Category: FITNESS

Schwarzkopf's mousse has been recalled in 12 states due to a packaging defect.Photos: Courtesy of brand; Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The return of tanning, unregulated peptides, and now, exploding mousse? Just when this summer couldn’t get more apocalyptic, a packaging defect has led Schwarzkopf’s parent company, Henkel, to voluntarily recall its Osis Grip Extra Strong Mousse. The packaging defect noted on the product means that product “could leak from the package under pressure, which creates risk of explosion,” says the company’s statement. Allure has reached out to Henkel for additional comment.

It’s a pretty wide-reaching recall (Oribe, for example, had a recall earlier this year for only two batches). That doesn’t mean it’s cause for concern, however. Henkel says it came after one customer and two salon reports. The customer said they had bruising on the hand, but relievingly, it doesn’t seem any cans have exploded yet.

There were 25 batches noted in the recall, including 2901X4577N, 2901X4578N, 290265P91O, 290665Q30O, 290855N31O, 290866R38P, 290994281N, 291046L06P, 291174W17N, 291435H76O, 291435H77O, 291455N33O, 291515A59O, 291515A99O, 291515B01O, 291555N33O, 291615B01O, 291616B68P, 291716B69P, 291825E960, 291925E96O, 292015B73O, 2928Y538BO, 2928Y539BO, and 293066U32P. Those batches were distributed across Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, and Washington, having been sold to both professional hair stylists and beauty shoppers. “No other Henkel products are subject to this recall, and Schwarzkopf Professional Osis Grip 6.76 fl. Oz/200ml with codes not included in the recall are safe to use,” the company’s statement reaffirms.

If you have an affected lot, Henkel says to return wherever you bought it for a full refund. If you’re not sure or have any other questions, the company is directing everyone to customer specialists at 1-800-234-4672.

Henkel’s had a newsmaking year, albeit for less inflammatory reasons. In 2026 alone, it acquired both Olaplex and Not Your Mother’s hair-care brands.

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

There are plenty of days when regular mascara gets the job done—and then there are occasions that call for one of the best waterproof mascaras. Think: weddings, beach vacations, hot and humid summer days, intense workouts, or “any occasion where crying or sweating is basically guaranteed,” says Nashville-based hair and makeup artist Shani Gailbreath.

Waterproof mascaras do much more than resist tears, though. They can lengthen, volumize, separate, and lift, all without leaving you with raccoon eyes by lunchtime. “If you have naturally straight lashes that won’t hold a curl, waterproof mascara is worth considering,” Gailbreath adds. “These formulas act almost like a hairspray or gel on the lash, so it helps the curl stay put significantly longer than a regular formula would.”

Our Top Waterproof Mascaras

• Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara, $30
• Best Volumizing: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara, $29
• Best Lifting: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara, $14
• Best Lengthening: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara, $25

Today’s waterproof mascaras have come a long way. Instead of formulas that turn your lashes crunchy and brittle, the best ones deliver impressive length, volume, and lift without clumping or smudging—no matter what the day brings.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is waterproof mascara really waterproof?
• What are the drawbacks of waterproof mascara?
• How are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras?
• Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes?
• How should I choose a waterproof mascara?
• How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Lancôme Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

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Lancôme

Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

$30 $26 (13% off)

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Lifting, lengthening, feathering, and packed with deep, dark pigment that stays put for up to 24 hours—Lancôme's Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara checks nearly every box, making it a perennial favorite of Allure editors. The unique curved brush is lined with tiny bristles that grab and coat every single lash, creating a wide-eyed, fanned-out effect without clumping or weighing them down. Better yet, the formula is infused with conditioning white tea extract to help keep lashes feeling soft and flexible beneath its budge-proof finish, too.

If you want another stellar option from Lancôme, Linda Dowds, the Oscar- and Emmy-winning makeup artist, also loves the Lancôme Définicils Waterproof High Definition Mascara, which she calls a “lighter waterproof mascara with a more natural look.”

Pai before applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying Lancôme’s Lash Idôle Waterproof Mascara

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"The curved wand makes it simple for me to grab every last lash, which might explain why this mascara delivers ah-ma-zing lift and separation. One coat makes me look wide awake—a major plus if you, like me, have a very active toddler on your hands." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: white tea extract, jojoba oil
• Number of shades: 1

Best Volumizing: Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara

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Clinique

High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara

$30

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Ulta Beauty

Allure video producer Lauren Alberti applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara

Lauren Alberti

Why we love it: Much like hair with the wrong styling products, lashes can fall flat under the weight of heavy or overly wet mascara. If your lashes tend to go straight or look sparse as the day wears on, Clinique's High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara offers a solution, pairing serious volume with waterproof staying power. Based on the brand’s iconic non-waterproof version, the fiber-infused formula—those fibers help build volume and length to give a false lash-like effect—is improved thanks to its ability to stand up to sweat, humidity, and tears. Its triangular-shaped brush grabs lashes from root to tip, depositing just the right amount of product to build dramatic volume without excessive clumping.

Alberti before applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara

Lauren Alberti

Alberti after applying the Clinique High Impact High-Fi Full Volume Waterproof Mascara

Lauren Alberti

Tester feedback from video producer Lauren Alberti

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“First off, love the tube. The bright vibrant blue color is easy to reach for in a stack of mascaras. It goes on easily, doesn't require too much effort, and doesn't clump. This gave my lashes definition and volume, brightening my whole eye look, without looking overdone and clumpy. The waterproof aspect is perfect for the summer months, as sweat and water make their way back into my daily life. This is easily added to my heavy rotation for the warmer months, though I wish it gave a little more length to my lashes.” —Lauren Alberti, video producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut, argan, and moringa oils
• Number of shades: 1

Best Lifting: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara

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Maybelline New York

Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara

$14 $10 (29% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Allure Former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara

Sarah Felbin

Why we love it: Sometimes the difference between good lashes and great lashes comes down to lift. If your lashes tend to point straight out—or even downward—Maybelline New York's Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara delivers a false lash-like lifting effect to offset it. The secret lies in its innovative Body Curve brush, which has a double-helix design with two application modes: One side separates and lifts lashes from root to tip, while the other builds volume. Together, the spoolie and formula keep lashes visibly lifted for up to 24 hours without flaking, transferring, smudging, or feeling stiff. Plus, it’s a lightweight mascara, meaning you can layer multiple coats without clumping—so your lashes stay soft, light, and noticeably more open-eyed all day long.

Felbin before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Body Waterproof Mascara

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I'll admit it: I have really high standards when it comes to mascara. I need a formula that's both lengthening and volumizing, that doesn't clump, that won't smudge or flake during a long day, and that's easy to take off with a cleansing balm. This one from Maybelline does it all, and then some! I am obsessed with how long and lush this makes my lashes look. It's quite literally better than some false lashes I own. The brush coats every single lash quickly and easily from end to end, and the waterproof formula truly does not move once it dries down. Still, it comes off with a few extra swipes over my sink. One coat is plenty, but you can definitely layer it up more if you want to. The first time I used it, my jaw actually dropped when I noticed the difference in my lashes. Months later, and I'm still using it almost every day.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: beeswax, carnauba wax
• Number of shades: 1

Best Lengthening: Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara

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Caliray

Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara

$25

Sephora

$25

Caliray

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: A great waterproof mascara should stay put through sweat, humidity, and tears, but it shouldn’t feel like a battle to remove it at the end of the day. Caliray’s Come Hell or High Water Waterproof Tubing Mascara, a Best of Beauty winner, checks all of those boxes thanks to its innovative tubing formula, which creates literal tubes around each lash to deliver major length and volume while resisting smudging, flaking, and transfer from morning until night—no risk of raccoon eyes here. That said, it’s not capital-W waterproof: Unlike many traditional waterproof mascaras that require oil-based removers and vigorous scrubbing, this one slides off effortlessly with warm water when you’re ready to take it off.

Hoffmann before applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara

Hoffmann after applying the Caliray Come Hell or High Water Tubing Mascara

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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"To be honest, I'm not typically the tubing mascara type. I love to gloop and glob my mascara on for maximum volume, and tubing formulas tend more towards a wispy, separated vibe that doesn't usually give me the drama I crave. When I first got a tube of Caliray's Come Hell or High Water Mascara, I didn't even realize it was tubing, which is probably why I went in with such an open mind and discovered a great formula I might have avoided if I'd read the fine print.

It has a nice amount of stickiness to it, which really helps hold a curl in place, and I like to build it up close to my lash line to make my lashes look thicker (plus a quick tight line, of course). It's definitely a lengthening formula—I'd still probably reach for YSL Lash Clash for true dramatic lashes—but it also delivers a good amount of volume and wild staying power that's lovely for an everyday mascara." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tubing technology, triple-wax mix and film-forming agents, 2% argan oil
• Number of shades: 2

Best Tubing: Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara

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Soshe Beauty

Waterproof Tubing Mascara

$32

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Credo Beauty

Allure contributor Catharine Malzahn applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara

Catharine Malzahn

Why we love it: Sometimes you want barely-there definition; other days, you may be searching for full-on drama. Good news: Soshe Beauty's Waterproof Tubing Mascara lets you have both. As a tubing mascara, this lightweight formula wraps each lash in flexible, waterproof “tubes” that can be layered coat after coat without clumping or feeling crunchy. One swipe delivers subtle, natural-looking definition appropriate for a no-makeup makeup day, while additional coats build noticeable length, definition, and volume for a full-glam look. And when it’s time to wash off the day, all you need is some warm water and the mascara “tubes” slide right off. Despite being such a long-wearing, smudge-proof formula, it is easy to remove, requiring no makeup remover or tugging (something many other waterproof mascaras can’t say).

Malzahn before applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara

Catharine Malzahn

Malzahn after applying the Soshe Beauty Waterproof Tubing Mascara

Catharine Malzahn

Tester feedback from contributor Catharine Malzahn

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“I almost exclusively wear tubing mascaras (they just always seem to make my lashes look longer and more separated, and they never smudge under my eyes, which is a huge pet peeve of mine), and I have really been enjoying this waterproof one from Soshe Beauty. Despite being waterproof, it’s incredibly easy to take off with warm water, just like any other non-waterproof tubing mascara. It’s great for my light makeup days, since one coat gives very light, natural results, and a few extra coats deliver more color, sans clumpiness.” —Catharine Malzahn, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, carnauba wax
• Number of shades: 1

More waterproof mascaras we love:

Best Lightweight: Gen See Spectator Sport Mascara

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Gen See

Spectator Sport Mascara

$28

Credo Beauty

Why we love it: A three-time Best of Beauty Award winner, Gen See’s Spectator Sport Mascara stands out time and time again thanks to its innovative formula. It starts as a unique powdery texture inside the tube and requires a couple of pumps of the brush into the tube to expose the product to oxygen, transforming it into a creamy consistency. The powder texture is what helps it stay put so well, but it also makes for a dry and weightless application. And once it’s on your lashes, it delivers unbeatable length, volume, and rich black pigment that won’t smudge, flake, or budge, even through the sweatiest of workouts.

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“This is, hands down, the most comfortable waterproof mascara I’ve ever owned, which is saying something as my eyes tend to find them extremely irritating. The dry formula and caterpillar-like bristles ensure it goes on clump-free, no matter how many coats you apply, and lashes never feel heavy or crispy—quite the opposite. And it really will not budge, through a 90-minute ballet class or a New York City summer heat dome (I put it through both).” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panthenol
• Number of shades: 4

Best Drugstore: L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

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L'Oréal Paris

Voluminous Waterproof Mascara

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: "L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Mascara is a staple in every makeup artist's kit," makeup artist Patrick Ta says. And he's right: It's one of the best drugstore mascaras—a claim echoed by Mario Dedivanovic, Ariel Tejada, and Mai Quynh. Better yet, the brand's waterproof formula is just as beloved. Ta swears by L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Waterproof Mascara for a mascara that lasts until the end of the day on set. It delivers plush volume and rich pigment, and the drugstore classic proves you don’t have to spend big to get dependable, all-day wear. Even if you're not a celebrity booked and busy from midday to midnight, keep this one around for days when you're out and about, and thank us later.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: crotonates copolymer, beeswax, carnauba wax
• Number of shades: 3

Best for Short Lashes: Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

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Too Faced

Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara

$29

Amazon

$29

Sephora

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: The Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara lives up to its name—or at least gets pretty close. The iconic mascara features an equally iconic hourglass-shaped wand designed to help lift and curl lashes (yes, even the shortest of hairs). "It's waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, and has no fallout," says New York City-based makeup artist Stoj. Amrita Mehta, a New York City-based makeup artist, agrees, explaining that the formula “adds lots of volume and gives you all the drama you'd want,” quickly building intensity and length with just a couple extra coats. It’s also a favorite of celebrities and influencers (notably, Alix Earle), often popping up in GRWM videos on TikTok and Instagram.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: porcelain flower extract, omega oil, peptides
• Number of shades: 1

Frequently Asked Questions

Is waterproof mascara really waterproof?

Well, not exactly. “Most waterproof mascaras are closer to water-resistant than truly waterproof,” says Gailbreath. For the most part, they can prevent sweat-, humidity-, and water-induced raccoon eyes, but “none are invincible,” she says. Even the best waterproof mascaras aren’t completely guaranteed to hold up to a full day in the pool or ocean.

“They’re designed to handle moisture, a few tears, some humidity, and light sweat,” she says, which will keep you protected for the most part. So if you’re having a full cry or spending the entire day fighting off sweat or water, don’t be surprised if you still see some migration. That being said, they are “built for sustained contact with water,” she notes, so you don’t have to lose faith in the power of a waterproof mascara.

What are the drawbacks of waterproof mascara?

Waterproof mascara comes with a bevy of benefits (stays in place during a good cry, helps your lashes hold a curl, and much more), but that’s not to say it doesn’t come with some drawbacks as well. Some “formulas start to dry out and flake after a few hours,” says Gailbreath. If that happens, double-check your mascara tube isn’t expired or you didn’t layer too many coats of mascara.

It’s no secret that waterproof mascara can also be tough to get off at the end of the day. Gailbreath says it best: “The same thing that makes it great makes it a pain to remove.” Make sure that you have the right makeup remover to take it off at the end of the day (Gailbreath recommends an oil-based cleanser); otherwise, you’re at risk of “scrubbing your lashes for what feels like forever, and over time, that causes breakage and fallout,” she adds.

In general, “the formulas also tend to be drier and stiffer, which is why I don’t love them for daily use,” she explains, noting that they can make your lashes more brittle over time. Waterproof mascaras are best reserved for moments you know you’ll need that extra protection.

How are waterproof mascaras different from standard mascaras?

While standard mascaras do the trick in lengthening, volumizing, darkening, and separating your lashes, waterproof mascaras are better suited for long-wear and durability. "Waterproof mascaras are designed to be more resistant to running and smudging with tears and sweat, and some can even [withstand] a day at the pool," says Cincinnati-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos. "They often contain ingredients such as polymers that adhere strongly to lashes and create a water-resistant film." Waterproof mascaras rely on film-forming copolymers, which help with flexibility, holding the eyelash's curl, and boosting temperature resistance.

"Some waterproof mascaras are totally anhydrous, meaning they contain no water, so they dry differently and sometimes can take longer," continues Dobos. "The unique, natural composition of beeswax makes it a useful ingredient in all mascaras but especially waterproof formulas."

Are waterproof mascaras safe for your lashes?

Waterproof mascara itself is always safe for lashes, but the product tends to be more difficult to remove when it comes time to wash off your makeup, posing potential distress to your lashes. Dobos explains, “Your usual micellar water might not cut it. Rubbing and pulling at lashes can cause breakage or already loose lashes to come out.” But not all hope is lost—the way in which you approach removal can make a difference. “Using a bi-phase or oil-based eye makeup remover helps reduce pulling or tugging at the delicate eye area to remove. Isohexadecane and silicones work to dissolve the tenacious polymer films,” Dobos adds.

How should I choose a waterproof mascara?

As always, your perfect-match-mascara depends on what you’re looking to get out of the product. Do you want a waterproof mascara that prioritizes lengthening? One that is especially heat-resistant? One that can withstand a day of water-sport practice? Look at the mascara’s description and ingredients before you head to checkout. "Some examples of ingredients to look for are Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Styrene/Acrylates/Ammonium Methacrylate Copolymer, and VP/Eicosene Copolymer," Dobos advises.

Dobos suggests that, beyond examining the formula, you should consider the mascara's brush and the "wiper" at the mouth of the tube. "There are some tradeoffs in using waterproof mascaras; some might take a little longer to dry, meaning lashes coated with the product that touch each other might stick together," says Dobos. "A good wiper—that separate ring you can see at the opening of the mascara tube—and silicone bristles that are stiff and on the shorter side can help separate lashes, reduce the amount of product applied, and thereby reduce clumping potential."

How do you stop mascara from smudging under the eyes?

According to Dowds, application is a big part of her smudge-proof technique—sometimes the brush is too big, or sometimes there’s too much product on the brush. “I recommend starting with a single, thoughtful first coat, then letting it dry for a moment before applying a second coat in the same way,” she says.

Her best trick? Keeping disposable mascara wands in both mini and regular sizes as brushing through the lashes with a clean, dry wand helps separate them and prevents clumping. “A good initial application sets the lashes for the day and helps minimize smudging,” she adds. “I also suggest avoiding eye cream too close to application. Let it settle well beforehand if needed. Some people apply powder under the eyes to help, but I generally don’t use much powder, and almost never under the eyes unless it’s for a specific character look.”

Meet the experts

• Shani Gailbreath, a hair and makeup artist in Nashville
• Molly R. Stern, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Lavonne, a makeup artist based in Little Rock, Arkansas
• Stoj, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Amrita Mehta, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Yuki Hayashi, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Patrick Ta, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
• Linda Dowds, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

Neko Health, the buzzy full body scan in the U.K. and Europe, is coming to the U.S.Courtesy of brandSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Commercial full-body scans are all over your social feeds. They’ve been plugged by Kim Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Cindy Crawford, and more, but it’s hard to deny that they come with a hefty price tag. Now, a new company is debuting in the US, and its scan is a fraction of the cost of the competition.

The company, Neko Health, is launching in New York City after having multiple locations in Sweden and the UK. Neko Health’s signature scan will be $499. By comparison, a scan from celebrity-endorsed Prenuvo starts at around $1,200, with prices stretching up to $4,000 for more in-depth imaging.

Neko Health's service does more than scan your body—it involves a blood test, skin check, and other biomarkers, like blood pressure and heart rate. The company also doesn’t use MRI technology, which many others rely on; instead, it uses 2D cameras, thermal cameras, and depth sensors, along with other health metrics, to paint a picture of your physical health.

The benefits of such scans are debated (more on that later), but the interest in them remains high. Neko says they’ve had more than 350,000 wait-list entrants globally, so the appeal of a full-body picture of your physiology clearly extends worldwide. “New York felt like the right place to bring that idea to the US,” says cofounder and chief executive officer Hjalmar Nilsonne. “It’s a city where people are used to having access to the best of everything—and we think health care should be no different.” Ambitions for broadening the scan's availability stretch to Miami, Washington, DC, and San Francisco, says the company.

The drive behind all the interest in commercial scans is likely linked to the general public's desire to lead longer, healthier lives, according to Ernest Hawk, MD, head of the division of Cancer Prevention and Population Science at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. “The whole population has learned that screening detection can be important for preventing cancer,” he says. “There's a hope that doing a whole-body evaluation might help people to identify things in an asymptomatic stage and thereby improve outcomes.” Couple that with strong social media campaigns, adds Dr. Hawk, and it's easy to see why Americans are suddenly into the idea.

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Neko Health is tapping into that. “We started Neko Health with a simple belief: Understanding your health shouldn't mean waiting until something feels wrong,” Nilsonne tells Allure. “Our goal has always been high-quality preventive health care for everyone—and that means building the technology and clinical approach to make it genuinely accessible.”

While the field of commercial full-body scans includes companies like SimonMed and Function (which recently acquired fellow scanning company Ezra), many health care providers still aren’t convinced this is something the average American needs.

Every commercial scanning company offers something slightly different.

Prenuvo is one of the most popular companies and has a wide range of celebrity endorsements. The company offers a variety of screenings, including a head-to-thigh scan and blood test; a whole-body scan with a body-composition analysis; brain scan; and heart health scan.

Function/Ezra MRI, as part of its lowest-cost offering, will scan your head, neck, abdomen, and pelvis. Its top offering conducts MRI scans of nearly everything. You can tack on CT scans of your heart and lungs for additional costs.

SimonMed conducts a wide range of scans, from a “core” MRI scan to the core scan, along with head, neck, and spine imaging.

These scans are offered across the US: Prenuvo has locations in several major cities, including Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and New York; Ezra offers services in 40 states; and SimonMed is heavily concentrated in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and California.

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These scans aren’t endorsed by any major medical association.

The American Medical Association (AMA) notes that these scans “have not been scientifically validated for screening purposes,” and stresses that research is needed to see if they’re worth your time and money.

An editorial in the Journal of the American Medical Association, published in May, warns that the use of commercial full-body scans should be “buyer beware.” And the American College of Radiology said in a 2023 statement that the organization “does not believe there is sufficient evidence to justify recommending total-body screening for patients with no clinical symptoms, risk factors, or a family history suggesting underlying disease or serious injury.”

Despite the lack of endorsements by the medical community, it’s hard to ignore some of the “success stories” that have come out of these scans. Last year, Emmy Awards executive producer Dionne Harmon revealed that a Prenuvo scan she had after seeing Kardashian’s endorsement detected her stage 3 lung cancer; Harmon had no symptoms at the time. Kardashian revealed that her scan detected a small brain aneurysm, which led to her getting other brain scans. (It’s not clear if she needed medical intervention beyond that.)

Doctors are still wary of commercial full-body scans.

Many argue that most people just don’t need these scans. “The whole-body MRI is indicated and makes sense in those that have known high-risk for diseases that are better detected by MRI—most tumors,” says Alexander McKinney, MD, chair of radiology at the University of Miami Health System. “However, the thing most people are five to seven times more likely to die from is cardiovascular causes, for which CT is better to detect those risk factors.” (Again, while some commercial scanning companies allow you to tack on CT scans, they’re not often built into the original packages.)

Breast cancer is also not typically detected through these scans, points out Richard Reitherman, MD, PhD, radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at Memorial Care Breast Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, CA. “Since whole-body MRI is not a contrast-enhanced study, it is especially not effective in screening for breast cancer,” he explains.

Dr. Reitherman also has concerns that some people will assume they’re healthy after having a commercial full-body scan and, as a result, skip scientifically validated screening tests. “The population that uses whole-body MRI as a substitute for specific proven screening tests such as contrast-enhanced breast MRI or CT scanning for lung cancer is at significant risk,” he says.

It is possible that a commercial full-body scan could detect a serious underlying health condition, says Dr. Hawk. “But there is an absence of conclusive evidence that it improves outcomes for anyone,” he adds. “Scientists measure benefit in terms of reduction of mortality. None of that exists at this point.”

Dr. Hawk also has concerns about the initial price of these scans, along with costs that someone may face if the scan detects something that may not be a big deal. “Any time a patient is in a screening program," he says, "you run the risk of finding something that may not be consequential in terms of improving the quality or length of someone’s life.”

These scans may also miss the full picture of a person’s health, Dr. McKinney says. “Whole-body MRI sounds sexy and can pick up most—not all—larger, actionable tumors and dementia, but it also tends to pick up many benign things that don’t need to be worked up,” he explains. “CT screening—lung, heart, vascular, stroke risks—picks up things that most of the population is much more likely to die from.”

If you have the budget for a full-body scan and are okay with the possibility of unnecessary follow-up scans, Dr. Hawk says you’re unlikely to be harmed by trying it out. “Indeed, it may find disease at an earlier stage and permit strategies to prevent the development of cancer,” he says. “There is that potential benefit. We just don’t have data yet on how beneficial this will be. In the future, I hope these are proven to be impactful and helpful.”

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

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

Our Top Kahi Products

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

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

Bounce Back: Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

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Kahi

Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

$23

Amazon

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

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

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

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Kahi Wrinkle Bounce Multi Balm

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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

More to know

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

Root Awakening: Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

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Kahi

Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

$23

Amazon

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

Sarah Hoffmann

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

Hoffmann before applying the Kahi Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Kahi Carrot Nourishing Care Cleansing Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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

More to know

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

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

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Kahi

Airy Fit Sun Stick SPF Broad Spectrum 50+

$21

Amazon

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

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

Sarah Han

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

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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

More to know

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

Soft Spot: Kisstin Balm

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Kahi

Kisstin Balm

$23

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

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

Pai before applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Kahi Kisstin Balm

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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

More to know

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

Ready to Roll: Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

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Kahi

Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

$110

Amazon

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

Lee using the Kahi Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after using the Kahi Caxa M1 Pearl Gua Sha

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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

More to know

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

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

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Instagram content

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

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

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If there was an award for the hardest-working skin-care ingredient, tretinoin would undoubtedly be a frontrunner. A synthetic derivative of vitamin A, it’s long been considered the gold standard for treating everything from acne and hyperpigmentation to fine lines. But even this dermatologist-favorite ingredient can benefit from having a good sidekick. Lately, TikTokers and skin-care enthusiasts are making the case for using tretinoin with azelaic acid, a multitasking ingredient that can help address discoloration, redness—and even offset some of the irritation tretinoin can cause.

Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Jessica Wu, MD, likens the tretinoin and azelaic acid pairing to a balanced workout routine. "It's like doing cardio plus strength training," she tells Allure, noting that many of her patients can't tolerate tretinoin alone. “They both help with acne, anti-aging, and pigmentation, so the combination is really appropriate for a wide range of patients. But,” she adds, “it has to be sequenced properly so you don't cause more irritation.”

To help you reap the benefits—without overdoing it—we asked dermatologists and cosmetic chemists to explain exactly how to use tretinoin and azelaic acid together.

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• What is tretinoin?
• What is azelaic acid?
• What are the benefits of using tretinoin and azelaic acid together?
• Why do dermatologists feel confident prescribing tretinoin and azelaic at the same time?
• Are there any risks with using tretinoin and azelaic acid together?
• How should you incorporate tretinoin and azelaic acid into your skin-care routine?
• Are there specific concentrations/products that tend to be most effective?
• What results can you expect when using tretinoin and azelaic acid together, and when will you start seeing them?

What is tretinoin?

Available by prescription only, tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative and is the only retinoid approved for treating signs of aging, whereas retinol is its over-the-counter alternative. “Tretinoin is considered the gold standard topical treatment for acne and one of the most well-studied ingredients for improving signs of photoaging, including fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and skin texture,” says Connie Yang, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The ingredient works by binding to retinoic acid in the skin, thus boosting cell turnover, stimulating collagen production, and improving things like acne, fine lines, and uneven texture.

Tretinoin isn't just for mature skin; it's prescribed to patients of all ages for different reasons. Because it decreases oil production in the sebaceous glands, it's long been a go-to acne treatment and is often recommended for teenagers, according to Julie Russak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Russak Dermatology Clinic in New York City. Later in life, tretinoin is equally sought after for its ability to improve the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and discoloration by stimulating skin-cell turnover. Says Dr. Russak, “It helps our cells replenish the surface of the skin with newer, healthier cells.”

According to Dr. Yang, a common misconception is that any irritation caused by tretinoin is because the formula is too strong. “The irritation isn't because tretinoin is damaging the skin, it's because it's asking your skin to work faster than it's used to,” she explains. “Tretinoin increases the rate at which your skin cells turn over and, while that's what makes it so effective for treating acne and improving signs of aging, it can also temporarily disrupt the skin barrier.” But as the skin adapts over several weeks, Dr. Yang adds, irritation typically improves while the benefits continue to build.

What is azelaic acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that's available in both prescription and over-the-counter strengths, Dr. Yang says. (Over-the-counter azelaic acid strengths are typically 10% or lower, while prescription formulas are available in 15% and 20% strengths.) “It's a multitasking ingredient that helps treat acne, reduce inflammation, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and improve redness, all while targeting acne-causing bacteria,” she notes.

Azelaic acid helps reduce inflammation by targeting several inflammatory pathways in the skin, while helping fade pigmentation by inhibiting the pigment-forming enzyme tyrosinase. “Inflammation in acne isn't one single event—it's a chain of signals, one step triggering the next,” says Dr. Russak. Essentially, azelaic acid interrupts that chain at multiple points. “It neutralizes unstable oxygen molecules that help set inflammation off in the first place,” she explains. “It reduces the signaling proteins that cells use to pass the inflammatory message to each other.” Meanwhile, azelaic acid reduces the activity of NF-kB, the main cellular trigger for inflammation and redness.

For those prone to blemishes, the ingredient targets cutibacterium acnes (formerly known as propionibacterium acnes), a bacterium associated with acne. “It also interferes with how cells inside the pore stick together—which is the actual mechanism behind a clog forming—so it works not only on inflamed, angry breakouts but also on blackheads and whiteheads,” says Dr. Russak. Additionally, azelaic acid reduces keratin buildup in the skin’s outermost layer, helping dead skin cells shed more easily.

Dr. Russak points out that azelaic acid's anti-inflammatory properties also make it a go-to for treating rosacea: “For rosacea-prone skin it inhibits kallikrein-5 and the cathelicidin gene, which lowers LL-37, a peptide involved in both inflammation and the vascular reactivity behind visible redness.” By targeting this pathway, azelaic acid can lessen the flushing and redness associated with rosacea.

What sets azelaic acid apart from other ingredients is its versatility. Says Dr. Yang, “The reason I love azelaic acid is that it addresses multiple common skin concerns at once: acne, discoloration, and redness, all while causing much less irritation than most other active ingredients.”

Another major advantage is its gentle nature. Unlike many acne-fighting ingredients, azelaic acid is generally well-tolerated, making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. It also stands out as one of the few topical skin-care ingredients widely considered suitable to use during pregnancy, according to Dr. Wu. By contrast, dermatologists advise against using tretinoin during pregnancy because of the potential risk of birth defects.

What are the benefits of using tretinoin and azelaic acid together?

Though this combination has recently taken TikTok by storm, it's hardly a new skin-care duo. “While it's a new trend on social media, dermatologists have been prescribing these medications together for decades,” says Dr. Yang. The reason is simple: The two ingredients complement each other. For example, if you're treating acne, tretinoin speeds up skin-cell turnover but doesn't kill acne-causing bacteria—a gap that azelaic acid helps fill, Dr. Wu explains. Conversely, azelaic acid isn't known to stimulate collagen production, whereas tretinoin does.

The coupling is equally beneficial for concerns like hyperpigmentation, melasma, and sun damage. “Tretinoin helps normalize and speed skin-cell turnover, so pigment-containing cells are shed more efficiently over time. It can also help other topical treatments work more effectively,” explains Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut. “Azelaic acid more directly targets abnormal pigment production by inhibiting tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in making melanin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which is particularly helpful when inflammation is contributing to discoloration." An easy way to think about it is this, says Dr. Gohara: "Azelaic acid helps turn down the faucet of excess pigment production, while tretinoin helps move the pigment that is already there up and out more efficiently.” Because the ingredients address discoloration at different points in the process, they work exceptionally well together.

Meanwhile, Dr. Russak notes, the benefits extend beyond treating acne and pigmentation. Because azelaic acid has anti-inflammatory properties, it can help minimize some of the irritation associated with tretinoin.

If you want over-the-counter options, dermatologists recommend azaleic acid from Anua and La Roche Posay, and retinol from Skinbetter and Skinceuticals.

Photos: Courtesy of brands and subjects; Illustrations by AllureWhy do dermatologists feel confident prescribing tretinoin and azelaic at the same time?

Individually, both tretinoin and azelaic acid have been studied extensively, whereas the combination has not—at least not to nearly the same extent, according to Dr. Russak. Nevertheless, while direct clinical trial evidence on the combination is limited, she says years of research on the individual ingredients, along with clinical experience and guideline support, make it a common and reasonable treatment at the disposal of dermatologists: “Both are individually endorsed in the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines; and the Delphi consensus among board-certified dermatologists goes further, recommending a topical retinoid as first-line therapy with azelaic acid added as an adjunct for patients dealing with acne-associated hyperpigmentation.” (The Delphi consensus is a structured method where a panel of skin experts answers anonymous questionnaires in multiple rounds.)

In addition to the reasons mentioned above, tretinoin and azelaic acid don’t chemically react with each other, says Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic chemist and biotech innovator. “They don't share a reactive functional group [meaning the part of a molecule that can chemically react with another ingredient] that would cause degradation or an adverse reaction between them, the way, say, benzoyl peroxide oxidizes tretinoin.” In other words, the ingredients remain stable when used together; they don't chemically break each other down or reduce the other's effectiveness.

Dr. Russak is comfortable prescribing the two ingredients together, in part because they tend to have different side effects. “Their side-effect profiles don't overlap in the same way,” she explains. With tretinoin, irritation shows up as scaling and redness, while azelaic acid manifests as a brief tingling or burning sensation right after application that’s usually gone within a few minutes.

Are there any risks with using tretinoin and azelaic acid together?

You generally don't want to pair tretinoin with other exfoliating acids like glycolic acid, mandelic acid (which are alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs) or salicylic acid (which is a beta-hydroxy acid, or BHA), according to cosmetic chemist Ginger King. Azelaic acid is the exception, as King doesn't consider it an exfoliating acid.

The issue is that when you use tretinoin alongside other exfoliating acids, you end up stacking acids that can all disrupt the skin barrier, says Dr. Russak, who adds that it's worth distinguishing glycolic and lactic acid from salicylic acid as they don't behave the same way. AHAs, like glycolic and lactic acid, work on the surface, exfoliating the outer layers of the skin.

Using AHAs and tretinoin at the same time "can increase dryness, peeling, redness, and irritation,” says Dr. Gohara. “While removing surface cells can theoretically influence penetration, from a practical standpoint the bigger consideration is tolerability. You want tretinoin to work effectively without unnecessarily irritating the skin.” If you want to use both, and your skin can tolerate them, dermatologists recommend using them on alternate nights.

BHAs, like salicylic acid, are oil soluble and work “especially well inside oily pores, while tretinoin normalizes cell turnover and helps prevent pores from being clogged in the first place,” says Dr. Gohara. “They can complement each other, particularly for acne-prone skin, but using both at the same time may increase irritation without necessarily giving you better results.” Again, the advice is to use them on different days or different times of the day, like a salicylic acid-based cleanser in the morning and tretinoin at night.

When it comes to azelaic acid and tretinoin, “too much of a good thing isn’t always a good thing,” says Dr. Russak. Those with sensitive skin should proceed with caution when using the two ingredients together, as the combination may be too much for their skin to tolerate. As always, it’s important to see how your skin responds to the combination before going all in. “Make sure the barrier isn’t compromised, because if it is, it will be too irritating for the skin,” she adds.

Don’t be surprised if your skin needs time to acclimate to the combination. “When used together, especially at the start of treatment, some people may experience dryness, peeling, redness, stinging, or a temporary increase in skin sensitivity,” says Dr. Yang. Because tretinoin tends to be the more irritating of the two ingredients, these reactions may be particularly noticeable as your skin adjusts to the retinoid.

How should you incorporate tretinoin and azelaic acid into your skin-care routine?

If this is your first time using either ingredient, Dr. Wu recommends starting with azelaic acid before introducing tretinoin if you have sensitive skin, since it's generally much gentler. For some people, she says, it can take up to a month for the skin to adjust to azelaic acid. And while many can tolerate using it daily from the start, those with sensitive skin should begin every other day, then increase to daily use after a week if they don't experience irritation.

Alternatively, if your goal is to address comedones or clogged pores, Dr. Wu recommends starting with tretinoin first. She suggests applying it on Monday and Friday nights, initially; if you aren't experiencing irritation, add a third night, such as Wednesday, before gradually working up to nightly use. “If on a stable routine of tretinoin with no irritation after two weeks,” she says, “you could add azelaic acid. If you can't go past three nights a week, you can alternate azelaic acid in between. If you're already using tretinoin nightly, then add azelaic acid during the day.”

Once your skin has gotten used to both ingredients, Dr. Wu recommends using azelaic acid in the morning and tretinoin at night to help minimize irritation. That said, you can layer the two ingredients if your skin can tolerate it; although, because tretinoin can increase sun sensitivity, it should only be used in the evening and always apply SPF 30 or above in the morning. If you do apply both in the same nighttime routine, start with the thinner formula. “If you have azelaic acid gel, that should go on before tretinoin cream,” says Dr. Yang.

Now what about the rest of your skin-care routine when using both tretinoin and azelaic acid? Dr. Yang suggests you keep things simple: “In the morning, use a gentle cleanser, apply azelaic acid, follow with a moisturizer if needed, and finish with a broad-spectrum sunscreen,” she says. “In the evening, cleanse, let your skin dry completely, apply a pea-sized amount of tretinoin to the entire face, and follow with a moisturizer.” For those prone to irritation, this separates the two ingredients while still providing benefits from both.

Are there specific concentrations/products that tend to be most effective?

When incorporating tretinoin and azelaic acid into your routine, consult with your dermatologist, who can recommend the ideal strengths for your skin. Koestline says 0.025% tretinoin is a realistic starting point when pairing it with azelaic acid. While higher strengths, such as 0.05% and 0.1%, may be more effective, they also increase the risk of irritation. “For azelaic acid, 10% is a reasonable over-the-counter starting concentration; 15 to 20% (prescription-strength, as in Finacea/Azelex) is where most of the anti-inflammatory and pigmentation data comes from,” she adds.

While tretinoin is available by prescription only, Dr. Russak recommends encapsulated retinol formulas for those who are looking for an over-the-counter alternative. She points to Skinbetter Science’s formulas as a favorite. Dr. Russak also likes SkinCeuticals' range of retinol strengths, which allow beginners to start with a lower concentration and gradually work their way up.

For over-the-counter azelaic acid, Dr. Yang suggests Anua’s Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum and, for acne specifically, La Roche Posay’s Effaclar A.Z. Acne Face Gel. The formula you choose matters too. According to Dr. Russak, cream-gel formulations are good for acne-prone skin as they absorb easily and minimize pore blockage; creams, on the other hand, are typically better suited for people with rosacea or sensitive skin, as they're generally more moisturizing. She also recommends avoiding formulas that contain alcohol, which can further irritate already sensitive skin. Serum textures tend to work well for those with normal to combination skin.

The writer before using tretinoin and azelaic acid together, and two-to-three weeks after using the ingredient combo.

What results can you expect when using tretinoin and azelaic acid together, and when will you start seeing them?

Everyone’s skin is different, but according to Dr. Wu, most people see results within about two weeks of consistent use. “You should start to see some skin looking clearer because both of them are starting to slough off the top layers of dead skin; there should be less dullness by two weeks,” she says. By the one-month mark, you should start to see some improvement in clogged pores, blackheads, and acne. “By two months,” Dr. Wu continues, “you should start to see improvement in pigmentation.”

Allure beauty director, Sarah Kinonen, has firsthand experience with the pairing. Four years ago, Kinonen’s dermatologist prescribed tretinoin and azelaic acid to her after an acne consultation. “I was dealing with a couple of hormonal breakouts that would pop up every month during my period, plus redness from my rosacea,” Kinonen recalls. “So it was during that appointment that she put me on an oral drug and a handful of topicals: Altreno (tretinoin), azelaic acid 15% (Finacea), Soolantra (for rosacea), and 100mg of Spironolactone (for hormonal breakouts).”

Kinonen says further that her skin needed time to adjust to the new lineup of topical treatments. “I had instant dryness and flaking, but I soon learned to balance them out: azelaic acid (twice a day, every day) and tretinoin (every other night),” she explains. “On nights when I use the tretinoin and azelaic acid together, I first apply a dime-sized dollop of tretinoin, wait a beat for it to dry, then layer on a hydrating serum as a barrier before going in with my azelaic acid (also a dime-sized dollop). It's the sandwich technique, and it really does help prevent dryness or peeling days later.” She follows that with a moisturizer and an occlusive balm to lock in hydration.

Allure beauty director, Sarah Kinonen, before starting on tretinoin and prescription azelaic acid, and TK TIME after.

Courtesy of subject

Kinonen notes, too, that the results didn’t happen overnight—it took her a few months to notice a significant difference in her skin. “I didn't have any breakouts—and I haven't had any since, if you can believe it. It's been four years!” she says, pointing out that her results weren’t solely from tretinoin and azelaic acid. “I do think my other medications (Spironolactone and Soolantra) are also a big reason I haven't had any irritations, but the tret and azelaic acid have become non-negotiable powerhouses in my routine.”

After hearing TikTokers wax poetic about the combo, I decided to try it myself. Following my dermatologist’s recommendation (and because I'd never experienced irritation while using tretinoin in the past), I opted for 0.025% tretinoin (the same strength I used a few years ago) at night, along with 15% azelaic acid in the morning. Right away, I was pleasantly surprised by my skin’s reaction: no dryness or discomfort. Although it’s been only two weeks since I added the duo to my routine, I’ve already noticed less redness, dullness, and hyperpigmentation, as well as smoother skin texture. Time will tell how my skin continues to respond to this regimen, but so far, it’s easy to see why TikTokers and dermatologists swear by the combo.

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

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

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

Our Top Concealers

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

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Overall: Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

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Armani Beauty

Luminous Silk Concealer

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

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

Lexi Herrick

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

Herrick before applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying the Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Concealer

Lexi Herrick

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

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

More to know

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

Best Full-Coverage: Nars Soft Matte Concealer

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Nars

Soft Matte Concealer

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Ulta Beauty

$36

Sephora

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

Bianca Richards

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

Richards before applying the Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the Nars Soft Matte Concealer

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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

More to know

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

Best for Acne: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

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Laura Mercier

Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

$33

Amazon

$33

Nordstrom

$33

Ulta Beauty

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

Deanna Pai

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

Pai before applying the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Complexion Perfector

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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

More to know

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

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

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Tower 28

Swipe All-Over Hydrating Serum Concealer

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

$24

Revolve

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

Sarah Han

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

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

Sarah Han

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

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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

More to know

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

Best for Dark Spots: Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

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Tarte

Shape Tape Concealer

$32 $26 (19% off)

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

Sephora

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

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

Jusu before applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Jusu after applying the Tarte Shape Tape Concealer

Jennet Jusu

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

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

More to know

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

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

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Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place 24-Hour Concealer

$38 $34 (11% off)

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Ulta Beauty

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

Jessica Cruel

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

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

Jessica Cruel

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

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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

More to know

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

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

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E.L.F. Cosmetics

16 HR Camo Concealer

$8

Amazon

$8

Ulta Beauty

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

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

Sarah Kinonen

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

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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

More to know

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

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

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Lancôme

Teint Idôle Ultra Wear All Over Concealer

$32 $27 (16% off)

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Ulta Beauty

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

Christa Joanna Lee

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

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

Christa Joanna Lee

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

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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

More to know

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

Best for Mature Skin: Kosas Revealer Concealer

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Kosas

Revealer Concealer

$32

Nordstrom

$32

Sephora

Allure tester applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

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

Allure tester before applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Allure tester after applying the Kosas Revealer Concealer

Allure

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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

More to know

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

Best for Undereyes: Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

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Haus Labs

Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

$32

Sephora

Lee applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

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

Lee before applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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

More to know

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose the right concealer shade?

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

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

What makes a concealer move well with the skin?

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

What concealer looks best on mature skin?

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

Meet the experts

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

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Comfort zones get a lot of bad press. The truth is, a little comfort sounds pretty nice right about now. Is that so wrong? As we enter fall, it’s only natural to want to retreat into a simpler way of living. And fall hair trends follow suit: easy, soft, and comfortable in the best way possible.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try something new. It just means finding a style or color that asks little of you and gives the same polish as your favorite cashmere sweater or trusty, worn-in leather jacket. A lightly textured bob haircut you can easily tuck behind your ear. Flexible, wispy bangs that don’t force you to commit to daily styling. Or a softer, gentler shag after a season of rock-and-roll edge.

For color, it means melty chocolate brunettes and toasty maple reds. But, of course, comfort looks different for everyone. What lowers one’s blood pressure might spike another's. Blondes and brondes and brunettes may be out of your wheelhouse. If you prefer a crayon-box color, cozy up to a softer bubblegum pink—fuchsia’s serene older sister.

There’s never been a better time to kick back and relax. Below, the experts dive into what colors and cuts their clients will be asking for this season.

In this story:

• Fall haircut trends 2026
• Fall hair color trends 2026

Fall haircut trends 2026

Boyfriend bobPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Tight and tailored is all fine and good, but when fall hits, we crave something soft and worn-in like oversized sweatshirts and slouchy wool socks. Think of this airy bob as a beloved pair of boyfriend jeans. Comfortable, but still very, very cool.

“Everyone is moving away from hair that looks overstyled,” says Dimitris Giannetos, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist. “People want cuts they can air-dry, tuck behind their ears, or wear with a little bend from sleeping on it.”

The boyfriend bob fits the low-maintenance bill. New York-based hairstylist Wendy Iles, who noticed it on Charlize Theron recently, calls it “self-styling.” The length falls somewhere between the chin and collarbone, with soft ends and a little movement built in. “I always soften the interior with invisible layers or subtle texturizing,” says Giannetos. That technique gives the look an effortless, undone, “just running errands in my The Row flats, thank you very much” vibe. Perfectly polished is not what you’re going for here.

Cloud bangsPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Bangs are a love it or hate it affair: Either you love the cheeky finish they give your look, or you spend six to eight weeks never truly getting them to stay where you want them. But temptation always calls. “Fall is the best time for giving bangs a try,” says Nashville-based hairstylist Eric Marshall Wright. “They can devastate you in the summer as the humidity makes them fussy.”

Cloud bangs could scratch the seasonal bangs itch without committing to a full style you need to tend to every day. They’re light and breezy and look just as good dancing across your brows as they do pushed to the side. “Instead of a thick, heavy fringe, they're made up of wispy pieces that gently float across the forehead and blend into the rest of the haircut,” says Giannetos. “They create softness without hiding your features.”

Giannetos recommends asking for soft, wispy, curtain-inspired bangs with feathered edges that blend into face-framing layers. “The key words are light, airy, and movement,” he says. “You want them to disappear into the rest of your haircut while still drawing attention to your eyes.”

Face-framing layersPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Face-framing layers can feel like a fresh coat of paint. What may have been tired, limp, and worn-out suddenly becomes polished and perky—an easy, breezy way to look like you got eight hours of beauty rest. “This is one of the easiest ways to make long hair feel fresh,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Rikke Gajda.

“Ask for heavily layered hair that starts short, framing right around the cheekbones, then cascades longer and longer down to the shoulders,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Owen Gould. “It’s not choppy. It’s blended and soft, with tons of internal movement.”

Gould likes to shape this look with point cutting and razor work through the interior layers, cutting the face-framing pieces at a diagonal so they naturally curve inward toward the chin and float when you move.

Soft shagPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

The life of a rock-and-roll star is hard—long shows, late nights, adoring fans. So this fall is the perfect time to take a break from the world tour and live a gentler lifestyle, with the hair to go with it. Instead of a choppy, headbanger shag, try a lighter, cozier version.

“This is a modern shag with diffused layers, wispy curtain fringe, and feathered movement throughout,” says Leo Izquierdo, a New York City-based hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair. “Unlike the edgy versions from previous years, this one feels polished, airy, and romantic.”

The cut leaves your layers on the longer side without adding any additional shaggy or shorter pieces, says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Ashley Streicher. Izquierdo recommends asking for softly disconnected layers, a blended curtain fringe, and soft, subtle texture.

Pixie shagPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Somewhere between pixie and bixie lies this shaggy devil-may-care crop. Ideal if a classic pixie is too buttoned-up, but you find longer hair too fussy—the pixie shag looks just as cool after being tucked under a hat as it would styled for the Met Gala (see Emma Chamberlain).

Travis Speck, a New York City-based hairstylist, calls it a choppy, DIY-looking cut. As if you got bored and decided to tango with your kitchen shears. “The imperfections are what make it perfect,” he says. While thicker hair with natural texture will have an easier time achieving the shaggy look, you can style straight hair with texturizer and tousle with your fingers. The more undone, the better.

Fall hair color trends 2026

Dark chocolatePhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Fall isn’t about going darker (well, except for that whole daylight savings thing); it's about going richer. Not just brunette, but deep chocolate melting into warm walnut. The kind of indulgent flavors and colors you want to disappear into once cooler weather hits.

“It’s about creating that richness, reflection, and incredible shine,” says Richy Kandasamy, a New York City-based hairstylist and vice president of color development for R+Co. “Ask your colorist for a rich, dimensional brunette that reflects light and looks glossy, not flat or overly dark.”

Maple cinnamonPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

As much as we love a seaside raw bar and a glass of champagne, fall brings more indulgent cravings. Pumpkin coffee with pancakes and maple syrup (the good, grade A, Vermont kind). This deep red fits the menu.

“It’s rich and warm, not bright orange or fire engine red,” says Chase Kusero, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and IGK cofounder. “Warm reds continue to gain popularity because they instantly brighten the complexion while still feeling seasonal.”

Jeremiah Cook, a New York City-based colorist, agrees. He suggests asking for soft, lived-in cinnamon copper instead of a vibrant red. “Let your stylist know you’d like warmth with a natural dimension that grows out gracefully.” But a heads up: “Depending on the starting level, hair may need to be gently lifted before depositing customized copper, gold, and cinnamon tones,” he says. Ashy blondes or those with naturally lighter color will have an easier time getting this kind of yummy dimension.

Mushroom blondePhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

You’ll find this quiet, toasted beige lost in the stacks of your local bookstore. She prefers her stories filled with faraway fantasy and romance, and her hair the same shade as her morning chai latte.

“Mushroom blonde offers sophistication while requiring less upkeep, making it ideal for those who want beautiful color without frequent appointments,” says Cook, who finds that his clients are starting to gravitate toward this effortless color because of its seamless grow-out. “It’s muted, airy, and understated.”

“This shade is perfect for blondes wanting a little more depth or brunettes looking to lighten without becoming fully blonde,” says New York City-based colorist Jenna Perry. Ask for a neutral, dimensional mushroom blonde with blended roots and soft ribbons of beige and taupe. “Everything [should be] toned with a creamy beige gloss so there aren't any harsh lines.”

Amber highlightsPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Amber highlights are like sipping a fireside Old Fashioned. If you catch the color at the right angle, the firelight gives it a buttery golden glow (and possibly a little buzz).

“Ask your colorist to balayage big golden pieces mainly in the front of the hair to match the volume and layers,” says Leslie Shores, a Nashville-based colorist. “They can be foiled or painted on the hair.” The result should be soft, natural, easy ribbons of caramel. Add a gloss for a stronger kick.

Bubblegum pinkPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

We all have our creature comforts. Some of us want to disappear into a giant blanket and watch Heated Rivalry all the way through for the third time. Some prefer to sweat it out at a concert (and then go home and rewatch Heated Rivalry). For the latter set, something a little cheekier, but still gentle, like a pastel bubblegum pink may do the trick.

“It feels airy rather than bold. Not neon or overly vibrant,” says New York City-based colorist Renée Valerie Radoiu. “Imagine the color of freshly unwrapped bubblegum blended with a touch of cream.”

Ask your colorist for a sheer, glossy pink “rather than a highly saturated fashion pink,” she says. You’ll need to start with an even blonde base, or have your hair lightened first, which could take more than one appointment, so be prepared for a time commitment. “Rather than applying one solid color, I like to build subtle variations in tone so the color has movement, depth, and dimension,” adds Radoiu, so the bubblegum has a little, you know, pop!

Meet the experts

• Jeremiah Cook is a colorist at Adel Atelier Salon in New York City and a L’Oréal educator.
• Rikke Gajda is a hairstylist in Los Angeles.
• Dimitris Giannetos is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and L’Oréal Paris ambassador.
• Owen Gould is a Los Angeles hairstylist and Moroccanoil global ambassador.
• Wendy Iles is a New York City-based hairstylist and founder of Iles Formula.
• Leo Izquierdo is a New York City-based hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair.
• Richy Kandasamy is a New York City-based hairstylist and vice president of color development for R+Co.
• Chase Kusero is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and cofounder of IGK Hair.
• Jenna Perry is a New York City-based colorist and R+Co Collective member.
• Renée Valerie Radoiu is a New York City-based colorist and vice president of R+Co color education.
• Leslie Shores a Nashville-based colorist.
• Travis Speck is a hairstylist at Suite Caroline salon in New York City.
• Ashley Streicher is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and R+Co Collective member.
• Eric Marshall Wright is a hairstylist and owner of Eric Marshall Salon in Nashville.

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

As brows become sparser, finer, or lighter with age, the best eyebrow pencils for older women can make a big difference. Over time, brow hairs may also become more wiry, while the skin underneath can develop more texture—meaning the brow pencil that you’ve always used can suddenly look too harsh or be harder to apply. Luckily, our favorite formulas for mature brows come in nuanced, realistic shades (including options for gray hair) with fine tips and blendable textures that make it easier to add definition without looking drawn on.

Even though brows don’t take up much real estate, a little definition can make a surprisingly big difference. “Brows frame the shape of the face and restore contrast,” says ​Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan. As brow hairs lighten or thin, “you start to lose shape and definition,” she says, which can make the eyes appear less lifted.

Our Top Eyebrow Pencils for Older Women

• Best for Fully Gray Brows: Benefit Goof Proof Waterproof Easy Shape & Fill Eyebrow Pencil in Cool Grey, $28
• Best for Dark Hair Going Gray: Jones Road the Brow Pencil in Grey, $22
• Best for Salt-and-Pepper Brows: Wunderbrow Micro-Classic Easy Fill Brow Pencil in Taupe Grey, $10
• Best for Wiry/Textured Brows: Kosas Brow Pop Dual Action, $26

And if your hair has gone gray, Wray cautions against automatically reaching for the shade you used years ago. “Gray isn’t a lighter shade of brown; it’s its own color and lacks pigment,” she says. Rather than drawing on a whole new brow—which can create harsh contrast—the goal is to softly fill sparse areas and define the shape you already have. Ahead, we rounded up the best eyebrow pencils for older women to do exactly that.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do you choose your eyebrow pencil shade for gray brows?
• How do you avoid harsh-looking brows?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best for Fully Gray Brows: Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Cool Grey

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Benefit Cosmetics

Goof Proof Brow Pencil in Cool Grey

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Benefit Cosmetics has been in the brow game for so long that most of us have owned at least one of their pencils at some point. If your brows are entirely gray, the brand’s Goof Proof Easy Shape & Fill Pencil in Cool Grey is as universally flattering as it gets. When brows turn gray, undertone matters: too warm reads unnatural, while overly ashy can veer chalky and dull. “This cool-toned shade keeps gray brows looking natural and believable,” says Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston, Texas.

The retractable, angled tip makes shaping intuitive and eliminates the need for sharpening, so the stroke width stays consistent and harder to overdo. “Use the angled edge to fill in sparse areas, then switch to the finer point to add hair-like strokes,” she adds. The attached spoolie brush lets you comb through pigment to soften edges and blur any heavy spots for a more natural finish. And the smooth, castor-oil–based formula blends easily, then sets into long-lasting, 12-hour wear without smudging.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, beeswax
• Shades: 12
• Features: built-in spoolie, waterproof formula
• Who it’s for: people with full gray brows

Best for Dark Hair Going Gray: Jones Road the Brow Pencil in Grey

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Jones Road

The Brow Pencil in Grey

$24

Jones Road

Why it's worth it: Choosing a pencil shade for brunettes or black hair that is starting to gray can be tricky, as warmer browns often look too red, while ashy tones can fall flat or chalky. Jones Road’s Brow Pencil adds fullness without laying down a block of heavy color. “This pencil has tiny hair-like fibers in it to create the look of full, natural brows,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Denise Del Russo. Shea butter, castor seed oil, and plant waxes like candelilla and carnauba give the formula a smooth glide and extra softening, while the jumbo format of the pencil format makes it easier for makeup novices to create light, feathery strokes. “You can fill them in faster and more easily,” says Wray—which makes everyday shaping feel intuitive.

For the most natural-looking finish, Del Russo recommends pairing it with “a slanted brow brush and spoolie” to shape, blend, and soften the pigment so it meshes seamlessly with both darker and newly gray brow hairs.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, shea butter, candelilla wax, carnauba wax
• Shades: 6
• Who it’s for: people with wiry or textured brows who still want fullness

Best for Blonde Hair Going Gray: Victoria Beckham Beauty BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe

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Victoria Beckham Beauty

BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil in Taupe

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Blonde brows transitioning to gray can lose both definition and depth, so finding a pencil that stays cool, precise, and natural becomes key. Victoria Beckham’s BabyBlade Eyebrow Pencil handles all three. “This is my favorite for blondes because the taupe is perfectly cool-toned,” says Riner. “The ultra-fine tip makes it nearly impossible to overdo it, so you always end up with a soft, natural, and flattering shape.” The long-wear formula glides on cleanly, but it also treats the brows as it fills: Camellia japonica oil delivers antioxidant-rich hydration, while rosehip seed oil brings essential fatty acids to help keep the skin and brow hairs supple. Each stroke gets you a fuller, better-defined brow that complements blonde-to-gray tones without too much warmth.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: camellia japonica oil, rosehip seed oil
• Shades: 6
• Features: built-in spoolie
• Who it’s for: people with lighter hair tones going gray

Best for Reddish Hair Going Gray: Anastasia Beverly Hills Fill & Define Brow Pencil in Caramel

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Anastasia Beverly Hills

Dual-Ended Fill & Define Powder Perfect Brow Pencil in Caramel

$26

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Only 1 to 2% of the world’s population has naturally red hair, which makes red brows a niche all their own, especially once gray starts to enter the picture. The undertone has to stay convincing without going brassy or flat, and it’s easy for a brow pencil to look too heavy. Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Dual-Ended Fill & Define Powder Perfect Brow Pencil in Caramel (light red) or Auburn (soft, deeper red) strikes the right balance for most redheads, says Wray. “While many people do enjoy a mechanical pencil, this traditional wooden pencil has a softer, powder-like formula to look more natural for red hair,” says Wray. “It's very beginner-friendly with a spoolie on the end to brush and blur imperfections.” Mica and plant oils help the color glide and diffuse into a believable finish.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mica, vegetable oil, cottonseed oil
• Shades: 8
• Features: built-in spoolie
• Who it’s for: redheads going gray

Best for Salt-and-Pepper Brows: Wunderbrow Micro-Classic Easy Fill Brow Pencil in Taupe Grey

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Wunderbrow

Micro-Classic Easy Fill Brow Pencil in Taupe Grey

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Salt-and-pepper brows can look multidimensional and striking, but finding the right balance takes some finesse: A shade that disappears into darker hairs can look stark against silver strands, while overly matte pigment can flatten all that natural dimension. Wunderbrow’s Micro-Classic Easy Fill Brow Pencil in Taupe Grey is a cool-toned shade that complements gray and silver strands without the warmth of a traditional brown, while its “micro-fine tip keeps the finished result from looking heavy,” says Del Russo.

The formula combines lightweight emollients with carnauba wax for smooth, controlled application, while silica contributes to its silky feel. Instead of the standard spoolie on the opposite end, “it has a comb to brush through brows,” she adds—a particularly handy swap for wiry or coarse brows, since the individual teeth can separate and coax hairs into place with more precision.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: carnauba wax, silica
• Shades: 4
• Features: built-in comb, included sharpener
• Who it’s for: people with salt-and-pepper or graying brows

Best for Wiry/Textured Brows: Kosas Brow Pop Dual Action

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Kosas

Kosas Brow Pop Dual Action

$26

Sephora

$26

Revolve

$26

Credo Beauty

Why it's worth it: Aging often shifts the texture of brow hair, making it coarser and more wiry. “For mature clients, I find that the softer and creamier to medium-firmness of Kosas’ Brow Pop Dual Action works well,” says Del Russo. “It doesn’t require a lot of pressure when applying, glides on smoothly, and doesn’t smudge or smear.”

The slim tip lets you sketch precise, hair-like strokes around coarser strands, while nourishing jojoba oil, hydrogenated castor oil, and panthenol give the formula a smoothness that’s especially helpful on mature skin. Del Russo’s finishing touch for especially unruly brows: Sweep a tinted brow gel like the Kosas Air Brow Tinted Gel over top to hold hairs in place and add fullness.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, panthenol, jojoba oil
• Shades: 10
• Features: built-in spoolie
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with wiry brows

Best for Thinning Brows: Glossier Boy Brow Arch

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Glossier

Boy Brow Arch

$24

Sephora

$24

Glossier

Why it's worth it: The fewer brow hairs you have to work with, the more every pencil stroke counts—and a precise tip makes creating natural-looking fullness and definition much easier. Glossier’s Boy Brow Arch has a pointed edge for sketching fine, hair-like flicks into sparse spots, while the flat edge shades larger gaps with ease. “The rich, pomade texture also helps the brows appear fuller and stay in place,” says Del Russo, while coconut-derived emollients give the formula enough creaminess to glide on without a heavy hand.

And if thinning goes beyond a few scattered gaps? Staying power becomes even more important. “If I find myself having to completely draw in a faux brow because the brows are so sparse, a water-resistant, smudge-proof brow product like this is best,” Del Russo says, since you don’t want all that carefully placed definition sliding around.

More to know

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• Key ingredient: coconut emollients
• Shades: 9
• Features: built-in spoolie
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with thinning brows that need precise definition

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose your eyebrow pencil shade for gray brows?

Choosing a brow pencil for mature women with gray brows comes down to finding the right balance of tone and depth. “If your brows are salt and pepper, when looking for a brow product, go with the lighter or most neutral option to soften the brows and overall appearance of the face,” says Wray. She recommends “going slightly lighter and more neutral as the brows lose pigment.” Go too far in either direction and the effect shifts: “Too light and the brows begin to disappear, and too dark makes them look overly dramatic.” A neutral, softly cool tone usually lands in that flattering middle ground.

How do you avoid harsh-looking brows?

For natural-looking brows, Wray says the trick is to mimic what your existing brow hairs already do rather than adding heavy or overly defined strokes. “I always recommend using light pressure and creating short, hair-like strokes,” she says. Instead of drawing new brows on top, you’re “filling in negative space within the brow.” The order matters too: “Your brows should go from light to dark and thick to thin,” so concentrate on defining the tail and arch first, then work toward the center of the face to get natural definition.

Meet the experts

• Denise Del Russo, a makeup artist based in New Jersey
• Tonya Riner, a makeup artist based in Houston, Texas
• ​Kierra Lanice Wray, a makeup artist based in Lansing, Michigan

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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