Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Breakouts on your back can be annoying to clear—and even harder to reach. The good news? The best bacne sprays can help on both, ahem, fronts. Formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hypochlorous acid, these products help resolve active breakouts, soothe inflammation, and prevent future pimples from dotting your back. While they aren’t all that different from products for acne on your face, they often have higher concentrations of active ingredients, since the skin on your back is thicker and less sensitive. And, because they come in easy-to-use spray bottles—many of which apply the product in a continuous mist—they spare you the messiness (and contortions) that lotions or scrubs require.
Our Top Bacne Sprays
Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray, $28
Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray, $15
Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist, $28
Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray, $29
Even better? Bacne sprays slot right into your post-shower routine, too. Just spritz on your product of choice once your skin is clean and dry. (While other body products like lotions and creams are best applied to damp skin, you don’t want any lingering moisture to dilute the active ingredients in the spray.) You can reapply it if you shower again or break a major sweat, but once a day should suffice for most people, according to Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois. Scroll ahead for the best bacne sprays worth misting, as selected by skin-care experts and Allure editors.
What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray
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Dermalogica
Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray
$28
Amazon
$28
Dermstore
$28
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Both Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York, and Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York, both give Dermalogica’s Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray their seal of approval, since it’s especially effective against acne and packed with calming ingredients; that makes it a great option for daily use for most people. “It pairs salicylic acid with soothing botanicals like witch hazel and tea tree oil, which may help calm redness and irritation while treating breakouts,” Dr. Camp tells Allure.
It has a slight cooling effect, which makes it all the more refreshing after a steamy shower or sweaty workout. Also worth noting: This continuous spray contains a lower concentration of salicylic acid than many other bacne sprays, which makes it especially good for bacne newbies and people with dry skin, Dr. Shah tells Allure.
More to know
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Key ingredients: 1% salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oil
Fragrance-free: no (contains essential oils)
Who it’s for: newcomers and seasoned users of bacne sprays alike
Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray
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Differin
Acne Body Spray
$15
Amazon
$20
Ulta Beauty
$15
Walmart
Why we love it: An expert-approved bacne treatment from a Best of Beauty Award-winning brand for under $20? Say no more. Differin’s Acne Body Spray has a relatively simple—yet effective—formula that uses a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel to reduce and prevent breakouts. That glycolic acid also works double-time to brighten any dark spots that arise after your bacne resolves (though it’s also helpful if you generally deal with dull, uneven skin). Its packaging deserves a shout-out, too: Dr. Shah gives it extra points for its continuous spray nozzle that allows for 360-degree application.
Who it’s for: anyone who wants effective skin care at a great value
Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist
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First Aid Beauty
Body Acne Clearing Mist
$28
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: As with many acne products, a lot of bacne sprays tend to be pretty drying—but not this one. First Aid Beauty’s Body Acne Clearing Mist, a top recommendation from Dr. Camp, contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin in addition to 2% salicylic acid, so you can clear blemishes and keep your skin hydrated all in one convenient spritz. It’s also alcohol-free, which can be hard to find in sprays (since it helps them dry quickly). This omission keeps the spray from pulling moisture from your skin and potentially drying it out. If your skin isn’t just dry but irritation-prone to boot, you’re in luck: Dr. Camp notes that this spray is suitable for people whose skin is on the sensitive side.
Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray
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Paula's Choice
Clear Back & Body Acne Spray
$29 $20(31% off)
Amazon
$29
Dermstore
Why we love it: If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, Paula’s Choice’s Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray can help tackle bacne and any resulting dark spots alike. “This spray gently exfoliates and unclogs pores while calming redness and irritation,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. That calming effect comes from barberry extract and licorice extract, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Their benefits extend beyond that, though: Barberry extract also helps reduce oil production, which licorice extract can help fade skin discoloration.
Who it’s for: people who deal with dullness and hyperpigmentation in addition to bacne
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray
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Tower 28
SOS Daily Rescue Spray
$12
Amazon
$28
Sephora
$28
Credo Beauty
Why we love it: If common anti-acne ingredients irritate your skin, consider skipping the heavy hitters and using a hypochlorous acid spray instead. “Hypochlorous acid sprays are generally very gentle and well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Shivakumar says. Their active ingredient targets bacteria—including the kind that causes acne—without damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation. Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Zoë Indigo, MD, is a fan of Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray in particular. While it’s sold (and works great) as a facial spray, you can use it all over, she says. And we like it for its simple ingredient list, which leaves out common irritants: In addition to hypochlorous acid, it only contains water and sodium chloride (a.k.a. regular old salt).
More to know
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Key ingredients: hypochlorous acid
Fragrance-free: yes
Who it’s for: people with sensitive, irritation-prone skin
Best Spray Alternative: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
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The Inkey List
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
$20
Amazon
$20
Sephora
$20
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If you’re still not sold on a spray formula—or want something easy to throw into your gym bag or suitcase—then try the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick from The Inkey List. Just swipe it onto your skin like a deodorant, where it will leave zero greasy or sticky residue behind. Not only does the Best of Beauty Award winner tackle body acne with a one-two punch of glycolic and salicylic acids, but it can also address rough, KP-ridden skin and discoloration as well.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“I was dealing with pretty bad bacne, but after swiping this on once a night after showering, it cleared it up in a week—faster than any prescription I’ve tried.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
Who it’s for: people who want a more travel-friendly bacne product (and don’t mind stretching to get to those hard-to-reach spots
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?
“Bacne develops for many of the same reasons facial acne does,” Dr. Shah says, pointing to excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation as common culprits. “When dead skin cells and oil build up inside the pore, they create an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can thrive, leading to breakouts,” she explains.
But unlike the skin on the face, “the back naturally contains larger and more active oil glands than many other areas of the body, which can make acne there appear deeper and more persistent,” says Dr. Shah. Once you factor in excessive sweat, tight clothes, oily hair products, and hormonal fluctuations, bacne can be hard to avoid—but not impossible. That’s why Dr. Camp recommends showering as soon as you can after workouts, wearing breathable clothes, and using noncomedogenic skin and hair-care products in order to reduce your likelihood of developing bacne.
What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
The tried-and-true actives found in facial acne treatments will help with bacne too. Dr. Shivakumar points to salicylic acid, which exfoliates and unclogs pores, and benzoyl peroxide, which reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, as excellent options. (Heads up: If you apply a product with benzoyl peroxide to your back, wear an old or white top, because the ingredient can bleach your clothes.) Don’t stress if you notice that they come in higher concentrations than you’re used to seeing in facial products. The thicker skin on your back tends to be more tolerant of stronger products, Dr. Shivakumar explains.
You can also look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, Dr. Camp says: “[They] may help improve skin texture and post-inflammatory discoloration left behind by breakouts.” And folks with sensitive skin may prefer the gentler effects of antimicrobial hypochlorous acid, which targets acne-causing bacteria with less risk of irritation and dryness.
Meet the experts
Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York
Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas
Zoë Indigo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, California
Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York
Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois
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 bacne sprays, 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.
Courtesy of Kosas and Painted by EstherSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Long before we were all talking about Barbie blush, before Olandria and some Real Housewives went viral for their draped flushes, Ngozi Esther Edeme (a.k.a. Painted By Esther) was posting her work online, laying the foundation for her reputation as bold blush’s most fearless champion.
Seven years ago, she tweeted a short clip of her applying makeup on a Black woman, alongside the caption: "Posting this because I want brown / Darkskin gurlz to see how blush hugs & balances our skin tone / our features. Cream blush to map out, powder blush to set. Blush was made for us." She had been doing this for years before anyone started paying attention, practicing on herself first, then on models she met at university. She’d share the results online and watch them go viral because, as she puts it, "people had never seen Black women look like that."
That 2019 post resurfaced recently as the public debated whether she has the right to be upset that her approach to layering cream and powder blush for a seamless, blurred finish appears to have been the inspiration for another brand's new launch. Blush draping is not a new technique, and Edeme is the first to acknowledge the artists who came before her. But bringing the look back, recentering the conversation on dark skin, and turning rosy cheeks into a cultural conversation? That’s all Painted By Esther.
When, in late May 2026, Patrick Ta launched his Transition Blush collection—a cream blush, powder palette, and dual-ended brush built around a three-step technique for blending color from the undereye into the cheek—beauty fans of the internet were quick to call out the similarities between his marketing materials and Edeme's work. Everything from the language Ta used to describe the system, the formula, and the placement tracked closely with what Esther had been demonstrating publicly in her workshops and online. A side-by-side comparison went viral, showing Ta using some of her exact wording. Ta eventually updated the caption on his launch announcement video, calling Edeme "amazing and so talented" and acknowledging the role she played in popularizing the look, while also claiming he had been doing his own version since 2021. (Ta has also been known for his love of blush; his Major Headlines Double Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo, which launched in 2020, is a bestseller for the brand. Allure reached out to Ta’s team for further comment, but has not heard back.)
For Edeme, none of this is surprising. "They're trying to rewrite history," she says. But her digital trail proves years of posts that document exactly how long she has been developing and sharing her method.
Edeme is careful to credit the lineage her work draws from: Kevyn Aucoin's Making Faces, and the work of Sam Fine and Danessa Myricks, two artists she studied obsessively. "If it wasn't for the artists that came before me, I would not be here, period," she insists. It is worth stressing that she has never claimed to have invented the foundational makeup technique that is transition shading. This type of blush application has long been part of makeup artistry, championed by greats like Way Bandy (in the 1970s and ‘80s) and Aucoin (in the 1980s and ‘90s). What makes her approach distinct isn’t the undereye blending itself but the boldness and unapologetic commitment to high-pigment color, applied generously. While editorial makeup of the 2010s framed blush as something to be used sparingly and softly, Edeme goes all the way in.
She normalized that bold approach, specifically on dark-skinned Black women at a time when the dominant beauty conversation was moving in precisely the opposite direction. And her aesthetic has become widely referenced, replicated, and reinterpreted across the beauty industry. "I just have a natural gift for looking at someone and knowing exactly where they should take it," Edeme explains.
Where another artist might arrive with a fixed technique, Edeme comes ready to customize her approach for whoever is sitting in front of her and is intentional about translating their energy and personality onto their face. Her work with Chloe Bailey, a regular collaborator who gives her full creative freedom, is a perfect example. Knowing how whimsical the multihyphenate is, Edeme wants exactly that energy reflected back. The results are some of the most playful, otherworldly makeup looks Bailey has worn.
Edeme has had a fascination with cheekbones long before she was Painted By Esther. She grew up collecting Bratz dolls and describes studying their faces with the seriousness of someone already learning a craft. "They're heart-shaped, they have beautiful cheekbones," she says, "and everything just sits nicely. It always made sense to me that everything would sit here." She trained as a portrait artist and learned to read a face the way a painter does, as something you build from scratch, customize, and celebrate in its specific geometry.
"Our skin is the most beautiful skin. I've always just wanted to elevate it and amplify it."
When she turned that eye toward Black women, Edeme saw a canvas the industry had persistently undervalued. "Our skin is the most beautiful skin," she says. "I've always just wanted to elevate it and amplify it." In response, she would seek out dark-skinned Black women and build looks around them: high-pigment blush in hot pinks, corals, and berries, colors the beauty industry had long insisted didn't work on dark skin. "I've always wanted to just give us the platform that we are absolutely gorgeous," she says. "That is my baseline."
By the time Edeme was in college, saving money to order Melanie Mills Glow products from LA, the foundations of her approach were already in place: skin first always, then color placed where it would do the most to accentuate features. "Everything just naturally sits here anyway," she says. "I practiced on myself first." She developed the three-step process for blush: cream to map, powder to set, a final layer of translucent setting powder to build intensity. Her client roster speaks for itself: Raye, SZA, Viola Davis, Kelly Rowland, and Adut Akech, to name a few.
Edeme's influence has reached farther than she could have imagined. She describes watching a video recently of a young Black woman applying bold blush and crediting Esther with giving her the confidence to do so, after years of being told the look made her appear clownish. "She fully credited that to me," Edeme says. "I just started crying." The woman in the video had decided she liked it and kept doing it, regardless of what anyone said. For Edeme, that’s the whole point.
Just like Edeme, who moved from Nigeria to the UK when she was younger, I moved from Ghana to a city in the UK, where my brother and I were the only Black kids in school. I was made to feel ugly, and I didn’t fit in. When I started teaching myself to apply makeup at 17, blush felt like a risk; something that would draw attention to a face I had already been told wasn't good enough. I wore it tentatively at first, then with more conviction. Now, I'm proud to be known for my blush blindness.
Mine is the story of so many Black women, which perhaps explains why, when the controversy broke, so many of us rose up to defend her. Edeme's influence on beauty culture has given us so much to protect.
There is a strange final stage to influence when something you popularize becomes so well-known that it's bigger than you. Edeme is careful to stress that influencers play an important role in introducing looks to new audiences, but she hopes that the industry becomes as quick to celebrate the artists who create as it is to celebrate those who spread. At the end of the day, recognition isn't just a nicety. It's how we make sure the people shaping beauty's visual language are credited (and, ideally, compensated) for their work.
This week, many people have posted in support of Edeme, often without mentioning the ongoing discourse at all: Creators have been sharing videos of themselves “trying Painted by Esther’s iconic blush technique,” and MAC Cosmetics published a shoot featuring Olandria wearing the brand’s blush alongside makeup tips from Edeme. Overall, Edeme does feel like the industry, including mainstream media outlets, has done a decent job in giving her her flowers. She adds, however, with characteristic directness: "I think they could do better."
In the meantime, she’s getting on with it. "My mission before I leave this earth is to spread my gifts," she says. She describes her goals for what’s next with the same unhurried confidence that seems to animate everything she does: workshops that feel like a party, complete with cocktails and a community of women learning together and lifting each other up. In time, she’d love the role of creative director at a brand. For now though, Edeme’s off to Jamaica this week to shoot a music video. She is booked, busy, and at a level where she can skate a little and really enjoy her work.
Beyond blush and any controversy, it has always been about women being seen, celebrated, and taking up space in an industry that has historically asked them to make themselves smaller—something Edeme never did. "I've always been willing to help," she says. The receipts go all the way back, and the work speaks for itself.
Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
If you're overlooking your neck skin, you're not alone. However, you should pay close attention to that delicate, aging-susceptible area. Worry not: The best neck creams can help minimize and prevent sagging skin, crepiness, and dark spots. If you didn't already realize, the décolletage—the delicate area from the chin to the chest—is one of the first areas to develop signs of aging, so a dedicated neck cream can prove useful in reducing the effects of tech neck (as in, fine lines and double-chin-like sagging caused by looking down at your smartphone). Many key ingredients to look out for are similar to the ones in our face serums and moisturizers—hey, hyaluronic acid and peptides—but some actives, such as retinol, are formulated at lower concentrations to avoid irritating this delicate neck area.
Whether you're looking for temporary skin-tightening benefits or discoloration-reducing ingredients, we rounded up the creme de la creme of neck creams for all skin types, even the most sensitive—as recommended by dermatologists and editors.
Our Top Neck Creams
Best Overall: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream, $135
Best for Sensitive Skin: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex, $158
Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex, $120
Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream, $98
What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
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SkinMedica
Neck Correct Cream
$135
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream is one of his favorite neck creams to recommend to clients: “This cream deeply hydrates, addresses hyperpigmentation, and tackles existing wrinkles while preventing new ones,” he says. Chock-full of microalgae, rich in antioxidant vitamins A (also known as retinol), C, and E, this 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner deeply hydrates and encourages cell regeneration to improve overall laxity—with regular use, of course. This firming cream also contains peptides and mushroom extract to give skin a firming boost—perfect for addressing the beginning signs (or more advanced) of tech neck.
Texture-wise, Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama, says that it’s so lightweight that it quickly absorbs into the skin so you never have to worry about stickiness. Consider our every tick box checked.
Allure associate beauty editor Sarah Kinonen applying the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
Sarah Kinonen
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“Like every other young person in America, my screen time is horrifying. I’m on my phone for most of the day (for both work and pleasure), and because of that, I’ve developed the ‘ole tech neck. Tiny fine lines now etch across my once-smooth neck, and sometimes, they are all I see in the mirror. So lately I’ve been reaching for SkinMedica’s Neck Correct Cream, a serum-like treatment made with firming peptides and hydrating squalene, twice a day to target said fine lines. It’s super lightweight and doesn’t interfere with any of my other skin-care products, nor does it irritate my sensitive skin (especially the thin-skinned neck area), so here's to hoping it tackles those wrinkles while I work on finding a new hobby…away from my phone.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I basically have horizontal neck lines permanently etched into my skin, which I'm hyper-aware of whenever I look in the mirror, and are no doubt heightened by my constant laptop slouching. (Typing this just made me instinctively raise my head and sit up straighter. I should think about my neck area more often.) It's not thin enough to be considered a neck serum, per se, but it has this unique, silky lotion that absorbs incredibly fast—my skin feels so soft (and almost velvety?) after the fact, and I can't feel the slightest bit of residue. With consistent use, I have a lot of faith that my neck wrinkles will look much less apparent.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Who it's for: those with sagging skin, laxity, and hyperpigmentation
Fragrance-Free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
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Alastin Skincare
Restorative Neck Complex
$158
Amazon
$158
Alastin Skincare
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: Lifting the skin can be a tall order for many topical formulas, but Alastin Restorative Neck Complex deploys a unique, patented peptide blend called TriHex technology to replace damaged collagen and elastin with new, healthy fibers. That’s why Austin-based dermatologist Kristina Collins, MD, says it’s great for those concerned about tech neck, horizontal lines, or post-procedure skin recovery. “It helps the skin repair itself, which is especially important in an area that tends to age faster than the face,” she says. The fast-absorbing formula also contains niacinamide and phytoene and phytofluene (two phyto-antioxidants to guard against free radical damage), all of which help improve hyperpigmentation (such as sun spots) along your neck and décolleté, Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston, adds.
This formula is quite lightweight and fluid, so it feels more akin to a neck serum—making it easier to spread one pump of the goodness down to your chest area. You'll see the best results if you use it twice a day (once in the morning and once at night).
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Alastin Skincare Restorative Neck Complex
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Do I always have time to use neck cream? Not really—but I do whenever I remember, since I don’t always bring my skin-care products down to my décolleté (as the experts recommend). I love Alastin across the board, and appreciate that this stuff, which absorbs quickly and feels nourishing, delivers those same benefits below the face. So far, it’s done the trick to fade dark spots, and I’m hoping the investment pays off on neck wrinkles and lines down the road.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I have a combination of genetic and poor-posture-induced deep lines on my neck that didn’t start to bother me until I reached my mid-30s. I know this is going to be a long game, and that creams can’t exactly undo the deep lines, but I’m hopeful that Alastin’s neck cream can help ward off any future fine lines or uneven skin tone. I absolutely love the wide pump-top bottle; more than enough is dispensed to lather your neck and décolletage. There’s no tacky finish, it doesn’t irritate my eczema-prone skin, and leaves me feeling hydrated for hours. There is a noticeable difference in how the skin around my neck and chest feels after I apply this product. It all just feels more supple!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
Best for Dry Skin: iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex
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iS Clinical
NeckPerfect Complex
$120
Amazon
$120
Dermstore
$120
Bluemercury
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: The skin on your neck doesn’t always get the same love as your face, but it’s the first place that both dryness and signs of aging tend to appear. This skin-elasticity-boosting formulation takes an innovative approach by incorporating exfoliating acids to offset both. “iS Clinical NeckPerfect Complex has some key ingredients, like alpha hydroxy acids, that are going to give you a more even skin tone,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It also includes hyaluronic acid to leave skin “hydrated and glowing,” she adds. With added antioxidants (such as acacia senegal gum and quinoa) to fight off environmental aggressors, this silky treatment helps lift, firm, and smooth the delicate skin below your jawline.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“After breastfeeding and pumping, my décolleté was looking dry and crepey—years of tugging (thanks, kids) definitely took a toll. NeckPerfect Complex glides on silky smooth and sinks in fast without any greasy residue. The skin on my chest actually feels hydrated now, and those tiny creases I used to see have basically disappeared.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Who it's for: people with dry skin who want to restore hydration, firmness, and elasticity
Fragrance-free: no
Best for Fine Lines: NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
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NeoStrata
Triple Firming Neck Cream
$98
Amazon
$98
Dermstore
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the NeoStrata Triple Firming Neck Cream
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: NeoStrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is a favorite of Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans, who says that it frequently sells out at her practice. At the heart of this formula is a proprietary ingredient called NeoGlucosamine, "an amino sugar that helps diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles," Dr. Turegano calls out, which boosts hyaluronic acid production—therefore increasing hydration and smoothing the look of fine lines—and gently exfoliates dead skin cells. Furthermore, it's enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides) to firm the skin, while shea butter and antioxidant vitamin E restore and strengthen your barrier. This rich, buttery formula may take a beat to fully absorb, but the results are well worth the few extra seconds.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I almost always bring my facial skin-care products down to my neck, but because the amount of product that actually makes it down there varies a lot, I like the added assurance of using a dedicated neck cream—similarly to how I like a standalone sunscreen, even if I'm using a skin tint or foundation that has SPF over it. Neostrata's Triple Firming Neck Cream is oh-so buttery, and my neck and décolleté always look dewy and hydrated after each application. I do think my horizontal neck lines have softened a bit, which is a huge win for me—as someone who’s constantly crouching over my laptop and looking down at my phone.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Key ingredients: NeoGlucosamine, NeoCitrate (a patented ingredient of NeoStrata that claims to boost collagen production and plump the skin), amino acids
Who it's for: Those with fine lines and wrinkles
Fragrance-free: yes
Other neck creams we love
Best for Uneven Tone: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
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StriVectin
TL Advanced Tightening Neck Plus
$99
Amazon
$99
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: StriVectin's TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus is loved by beauty editors and derms alike because of the brand's patented, high-performing ingredients. This neck-firming cream features a niacinamide-powered technology called NIA-114 alongside a proprietary, bio-engineered peptide chain called Alpha-3 Peptide, which targets the production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Translation: These help reduce the appearance of deep wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin along the neck, jawline, and décolleté in as little as four weeks. It also has shea butter and spilanthol, a botanically-derived fatty acid that plumps and moisturizes skin.
P.S. StriVectin also offers a broad-spectrum SPF 35-infused neck cream to provide ample protection against sun damage.
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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"The bad news: If you ever owned a cassette player, it's probably time to start using a neck cream. The good news: StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream+ exists. The formula has a rich, creamy texture that absorbs into skin surprisingly quickly. I've been using it on and off for the past couple of years, and I do believe it's kept my décolleté from looking less crepey than it would otherwise." —Dianna Singh, features director
Who it's for: those who want immediate and long-term benefits
Fragrance-free: no
Best for Crepey Skin: SkinCeuticals Tripeptide R Neck Repair
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SkinCeuticals
Tripeptide R Neck Repair
$136
Dermstore
$136
SkinCeuticals
$135
Bluemercury
Why it's worth it: Living up to the SkinCeuticals hype is the Triple-R Neck Repair, a fragrance-free retinol cream that goes beyond the surface to treat the deeper layers, targeting a variety of signs of aging, including wrinkling and sagging. Dr. Hartman says that although it has retinol—a beloved active known to boost cell turnover and promote collagen production—SkinCeuticals uses a slow-release retinol that is far less likely to cause any dreaded irritation or unnecessary dryness. Plus, the formula has plenty of hydrators like glycerin and soybean oil to soothe skin. Dr. Hartman adds that the formula also contains peptides, which signal the skin to produce collagen, helping to plump and “fill in” smaller wrinkles.
Dr. Hartman uses Triple-R as part of his own skin-care routine, so if it’s good enough for someone who treats skin for a living, it’s certainly good enough for us (and you).
Best for Age Spots: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced
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Revision Skincare
Nectifirm
$115
Amazon
$115
Dermstore
Why it's worth it: Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced, an iteration of the original Nectifirm for those experiencing more advanced signs of aging, is one of Dr. Collin’s go-to recommendations for more noticeable laxity and crepiness.” She touts its blend of peptides to improve elasticity, antioxidants like lingonberry extract for brightness, and plant-based ingredients like red microalgae extract to help improve firmness and texture.
Other key active ingredients are tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (or THDA, a highly stable, oil-soluble form of vitamin C that's well-tolerated by sensitive skin), diglucosyl gallic acid, a melanin inhibitor that helps treat hyperpigmentation and dark spots. Although it comes at a hefty price point, it feels “incredibly luxurious” on the skin, absorbs quickly, and does much more than simply moisturize.
The skin on the neck is thinner and lacks the same oil composition as facial skin, which makes it more prone to dryness and sagging over time, Dr. Hartman explains. Combine that with gravity and the constant craning over smartphones, and it's an area uniquely at risk for fine lines and sagging. In other words, "tech neck" is very real.
What’s the difference between a face and neck cream?
“Because the skin is more delicate, neck creams are formulated to provide more intense hydration, with a higher concentration of actives that are more suitable for the skin on your neck,” Dr. Hall notes. Some moisturizing agents featured in the creams on this list are hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and squalane to keep the skin smooth and plump. Peptides are a newer area of exploration for neck creams as they're frequently touted for their skin-firming benefits.
What over-the-counter treatments and ingredients should I look out for?
Aside from the essential hydrators, retinol is a common additive because it promotes collagen production and, therefore, addresses the appearance of wrinkles and improves skin texture. "This can help with sagging skin, wrinkles, and some crepiness," says James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. "Since the neck is a sensitive area, the retinol concentrations tend to be low, and the results are subtle."
When should I consult with a dermatologist?
If you've noticed any difference in skin laxity around your neck and chest area, Dr. Wang recommends consulting a dermatologist for an evaluation of any inflammation, lumps, and nodules. He adds that significantly loose skin, like the so-called turkey neck, may require in-office interventions, but neck creams can still be beneficial for replenishing hydration and subtly decreasing the look of lines on the neck skin.
Meet the experts
Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans
Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Birmingham, Alabama
Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Quynh-Giao Sartor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Houston
James Y. Wang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Metropolis Dermatology in Los Angeles
Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
May Hall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
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 neck creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. 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.
Courtesy of @ashhearts.nails @overglowedit, @nailartbyqueenieSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Summer is filled with opportunities for cute nailfies (aka nail selfies). Tropical vacations, beachside reading, and pool hangs all present aesthetic backdrops to show off your latest set. And if you haven’t mapped out your summer manicure lineup yet, top nail artists have predictions for the season’s top trends to spark inspiration: Experts say this summer’s nail trends will lean heavily into designs that evoke movement and texture. The demand for more dynamic nail art is prompting artists to dust off their blooming gel kits for the first time in nearly three years.
“People are interested in designs with soft, abstract effects, shifting color, and a more fluid look,” says Maryna Slynko, a nail artist and founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Leawood, Kansas, who says blooming gel is one of the easiest ways to achieve these high-demand looks.
For those who don’t remember the blooming gel boom of 2023, here’s a refresher: The look is created with “a special polish that allows colors to diffuse and blend beautifully on the nail’s surface,” says Svitlana Motyl, a nail artist and cofounder of Art Me Nails Studio in Chicago. “It creates artistic designs with very little effort,” she says.
This summer, the trend is back with a few refinements. According to Spate, the beauty trend forecasting platform, searches for “blooming gel nails” across Google, TikTok, and Instagram have grown by 39.2% in the last year. This time around, the technique is being paired with more modern, sophisticated designs. Nail artists are using blooming gel to mimic textures found in nature, especially those associated with summertime. It’s less “lava lamp” and more realistic, tropical flowers and detailed butterfly wings.
Earlier versions of the trend had a brighter, more maximalist tone. “A few years ago, [blooming gel] was mostly used for very literal and recognizable effects, like tortoiseshell, snake print, high-contrast marble, tie-dye, abstract flowers, and bold aura nails,” says Olha Shtanhei, a nail artist in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The looks were beautiful, but they often felt very loud, trend-driven, and more focused on the effect itself rather than the design.”
In 2026, you’ll find more minimal designs instead of the vibrant color combinations that dominated a few years ago. “Compared to 2023, blooming gel designs have become softer and more controlled,” says Slynko.
Courtesy of @ashearts.nails
Shtanhei says the palette for blooming gel nails has evolved as well and reflects the nail polish colors experts predict will be popular this summer. In 2023, the look was often associated with highly saturated hues, neon shades, and strong contrasts. “Now,” she says, “I see more muted, earthy tones, translucent jellies, milky bases, soft browns, dusty pastels, sheer pinks, smoky blues, and metallic inks.”
Vibrant colors aren’t completely out of the picture (it’s still summer, after all!), but the placement is more intentional. Instead of neon dots scattered all over, we’re seeing fuchsia petals with faded edges blooming off the corner of the nail and French croc-print tips in electric chrome shades—still eye-catching, but not overwhelming. “I’m using it more as a subtle accent rather than the main focus of the entire manicure,” adds Slynko.
Courtesy of @plasterbeauty
All of the nail artists we spoke to noted that the technique and blooming gel formulas haven’t changed much, nor are there any new tools involved. “Dotting tools and fan brushes are still my go-to tools for blooming gel designs,” says Natalia Mercedes, a nail artist in New York City. Dotting tools help create controlled patterns like florals, animal prints, and abstract shapes, while fan brushes are perfect for creating softer, blended effects and movement within the design.
The update lies mainly in how the polish is being used. Artists are working with thinner layers, combining blooming gel with trendy finishes like chrome and cat-eye, and “paying more attention to the placement of the design on the nail rather than the blooming effect,” says Slynko.
Ahead, discover 11 fresh, blooming gel nail ideas that add a modern, layered, and dimensional element to summer’s most popular designs.
Blooming gel nail designs for summer 2026
Blooming gel butterfly nailsCourtesy of @paintedbylozCourtesy of @nails_by_3llieCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieCourtesy of @ameliasnailroomBlooming gel floral nailsCourtesy of @_thejadeaestheticCourtesy of @ashearts.nailsCourtesy of @glamnailsbykaylaBlooming gel croc-print nailsCourtesy of @overgloweditCourtesy of @nails_by_3llieCourtesy of @lucys.geminailsCourtesy of @plasterbeauty
Josalyn AndromedaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
In The Scenario, reporter Kirbie Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of the buzziest movies and TV shows to reveal how the best wigs, special-effects makeup, and more are created. For this edition, Johnson interviewed Euphoria department head Donni Davy in the makeup trailer as season three wrapped last year. As you may expect, some spoilers about the first episode are ahead.
“For better or for worse, everyone's kind of trying to find God.”
HBO’s Euphoria has returned. Much has changed: The students are now adults, and a five-year time jump finds everyone in the real world—and finding God, according to makeup department head artist Donni Davy. Changes have also happened behind the scenes, where Hans Zimmer took over the musical score, a stark contrast to Labrinth’s haunting high school melodies of seasons one and two; and costume designer Colleen Atwood came on as coproducer and helped with wardrobe direction, now overseen by Natasha Newman-Thomas after the departure of Heidi Bivens.
Despite the show’s dark themes, this season is also visually brighter, with the first episode featuring scenes of sun-soaked California and vibrant decor, including Lexi’s apartment and Nate and Cassie’s ornate home. With these visual and audio changes, the show reads more like an epic Western than the dreamy, neon-coated atmosphere of seasons one and two.
But a lot also remains the same. There’s no shortage of drama for Rue (Zendaya), who’s still involved in the drug business. The impact of narcotics in the US continues to be a major theme, according to showrunner Sam Levinson. At a press screening of the first episode, he discussed how the death of actor Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fez, in 2023 affected him, and how fentanyl continues to be the main culprit of drug deaths in America. Season three, according to Levinson, alludes to the third step of the 12-step recovery plan: “Surrender your will and life to the care of your higher power”—hence taglines leading up to the premiere like, “May God have mercy.”
High contrast lip-spo
Kirbie Johnson
Inner and outer winged liner
Kirbie Johnson
Crucially, the makeup remains a constant and vital element in the show. Davy has designed the makeup looks for Euphoria since the show’s inception in 2019. From the get-go, Levinson wanted Davy to create makeup looks that “people would pause the show and study,” a task she had to execute without distracting from the themes of the show.
In season one, Davy gravitated toward the pastel shades and winged liner of the late 1960s—an era that’s heavily inspired her over the years—as well as ’70s glam rock, ’80s elongated cat eyes, and ’90s grunge liner. That first season was seven years ago, and “Euphoria makeup”—now synonymous with sparkling gemstones, winged liner that could gut someone, and glitter tears—has gone on to captivate audiences and inspire tens of thousands of fans to play with makeup. And the interest hasn’t slowed since. According to Google Trends, searches for “euphoria makeup” reached peak interest in 2022 after season two premiered, and searches have already spiked in the week leading up to the third season’s release on April 12.
I’ve seen firsthand how hungry fans are for Euphoria makeup. In 2021, I was given a tour of the show’s makeup trailer. While there, I got a behind-the-scenes look at what Davy—who has amassed her own huge social following because of the show—used on the cast, as well as a first look at Half Magic, the makeup brand Davy launched with studio A24’s blessing (and backing). After posting videos from my time in the trailer, I gained more than 35,000 followers on Instagram in one day, simply for reporting on things like Zendaya’s onscreen foundation and how (and why) Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie always looked sweaty.
More season three makeup inspiration
Kirbie Johnson
I was invited back to the makeup trailer for season three at the end of filming in November 2025. ”Base camp,” as the set was called, was situated on a closed-off lot in downtown Los Angeles. Everything was shrouded in secrecy, from the trailer doors labeled “LA Nights” (a code name taken from the show where Lexi works as an assistant this season), to yellow production signage reading “10 Commandments,” another code to keep filming confidential. I had no idea who was on set or what was being filmed, but it didn’t matter. I was there to find out if we were getting what the Euphoria makeup people have come to expect—or if everyone matured out of “look at me” beauty in the time jump.
Good news: While season two featured more subdued makeup, in season three we’re back to “capital G glam,” says Davy. But it’s not the bold color and dazzling rhinestones we were introduced to in 2019. Instead, it’s Davy’s take on nostalgic Hollywood makeup, with nods to the looks of icons past and present. “It's not as experimental,” she says. “In high school, there was tons of glitter. There’s also tons of glitter in season three, but the girls are grown up, and the creative vision is different. Sam [Levinson] wanted me to do my version of traditional glam—Hollywood glam.”
It was also important for the makeup to be high-contrast, whether that meant a dark lip liner with a nude lipstick or red lips with exaggerated black eyeliner. That’s because the film stock used specifically for this season pushed the contrast on camera, causing makeup elements to look blown out or change color, something Davy realized when reviewing the raw footage (called “dailies” in TV land). It was clear some makeup looks weren’t landing and needed to be taken up a notch. “We need cunt-ery here,” she says, “we need to go hard.”
Anna Van Patten wearing three Euphoria makeup trends at once
Kirbie Johnson
Sydney Sweeney with frosty lids and tightlined lashes
Maddy’s eyeliner offers a good example: “I'm like, ‘Girl, the wings are always iconic on you,’” Davy recalls saying to actor Alexa Demie. “They always look so good, but without that high-contrast moment, whether it's a sharp line on the bottom or just a tightline, we don't get that extra-visual thing to sink your teeth into.”
Nineties-era Pamela Anderson, Y2K makeup, and a touch of the ’60s all inspired Davy this season. Her mood boards—plastered across every square foot of the trailer—showed references that ran the gamut depending on the character and the scene: Hustler and Playboy spreads with handwritten notes from Davy like, “red nails, simple eyes, classic lips”; “super glowy—NO POWDER”; and “babydoll lashes.” Pages upon pages of similar makeup looks featuring models and notable celebrities like Kate Moss, Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gabriette. “[The makeup overall] is sparkly, luscious, juicy, glam,” says Davy. “It's like a campaign against the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. That's my inspiration. It's big, unapologetic glam.”
After reading the scripts, Davy imagines what a character may be doing at that point in their life to help her design their look. Take the aesthetic for Jules (Hunter Schafer) this season, which includes bleached brows and core shades of red, silver, and black. “I wanted [Jules] to have this deranged moment at home [where we had the] Pat McGrath Labs peel-off mask on top of makeup, and I wanted her to peel it off on camera and stretch it,” Davy says. “These are the things I imagine the characters doing, and it helps me figure out what to do. If there's no imagination or story or passion for me, it’s hard to get inspired.”
Rosalía as Magick
Kirbie Johnson
There are a few things you’ll see a lot of this season: Sharpen those eyeliners, because inner-corner wings are a big one. Brown tightliner is another. “Everyone is tightlined,” says Davy. “I really want the eyes to be super-fucking piercing,” says Davy. Frosty lips and a shitload of body shimmer are coming our way, too, while blue eye shadow is a throughline for several characters because, she says, it’s the “eye shadow shade of the woman that's kind of going off the rails” or “the woman who's really extra.” There are also more nail sets this season, which Davy commissioned from artist Caroline Cotten.
Davy’s mood boards for Cassie and Jules
Kirbie Johnson
Sydney Sweeney in Cassie’s “vixen” makeup
Kirbie Johnson
Each character has their own distinct aesthetic for the season, even if they didn’t play with makeup much in the past. For example, in season two, Cassie was trying to emulate Maddy and Jules. Now she’s forged her own beauty direction as a vixen—think video girl or classic pinup. “[Brigitte] Bardot is always on my Cassie boards,” says Davy.
In the past, they could create a Cassie look in under an hour, says Davy, but this season Sweeney was in glam for two hours before filming because she was in full, head-to-toes body makeup. We learn that Cassie wants her wedding to Nate exactly the way she envisions it—$50,000 flowers included—and if that means joining OnlyFans, she’s willing to do what it takes to make her own money. “It's very performative,” Davy says of Cassie’s makeup this season, noting that Sweeney was typically down to try anything makeup-wise. “It's kind of desperate, unapologetic. She's trying to get attention. It’s for the male gaze.” But Davy’s doing her own take on the “male gaze” by creating looks female viewers will want to emulate and compliment each other on—not makeup that men would find suitable.
Alexa Demie as Maddy
HBO
Maddy is an assistant in Hollywood, working with a top manager but just making ends meet. Her makeup projects someone she’s aspiring to be. “Her inner light has gone out,” says Davy. In an office job and in her “hustler era,” as Davy describes it, Maddy feels defeated—at least in the beginning of the season. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in her life, so I think this matte colorless colorscape really works. She’s trying to be more grown-up—all business, no frills.”
This is a stark contrast to who Maddy was in high school. “Her makeup was this theatrical performance; it was playful, tapping into these different sides of her,” says Davy. Maddy was “unfuckwithable” and fierce, but the sparkle and color helped home in on her hopeful, tender side too. One thing Maddy knows how to do is do her makeup and look a part (which we learned from her backstory in season one), and Davy believes she’s using this new look strategically: “Showing up to work with a purple sparkly eye is not going to get her the results she wants in terms of being taken seriously.”
Demie was very involved in Maddy’s looks and wanted to go the more traditional glam route, notes Davy. “Because it’s Maddy and me and my team, we get this unapologetic, bold version of something traditional,” she explains. “This style of makeup is new for Euphoria because we’re not usually bringing in traditional styles of makeup.”
Some of Lexi’s makeup inspo
Kirbie Johnson
Maude Apatow in Lexi’s season three makeup look
Kirbie Johnson
While Rue was meant to look worse for wear in previous seasons, Davy says, there are only a few times when she makes her look rough this go-around. Otherwise, she’s still wearing MAC Face and Body, as we previously reported, and has a healthy glow, thanks to Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray. She even has a few legitimate makeup looks, like brown eyeliner in her water lines for the wedding, says Davy.
As a teen, Lexi (Maude Apatow) was mostly a no-fuss makeup girl, although she occasionally threw on some kind of a red lip. In season three, though, she embraces her own version of Hollywood glamour. “Even Lexi has a banging glam—not just a statement lip—but lashes, the whole shebang,” says Davy of the character’s brick red lipstick and subtle wings. “We wanted a more mature version of her high school red-lip look,” adds Davy, who drew from her vintage ’70s wardrobe for inspiration. “Clearly, she’s really into this formal attire, so we thought she would have a real makeup routine, too, that she’s been working on and perfecting. She wants to look well-rested. She is definitely not showing up to work with no makeup.”
Hunter Schaffer in one of Jules’ season three looks
Kirbie Johnosn
Jules isn’t in the first episode of the new season, but Davy shares that her look this time around is more minimal than the others (and for the character), due to the seriousness of her life when we see her again. “It's not colorful,” says Davy. “It's not happy.”
There's no shortage of prosthetics this year, either. “This has been the most prosthetic-heavy and glam-heavy of all the seasons,” Davy says. “Season one was makeup-heavy in a different way; it was all about eyes. Skin was [just] tinted moisturizer. The lip was a gloss. I think Alexa was the only one who had lip liner. This season, however, is full, head-to-toe glam.”
As you can see, there will be no shortage of Euphoria makeup discussions this season, and I still have a lot to share. Each week, I’ll break down the highlights of the makeup, including products used, straight from the source. Bookmark this story and follow us on social media so you don’t miss anything.
In this story:
Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
Episode 2: "American My Dream"
Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin
Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”
Episode 5: This Little Piggy
Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”
Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”
Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
Davy prepares to give an on-set spray tan
Kirbie Johnson
The formulas behind Cassie’s fake tan
Kirbie Johnson
Skin is always a big part of the show, but especially this season. Davy used Suqqu foundation, which has a satin effect and is “super buildable,” she says. “It can be really high coverage, or it can be sheer—and it looks so much like skin.” She mixed it with Saie Super Glowy Gel and applied it by infusing a Pawpaw sponge with Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray and the foundation, so it lasted throughout filming.
In episode one, Cassie is scantily clad and tan, in case you didn’t notice. Sweeney would get a spray tan, then Davy would mix OFRA Cosmetics RCK Red Carpet Color with Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector, Vita Liberata Body Blur, and Hempz Body Lotion to give her skin an even, in-your-face glow.
Some scenes, however, required stronger, transfer-proof makeup. “For Syd, if she has a sex scene or is in bed or is wearing white or swimming—anything where my body lotion mixture isn’t going to cut it, we use full-on, alcohol-based, body-coverage paints,” says Davy. She used Allied FX Bluebird Iridescent Inks in Cashmere and Bronze Pearl to add shimmer to the tans, avoiding a matte, flat look.
Episode 2: "American My Dream"
Maddy meeting Cassie in episode two.
Warner Bros. Discovery
In episode two, we get more intel on Maddy, while Jules makes her first appearance with a radical hair change. “Maddy is a little evil this season,” says Davy. We get a glimpse of this when her former best friend, Cassie Howard, reaches out.
As Davy mentioned, Maddy's look might be more muted than past seasons, but for her meeting with Cassie, she's still expressing herself through makeup. “She’s there to set the tone,” Demie says in HBO Max's behind-the-scenes segment for episode two. Demie notes it was scorching hot that day, but Maddy is still in a fur coat and gloves to insinuate power. She wants to be taken seriously at work and she wants to appear in charge during her meeting with Cassie, sporting visible lip liner and double-winged liner. Paired with her wardrobe and hair, her look is mob wife meets old Hollywood.
Mara Rouse, who worked with Demie on the look, said they were inspired by French-Italian actress Edwige Fenech, as well as the makeup of other Italian actresses where the top liner lifts before the outer corner, creating and “upward, feline” shape.
To achieve the look at home, Davy suggests starting with a base of a matte brown cream eyeshadow (she likes the Colourpop Shadow Stix) over the lids, followed by a taupe-colored powder shadow pressed on top to both cool-down the color and add a velvety finish. Davy's brand, Half Magic, was used heavily this season. For Maddy's double wings, they used the Flik Liquid Eyeliner Pen and Flik Eraser Correcting Pen, create two lines that extend out from upper and lower lash lines. Half Magic Cheek Fluff in Magic Brownie went on her cheeks, while her lip combo included the Sculptitude Lip Liner in Seize the Slay and You’re my Taupe topped off with a coat of Lip Snuggle in Killah Meows.
For Maddy's hair, department head Kim Kimble shared that a T3 Micro Large Barrel Curling Iron was used to add volume volume, while the Kim Kimble Signature Infrared Flat Iron added sleekness to the look. To finish her Amika hairspray and ColorWow shine spray were applied.
Jules’s makeup, per Davy, needed to reflect her new lifestyle, but her signature experimental style still shines through—especially in this episode (that bra dress, anyone?). She wears black liner right the middle of her lower waterline—underneath her iris—paired with a light blue shadow.
As for her hair, Jules has gone from a crop senior year to wearing a 50" buss-down. "Sam said, 'I want Jules’ hair to be 50” long,’” says Kimble in a behind-the-scenes video for HBO Max, which showcases Schafer’s wig being applied. "She’s like a modern-day Rapunzel, she’s trapped up in the tower."
Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin
You’re cordially invited to Nate and Cassie’s wedding in this episode and, of course, drama ensues: Reunions take place, guests show up half-naked. Nate’s toe gets cut off. Very normal wedding festivities. Amidst all that, there’s some pretty incredible beauty looks going on. Let’s break it down.
Cassie’s bridal beauty look.
Patrick Wymore/HBOCassie's Bridal Look
“I wanted to do what I thought was pretty makeup,” Davy says, “I wanted her eyes to be really piercing—that’s my jam this season.” Davy did this by emphasizing the waterline in a brown tone. “I wanted her eyes to be really visible through the veil, because there’s this long shot of her coming down the aisle while her mom is saying the most ridiculous shit,” Davy says. “I know Sydney, she's really good at emoting and she’s gonna have her eyes filled up with tears as she’s coming down the aisle. In my head, I was like, ‘These high-contrast eyes through the veil welling up with tears.’”
Davy said they toyed with a few ideas for her look but she didn’t want to stray too far from Cassie’s traditional makeup because she gets amore defined and different glow up later in the season. “I wanted it to feel like that sweet, Cassie vibe,” Davy says. “I actually thought of doing a version of a cheesy wedding makeup look, but then I saw her dress and was like, I think we just have to make her look like a princess. She looks like Cassie Wedding Barbie.”
Davy’s moodboard for Cassie’s wedding makeup.
Kirbie Johnson
Nate and Cassie’s reception was filmed before the ceremony, which is why we have an eyeshadow switchup. “Her eyeshadow for the [reception] is blue,” Davy says. Cassie changes into a shorter version of her wedding dress, which gave Davy the greenlight to update her eyeshadow, too. “The [blue] color calls back to the scene [in season 2] when she says ‘I’m in love with Nate Jacobs and he’s in love with me.’” Davy says the sparkly blue is Half Magic GlitterPuck in Princess Ghost, a baby blue.
“For cinematic flair, we added a new unreleased Half Magic body product to her chest so she definitely has body glitter on,” Davy says. “Her nails are pearlescent with little floating gems on them. Very sweet-leaning-innocent vibes.”
Cassie’s wedding nail set by nail artist Caroline Cotten.
Caroline Cotten
“Donni and I definitely wanted to go 'classic bridal,’ but a bit more gaudy to add to the over-the-top energy of the wedding,” Cotten says. “By doing a classic white French but turning it up with a bright white chrome and gems, I think these nails read ‘I’m the bride, look at me,’ and are a bit unhinged.”
Jules' Siren Makeup
Davy doesn't know why Jules decides to show up to the wedding nearly naked, but it’s that barely-there, blue Acne dress that dictated her makeup look. “She looks like a goddess, a siren, a mermaid, an unearthly spiritual being—so I wanted to do a gorgeous, fairy-like goddess moment on her. This was not a moment for an experimental artsy look," she says.
On her lids, Davy used a taupe eyeshadow with the new Glitterpuck x Euphoria Collection Glitterpuck in Feel Something layered on top, a color she describes as “so season one, Jules and Rue-coded.” She also gave Jules spiky, manga lashes, a tiny smoky wing, and terracotta along her lower lashes and waterline, with the periwinkle glitter on the lid. On her lips, she’s wearing the Never Been Happier lip gloss from the new Half Magic x Euphoria collection. Her nails are from Lost Angels in Stop Copying Me. "I would give these artistic touches to her, but really the energy she’s inhabiting is a complete otherworldly siren,” adds Davy. “Rue says ‘dress sexy’ and she does."
Maddy’s Revenge MakeupWarner Bros. Discovery
According to Davy, Demie wanted to wear color for the wedding. “It’s a burgundy smoky eye with a plum burgundy waterline and shimmery gold in the middle [of the lid],” Davy says. “ It felt like a moment to go more dramatic. She needed this 'eye-makeup armor' to attend this wedding."
Maddy’s wedding makeup moodboard.
Kirbie Johnson
For her nails, Cotten says that the shape differed from what Maddy normally wears throughout the season. “Maddy mainly sticks to a long round or narrow square shape, but for the wedding we felt stiletto was appropriate and exciting,” Cotten says. “I didn’t want to do a design too visually stimulating as her dress and glam really say it all, but I definitely wanted them to have energy. The outline of the pointed nail feels like an arrow giving energy to wherever she points her hands at."
Cottens showing off one of Maddy’s wedding nails.
Caroline CottenNate’s Collector’s Item
Nate has been screwing people out of money and ends up in debt, which results in the collectors coming to get what’s theirs on his wedding night. After carrying Cassie over the threshold, we see him get beaten within inches of his life—something he’s not new to if you remember season two. To prove a point, they chop his pinky toe off.
ScreenshotKirbie Johnson
Davy shared the specific-effects limbs were created by Vincent Van Dyke Effects and that there were four of Jacob Elordi’s legs (and feet) made, plus a tester to see how the fake blood would exit the wound once the toe was severed. The prosthetic feet felt like real limbs and were painted to match Elordi’s real legs and feet. They even had strands of hair punched in to make them appear lifelike, despite the fake foot being on camera for only a few seconds.
Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”
This episode, we meet Kitty, played by actress Anna Van Patten. Meanwhile, Cassie has gone full OnlyFans model, and Maddy tries out blue eye shadow.
Cassie's “Trashy” LookKirbie Johnson
Cassie gets a makeover in episode four, a scene in which the hair and makeup department (including Davy and Kimble) are featured. Her hair goes from light brunette to bleach blonde, she’s super tan, and her makeup—including tightliner, frosted lips, and shimmery pink eyeshadow—is heavily inspired by Brigitte Bardot, the 1960s, and '90-era Pamela Anderson. The look was deemed “dreamy trashy” by fans—a descriptor Davy loves. “It is trashy, but it’s trashy in a super sexy, hot confident that's own-able and cool,” Davy says. Everything they did—from the super frosty lip to the pink cheetah nails—was intentional. “It’s the perfect, ‘Trying too hard, but in a sweet, whimsical, desperate way.’”
When it comes to her makeup, “a blush-pink eyeshadow is so, so Cassie,” Davy says. “It’s kind of a throwback to the [season 2] New Year’s Eve look,” a scene where another party took place and Cassie was getting herself into trouble (by hooking up with Nate in the bathroom). “This is a much, much more glam version of that look.” For the makeover scene, Davy applies Half Magic Sparklestick in Cloud Kid and Crystal Butter Balm in Shellebrity to Sweeney for her look.
Pink is the New Rhinestones
Speaking of pink, we see a lot of the color this season and, much like the rhinestones and glitter did for the first two seasons, it's meant to convey the emotions of the characters wearing it. Cassie wears it, as does Kitty, a dancer at the Silver Slipper. Davy says that in her eyes, pink is a tender color, and the use of it helps portray the vulnerability of the people wearing it. “Pink shimmers are sweet and innocent,” says Davy, as opposed to blues and purples, which can read too fierce on camera. “Kitty is sweet, genuine, and sincere and we wanted [her eye makeup] to read invisible from across the room, but up close you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not a nude eye shadow.’” Kitty’s look—executed by makeup artist Tara Lang Shah—will evolve throughout the season but it was important we get a sense of her sincerity in her opening episode.
ScreenshotKirbie JohnsonMaddy’s Blue Eyes to Kill
According to Davy, the shimmering blue shadow Maddy wears to the TikTok party works so well because it’s the opposite of Cassie’s more girly, pinup style. To Davy, blue and pink are yin and yang,and for Maddy and Cassie to be wearing them in this episode demonstrates they’re back in their respective roles—working together but also taking advantage of each other.
“Since the beginning, [Demie] wanted to do old Hollywood glam, but also wanted to do color,” says Mara Rouse, Demie’s makeup artist during filming. “Looking at her wardrobe, looking at her boots, we were trying to match this very particular deep indigo.” Rouse says that this is the only glitter eye we’ll see Maddy in this season and that Demie wanted a particular tapered shape from a ‘90s reference as well as a nod to Cleopatra and ancient Egypt.. “Her whole look is very wet, which you can see from her hair as well,” says Rouse. “We wanted to invoke that wetness in the makeup. She’s very dewy, she has very glossy lips, her eyes sparkle like moving water.
Episode 5: This Little Piggy
Cassie is now a full-time OnlyFans creator at the hands of Maddy’s managerial expertise. Nate loses another phalange despite his wife bringing home the bacon (in this case, $30,000). We have details from hair department head Kim Kimble on Cassie and Maddy’s hairstyles in this episode, whileDavy explains how working with Jacob Elordi’s hand prosthetic works.
Cassie’s blonde bombshell wig.
HBO / Eddy Chen
Maddy and Cassie’s Classic Hairstyles
Kimble used both wigs and hairpieces to create Maddy’s “film noir” hair this season. “It’s a little retro with a modern twist,” Kimble explains, noting that the curls, the movement, and the softness of the hair keep the classic styles from looking too dated. Like Davy, Kimble also alludes to Maddy’s “evil” character arc this season, sharing that there’s something “a little dark and a little sinister” about her hair.
For Cassie, Kimble shares that Sweeney started with long hair extensions at the beginning of the season, while wigs were utilized for her makeover. When designing the styles, Kimble kept Cassie’s storyline as a rising influencer top of mind. “I feel like influencers have something a little more when it comes to their hair. They really create attention for themselves, so they have to have a look and an image as well," she says.
For Cassie's “blonde bombshell look,” Kimble's inspiration was “a little Farah Fawcett, a little ‘70s-esque—we wanted something sexy, bold and beautiful." In this episode's controversial ode to Attack of the 50 Foot Woman—where Cassie is seen taking over Hollywood and swinging her giant ponytail to take out a helicopter—Kimble says the full ponytail she’s wearing was inspired by the iconic B-movie, Barbarella.
Jacob Elordi’s $15,000 "Hands"
Two of Nate’s prosthetic hands, before and after being painted and punched with hair.
Kirbie Johnson
Nate Jacobs is getting his due this season. After assaulting Tyler and Maddy in season one, Nate has now not only been beaten up himself, but he’s had his pinky toe and finger chopped off. The scene is excruciating to watch and took several takes to get right.
Of course, Elordi’s digits were not harmed in the process. For filming, Davy had several casts of Elordi’s arm and hand taken and made into prosthetics by special-effects house Vincent Van Dyke. They look and feel extremely lifelike, from the bending of the fingers and the paint job, to the hair punching technique used to make it look like Elordi’s actual arm. Additionally, Davy says they would powder the fingernails to keep them from looking too shiny.
To make the cutting off of Nate’s finger appear realistic on camera, Elordi was directed to struggle away from the fake clippers (for safety reasons). Levinson called cut and Elordi exited the set. Then, filming resumed and a stunt person (or Levinson) held the prosthetic in a way that made it appear as if the owner of the (fake) hand was struggling. The actor doing the cutting was then given real clippers so he could actually cut off the prosthetic finger.
To create fake blood spurts, the prosthetic was fitted with internal tubing that traveled through all the fingers, allowing fake blood to flow into them via a large syringe. “When [the finger] is cut on camera it falls off and that’s exactly the moment when I, or someone else, would push the blood through the syringe,” says Davy. “The harder you hit the syringe, the faster the blood will come out.” Ultimately, Levinson requested Davy have over at least four of these prosthetics made, which she says could cost around $15,000.
Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”
I have the feeling someone isn’t going to survive this season—who that is, I’ll keep to myself. We finally get Alamo Brown’s backstory and understand his obsession with power over women, especially as the owner of the Silver Slipper Strip Club. The episode opens with a flashback to his childhood in the late 1970s where we meet his mother, “Mama Brown,” played by Danielle Deadwyler. She brings home a man named Preston, whom she hoped would support them. Although he was affected by an explosion in a lab, effectively scarring most of his face, he was kind and treated both Alamo and his mom with love and respect. Preston ended up getting compensated for his injuries and, with his new fortune, upgraded the family to a new economic standing. Ultimately, Mama Brown schemed to have their home “robbed” by her lover, stealing everything Preston had worked for and leaving him alone, broke, and heartbroken. Alamo never recovered—both from the incident and his mother's betrayal.
HBO MaxHBO Max
Deadwyler’s incredible hairstyles were a bright spot during a storyline that was almost unbearable to watch. According to Kimble, the hairstyles were meant to showcase the family's status as they acquired more wealth. When we first met Mama Brown, it “looked like someone in the neighborhood could have braided her hair and beaded it,” Kimble says. “When she got into some money, we gave her a fantastic ‘70s blowout that was also popular in the ‘80s.” Artists like Patrice Rushen and Peaches from Peaches & Herb were on the inspo board for the beaded braids.
HBO Max
For her makeup, a red lip and nails were already written into the script for her character. “Mama Brown needed to have classic powerful woman vibes,” Davy says. “It was also in the script that Maddy reminds Alamo of his mama, so we made sure to play with red lips on Maddy for her scenes with Alamo.” Actresses like Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll, Nina Simone, and Barbara Summers were all featured on Davy’s mood board, as well as advertisements for Avon and Raveen hair conditioner.
Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”
The special effects done on Jacob Elordi by makeup artist Tara Lang throughout the season.
Kirbie Johnson
To put it bluntly, a lot of people fucked around and found out this episode. For starters, Nate died. Not from being buried alive, but from a rattlesnake bite. (Cue “When I RIP” by Labrinth.) Maddy learned her lesson: Alamo doesn’t do anyone favors. And Faye fails Rue once again.
We get more Rosalía in this episode, and it’s worth noting her makeup look is one of Davy’s favorites of the season. “Rosalía and I, we wanted Magick to have a signature look that feels like she’s been doing it for years—like since she was a teenager,” explains Davy. “We loved that the look would be achievable with one product: a black pencil, used in her eyebrows, and as eyeliner and lip liner.” Davy used the aptly named Half Magic Sculptitude Lipliner in Badassery Parade.
HBO/Eddy Chen
Rosalía is wearing an unreleased shade of Crystal Butter Balm in a taupe shade, Davy says.
Kirbie Johnson
Davy really wanted Magick to stand out from the other girls, so her makeup needed to have a “zero fucks given vibe” to it. It’s also a pseudo-homage to chola makeup, with pencil-thin black brows and contrasting lip liner. “She’s queen bee at the Silver Slipper,” Davy says. “There’s something very unapologetic about her, the neck brace—she doesn’t give a shit about appealing to the male gaze. She’s raunchy and aggressive on stage; she does her own thing and makes her money by leaning into that.”
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Here in the States, Korean giant LG is best known for appliances like refrigerators and TVs—but the best LG Beauty products prove that the brand is a force in the K-beauty universe, too. Over the years, the Korean beauty giant has built an impressive portfolio of brands that have shaped routines long before double-cleansing and glass skin entered the mainstream. A few editor favorites? Belif is beloved for its herbal-inspired hydration and bouncy gel moisturizers, Dr. Groot approaches scalp care with the same mindset used for your face, and The Face Shop built a loyal following with formulas inspired by classic Korean beauty staples like rice water.
While each brand has its own personality, they’re all connected by a shared K-beauty values: gentle ingredients, innovative formulas, and a focus on helping skin, hair, and even smiles look healthier over the long run. Ahead, the LG Beauty products that have earned a forever spot on our vanities.
Our Top LG Beauty Products
Rice and ShineThe Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming CleanserJump to review$17
Amazon
Caught a ChillBelif Aqua Bomb Frozen CreamJump to review$26
Amazon
Boost from the RootsDr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in SerumJump to review$37
Sephora
Brushed with GreatnessEuthymol Purple Toning ToothpasteJump to review$28
Amazon
Soothe thy ScalpDr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and ConditionerJump to review$66 $60(9% off)
Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)
Juiced-Up LipsCNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip BalmJump to review$18 $16(11% off)
Rice and Shine: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
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The Face Shop
Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
$17
Amazon
$13
Ulta Beauty
$13
LG Beauty
Why it's worth it: Korean beauty rituals have been using rice water for centuries as a skin-softening staple. And while back then you could DIY pantry rice water in pursuit of glow, today’s formulas are a lot more sophisticated (and significantly less sticky). The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser updates the tradition with rice water—rich in vitamins, minerals, and ceramides—alongside nourishing rice bran oil and soapwort extract, a botanical ingredient naturally packed with cleansing compounds called saponins (basically nature’s original soap). Together, the rice-derived ingredients support a softer, brighter complexion, while soapwort whisks away excess oil, makeup, and buildup.
The creamy formula lathers into a rich, cushiony foam that makes it especially great for combination or oily skin—particularly those prone to congestion or clogged pores—who want that deeply cleansed, fresh-faced feeling without being stripped.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Sarah Han
Han after applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This is one of those classic K-beauty cleansers I've known from the very start of my long K-beauty journey—I recently ‘rediscovered’ it and I'm wondering why I hadn't sooner. It's the perfect deep cleanse for my combination skin and leaves my skin looking more radiant and less congested, but most importantly, not super tight. The ingredients are super appealing to me too—natural rice water, rice bran oil, and soapwort extract (a surfactant). On days I don't wear makeup, I find that just this cleanser is enough. (And I normally always double-cleanse.) And it's $13 for a huge tube that'll probably last me six months? Yup, no notes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types with congested pores
Fragrance-free: no
Moisture Bomb: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
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Belif
The True Cream Aqua Bomb
$24 $20(17% off)
Amazon
$27
Ulta Beauty
$22
LG Beauty
Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Annie Blay-Tettey
Why it's worth it: While “cream” is right there in the name, Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is actually much closer to a bouncy gel moisturizer—but it still practically melts into skin. The lightweight formula combines hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty skin, niacinamide to smooth and brighten, and the brand’s signature herbal blend—featuring ingredients like oat, calendula, and chickweed—to keep skin feeling fresh and comfortably hydrated. It’s especially great for combo or oily skin types (or anyone ready to retire heavy moisturizers as summer temperatures creep up), and thanks to its juicy texture, our testers say it wears nicely under makeup without pilling.
Blay-Tettey before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Annie Blay-Tettey
Blay-Tettey after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb
Annie Blay-Tettey
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“I love how cooling and hydrating this gel cream is—and the texture truly lives up to the name. This formula achieves the perfect hybrid between a lightweight gel and a moisturizing gel. It leaves my skin supple and glowing all day and layers well under makeup and SPF.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
More to know
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Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oat, calendula, and chickweed
Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types
Fragrance-free: yes
Caught a Chill: Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream
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Belif
Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream
$26
Amazon
$26
Ulta Beauty
$26
LG Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream acts like a cold splash of water if your skin’s feeling flushed and overheated—minus the trip to the sink. The lightweight gel-cream uses the brand’s Pro Frozen Capsules, which burst on contact to deliver an instant cooling sensation while helping lock in moisture and reduce heat stress. Hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration, squalane supports the skin barrier, and niacinamide smooths and refines the look of pores. “It’s formulated to deliver intense hydration without heaviness,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.
Fermented ingredients like Lactobacillus and soybean give the formula extra smoothing and depuffing powers. A foundational part of K-beauty, fermentation has long been used to help transform ingredients into smaller, more skin-friendly compounds that may be easier for skin to absorb. The result: boosted hydration, a calmer-looking complexion, and skin that appears smoother and more refreshed.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“I found that the gel doesn’t immediately sink in, which actually works in its favor—it sits on skin just long enough (a minute or so!) to add to the cooling effect. You can feel the tiny capsules at first, but they pop within seconds as you massage the formula in. The cooling sensation is genuinely noticeable, and whenever my skin feels a little hot, irritated, or puffy, this is the kind of formula that instantly makes it feel calmer and more comfortable.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with dry or sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Wake-Up Call: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
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Belif
Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
$32
Amazon
$32
Ulta Beauty
$32
LG Beauty
Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel
Lexi Herrick
Why it's worth it: You can drink all the coffee in the world, but if you’re hoping it’ll magically erase tired undereyes, your latte can only do so much—and for some people, consuming too much caffeine can even contribute to dehydration, which can leave skin looking a little less plump. Applied topically, though, caffeine plays a different game: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Eye Gel uses it to temporarily constrict blood vessels so undereyes appear less puffy, swollen, and shadowy.
The 2025 Best of Beauty winner also pairs hyaluronic acid for a surge of hydration with niacinamide to smooth and brighten, while the brand’s signature blend of herbal and fermented ingredients—like refreshing rosemary and eucalyptus leaf extracts alongside Lactobacillus ferment—adds an extra calming, soothing touch. The ceramic tip applicator helps the cooling texture sink in quickly, making it especially nice for early mornings when your eyes are broadcasting exactly how little sleep you got.
Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick
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“The applicator for this eye cream is incredibly smooth and easy to use. This is one of my favorite products to bring with me when traveling or on the go. It's so gentle and hydrating, instantly adding moisture to my undereyes. I also have very sensitive skin under my eyes, and this has never given me an ounce of irritation.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics
Who it’s best for: people with dark undereye circles or dry skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Return to Your Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner
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Dr. Groot
Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
$66 $60(9% off)
Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)
$33
Sephora (Shampoo)
$33
Sephora (Conditioner)
Why it's worth it: K-beauty has long treated the scalp the same way it treats skin. Why spend hundreds on serums for your face if you’re ignoring the skin underneath your hair? Dr. Groot’s Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner take that skin-care-for-your-scalp mission seriously, loading the formulas with ingredients you’d just as easily spot in facial products. Ingredients like Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments support the scalp environment, while caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and salicylic acid refresh buildup-prone roots and keep scalps feeling balanced.
There’s also a lineup of classic K-beauty botanicals—including ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, and Centella asiatica—to soothe and comfort the scalp. You’ll get that deeply clean, cool, menthol-y feeling that makes your roots feel reset, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or buildup. Unlike many Western formulas, even the conditioner is designed to be worked into the scalp, but it won’t leave hair feeling heavy or weighed down.
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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“I'm blessed with a pretty unproblematic scalp, but I've always had an issue with frizz, dryness, shine—pretty much every other hair complaint in the book. I used to just accept that silkiness wasn't in the cards for me, but this Dr. Groot duo made me eat my words. Even without blow-drying, my air-dried curls just behave differently when I use this shampoo and conditioner. Paired with a quick pass of my Dyson (and no post-shower products, mind you), I'm living out my flippy, shinny blowout dreams.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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Key ingredients: Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, Centella asiatica
Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
Fragrance-free: no
Boost from the Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
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Dr. Groot
Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
$37
Sephora
Why it's worth it: Another example of K-beauty’s skin-care-first approach to hair growth, Dr. Groot’s Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum Leave-In Treatment focuses on creating a healthier scalp environment where stronger-looking hair can thrive. Biotin supports keratin—the protein that makes up hair—while rosemary oil takes center stage. “Rosemary oil has been shown to encourage hair growth, with results similar to those of 2% minoxidil,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, previously told Allure. The formula also packs in microbiome-friendly ferments like Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces extracts, alongside a nourishing blend of rosemary, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, and soybean oils to support both scalp health and softer, silkier strands. Amino acids, caffeine, and niacinamide round out the formula to keep the scalp feeling balanced and healthy.
Despite the oil-in-serum name, it feels surprisingly lightweight, delivering a refreshing minty-cool sensation. Plus, the pretty gradient packaging looks much more vanity-worthy than your typical clinical-looking hair-growth treatment.
Han applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“My scalp is chronically dry and itchy so a leave-in that targets that specific area is crucial. As soon as I'm out of the shower and rough-dry my hair, I put a few droppers of this oil-in-serum into different sections of my scalp and really give it a thorough massage. It has a slight cooling tinge to it, thanks to the rosemary oil, and keeps my scalp soothed until my next wash—which, admittedly, happens anywhere from three to six days. The texture, as you can tell by the tiny suspended beads, is super cool. Despite having ‘oil’ in the name, I don't find this formula heavy or greasy at all.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Who it’s best for: people looking for healthier, stronger hair growth
Fragrance-free: yes
Stay Clear Headed: Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water
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Dr. Groot
Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water
$33
Sephora
$33
LG Beauty
Why it's worth it: Dr. Groot’s Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water is a pre-shampoo treatment that starts clearing away excess sebum and buildup in about the time it takes to scroll a short TikTok. The formula relies on a trio of exfoliating acids—beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and lipohydroxy acid (a gentler salicylic acid derivative)—to gently loosen dead skin, decongest pores, and smooth the scalp. Rosemary oil invigorates the scalp for healthier, thicker, stronger-looking hair, while menthol delivers a deeply satisfying, icy-cool sensation that instantly refreshes the roots. Panthenol and niacinamide replenish moisture and support keratin, while K-beauty staples like Lactobacillus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces ferments help maintain a balanced, happy scalp environment.
Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water
Bianca Richards
Richards after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water
Bianca Richards
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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"Whether I'm styling my natural curls or looking for my dreamy voluminous blowout, I like to add product to my scalp for added volume—so I tend to experience a lot of buildup in my scalp. A scalp rinse is always in my rotation, and the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution is one of the very few products that work effectively to gently cleanse away buildup and prep my hair for a perfect restart. Because I have a lot of hair to sort through, I like to work the product in sections, applying it from my hairline back towards my crown. I'll sometimes use my fingers to massage the product in; however, I find that using a scalp massager works best and gives it a more soothing experience. I really love how it lathers once the product is massaged thoroughly into the scalp, unlike most rinses that have more of a watery consistency, and it can be tricky to determine if the product is actually being used to the best of its ability. As someone who also has scalp psoriasis along my hairline, it's gentle enough to use!" —Bianca Richards, social media manager
Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
Fragrance-free: no
Ready for This Jelly: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze
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The Crème Shop
Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze
$13
Amazon
$13
Ulta Beauty
$13
LG Beauty
Lee applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: Hello Kitty called, and she wants you to show your lips a little more TLC. The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze serves up a juicy wash of color and that glassy, jelly-like shine, but there’s a surprising amount of skin care tucked beneath the adorable packaging. Shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E keep lips soft, cushioned, and hydrated, while a lineup of peptides supports smoother, fuller-looking lips. Consider it equal parts lip treatment, gloss, and tiny serotonin boost you can easily slip into your pocket. Even cuter: There are additional shades inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends, so your lip color can match your favorite Sanrio character energy.
Lee before applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from Lee
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“Well, I’m an easy sell when it comes to anything Hello Kitty—and the adorable macaron-shaped packaging had me before I even twisted off the cap. I’ll admit, at first glance, I was bracing myself for a stick-to-your-lips situation, but the second I applied it, it completely melted in with a cushiony, jelly-balm feel. If you’re looking for bold color payoff, you’ll want to layer this over your usual color—this is more of a soft tint than a statement lip. But when it comes to lasting hydration, it’s next level. My lips stayed ridiculously comfortable for hours, and I’d be shocked if you found yourself reaching to reapply throughout the day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Why it's worth it: Honey, your lips deserve better than a basic waxy balm. CNP’s Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm treats dry, flaky lips with propolis—a protective substance bees create for their hives that’s prized for its soothing properties—with deeply nourishing New Zealand manuka honey. A barrier-supporting trio of ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane lock in moisture, while madecassoside and beta-glucan calm irritation and roughness. There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat. The texture starts rich and thick, but it melts into lips instead of sitting on top—and once it’s on, it really sticks around, making it especially satisfying for anyone tired of constantly reapplying.
Kinonen before applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“Aside from sunscreen, I never leave the house without a tube of lip balm. Doesn’t matter what the brand is; I just need to have something on hand to touch up during the day. But at night, that’s a different story. I need a lip mask that’s going to coat my lips and still be there come morning. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm. It’s a thick consistency, thanks to the propolis (a.k.a. ‘bee glue,’ which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), but it instantly melts onto lips like butter—and lasts. I usually apply two coats, making sure it’s extra goopy, and then crawl into bed. When I wake up, my lips feel super soft, smooth, and hydrated. I’ve now gone through two tubes!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Amp Up Your Glow: CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule
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CNP
Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule
$25
Amazon
$25
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: If you’re new to ampoules, they’re typically designed to deliver a targeted boost of actives when your skin needs extra support. CNP’s Derma+ Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule centers around a 1:1 ratio of S-PDRN and Expecial Solution (Lactobacillus ferment extract). Unlike traditional PDRN, S-PDRN (sodium DNA-derived PDRN) is a lab-designed version intended to support skin barrier health and enhance the appearance of firmness and density. Niacinamide brightens and balances, while collagen, squalane, and adenosine work together to contribute to a hydrated, bouncier-looking complexion. While it’s concentrated, this isn’t the kind of formula making dramatic overnight promises—because, as with most skin care, consistency is where the magic really happens. Instead, it leans into K-beauty’s “slow-aging” approach: small, steady steps that keep skin looking healthier the more you use it.
Han applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule
Sarah Han
Han after applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“I picked up this CNP serum or ampoule in Olive Young at the recommendation of a corporate staffer. I clearly don't need much convincing, but I also noticed the Glowpick and Hwahae badges (two of Korea's most popular beauty review/ranking platforms) on the packaging. That's how I could tell it was a legit local favorite, which is what I'm obviously seeking when I'm all the way in Seoul. The formula is silky and has some slip (so there's no rubbing or tugging the skin!), which is exactly the type of serum I prefer. Aside from the lovely feel, I love all of the tried-and-true ingredients: niacinamide, adenosine, collagen, squalane, and cica. I know the jury's still out on PDRN, but I've found all of the PDRN serums I've tried to be very hydrating, which is what's most important to me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with mature skin
Fragrance-free: yes
Brushed with Greatness: Euthymol Purple Toning Toothpaste
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Euthymol
Purple Toning Toothpaste
$28
Amazon
$15
LG Beauty
Why it's worth it: We interrupt your regularly scheduled skin-care programming for something slightly unexpected: purple toothpaste. Euthymol’s Purple Toning Toothpaste comes from Euthymol, a British oral-care brand dating back to 1898 that now sits under the LG umbrella, and it borrows a trick straight from the color-correction playbook (similar to how purple shampoos tone brassiness). Its violet hue neutralizes yellow tones, making teeth appear visibly brighter. It also uses whitening particles to lift surface stains and defend against new ones, while strengthening enamel and delivering the brand’s signature bold minty freshness. Consider it the oral-care equivalent of a color-correcting primer—just for your smile.
Tester feedback from Han
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“As I get older, elevated versions of everyday products (nice hand soap, etc.) bring me lots of joy—and this Euthymol toothpaste very much falls under that bucket. I love how solid and luxe the packaging is, and that it's not too big, so I don't have to worry about whether or not it might get confiscated by TSA. I drink at least one latte every day so that's a lot of staining caffeine—but, despite how insecure I am about my not-so-white teeth, I'm not willing to curb my consumption! I haven't used the toothpaste for long enough to really tell if it has whitened my teeth considerably but I do think the purple, yellow-canceling of it all has been working, even if the difference is subtle. Moreover, I like that the flavor is more toned down—I historically have found most mint toothpastes to be too strong and uncomfortable.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Let’s Get Physio: Physiogel Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream
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Physiogel
Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream
$16
Amazon
$16
LG Beauty
Why it's worth it: If there’s one thing you can associate K-beauty with, it’s a deep appreciation for keeping easily irritated skin happy. Physiogel’s Calming Relief Redness Cream strips things back to the essentials with a short ingredient list focused on calming redness and supporting a stressed-out barrier. The star here is palmitamide MEA, a soothing lipid compound that helps reduce irritation caused by dryness, while squalane replenishes moisture, and hydrogenated lecithin helps reinforce the skin barrier and soften flaky patches.
It’s also earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, where products undergo ingredient review and screening to ensure they’re less likely to trigger irritation in eczema-prone, highly reactive skin. If you’re new to the brand, consider it the skin-care equivalent of if CeraVe and Vanicream had a baby: straightforward, sensitive-skin-friendly, and all about barrier support without extra bells and whistles.
Who it’s best for: people with sensitive, dry skin prone to redness
Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
Meet the experts
Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
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 LG Beauty products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, 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: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Finding the best shave cream is a lot like finding the perfect pair of sheets—and not just because each should be silky smooth. In both cases, you don’t actually know how much of a difference it’ll make in your life until you find the right one. Shave creams don’t just provide much-needed lubrication for razor blades, thus reducing friction and preventing irritation. They also hydrate the hair shaft, “causing it to swell and soften, which lowers the force required to cut it,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “This results in fewer passes, less irritation, and a lower risk of razor burn and follicular inflammation.” That can be a godsend for sensitive areas like your bikini line.
Best Drugstore: Gillette Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam, $3
Best for the Bikini Area: Fur Shave Cream, $34
Best for Dry Skin: EOS Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter, $9
These days, they’re also chock-full of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients, like shea butter and nut oils, that can help you get a closer shave and leave you with softer skin. They also come in a variety of formats—think oils, gels, or foams—and scents, which can make the entire shaving experience more enjoyable and tailored to your preferences or skin type.
To help you find your best shave cream, we went through Allure Best of Beauty Award winners, editor recommendations, and dermatologist favorites. Ready to head into shorts-and-tank-top season with your silkiest skin yet? Read on for the standout picks.
Are there areas of the body that especially benefit from shave cream?
How can I get my best shave?
What ingredients should someone look for in a shaving cream?
Meet the Experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Skintimate Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer
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Skintimate
Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer
$9
Amazon
Why we love it: The best shaving solution isn’t always a cream; you just need “a lubricant to create a protective barrier between your blades and your delicate dermis, preventing cuts, nicks, irritation, and razor burn,” says Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in southern California. The star ingredients of Skintimate’s Fragrance Free 2-in-1 Shave Oil + Moisturizer are ideal for creating just that, pairing vitamin E—which is both a water-attracting humectant and water-trapping emollient—along with shea, almond, and jojoba oils. Those moisturizing ingredients help create a silky-smooth base upon which your razor can simply glide, even without the traditional soapy lather. You can apply this oil after shaving for maximum radiance, too.
Prefer an old-school gel-to-foam formula? Editors love Skintimate Skin Therapy for Sensitive Skin, which builds to a nice lather and doesn’t dry out skin.
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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“I genuinely did a double-take the first few times I used this shave oil because I could swear my leg hair was melting off—even the really stubborn stubble that's barely long enough to shave. Nothing has given me as close a shave as this. And you should take my word for it; I've got Italian body hair." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor
Best Drugstore: Gillette Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam
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Gillette
Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam
$3
Amazon
Why we love it: Not only does Gillette’s Foamy Sensitive Shave Foam tackle coarse hair that grows on sensitive areas—think the ingrown-prone bikini area, with its plentiful contours—but it does so with a light-as-air texture that won’t clog up your razor, all while coming in at under $4 a can. (And a little bit goes a long way, upping the value factor even more.) Technically a men’s shaving cream meant for facial hair, the no-frills formula isn’t loaded with fancy skin-care ingredients, but it does the trick for reducing razor burn and skin irritation while leaving skin smooth but never tight. Plus, this classic shaving cream has a nice, clean fragrance that’s mild enough to layer under any scented body oils or lotions that you might apply post-shower.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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“I love trying a fancy shaving cream, gel, oil, or foam. I'll try them all. But I always just come back to this classic Gillette shave gel that you can grab in the men's aisle. My husband and I share it, and it's always a buck or two cheaper than the women’s offerings. It's just one of those basic, reliable formulas. It protects your skin from nicks, keeps skin soft, and doesn't gunk up your razor. So basically, it makes an annoying task go faster and smoother (literally and figuratively). You'll always find a tube in our shower and whenever I'm travelling, I grab a travel size at the airport or train station.” —Sophia Panych, content director
Why we love it: Among the top-line ingredients in Fur’s Shave Cream are antioxidant-rich olive oil—which, as an emollient, can help provide a buffer between your skin and the razor—and aloe, one of the best-known soothing agents around. They’re exactly what you want in a shaving product for the bikini area, where the skin is more sensitive but the hair is coarser. To strike that happy medium, this formula “cuts down on ingrown hairs and irritation while leaving the skin feeling soft and pampered,” says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California. It’s got a creamy, non-foaming consistency that won’t give you a sudsy lather, but can help you get a super-close shave, and the fresh scent is light enough for even the most sensitive noses.
Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“My super-sensitive skin doesn't love it when I shave—unless I use Fur's Shave Cream. It's thick and smooth (almost fluffy) and goes on in one sheer white layer that makes it easy to see every stroke. After I rinse it off, my skin is left feeling ultra-soft, with no irritation in sight. I'll admit, I didn't see shaving cream as a necessity until I tried this one—now, I'm not sure how I'll shower without it. I just wish the tube was bigger!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor
More to know
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Key ingredients: olive oil, aloe
Fragrance-free: yes
Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Dry Skin: EOS Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter
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EOS
Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter
$9 $8(11% off)
Amazon
$10
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: At the heart of EOS’ Vanilla Cashmere Shave Butter—the sibling of the EOS Cashmere Skin Shave Oil, a past Best of Beauty Award winner—is the brand’s Cashmere Smooth Complex. It’s a blend of shea, cocoa, and argan butters, which translates to a rich, luxurious cream that creates a pillowy base, providing your skin with ample moisture while you shave, and offsetting dryness. There are also plenty of oils (specifically, avocado, macadamia, and almond) to help prime the skin for a close, comfortable shave, free of irritation. And the benefits don’t stop in the shower: The shaving soap also includes colloidal oatmeal, which can soothe inflammation immediately, according to Dr. Reszko.
Best Scent: Athena Club Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla
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Athena Club
Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla
$7
Walmart
$11
Athena Club
Why we love it: While there are plenty of great-smelling shave creams out there, few can compete with the sophistication of Athena Club’s Fluffy Shave Butter in Golden Vanilla. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a blend of vanilla cream, cashmere, and sandalwood that would be right at home in a perfume bottle (and is, in fact, available in a hair and body mist format, as well as a body wash, lotion, and deodorant). But the benefits go beyond the fragrance-layering opportunity: The thick, creamy, non-foaming formula contains shea butter—which is great for sealing in moisture and banishing dry skin—and rosemary extract, which provides post-shave soothing for more sensitive skin types, while keeping ingrowns at bay.
Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky
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"You can keep the creams, foams, and gels because Athena Club's Fluffy Shave Butter is my new go-to for getting a comfortable, nick-free shave. Even better is how soft and smooth my sensitive skin feels days later, thanks to the glycerin, shea and cocoa butters, and rosemary leaf packed into the formula. Bonus: The light coconut-and-vanilla aroma is enough to perk up your shower, but subtle enough for people who prefer those scents in small doses." —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager
More to know
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Key ingredients: shea butter, rosemary extract
Fragrance-free: no
Sulfate-free: yes
Best Fragrance-Free: Aveeno Therapeutic Shave Gel
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Aveeno
Therapeutic Shave Gel
$6 $4(33% off)
Amazon
$6
Walmart
Why we love it: If you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin, you might want to think twice before bringing your scent routine into your shower routine. “Fragrance is a common trigger for both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis, especially in more sensitive areas like the face, underarms, and bikini line,” says Dr. Reszko, who recommends skipping the ingredient altogether if you fall into either of those categories. Aveeno’s Therapeutic Shave Gel is formulated without fragrance, but does feature the brand’s signature oat along with a host of hydrators and barrier boosters. For instance, it “has hydrating glycerin for a smooth shave,” notes Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. “In addition, its vitamin E and vitamin B5 can help comfort skin and support a healthy skin barrier.”
Tester feedback from former associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“I never know how my body will react to products (thank you, contact dermatitis), so I'm hesitant to try anything new. But I picked up this shave gel for its “sensitive-skin” branding, and I'm so glad I did. It’s so foamy and thick that my razor glides easily without any nicks or irritation, leaving me with a baby-smooth shave. The formula also has vitamin E and aloe, so your skin isn’t thirsty for hydration. You’ll still need a post-shave oil, of course, but stripping is no more after shaving with this bb.” —Melanie Curry, former associate manager of audience development
More to know
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Key ingredients: oat, vitamin E, vitamin B5
Fragrance-free: yes
Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Vanicream Shave Cream
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Vanicream
Shave Cream
$13 $10(23% off)
Amazon
Why we love it: The only thing dermatologists might agree on more than daily sunscreen use is Vanicream being a go-to brand for those with sensitive skin. The Vanicream Shave Cream is no exception. “It avoids common irritants and focuses on barrier protection, making it a very reliable choice for reactive patients,” says Dr. Reszko. That can mostly be chalked up to what isn’t on the ingredients list: The formula is “hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and dye-free,” says Dr. Shamban. “It is also paraben- and lanolin-free, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive or reactive skin.”
More to know
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Key ingredients: stearic acid, glycerin
Fragrance-free: yes
Sulfate-free: yes
Best for Travel: Hanni Shave Pillow
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Hanni
Shave Pillow
$26
Amazon
Why we love it: Heading to the gym or a hotel? Skip the can and reach for Hanni’s Shave Pillow instead. It’s a smooth, handheld balm stick that can help you achieve a water-free shave in or out of the shower. It achieves this through glycerin—which, according to Dr. Shamban, provides both glide and moisture retention—as well as antioxidant-rich cactus water and adaptogenic mushrooms. And it really is water-free: Once you’ve finished shaving, just rub the remaining product into your skin to reap the antioxidant and soothing benefits.
Short answer: Yes. Longer answer: Wet shaving with some form of lubrication—be it a traditional shaving cream, oil, or butter—is important for your skin health. “Shaving on dry skin increases transepidermal water loss and creates microtears in the stratum corneum layer,” explains Dr. Reszko. “A proper shaving cream provides a lubricating interface, therefore reducing friction and sheer stress from the blade.” This is all to say: Unless you’re in a pinch, you should use one every time you whip out a razor.
Are there areas of the body that especially benefit from shave cream?
Wherever the hair is coarse and/or the skin is thin, it’s especially important to use shave cream. This includes the neck and beard, underarms, and genital area; essentially, any “very sensitive areas where you don't want a lot of friction,” explains Dr. Brian Hibler, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology. “These are all areas where hair tends to be coarser, or the skin is more prone to irritation, so you want as much cushion and glide as possible.” Not doing so could lead to some unpleasant side effects: Since these areas are also more prone to post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, “minimizing trauma during shaving is key,” says Dr. Reszko.
People with curly body hair will also want to make sure they’ve used proper lubrication before pulling out the razor, says Dr. Shamban, due to the increased risk of ingrown hairs.
How can I get my best shave?
It’s best to shave during or before a shower, not after, and warm water is ideal. “Heat and water increase hair shaft hydration and elasticity, allowing for a smoother cut,” Dr. Reszko explains.
Let your shaving product sit on the skin for about thirty seconds before you start to lather up and shave; Dr. Reszko says this will help soften the hair.
Reszko and Hibler both recommend shaving with the grain (so, in the direction of growth) and not against it, especially if you’re prone to ingrown hairs and breakouts. You also want to make sure you’re using light pressure and not bearing down too hard on the skin with your razor—which is especially important if you’re using a safety razor.
You want to apply a full layer of product, but not too much; Shamban recommends about a quarter to half an inch of thickness. “As long as your skin is not ‘visible’ and no areas are left uncovered, you should be fine,” she adds.
What ingredients should someone look for in a shaving cream?
“The best ingredients in shaving cream enhance gliding and supporting barrier function,” says Dr. Reszko. This includes emollients—think squalane, shea butter, coconut oil, and jojoba oil—as well as glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration. Barrier-boosters like ceramides and panthenol are also great (Dr. Shamban especially likes the latter for sensitive skin).
Soothing ingredients should also be top of mind; these include aloe vera, allantoin, or colloidal oatmeal. These ingredients are especially important for people with sensitive skin and those who are prone to follicular inflammation, says Dr. Reszko.
Meet the experts
Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Brian Hibler, MD, a board-certified dermatologist with Schweiger Dermatology in New York City.
Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in California.
Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California
Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
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 shave creams, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, 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: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Jennifer Lopez has gone through many style evolutions through her long career, from her “Jenny from the block” persona of the early 2000s to her glamorous Hollywood aesthetic of today. But one element of her look has always remained the same—her glowing makeup that has you instantly wanting to gulp down a glass of water, grab a bronzer compact, and book a beach vacation. Her makeup is all golden skin, fluttery lashes, glossy lips, and immaculately groomed brows, so when the multi-hyphenate stepped onto the red carpet with those feathery brows almost completely faded—we did a double-take.
J.Lo debuted the look at the premiere of her new romantic comedy Office Romance, in which she plays a high-powered CEO who breaks her own rules with her office fling (co-star Brett Goldstein). She wore a structural, embellished gown with sleek, middle-part hair and her new lightened brows, courtesy of makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.
The actress's brows have changed slightly over the past 30 years. For her role as Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 film about the late singer, her arches were darkened and defined. Like many Gen Xers and millennials, they became slimmer in the early aughts. But it's been years since she's experimented with her brows, and perhaps the first time we've ever seen her go for a more goth-inspired look on the red carpet. (Perhaps she was inspired by her role in last year's Kiss of the Spider Woman, where one of her looks is a dark, edgy seductress complete with vampy makeup and claw-like nails.)
Getty Images
Although we think J.Lo absolutely nails the lighter eyebrow trend, we don't expect her to keep it for long. Especially since it appears that they're not bleached, unlike celebrities such as Jenna Ortega, Miley Cyrus, and Michelle Yeoh, who have all gone that route. Instead, the lightening may come thanks to a combination of glue, concealer, and a light dusting of powder over top—a classic method used in stage makeup and by drag artists to make their natural brows disappear. It's a great way to dabble with the bleached brows trend without having to open up a bottle of peroxide.
Whether J.Lo's lighter brows are here stay or just making a fleeting appearance, we always love to see an unexpected red-carpet makeup moment from one of our favorite, ultra-glamorous celebs.
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Whether you’re in the mood for a razor-sharp cat eye, a barely-there flick, or something bold and graphic, the best liquid eyeliners get the job done with ease. Unlike pencil or gel liners, liquid eyeliner delivers a level of precision and intensity that's hard to replicate with the former. A felt or brush tip allows you to draw cleaner, sharper lines, from subtle lash-line definition to a dramatic wing. Liquid formulas also tend to be more transfer-resistant and longer-wearing, meaning your look stays intact through heat, humidity, and accidental eye-rubbing.
While liquid liner has a reputation for being more unforgiving and trickier to master, with a bit of practice, the latest formulas and applicators are more user-friendly than ever—offering smooth glide, intense pigment, and impressive staying power.
Best Overall: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner, $24
Best for Beginners: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $24
Best Matte: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner, $36
Best Smudgeproof: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner, $42
Best Color Options: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $10
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the very best, editor- and makeup artist-loved liquid eyeliners for precise lines, bold color, and all-day wear. Whether you're a liquid liner loyalist or just learning the ropes, there's something here for you.
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner
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Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
$24
Amazon
$24
Nordstrom
$24
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: As a Best of Beauty Award Winner across various years (yes, it’s just that good!), Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner has never left our makeup routines. The ultra-precise felt tip makes it easy to create everything from barely there lines to bold, dramatic wings. The formula dries quickly, sets to a satin finish, and genuinely holds up: no smudging and no mid-afternoon fading. It’s available in two classic shades, black and brown. Ardajah Jones, a makeup artist based in Waldorf, Maryland, counts it among her most-reached-for liners. Her go-to trick: "Taking a Q-tip with a little bit of eye cream on it and clean up the wing to get the most precise, sharp line."
Pai before applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Nothing makes me feel more put-together than a swipe of this liquid liner. I like that the applicator pen is firm at the base and more flexible at the tip, which I find gives me the most control when I'm applying it. Best of all, once it's on, it's ON. I usually struggle with liquid formulas smearing or smudging during the day, and this is the one pen that doesn't do it—even in the dead of summer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: satin
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Beginners: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
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Fenty Beauty
Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
$24
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: There’s something about a deep, black, inky liner like Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner that is so satisfying to look at and to catch a glimpse of every time you see your reflection. The hyper-saturated, water-resistant formula delivers a satin finish (in black or brown) that locks down and stays put until you remove it. The flex tip is one of its most highlighted features: Press lightly for a precise, delicate line along the lash base, or lean into it for a bolder, graphic look. The pen-like body makes it easier to grip and control, which matters when you're trying to keep things steady.
Zak Taylor, a makeup artist based in Indianapolis, has consistently leaned on this long-lasting formula: "I've never had it dry out on me early, which can be a common issue with liquid liners." He also notes that "the classic black shade is incredibly rich and dramatic, while the warm brown option pairs beautifully with softer or more natural makeup looks." Jones keeps it in regular rotation, too, and even recommends it for those starting out with liquid liners. "I apply it on myself, and it lasts all day long without smudging or wearing off."
Taylor before applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I still remember my conversion from pencil to liquid liner during the peak wing era of 2016, and even today, I'll still swipe on a razor-sharp wing to this day. I've since upgraded my liquid liner and now reach for Fenty Beauty's Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner. The color is an undeniable deep black, and the felt pen tip is sharp enough to give you that clean drag that makes achieving the perfect pointed wing effortless. It dries down quickly, which is a must for me to prevent transferring to my upper lid. My favorite attribute, though, is that it stays all day despite my terrible habit of touching my eyes.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: satin Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Matte: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
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Pat McGrath Labs
Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
$36
Nordstrom
$36
Sephora
$36
Ulta Beauty
Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Why we love it: Matte liners make pigment appear richer, and edges look more defined, which is why the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner stands out. Its velvety, true-matte finish delivers an intensely saturated black that reads crisp and graphic against the skin. This waterproof formula is built to last all day without smudging, transferring, feathering, or fading, even in heat and humidity. The flexible tip is a soft, skinny applicator that gives you more control over line weight, letting you go from a precise tightline to a bolder stroke within the same application. The ink is fast-drying, and once it’s on, it’s on—so tread carefully and confidently.
Panych before applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Panych after applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych
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“The Pat McGrath Labs liquid liner is an elite product, and what would you expect from a makeup artist who made dramatic eye looks a signature of her career? But the amazing thing about this liner is that, yes, you can use it to create runway-style cat eyes and major artistic flares, but the tapered, fine tip also lets you draw delicate wings and subtle doe-eyes à la Marilyn Monroe. As a former dancer, I’ve used a lot of liquid liner for the stage, and the reason this is one of the best out there is that the felt tip is stiff enough that it lets you create crisp lines (especially helpful if you are over 35 and your eyelid skin is getting looser), but not so stiff that it pokes you in the eye. It’s also incredibly pigmented—both the Xtreme Black and Xtreme Coffee (which I'm wearing in these photos)—and stays that way for hours (and through a sweaty performance, too).” —Sophie Panych, content director
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Multichrome: Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner
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Stila
Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner
$27
Amazon
$27
Nordstrom
$27
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Black liner will always have its place, but if you want something more eye-catching (literally), Stila’s color-shifting Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliners take your look to new dimensions. Rather than laying down a single-tone line, this formula is much more dynamic. The Unicorn shade, for example, drifts between fuchsia, bronze, and green depending on the light, giving you a prismatic effect. The formula is long-wearing and resistant to smudging and fading, so all that color actually sticks around, and the precision applicator makes it manageable enough to get a clean line. It’s lightweight on the lid despite how bold it reads, which helps with all-day comfort.
Han before applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I adore colorful eyeliners but usually stick to gels since they're more forgiving. I also consider inkwell/dip liners the most difficult to master, but with a little practice, Stila's Stay All Day Chroma-Flash isn't all that bad, especially since the brush is so thin and precise. I mean, for the gorgeous, color-shifting finish, it's worth a bit of struggle. It's just so pretty! I'm impressed that there are not just two, but three colors you can visibly see as you turn your head. I simply must try all five shades!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 5
Finish: metallic
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Smudgeproof Liner: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
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Chanel
Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
$42
Chanel
$42
Nordstrom
$42
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: The secret to Chanel’s Le Liner’s staying power is a latex-like formula that essentially seals itself to the skin the moment it dries. The flexible felt-tip brush doesn’t tug or pull on the delicate lid, allowing for a clean, continuous stroke in a single pass. Tilt the brush on its side for a thicker, more graphic look, or use just the tip for a precise lash-line definition. The three available shades include a deep black, a rich, ultra-brown, and a bordeaux-toned rouge noir.
Hoffmann before applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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"My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are long behind me, so I'm all about precision and control with my liner formulas these days. Chanel's Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that's quite stiff compared to others I've tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean. The formula is definitely a liquid but not so loose that it's runny and stressful—I love dragging my fingertip along the outer wing to slightly soften the tip—and this eyeliner has just enough viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers without fear that I'm going to end up with inky fingerprints all over my face. You can do a lot with this eyeliner, which really helps justify the price tag, IMO.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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Shades: 3
Finish: matte
Waterproof: n/a
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Hooded Lids: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
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Lisa Eldridge
Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
$32
Lisa Eldridge
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: A two-time Allure Best of Beauty winner, Lisa Eldridge’s Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner was born from decades of professional experience and a very specific goal: making a feline flick feel achievable for everyone. The calligraphy-style pen has an ultra-fine nib with just the right amount of flex, and is particularly useful for hooded or mature eyes, where lid space is limited, and getting close to the lash line without flooding it is key. The ultra-black, matte formula is budge-proof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and water-resistant, with all-day staying power. It offers tons of versatility: Keep it subtle with a delicate flick or build it out into a full cat eye.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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"I’ve tried every liquid liner under the sun, and this inky, long-lasting black pen is the one I always come back to, to create my signature cat eye. It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: matte
Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Thin Lines: Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
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Wet N’ Wild
Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
$6 $5(17% off)
Amazon
$7
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Why we love it: On a tight budget? Invest just five dollars, and you’ve got all you need to achieve your thinnest, most precise wing yet. Wet n Wild’s Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner is designed with a brush tip that tapers down to less than 0.1 millimeters, so you can get right into the lash line and stay the narrow course, or build up your pigment without flooding your entire lid and risking raccoon eyes. The matte black formula is deeply pigmented, dries quickly, and is ready for whatever your day has in store (rain, tears, or sweat).
Taylor keeps it in his kit as a go-to recommendation for beginners: "I especially love the brush tip because it gives amazing precision and makes creating detailed wings much easier," he says, adding that "for the price point, I think the performance and staying power are incredibly impressive."
Han before applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Because I tend to think liquid liners look too harsh for my eyes, I usually stick to gel liners for a softer finish—but Wet n Wild’s tip is so precise that I can really nail down a thin line that just barely peeks through but still adds the tiniest bit of drama to my look. I actually picked this up from the drugstore on a whim (and because Breakup Proof is a clever name), and have been reaching for it on days I want a bit of drama—a.k.a. a sharper-than-sharp wing—without outright overwhelming my eyes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: brush
Best for Cat Eyes: Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner
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Half Magic
Magic Flik Eyeliner
$25
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why we love it: If Euphoria’s makeup looks have you mesmerized, meet the liner that has made them possible: Half Magic’s Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner, created by the show’s makeup artist Donni Davy. (Maddy's signature double wings were created using this liner and the Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen.)This TikTok-viral pen features a one-of-a-kind paddle-shaped tip that lets you effortlessly switch between razor-thin lines and bold graphic wings by simply changing your grip. Use the thin, curved edge of the tip for precision, then flip it onto the thicker, flat side when you need more coverage, such as filling in your wing or creating a bold, graphic look. The ultra-black formula is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and lasts all day—no touch-ups needed.
Dall’Asen before applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen
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“Even a cat-eye veteran like myself needs some help when it comes to drawing straight lines with liquid eyeliner, and that's what Magic Flik provides in a way that no other eyeliner does. With its wide, flat applicator tip, this eyeliner works like a fancy calligraphy pen, delivering smooth strokes with high-impact color.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: satin
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Color Options: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
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Nyx Professional Makeup
Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
$10
Amazon
$10
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Nine shades of waterproof liquid liner for $10 a pop? The Best of Beauty-winning Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is very hard to beat, in our humble opinion. But don’t just ask us: Our readers bestowed a 2026 Readers’ Choice Award on the liner—and in 2025…and 2024, and so forth. While most liners stick to black and maybe a brown, this one has more intriguing options—including a deep chocolate, warm graham cracker, dusty blue-grey, and more—that are sure to be hits with anyone who wants to experiment beyond the basics.
The slender brush tip delivers saturated, skip-free color in a single stroke and adjusts easily depending on pressure. Taylor reaches for its vast color range and the “smooth and easy to work with” formula. "It works well for both everyday makeup wearers and artists who love pushing creativity," Taylor adds. Jones agrees: “The brush tip is movable and the liner is super black—it’s best for people looking for that extra drama and a great, affordable option.”
Tester feedback from Han
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“This has been a staple since my college days—it's affordable, super pigmented, easy-gliding as heck, and the felt tip is equal parts flexible and precise. While I prefer gel liners these days, I recently picked up Epic Ink in two browns and a shimmery pink—I'm so here for these color expansions—and have fallen back in love. This formula lasts all day and sets really quickly, but I find that I can use my nails to quickly fix any out-of-line mistakes or sharpen the lines of my wings at the very end.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 15 (9 matte, 6 shimmery)
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Dual-Ended: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
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Tom Ford
Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
$65
Nordstrom
$65
Bluemercury
Why we love it: Girl math: Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo is two liners in one, so it’s really $32.50 per head. On one side is a fine calligraphy-style tip for precise, thin lines, and on the other, a longer brush tip for broader, more fluid strokes. Together, they cover the full range of what liquid liner can do, without the need to adjust pressure to customize your swipe. The formula is a deep, satin-matte hybrid black, and once it sets, it stays: no smudging, no fading, no transfer. It's a good match for anyone who’s trying to find their liner style or for the makeup enthusiast who likes to switch things up.
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: satin-matte
Waterproof: n/a
Brush or felt tip: both
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
Taylor recommends working in small strokes rather than trying to create the entire line in one motion. "One of my biggest tips when applying liquid liner is to look straight forward into the mirror while slightly leaning your head back to evenly show your lid space,” Taylor says. “While keeping both eyes open, frame your eyelid with the liner first before extending it outward into a cat-eye effect."
Jones offers a practical starting point for those still finding their footing: "My best technique for beginners is to apply tape to the outer corner of your eye to use as a guide.” She also suggests sketching out the line with black eye shadow and an angled brush first, since "eye shadow is a bit more forgiving than a liquid liner and easy to clean up."
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Both Taylor and Jones stress the importance of checking your work from multiple angles and distances rather than relying on one close-up view. Taylor suggests keeping both a large mirror and a handheld mirror nearby: "It's also important to step back occasionally and look at both eyes relaxed and straight on, since liner can look different up close versus at a natural distance." Jones recommends going back and forth between eyes rather than completing one side before starting the other: "Following the natural outer corner of your eye is always the best way to get the line even on both sides," she adds.
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
It comes down to the finish you're after. "Liquid liners are perfect for boldly defining the eyes and creating sharper, more graphic makeup looks, especially for dramatic wings or editorial styles," Taylor explains, while pencils are better suited for "softer liner looks and when you want a more smudged, lived-in makeup effect." Jones adds that the two tools also serve different parts of the eye: "A pencil tends to be better suited for the waterline, and a liquid liner is perfect for the top eyeline."
Meet the experts
Ardajah Jones, a makeup artist in Waldorf, Maryland
Zak Taylor, a makeup artist in Indianapolis, Indiana
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 liquid eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and 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.
Photo: Faye BrowneSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Summer may not officially start for another few weeks, but we all know the summer vibes really begin in late May—early June at the latest. And there's no better proof of that than the way people's appearances start to subtly shift: more open-toed shoes, more breezy attire, beachier waves, and a heavier hand with the bronzer. And this summer, it seems one of the most prevalent ways to celebrate the season is with bold, pool-blue eye makeup, as recently and gorgeously demonstrated by Florence Pugh.
Hairstylist Faye Browne and makeup artist Lauren Buckley posted a collaborative Instagram carousel giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how they dolled up Pugh for Harris Reed's Ibiza birthday party. Browne gave her waves some summery, salty texture with Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray by Sam McKnight and topped it off with a vibrant, turquoise Pucci scarf worn as a headband.
Photo: Faye Browne
That scarf seems to have served as the color inspiration for how Buckley approached the acclaimed actor's eye makeup. After applying a matte, neutral base from the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette all over her lids and the tragically discontinued MAC Reflects in Transparent Teal in the inner corners, she applied a substantial swipe of Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick in Baby Blue Matte.
And the look feels especially Ibiza-esque thanks to her bronzed skin. That warmth comes from Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer, a blurring powder formula that comes in four shades.
Photo: Faye Browne
The Gloss Angeles podcast called it: Blue eye makeup is having such a moment right now, and makeup artist Ash K. Holm's recent Ocean Eyes tutorial is even more evidence. She used a similar matte blue shade, Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Oasis, all over her lid, followed by a shimmery inner corner.
Clearly, this is a thing. Even if you won't find yourself poolside any time soon, that doesn't mean you can't channel that tropical, chlorinated blue through your makeup. It'll signal to everyone who sees you that you are definitely already in the summer mindset.
More makeup news:
Marc Jacobs Beauty Isn't Back
Why TikTok Can’t Stop Fighting About “Transitional Blush”
E.L.F. Cosmetics Is Lowering Prices After Tariff-Induced Increases
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
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