Category: HEALTHY-FOOD

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As the popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has boomed in the past couple of years, my inbox has runneth over with emails from plastic surgeons’ and dermatologists’ publicists offering solutions to the aesthetic side effects these drugs may cause. While most of the pitches relate to the rapid loss of facial volume that has been not-so-affectionately coined “Ozempic face,” I’ve seen subject lines about plenty of other body parts that are apparently impacted by the speedy weight loss that is often the result of taking these medications:

• “Ozempic Butt and Beyond”
• “Mounjaro Hair Loss—Expert Explains Why and Tips to Prevent It”
• “Ozempic’s Hidden Side Effect: Tooth Damage”

As both a beauty writer and someone who's been on weight-management injections for two years, I can’t take them all at face value. Some concerns about GLP-1 side effects are valid and have the research to back them up, but others can be blatant plays for press attention inspired by little more than one expert’s imagination and some anecdotal correlation. So when several Allure editors got a press release with the term “Ozempic earlobes” in the subject line last week, my curiosity was piqued.

Earlobes, apparently, are top of mind among GLP-1 patients at the moment, if the release is anything to go by. It purports that rapid weight loss is causing a growing number of patients to have sagging lobes—but thankfully, there’s an in-demand, low-downtime surgery that can restore patients’ earlobes to their original shape and size. (This press release, if you haven’t caught on yet, was sent by a representative for a plastic surgeon who performs earlobe correction surgery.)

After reading this email, I immediately examined my own earlobes in the mirror. Even after losing 60 pounds in less than a year, I can confidently say they look the same as they did before. (I cannot say the same for my now comically flat ass, but c'est la vie.) I know my experiences aren’t the same as every other GLP-1 patient’s, but I still had to wonder if the concept of “Ozempic ears” is a stretch—or literally a lack thereof.

Based on what the experts tell me, some GLP-1 patients are bound to lose volume in their earlobes, but probably not solely due to the drug or the weight loss it causes. According to New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Steven J. Pearlman, MD, earlobes do contain fat, so “extreme fat loss” (as in 30 pounds or more) might cause them to thin out to some extent in some patients. That said, Palm Beach-based, board-certified plastic surgeon Mark Murphy, MD, widely attributes earlobe changes to other factors. “While significant weight loss can affect the appearance of the ears to some extent, the aging process and heavy earrings tend to have a more significant impact, particularly in older individuals,” Dr. Murphy explains. “Each patient’s unique anatomy and the extent of weight loss will ultimately determine the degree of change seen in the ears.”

In other words, “Ozempic ears” is not an issue anyone can reasonably, exclusively assign to the weight loss drug itself. And considering that the average GLP-1 recipient is only in their 40s, like me, I think it’s safe to say that earlobe sagging is not an inevitability for every single patient.

I can’t help but be a little vexed by yet another catchy, scapegoating term for something that may not, in many cases, be directly caused by GLP-1 use. When thrown around without caution, terms like these can wind up making patients like me—who’ve already been made to feel dissatisfied with how we look and feel it to the point of seeking medical treatment—feel less than. When I see Ozempic-related headlines in the media and similar subject lines in my inbox, I feel like I’m reading through a list of allegedly unattractive new things about my body that I hadn’t even noticed or cared about before. Sure, some of us (myself included) have pondered post-GLP-1 procedures; it’s nice to know our options. But it’s easy to forget that they are just options, not urgent obligations.

If you happen to be someone who has, in fact, experienced bothersome earlobe changes—whether related to weight loss or not—I’ll never judge you for seeking cosmetic solutions, of which there are a couple. “Earlobe correction surgery is a very straightforward procedure that takes about 45 minutes and is performed in the office under local anesthesia to numb the area,” Dr. Murphy says. “Excess tissue is removed, and the ear is sutured to form a more aesthetically pleasing shape.” Sutures are removed about 10 days later, and patients can pierce or re-pierce their ears within a couple of months if they like.

Dr. Pearlman says filler injections are a less invasive fix, though, like facial filler, it may need to be re-upped every now and then (some people need more filler than others, so that’s a conversation to have with your doctor). “I tell patients that adding filler to their earlobes can look like their diamond studs are half a carat larger since [their lobes] are perked up,” he says.

Personally, I’d rather treat myself to a nice pair of lab-grown diamond earrings than turn to cosmetic intervention. Not too big, of course. I don’t want to tempt fate and find myself needing a major earlobe makeover when I’m older. And I use “needing” very loosely. Just like I’m not rushing to do something about my butt, I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to “fix” every cleverly coined post-GLP-1 “problem.”

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We can’t believe it’s already holiday shopping season, but we’re not complaining—especially when Ulta Beauty is on its third week of festivities with early Black Friday deals that have our carts overflowing. Known for its unbeatable selection and generous sales, Ulta Beauty is delivering the goods this year with up to 50% off on brands like Mario Badescu, Peter Thomas Roth, Kenra, Ralph Lauren, and so much more. Each week, new products hit the sale, and we’ve rounded up the best discounts. Keep scrolling to shop the best early Ulta Beauty Black Friday deals that’ll make you (and your loved ones) even more joyful this year. But hurry, there's only two weeks left!

The Sale Breakdown:

• Nov 9 to 15: $25 eye treatments, 50% off Lancôme, 40% off styling and finishing products, up to 40% off select makeup, 30% off fragrance, 30% off Kenra Professional, and 25% off Mario Badescu
• Nov 16 to 22: 50% off Drybar, 50% off Bumble & Bumble Thickening Spray, up to 40% off fragrances (Billie Eilish, Snif, etc.), 30% off sun care (Black Girl Sunscreen, Naked Sundays, etc.), 30% off hair and body mists (Noyz, Touchland, etc.), up to 30% off select hair tools (Babylisspro, CHI, etc.), 30% off makeup

The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Deals to Shop Right Now

The Eyes Have ItPeter Thomas Roth Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye TightenerJump to review$38 $25 (34% off)

Ulta Beauty

Down With Dark SpotsLancôme Clarifique Pro-Solution Brightening & Dark Spot Reducing SerumJump to review$89 $45 (49% off)

Ulta Beauty

Don’t Make Me BlushJuvia's Place Blushed DuoJump to review$20 $14 (30% off)

Ulta Beauty

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• The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Skin-Care Deals
• The Best Early Ulta Beauty Black Friday Makeup Deals
• The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Hair-Care Deals
• The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Fragrance Deals

The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Skin-Care Deals

At Allure, we’re all about products that do more with less—and Ulta’s early Black Friday sale is full of them. Take Peter Thomas Roth's Instant FIRMx Temporary Eye Tightener for example, beloved by our editors for instantly lifting and smoothing the undereye area within seconds. Or, reach for Mario Badescu's Under Eye Patches, which are loaded with hyaluronic acid, caffeine, red algae, niacinamide, and tiger grass to depuff, brighten, and soothe tired undereyes in one fell swoop.

Peter Thomas Roth

Instant FIRMx Eye Temporary Eye Tightener

$38 $25 (34% off)

Ulta Beauty

Ole Henriksen

Banana Bright+ Vitamin C Eye Crème

$45 $25 (44% off)

Ulta Beauty

Lancôme

Clarifique Pro-Solution Brightening & Dark Spot Reducing Serum

$89 $45 (49% off)

Ulta Beauty

Mario Badescu

Hydrogel Under Eye Patches

$32 $22 (31% off)

Ulta Beauty

The Best Early Ulta Beauty Black Friday Makeup Deals

If you’re in the market for new makeup, might we suggest Juvia's Place Blushed Duo in Don't Make Me Blush? Or the Ardell Lash Demi Wispies will completely glam-ify your eyes for a night out on the town.

Juvia's Place

Blushed Duo

$20 $14 (30% off)

Ulta Beauty

Ardell

Lash Demi Wispies Multipack

$15 $11 (27% off)

Ulta Beauty

The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Hair-Care Deals

Our editors have tested just about every hair product out there—from treatments for damaged hair to heat protectant sprays—and some of our all-time favorites are currently marked down. We suggest snagging them fast, as they’re way too good to stay in stock until Black Friday.

Kenra

Volume Spray 25

$22 $15 (32% off)

Ulta Beauty

Biolage

All-In-One Multi-Benefit Spray

$27 $16 (41% off)

Ulta Beauty

The Best Ulta Beauty Early Black Friday Fragrance Deals

Fragrance is all about self-expression, which makes finding the one a tricky task. Luckily, Ulta makes the process easier with stunning scents at unbeatable prices. Head into fall with an eau de parfum that lingers all day.

Lancôme

La Vie Est Belle Eau de Parfum

$132 $92 (30% off)

Ulta Beauty

Ralph Lauren

Romance Eau de Parfum Intense

$144 $101 (30% off)

Ulta Beauty

Courtesy of @nailsbyalsn, @m.o.n.a.j, and Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Winter is famously packed with stuff: We gift and get stuff for the holidays, plan to do stuff with our loved ones, look for stuff covered in snow. Yes, I am showing you even more stuff here (sorry, it’s my job), but I’m also making my best effort not to overwhelm you. That’s why this article highlights only six winter polish color trends, recommended by some of the top nail artists in the industry.

In a (chest)nutshell, this winter’s nail trends are the antithesis of this summer’s. While the warmer months were all about going light on the layers—jelly and milky textures reigned supreme—this winter is all about opaque, full-bodied polishes. Some of these hues were in rotation last winter (and the winter before that… and the winter before that…), while others have been newly spotted on runways, red carpets, and celebrities.

Read on to discover the top nail colors experts predict will be everywhere this winter. As the wise Sabrina Carpenter might say, we’re ending this year with a bang.

Rich Violet

Courtesy of @melanated.maniCourtesy of @matejanovaCourtesy of @m.o.n.a

The dirty plums of fall have cooled down for winter. Deep, rich violets exude confidence, says Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles-based nail artist who’s recently painted the shade on clients and noticed it popping up more on her Pinterest feed: “The coolness of the purple matches winter’s dark vibe.”

Her polish picks include The Gel Bottle in Dark Dimension and Aprés Gel Polish in Mariana Trench, two durable, high-shine gel formulas. If you prefer traditional polish, try OPI Nail Lacquer in Havin' a Candy Ol' Time

The Gelbottle

Dark Dimension

$19

Beyond Polish

$19

The Gelbottle

Aprés

Gel Polish in Mariana Trench

$15

Beyond Polish

$15

Aprés

OPI

Nail Lacquer in Havin' a Candy Ol' Time

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Cool Red

Courtesy of @matejanovaCourtesy of @avrnailswatchesCourtesy of @avrnailswatchesGetty Images

Red is a holiday staple, but one with blue undertones has just a little more oomph. These shades are already trending as the weather cools down, Chue says, likely because “they’re elegant” and tend to pop against your skin tone more than the orange-based reds of summer.

She recommends Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in It’s Raining Men and Nailberry Nail Polish in Rouge. I’m partial to Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate, which I consider a power suit for my nails, and Holo Taco Nail Polish in Cardinal Sins, which is extra-festive with glitter flecks that have a silver shift.

Deborah Lippmann

Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in It’s Raining Men

$20

Amazon

Nailberry

Nail Polish in Rouge

$21

Nailberry

Chanel

Le Vernis in Pirate

$33

Chanel

$33

Nordstrom

Holo Taco

Nail Polish in Cardinal Sins

$15

Ulta Beauty

Mushroom Taupe

Courtesy of @manucuristCourtesy of @revibe.beautystudioCourtesy of @jessicawhitenailartis

According to Chue, this opaque look tends to make an appearance more in the winter. “Finished with a glossy topcoat, its fresh, clean finish is what keeps people hooked,” she says, adding that it has the same feel as “winter knits, cozy blankets, home linens and décor, and all things fashion.”

A simple image search of this color might scare you, especially if you have a warm, slightly olive skin tone like mine. (Some of those hues can make me look ashy and gray.) To avoid a polish that washes out your complexion, opt for a shade that’s lighter than your skin, with a coolish neutral or green undertone if you’re shopping online. My go-to is the Manucurist Green Natural Nail polish in Quartz, which leans more brown than gray.

Manucurist

Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Quartz

$14

Manucurist

Decadent Chocolate

Getty ImagesCourtesy of @manucuristCourtesy of @m.o.n.a.jCourtesy of @nailsby.prachi

Chronically online girls like me might tell you this warm brown color is huge now because of the spring-summer ’26 runway shows, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber’s recent-ish manicures, or even Bieber’s Schiaparelli look at this year’s Academy Museum Gala. While that may all be true, it’s also worth mentioning that this color comes back every winter; it’s a mainstay of the season because of how cozy and versatile it is. (Here’s proof from 2024 and 2023.)

“I love a chocolate brown with a magnetic cat-eye finish or iridescent chrome,” says Miss Pop, who sent chrome powder-dusted brown nails down Theophilio’s New York Fashion Week runway last fall. She recommends Essie Fall Boho Rodeo in Fringes and Saddle, and we love Manucurist’s Green Nail Polish in Mocha, which is cooler-toned but just as rich.

Essie

Fall Boho Rodeo in Fringes and Saddle

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Manucurist

Green Nail Polish in Mocha

$14

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Forest Green

Courtesy of @melanated.maniCourtesy of @nailsbyalsn

Another color that flies across feeds every winter is forest green. “It’s hard to ignore the darkness and greenery that comes with wintertime,” says Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist. “We see deep greens in trees, wreaths, and garlands everywhere we look, and nails will be no exception.”

She recommends Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic, while I reach for OPI’s RaiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Fir Surely Fast. Glamnetic’s winter collection features Cutie Pine, a set of press-ons in a forest green that also has a hint of shimmer.

Adds Jarjour, this color is flattering on a wide range of skin tones and finishes: “It looks great glossy, but can also be finished with a matte topcoat for a soft velvety look.”

Essie

Nail Polish in Off Tropic

$10

Ulta Beauty

$10

Walmart

OPI

RaiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Fir Surely Fast

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Glamnetic

Cutie Pine Press-On Nails

$18

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

Warm Nudes

Getty ImagesCourtesy of @nailbarbieeeCourtesy of @dovenailsbysharon

This manicure trend goes by many names—clean girl, soap, naked—and nude nails are more popular than ever now. But what does “nude” actually mean for you? “It should reflect your skin color when you’re nude,” says Eunice Park, brand development and education director at Aprés Nail, which means there is no single nude nail color for me to recommend here. “Nudes can range from soft pinks to darker browns. Wearing nudes should give you that my-nails-but-better vibe.”

Park says she’s seen a rise in sales for Aprés Nail’s Light & Shadow Gel Couleur, a line of sheer neutral shades. “It’s our best-selling collection,” she says. As a product developer for the brand, she recommends it for getting this look, obviously, but I second that. I’ve tried the collection and love its shine and longevity, but I did have to break out my LED curing lamp for it.

Allure content director Kara McGrath is a huge fan of Olive & June’s new nude-centric Builder Gel polish collection, which ranges from a barely there blush to a deep terra-cotta. For those who’d prefer to skip the gel rigamarole (totally get it), check out our recommendations for regular polish here.

Aprés

Nail’s Light & Shadow Gel Couleur

$15

Beyond Polish

$15

Aprés

Olive & June

Blush Bounce

$12

Olive & June

Carlos and AlyseSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If eyeliner suddenly feels harder to apply or starts skipping and smudging, it’s probably not your skills—it’s the formula. The best eyeliners for older women are all about glide, flexibility, and smooth application. As the skin around the eyes gets thinner and more delicate, the approach just needs a tweak: Think glide over tugging, soft definition over harsh lines, and formulas that stay put instead of settling into fine lines.

So what should you look for? Elisa Flowers, a makeup artist based in New York City, says a creamy pencil is the easiest place to start for everyday wear because it “glides and creates soft, eye-framing definition without pulling at your skin.” And contrary to what you might think, kohl isn’t off the table—as long as it’s super creamy and blendable, not the dry, draggy kind.

Our Top Eyeliner for Older Women

• Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner, $34
• Best Kohl: Hung Vanngo Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner, $22
• Best Luxury: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof, $35
• Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick, $9
• Best Gel: Sarah Creal Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner, $35
• Best Liquid: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner, $21
• Best Waterproof: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner, $28
• Best Long-Wearing: Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner, $26
• Best Shade Range: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, $23
• Best Precision: Uzo Beauty Blaque Liquide Eyeliner, $24

If you want longer wear, a gel eyeliner is a great next step. “Gel gives you more control. It’s precise, but the thickness lets you apply it like a pencil—without rubbing your eye or leaving gaps,” says Kate Johnson, a makeup artist based in Chicago. A flexible liquid liner can also work on mature lids, as long as the tip is fine and the formula isn’t too stiff. Bonus points for liners made with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, castor oil, or panthenol (as in our best overall pick), which help condition the lid so the color glides instead of skipping. Below, discover the eyeliners experts swear by for definition without tugging, skipping, or smudging.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Can people with mature skin use waterproof eyeliners?
• What ingredients should you look for if you have dry eyes?
• How do you apply eyeliner for mature lids?
• Which eyeliner colors help brighten or open up mature eyes?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner

Victoria Beckham Beauty

Satin Kajal Liner

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Bluemercury

$34

Violet Grey

Why it's worth it: If you want proof that a celebrity beauty brand can be more than just a name on the packaging, look no further than Victoria Beckham Beauty’s Satin Kajal Liner. The majority of the experts we spoke with named it the top pick. Flowers calls it “soft, creamy, and comfortable on mature lids. It glides effortlessly and blends into a gentle haze that frames the eyes in the most flattering way.” Since mature lids can be more delicate and prone to tugging, New York City-based makeup artist Christian Briceno says this one “gives you time to play before it sets, with no pulling or skipping—plus a built-in smudger that makes softening edges on hooded eyes a breeze.”

And with 22 elegant shades, there’s no shortage of flattering options. Los Angeles-based makeup artist Valerie Harvey loves Bordeaux for “the intensity of a black without the harshness,” while Flowers swears by Cocoa for soft, natural definition. (There’s even a new sparkly Cocoa Pavé shade if you want shimmer.) In short, it checks off all the boxes: modern pigment, luxe feel, and a formula that makes mature eyes look softly lifted.

Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath

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“I'm convinced this is the creamiest eyeliner on the planet. The shade Cinnamon—a rich, warm brown with just a hint of shimmer—also creates the quickest, easiest I-put-some-effort-into-my-makeup-today look: Just throw some in your waterline then blend it out using the built-in smudger. It'll last all day (or night), I promise.” —Kara McGrath, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: chamomile, panthenol, vitamin E, silica pearl
• Shades: 22
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: satin

Best Kohl: Hung Vanngo Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner

Hung Vanngo

Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner

$22

Sephora

Why it's worth it: When a pro makeup artist shouts out another pro’s product, you know it’s the real deal. Hung Vanngo’s namesake brand, which launched this year, is already getting that kind of praise with his Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner. “It has such a smooth, creamy texture that lets you sketch along the lash line and smudge into a soft-focus haze with no precision required,” says Tonya Riner, makeup artist based in Houston. The formula—packed with squalane and coconut oil—“never looks chalky or dry, even on mature lids,” she says, which is key if your eyeliner usually skips or settles.

These days, “kohl” is mostly a marketing term, but the name has deep roots—it comes from an ancient pigment made from ground minerals like galena, once used for both protection and adornment thousands of years ago. As Allure previously reported, modern formulas pay homage to that smoky, lived-in look—minus the heavy metals—by using soft, blendable pigments that flatter every eye shape. Riner says that’s exactly what makes this liner especially flattering on hooded or aging eyes: “Defined lines often disappear under the fold, so blending up and out gives the eye lift and elongation.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, coconut oil, silica, vitamin E
• Shades: 3
• Waterproof: no
• Finish: matte

Best Luxury: Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof

Chanel

Stylo Yeux Waterproof

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Chanel

Why it's worth it: If your eyeliner tends to skip, smear, or disappear on your mature lids, Chanel’s Stylo Yeux Waterproof is the kind of formula that solves all of that. The waterproof formula “glides on smoothly for an even line and sets quickly so it actually stays put,” says Flowers, who loves that it gives “soft definition that keeps the eyes looking bright and lifted.” Briceno calls it “silk meeting precision—the texture is firm enough for control but soft enough to adapt to movement, which is essential for lids that have lost some firmness.” And because there’s no bigger buzzkill than realizing you don’t have a sharpener on hand, the retractable tip keeps that precise point ready to go, every time.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: dimethicone, kaolin, carnauba wax
• Shades: 17
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: matte

Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick

Nyx Professional Makeup

Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick

$9

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: With a tip so ultra-precise and pigmented, we’ve practically mistaken this Nyx Professional Makeup’s Epic Wear Waterproof Eyeliner Stick for an actual writing pencil. This high-impact, waterproof, smudge- and fade-resistant formula glides on smoothly and lasts up to 36 hours. “This is a fantastic pen liner that has zero learning curve, and you can get a fine tip or a fat tip when you angle it on its side. It also has great colors to try,” says Johnson. Speaking of the colorways, there are 30 matte and shimmer shades, from everyday espresso to bold sapphire. If you have mature lids and think shimmer feels too “young,” don’t stress: These are more refined metallic sheens than chunky glitter, so they brighten without emphasizing texture.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: dimethicone, microcrystalline wax, tin oxide, silica
• Shades: 30
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: shimmer or metallic

Best Gel: Sarah Creal Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

Sarah Creal

Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner

$35

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Sarah Creal Beauty doesn’t just claim to be made for women over 40. The Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Longwear Eyeliner, for example, is showcased exclusively on models 40 and above on the brand’s site, so you can actually see how it performs on real, textured lids. The formula is packed with skin-supportive ingredients like allantoin to soothe delicate eye skin and ceramides to help strengthen the moisture barrier (a huge win if dryness or crepiness makes eyeliner skip or smear). “The formula blends cream and gel for a smooth glide and true 24-hour wear. Because it sets quickly, I always finish the full look for one eye before moving to the next,” says Riner. She adds that the tapered brush “blends without tugging,” and the seven shades are thoughtfully curated for a natural look: “Everyday Taupe cancels darkness on fair skin, and Rich Cocoa is gorgeous on deeper tones.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: allantoin, ceramides
• Shades: 7
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: shimmer or matte

Best Liquid: Rare Beauty Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

Rare Beauty

Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner

$21

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If you’ve ever written off liquid liner for mature lids—because skipping, tugging, or creasing made it too frustrating—the trick is finding one with a tip so precise, it sets quickly and doesn’t fade. Rare Beauty’s Perfect Strokes Matte Liquid Liner was inspired by calligraphy, and according to Riner, “The ultra-fine brush nestles right into the base of the lashes, and I use a stamping technique, pressing gently along the lash line rather than sweeping, to avoid skipping on textured lids.” The formula lists a castor-oil derivative, which helps spread the ultra-black, waterproof ink smoothly across the lash line—a plus when lids are drier. “Since shine can be distracting, the matte finish adds structure to the eye and makes lashes appear fuller, “says Riner. The flexible brush tip lets you adjust pressure for a whisper-thin line or a bold wing—all in one rich, classic black shade.

More to know

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• Key ingredient: castor oil
• Shades: 1
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: shimmer or matte

Best Waterproof: Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

Hourglass

Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner

$28

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Even though Hourglass Voyeur Waterproof Gel Eyeliner is technically a gel liner, it comes in a stick format, which means you get all the smooth glide of a gel pot without the brush, mess, or learning curve—especially helpful if your lids are drier or more textured. It promises 12 hours of waterproof wear, but the real magic is in the application. “The ultra-fine tip makes it easy to define right at the base of the lashes, perfect for tightlining or a tiny flick that won’t overwhelm hooded eyes,” says Flowers. She also notes that you get a few seconds to soften the edge before it sets—after that, “it stays in place without smudging under the eyes.” The range is small—four matte neutrals plus one shimmery bronze, but versatile, with Bronze being the standout: “It brings warmth and definition while still looking soft and polished,” Flowers says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silicones, microcrystalline wax
• Shades: 5
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: four matte and one shimmer (Solstice)

Best Long-Wearing: Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner

Make Up For Ever

Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If your eyeliner tends to smudge, migrate, or fade, “Make Up For Ever Aqua Resist Color Pencil Eyeliner has a smooth gel texture that glides on easily without tugging—ideal for mature lids—and once it sets, it won’t budge,” says Flowers. The waterproof, gel-like formula uses film-forming silicones and waxes to create a flexible yet budge-proof seal that locks pigment in place. That lasting power means your liner stays crisp without constant touch-ups. But, should you need them, the built-in sharpener keeps the tip neat for precise definition. And with 10 flattering shades, including Bronze and Deep Sea, Flowers says it’s easy to “get beautiful definition while still looking natural.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: dimethicone, microcrystalline wax, mica (in shimmer finishes)
• Shades: 10
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: matte or pearly

Best Shade Range: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Urban Decay

24/7 Glide On Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

$23

Amazon

$23

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Before you say people with mature lids can’t wear color, we believe colorful eyeliner has no age limit. Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil won a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award, thanks in part to its huge 38-shade range and five finishes—matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, and metallic—so you can go subtle or statement without feeling out of your comfort zone. “Softer browns like Whiskey or Bourbon naturally enhance the lash line for everyday definition. Mushroom, a taupe-grey, keeps the eyes defined but still bright and open, and soft greens add warmth and light without ever looking harsh,” says Flowers. One unexpectedly flattering pop? Deep End, a teal-blue that brightens the whites of the eyes and makes eyes look wider. The creamy formula glides on easily—even on drier lids—and stays put, thanks to skin-conditioning ingredients like jojoba seed oil and sunflower seed oil that prevent tugging and skipping.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, cottonseed oil, microcrystalline wax, sunflower seed oil, silica. mica (in shimmer finishes)
• Shades: 38
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: matte, shimmer, glitter, satin, or metallic

Best Precision: Uzo Beauty Blaque Liquide Eyeliner

Uzo Beauty

Blaque Liquide Eyeliner

$24

Amazon

Why it's worth it: If your lids can’t handle even the slightest tugging or dragging liner back and forth, Uzo Beauty’s Blaque Liquide uses a felt-tip applicator that’s firm enough for control but flexible enough to glide over texture. “The sharp felt tip and sleek design make handling this tool intuitive—and that’s necessary with mature eyes. You don’t want to fuss; you want it right the first time,” says Harvey. She loves that the deep black pigment “grabs the skin as it glides, leaving no gaps in nooks or crannies—just pure color.” And even though it’s long-lasting, the formula is infused with aloe, vitamin C, and vitamin E to soothe, moisturize, and protect the delicate eye area instead of drying it out.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe, vitamin C, vitamin E
• Shade: 1
• Waterproof: yes
• Finish: satin

Frequently Asked Questions

Can people with mature skin use waterproof eyeliners?

While people with mature lids don’t have to completely avoid waterproof eyeliners, “the issue with long-lasting formulas is that the ingredients used to make them stay put can potentially irritate the surface of the eye, and because they’re so hard to remove, people with mature skin often end up rubbing or tugging at the fragile eyelid area,” says Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist based in Oakland, NJ. Repeated friction can even contribute to ptosis (eyelid drooping) by weakening the muscle that lifts the lid. That said, you can still wear a waterproof liner—it just shouldn’t be the everyday default. If you do use one, remove it with a gentle oil-based remover and let it slowly dissolve rather than rub aggressively.

Lancôme

Bi-Facil Double-Action Eye Makeup Remover

$36

Nordstrom (4.2 Oz)

$52

Amazon (6.7 Oz)

Clarins

Instant Eye-Makeup Remover

$34

Amazon

$34

Nordstrom

What ingredients should you look for if you have dry eyes?

If you have dry eyes or mature lids, the ingredients in your eyeliner matter just as much as the formula type. “Mature women are more at risk for developing dry eye syndrome, so it’s important to choose eyeliners made with non-irritating ingredients that won’t cause inflammation or worsen dryness,” says Dr. Hilal-Campo. She recommends avoiding formulas with harsh preservatives like BAK (a preservative linked to dryness and irritation) and steering clear of pigments that use carbon black, noting that studies show it “can be highly inflammatory to the ocular surface,” which only worsens dryness and irritation. Instead, look for liners made with hydrating or soothing ingredients: “Hyaluronic acid, castor oil, or vitamin E can help nourish the delicate skin around the eyes while still being gentle on mature lids,” she says.

How do you apply eyeliner for mature lids?

Once you have the right formula, the application makes all the difference. Riner recommends using short, feather-light strokes rather than drawing a single long line, and concentrating most of the depth in the outer third of the eye to achieve lift. Flowers adds a positioning trick: Place a mirror flat on the table and look slightly down into it. “This steadies the lid and makes the lash line easier to see, so you’re not pulling at the skin,” Flowers explains.

Which eyeliner colors help brighten or open up mature eyes?

Soft, rich neutrals are some of the most flattering eyeliner shades for mature eyes because they add definition without the harshness of true black. Briceno recommends “charcoal, navy, deep chocolate, or softened plum” because they create contrast while still looking lifted and elegant against graying lashes or more delicate skin. You can, of course, still wear black, he says, but “you’ll often achieve a more flattering effect with dark brown or a softened black, especially if the lids are hooded or the skin tone around the eye is uneven.” If you want brightness rather than depth, Briceno suggests trying “a warm bronze or brown on the upper lash line—and a nude or soft gold pencil on the waterline—to open the eye without the hard look.”

Meet the experts

• Christian Briceno, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Elisa Flowers, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Valerie Harvey, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles
• Diane Hilal-Campo, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist and founder of Twenty/Twenty Beauty based in Oakland, NJ
• Kate Johnson, a hair and makeup artist, co-founder of Glossed Finishing Studio, and founder of The Bridal Beauty Team based in Chicago
• Tonya Riner, makeup artist based in Houston

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 that includes 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 eyeliners for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors, with a particular focus on our 40-plus reviewers. We also relied heavily on trusted makeup artists to speak to the efficacy of these products on mature skin. 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 review 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 for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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

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

The best moisturizing hand washes are non-negotiable in our everyday routines. Especially with flu season kicking in, we’re constantly washing our hands, and the last thing we need is anything that strips our skin each time. So anything on our counter has to do more than just clean; it needs to intensely hydrate—we’re talking formulas loaded with glycerin, vitamins, and antioxidants that leave hands feeling softer than before you even washed them. Bonus points for beautiful packaging, a satisfying foam, and an enticing scent that actually lingers. Our editors have put hundreds of hand soaps to the test, and here are the ones we use every day—and think you should, too!

Our Top Moisturizing Hand Washes

• Hollywood Hands: Homecourt Hand Wash, $34
• Vine and Dandy: Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap, $48
• Foam Sweet Foam: Native Liquid Hand Soap, $6
• Moisture Maven: Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Hand Wash, $39
• Polish and Pamper: Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash, $46
• A Fresh Take: Grown Alchemist Revitalize Hand Wash, $39
• Hand Spa in a Bottle: Evolvetogether Restorative Hand Wash, $58

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Hollywood Hands: Homecourt Hand Wash

Homecourt

Hand Wash

$34

Amazon

$34

Nordstrom

Why it’s worth it: Founded by actress Courteney Cox, Homecourt is all about making your space—and yourself—smell amazing. From candles to room sprays to hand wash, every product comes in six fresh, clean scents, each with its own personality. Cece, the founder’s personal favorite, blends cinnamon, cardamom, and vetiver for a warm, cozy “homeyie” vibe. The hand wash formula itself is just as thoughtful: argan oil and Australian hibiscus flower moisturize while coconut-derived surfactants gently lift dirt and debris, leaving your hands soft, hydrated, and lightly scented.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’m a sucker for anything that smells amazing, and Homecourt nails it every time. But what really gets me is how much care goes into the formula itself—the moisturizing agents leave my hands feeling like I just had a mini hand massage, not the usual winter dryness situation.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Australian hibiscus flower, coconut-derived surfactants, argan oil
• Scents: 6 (Cece, Neroli Leaf, Steeped Rose, Mandarin Basile, Cipres Mint, Balsam Fireplace)

Vine and Dandy: Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap

Flamingo Estate

Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Flamingo Estate

Why it’s worth it: Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap uses avocado and olive oils to deeply hydrate, leaving hands soft and supple. But the real magic is in the scent: Wild tarragon and black pepper essential oils add a subtle, spicy kick that balances the fresh heirloom tomato notes. It might sound like “food in a bottle,” but the fragrance comes together more like a sun-warmed garden than a simmering soup. If fresh, green scents are your thing, this one will be your new obsession.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I've never fancied myself a herbaceous girl but every time I visit my parents (and it's spring or summer), I enjoy helping my mom pluck tomatoes from her modest backyard garden—so I guess I'm being converted! That, and as I get older, I've really gotten into fancy-ish hand soaps—it might see frivolous but they really elevate the everyday (every few hours?) experience. Obviously the chic glass bottle of the Heirloom Tomato Hand Soap is a selling point, but what's inside is arguably better. Avocado and olive oils give the formula that sensorial slip and leave my hands feeling baby-soft, even after a very thorough 20-second cleanse. (Sickness, stay away!) Before I lather, I like bringing my palms up to my nose and giving the soap a whiff. That little kick of wild tarragon and black pepper? A lovely pick-me-up anytime of the day.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avocado oil, olive oil, tarragon oil, black pepper oil
• Scents: 1

Foam Sweet Foam: Native Liquid Hand Soap

Native

Liquid Hand Soap

$6

Walmart

$6

Native

Why it’s worth it: Thanks to glycerin, Native’s Liquid Hand Soap is gentle and won’t strip your skin—yet it still builds into a rich, foamy lather that leaves hands feeling clean and refreshed. It comes in four scents, with the gourmand Coconut & Vanilla being our top pick —it also mentally transports us to a tropical island, a plus especially in the thick of winter. Think a cocktail of coconut, pineapple, citrus, and vanilla with just one lathery pump.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I've been a fan of Native body washes for a while now (the Coconut & Vanilla scent is my favorite), so I was excited to hear that the brand was launching hand washes—andI have not been disappointed. I stuck by my favorite scent, and I love catching that sweet whiff every time I wash my hands. As great as it smells, it also leaves my hands feeling clean and soft—so wins all around.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin
• Scents: 4 (Coconut & Vanilla, Cherry & Vanilla Macaron, Lavender & Rose, Sweet Peach & Nectar)

Moisture Maven: Youth to the People Superfood Antioxidant Hand Wash

Youth To The People

Superfood Antioxidant Hand Wash

$39

Anthropologie

$39

Youth to the People

Why it’s worth it: Just like its editor-beloved face and body wash counterparts, Youth To The People’s Superfood Antioxidant Hand Wash is all about hydration and gentle cleansing: sodium PCA, a humectant that helps replenish moisture levels, plant-based surfactants to cleanse without stripping, and a superfood blend made with kale, green tea, and spinach extracts that are rich in antioxidants. Its signature scent has garnered compliments from ourselves and our guests, with notes of fresh greens, cedarwood, and black pepper. And, to top it all off, the glass bottle sits pretty on your bathroom sink.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“If you're like me and will buy Youth To The People's face wash just because you're obsessed with how it smells, I can't recommend buying the brand's hand wash more. With this massive bottle of soap (just over 13 ounces), you get months' worth of washes to indulge in the herbal, citrusy, peppery scent YTTP is known for. Every time I wash my hands, I'm not just getting clean with its soft, gentle lather—I'm having a full-blown aromatherapy moment that relaxes and refreshes me in equal force. In the colder months, I like to follow it up with the much lighter-scented Superfood hand lotion to prevent cracks and dry patches.”—Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sodium PCA, plant-based surfactants, green tea, kale, spinach extracts
• Scents: 1

Polish and Pamper: Aesop Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

Aesop

Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Dermstore

$46

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Luxury is the name of the game with Aesop’s Reverence Aromatique Hand Soap. Fine pumice particles gently polish and refresh the skin, while the gel base delivers a satisfying cleanse. Notes of vetiver and bergamot give this formula that signature apothecary vibe—rather than your typical clinical-smelling kitchen soap. Other notable skin-care ingredients include 1,2-Hexanediol, a humectant that helps attract moisture, and coconut acid for a deep, thorough cleanse.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“When I see this Aesop hand wash in a restaurant or hotel bathroom, it tells me everything I need to know. This soap is fancy. It has a smoky scent that still smells surprisingly fresh. The thing that won my heart (and hands) is the fine pumice in the formula, so you get a spa-level hand scrub in addition to antibacterial protection. The result is smooth hands that will illicit comments every time you shake.”—Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pumice, coconut acid, 1, 2-Hexanediol
• Scents: 1

A Fresh Take: Grown Alchemist Revitalize Hand Wash

Grown Alchemist

Revitalize Hand Wash

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

Why it’s worth it: Few things feel as good as coming home after a long day and washing your hands with Grown Alchemist’s Revitalize Hand Wash. You won’t find any harsh irritants here—just soft, smooth hands after every rinse. Natural surfactants create a gentle, low-foam lather that cleanses without stripping, while cedarwood, ylang-ylang, and tangerine essential oils leave behind a subtly fresh, spa-like scent.

Tester feedback from senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick

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“This hand wash is the epitome of luxury. It's quickly become a household favorite in my family—each time someone washes their hands at my home, they compliment the long-lasting scent! Each wash is very hydrating and gentle as well."—Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: natural surfactants, essential oils
• Scents: 1

Hand Spa in a Bottle: Evolvetogether Restorative Hand Wash

Evolvetogether

Restorative Hand Wash

$58

Bluemercury

$58

Credo Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Available in four subtle fragrances, Evolvetogether’s Restorative Hand Wash doesn’t just smell incredible—it feels like a soft dream between your fingers. The formula features a moisturizing complex with betaine, glycerin, amino acids, and an antioxidant complex to deliver deep, lasting hydration, while reinforcing your skin’s natural barrier against environmental stressors. Plus, it comes in a sleek glass bottle designed to be reused with the brand’s refill system—because good habits should look (and feel) this good.

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“I’ve always paid attention to the small touches that make a space feel like a home. This hand wash is one of them. One pump of the gel (in this gorgeous and durable glass bottle) foams up to cleanse (but not strip) skin. It leaves behind a gorgeous scent, one that’ll make you and your guests say ‘ahh’ and feel like you’ve used something special.”—Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: betaine, glycerin, amino acids,
• Scents: 3 (Monaco, Taormina, Havana)

Smell You Later: Naomi After Cooking Hand Scrub

Naomi

After Cooking Hand Scrub

$27

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: For the home chefs of the group, have you ever wished for a soap that instantly erases the scent of whatever you’ve been cooking (looking at you, garlic and onion)? Created by chefs who know the struggle, Naomi’s After Cooking Hand Scrub uses bread yeast enzymes to break down tough odors like garlic and seafood. The scent is just as refreshing, with bergamot, black peppercorn, sandalwood, and ginger for that crisp, just-washed feeling. Plus, fine volcanic rock offers gentle exfoliation without dryness, while olive oil esters and vitamin E leave hands soft, smooth, and perfectly moisturized.

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“I’m always in the kitchen, and after cutting up garlic or onions, I feel like the smell never fully goes away. So when I got a pitch about a hand wash that neutralizes lingering food odors, I was immediately intrigued. Fast-forward to now, and it’s the only soap I keep by my kitchen sink—not just because it smells incredible, but because it actually works to erase stubborn scents. Plus, the formula has crushed volcanic rock for a gentle exfoliation that cleans without stripping.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bread yeast enzymes, olive oil esters, jojoba esters, vitamin E
• Scents: 3 (Cardamom & Iris, Bergamot & Pepper, No Fragance)

California, Bottled: D.S. & Durga Big Sur After Rain Hand Soap

D.S. & Durga

Big Sur After Rain Hand Soap

$55

Revolve

$55

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Driving along Big Sur—the rugged stretch of California coastline where rivers wind through misty mountains—is what we’d call a perfect day. And while nothing beats the real thing, D.S. & Durga’s Big Sur After Rain Hand Wash comes pretty close. With its fresh, rain-soaked florals and the soft, heady scent of fog rolling in from the sea, it’s the kind of fragrance that makes washing your hands feel like a mini escape. Antioxidant-rich apple fruit extract, plus vitamin E and glycerin, keep your skin hydrated while you soak in the sensory experience.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“This hand soap is just luscious. It comes out nice and thick, more like a gel cream texture than a runny liquid soap. The lather is lovely, and doesn't leave my hands feeling incredibly dry. Plus, Big Sur After Rain—an invigorating blend of eucalyptus, magnolia, and the essence of coastal rain—is one of my favorite fragrances of all time, and it's particularly nice for hand soap. It smells like a fancy spa in the middle of a jungle.”—Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: apple fruit extract, glycerin, vitamin E
• Scents: 4 (Eucalyptus, Magnolia, Wet Wood, Pacific spray)

Provence in Your Palm: Compagnie de Provence Liquid Marseille Soap in Noir Black Tea

Compagnie de Provence

Liquid Marseille Soap in Noir Black Tea

$35

Amazon

Why we love it: Inspired by the centuries-old tradition of soap-making in Marseille, the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Compagnie de Provence’s Liquid Marseille Soap brings a touch of the French Riviera straight to your sink. The sulfate-free formula is still crafted the old-fashioned way—boiled in a cauldron—then infused with skin-loving oils like coconut, olive, and sweet almond to cleanse without a hint of dryness. It lathers into a soft, creamy foam, and all of the brand’s scents leave behind the kind of elegant, sun-warmed scent that makes washing your hands feel like a small luxury.

Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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"A nice hand soap is a simple luxury often looked over until you experience it again and realize it's actually a necessity. The Noir Black Tea scent is my personal favorite and not just because of its beautiful, sleek, matte black packaging." —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut, olive, and sweet almond oil
• Scents: 1

Five-Star Clean: Hotel Lobby Hand Wash

Hotel Lobby Candle

Hand Wash

$48

Neiman Marcus

$56

Hotel Lobby

Why it’s worth it: Best known for its candles, Hotel Lobby has mastered the art of making your home smell like a five-star stay—and now, the brand’s hand washes bring that same luxury to your sink. Available in four sophisticated scents, each formula blends glycerin, aloe, and jojoba oil to hydrate and soften hands as you lather. It’s a foamy, fragrant dream that looks chic on your counter and will have guests asking, “Wait, what soap is this?”

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“I have more hand soaps than I can count, but the moment I saw Hotel Lobby’s fluted clear packaging, I had to tear it open and try it. Weeks later, it’s still sitting on my bathroom sink, and I genuinely look forward to using it every time. I have the Signature Scent, which leans warm and ambery, but since I’m obsessed with all of their candles, I can only imagine the rest of their hand wash line smells just as divine.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, aloe, jojoba oil
• Scent: 4

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Kim Kardashian is in her super-tight updo era. For nearly a month now—basically the entire length of the press push for her new show, All's Fair—the multi-hyphenate has called upon either Dimitris Giannetos or Chris Appleton to slick back her hair and sculpt it into different takes on twists and buns. (Remember that structural chignon in Paris? Art!) But even though I've come to expect seeing Kardashian's hair pulled tautly off her face and twirled and tied in highly hairsprayed ways, I never anticipated seeing her in the fanciful hair accessory she just donned in Brazil.

For yet another All's Fair premiere event, this time in Rio de Janeiro, Kardashian joined her costars on the red carpet, wearing a “custom demi couture silk crepe satin, chiffon and vintage feather gown,” according to an Instagram post by the designer himself, Connor Ives. But “vintage” is an understatement. He goes on to say, “The feathers come from an Edwardian fan that was reconstituted for this piece.” That's not just vintage, that's antique. We're talking more than a century ago.

And it appears Ives had a couple of extra feathers lying around because at least one ended up in Kardashian's hair.

Photo: Getty Images

Absolutely no hair is out of place in this updo—this gel application deserves an award. And just to give it a little less of an immaculate feel, the ends are pulled out of the bun for an intentionally messy look. And those sculpted wisps work perfectly with the curves and fuzzy threads of the feather. It's whimsical glamour meets Yankee Doodle.

Photo: Getty Images

I can't help but wonder if this updo phase is exclusive to the All's Fair press tour arc. (She even wore a tight updo to her mom Kris Jenner's 70th birthday party.) But either way, I'm hoping this ushers in an era of getting playful with unexpected hair accessories.

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Millie Bobbie Brown recently—and justifiably—spoke out against critics who've had nothing nice to say about her beauty choices. Wanting to remind other young women that they're allowed to experiment with hair and makeup, she told British Vogue, “It’s, like, get off my f***ing case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.” And she's walking the walk, continuing her recent propensity for switching up her look by debuting a vibrant new cranberry red hair color.

Brown joined her fellow Stranger Things stars at the show's season 5 premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 6. She wore a black, lace custom Rodarte gown with dramatic, feathery trim—a memorable moment in goth elegance. The glamour continued with her classic twist updo with middle-parted tendrils to frame her face.

Photo: Getty Images

At first glance, it may seem like Brown's hair is just darker than the last time we saw her. But when the light hits it just right, it becomes apparent that it's undergone a vibrant makeover. Her hair is definitely a '90s Manic Panic cranberry red.

And to really make that clear, it seems, Brown even changed into a matching corset and shorts set in that same burgundy hue. Even her husband, Jake Bongiovi, wore a deep red suit.

Photo: Getty Images

And if you think for even one second that there's any competition between Brown and the cast's other gorgeous ginger, Sadie Sink, think again. There's definitely room for two redheads here—especially with such dramatically different shades.

Photo: Getty Images

We definitely can't wait to see what this new hair color looks like outside of the updo—maybe even more so than we're looking forward to Stranger Things' final season.

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Winter is about getting cozy on the sofa with a fluffy blanket, but it can also mean dressing up in your sparkliest outfit and clinking champagne glasses at midnight. It’s ice, snow, and bracing winds one moment, then roaring fireplaces the next. The season’s duality is reflected in this winter’s biggest fragrance trends. “We enter a season that craves shelter and shock in equal measure,” says Douglas Little, Heretic Parfum founder.

There are sharp, icy scents that smell like a brisk walk in the snow, whether that’s in the mountains of Hokkaido or a forest in the Adirondacks. There are deeply sensual fragrances that use musk, leather, and white florals to evoke the scents and sensations of hiding under the sheets with someone you love. The prevalence of pink pepper gives many winter perfume launches the brightness and effervescence of a bottle of bubbly on New Year’s Eve.

And, of course, there are the warm, comforting gourmands that continue to dominate fragrance shelves, whether from small, indie boutiques like Arielle Shoshana in Washington, DC, or national retailers such as Ulta Beauty. “Gourmands are still having a moment, but with new ingredients and new pairings,” says master perfumer Honorine Blanc. “For example, vanilla will be paired with leather, nuts, boozy notes, and [the results] will be much more multifaceted and mischievous."

Overall, “winter fragrances are leaning warmer and more inviting, but still with a modern, fresh vibe,” says LaRen Johnson, fragrance expert at ScentMatch. “They wrap you up like a soft blanket but still carry a cool, sophisticated edge, perfect for a season that mixes comfort with celebration.” Keep reading to find the perfect scent, no matter your mood or preference for getting through the cold winter months.

Colognes Are Making a Comeback

After years of heady “beast mode” scents roaring through the perfume market, brands are again dipping into the lightest end of the perfume spectrum: the eau de cologne, which typically contains the lowest concentration of perfume oil before you get into body spray territory, says Bella Varghese, fragrance development manager for fine fragrance at DSM-Firmenich. Invented in the early-18th century by an Italian barber living in Koln, Germany, cologne tends to be composed of “aromatic, citrusy, and floral notes, emitting a fresh, citrus-forward, light and airy scent,” Varghese adds.

If you’re a millennial or older, your father, brother, or partner probably owned a cologne growing up. Now a new generation is discovering the category. Spate Data shares that, since last year, searches for the category are up 24.4% on TikTok and 101.1% on Instagram. At Ulta Beauty, Linda Suliafu, vice president of fragrance, is “noticing growing interest in colognes and classic fragrance profiles, particularly as more brands are launching modern takes on traditional scents.” Those brands include DS & Durga, Ellis Brooklyn, and Snif.

Fresh yet powerful, Ellis Brooklyn founder Bee Shapiro wanted her new Worth Avenue scent to “address head-on what a classic cologne means.” The scent’s deep, blue-colored juice—reminiscent of ’90s-era colognes—reinforces that goal.

Ellis Brooklyn

Worth Avenue

$120

Amazon

$120

Ellis Brooklyn

Like Worth Avenue, which layers typical citrus and lavender notes over an atypical woody base, many of these new colognes offer depth and complexity to the category, says Varghese: “Colognes of 2025 are more faceted in the sense that they still have a fresh structure, but have added undertones of woods, moss, or ambery notes.”

Pink Pepper Is the Note of the Season

Pink pepper is like the Labubu of fragrance notes—it’s everywhere. From luxe perfumes like Balenciaga Extra, mass launches such as Coach Gold, and indie debuts including Bañomaria Finca, pink pepper is the unexpected and ubiquitous note of the season.

Balenciaga

Extra Parfum

$320

Balenciaga

Coach

Gold Parfum

$138

Amazon

$138

Ulta Beauty

Bañomaria

Finca

$165

Bañomaria

Every new pink pepper perfume smells wildly different. Henry Rose French Exit is a lush, sun-speckled floral. Dossier Lost Americana is smoky and full of wintery spices like nutmeg and myrrh. Noyz Only Human is a skin-enhancing musk with a touch of woody sweetness. Orebella Eternal Roots offers a fruity burst of lychee and raspberry paired with smoky woods. What they all have in common, however, is an inexplicable energy and immediacy.

Henry Rose

French Exit

$120

Nordstrom

Dossier

Lost Americana

$49

Dossier

Noyz

Only Human

$85

Ulta Beauty

Orebella

Eternal Roots

$100

Ulta Beauty

Pink pepper is far from new. DSM-Firmenich first used the extraction in 1995 in Estée Lauder Pleasures. Contrary to its name, pink pepper is not a peppercorn; it’s a dried fruit from the Schinus molle tree, a species native to South America. “The bright berry has a unique, spicy profile that brings a sparkling brightness that enhances the energy of a fragrance,” says Varghese. The note is versatile and multi-faceted, adds Blanc: “It’s easy to use because it has a peppery, woody, citrus facet but is also floral; it helps to give vibrations to the fragrance structure and brings brightness to otherwise dark constructions.”

Estée Lauder

Pleasures

$115

Amazon

$118

Nordstrom

$118

Ulta Beauty

Pink pepper took off after the success of Pleasures, and its sudden resurgence may speak to today’s mood, says 27 87 founder Romy Kowalewski. “Right now, I think people are drawn to notes that feel sparkling, vibrant, and dynamic, a counterpoint to heaviness,” she explains. “Pink pepper delivers exactly that—an effervescent lift that feels modern, restless, and alive.”

Fragrance Brands Are Letting It Snow

Those dreaming of a winter wonderland can quickly transport themselves there with a spritz of one of many new, snowy-smelling fragrances. Dubbed the “polar plunge trend” by Arielle Shoshana founders Arielle Shoshana and Katri Haas, scents like d’Annam Sakura Snow, Imaginary Authors The Language of Glaciers, Serviette Frisson d’Hiver, and Andrea Maack’s Flux all evoke a chilly aroma with snow or ice accords.

d’Annam

Sakura Snow

$160

d'Annam

Imaginary Authors

The Language of Glaciers

$115

Imaginary Authors

Serviette

Frisson d’Hiver

$175

Serviette

Andrea Maack

Flux

$245

Andrea Maack

Now, anyone who has been skiing or in a snowball fight knows that snow doesn’t have a noticeable smell—it is water, after all. Instead, perfumers re-create the cold, powdery, crunchy, and crystalline qualities of snow through a blend of cooling aromatics, airy musks, and crisp florals. “Aldehydes create a sparkling, airy, soapy, and sometimes edgy impression right on top; aromatic notes like mint or eucalyptus feel sharp, fresh, and instantly cooling,” explains Varghese. “Floral notes like rose oxide, lily of the valley, or even violet leaf, impart a crisp and green effect with a watery chill, while musks at the back feel clean, airy, and skin-like, adding a snow-like softness.”

Fragrance Brands Are Letting It Snow

Says Shoshana, “I cannot overstate the extent to which gourmands continue to dominate the perfume landscape.” By mid-September, Shoshana and Haas had already launched four new gourmands at their boutique. Meanwhile, Ulta Beauty customers, Suliafu notes, still can’t get enough of delicious-smelling eau de parfums: “Our guests have been showing a strong preference for gourmand fragrances with warm, comforting notes like vanilla, caramel, and amber,” she says.

For winter, however, “sweetness is no longer the star but a supporting character—balanced by soft woods, florals, spices and musks,” says Matthieu Sucheyre-Bouquet, director of education and events at Interparfums. “The result is scents that are more nuanced and textured, comforting yet elevated. They’re not just a treat but a statement of elegant restraint.”

With dozens and dozens of new gourmands hitting shelves this winter, it’s hard to narrow down to a few favorites. That said, we do love the decadent coffee-cherry blend in Van Cleef & Arpels Moonlight Cherry, the honeyed banana in 28 87 Hakuna Matata, and the brown sugar-laced chypre that is Miu Miu Miutine. Liis Celestial Object, with its quince, rice paper, and tonka bean, manages to be simultaneously cozy and ethereal, while Octavia Morgan Vanillin Supreme uses white florals and a splash of rum to add depth and complexity to Madagascar vanilla.

Van Cleef & Arpels

Moonlight Cherry

$305

Bloomingdales

$305

Neiman Marcus

27 87

Hakuna Matata

$230

27 87

Miu Miu

Miutine

$172

Nordstrom

$172

Ulta Beauty

Liis

Celestial Object

$175

Revolve

$175

Liis

Octavia Morgan Los Angeles

Vanillin Supreme

$150

Ulta Beauty

“Gourmands are moving beyond playful sweetness into richer, more sensual territory,” explains Octavia Morgan, founder of her namesake brand. “Edible notes like roasted chestnut, smoked honey, cherry, plum or dark cacao are paired with resins, woods, and spices, and the result are fragrances that feel luxurious, indulgent, and seasonally perfect.”

Fragrance Is Getting Friskier

Many of winter’s new fragrances belong on a different type of naughty list. While perfume has long been associated with sex and sensuality, this season many brands are being more overtly erotic, whether through notes, narratives, new technologies, or a combination of all three.

Perfumers have plenty of ways to create sexy and sensual fragrances. “Florals like rose, tuberose, or jasmine can be deeply seductive and narcotic; spices like pepper, clove, or cardamom can convey intriguing heat,” says Varghese. “Ambery resin, rum, tobacco, and vanilla give off a warmth, sensuality, depth and allure. Musk is also known for its sensual, primal, and quietly sexy character, while leather—which is very trendy right now—can be used to induce a raw, animalic, and provocative scent.”

The latest titillating scents check off all of the above: L’Objet Blindfold uses musks and synthetic animalic notes to evoke a heightened sense of intimacy. Altaia Woo(e)d combines cardamom and leather to draw people in for a whiff, and Vyrao’s new Ludeaux and Ludatrix scents take it one step further with lipstick and latex accords.

L'Objet

Blindfold

$250

L'Objet

Altaia

Woo(e)d

$223

Altaia

Vyrao

Ludeaux

$190

Revolve

$190

Bluemercury

Vyrao

Ludatrix

$190

Revolve

$190

Bluemercury

Many of these scents also tap into the new technologies developed by the fragrance oil houses to analyze how scent molecules can impact emotions. Vyrao’s eaux contain notes the brand claims inspire feelings of sensuality, intimacy, and self-confidence. The same goes for Charlotte Tilbury’s More Sex, a musky leather fragrance meant to inspire your inner seductress. (It’s important to note, however, that these technologies do not have blind, placebo-controlled studies conducted outside the fragrance industry, and therefore should not be used in place of medical intervention if you’re dealing with a low libido.)

Charlotte Tilbury

More Sex

$150

Nordstrom

$150

Revolve

$150

Bluemercury

With politics and mainstream culture pushing conservatism right now, these fragrances feel like a little form of olfactive rebellion. “For the past few years, fragrance has been dominated by comfort, safety, and the cocooning effect, shielding us from a very unstable world,” says Heretic’s Little. “But there’s only so long you can hide under the covers. What we’re seeing now is a collective appetite for reawakening, for reclaiming sensuality and physicality.”

For the Heretic founder, whose new Blood Berry eau de parfum is a “fruit [fragrance] for the sinner, not the saint,” these types of scents are not just about sex; they’re a reminder that we’re alive—and desirous. “I think the surge you’re noticing in the industry is really an echo of where people are emotionally. We’ve been starved of touch, of closeness, and scent is the most primal way to bridge that void.”

Meet the experts

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• Honorine Blanc is a French-born, New York-based master perfumer at DSM-Firmenich.
• Romy Kowalewski is the creative director and founder of 27 87 Fragrances in Barcelona.
• Douglas Little is the founder and executive creative director of Heretic Parfum in Los Angeles.
• Arielle Shoshana is the founder of Arielle Shoshana, an indie fragrance boutique in Washington, DC.
• Octavia Morgan is the founder of Octavia Morgan Los Angeles.
• Bee Shapiro is the New York-based founder of Ellis Brooklyn.
• Matthieu Sucheyre-Bouquet is the director of education and events at Interparfums.
• Linda Suliafu is vice president of fragrance at Ulta Beauty.
• Bella Varghese is fragrance development manager for fine fragrance at DSM-Firmenich in New York.

Read more about the latest trends:

• This Winter’s Nail Art Trends Are All About Maximalism
• Behold, the Only Winter Nail Polish Colors You Need in Your Collection
• 11 Velvet Nail Designs That Are More Interesting Than Allover Sparkles

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I'm always impressed at the variety of updo styles worn by Kate Middleton and other members of the royal family, especially when hats and fascinators are involved. Crafting an on-theme hairstyle that follows the royal rules and fits underneath the various hats is a unique blend of math and science, and for her first appearance at the Armistice Day Service of Remembrance, the Princess of Wales wore a complex knotted side bun with a series of twists, turns, and swirls.

For the solemn occasion, Middleton wore a long black coatdress and angled hat, under which she tucked an updo made of a series of small buns and swirls. Her golden brown hair was swept to one side, looped, and twisted in an intricate but soft style. Two sections nearest to her face were twisted around each other and pinned near her ear, with the lengths gathered up in a thick knotted, braided swirl of hair tucked up by one ear. The hat was then placed perfectly atop the rolled portion, and she added a pair of ruby and diamond earrings.

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The Princess's appearance at Armistice Day is a significant one; People notes that the ceremony is typically only attended by blood royals on behalf of the royal family. She observed two minutes of silence to remember those who served and died in combat and later met with veterans. Prior to Armistice Day, Princess Kate attended the Remembrance Sunday service wearing her hair down instead of pinned up in a chignon, this time paired with a smaller fascinator versus a broad-brimmed hat.

Middleton has a wide repertoire of side buns and chignons for such high-profile occasions; in the past, we've seen the future queen in a thick, Princess Leia-style side bun and a low wrapped updo, among many others. And I've got a feeling there's more where that came from, as we're heading into the holiday season—a season primed for all sorts of upstyles!

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It's November, but Hailey Bieber has summer on the brain—and on her nails.

To celebrate her close friend Kendall Jenner's 30th birthday on the island of Mustique, the Rhode founder went whimsical with her nail art, turning to her go-to manicurist Zola Ganzorigt to whip up a “seafood palette” manicure reminiscent of the “tomato girl” and “tinned fish” aesthetics with a beachy twist.

Bieber doesn't typically wear nail art, though she does occasionally dabble with adorable minuscule designs like itsy-bitsy fruit. The seafood nails are a majorly charming departure from her usual manicure oeuvre and simply couldn't be cuter! (Swipe to the second pic in Bieber's Instagram photo dump below to see it.)

Each finger sported its own unique design, starting with a teeny-tiny little prawn atop a creamy white base on her thumb, surrounded by a cobalt blue border. On her pointer finger, Ganzorigt painted delicate baby pink stripes over that same creamy base color, then switched it up for the middle finger, where she painted a lemon slice at the base of the nail and covered the tip in silver chrome. The little orange fishy on Bieber's ring finger is my personal favorite, though the wild card in the mani, a red hibiscus flower on a yellow base, is pretty darn adorable too. The same designs were repeated on the opposite hand, though Ganzorigt changed up the placements, painting the prawn on Bieber's middle finger and the hibiscus on her ring finger, for example.

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The seafood theme is perfect for a beach trip with all your besties or a dose of laid-back summer energy in the middle of winter, but imagine all the different foodie-themed options you could experiment with over the next few months. A Thanksgiving dinner! A caviar bar! A brunch buffet! Wait, did I just figure out my next manicure theme? Thanks Hailey!