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Dove Cameron claims she's “so lazy these days” when it comes to makeup. “I used to be a real makeup girl and spend a lot of time on it. It felt very ritualistic,” she says in a new Allure video accompanying her February cover, “and now I'm so tired.” But you could have fooled us. The 10-minute night-out makeup look she shared with us definitely gives “real makeup girl” vibes, even if she's pared down the products.

“So what I've started doing is I give myself a base that will last all day, simple and light enough, and it's not going to get super cakey,” she says of her game plan. “And then I just kind of pump up the eyes and the lips and the cheeks as the world around me gets darker.” Heard that.

Cameron starts with concealer before anything else—specifically, House Labs Triclone Skin Tech Concealer. “They sent it to me, and it's one of the very few products that I got sent that I was like, this is so, so good, and I'll never stray.” She follows it up with Amorepacific Color Control Cushion Compact, which she says she's used for a decade and Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder. “When in doubt, I just buy the lightest product possible.”

Just like so many of us who scroll TikTok on the daily, Cameron is susceptible to beauty-product hype, and one product in particular really lured her in: the Dibs Desert Island Duo. “I literally went on TikTok, and I was like, ‘bronzer for pale girls,’ and this girl was like, ‘This is so perfect for pale girls,’ and that was all I needed. I bought it immediately," she says. She dots the bronzer side of the chunky stick in a halo around her hairline and then along her cheekbones, blending it with a Morphe contour brush.

As for blush, she's ready to address the elephant in the room. “The amount of times that I see in my comments—people are like, 'Why is Cameron's nose always pink?'” she says. Well, to put it bluntly, “It's cunt. It's chic. I love a pink nose. I love looking like I'm chilly. I love looking like I'm full of life and blood, and I'm blushing everywhere, and that's my choice.” Can't argue with that. And to achieve that look, she relies on a little cream blush sample from an Estée Lauder x Ladurée collab that, sadly, is no longer available (though any sheer cream blush will do—we love Merit Flush Balm).

Then, in a move we didn't see coming, she drops in a couple of splashes of Lumify eye drops after applying a Japanese mascara called Canmake Quick Lash Curler.

After using the Dior Diorshow Brow Styler pencil exactly as intended, she proceeds to go rogue with other brow products. “This is an Anastasia Brow Pen in Soft Brown, and I use this to go over my freckles. I don't like any of the other products that are made for freckles, and this is a soft, cool tone,” she explains.

As for Anastasia Beverly Hills' Ombre Effect Long Wearing Brow Powder Duo, she mixes the gray and black shades “until I feel spiritually aligned,” applying it along her lashes and up toward her brow bone, and then a little above her inner corners. She then takes just some of the gray shade.

For a decent chunk of her routine, Cameron wears Sacheu Lip Liner Stay-n on the border of her lips. Once she peels it off, she adds one of her long-time go-to products, the iconic Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Endless Cacao, followed by a pop of a nude Chanel lipstick in the center of her lips.

Throughout the video, Cameron reminds us, “I don't know what the fuck I'm doing,” and that she's new to some of the techniques she's using, but the resulting look—a glowy, subtle, sultry mein—doesn't even remotely reflect that.

Watch the entire video right here:

$5.69 at CuccioSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A rollerball cuticle oil
• What it does: Keeps skin around nails hydrated without feeling greasy
• Who it’s for: Anyone looking for an on-the-go, mess-free way to moisturize cuticles

I’m embarrassed by my cuticles. They’re dry, ragged, and, oftentimes, on the verge of bleeding. I’m a picker (and a puller), and my poor cuticles don’t deserve any of it.

Before the new year, I told myself I’d treat my hands better in 2026; I’d keep them moisturized, I’d maintain a manicure to prevent picking, and start paying attention to my cuticles. And as someone who despises the feeling of grease, oil, or anything slippery and slimy on hands, fingers, and nails, this call to action was a big feat for me. In the past, any time I’ve ever tried to incorporate a cuticle oil into my routine, I’d be left with splotches on clothes or bedding, and…sticky fingers.

But I’m ready for a change, and the Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On is already a big help.

The portable rollerball, which fits securely in the palm of my hand, is filled to the brim with moisturizing milk and nourishing honey to keep dry hands hydrated—not greasy. Its twist cap ensures the application—which requires running the rollerball across the base of nails and cuticles—is easy and mess-free.

But my favorite thing about this little vial? The hydrating formula, which is indeed an oil, dries instantly once it’s massaged in—and doesn’t leave any residual grease. It’s kind of amazing how fast it works. No wonder my colleague wanted one of her own…

You can find the Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On, along with other editor-loved products, in the February Allure Beauty Box.

Get The Box

Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On

$5.69 at Cuccio$5.69 at Cuccio

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If anyone expects an apology from Tyra Banks in Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model, they will surely be disappointed. The new Netflix docuseries chronicles the evolution of America’s Next Top Model—and the toxic messaging about beauty it pushed upon audiences—featuring interviews with some of its judges and contestants, executive producer Ken Mok, and host-slash-creator Tyra Banks. To a millennial viewer such as myself, watching it felt like a sort of seance—a call into the void, making contact with the meltdown voyeurism, diet culture, and reality TV ghosts of the early aughts.

The reality competition series ran for 24 seasons (or “cycles,” as they’re called) between 2003 and 2018. Contestants vied for the title, a cash prize, and a loosely defined modeling contract. Each week, they endured challenges—mostly themed photo shoots—that have since been lampooned across social media for their cultural insensitivity, all-around weirdness, and lack of relevance to modeling. (Cycle four contestant Keenyah Hill shares in the docuseries that she couldn’t use her photos from the show in her modeling portfolio because they were so thematically nuts.)

Every cycle, beauty makeovers were the highlight—and the biggest point of cognitive dissonance. Banks says in the docuseries, as she has many times in the past, that she made a point of casting models whom the fashion industry writ large excluded at the time—Black models, brown models, queer models, curvier models… only to bind them in the same impossible beauty standards she claimed to denounce. Weaves, extensions, and drastic haircuts or color changes were ostensibly forced upon contestants for the sake of making them more fashion-forward. Cycle six’s Joanie Dodds and Danielle Evans were vaguely threatened with elimination unless they agreed to permanent, painful dental work. (Dodds was asked to straighten her smile, which required surgically removing several teeth and replacing them with implants; Evans was asked to have the gap between her two front teeth surgically closed because it wasn’t “marketable,” which she vocally opposed on camera.)

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

Criticisms about contestants’ looks from Banks and her judges ran the gamut in their cruelty. And when receiving feedback on their performance in challenges from week to week, panel critiques frequently strayed from modeling prowess to aesthetics. Contestants were measured and weighed on camera at times and were often interrogated about their eating habits in front of the entire cast and crew. In cycle one, Banks openly criticized 18-year-old contestant Giselle Samson for having a “wide ass.” In the docuseries, cycle 18 contestant Ebonee Davis describes the joy she felt being a Black woman on a television show created by a Black woman—and how that joy deflated when Banks told her the judges thought she looked “ashy.”

Naturally, these instances didn’t age well and have long drawn post-mortem criticisms. Reality Check makes a point to mention ad nauseam that much of the public backlash toward America’s Next Top Model took hold following the pandemic, when a majority of people were blowing through their to-watch queue, desperately seeking fresh viewing fodder. A “2020 lens” is how members of the cast describe this perceived shift in the public reaction in the docuseries. The general sentiment is that things were “different” when the show originally aired—back when reality TV was built on a foundation of shock, awe, and scrutinizing women’s bodies. (Anyone else remember The Swan and Extreme Makeover? Yikes!) There is a kernel of truth there, but it does not absolve Banks, Mok, or anyone else involved in the show’s production of their behavior.

I watched America’s Next Top Model in that fabled “different” time, when I was a tween-going-on-teen. I remember judges calling contestants around a size six “plus-size” and criticizing them for being too big. I remember contestants who were a size four being told to lose weight—the how didn’t matter. In Reality Check, Whitney Thompson (cycle 10) and Bre Scullark (cycle five) recall the proliferation of eating disorders on set, where some contestants skipped meals ahead of photo shoots and challenges. The docuseries also features a brief archival clip of Banks and judge Jay Manuel discussing an unnamed contestant he said “isn’t plus-size and isn’t model-size”; Banks responded that the model should gain weight to become “plus size.”

“[Makeovers] stripped contestants of their bodily autonomy—if they could not protest a bob, they did not have a leg to stand on when the series took unpredictably dark turns.”

Meanwhile, Thompson, the show’s first “plus-size” winner (she was a size six at the time), said that when she signed to Elite Model Management after the series, a contingency of her victory, the agency didn’t even have a plus division. The way models’ weight was treated on ANTM communicated to my younger self: Be skinny or be fat; pick a side—but if you fall into “fat” territory, beware the consequences.

I have struggled with disordered eating my entire life. Being 13 years old and obsessed with America’s Next Top Model in tandem with the ever-pervasive diet and tabloid culture of the 2000s absolutely contributed to my shaky body image. With a frontal lobe about as firm as overnight oats, I, like many others my age, fell victim to the ideals presented in the docuseries: It’s just how things are. My friends and I entered middle school and traded juice boxes and multiplication tables for diet soda and calorie counting. We didn’t understand at the time how the media we consumed, not our diets, was causing our anguish.

But in Reality Check, Banks—who has been interviewed about the negative impact of her show multiple times—smizes unflinchingly into the camera lens as she utters every adage and platitude instead of, "Hey, I'm sorry for fucking up a generation of young people—particularly young women." (For what it’s worth, Banks has said in past interviews that she “agreed” with criticisms for “off choices,” but it was still predicated on the “it was a different time” spiel.)

But the sins against contestants—and society writ large, for that matter—extend beyond distorted conversations about beauty. The highlight reel of what-the-absolute-hell moments on America’s Next Top Model also include the now-infamous race-swap photo shoot, a photo shoot where the models pose as unhoused people, and a spine-chilling photo shoot where the models (one of whom was the daughter of a gun-violence survivor) pose as murder victims. The models Banks vied to empower so audaciously became her dolls for makeovers and playing pretend. It stripped contestants of their bodily autonomy—if they could not protest a bob, they did not have a leg to stand on when the series took unpredictably dark turns.

As many fans vividly remember, the production filmed and aired cycle two contestant Shandi Sullivan’s intoxicated encounter with a man in Milan, which she describes in the docuseries as sexual assault. “It’s a little hard for me to talk about production because that’s not my territory,” Banks says when asked why production did not intervene to protect a clearly intoxicated Sullivan, blaming Mok and other members of the team. (Writer's note: Banks also held an executive producer title on the show; the docuseries does not interrogate exactly how production wouldn’t have been her “territory” in this instance.)

In one instance, she does apologize—on camera, not face-to-face—to cycle four contestant Keenyah Hill, who faced unwanted sexual advances from a male model on the set of a photo shoot. These instances happened on camera and in front of the entire production crew, but when Hill stopped the shoot to share her distress, she was dismissed, and later told she needed to take more control. Banks’s response in hindsight: “None of us knew… but she needed more [protection],” Banks says of Hill’s experience. “Boo-boo, I am so sorry.”

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

And that’s ultimately how Reality Check: Inside America's Next Top Model unfolds. Banks acts as though she parted the Red Sea to make her vanity project come to fruition—all to change the modeling industry by way of reality television—and mostly refuses to acknowledge the gravity of her choices. But Banks believes what she believes: that her work was groundbreaking. "Twenty-four cycles of changing the world,” she said last year while accepting an award from Essence.

Watching Reality Check, I could only surmise that Banks wasn’t just drinking her own Kool-Aid; she had manufactured an ayahuasca-like substance from contestants’ distress that transported her from this reality we’re all living in. She uses words like “accountability” as a shield, and her loose apologies feel hollow and flippant to me as a result.

But who is to blame for America's Next Top Model going off the rails? The networks, Banks, or executive producers? For viewers, it's hard to navigate the finger-pointing. The buck is passed around as liberally as hair wefts are in the show’s makeover episodes. From judges to Banks. From Banks to Mok. From Mok to network executives. For God’s sake, Banks blames the viewers at one point, saying, “You guys were demanding it. And so we kept pushing… more, and more, and more.”

In the many dropped bombs in this docuseries, one explosion still rings in my ears: Banks’s out-of-nowhere revelation that cycle 25 is coming. For all the discussion about accountability and how America’s Next Top Model was a sign of the times, I’m not confident Banks and her peers can be trusted with a reboot, especially now with diet culture and body shaming resurgent, and cosmetic procedures of every sort multiplying; beauty standards remain as rigid as ever.

At one point in the docuseries, Banks says, “Hindsight is 20/20 for all of us. It just so happens that a lot of the things that are 20/20 for me happened in front of the world.” If you ask me, it’s time she gets glasses.

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

Applying makeup under dim bedroom lights or harsh fluorescent bathroom bulbs can totally throw off your look, which is why we’ve invested in the best lighted makeup mirrors to ensure our glam is exactly up to our (high) standards. Whether you want a lighted mirror that mimics natural daylight, the cooler light of an office, or the warmth of a candlelit dinner, there's something for everyone here: Allure editors have tested tons of options to find the accessories that make us feel like pro makeup artists. Offered in a range of magnifications, sizes, light and brightness settings—and some with nifty bonus features like swivels or magnetic phone holders—these are the best lighted makeup mirrors to assist you in perfecting your beat.

Our Top Lighted Makeup Mirrors

• Best Overall: PMD Reflect Pro, $119
• Best for Selfies: Riki Loves Riki 5X Skinny Lighted Mirror, $225
• Best Magnification: Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio Max, $350
• Best Light Bar: Willed 3W Rechargeable Light Bar, $24
• Best for Travel: Fancii Taylor LED Compact Mirror, $50
• ​​Best Tech: Fenchlin White Vanity Mirror, $38
• Best Handheld: Conair Rechargeable Handheld Mirror, $130
• Most Versatile: Jerdon Tri-Fold Double-Sided Makeup Mirror, $60

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Best Overall: PMD Reflect Pro

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PMD

Reflect Pro

$119 $93 (22% off)

Amazon

$119

Nordstrom

$119

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: The PMD Reflect Pro is all about flexibility. It swivels a full 360 degrees, tilts 90 degrees, and offers 5x magnification in the corner of the mirror, so you can find the perfect angle—whether you’re blending foundation down your neck or dealing with a rogue brow hair. Use it docked on its base, detach it to hold closer to your face, or toss it in your bag for travel. Three dimmable light settings (soft white, neutral, and natural daylight) make sure you’re always working with the right lighting, whether you’re getting ready in the morning or touching up before a night out.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I originally saw this mirror on my co-worker's desk and knew I had to have it. I love doing quick touch-ups at my desk, and corporate lighting isn't always the best, so the LED light on this mirror (which comes in four modes by the way) comes in clutch when I need to re-do my lip combo before my next meeting.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Magnification: 5x
• Type of light: soft white, neutral, natural daylight
• Size: 11.5" x 2.5"
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

Best for Selfies: Riki Loves Riki 5X Skinny Lighted Mirror

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Riki Loves Riki

5X Skinny Lighted Mirror

$225

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: No makeup routine is complete without snapping a few selfies, and the Riki Loves Riki 5X Skinny Lighted Mirror agrees. Simply pop your phone into the phone holder attachment, mount it onto the mirror, pair the Bluetooth, and then press the mirror's camera button to start snapping pictures. Or, if you'd rather watch a tutorial than film one, the phone clip makes it easy to do your makeup as you follow your favorite YouTuber's instructions.

Another bonus: It only weighs 1.5 pounds, so it’s super lightweight and easy to move around your house if you want to place it in different areas. It has five dimming options with both 5x and 10x magnifying options, so you can really customize its settings to all your glam likings.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This was my first ‘smart’ makeup mirror years ago and I’d still recommend it. As someone who’s no stranger to zero natural light in their apartment, this really helped me avoid leaving home looking patchy or under-blended. I definitely took my fair share of selfies (and maybe a few poorly-recorded videos for TikTok) with the handy magnetic phone holder—I think the Bluetooth connectivity feature is pretty cool, so that you can snap photos more naturally. Most of all, the five light settings allowed a lot of customization and, despite its height, I liked how little space the actual base took up on my limited desk area.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Magnification: 5x
• Type of light: customized HD daylight lighting
• Size: 9.5" x 13"
• Weight: 1.5 lbs

Best Magnification: Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio Max

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Simplehuman

Sensor Mirror Trio Max

$350

Simplehuman

Why it's worth it: The Simplehuman Sensor Mirror Trio Max is everything a makeup mirror could possibly be. A rechargeable battery that lasts five weeks? Of course. Touch-control brightness levels? Naturally. Turns on automatically when your face nears the sensor? Ok, color us impressed. The mirror also boasts a 95 CRI (a 100 on the CRI, or Color Rendering Index, means it looks exactly like actual daylight) via its patented Tru-Lux technology, which features patterned micro-reflectors that spread light evenly. But, if you're doing your makeup for an indoor environment, the mirror features two color modes (sunlight or candlelight), so you can accurately prep your makeup look for wherever your day or night is taking you. As far as magnification goes, it features 1x, 5x, and 10x magnification to view every inch of your face in complete detail.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This makeup mirror is such a luxury. There are three different magnification mirrors, which give you a great overall look at your face, but also allow you to go IN on those tiny, stubborn facial hairs. (My tweezers would like to shout out the 10x magnification mirror.) It's pricey for certain, but it is also seemingly unbreakable; it's been victim to my clumsiness and my toddler’s desire to destroy anything on my vanity and emerges after every tumble without a dent or scratch.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Magnification: 1x, 5x, 10x
• Type of light: sunlight, candlelight
• Size: 8" x 8"
• Weight: 6.6 lbs

Best Light Bar: Willed 3W Rechargeable Light Bar

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Willed

3W Rechargeable Light Bar

$24 $19 (21% off)

Amazon

$18

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: If you’re anything like us and living in NYC bathrooms with less-than-ideal lighting (or just need a boost for your current mirror), we have a game-changing, affordable solution: the rechargeable Willed Light Bar. It comes with a magnetic swivel mount that you can adjust to your preferred angle. You can choose between three- or five-watt power, with five brightness levels and three color temperatures to customize your glow. There’s even an LED display to track battery life, plus a remote control so you don’t have to stand on your tippy toes to turn it on or off. And it’s not just for mirrors—think closets, vanities, kitchen cabinets, you name it. Honestly, we’ll take 10!

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I didn't have a way of getting real lighting around my vanity mirror, so I've made do with this lighting strip for three years (and counting). It looks sleek—almost as if it were built into the mirror—and is bright enough to make up for the fact that my closet doesn't have any natural light. I love that I can adjust the brightness with a few taps, and only have to plug it in to recharge once every two months or so." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Magnification: N/A
• Type of light: 10% brightness, 30% brightness, 50% brightness, 70% brightness, 100% brightness
• Size: 11.8"L x 1.25"W x 1.57"H
• Weight: 0.66 lbs

Best for Travel: Fancii Taylor LED Compact Mirror

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Fancii

Taylor LED Compact Mirror

$50

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: If your phone's front-facing camera isn't cutting it for on-the-go touch-ups, tuck the ultra-lightweight Fancii LED Compact Mirror into your purse. It packs a pretty punch with a built-in ring light featuring three brightness settings (natural daylight, soft white, and neutral light) and two magnification options (1x and 10x). It’s rechargeable with a battery that lasts up to 30 days per charge, so it’s always ready when you need a quick check. It also makes a great gift for your friend who can't go 45 minutes without a retouch, and it comes in 10 neutral and bright colorways to match anyone’s vibe.

Tester feedback from Han

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“As someone who’s constantly pulling up her phone camera to make sure her lip color hasn’t strayed past her lip lines or stained her teeth, or touch up her smudged eyeliner or concealer, it took me long enough to get my hands on a compact LED mirror so I can see what I’m doing more clearly. (Did I mention my eyesight isn’t great?) I got this as a gift and it’s already accompanied me on a trip to Seoul, where it really pulled its weight through long, blistering days, and early winter sunsets, when lighting becomes a scarce commodity.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Magnification: 1x, 10x
• Type of light: daylight, neutral, soft
• Size: 3.94” X 0.98”
• Weight: 0.41 lbs

​​Best Tech: Fenchlin White Vanity Mirror

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Fenchlin

White Vanity Mirror

$38 $36 (5% off)

Amazon

Why it's worth it: The Fenchlin White Vanity Mirror is sort of how we imagined everything would be in the future when we were kids. Sure, our skies aren't filled with flying cars (yet), but it's 2026, and you can buy a makeup mirror with a Bluetooth speaker on Amazon—and that's enough for us. So whether you want to jam out to your Spotify Discover Weekly while you contour, catch up on your reality TV while you curl, or call your best friend while you gel your brows, the world is your oyster with this smart mirror. By the way, the light settings and brightness are adjusted using touch controls embedded into the glass.

More to know

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• Magnification: 1x
• Type of light: warm, daylight, cool light
• Size: 11" x 9.8"
• Weight: 4.4 lbs

Best Handheld: Conair Rechargeable Handheld Mirror

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Conair

Rechargeable Handheld Mirror

$130 $102 (22% off)

Amazon

$130

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: The Conair Lighted Makeup Mirror lands somewhere between no-frills and just the right number of frills. This round, rechargeable LED mirror is customizable, thanks to a 360-degree swivel, three brightness settings, and three light modes. Instead of built-in magnification, there’s a 10x magnifying mirror you can manually attach to the base, perfect for tweezing brows or concealing the tiniest blemishes. Depending on what you’re looking for (or your bathroom setup), it comes in corded or cordless options.

More to know

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• Magnification: 1x, 10x
• Type of light: home, office, day
• Size: 9" x 9"
• Weight: 3.3 lbs

Most Versatile: Jerdon Tri-Fold Double-Sided Makeup Mirror

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Jerdon

Tri-Fold Double-Sided Makeup Mirror

$60

Amazon

$70

Walmart

Why it's worth it: This Tri-Fold Double-Sided Makeup Mirror from Jerdon is—if we may—robo-chic. The slider at the base allows you to choose between four lighting settings: day, office, night, and home. The center mirror can be swiveled between 1x and 5x magnification, while the two adjustable mirrored wings help illuminate blind spots and discover new angles for your best GRWM yet. It’s almost like a three-way mirror in a dressing room, but just for your face.

More to know

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• Magnification: 1x, 5x
• Type of light: day, office, night, home
• Size: 11.8" x 9.6"
• Weight: 3.5 lbs

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 lighted makeup mirrors, we considered each product's performance across different categories: magnification, type of light, size, and other special factors like magnetic phone holders. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from 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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Are your hands sending out an SOS? Between constant washing, harsh weather, and dry indoor air, you need one of the best hand creams for dry skin to rescue them from their rough, cracked state. Our favorite, go-with-us-everywhere formulas go beyond basic hydration, packing in barrier-repairing ceramides, moisture-locking butters like shea and marula, and firming peptides.

Whether you prefer a lightweight lotion for easy reapplication throughout the day or a thick overnight treatment for seriously in-distress skin, we’ve rounded up the options our editors swear by for baby-soft hands and hydrated cuticles all year round.

Our Top Hand Creams

• Best Overall: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $35
• Best Scent: Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal, $22
• Best Luxury: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment, $60
• Best With Retinol: Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream, $18
• Best for Cracked Hands: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream, $25
• Cutest Packaging: Chanel La Crème Main, $62
• Best Overnight Hand Cream: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62
• Best for Eczema: Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream, $25

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes dry hands?
• Why should I use a hand cream?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

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Aesop

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Revolve

$35

Bluemercury

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm.

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: Ever wonder how one of the world’s most recognizable hand creams came to be? Fun fact: Aesop’s cult-favorite Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm actually started as a hair product. Back in the ’80s, the brand’s founder—a Melbourne-based hairstylist—began mixing essential oils into his salon formulas to make them smell (and feel) a little better. What began as a small experiment for clients’ hair quickly turned into a global obsession for their hands. The now-iconic balm blends sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils to deeply hydrate, while shea butter and cocoa seed butter soften without any greasiness. Carrot root, rosemary, and aloe soothe and repair, and that signature mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender scent instantly transforms a simple act into a mini ritual. Bonus: It also comes in a jumbo 17-ounce jar with a pump, so you won't run out.

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“I can't go to bed (or wake up, frankly) without reaching for this hand cream. It lives on my nightstand, and saves my hands from the lizard-like state they want to be in once it hits November. The scent is fresh and light but not so strong that it announces itself to the room. I've used it before bed so often that it functions like a sleep spray: It signals to my brain that it's time to wind down and hit the hay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas, cocoa seed butter
• Scent: citrus, woody, herbaceous

Best Scent: Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal

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Cyklar

Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal

$22

Cyklar

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: If you’ve tried anything from Cyklar—from its body washes to its body oils—you already know the appeal isn’t just in the formulas, but in the compliment-inducing scents. At the top of our list is Sacred Santal, a refined blend of bergamot, cardamom, amber, velvet musk, and cashmere wood. The fragrance evokes an outdoor shower in the forest: clean and fresh, with a subtle, nature-forward warmth that never veers too musky. And while it smells divine, it treats hands just as well: Urea gently exfoliates dead cells, while glycerin, snow mushroom, and ectoin draw moisture into the skin. Smoother skin and healthier-looking cuticles without the stickiness? We’ll take three.

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“In the winter, my hands are constantly dry (sometimes to the point of cracking). I slather this on any time they start to feel scaly. It sinks in quickly (no greasy finish here) and immediately makes my hands feel softer. I love the formula—rich and deeply hydrating, but not so thick that it sits on top of my skin. My hands look and feel visibly more moisturized right after I use it, and the more I apply it, the better. I also really like the packaging—it's a large tube, so I know it'll last me a few months, and the marbled cap looks so luxe. Plus, the Sacred Santal scent is divine! I was genuinely surprised that this hand cream is only around $20 a tube. The formula and packaging feel much fancier! I'd recommend it to people with super-dry hands who want a cream that not only performs well, but smells great, too.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: urea, glycerin, ectoin, squalane, snow mushroom
• Scent: bergamont, cardamom, amber, velvet musk, cashmere wood

Best Luxury: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment

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Augustinus Bader

The Hand Treatment

$60

Amazon

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Dermstore

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment

Jessica Cruel

Why it’s worth it: $60 for a hand cream can be tough to swallow, but an ultra-cushiony, fast-absorbing formula that instantly soothes chapped hands makes it easier to justify. Enter Augustinus Bader’s The Hand Treatment, powered by TFC8, a proprietary formula that acts as a GPS to deliver nutrients to your skin cells. Made up of naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and molecules, Bader’s signature blend promotes cellular renewal, repair, and a healthy glow. Rounding out the formula is a conditioning, moisture-locking blend of shea butter, white peony extract, vitamin E, and glycerin—as well as firming peptides to address signs of aging.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“This is the hand cream I keep in my expensive designer handbag, because one luxury item deserves another. I'm always using a nickel-size amount between meetings and subway stops. The consistency is like buttercream icing and easily melts into my hands. I've spent a lot of time focused on my face when it comes to skin care, but now that I’m 35, my attention turned to my hands. My usual drugstore hand cream didn't have the level of actives I need to keep age spots and wrinkles at bay. This one has peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E, and shea butter to moisturize hands instantly and help with signs of aging in the long run. A $60 hand cream is a high price to ask, but I will say that I'm three months in and haven't run out yet.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: TCF8, shea butter, white peony extract, vitamin E, glycerin
• Scent: none

Best for Barrier Repair: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

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L'Occitane

Shea Butter Hand Cream

$34

Amazon

$34

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: The classics always deliver: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Balm is pretty much the Goldilocks of hand creams, rich yet never greasy. Its star ingredient, shea butter, is packed with omega-6 to deliver lasting hydration and heal cracked skin. Sunflower seed oil and glycerin join the nourishing lineup to leave hands soft, supple, and smooth all day. Plus, the light, fresh lemon scent keeps us coming back for more.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“As someone who goes through a lot of hand sanitizer (I live in New York City!), my hands are only soft because of this ultra-rich hand balm! But while the lotion is thick, it's not greasy—I promise you'll be able to tap your phone right after without leaving sticky stains. This super-rich lotion leaves my hands super soft and absorbs quickly. Because the balm is a little thick, you have to really press on the tube to get it out, but it's nothing a little tube squeezer couldn't help with. I have tried hundreds (no exaggeration) of hand lotions and this is just simply the best!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, sunflower seed oil, glycerin
• Scent: lemon

Best With Retinol: Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream

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Remedy

Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream

$18

Target

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream

Sarah Kinonen

Why it’s worth it: Beyond its cute, purse-friendly packaging and easy-squeeze delivery, Remedy’s Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream tackles signs of aging like a pro. The star ingredient is encapsulated retinol—a stabilized form of vitamin A that penetrates deeply without irritation—targeting dark spots, uneven tone, damaged cuticles, and rough, dry hands. Ceramides and shea butter offer rich moisture, so you wake up with unbelievably soft hands come morning. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen after!)

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I don’t know what I love most about this hand cream: its squeezable, spherical packaging, the thick and creamy texture, or how moisturized it leaves my palms. And it doesn't have much of a scent, which is great for sensitive skin types, like me! It's a bit of a struggle to squeeze out the product at first, but once it warms up, it comes out just fine.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.1 encapsulated retinol, ceramides, 20% shea butter
• Scent: none

Best for Cracked Hands: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream

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Dr. Jart+

Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream

$25

Amazon

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: The primary emollient in Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream is, you guessed it, ceramides. More specifically, this cushiony cream soothes stressed skin with ceramide NP, a skin-identical lipid that supports moisture retention and minimizes sensitivity. To up the ante on its skin-softening properties, Dr. Jart’s hand cream also contains glycerin to hydrate and antioxidant panthenol to soothe irritation.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"My hands get unbearably dry and scaly in the winter, which wouldn't be such an issue if I didn't hate the sensory experience of having moist, cream-covered hands, especially while out and about. Thankfully, Dr. Jart's Ceramidin Hand Cream is light and fast-absorbing enough that I can apply it anywhere without any goopy, lingering wetness while still providing plenty of hydration, thanks to its barrier-building ceramides. Plus, the generous, three-and-a-half-ounce tube can last me months." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramide NP, glycerin, panthenol
• Scent: floral

Cutest Packaging: Chanel La Crème Main

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Chanel

La Crème Main

$65

Chanel

$62

Nordstrom

$62

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Chanel La Crème Main

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: The adorable, egg-shaped Chanel’s La Creme Main sits so pretty on your bathroom counter, but is also compact enough to toss into your bag or coat pocket for easy post-hand-washing moisture. But she’s not all about looks. At the heart of the luxurious formula is a blend of camellia-derived ingredients: Camellia ceramides help protect the skin barrier, camellia oil deeply nourishes and softens, and camellia yeast delivers lasting hydration. Iris extract adds brightening benefits, helping achieve a more even tone. Why reach for a $62 hand cream over any other? Because you’ll use it to the very last drop.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I'll be honest: I've long overlooked the importance of hand care and hand cream—sometimes to the point of painfully cracked hands. This winter, I'm undoing my wrongs and slathering up with hand cream right before I go to bed, and as often as I can manage during the day after washing my hands. One of my go-tos is Chanel La Crème Main, which instantly softens my hands without leaving them feeling greasy—my main gripe with most hand creams. It also has the perfect level of floral notes that's not too subtle nor overwhelming. I can't get enough!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: camellia oleifera seed oil, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, iris pallida root extract, shea butter
• Scent: soft floral

Best Overnight Hand Cream: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment

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Soft Services

Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment

$62

Sephora

$62

Soft Services

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment.

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: The key ingredient in Soft Services Theraplush, a dense overnight hand cream, is retinol, which you might be familiar with from your wrinkle-reducing skin-care routine. This active ingredient is considered the gold standard for treating aging and discolored skin because it regulates collagen production and helps boost skin thickness—so long, sun spots and wrinkles. The cream is infused with calming colloidal oatmeal and panthenol to moisturize and keep active ingredient-related irritation to a minimum. To protect the formula from bacteria and oxidation, it comes in an air-tight, pump-top container that’ll look great on your nightstand.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I have hand cream everywhere—my car, my desk, my purse—but this is my ride or die. Everything about it is perfect, from the beautiful, sculptural tub to the soft scent. I also appreciate the addition of retinol for my rapidly aging hands. It’s enough to keep them smooth, but not so much that I’ve ever experienced irritation.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.05% retinol, 1% colloidal oatmeal, 0.5% panthenol, ceramide NP, glycerin
• Scent: floral

Best for Eczema: Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream

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Skinfix

Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream

$25

Sephora

$25

SkinFix

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream.

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: Raise a (cracked, dry) hand if you’re dealing with red, irritated, or eczema-prone skin. Skinfix's Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream, with the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, was made for exactly that. The formula combines 1% colloidal oatmeal with a 1.5% Triple Lipid Complex of ceramides, sterols, and fatty acids to mimic your skin’s natural barrier and lock in hydration. “I love this because it hydrates deeply without feeling greasy,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin to soothe irritation while strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin.”

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“With two kids, I wash my hands about 4,543 times a day, and they’re as cracked, patchy, and red as ever. This formula is as nourishing as can be—maybe a tad slick for my palms, but since the real irritation is on the back of my hands, that’s where I focus it. Even my nails feel stronger and less dry since I started using it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal, 1.5% Triple Lipid Complex (ceramides, sterols, fatty acids)
• Scent: none

Best Long-Lasting: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

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Mienne

Fleurir Hand Crème

$45

Revolve

Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème.

Briana Rengifo

Why it’s worth it: Launched just this year, Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème is already catching everyone’s eye (and nose) here at Allure HQ. While we usually think of hand cream as a utilitarian part of our routine, this one takes hand care to a whole new—dare we say—sensual level. The brand calls its approach “aphrodisiac skin care,” with ingredients meant to awaken the senses through touch and scent. Maca root extract and ylang-ylang oil lend a warm, romantic feel, while ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils smooth and nourish. Shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate keep hydration locked in for hours. Every time you use it, your hands feel silky, smell amazing, and suddenly, moisturizing feels less like a chore and more like a treat.

Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo

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“A staple in my purse since the tube is stunning and sleek. It's such a sensual and smoky hand creme that it transforms such a mundane task into a self-care ritual, leaving my hands hydrated and with a pearl effect.” —Briana Rengifo, designer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, passion flower, ylang ylang, aloe
• Scent: floral

Best Multipurpose: Malin+Goetz All-Purpose Moisture Balm

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Malin + Goetz

All-Purpose Moisture Balm

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Malin + Goetz

Why it’s worth it: Malin+Goetz’s All-Purpose Moisture Balm isn’t just for the hands—it can be used all over the body to support the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration. Formulated with 17 botanicals and butters, including meadowfoam seed oil, plum seed oil butter, and sunflower seed oil, this rich balm melts into a lightweight, dry-touch oil, soothing dry patches, chapped lips, and rough cuticles, and even smoothing hair ends and slicking back strands. It never feels heavy—just like a comforting hug for your skin. You’ll want it in your bag, bedside table, and at your desk at all times.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“With chronically dry skin, keeping my hands moisturized during the winter months is a four-to-five-month battle. Finding a hand cream that doesn't leave my hands feeling tacky or oily is an even bigger challenge. The Malin+Goetz cream has been getting me through this extra-cold winter. It’s lightweight, has no sticky residue, and since it’s all-purpose, I work whatever is left into my neck for some extra hydration during the day.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, plum seed oil butter, sunflower seed oil, rice bran extract, jojoba oil, avocado oil
• Scent: none

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

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Neutrogena

Norwegian Formula Hand Cream

$7 $6 (14% off)

Amazon

$7

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: Inspired by Norwegian fishermen who spent their days braving icy Arctic seas, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream was made to handle parched, overworked hands. The formula is refreshingly simple—just a few ingredients centered around super-hydrating glycerin. “Glycerin powerfully attracts and seals in moisture even after multiple hand washings,” says Dr. Rambhia. The texture is thick and dense at first, but don’t let that fool you. It sinks in fast and leaves behind an invisible shield of softness. “It creates a protective layer that restores cracked, over-washed hands, perfect for anyone who washes or sanitizes often. I’ve used this one since residency and always keep it in my white coat pocket,” says Dr. Rambhia.

More to know

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• Key ingredient: glycerin
• Scent: none

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry hands?

Like anywhere else on your body, dry skin can develop on your hands from environmental changes as the weather becomes colder. "Winter is particularly harsh, as cold, low-humidity air can cause skin to dry out and become itchy, cracked, and irritated," Ross C. Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, previously told Allure. "Cold air also tightens pores, reduces circulation, and reduces sebum production." Also worth keeping in mind: General dehydration can lead to dryness, so make sure you’re staying hydrated to keep your skin at its plumpest. “When we're hydrated, our skin cells swell, and this can be a great thing,” he says. “It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Why should I use a hand cream?

Hand creams are formulated with some of the best moisturizing ingredients available to soothe, comfort, and moisturize dry skin. Usually, they contain a mix of humectants (ingredients that draw water to the surface layer of skin), emollients (lipids that fill in “gaps” in your skin’s moisture barrier), and occlusives (essentially moisture-sealing cling wraps for your skin) to provide softening moisture at different levels of the skin.

Meet the experts

• Audrey Kunin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Kansas City.
• Ross C. Radusky, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas.
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best hand 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 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 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: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best eyelash curlers are key to creating and securing brow-grazing lifted lashes. When paired with your favorite mascara (and/or eyeliner, if you want more drama), these essential beauty tools can help elongate and enhance your lashes, adding an instant, enlongating oomph to even the shortest, straightest, and wispiest eyelashes among us.

Even better? Despite the fear that may accompany placing a contraption so close to your eyeballs, high-quality eyelash curlers do the trick without pinching or pulling. So, for your fluttery-lashed pleasure, we scoured the web and talked to editors, board-certified dermatologists, and professional makeup artists to get the skinny on what makes an eyelash curler stand out. Read on to find your perfect match.

Our Top Eyelash Curlers

• Best Overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $25
• Best Long-Lasting: Tweezerman Promaster Lash Curler, $24
• Best for Short Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler, $26
• Best Grip: Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler, $20
• Best Tug-Free: Hourglass Lash Curler, $34
• Best for Round Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler, $36
• Best for Beginners: Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler, $20

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of using an eyelash curler?
• How do you find the right eyelash curler for your eye shape?
• Should you curl your lashes before or after mascara?
• How often should you replace an eyelash curler?
• How should I use an eyelash curler?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler

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Shiseido

Eyelash Curler

$28

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: The broad curve and flexible silicone pads make the Shiseido Eyelash Curler catch and curl even the shortest lashes, like the ones nestled along the inner and outer corners of the lash line. "It has an especially good grip and a curved shape that makes it good for most eye shapes, with no worries of pinching the skin on the sides," says New York City-based makeup artist Meredith Baraf. Its large clamp opening, wide slit, and cushiony dent-prone silicone pad make it the ultimate lash curler for just about any eye shape or lash type.

Han before using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler

Sarah Han

Han after using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Asian brands know Asian lashes—who would've guessed? But not just my lashes. Shiseido's Eyelash Curler can coax any lashes—my itty-bitty, stubborn lashes included—out of hiding. With some practice, it's really easy (and painless, despite what you might gather from the video!) to get super close to the lash line before working my way out. My real estate is limited here, so I can sometimes squeeze in two more curls, but usually, it's just one more near the tips of my lashes. I simply don't apply mascara without prepping my lashes with this baby, and it lasts for approximately one million years.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Material: stainless steel, silicone
• Who it’s for: everyone

Best Lightweight: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

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Tweezerman

Promaster Lash Curler

$26

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$19

Ulta Beauty

Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: The Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler is a repeat Best of Beauty Award winner for a reason. Scratch that—many reasons. For starters, the wide top bar is specifically designed to fit deeper-set eyes, and the silicone pad is plusher than most, making for a more comfortable clamp. The long pad also makes it easy to catch every hair along your lash line, including the teeny-tiny ones along the inner corners, resulting in an elegant, lifted curl that lasts. It comes with three replacement silicone pads to keep everything nice and hygienic.

Trakoshis before using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

Angela Trakoshis

Trakoshis after using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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"I've had this Tweezerman eyelash curler for years, and it never lets me down. One quick squeeze, and you've got the kind of lift that makes people wonder if you secretly got extensions." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Material: stainless steel, silicone
• Who it’s for: people with deep-set eyes

Best for Short Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

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Kevyn Aucoin

Eyelash Curler

$26

Kevyn Aucoin Beauty

$26

Bluemercury

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: It's easy to spot this backstage favorite in a lineup, thanks to the cherry red pad, which helps the curler align with the roots of stubby lashes for a precise, pinch-free clamp. A few gentle squeezes will get you beautifully curled, crimp-free lashes. Kevyn Aucoin's Eyelash Curler is also made of durable, rust-resistant stainless steel to ensure that all you'll need to update are the occasional new replacement pads.

Felbin before using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Sarah Felbin

Contributor Jennifer Hussein before using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Jennifer Hussein

Hussein after using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Jennifer Hussein

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“An eyelash curler that actually fits my eyes, doesn't pinch, and is easy to clean? Sounds like a unicorn—or Kevin Aucoin. I use this every single day, and I'm obsessed. It feels so high-quality—a little heavier than drugstore versions, which goes a long way. And the way it lifts my lashes is simply unmatched. You'll never catch me applying mascara without using this first.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

Tester feedback from Allure commerce contributor Jennifer Hussein

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“I have extremely straight lashes, and a few squeezes of this lash curler always gives them the lift they need to show off their true length. It fits perfectly across my lid to grab each and every lash without tugging them or causing fallout, another chronic issue I have with my natural set.” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor

More to know

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• Material: stainless steel, silicone
• Who’s it for: short lashes, straight lashes

Best Grip: Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler

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Shu Uemura

Iconic Eyelash Curler

$28 $21 (25% off)

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

Allure social director Kassidy Silva using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: This might look like your run-of-the-mill metal eyelash curler, but the results are anything but average. The silicone pad on Lancôme's Le Curler Eyelash Curler has a no-slip grip that gently cushions lashes as you squeeze to prevent tugging and breakage. After each use, you'll dig the difference: a dramatic, lifted, crease-free curl that'll carry you from conference calls to cocktails.

Silva before using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler

Kassidy Silva

Silva after using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from Allure social director Kassidy Silva

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"If you suffer from long-lash envy, this eyelash curler is for you. In less than 20 seconds, you'll have all the lash volume you've been looking for."—Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Material: alloy steel, silicone
• Who it’s for: everyone

More eyelash curlers we love:

Best Tug-Free: Hourglass Lash Curler

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Hourglass

Lash Curler

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Hourglass’s Lash Curler boosts the look of length and curl without tugging or pulling lashes in the process. Designed with a universal-fit shape, it comfortably reaches even hard-to-curl lashes at the inner and outer corners of the eye without pulling. Both Allure editors and Los Angeles–based makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy frequently use this curler for its controlled, gentle clamp that helps prevent breakage while creating a smooth, long-lasting curl that holds throughout the day.

More to know

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• Material: stainless steel, latex
• Who’s it for: those with fragile eyelashes

Best for Round Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler

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Why it’s worth it: The Surratt Relevee Lash Curler is one of those “if you know, you know” kind of products. Its a sleeper hit that’s ultra-wide for all lash types, including those with rounder eye shapes. Ariuna Iakovleva, a New York City-based makeup artist, calls the Surratt Revelee Lash Curler one of the most well-made lash curling tools that’s become a poopular standout. “It provides a smooth, controlled curl and feel comfortable to use,” she says.

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• Material: nickle-free steel, silicone
• Who’s it for: round eyes, wide eyes

Best for Beginners: Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler

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Jenny Patinkin

Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler

$20

Amazon

$24

Nordstrom

$24

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: The elegant rose gold-and-white design gives the Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler extra style points, but this tool is more than just a pretty face. "The carefully calibrated trap opening gives balance and control and accommodates lashes of any length," Tarryn Feldman, a Nashville-based makeup artist, explains. "Additionally, the white bumper pad allows for better user visibility and curler positioning, limiting the likelihood of pinching or crimping." We'd venture to say this is a very worthy addition to your makeup bag.

More to know

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• Material: zinc alloy, silicone
• Who’s it for: everyone

Frequently asked questions

What are the benefits of using an eyelash curler?

If you've been overlooking lash curlers in your beauty routine, it's time to rethink.—t These small tools can make a significant impact with very little effort. "Besides the fact that a lash curler boosts your lashes for mascara application, it's also really great for making you look more awake when you're going for a no-makeup look," explains Ashleigh Ciucci, a New York City-based makeup artist. Whether going full glam or keeping it minimal, a quick curl can instantly open up your eyes and elevate your entire look.

Despite the benefits, you should still take precautions when using these tools. Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., previously noted, "Eyelid skin is super sensitive, and lashes are fragile. I would make sure that the device comes nowhere near the skin and that it isn't overused so as to damage eyelash hair."

How do you find the right eyelash curler for your eye shape?

The good news for all eye shapes: According to Iakovleva, most lash curlers are created with a a large, universal fit. That means no matter which curler you grab, there most likely won’t be a dramatic difference between fit. That being said, if fit has been an issue for you in the past, she suggests keeping the the radius of the curve and the width of the curler in mind.

Should you curl your lashes before or after mascara?

You may feel an urge to curl your lashes after applying macara, but Hussainy recommends using your lash curler before you apply any makeup. “Curling before mascara is better to ensure your mascara doesn’t clump or, more importantly, not damage or pull your lashes,” she says, adding that this technique provides an overall more polished look.

How often should you replace an eyelash curler?

Depending on how often you use and clean your lash curler—which should be cleaned after every use to prevent product buildup—Hussainy recommends replacing the tool every six months to a year. “I find that after that period of time, it doesn’t perform quite as well,” she says.

It’s also important to replace the silicone pad regularly. “For maintenance, the rubber pad should be changed every three to six months, or as soon as it starts to harden,” says Iakovleva, noting that regular cleaning is essential for both hygiene and performance.

How should I use an eyelash curler?

For starters, take your time. "Keep the lash curler clamped for a good 20 seconds on each eye," Baraf tells Allure. “If you're not going to hold the curler on each lash for at least 20 seconds, don't even bother.”

Meanwhile, makeup artist Tommy Napoli employs a three-part approach to lash curling. He previously advised Allure readers to start at the base of the lashes using firm pressure before squeezing outward the middle of the lashes—this time, less pressure than is used at the base. Use a touch of pressure at the tips of the lashes to round things out.

Meet the experts

• Ashleigh Ciucci, a New York City-based makeup artist
• Tarryn Feldman, a Nashville-based makeup artist
• Mezhgan Hussainy, a Los Angeles-baed makeup artist
• Ariuna Iakovleva, a New York City-based makeup artist
• Meredith Baraf, a New York City-based makeup artist
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Tommy Napoli, a New York City-based makeup artist

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup tools, we ask questions about a number of factors: What purpose does it serve? Does it accommodate a wide range of customers? 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 eyelash curlers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different lashes, desired outcomes, and price points. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is how the adage goes, and for many longtime fans of the original Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, the full-coverage formula wasn’t broken. That includes our editor in chief, Jessica Cruel. “It's my top pick when I have to be onstage, whether that be at a speaking engagement or on live television. The original formula was fail-safe for flawless, full coverage that could stand up to HD and 4K cameras.”

One of my best friends, Emy, has worn Double Wear for nearly eight years. “It’s long-lasting, it doesn’t transfer onto my clothes, and it’s full coverage without looking cake-y,” she says. But the reality is that Double Wear launched in 1997. Cosmetic chemistry has improved exponentially since then, and very few formulas have remained unchanged for this long. For Estée Lauder, it was time for an update.

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Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation

$52

Estée Lauder

The brand had a long checklist when developing Double Wear 2.0: a more fluid, spreadable, and layerable texture; a more dimensional, skin-like finish; and more stable and true-to-skin shades. Ultimately, the goal was to create a new formula that would attract people who weren’t Double Wear fans in the past. My friend Emy loves the full-coverage formula and instant matte finish, but there’s a cohort of people who found it to be too much (myself included). “Double Wear is not my everyday pick; it's best when you need a formula that will last,” adds Cruel. “This reformulation is an attempt to bring more makeup wearers into the Double Wear family, including those who left the product when they felt it settled into fine lines and wrinkles.”

At the Los Angeles-based launch party for the new foundation, the brand shared that the update has been in the works for a while. And while, according to a spokesperson, the reformulation wasn’t due to changes in EU ingredient regulations, it’s interesting to note that the new foundation no longer contains cyclopentasiloxane, an ingredient now banned in Europe, and the reason other major brands have had to reformulate recently.

I asked cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam to review the ingredient list of both the original and reformulated Double Wear versions. “You are right, they did get rid of the cyclopentasiloxane formula and replaced it with a blend of other silicones (dimethicone, methyl trimethicone),” she says. “I also noticed they removed their water thickeners (xanthan gum and cellulose gum), and this may be due to the addition of sodium hyaluronate, which not only hydrates the skin, but also thickens in water and may be able to replace the previous thickeners.”

The brand also made other changes to the formula: First, there’s the “polymer mesh matrix technology,” which Estée Lauder describes as a “breathable polymer system that acts like an invisible net,” allowing the foundation to move with the skin. The second is a complex they call “AlgaNiacin,” which Lam describes as “a proprietary blend that combines brown algae and niacinamide to decrease sebum production for a more matte and oily-skin-friendly story.”

Sophia Panych wearing no foundation.

Courtesy of subject

Panych after applying Double Wear in natural light.

Courtesy of subject

Panych wearing Double Wear in strong, direct sunlight.

Courtesy of subject

Unlike my friend Emy, I haven't worn Double Wear regularly. I think the last time I wore it was more than 10 years ago, so I can only tell you what I think about the new formula. (I'm 2N1 Desert Beige.) For my everyday makeup, I prefer dewy skin tints, and this new version is still very much the opposite of that. One layer gives me all-over, medium-to-full coverage, with a few additional dots added to my cheeks and chin to cover the annoying splotchiness that's shown up on my skin recently. At first, I disliked how matte it made my face because I felt it made me look older, but I've come to appreciate that it doesn't budge (my beloved skin tints tend to disappear quickly) and, shockingly, that it doesn't settle into fine lines and pores. I initially thought I'd give my bottle to a friend, but after a few days of testing, I've decided it's a great formula to have in my makeup kit for big events and long days.

Emy got serious when it came to her testing, conducting a side-by-side analysis— applying the original to one side of her face and the new formula to the other. (She wears shade 2W0 Warm Vanilla.) “The new one is runnier,” she texted me. “The color seemed a tad lighter than the old formula, and I felt like I had to apply a bit more to get the coverage I desired as compared to the original. But the new one definitely feels lighter and more breathable on your skin. The difference is really noticeable when you’ve got both on.” Emy also brought up a valid concern: Because you have to use more product to get the same amount of coverage as the original, you’ll ultimately go through the bottle more quickly.

Keep reading for more reviews of the new Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation from editor in chief Cruel and other Allure editors, a group that includes both newbies and long-time fans.

Jessica Cruel wearing the new Double Wear formula.

Courtesy of subject

…and another angle of Cruel in Double Wear.

Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

"You can feel the difference in the new formula instantly. It's more liquid-y and loose than the original. Where one drop does the job with the OG formula, it takes two or three to get the same level of coverage. This allows the wearer to customize. The original had one speed—full coverage or bust. This version can be light, medium, or full. One note: You have to let each layer dry down a bit before adding more to get the best results. For those Double Wear lovers, you can still get the finish you love; it just takes a little longer. It still has staying power and a matte finish—the proof was evident after I spent hours sweating and taking selfies at the launch party in LA. It was in the same condition from the first photo to the last.

"The pigments in this new formula have also been updated, which makes for a bit of confusion when looking for your shade. I have always been 6W1 Sandalwood. In this new version, I went from 6W2 to 6C1, and I'm still not quite sure which one is the best fit. There's a 50% chance you'll have to change shades, so I definitely recommend going to get matched before committing to the new Double Wear."

Kassidy Silva without makeup. …

Courtesy of subject

Silva wearing just Double Wear foundation.

Courtesy of subject

Silva in Double Wear with a full face of makeup.

Courtesy of subjectKassidy Silva, social director

"After a year postpartum, and one look at myself in the closing doors of the New Jersey PATH train, I was eager to find a foundation that would cover not only my exhaustion, but also my fine lines…without settling into them like cement. I have always liked Double Wear, as I prefer a more full-coverage look, but I’m constantly testing new things, so it’s fallen by the wayside. The news of an updated formula gave me the perfect excuse to try something ‘new’ and potentially bring it back into my routine.

"The new formula is more lightweight and buildable than the original (I’m shade 2C0 Cool Vanilla), although you still get the medium-to-full coverage depending on how you want to layer. The first time I used it, however, I way overdid it since I’m used to using about two pumps of my other foundation. After some trial and error, I finally figured out the perfect amount I need, which is a dot applied to my forehead, cheeks, and chin that I then blend in with the Rose and Ben Beauty D2 Complexion Brush. I apply a first coat, wait around two minutes before buffing a little more along my hairline, any areas with more redness (like my outer cheeks), and along my jawline to really blend it in. Once it’s dry, I lightly dust powder along my T-zone and chin.

“I can go a full eight hours without needing a touch-up, but I’m makeup-free after 8 p.m., so I’ve never tested it longer than 12 hours. My only other knock is the twist-off cap, which can result in dumping out too much product. But you have that with the original, too.”

Elizabeth Gulino without makeup.

Courtesy of subject

Gulino wearing the new Double Wear foundation.

Courtesy of subjectElizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

"Honesty hour: I’ve never used the original Estée Lauder Double Wear, so the new formula is my first introduction. Luckily, I was shade-matched by a makeup artist who came to the Allure office (1N1 Ivory Nude, which is described as light with neutral peach undertones). The makeup artist recommended I cover the opening of the bottle with a finger, shake, and then dot the product straight onto my face before blending. I’m light-handed when it comes to my foundation. I like to first apply it with a brush, then go over it with a damp sponge. I loved the way my skin looked when the makeup artist applied it, but when I tried it myself, I did not have the same results.

“The first time I pressed it into my skin, my face looked good—great, even!—with just some separation around my forehead. It lasted all day and prevented my face from becoming oily as the day wore on. But the second day I applied the foundation, it separated all over my face, so much so that I had to take it off before applying the rest of my makeup. Looking back, I may have put too much on for the second test run, but the formula may not be for me. Still, thinking about how great the makeup artist made my skin look has inspired me to keep trying.”

Bianca Richards without makeup.

Courtesy of subject

Richards wearing only the new Double Wear foundation.

Courtesy of subject

Richards wearing Double Wear and a full face of makeup.

Courtesy of subjectBianca Richards, social media manager

"My mom lives by the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, and I honestly never gave it a chance until my colleague signed me up to test the reformulation. I must admit, I get the hype.
My relationship with foundation has always leaned toward skin tints and lightweight formulas that create that natural, luminous, everyday finish. Even for special occasions, I typically reach for the Tom Ford Matte Foundation when I want a true matte look, or stick with my go-to skin tint for something dewy and effortless. This new Estée Lauder foundation, however, strikes the perfect balance. It delivers the full coverage of a matte formula with the subtle, natural finish of a skin tint. I wear shade 3W2 Cashew, and after a full day of filming backstage at Fashion Week, my makeup didn’t budge."

Jesa Marie Calaor without makeup.

Courtesy of subject

Calaor in the new Double Wear foundation.

Courtesy of subjectJesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

“The new Estée Lauder Double Wear is reliable in every way you’d want a foundation formula to be: It glides on smoothly, doesn’t catch on the dry patches around my lips and along my jawline, and lasts through an entire workday (which, during Fashion Week, stretches well beyond midnight). I wore 4N2 Spiced Sand, a neutral medium shade, and it’s a spot-on match for my winter skin tone. (I'm floored, because many of my winter foundations skew a little too warm, and I definitely don't have cool undertones.) It covers redness and discoloration beautifully, but I do wish it were more lightweight, so it wouldn’t conceal the beauty marks I love so much.”

The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lightweight Matte Foundation retails for $52 and is now available at esteelauder.com. It will be available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Ulta Beauty starting February 23, 2026.

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For blemish-prone skin, a solid skin-care routine starts with the best face wash for acne. But with countless facial cleansers on the market, finding a formula that effectively targets hormonal acne, whiteheads, cystic acne, blackheads, and other blemishes can feel overwhelming at best—and impossible at worst.

So, you may ask, what face washes are actually effective for blemish-prone skin? Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, always recommends gentle cleansers over harsh soaps—especially ones with physical exfoliants—to clear the skin of dirt and excess oil. Don't aggressively rub, scrub, or over-cleanse either (twice a day, morning and night, is perfectly fine) to avoid worsening your skin's condition and encouraging scarring.

With guidance from board-certified dermatologists, we found deep cleansing face wash formulas to help those with acne-prone skin. These facial cleansers are laser-focused on unclogging pores and gently exfoliating skin without exacerbating existing blemishes.

Our Top Face Washes for Acne

• Best Overall: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser, $68
• Best for Makeup Removal: Man:yo Cleansing Oil, $18
• Best for Cystic Acne: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser, $20
• Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser, $39
• Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser, $48
• Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash, $46
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser, $18
• Best for Dark Spots: Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser, $30

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?
• What if I'm on an acne prescription?
• So, I used a cleanser…now what?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

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Tata Harper

Clarifying Cleanser

$68

Amazon

$68

Nordstrom

$68

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: Breakout-prone skin needs a cleanser that won't exacerbate existing irritation. Tata Harper’s Clarifying Cleanser gives you that deep, satisfying clean, clearing away dead skin, excess oil, and congestion that comforts stressed-out skin instead of stripping it, thanks to a sulfate-free formula that's loaded with soothing ingredients such as chlorella, honey, and mint. (Refreshing!) As far as smoothing skin and clearing pores, an exfoliating blend of lactic and citric acids from fermented sugar and salicylic acid get the job done—and very well, might we add.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Tata Harper Clarifying Cleanser

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I've had breakouts for years—they're a fact of life (and hormones). But I've found that washing with this cleanser (after removing my makeup with an oil-based formula) really helps dispatch both large cysts and smaller whiteheads more quickly. It smells herbal and fresh, builds to a nice lather, and doesn't leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture. I really concentrate massaging it in around my problem areas, like around my nose, chin, and jawline, and feel like it's made a difference in my acne's lifespan and, as important, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (as in, there's less).” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: prickly pear enzymes, lactic acid, citric acid, salicylic acid, chlorella, mint, honey
• Who it’s for: anyone who struggles with acne and clogged pores (unless you're sensitive to fragrance)
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Makeup Removal: Man:yo Cleansing Oil

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Ma:nyo

Cleansing Oil

$18

Amazon

$23

Ulta Beauty

$29

Soko Glam

Why it’s worth it: While cleansing oils can sometimes feel too rich—and seem potentially clogging for acne-prone skin—that’s not actually the case. In fact, this Korean favorite manages to strike a rare balance: It melts away makeup, excess oil, and daily gunk without stripping even the most delicate complexions. Formulated with a blend of 14 plant-derived oils like argan and jojoba that help regulate sebum and support barrier health, Man:yo Cleansing Oil emulsifies into a milky texture to rinse cleanly and leave skin calm, soft, and prepped for your routine’s next step. In fact, it’s even gentle enough for daily use, since it delivers a deep, nourishing cleanse without harsh surfactants or foamy irritation that often flare sensitive, acne-prone skin.

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen using the Man:yo Cleansing Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after using the Man:yo Cleansing Oil

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Man:yo's Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It's the only reason my facialists are always telling me there's no need for extractions." —Nicola Dall'Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
• Who it’s for: all skin types, including sensitive
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Active Breakouts: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser

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La Roche-Posay

Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: When it comes to clearing skin, La Roche-Posay's Effaclar Duo Dual Action Acne Cleanser does it all: It clears blemishes, smooths rough texture, cuts through oil, and helps keep future flare-ups in check, thanks to a 4% concentration of benzoyl peroxide. New York City board-certified dermatologist Jessica Krant, MD, sums this ingredient up best: "Benzoyl peroxide is so effective and reliable for acne because it works via several different mechanisms at once," she previously told Allure. "It is both antimicrobial, killing bacteria and other organisms, and an exfoliant, helping to unclog pores and gently resurface the surface layer of skin." The combination of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and exfoliating equals a powerful acne-fighting ingredient.

Doubling down on its blemish-busting properties, the formula also includes lipohydroxy acid (a milder alternative to salicylic acid) to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog pores, without being too harsh on sensitive skin. Unlike other acne cleansers, it doesn’t leave your face feeling dry or tight—even with twice-daily use—thanks in part to the addition of glycerin.

Senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after using the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Medicated Gel Cleanser

Lexi Herrick

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

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“My skin is both acne-prone and sensitive, so finding the right products can be a challenge. This face wash walks that line perfectly, clearing out my pores without causing too much dryness or damage to my skin barrier. I use this one in the shower (beware the benzoyl peroxide will strip the color from towels) so I recommend a generous lather and heavy rinse. You also can't beat the price for the size of this, and it truly lasts forever!” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

More to know

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• Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide, lipohydroxy acid (LHA), glycerin
• Who it’s for: those who are struggling with excess oil, raised pimples, clogged pores, and uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

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SkinCeuticals

Simply Clean Cleanser

$39

Dermstore

$39

SkinCeuticals

$39

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: If you’re dealing with acne, double-cleansing is non-negotiable. (If you’re not doing it yet, consider this your sign.) While we always recommend starting with a dedicated makeup remover—cleansing balm, oil, micellar water, your pick—SkinCeuticals’ Simply Clean Cleanser pulls extra weight by lifting leftover makeup, grime, and oil in your second cleanse. It’s powered by exfoliating sulfonic acid (an exfoliant that sloughs off dead skin cells), as well as glycerin for a moisture boost, and chamomile to counteract any signs of irritation from the acid. Word to the wise: It’s strong enough to clear out buildup but can be a bit too intense for sensitive skin.

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after using the SkinCeuticals Simply Clean Cleanser

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I can usually tell right away if I’m going to like a cleanser—it has to be super foamy and leave my skin feeling fresh and clean without that tight, stripped feeling. The second I tried this one from SkinCeuticals, I was hooked. It lathers up like a dream, and after rinsing, my skin looked brighter and my pores felt noticeably clearer like I’d just had a facial. It also does an amazing job at removing makeup. I always check with a towel after, and there’s never any leftover residue. Just make sure to really take your time massaging it in so it can work its magic.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sulfonic acid, glycerin, chamomile
• Who it’s for: those with normal, oily, or combination skin that feels clogged
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Kate Somerville EradiKate Cleanser Daily Foaming Wash

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Kate Somerville

EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

$45

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Some acne-minded cleansers take big swings out of the gate—or, rather, tube—using a powerful blend of ingredients to nix breakouts. The Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser relies on a quieter (but no less impactful) approach. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner subs the standard acne-fighting ingredients for sulfur, which is both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory—meaning it takes down both acne-causing bacteria and redness. But it's also infused with honey and oat and rice bran extracts to calm and soothe skin, and builds to a surprisingly cushiony lather that's hard to find among acne cleansers—and unique in that you can use it not just daily, but even twice a day.

Allure social media coordinator Lex Goldstein applying the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

Lex Goldstein

Goldstein after applying the Kate Somerville EradiKate Daily Foaming Cleanser

Lex Goldstein

Tester feedback from Allure social media coordinator Lex Goldstein

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“I love this cleanser because it doesn't leave my skin too dry, as many acne-attacking products often do. It's soft, gentle and incredibly easy to apply and quickly rinse off. No heavy duty scrubbing that could irritate my breakouts! It really glides across the skin so nicely. I have noticed that consistently using this face wash helps ward off pesky breakouts, which is the ultimate win. It's not a drugstore price tag, but a little product goes a long way.” —Lex Goldstein, social media coordinator

Tester feedback from senior manager of analytics and audience development Monica Perry

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“It's a deep-cleaning cleanser that ‘doubles as a mask’—and I would definitely recommend using it as one, because the texture is so thick and creamy that it's a waste to just rinse it off. Plus, it's not super drying like some acne cleansers." —Monica Perry, senior manager of analytics and audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 3% sulfur, oat extract, bran extract, honey
• Who it’s for: anyone with blackheads, sebaceous filaments, or any type of congestion
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Skin: SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

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SkinMedica

AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

$48

Amazon

$48

Dermstore

$48

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: Acne and excess oil tend to go hand-in-hand, and SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser addresses both in one wash. A favorite among dermatologists, the combination of alpha hydroxy acids (like lactic, glycolic, citric, and malic acids) and beta hydroxy acids (salicylic) works "to mildly exfoliate skin and improve skin's texture and complexion," Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology, previously shared with Allure. Plus, while AHAs tend to dislodge the glue that holds dead cells together, BHAs are oil-soluble— ideal for removing dead skin cells both on the surface of skin and from within pores.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“This is my favorite summer-time cleanser. With all the oil and sweat that comes with high temperatures, my skin is more prone to breakouts, especially on my cheeks. I use this exfoliating cleanser to make sure all the dead skin is cleared away and unable to clog my pores. It's got both acids and jojoba spheres for two levels of exfoliation. I find it best to use this cleanser when my skin is really feeling greasy or dull, not daily. Too much and it can dry my skin out.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, citric acid, malic acid, jojoba oil
• Who it’s for: those with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-free: yes

Other face washes for acne we love:

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

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CeraVe

Acne Foaming Cream Cleanser

$18 $15 (17% off)

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

$15

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: CeraVe’s Acne Foaming Facial Cleanser has the cushiony, non-stripping texture you’d expect from its name. And though this formula provides a deep cleanse that even oily skin types can appreciate, those with dry skin will love its skin-softening, ceramide-forward formula. This is a favorite among many dermatologists, including La Jolla, California-based board-certified dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD, because it combines acne-targeting benzoyl peroxide with barrier-supporting ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. “I always emphasize that keeping the barrier healthy is just as important as acne control, and this formula does both,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: benzoyl peroxide (4%), ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Who it’s for: dry, acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dark Spots: Caudalie Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser

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Caudalie

Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser

$30

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: The beauty of Caudalie’s Vinopure Pore Purifying Gel Cleanser is that it targets both active acne and the post-blemish dark spots that they can leave behind. Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC, says this formula combines exfoliating salicylic acid and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich grape water to address active breakouts and the resulting post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation alike. “Some acne washes can leave more sensitive or reactive skin types feeling stripped, so this gentle gel stands out for leaving all skin types comfortable after cleansing,” she adds.

Tester feedback from contributor Jennifer Hussein

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“No matter how small a breakout is, I can guarantee it’ll leave a dark spot behind on my skin. While active acne takes about a week tops to clear up on my skin, the post-zit mark can take upwards to a month to fade. When my dark spots become a constellation on my face, this formula helps shorten the process of clearing my skin. Its gel texture provides a deeper cleanse than cream or foam options without leaving my skin with a dry, tight feeling afterwards..” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: salicylic acid, grape water, grapeseed polyphenols
• Who it’s for: acne- and discoloration-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in a face wash for acne?

If you’re in the market for a new cleanser, Dr. Chang recommends two powerhouse ingredients: salicylic acid, a type of beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that "goes deep into the pores to clear them from excess oil and dirt," and benzoyl peroxide, which helps prevent inflammation and kills acne-causing bacteria. Milder ingredients include tea tree oil or antioxidant-rich green tea, which also provide skin-soothing benefits (essential for reactive, acne-prone skin).

Note: Face washes marketed for acne-prone skin can help with blemishes, but Dr. Kim keeps it real, saying they’re not the most critical part of an acne routine since they’re rinsed off. The real heavy lifting comes from more intensive spot treatments and other leave-on products.

What if I'm on an acne prescription?

Dr. Kim knows acne firsthand—he went through two rounds of Accutane himself, which now shapes how he guides patients through prescription treatments. He’s a firm believer that if you’re on a solid topical or oral prescription regimen, you can use just about any cleanser—even one that’s not acne-specific. That said, he notes, “If a patient has very mild acne and is only using over-the-counter treatments, adding an acne-focused cleanser can be helpful.”

So, I used a cleanser…now what?

As for follow-up tips, always apply any acne medications immediately after cleansing to allow the active ingredients to work their magic, which Dr. Chang says can take up to 6 to 12 weeks of continued daily use. And never forget to moisturize. Rather than clogging your pores, a lightweight cream will ensure your skin stays hydrated and protected, especially if you're using a drying topical medication. Additionally, Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York, recommends avoiding layering retinoids, as well as products that contain fragrance and alcohol, on top of acid-laced cleansers, as these pairings can lead to dryness and irritation.

Meet the experts

• Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California
• Noëlle S. Sherber, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, DC
• Tiffany J. Libby, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Rhode Island and Mohs surgeon at Brown Dermatology
• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group in New York City
• Kavita Mariwalla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in West Islip, New York
• Michele Green, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best face washes for acne, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: formula, which acne concerns are targeted (whiteheads, blackheads, cystic acne, etc.), skin type, price point, and efficacy. 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.