’ll indulge you. Laneige has built its reputation on high-performing, hydration-obsessed formulas that feel expensive but aren’t. The Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set rounds up the brand’s bestsellers: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser to purify, Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer to soften and balance, Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer to deeply hydrate, and of course, that iconic Lip Sleeping Mask to smooth and plump overnight. Together, they deliver dewy, bouncy, perfectly moisturized skin (and lips) anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It all comes tucked inside a cute, travel-ready bag.

Tester feedback on Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I mean, this is the OG when it comes to lip masks. There's a reason it's a top-seller on Amazon. It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser (2.7 fl. oz.), Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.), Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (0.33 fl. oz.), Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry (0.1 fl. oz.), cosmetic bag
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, white leaf tea water
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have dull or dry skin or loss of elasticity

Plumping Pinnacle: SkinCeuticals Injectables Power Pair

SkinCeuticals

Injectables Power Pair

$238

SkinCeuticals

$238

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Between the Best of Beauty-winning HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan and equally beloved P-Tiox, we couldn't possibly choose our favorite—even amongst the entire SkinCeuticals family, these two are editor faves. Both formulas are stars at boosting hydration levels and plumping skin, visibly minimizing the look of fine lines with continuous use—so they're great for anyone who wants to target volume loss, dullness, and/or wrinkles, as well as those who regularly go to in-office treatments as at-home maintenance. The best part about this giftable duo? You save $32 versus if you bought these two serums separately. Cha-ching.

Tester feedback on SkinCeuticals P-Tiox from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face—which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: P-Tiox (1 fl oz.), HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan (1 fl oz.)
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, PHA, glycerin, soybean ferment extract

Glow All Over: Osea Juicy Duo Gift Set

Osea

Juicy Duo Gift Set

$32

Amazon

$32

Revolve

$32

Osea

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: We're constantly singing Osea's praises, and what better time to experience its skin-care goodness, or gift said goodness, than the holiday season? Not only do its citrus-leaning body-care products boost your mood with every application, but the ingredients inside the Undaria Algae Body Oil all but guarantee silky-smooth, moisturized, and glazed skin. It doesn't feel heavy, either, despite being an oil. The Hyaluronic Lip Booster is prime lip care for the drier, colder months ahead, and the plush doe-foot applicator is perfect for a one-swipe-and-go situation.

Tester feedback on Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster by Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"I know this may look, and be billed as, a kind of lip gloss—but it is so much more than that. It's this lovely balm-like product that actually enrobes your lips in lasting nourishment and hydration. Honestly, I'm talking hours of a supple pout that smells faintly citrus-y. It doesn't have a tint or anything, but because the Booster is so nourishing, it brings out your lips' natural color. You can't talk about this product (or any Osea product, really) without also speaking to the packaging. The formula is a lovely honey color and looks so luxe in its frosted glass case, and the doe-foot applicator is so special. I've tried many applicators in my time as a beauty editor, and this is a high-quality one that is firm, plush, and draws just enough of the ‘booster’ out of the bottle and onto your lips—no potential for the product to flick onto your shirt." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Hyaluronic Lip Oil Booster (0.41 fl. oz.), Undaria Algae Body Oil (1 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, undaria seaweed, sea fern, caster seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil

Bum, Bum, and Beyond: Sol de Janeiro Jet Set Kit in Cheirosa '62

Sol De Janerio

Jet Set in Cheirosa '62

$34

Amazon

$34

Ulta Beauty

$34

Sephora

Why it's worth it: We’re not saying you should pick your beauty gifts based solely on how amazing they smell, but if you do, we get it. The Sol de Janeiro Jet Set includes three Best of Beauty Award-winning icons: the Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash, a cream-gel formula infused with coconut and açaí oils to tackle dryness before you even towel off; the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, loaded with fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter, energizing caffeine, and antioxidant-rich Brazil nut and açaí oils for an all-over glow; and the Cheirosa ’62 Perfume Mist, a warm, addictive scent that—according to associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tette—has “a 100% success rate in getting compliments.”

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash (3 fl. oz.), Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (1.7 fl. oz.), Cheirosa ‘62 Perfume Mist (1.1 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: caffeine, Brazil nut, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil
• Who it’s for: people with dry skin

Glass Act: Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit

Medicube

Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit

$15

Amazon

Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh removing the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Why it's worth it: Ask anyone at the Allure office what their favorite Medicube product is and you’ll get a different answer every time—and that’s because the brand is stacked with derm-loved formulas at affordable price points. But if they’re new to the K-beauty brand, the Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit is a great intro, featuring four hydrating and firming essentials: Collagen Toner, Collagen Serum, Collagen Cream, and a Collagen Wrapping Mask. And while, as dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman previously told Allure, topical collagen itself can’t penetrate deeply enough to boost collagen production, Medicube’s formulas don’t stop there—they’re joined by ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help support elasticity, smooth fine lines, and give skin that plump, dewy, glass skin glow.

Tester feedback on Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask from features director Dianna Singh

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Collagen Toner (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Serum (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Cream (0.17 fl. oz.), Collagen Wrapping Mask (0.17 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: collagen extract, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin

The Rhode to Glazed Skin: The Rhode Kit

Rhode

The Rhode Kit

$117

Rhode

Why it's worth it: It’s hard to believe the skin-care brand started by Hailey Bieber launched just three years ago. If you’re after an uncomplicated, glow-boosting routine—or trying to impress the teen in your life—The Rhode Kit is the perfect starter kit. It includes four full-size essentials designed for all skin types, especially dry, dull, or dehydrated complexions: Pineapple Refresh cleanser, Glazing Milk essence, and two of the brand’s OG icons, the Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream. The lineup blends hydrating ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid with soothing antioxidants to help strengthen the skin barrier, smooth texture, and deliver that signature “glazed donut” finish that the founder made famous, all in a few simple steps.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Pineapple Refresh (5 fl. oz.), Glazing Milk (4.2 fl. oz.), Peptide Glazing Fluid (1.7 fl. oz.), and Barrier Restore Cream (1.7 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: everyone

Sleeping Beauty: Sunday Riley Go to Bed With Me

Sunday Riley

Go to Bed With Me

$93

Nordstrom

$93

Dermstore

$93

Ulta Beauty

Lee applying the Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Not much has changed since we learned that everyone is obsessed with Sunday Riley a few years ago. Rather than flooding the market with dozens of so-so formulas every other month, the brand keeps things tight—fewer products, stronger efficacy—which is why just about every launch becomes an instant hit. The Go to Bed With Me Complete Evening Routine Set includes seven of Sunday Riley’s hero products for a complete nighttime ritual (read: retinol). They’ll find icons like Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment for glowing, smoother skin and Luna Sleeping Night Oil, packed with retinol and blue tansy to refine texture and treat dark spots overnight. With hydrating, barrier-strengthening picks like Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream and Ceramic Slip Cleanser, this set is for anyone chasing brighter, more even, and healthier-looking skin.

Tester feedback on Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment from Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I have pretty sensitive skin, and this lactic acid treatment is one of the few exfoliants that never freaks it out—it’s so gentle. No peeling, no flaking, no scary ‘purge’ phase; just smoother, glowier skin that actually feels hydrated after. If I could only choose one product to have an endless stock of, it would be this.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence (0.3 fl. oz.), Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream (0.5 fl. oz.), Ceramic Slip Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment (0.5 fl. oz.), A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Luna Sleeping Night Oil (0.34 fl. oz.), 5 Stars Eye Serum (0.27 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, lactic acid, retinol
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin

Thrice as Nice: SkinFix Acne+ Triple Threat Set

SkinFix

Acne+ Triple Threat Set

$30

Sephora

$30

Kohl's

Pai applying SkinFix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Some brands chase trends, but SkinFix focuses on creating solutions for what skin actually needs. And if one of those needs is fighting acne, the Acne+ Triple Threat Set has them covered. This three-step routine includes a 2% BHA Cleanser to unclog pores and smooth texture, an Adapinoid Gel (a retinoid-like treatment) to target blemishes and support cell turnover, and a Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream to calm and hydrate without clogging pores. Together, they tackle breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks while helping maintain a healthy barrier. It’s ideal for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin that needs results and a little TLC.

Tester feedback on SkinFix’s Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream from Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"I've never had a pregnancy glow—just a whole lot of hormonal acne on top of my usual day-to-day breakouts. And this time, it hit just as the weather was getting chilly, which means that I need to balance coddling dry areas, like my cheeks, and addressing trouble spots on my chin and jawline. This stuff has yet to steer me wrong. Unlike a lot of other lightweight moisturizers, it's cushiony and leaves my skin soft, but not shiny. And it's more gel than cream, which gives it an especially nourishing feel." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: 2% BHA Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Adapinoid Gel (0.23 fl. oz.), Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: salicylic acid,
• Who it’s for: people with acne-prone or oily skin

Why You So Obsessed With Me?: e.l.f. Cosmetics Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit

$25

Amazon

$25

Walmart

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

Why it's worth it: In recent years, e.l.f. has gone full-on viral again thanks to formulas that perform like luxury but cost less than your latte. You can’t scroll BeautyTok for more than five seconds without spotting someone slathering, tapping, or glazing on something from the Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit. It features five fan-favorite essentials that blend skin care and glow-inducing makeup: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Bronzing Drops, Thirst Burst Drops, Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, and Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (a tinted chemical sunscreen). For skin that’s dull, dry, or uneven, this lineup delivers everything they need to cleanse, brighten, hydrate, and protect. It won’t take long to see why everyone is—yep—completely obsessed.

Tester feedback of e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops from commerce editor Sarah Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"Whenever I don’t get enough sleep (or even when I do, honestly), a brightening face serum is a must in my morning routine. Thirst Burst Drops offers the best of both worlds, packing in both hydrating and brightening ingredients that perk up my skin straight away. The gel texture melts right into my skin and provides a bit of tackiness (not stickiness) that really grips onto my sunscreen and makeup. Glowy, radiant base? Check, check." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (0.45 fl. oz.), Bronzing Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Thirst Burst Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (0.33 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, hibiscus complex, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry skin

Eau So Hydrated: La Roche-Posay Facial Hydration Heroes

La Roche-Posay

Facial Hydration Heroes

$50

Amazon

Why it's worth it: It all started in a tiny French town called La Roche-Posay, where a mineral-rich thermal spring earned a reputation for calming even the most sensitive skin (long before “skin barrier” was a buzzword). That same water is still at the core of all their products today. Their Facial Hydration Heroes Kit includes the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, a milky face wash that cleanses while supporting sensitive skin. Plus, you’ll find the Hyalu B5 Serum—powered by two kinds of pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside to plump and repair. And to complete the minimalist routine, there’s the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which is rich in ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen, hydrate, and soothe fragile skin.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What it includes: Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (1.69 fl. oz.), Hyalu B5 Serum (1 fl. oz.), Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (1.35 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients:
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Dendy Engleman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best skin-care gift sets, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The year is 2007 and one song rules them all: Rihanna's infectious, unforgettable “Umbrella.” It's everywhere, and so is the Good Girl Gone Bad singer's cropped, angled hair cut, often styled with a brow-obscuring side bang. It became one of the most popular and imitated hairstyles of the mid- to late-2000s thanks to Rihanna's influence, and now that major side bang is back on the red carpet—and back on Rihanna—again!

The Fenty Beauty founder stepped out to support her partner, A$AP Rocky, at the CFDA Fashion Awards in New York City—her first major appearance since the birth of her third child, daughter Rocki Irish Mayers, in September. (Rocky won the Style Icon Award at the ceremony.) Her go-to hairstylist Yusef parted her hair very deeply to the side and pulled the lengths back, leaving a large portion loose in the front to cover half of her face, side bang-style.

This isn't some brow-brushing, subtle side bang, either. No, this is the side bang to rule all side bangs, completely blocking one eye and cascading down Rihanna's face to end right at her chin, adding an element of mystery and edge to her red carpet outfit. The side-parted side-bang hairstyle has that “Umbrella”-esque 2007 vibe, but updated for 2025 with Rihanna's eternal cool factor always playing the starring role.

Getty ImagesGetty Images

The finished look, paired with a spring/summer 2026 Alaïa turtleneck, coat, and white trousers, was elevated but easy, cool but comfy; the star herself described it to People as a “postpartum-forward look." She finished off her glam with a subtly smoky eye, lined lip, and soft milky manicure.

This isn't the first time Rihanna has refreshed a throwback hairstyle; in August, while pregnant with baby Rocki, she had fun with the beloved, Y2K-era zig-zag part, incorporating it into her braids. And while it's been nearly 20 years since “Umbrella” hit the airwaves (OMG), there's really no time like the present to give it a spin again—preferably with a side bang of your own.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands

Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Much like a little black dress or sleek low bun, a swipe of the best red lipstick is a timeless look. In our humble opinion, a vibrant cherry or bold crimson lip is equally well-suited for weddings and late-night dancing, as it is for workdays and weekend brunches with the girls. (TikTok has even coined the “Red Lip Theory” that claims a swipe of red lipstick can brighten up your entire face.) And now more than ever, there are infinite shades, finishes, and undertones so you can find your perfect match.

Allure editors have swatched and applied too many red lipsticks to count—which is to say, we’ve found quite a few enduring favorites along the way. Ahead, we share everything from drugstore must-haves to high-end shades that fit any occasion, any time of year.

Our Editors’ Favorite Red Lipsticks

• Jessica Cruel, editor in chief: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll, $23
• Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor: Trinny London Just Joyous Lipstick in Poppy, $34
• Ingrid Fowler, senior art director: Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl, $32
• Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor: Violette_FR Plume Lip in En Feu, $31
• Kara McGrath, former content director: Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge, $45
• Sarah Han, commerce editor: Maed Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red, $36
• Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24
• Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in Forever Dior, $48
• Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso, $24

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?
• How do you make red lipstick last?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Jessica Cruel, editor in chief: Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll

Anastasia Beverly Hills

Liquid Lipstick in American Doll

$23

Amazon

$23

Nordstrom

$23

Ulta Beauty

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel after applying brown lip liner and Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in American Doll.

Jessica Cruel

Why we love it: With 10 shades of Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick to choose from, finding your new go-to is practically guaranteed—but the bold red American Doll is a clear editor favorite. The formula’s staying power is seriously impressive, holding up flawlessly from morning to night, and the paddle-shaped applicator makes lining and filling in color a one-swipe job. The finish is soft and powdery, but never so matte that it veers into dry, cracked, or cakey territory.

Tester feedback from Cruel

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I've been using this same blue-red lip shade from Anastasia Beverly Hills for years. The liquid formula dries down fast and lasts through every passed hors d'oeuvre at the numerous beauty events I attend (even sliders!).” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 2 (American Doll and Sarafine)

Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor: Trinny London Just Joyous Lipstick in Poppy

Trinny London

Just Joyous Lipstick in Poppy

$34

Trinny London

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Trinny London Just Joyous Lipstick.

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: In all of our years of testing lipsticks, we’ve found that most formulas don’t usually offer a glossy sheen and intense moisture, but that’s not the case with Trinny London’s Just Joyous Lipstick. Not only does it provide high color payoff with buildable coverage, but it’s also hydrating and plumping, thanks to hyaluronic acid, moringa and maracuja oils, and palmitoyl tripeptide-1. Outside of the two red shades (one leans pink and the other leans orange), we also love the neutral color options, like Martha, a rosy nude, and Mitra, a nude brown that’s perfect for fall.

Felbin before applying the Trinny London Just Joyous Lipstick in Poppy.

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Trinny London Just Joyous Lipstick in Poppy.

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from Felbin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I wear a red lip often, and lately this one from Trinny London has become my go-to. Unlike other reds I've tried, this one feels soft and lightweight, almost like a lip balm. As it wears, it doesn't get sticky, feather, or cling to dry patches—my lipstick pet peeve. I usually pair it with a red lip liner, but I love that I don't have to. (I'm wearing it alone above.) Poppy is an orange-red shade that's slightly sheer and can be built up or reapplied easily. For a more blue-red, try Paris.”—Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: glossy
• Available red shades: 2 (Poppy and Paris)

Ingrid Fowler, senior art director: Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

Nars

Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

$32

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid Fowler

Why it’s worth it: A modern twist on the brand’s beloved Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil (a Best of Beauty Award winner) packs bold pigment into a creamy, long-wearing formula that sets to a soft matte finish and lasts up to 12 hours. The chunky crayon makes it easy to swipe on full color in seconds, yet it's precise enough to double as a liner, making it the ultimate multitasker to stash in your bag. And true to Nars' form, the shade names are just as memorable as the formula—think American Woman, Born to Be Wild, and Dragon Girl.

Fowler before applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid Fowler

Fowler after applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

Ingrid Fowler

Tester feedback from Fowler

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Nars was not kidding when they included ‘high-intensity’ in the name of this product. This pencil packs the punch of highly pigmented lip color. The formula is extremely creamy, going on easily with one swipe, but doesn’t budge or bleed out of place. The rounded pencil tip is my preferred product design since it makes it easy to apply with precision. I’m wearing the shade Dragon Girl, a bright red that complements my cool complexion.”—Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 7

Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor: Violette_FR Plume Lip in En Feu

Violette_FR

Plume Lip in En Feu

$31

Sephora

$31

Violette_FR

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip in En Feu.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it’s worth it: If bold, long-wearing lipsticks feel too intimidating, there’s a new kid on the block. Meet Violette_FR’s Plume Lipstick, an airy, whipped formula that feels more like a silky stain than a traditional liquid lipstick, blending seamlessly to soften edges and blur lines. It glides on so smoothly, you can practically apply it without a mirror (yup, even in the Fiery Red shade). Once it sets, the color stays put for up to 12 hours while still feeling featherlight, thanks to emollients that keep your lips comfortable and kissable all day.

Dall’Asen before applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip in En Feu.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the Violette_FR Plume Lip in En Feu.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from Dall’Asen

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Personally, I've never been a fan of the blurred lip look, but that's mostly on me. I usually overdo the blending part and wind up looking less like Katie Jane Hughes and more like a clown who just went to town on a Big Mac. But Violette's Plume Lip has made it so astonishingly easy that I'm becoming a convert. This isn't your standard liquid lipstick formula. It's matte, yes, but it's kind of slippery and very creamy because it's designed to move around a bit, an intentional design trait that lends itself to that velvety finish and soft edge necessary for pulling off a blurred lip. The pigments are a little sheer and totally buildable, so I like to build up the color to be really bold in the center of my lip before spreading that color further out toward the edges. It does require some setting to prevent smudging, but it's nothing a little paper-towel blot can't manage. No more of that Ronald McDonald look for me, thanks.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte, blurred
• Available red shades: 2 (En Feu and Mon Chéri)

Kara McGrath, former content director: Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge

Tom Ford

Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge

$45

Nordstrom

$45

Bluemercury

Allure former content director Kara McGrath applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine.

Kara McGrath

Why it’s worth it: What makes a slim lipstick so great? The thinner tip makes it easy to trace the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid’s bow—no liner or brush needed. That’s exactly why Tom Ford’s Slim Lip Color Shine is a permanent fixture in our makeup bags. Sure, it’s not the longest-wearing formula out there (that glossy finish comes with trade-offs), but it earns its spot as both a luxe lip balm and gloss in one. Packed with hydrating waxes and emollients like beeswax and avocado extract, it glides on like butter and somehow still delivers rich, even color. It’s a splurge, but the kind you’ll reach for so often, it basically pays for itself.

McGrath before applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

Kara McGrath

McGrath after applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

Kara McGrath

Tester feedback from McGrath

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Applying this lipstick is nothing short of glorious. The formula is so pigmented and so silky that it goes on perfectly evenly in a single swipe. Since the bullet is quite thin, you can easily sneak into the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid's bow without using a lipstick brush. Scarlet Rouge is my perfect red; it leans slightly warm (which is ideal for me, a spring) but isn't so orange-y that it makes my teeth look yellow. Since it has a glossy finish, it's not the longest-lasting lipstick out there but, again, since it's so nice to put on, I don't mind reapplying.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: glossy
• Available red shades: 3 (Scarlet Rouge, Rose Corset, and Nubile)

Sarah Han, commerce editor: Maed Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red

Maed

Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red

$36

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If you can’t stand a chalky lip that settles into every line and somehow makes your lips look even drier, meet your match. Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment delivers the lasting power of a matte without the dreaded dryness or weight. The flexible formula moves with your lips, feels practically undetectable, and is packed with hydrators that keep them soft and smooth all day. The star ingredients do the heavy lifting: maca root adds dimension and a subtle glow (no flat, matte finish here), tucuma butter—a natural silicone alternative—locks in moisture and smooths texture, jojoba esters lend that buttery glide, and cherry coffee seed oil helps firm and support elasticity. Basically, it’s a long-wearing lip that feels like a gloss but performs like a liquid lipstick.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"As I've gotten older, my tolerance for drying liquid lipsticks has gone down to…zero. (Heck, back in the day when I wore liquid lipsticks every day, I probably was already thinking, Why am I putting myself through this torture?) And while no liquid lipstick will ever wear as comfortably as my beloved lip tints, Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment comes pretty darn close. The secret? Cherry coffee seed oil, tucuma butter, and jojoba esters for a gosh-darn smooth glide and subtle sheen (that dries totally matte in a few minutes). And I've never seen an applicator like this one: It has a long, tapered-in end that hugs my lips perfectly, depositing a ridiculously even layer of pigment." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 1 (Ritual Red)

Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

Poundcake

Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

$24

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

$24

Credo Beauty

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet.

Sarah Kinonen

Why it’s worth it: Just about every Allure editor has the Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in their makeup bag. This two-time Best of Beauty Award winner is a staff favorite for its rich pigment, staying power, and impressive conditioning properties (thanks to avocado oil and vitamin E). If lip liner feels like a chore, its easy-to-maneuver doe-foot applicator makes crisp, precise lines, so it acts as a two-in-one. It’s also super buildable—dab it on with your finger for a soft, just-bitten tint, or swipe it straight on for a bold, full-coverage lip that looks effortlessly polished.

Tester feedback from Kinonen

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"When I'm in the mood for a liquid lipstick, I reach for the Best of Beauty Award-winning Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet. It's a super-pigmented, suede-like formula that goes on opaque but dries down into a comfortable, long-wearing matte. Every time I've worn this bold shade I've gotten hit with compliments. It's just so good!"—Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 6

Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor: Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999 Forever Dior

Dior

Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick in 999 Forever Dior

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Ulta Beauty

Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis after applying the Dior Rouge Dior Forever Transfer-Proof Lipstick.

Angela Trakoshis

Why it’s worth it: Dior’s Rouge Dior Forever is the luxury brand's first-ever transfer-proof lipstick, which is reason enough to scoop it up. Think intense pigment and all-day comfort that lasts up to 16 hours, which is why Allure editors wax poetic about it. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Robin Black is another fan, attesting that this pigmented formula is totally smudge-proof, an impressive feat, especially for a vibrant red like this one.

Tester feedback from Trakoshis

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"I waited a full three minutes after applying shade 999 Forever Dior to test the transfer-proof formula. Once the timer buzzed, I tried pressing my lips against my hand, and there wasn't any residue in sight—not on my hand, my water glass, nowhere.”—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 9

Lexi Herrick, former director of audience development: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

Stila

Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso

$24

Amazon

$24

Nordstrom

$24

Ulta Beauty

Allure former director of audience development Lexi Herrick after applying the Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Matte in Beso.

Lexi Herrick

Why it’s worth it: The Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Matte in Beso is another Allure Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famer that offers bold, stop-you-in-your-tracks pigment. Its bright candy-red shade, matte finish, and creamy formula are so good that one swatch is enough to make you a die-hard fan of this long-lasting lipstick. While most liquid lipsticks need an added layer for vibrancy, one coat of Stay All Day is all you need for an opaque finish.

Tester feedback from former director of audience development Lexi Herrick

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"The Stila Stay All Day Lip Stain in the Beso shade is the red lipstick that made me fall in love with red lipstick. I cannot possibly exaggerate how long-lasting this lipstick is—it feels scientifically impossible. I have worn this lipstick from dawn to midnight without it fading. It's virtually transfer-proof and has a smooth, forgiving application. It's extremely vibrant and mattifying, and a staple in my makeup routine."—Lexi Herrick, former director of audience development

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 3 (Beso, Bordeaux, Deep Wine)

More red lipsticks we love

Best Lip Definer: Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil in Elson

Pat McGrath Labs

Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil in Elson

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If you’ve ever seen Pat McGrath apply lipstick in person, you know it’s pure magic. In just seconds, she creates a stunning, high-impact lip that looks practically airbrushed. Now, with the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Pat McGrath Labs Dramatique Mega Lip Pencil, we get to channel that same artistry. The creamy formula glides on smoothly, the tapered tip makes defining effortless, and the shade range delivers on its name (dramatique, quite literally). You’ll have a few minutes to blend and perfect your look before it sets, and once it does, expect serious staying power (as in, you’ll need a washcloth and remover to take it off).

Tester feedback from Fowler

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I love these lip pencils, which are more crayon than pencil, by my definition. The tip is large and round enough to easily fill in lips, but pointed enough to be precise around the edges. The texture is super creamy and weightless—a perfect formula for everyday wear.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 2

Best Drugstore: Essence The Slim Stick in Nice Spice

Essence

The Slim Stick in Nice Spice

$5

Amazon

$5

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: A single swipe of Essence’s The Slim Stick delivers rich, velvety color that rivals high-end formulas, at a fraction of the price. A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner for Best Matte Lipstick (no small feat), this ultra-slim bullet is loaded with pigment for full coverage in one go, while a blend of jojoba, coconut, and macadamia oils keeps it feeling light and comfortable. Despite its airy texture, it doesn’t budge easily—our testers were impressed by how long it lasts. It’s a drugstore gem that truly over-delivers for the investment. Case in point: During Best of Beauty testing, our editors reported up to eight hours of wear with zero signs of fading.

Tester feedback from senior copy manager Leslie Lipton

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“For literally pennies—well, 499 of them—this lipstick has a creamy, matte finish with the staying power of others that cost 10 times more. The velvety, saturated color (loving Nice Spice right now) goes on after my morning coffee and lasts through lunch. Plus, the skinny, angled tip makes precise application a breeze—lip liner not required.” —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Finish: matte
• Available red shades: 3

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?

Anyone can wear whatever red lipstick they like, full stop. "The right red is the one that makes you feel good," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles, whose clients include Margot Robbie, Gabrielle Union, and Lily Collins.

However, you can expedite finding a red lipstick you love by considering your skin tone and your skin's undertone. New York City-based makeup artist Diane Kendal previously told Allure that red shades with blue undertones give cool-toned, fair-to-light-medium complexions a more radiant appearance and even make teeth look whiter. For warm, medium skin tones, Kendal suggested orange-red shades—"Intense, yes, but they make olive skin glow by bringing out its golden tones," she says. As for deeper skin tones, she recommended red hues "with a lot of pink," which she said works beautifully against dark complexions.

How do you make red lipstick last?

We all love the look of freshly applied lipstick, but after a few hours (or drinks), things can start to look messy. Don't fret, because there are quite a few ways to make your look last for hours on end. Back in the day (2010 to be exact), New York City-based makeup artist Peter Phillips previously gave Allure editors a few tips on ensuring that any lip look stays put—and these hacks are still used by our staff to this day.

• Prep your lips: Your results will only be as smooth and seamless as the actual skin on your lips. To smooth your skin pre-lipstick, try using a lip scrub or a damp washcloth to buff dry flakes. "Pat on a clear lip balm and give it a few minutes to sink in, then blot with a tissue," said Phillips.
• Use setting powder after applying your lipstick: Makeup artists and Allure editors alike abide by this tip, especially when it comes to smudge-prone shades like red. Phillips recommended dabbing a light amount on the lips to keep your lipstick in place without drying out your skin. "Close your mouth, smile, and then dust a little face powder on your lips with a fluffy brush," he says. “Don't reapply lipstick or it could get cakey.”
• If matte lipsticks are too dry for your lips, use a satin-finish option instead: Since many long-wearing lipsticks are matte and can dry out your lips, Phillips prefers satin-finish, pearlescent lipsticks. "The shine is created by pearl pigments and not by the texture. It's not as moist as a creamy lipstick and will therefore stay on longer," he said.

Meet the experts

• Fiona Stiles is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist.
• Robin Black is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist.
• Diane Kendal is a New York City-based makeup artist.
• Peter Phillips is a New York City-based makeup artist.

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 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 red lipsticks, 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 makeup artists. 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Source images: Courtesy of @sansungnails, @nailartbyqueenieSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I hate long nail appointments. I get restless when sitting for extended periods with nothing to do. (I can’t even scroll on my phone!) That’s why I have typically avoided nail art unless it was for a special occasion—that is, until I discovered velvet nails. Velvet nails mimic the fuzzy texture of your favorite holiday dress, but with an added touch of sparkle.

Velvet nails always come back during the holiday season, but this year, the look is making its rounds early. It’s easy to see why: "The effect is magical," says Hannah Lee, a nail artist in Atlanta. “The way the light plays off the magnet-activated texture gives them a depth that feels modern and refined.” It’s also easy to combine with other nail trends for a look that has a bit more impact.

Another reason this manicure’s popularity might be rising now is the impending recession. Even some of us Allure editors have found ourselves opting out of “tier-three” (intricate) nail art looks for financial reasons. An allover velvet manicure is usually classified as “tier one” (simple) at salons, even if the effect is as eye-catching as a tier-three look.

For context, in a major city like New York, detailed nail art can run you about $14 per nail, on top of the $150 price for a basic gel manicure with nail extensions. At Art Nail NYC, where I got my first allover velvet set, the mani was considerably more affordable (and less time-consuming) because it was classified as a simple design.

You’ll likely hear people call these cat-eye nails. They’re not wrong; the way we see it, though, all cat-eye nails are velvet, but not all velvet nails are cat-eye. The distinction is in how the shimmering magnetic particles are dispersed. The particles in cat-eye nails usually form a straight or diagonal line (mimicking the look of a cat’s eye), while the particles in velvet nails can be spread out uniformly or in patterns like hearts and swirls.

Courtesy of @sabletoothtigerCourtesy of @heygreatnailsThe modern velvet manicure

According to Eunice Park, brand development and education director at Aprés Nail, velvet nails now look very different than those of the past. “When I was in nail school in 2015, the magnetic particles were a lot chunkier and were against a black base,” she explains, noting that the finished look was always dark. “You’d see black with emerald green or dark purple glitter.”

Magnetic polish formulas needed a black base for the glitter particles to appear shinier, Park continues. Now, brands are formulating velvet polishes with finer magnetic particles (so there are more of them), so the glitter appears softer and more subtle—but with just as much shine. “I think that's what's extending the velvet nail-trend's life,” she says. “You're getting all these different variants of the look.”

In addition to more sophisticated nail polish formulas, we’re seeing manicurists get more creative with their art. They have been pairing the velvet finish with “chrome, subtle jewels, or artistic sculptural,” says Lupita Alonso, a nail artist in Stone Park, Illinois. We’ve also seen it with heart motifs and manipulated into ombré designs. “These details make it look more updated and modern.”

How to create velvet nails

Sure, the appointment can be shorter than other nail art appointments, but I understand if you still want to skip the salon trip completely and DIY your velvet nails. You’ll need a few things, though, like a base coat, topcoat, magnetic nail polish, and a magnetic wand. (Mooncat sells the magnetic wand on its own, but will include one for free if your order includes a magnetic polish.)

First, coat your nails with a base polish before applying a magnetic polish. Then, use a magnet to disperse the shimmery particles across the nail to create that glistening velvet effect. Holding the magnet at the tip or side of the nail creates the velvet effect, while holding it above the nail's center drags the particles into a straight line for the traditional cat-eye look.

If you're not ready to wield a magnetic wand, Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, suggests trying gel nail strips. (Note: This method does require you have an LED lamp.) She recommends the Dashing Diva Glaze strips, which come pre-painted with a velvet design. All you need to do is apply the adhesive strip to your nail, cut it to your desired length, cure it with an LED lamp, and file it into the shape you want. We also recommend press-ons; Static Nails has a velvet press-on set that will give you a salon-level manicure in seconds.

Looking for inspiration? Scroll for some of the prettiest velvet nail ideas, including looks that are simple enough to do at home and works of art you might want a professional to help create.

Velvet Nails Inspiration

Plaid velvet nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieVelvet polka-dot nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieSheer velvet nailsCourtesy of @overgloweditVelvet frame nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieCourtesy of @nailsbyshirlecropVelvet French nailsCourtesy of @gracielanailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieOmbré velvet nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieGreen-and-black velvet nailsCourtesy of @sofiamiroslavanailsCourtesy of @nailsbyshaniVelvet amethyst frame nailsInstagram / @heygreatnailsVelvet nails with 3D embellishmentsCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsVelvet aura nailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsChrome velvet nailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsInstagram / @nailartbyqueenie

Photographed by CARLOS and ALYSE. Stylist: Fiona Green. Hair: Jenni Iva Wimmerstedt. Makeup: Andrew Colvin. Manicure: Elina Ogawa. Model: Brandi Quinones. Shirt by Issey Miyake. Earrings by Paula Mendoza.

Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Skin-care products aren’t known for instant gratification, but using the best wrinkle cream proves the power of patience. While no cream can reverse signs of aging altogether, early and consistent use of these superhero formulas can soften fine lines, tighten and plump skin, and even tone over time. And while we think aging skin is something to celebrate, we get it if you’re not quite ready to embrace the changes.

These potent moisturizers are formulated with active ingredients—like peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and ceramides (to name a few)—designed to temporarily improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while making up for lost moisture. We tapped dermatologists to learn which wrinkle serums and creams actually work—here are the best 10.

Our Top Wrinkle Creams

• Best Wrinkle Cream Overall: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+, $258
• Best for Dry Skin: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Anti-Aging Cream, $150
• Best for Deep Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced, $185
• Best for Barrier Support: Ourself Daily Renewal Cream Rich, $85
• Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Fragrance Free Cream, $35
• Best for Hyperpigmentation: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream, $145
• Best Firming: Neocutis BioSerum Firm, $290
• Best for Lax Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer, $145
• Best for Expression Lines: Revision Skincare Revox 7, $150
• Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $27

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes skin aging?
• When will I start seeing results from wrinkle creams?
• What in-office treatments target wrinkles?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Wrinkle Cream Overall: Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

Alastin

Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

$258

Alastin

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Skin changes with time—that’s natural—but Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ helps it stay resilient, supported, and visibly vibrant at every stage. TriHex+ is the brand’s patented blend of peptides designed to clear out old, damaged collagen and elastin while signaling the skin to produce fresh, healthy fibers in their place (in other words, think of it as a cleanup crew and a construction team in one). The recently updated formula steps things up with octapeptide-45 to further support collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid, plus magnolol to calm inflammation and l-ornithine to help visibly firm and re-plump thinning areas. Whether you’re in between treatments or just want to keep skin looking supported and firm, this serum-like consistency sinks in quickly, making it easy to fit into any routine (and worthy of its luxury price point).

Lee before applying the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Alastin Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“As someone with dry, sensitive skin and a few early signs of aging (read: the appearance of fine lines around my eyes), my first foray into Alastin skin care has been a pleasant surprise. The Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex+ feels like the perfect mix of an ultra-light moisturizer and serum—it sinks in fast but leaves my skin hydrated and smooth all day. After a few weeks, my complexion looks a little plumper and my skin texture is more even—with hardly any effort at all.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: TriHex Technology (peptide blend), octapeptide-45, magnolol, l-ornithine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Lancôme Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Anti-Aging Cream

Lancôme

Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Anti-Aging Cream

$150

Amazon

$150

Nordstrom

$150

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: H.P.N. is an acronym for the three star ingredients doing the heavy lifting in this formula: hyaluronic acid, peptides (over 300 of them!), and niacinamide. Together, “Lancôme’s Rénergie H.P.N. 300-Peptide Anti-Aging Cream is a multi-tasking formula that helps firm, smooth, and brighten the skin,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. The peptides help support collagen and elasticity, niacinamide improves tone and radiance, and hyaluronic acid pulls in deep moisture—making tight, dehydrated skin feel cushioned again. As Dr. Hovenic explains, “The texture feels rich but absorbs quickly, leaving skin hydrated, supple, and visibly more radiant with continued use.”

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Deep Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

SkinCeuticals

A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced

$185

SkinCeuticals

$185

Dermstore

$185

Bluemercury

Why we love it: A.G.E. doesn’t actually stand for “age” (even though it’s fitting); it’s short for advanced glycation end-products, which are basically sticky sugar-protein bonds that gunk up your collagen over time and lead to deeper wrinkles, sagging, and that crepey look on the face, neck, and chest. SkinCeuticals’ A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced was made to slow that process down and help undo some of the visible effects. The featured ingredient is proprietary 18% Proxylane, a molecule that helps rebuild the skin’s “support beams,” making it look firmer and more cushioned. The formula also packs 4.25% blueberry and pomegranate flavonoids to help defend against sugar and environmental damage, plus 0.1% licorice-derived glycyrrhetinic acid to calm and brighten. It’s richer than a standard moisturizer, but that’s on purpose—it’s meant for skin dealing with deeper lines, loss of density, and dryness.

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“Many moisturizers sting my dry, sensitive skin—but not the A.G.E. Interrupter Advanced. It coddles my skin, comforting the extra-dry patches and leaving my complexion bouncy and bright.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: Proxylane, blueberry extract, pomegranate extract, glycyrrhetinic acid
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Barrier Support: Ourself Daily Renewal Cream Rich

Ourself

Daily Renewal Cream Rich

$85

Ourself

Why we love it: The “Rich” version of Ourself’s Daily Renewal Cream is made for the moments your skin needs extra support: after a peel, during freezing cold-weather months, or when your face just feels dry and overworked. “It’s a favorite for those with dry skin, which is especially important as we go into the winter months,” says Dr. Hovenic. The formula relies on the brand’s Intides (a.k.a. “intelligent peptides”), niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, and ginger root extract to hydrate, even tone, and calm irritation. Then shea butter and carob fruit extract step in to “provide deep nourishment and strengthen the skin’s barrier function,” says Dr. Hovenic. Thanks to its slow-release delivery tech, the comfort actually lasts—“skin feels nourished and protected all day long,” she adds.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: Intides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, shea butter,
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Fragrance Free Cream

RoC

Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Fragrance Free Cream

$35 $28 (20% off)

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: You might be surprised that our pick for sensitive skin includes retinol, but hear us out. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Daily Hydration Fragrance Free Cream pairs retinol (the gold-standard wrinkle fighter) with hyaluronic acid to cushion skin against the dryness and irritation retinol is known for. “This is a wrinkle-fighting cream for sensitive and dry skin, using both hyaluronic acid for short-term plumping and retinol for long-term results,” says Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. The formula also includes soothing hydrators such as glycerin, dimethicone, and glyceryl behenate, plus antioxidants (vitamin E and C derivatives) to help calm and protect the skin. “Since it’s fragrance-free, it minimizes irritation,” and is a gentle entry point for anyone who wants retinol results without the rough side effects, says Dr. Bittar.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: retinol (percentage not disclosed), hyaluronic acid, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Hyperpigmentation: Shiseido Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream

Shiseido

Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream

$145

Amazon

$145

Nordstrom

Why we love it: If your main concerns are uneven tone and dark spots, along with loss of firmness, Shiseido’s Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Advanced Cream targets all three at once. The formula’s hero, SafflowerRED (grown exclusively in Japan), helps lift, firm, and visibly even the complexion, while ziziphus jujuba fruit extract zeroes in on hyperpigmentation and elasticity. Ginseng root extract supports natural collagen production for brighter, stronger skin, and caffeine adds a quick-hit brightening effect while helping soften the look of lines. Plus, a mix of gentle botanicals—like rosemary, green tea, and angelica root—helps calm, hydrate, and maintain the moisture barrier, which is key if you want that firm-yet-glowy finish instead of tight, dry skin.

Tester feedback from Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I’m a sucker for a good sensorial moment, and this texture is so pillowy and weightless it practically feels like you’re smoothing on a cloud. The subtle scent is luxe without being overpowering for daily use, and even with added fragrance, my sensitive, redness-prone skin isn’t bothered. After a few weeks, I’ve noticed my skin looks more even, and its non-greasy texture layers nicely under makeup.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: SafflowerRED, ginseng root extract, ziziphus jujuba fruit extract, caffeine
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Firming: Neocutis BioSerum Firm

Neocutis

BioSerum Firm

$290

Amazon

$290

Dermstore

Why we love it: Nashville-based board-certified dermatologist Natalie M. Curcio, MD, is a fan of the Neocutis BioSerum Firm, which works as both a daytime and nighttime moisturizer. The formula combines growth factors and peptides for softer-looking fine lines and wrinkles, she says. P.S.: The growth factors are derived from cultured cells—no actual human tissue is involved. The brand says you’ll start seeing a difference in six days to keep antsiness at a minimum. If you prefer a richer formula or have really dry skin, consider Neocutis's BioCream Firme Riche. "The formulation has been shown to improve collagen and elastin production in as little as 14 days," says San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Melanie Palm, MD.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: human growth factors, peptides, sodium hyaluronate
• Who it’s for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Lax Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

Isdin

Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer

$145

Amazon

$145

Dermstore

Why we love it: Packed with wrinkle smoothers like carnosine (a dipeptide naturally found in the body that declines with age) and niacinamide, the Isdin Isdinceutics Age Contour Night Face Moisturizer has won over Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. The formula also has hyaluronic acid, which binds water to the skin cells, maintains the structural integrity of the skin's tissues, and stimulates collagen production, boosting thickness and firmness. When considering the "plumping" effect of hyaluronic acid in this nighttime moisturizer, Dr. Shamban says to think about the volume difference between a dry sponge and a wet sponge. "When wet, the sponge expands to occupy more space, giving a plumping effect," she says. The brand is known for adding melatonin to its products, which serves as an antioxidant to offset the effects of free radicals throughout the day.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: melatonin, hyaluronic acid, carnosine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Expression Lines: Revision Skincare Revox 7

Revision Skincare

Revox 7

$150

Dermstore

Why we love it: Want your skin care to work smarter, not harder? Try Revision Skincare’s Revox 7, which Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, calls "a fantastic product to help with wrinkles because it goes straight to the source." The cocktail of seven peptides targets the wrinkle-causing muscles to smooth out seven different expression lines.. Plus, she says, "It can be applied with your own moisturizer or under makeup twice a day."

For a targeted treatment, derms also love the Revision Skincare Revox Line Relaxer, which is a mainstay for board-certified dermatologist Ope Ofodile, MD, who previously shared her skin-care routine with Allure.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptides, gamma-aminobutyric acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

Olay

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream

$27 $20 (26% off)

Amazon

$25

Walmart

Why we love it: Chances are you’ve seen—or maybe even finished—this iconic red jar; in that case, consider this your reminder to grab a refill. Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream has earned a loyal following (plus three Allure Readers’ Choice Awards) for visibly firming, lifting, and smoothing skin without a luxury price tag. “It has a published peer-reviewed study that showed improvement in skin quality comparable to a retinoid,” Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami, previously told Allure. A combo of amino-peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid that plumps skin with moisture while helping soften the look of fine lines over time. It feels rich and cushiony going on, sinks in quickly for all skin types, and leaves your complexion bouncy and hydrated.

Tester feedback from former deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“My new lines are less noticeable, and the deeper wrinkles I've had for years are looking a little better. The redness I'm prone to on my cheeks, nose, and forehead is way (way, way) better, too.” —Elizabeth Siegel, former deputy beauty director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes skin aging?

As we age, our skin experiences two forms of aging: extrinsic aging (which refers to external or environmental causes of aging like pollution, smoke, and, most commonly, sun exposure) and intrinsic aging (or chronological aging, a genetically determined process that leads to loss of collagen and elastin in the skin). "Both types of aging lead to wrinkles, sagging, and other signs of maturity," says Dr. Curcio.

When will I start seeing results from wrinkle creams?

You won't see results from any skin product overnight, so your expectations have to be realistic. "If you are looking for benefits, including the improvement in skin tone, texture, redness, and reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, it usually takes eight to 12 weeks of twice-daily application with a moisturizer to see results," says Dr. Curcio. In other words, patience is a virtue. And, the earlier you start using wrinkle cream, the better. "Used early and consistently, a wrinkle cream can reduce the appearance of many of the fine lines and wrinkles we see developing in our 30s that become more permanent in our 40s and 50s," says Dr. Shamban. Final PSA: Even the best wrinkle cream is only half the equation—you need a daily sunscreen with at least SPF 30 if you want those results to actually stick.

What in-office treatments target wrinkles?

If you're looking for a more intensive method of minimizing wrinkles, Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Ontario, Canada recommends combining your topical products with cosmetic procedures like Botox or laser resurfacing. These can promote collagen production on a deeper level than the treatment alone.

Meet the experts

• Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute based in Miami
• Natalie M. Curcio, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Nashville
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Rachel Nazarian, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology based in New York City
• Ope Ofodile, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta
• Patricia Oyetakin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Ontario, Canada
• Melanie Palm, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego
• Ava Shamban, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles

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 wrinkle creams, 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 of various ages. 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.