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

Overwhelmed is the only emotion I can muster when I open my spare closet, which is now full of diapers, wipes, and other baby products. When I was carrying my now seven-month-old daughter, there was no shortage of friends and family who were eager to shower me with the best gifts for pregnant women—diapers, wipes, teddy bears, and even big-ticket items like bassinets and strollers. While I was (and still am) beyond excited and grateful for the outpouring of love, my holiday wishlist was admittedly full of products that have less to do with baby and more to do with…well, me.

The Very Best Gifts for Pregnant Women

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly BalmJump to review$29

Amazon

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState TumblerJump to review$40 $35 (13% off)

Amazon

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50Jump to review$64

Amazon

If you have a soon-to-be mama in your circle, chances are they feel the same way, although they may be shy about admitting it. But the truth is, after all the Pampers and bottles are packed away, expectant moms want gifts that make pregnancy—and postpartum—a little more comfortable. Scroll ahead for presents they secretly wish they could put on their registries.

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay's picks

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

Summer Fridays

Babymoon Belly Balm

$29

Amazon

$29

Revolve

One of the first things people tell you when you become pregnant is to oil up that belly. Stretch marks are a common part of pregnancy, and while creams and oils may not fully prevent marks from forming, adding a silky belly balm to your body routine is a great way to pamper yourself either way. My go-to belly-soothing product is the Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm. This velvety balm squeezes out like a gel but turns into a lightweight oil when rubbed in. It has a light scent (no triggered nausea here!) and leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized for hours.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Stanley

Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

$40 $35 (13% off)

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

I always felt a twinge of guilt when my OB-gyn asked if I’d been drinking water, knowing that my hydration game could be stronger. Adding a Stanley Cup to my everyday routine was an easy way to make sure I was staying hydrated—plus, it comes in so many cute colors.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

Tatcha

The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

$64

Amazon

$64

Ulta Beauty

$64

Tatcha

I made the switch from chemical to mineral sunscreen in my first trimester and, after trying a bunch of options that all left a white cast, landed on Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen SPF 50. It has a lotion-like texture that blends easily into the skin and leaves a dewy glow behind—plus, the slight beige tint gives it a seamless, undetectable finish on all skin tones.

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

Momcozy

U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

$45

Amazon

$60 $45 (25% off)

Walmart

As pregnant bumps get bigger and bigger, a full night of sleep gets increasingly rare. Gift her some better rest with this comfy, supportive U-shaped pillow from Momcozy. The huggable, full-body pillow comes in velvet and cooling fabrics—the former has rescued me from many sleepless nights.

Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall

Dagne Dover

Large Landon Carryall

$240

Nordstrom

Upgrade her hospital bag with this spacious weekender duffle from Dagne Dover. The padded neoprene bag is comfortable to carry, and the multiple slots, pockets, and holders make it ideal even for the mom who overpacks. Shoe bag? Check. 16-inch laptop sleeve? Check. Exterior phone pocket? Also, check.

H&M Mama Straight Jeans

H&M

Mama Straight Jeans

$55

H&M

I’m frequently bummed out by the frumpy selection of maternity clothes in store aisles, but these bootcut maternity jeans from H&M offered a glimmer of hope for what a maternity wardrobe could be. These jeans come in a trendy dark wash and have a supportive belly band, so you don’t have to choose between style and comfort.

Ugg Disquette Slippers

UGG

Disquette Slippers

$120

Amazon

$120

Nordstrom

She may not always be able to kick her feet up, but these Ugg slippers will make shuffling around the house more enjoyable. The plush sheepskin lining feels like you’re stepping on a cloud, and the neutral color options are versatile enough to pair with any loungewear set.

DoorDash Food Delivery Gift Card

DoorDash

Food Delivery Gift Card

$50

Amazon

Growing a baby is hard work. Help her fuel up by taking care of dinner (lunch, breakfast, and dessert, too). Takeout nights always offer much-needed relief, especially when lower back pain and intense fatigue make cooking a drag.

Calpak Diaper Tote Bag

Calpak

Diaper Tote Bag

$195

Nordstrom

$195

Calpak

This gift might technically be for the baby, but trust: Mom will love having a stylish bag to tote around all that baby stuff. The Calpak Diaper Bag is equal parts functional and fashionable, with six colors to choose from, a pocket for your laptop, and room for just about anything you’ll need to carry.

Willow Wave Wearable Manual Breast Pump

Willow Wave

Wearable Manual Breast Pump

$35

Amazon

$35

Walmart

If the mama-to-be you're shopping for plans to breastfeed, odds are she already has her eye on a breast pump. If she hasn't considered this one, do her a favor and get it in her hands. This first-of-its-kind wearable manual breast pump will be a lifesaver in the early postpartum days, when mom isn't quite pumping yet but needs some relief as her milk supply comes in. This pump fits comfortably in any nursing bra and works without a motor, so she can control the output.

Embrace Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

Embrace

Embrace Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

$55

Embrace

I was gifted this incredibly soft nursing bra in my third trimester and figured it wouldn't hurt to wear before I technically started nursing—and wow, was I right. This wireless bra makes nursing a breeze with its wrap design—there's no need to even unclasp anything. Plus, it's comfy enough to sleep in. Even if you're not nursing, this bra will make all the changes your breasts go through during pregnancy and postpartum a lot more comfortable.

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft

Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft

$250 $190 (24% off)

Amazon

After Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor said great things about the Kindle Colorsoft, I knew I had to get my hands on it. "It's vivid, but easy on the eyes, so you can sneak a moment with a book while baby sleeps," she said. I had a ton of baby books I wanted to read but very little room in my apartment, so this was the perfect way to consolidate my library.

Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket

Cozy Earth

Channel Cuddle Blanket

$248

Cozy Earth

I spent the bulk of my pregnancy on the couch—between first-trimester fatigue and third-trimester body aches, I always just wanted to lie down with a soft plush blanket. This one from Cozy Earth lives up to its name, evoking the same feeling of warmth and comfort as a snuggle from your favorite person. It's perfect for those days when you want a hug, but your pregnancy rage is also saying, “Nobody touch me.”

Allure social media director Kassidy Silva's picks

The Original Makeup Eraser Cooling Clouds Makeup Eraser Undereye Patches

The Original MakeUp Eraser

Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches

$20 $19 (5% off)

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

Pregnant people aren’t the only ones who love this product—our entire Allure team loved it so much, we gave it a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award. The MakeUp Eraser Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches are washable and sit comfortably under the eye without sliding around. Even better, they never have to be refrigerated. “You would never guess the amount of sleepless nights I’ve had, thanks to Makeup Eraser’s Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches,” says Allure social director (and new mom) Kassidy Silva. “A quick 15 minutes in the morning with these patches instantly brightens up my complexion. Plus, they’re reusable, so I can toss them into the fridge and use them time and time again.”

Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket

Bearaby

Cotton Weighted Blanket

$199

Amazon

$199

Bearaby

Weighted blankets provide a source of comfort and warmth, whether you’re pregnant or not. For expecting moms, a weighted blanket can be especially comforting if you don’t want to bother your sound-sleeping partner for cuddles while you turn like a rotisserie chicken through the night. “This Bearaby weighted blanket has become a constant companion at 3 a.m. while endlessly scrolling BeautyTok, thanks to pregnancy insomnia,” says Silva. “It’s the warm hug every pregnant person needs during those late, lonely nights.”

Allbirds Wool Lounger Mule

Allbirds

Wool Lounger Mule

$63

Allbirds

A lot of things get bigger when you’re pregnant—including your feet. So, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. “My swollen ankles sent me a personal thank-you note after I got my first pair of Allbirds Wool Lounger Mules,” says Silva. “The ultra-soft Merino wool paired with a cloud-like sole has made these my everyday staple.”

AirPods Max

Apple

AirPods Max

$549 $450 (18% off)

Amazon

During the second trimester, babies gain their listening ears in the womb, which means it’s time to start indoctrinating them with all your favorite music. Silva enlisted the help of her Apple AirPods Max for the job. “They’re the perfect investment for pre-and-post-baby; my girl and I had our nightly jam session to Taylor Swift with my headphones snuggly across on my belly," says Silva. "They also helped this mama find some quiet time once baby girl made her debut.”

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Chantecaille

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

$72

Amazon

A tinted moisturizer with SPF gives extra polish (and protection) before they head out for a quick walk—with or without a stroller. “I use a separate sunscreen before this, since it only contains SPF 15—but I appreciate any extra protection,” says contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai, who has one toddler and a second baby on the way. “Anyway, I'm in it for the lightweight coverage: It evens out my skin tones, lightly nourishes my skin, and generally makes me look a little more alive.”

Vince Women's Cashmere Jersey Short Sock

Vince

Women's Cashmere Jersey Short Sock

$95

Vince

Correct: This is an absurd price to pay for socks. But they're the softest, thickest cashmere socks out there, guaranteed to keep their feet cozy whether they're out and about or laid out on a couch. “I asked my brother for socks and he got me these, and the only thing I'm mad about is that I only have one pair,” says Pai. “I've tried other cashmere socks but nothing gets close how cushy these are."

The Ten Year Affair: A Novel by Erin Somers

Erin Somers

The Ten Year Affair: A Novel

$28 $22 (21% off)

Amazon

Two suburban parents meet at an infant group and explore the possibility of an affair in this novel, which splits into parallel realities (one in which the affair happens, and another in which it doesn't). It's like John Cheever for millennials. “I've wanted to read this since hearing the author speak about how it explores the ennui of millennials-turned-parents—basically me—but my local library has an extensive waitlist for it,” says Pai.

Trudon Libra Scented Candle

Trudon

Libra Scented Candle

$390

Nordstrom

If they're going to be trapped inside with a baby for a while—it's the reality!—make it smell as incredible as possible with this stunning candle. The scent—a woody amber with warm notes of tonka bean—adds a cozy feel, while the constellation-inspired design makes the vessel stand out. "I've started burning all of my 'good' candles, and it's been a way to treat myself while my kid is napping or at daycare," says Pai. “I'd love to add this one to my collection, too.”

Design by Paula Balondo/AllureSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I loveeeee reading, but there's no doubt that over the last couple of years, I've taken my passion for the hobby to the next level. I doubled my book count, discovered the magic of audiobooks, and officially joined the BookTok community—and I've never been happier.

And now that the bookish life has become my entire personality, I've realized that aside from my very old e-reader and a few new releases added to my shelves, I haven't really embraced the accessory side of the hobby. And it's silly because there are so! many! accessories!

In the spirit of the holiday season, I've put together a list of gift ideas for book lovers like myself, who would love nothing more than to receive these book-centric presents to pair with their preferred reading platform (e.g. physical book, e-reader, or audiobook). Consider this bookish roundup the ultimate guide to leveling up your giftee's reading experience—you can also call it my personal wish list, ha!

Need more gift-spiration? Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide for 2025.

My Favorite Gifts for Book Lovers

• For the On-Trend Reader: Bookshop.org Gift Card, $10 and up
• For the On-the-Go Reader: Kobo Clara Colour, $160
• For the Cozy Reader: Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow, $45
• For the Audiobook Lover: Libro.fm Credit Bundles, $30 and up
• For the Spicy Audiobook Lover: Apple AirPods Max, $542
• For the Indecisive Reader: Blind Date with a Book, $30
• For the Late-Night Reader: Glocusent Rechargeable Book Light, $19
• For the Corporate Reader: Born to Read Books, Forced to Read Emails Sweatshirt, $60
• For the Bed Rot-Loving Reader: Hantuswus Lazy Glasses, $10
• For the Physical Book Reader: Sprout Bookmarks, $9 and up

For the On-Trend Reader: Bookshop.org Gift Card

Bookshop.org

Bookshop.org Gift Card

$10

Bookshop.org

A quick snapshot of The Ripped Bodice bookstore in Brooklyn, New York. Associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen selected this bookstore to support every time she shops at Bookshop.org.

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

If your reader pre-orders new releases like it's their job (and what a fun job that would be!), or if they're already talking about next year's most-anticipated reads, then they'll love a gift card to a bookstore. I always recommend shopping locally (they're are so many great independent stores to support), but if for some reason your reader can't, Bookshop.org can help! The online retailer partners with independent shops, so every purchase made onsite will benefit the neighborhood store of your choosing—no matter where you live.

For the On-the-Go Reader: Kobo Clara Colour

Kobo

Kobo Clara Colour

$160

Kobo

Back in 2020, when sheltering in place was required, my mother-in-law kindly gifted me a Kindle Paperwhite—and it's been my go-to reading companion ever since. But after a few accidental falls and spillage without a protective covering (oops), I needed an upgrade. Enter, the Kobo Clara Colour.

As its name suggests, this e-reader comes in color! (Well, the ink does.) The design itself comes in two different shade options—black or white—and weighs less than half a pound. (I just got the white one.) In terms of what's inside the device, that's completely up to the reader, thanks to its 16 GB storage. You can fill it with all your favorite e-books and audiobooks from the Kobo Store or loaned out directly from your local library via Libby (IYKYK).

With as much traveling as I do and the number of books I read a month (usually around 15!), the lightweight, easily packable, and waterproof (!) e-reader will certainly come in clutch.

For the Cozy Reader: Viozon Tablet Stand Pillow

Viozon

Tablet Stand Pillow

$48

Amazon

If you've ever accidentally dropped your phone, Kobo, Kindle, or tablet onto your face mid-scroll while supine, may I introduce you to this hands-free and incredibly cozy pillow stand? It'll hold your electronics in place with its rotating arm, while the middle cubby console will keep your emotional support water bottle and snacks steady—leaving you empty-handed to do…anything!

For the Audiobook Lover: Libro.fm Credit Bundles

Libro.fm

Libro.fm Credit Bundles

$30

Libro.fm

As someone who has listened to up to 25 audiobooks in a month, having access to a subscription service, like Libro.fm, is a must. Not only will the monthly credits keep your giftee from spending extra on piecemeal audiobooks—which can get costly real fast at $20 a pop—but it'll also keep them in the loop on all of the new releases ahead of launch.

But what makes Libro.fm's platform different than the rest is that when you create an account, you simultaneously select a local bookstore to support. So every credit used (or bought) will directly benefit both Libro.fm and a neighborhood shop. How neat!

You can shop credit bundles for your listener (starting at a two-pack, all the way up to a 24-pack), and when they run out, they can always scour the sales because Libro.fm often has deep discounts on trending books.

For the Spicy Audiobook Lover: Apple AirPods Max

Apple

AirPods Max

$549 $450 (18% off)

Amazon

$549

Apple

Associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen listening to a spicy audiobook with her Apple AirPods Max headphones.

Courtesy of subject

Listen…no, literally listen. I don't want to be That Girl who hypes up every single Apple product, but the sound quality of AirPods Max headphones is actually very nice. If your book-loving giftee is as into audiobooks as much as I am, they're going to want the best noise-canceling option on the market, to not only drown out ambient sound but to ensure no one would ever be able to audibly catch them listening to spicy audiobooks in the wild. 😉

For the Indecisive Reader: "Blind Date with a Book"

Etsy

Blind Date with a Book

$30

Etsy

Feeling uninspired by your towering TBR? Let fate decide your next read with "Blind Date with a Book." I love this gift's concept because not only does it take the guesswork out of searching stacks and stacks of shelves for a great book, but the surprise element makes it fun for both the gifter and the giftee—no one knows what's been wrapped up until it's opened! If you know your giftee's preferred genre, you can select from a variety of options (romance, fantasy, thriller, etc.), share their Goodreads account, and…voilà! A neatly packaged book, along with some cute extras, like stickers and bookmarks, will be sent straight to the reader recipient—how fun!

For the Late-Night Reader: Glocusent Rechargeable Book Light

Glocusent

Rechargeable Book Light

$19 $13 (32% off)

Amazon

$17

Walmart

Associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen reading Sally Rooney’s Intermezzo with a book light.

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

For the night owls, insomniacs, and readers who can't bear to go to bed until the enemies-to-lovers book finally gets to the lovers part of the story, this dimmable, rechargeable book light will keep your book (or e-reader!) illuminated without disturbing others. I'm partial to the green light, but if Brat Summer isn't your vibe, you can choose from pink, purple, blue, or white colorways.

For the Corporate Reader: Born to Read Books, Forced to Read Emails Sweatshirt

Etsy

Born to Read Books, Forced to Read Emails Sweatshirt

$14

Etsy

Presented without comment. This crewneck, which comes in a variety of colors and sizes, speaks my language. I'll be honest: If I could, I'd be reading right now. Or listening to an audiobook. (Okay, fine, maybe I am currently listening to an audiobook, but that's neither here nor there.) Since I can't read and work at the same time, I'll just wear this sweatshirt in protest. Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I just happen to love reading a little bit more. Gift this pullover to your book-loving friend who feels the same.

For the Bed Rot-Loving Reader: Hantuswus Lazy Glasses

Hantuswus

Lazy Glasses

$17

Amazon

Associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen wears the “lazy glasses” while laying flat in bed reading.

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

Are these quite possibly the most ridiculous things you've ever seen? Yes. Do I still want them? Double yes. As a cozy bed reader, I often jump into my books while I'm horizontal, which one, probably isn't great for my neck and lower back, and two, means I have to hold my Kindle up or MacGyver a makeshift pillow prop to keep my e-reader upright (see above request for a tablet pillow). With these goofy glasses, I can lie completely flat while still being able to read and maintain supreme comfort, thanks to the geniusness of their prism lenses.

For the Physical Book Reader: Sprout Bookmarks

Genuine Fred

Sprout Little Green Bookmarks

$10

Amazon

Genuine Fred

Magic Sprout Mini-Mushroom Bookmarks

$9

Amazon

Polaroids, receipts, scraps of paper—you name it, and I've probably used it as a makeshift bookmark at some point. And while random objects around my house certainly work great as page-holders in a pinch, nothing compares to the convenience and cuteness of these sprout- and mushroom-shaped bookmarks. Join me in stocking up on these teeny-tiny fawn and fungi friends, which make for the most adorable gift for the reader in your life.

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If you're familiar with the sunscreen world—and you should be, considering we should all be wearing SPF every single day—you know that America is way behind in sunscreen innovation. This is in part because in the US, sunscreen is regulated as a drug rather than a cosmetic, which means it has to undergo robust testing via the Food & Drug Administration before hitting shelves. However, the FDA has finally taken a step toward approving a new active sunscreen ingredient (also called a filter), which would be the first major sunscreen-related approval since 1999—yes, 1999!

On December 11, the administration announced a formal proposal to add bemotrizinol to the list of approved active ingredients for over-the-counter sunscreens. According to the FDA, bemotrizinol (or BEMT) “provides protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays, has low levels of absorption through the skin into the body, and rarely causes skin irritation.” Should BEMT approvals be finalized, it will be considered safe and effective by the FDA and recommended for use for adults and children ages six months and older.

“The agency has historically moved too slowly in this area, leaving Americans with fewer options than consumers abroad. We’re continuing to modernize the regulation of sunscreen and other over-the-counter drug products,” FDA commissioner Marty Makary, M.D., M.P.H., said in a statement. “Americans deserve timely access to the best safe, effective, and consumer-friendly over-the-counter products available.”

In the past, the FDA has declined to comment on its approval timelines, and it'll likely be a long while until products formulated with BEMT are approved and made available. In the meantime, interested parties can review the full amendment proposal. Starting December 12, anyone interested can participate in the public comment process, which allows Americans to share direct feedback with the FDA for or against a proposal. If you've got strong feelings about sunscreen, it may be time to hop in the FDA's comments.

Cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously wrote in Allure that chemists in the US have a “pretty limited toolbox” for sunscreen formulation: just 16 active sunscreen ingredients, only eight of which are commonly used. For contrast, in Japan, formulators can choose from over 30 approved filters. According to Dobos, who attended the 2025 Sunscreen Symposium, BEMT is manufactured by DSM-Firmenich, which has been trying to get the ingredient approved in the US for 20 years; it cost them roughly $20 million to bring it to market.

BEMT approval will give cosmetic chemists another ingredient in their toolbox, and Dobos praises it for its efficiency. BEMT provides “true broad-spectrum protection with two distinct absorption peaks, one in the UVA range and one in UVB,” she explains, which means better defense against both sunburns and aging rays. “Unlike older filters that often require high concentrations to achieve adequate SPF, BEMT allows chemists to use lower overall levels of actives while still meeting high SPF and UVA protection targets,” Dobos tells Allure. It may also improve the sunscreen experience: “We can make products with lighter texture and less greasiness in formulations. And, like other organic filters, it's transparent on the skin.”

The American Academy of Dermatologists is also on board with BEMT. “Unprotected exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States,” AAD president Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, said in a statement, noting that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. “Because dermatologists see firsthand the impact that skin cancer has on patients and their families, they recommend everyone apply sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing to protect their skin from sunburn, early skin aging, and skin cancer. The Academy has been advocating for many years for the availability of more sunscreen options for US consumers. The United States lags behind many other countries that have nearly twice as many approved sunscreen ingredients.”

Dobos says she's “very excited” about BEMT and putting it to work in sunscreen formulations. “Many times in the past, I felt like Charlie Brown when Lucy pulls that football away just as he's about to attempt a kick, as progress would start and stall,” she says. “I've been following this my entire career. But this time, it finally feels like we're really going to get a new sunscreen active.”

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By day, I’m Allure’s senior beauty editor, writing and editing stories on the latest developments in the beauty industry. By night—or sometimes early the next morning—I’m working out. Exercising is one way I prioritize and invest in myself. Whether I’m going for a slow jog around my neighborhood or sweating profusely in a HIIT class, being active clears my head and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Jesa Marie Calaor

My colleagues share the sentiment, so we put together a list of the best gifts for your active friends, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. Maybe your pals are really into boot camp classes. Perhaps they’re training for a marathon. Does your friend get nervous going to Pilates classes? Read on for more.

Need more gift-spiration? Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide for 2025.

Floor Workouts: Bala Balance Ball

Bala

Bala Balance Ball

$95

Amazon

$95

Bala

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Why We Love It: “I’ve been going to physical therapy for over a year to rehabilitate an injury, and my doctor emphasized the importance of staying flexible and building core strength outside of our sessions. I wouldn’t be able to do that without a balance ball, and I’ve been loving my Bala. The mesh fabric exterior makes it easy to grip, which is perfect for core exercises, and it’s sturdy enough that I never feel like it’s going to pop or that I’ll slip off while sitting or stretching on it. Even better is that it’s so cute, giving your home a modern, boutique-studio vibe instead of a sweaty, garage-gym atmosphere.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

At-Home Pilates: Balanced Body Metro IQ Reformer

Balanced Body

Metro IQ Pilates Reformer

$2,295

Amazon

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

“I’ve been wanting to attend Pilates regularly, but my injury has kept me from keeping up with regular classes (and my wallet can’t handle private lessons). Balanced Body Metro IQ Reformer has been a solid solution. It’s equipped with what I need for a productive workout: a soft and sturdy carriage and headrest that support my neck and spine. With guidance from my physical therapist, I’ve been able to use it for slow (yet sweat-inducing) workouts that don’t cause pain. Best part: This model is so lightweight and easy to store, fitting snugly in the corner of my home gym.”—Calaor

Recovery: Bearaby Warmables Bundle

Bearaby

Bearaby Melt The Day Away Set

$304

Bearaby

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Why We Love It: “This bundle is a must-have for anyone just starting out on their fitness journey or easing back into working out, like me. I am careful not to over-extend myself to the point of injury, but soreness is inevitable after weight training. This bundle includes options to help soothe them: a slightly weighted water bottle, neck pad, and lap pad that you can heat up in the microwave or stick in the freezer for your preferred temperature. They feel so good when you lay them across achy areas. I particularly love the bottle, which I use when I have lower back soreness or stomach cramping.”—Calaor

Indoor Cardio: Forme Power+ Bra

Forme

Forme Power+ Bra

$212

Forme

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

Why We Love It: “The number of compliments I’ve gotten while wearing this sports bra (yes, sports bra) is honestly jarring. I’ve even had someone stop me mid-run on the treadmill because they were so intrigued. I mean, the tank-like top is cute and all, but what’s going on? I think it has to do with the fact that a certain singer has worn the bra a few times, but also because of its patent-pending, posture-correcting technology. I can’t say that my posture has drastically improved since adding the top to my workout wardrobe, but every time I wear it, I’m constantly second-guessing my habitual slumping, and I adjust as needed. I really love the design itself, with the cropped fit and oversized shoulder straps. It really is cute!” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

Strength Training: Barry’s Gift Card

Barry's

Gift Card

$25

Barry's

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

Why We Love It: “The strength-training, boot camp-style workout has been a staple in my life for years, and with 1,000-plus Barry’s classes under my proverbial belt, I’m still going strong (pun intended). That means I’d happily accept gifts in the form of Barry’s gift cards this holiday season and beyond (my birthday is in January, FYI!).”—Kinonen

All Workouts: Lululemon Define Jacket

Lululemon

Lululemon Define Track Jacket Luon

$138

Lululemon

Courtesy of Kassidy Silva

Why We Love It: “We all have that one friend who’s constantly hitting a new boutique fitness class that you’ve never heard of, or taking a hike in some far-flung place. This is the perfect gift for them, or you, if you want to emulate them. It’s versatile, durable (no holes after 10 years!), and lightweight while still keeping you warm. Whether I’m going for a walk along the Hoboken waterfront with my daughter or warming up in spin class, the Lululemon Define Jacket remains one of my most versatile workout pieces.”—Kassidy Silva, social director

Wellness: Apple Watch Series 11

Apple

Apple Watch Series 11

$828

Amazon

$299

Best Buy

Courtesy of Kassidy Silva

Why We Love It: “Never underestimate rest as part of your fitness journey. While I use my Apple Series 11 Watch to track daily steps, listen to my Peloton guided runs, and keep an eye on my stress levels, the biggest bonus is that it monitors my sleep. Getting any rest with my one-year-old can make it challenging to open that app in the morning, and while my score has been lacking, the app has helped me set realistic goals for the day and gauge whether I’m giving my body enough time to recover from my last workout.

“Whether you’re gifting for the gymgoer in your life or a loved one who needs to monitor their health a bit more closely, the Apple Watch is a versatile go-to present for the holidays. I always add a few colorful bands to give the gift more personality.”—Silva

Running: Nike Vomero Premium

Nike

Nike Vomero Premium Sneaker

$230

Revolve

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “These are my favorite running shoes. I have them in Blue Tint, Sail Coconut Milk, and Hyper Pink. They look great, make me feel fast, and are incredibly comfortable—especially if you like a stacked shoe. They’re lightweight, offer a nice boost with every stride, and have excellent cushioning with no break-in period needed. I also wear them for long days on my feet. I’ve run in them at least twice a week since September, and they’ve never let me down. They fit true to size, so if you’re between sizes, I wouldn’t size up.”—Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

Strength Training: Nike Metcon 6

Nike

Nike Free Metcon 6

$125

Nike

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “I have recommended the Nike Metcons to at least five of my friends, and all of them have loved them, like my friend who was a beginner lifter and also needed shoes for HIIT workouts, an occasional short run, and more. My fellow college-athlete friends also love these shoes for our gym sessions because they are truly so reliable for a range of activities. I’m currently on my second pair, and bought the first when I was a college athlete four years ago. They give you great stability in the gym while lifting, but also give you support if you are doing HIIT workouts, sprints, and mobility work. They come in a handful of colorways and are my go-tos for the gym and group classes.”—Gunderman

All Workouts: Free People Quilted Carryall Bag

Free People

Free People Quilted Carryall Bag

$78

Free People

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “It’s the perfect size, fits everything I need, isn't too big, and it has little zipper pockets where I can stash my jewelry and separate any sweaty clothes. I call it my Mary Poppins bag because I'm always shocked at how much I can squeeze in it. I can easily fit shoes, a change of clothes, and my makeup pouch. This is also my bag for long weekends and short trips. I love the long crossbody strap because it's so easy to throw over my shoulder when I'm on the go.”—Gunderman

Recovery: Theragun Mini in Alpine Green

Therabody

TheraGun Mini

$220 $160 (27% off)

Amazon (3rd Generation)

$220

Dermstore (3rd Generation)

$220

Ulta Beauty (3rd Generation)

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “This massage gun is the perfect size. It delivers the power of the larger models without being too heavy or difficult to travel with. I can really feel the benefits after an intense workout (I’m less tight and sore the next day) and even after a long day at my desk, because it helps loosen up my shoulders and back after slouching.”—Gunderman

Long-Distance Running: Bandit Zip Front Race Crop and Striped 5' Compression Shorts

Bandit

Bandit Zip Front Race Crop and Striped 5' Compression Shorts

$82 $78 (5% off)

Bandit

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “Every cool girl who runs has a Bandit set (or wishes she did). It’s a Brooklyn-based company that wants you to PR and look good doing it. Their sets come in fun, bright colorways and offer compression and support while you work out. The features are targeted to performance running, offering places to hold your gels and silicone grippers around the legs of the shorts so they don't ride up.”—Gunderman

Endurance Training: On Endurance Bra Zip in Spirulina

On

On Endurance Bra Zip

$95

On

$95

Dick's Sporting Goods

Courtesy of Kathryne Hall

Why We Love It: “As I look to get serious about building strength and endurance in my 40s, I need both support and motivation. After years of settling for lower-quality sports bras, splurging on the On Endurance Bra feels special when I need a little help getting motivated. The encapsulated cups and long sides provide ample support for intense running or jumping, and the spirulina color is a beautiful green that’s perfect for the holidays. This is a great gift for both experienced athletes and to support someone who’s just getting started.”—Kathryne Hall, visuals director

Wellness: Oura Ring

Ōura

Ring 4

$344

Amazon

Why We Love It: “I’ve been wearing the Oura Ring for a while now, and it’s basically become my tiny, discreet reality check. It tracks my sleep, heart rate, temperature shifts, and daily activity, then quietly nudges me when something’s off. And I won’t lie—people either swear by it or say it stresses them out (honestly, that’s true of any health tracker). Sure, seeing a night of terrible REM after a couple of drinks isn’t fun, but the data doesn’t lie, and it’s helped me spot some real gaps in my routine.

“When I first started using it, Oura made it painfully clear that I wasn’t anywhere near the goals my health coach had helped me set (e.g., 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day and 7.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep). With a desk job that requires a lot of early-morning events, after-work happy hours, and brand dinners, I was missing both by a lot. Wearing the Oura Ring means it’s always tracking, so it’s helped me hit my step goals and fix some of my late-night habits (yes, like going to bed earlier and not drinking cocktails right before). It’s definitely helped me make small, doable shifts that add up, and I’ve also learned that you don’t have to check the app every morning. Sometimes giving yourself a little grace (and not immediately peeking at your sleep score after a 3 a.m. night of dancing) is also a healthy move.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

All Workouts: Set Active LuxForm Lux High-Rise Leggings and LuxForm Lux V Long Sleeve

Set Active

Set Active LuxForm Lux High-Rise Leggings and LuxForm Lux V Long Sleeve

$80 $75 (6% off)

Set Active

Courtesy of Briana Rengifo

Why We Love It: “I appreciate activewear that doesn’t show how much I’m sweating, holds me in, and makes my legs look toned. This set does all of the above. It’s made from buttery-soft fabric that makes putting it on feel special (like you’re not just putting on your go-to gym clothes), and it’s perfectly snug without being too tight. I wore this for a weightlifting class, followed by a 30-minute indoor run, and I couldn’t believe I didn’t have any sweat marks! Gift this to your friend who loves to feel good while she works out. No judgment if that friend is you.”—Briana Rengifo, designer

Walking: Wildbird Aerial Carrier

Wildbird Aerial Carrier

$178

Amazon

$178

Wildbird

Courtesy of Annie Blay

Why We Love It: “After I gave birth to my daughter, I was eager to get moving. So once I was given the okay at my six-week check-up, I started thinking of ways to begin exercising again—but with my new little buddy.

“Enter: the Wildbird Aerial Carrier. I strap my daughter into this comfortable, snug baby carrier and head out for walks. The material is very soft, and the straps are easy to clip in. They also feel very secure. I never have to worry about my little one bouncing around too much or getting loose while I power walk.

“My daughter falls asleep a few minutes after I strap her in, and I pop in my headphones for a serotonin-boosting walk.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

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More times than I can count (or care to) I’ve declared that, although I am zealous about every woman’s right to decide what, if anything, she wants to do to her face, I myself have deep roots firmly planted in the no-surgery camp. At 75, I’ve had plenty of time to think about it, weighing the pros and cons, giving full reign to my imagination about the delicate intricacies (and gory details) of invasive procedures, recovery processes, and eventual outcomes.

All that thinking has only strengthened my conviction that learning to love your face without objectification is a powerful way to counteract the damaging and distressing messages from a beauty culture that prizes youthfulness and hypersexuality. I could say without ambivalence that I’m not a candidate for elective surgery. Until now.

It isn’t wrinkles or sagging per se that have changed my outlook. I love an old face. (Including my own.) The problem is with a particular manifestation of aging, which I’ve described this way: The corners of our mouths droop, making us look impatient or fretful when we’re not—intensifying resting bitch face (RBF) if we’re already prone to it. That situation is exacerbated by an unfortunate combination of gravity, bone loss, and reduced soft tissue volume.

It isn’t wrinkles or sagging per se that have changed my outlook. I love an old face. (Including my own.)

Neuromodulator injections and filler can help lift the corners of your mouth, but I’m not into injections in that area, because there’s a very slight risk of losing the ability to enunthiate thertain conthonanths.

Because of this inevitable loss of structural support, the area around my mouth seems to have set itself into something that looks exactly like disdain. Disdain! The emotion I am least likely to succumb to, ever! Interestingly, it’s not even the look on my face that disturbs me; it’s the consequences of the look. Because unless I’m smiling, someone who catches me glancing at them would most likely believe not only that I think they’re hardly worthy of my attention, but that I am suffused with contempt.

So not me. So very much not me.

I might’ve anticipated this situation when I noticed that my 93-year-old mother, a remarkably cheerful woman in her oldest age, often seemed to look very discontented. What was wrong, dear Mom? “What? Nothing!” she’d declare, her face suddenly blooming into a smile. “I was just thinking of…your father, my grandchildren, the delicious soup I had last night…” While any number of pleasant memories were playing in her head, you might’ve thought, looking at her face, that she’d just fallen into an open grave.

Unless I’m smiling, someone who catches me glancing at them would most likely believe that I am suffused with contempt.

Lest you think this preoccupation with my newly unappealing expression is vain or self-involved, actually, now that I think about it, it is (so shoot me). But there’s more to it. Facial expressions are one of the most important forms of non-verbal communication, according to an editorial in the academic journal Frontiers in Psychology, citing many studies. Mimicking facial expressions is a way of sharing emotions, for example. Being aware of that, I’ve always loved noticing how, in conversation, someone will raise her eyebrows as I raise mine, or reflexively smile at my own smile. The feeling that generates? We’re in this together.

Among other things, facial expression can also influence decision-making: A happy expression can induce more willingness in an observer to take a risk. I thought of the influence of facial expression the other day as I listened to fashion writer Amy O’Dell interviewing Sophie Gilbert, who writes often about culture and women’s issues for The Atlantic. Referring to Kim Kardashian’s neutral stare in the TV series All’s Fair and other media outlets, Gilbert says, “She has just become this avatar of immobile, provocative expressionlessness for women. She’s giving nothing.” O’Dell and Gilbert go on to mention several examples of other celebrities’ blank stares.

I don’t know about you, but what that blank stare says to me is mean girl. In fact, I remember very well clocking it on certain of my 7th grade classmates. What they were communicating—in their case intentionally—was disinterest, judgment, and subtle hostility. All of this was evident from their lack of micro-expressions, like the slight lifting of the brows that opens the eyes and softens the face.

Drawing a blank: Hailey Bieber, Zoë Kravitz, Charli XCX, and Rosé at the Saint Laurent show in Paris in September.

Getty Images

This lack of expression, zombie-like at its most extreme, can, of course, be the result of too much neurotoxin injected into the facial muscles. It’s the reason I never do Botox or any of its ilk around my eyes to eliminate crows’ feet. I’ve written about why: I have strong feelings about crow’s feet: I like them. Personally, I think crow’s feet are the least unbeautiful of wrinkles; you get them from squinting, sure, but also from a fully engaged smile—called the Duchenne—in which the corners of your eyes get crinkly. It lets people know you are genuinely happy. That’s nice, right? Better: When people respond to your happiness, it precipitates a neural loop that can make you feel even happier. (For the record, I do get neurotoxin injected between my brows—because my frown lines, on the other hand, do not precipitate a happy neural loop.)

Facial expressions are one of the most important forms of non-verbal communication.

Am I saying crow’s feet are good for you? Kind of. And scientists would agree: Studies of yearbook pictures, politicians’ headshots, and dating profile photos show that deep crow’s-feet are good predictors of lower divorce rates, election victories, and how wealthy people think you are, respectively.

And they’re not just good for you, but good for the people who might care about you and your well-being. I happen to have many crow’s feet. A murder of them. Complementing them, a couple of pretty prominent under-eye bags. They may make me sometimes look tired when I’m not. But they don’t influence other people’s perception in a way that suggests I might be disdainful of them, or worse, contemptuous.

That’s what I can’t abide, and what has finally uprooted me from my comfortable position as a no-facial-surgery constituent. I’m not sure what exactly can be done to ameliorate my situation, but I think it might be something called a “lip lift,” which definitely involves a scalpel. For now, I’m voting for discovery. All this is just to say, when it comes to our decisions about aesthetic choices, we have the option to change our minds. Let’s not be judgy about it. Unless you’re living under a rock, you’ve probably already been confronted by the finger-wagging arguments against aesthetic manipulation: it’s misogynistic, patriarchal, anti-feminist, destructive to your physical and spiritual self. I believe that, yes, it can be. Also, that sometimes, it is not.

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

You don't have to sit front row at Paris Fashion Week to recognize the best Chanel beauty products. The iconic intertwining C's can be spotted from across the room—a selling point for many, to be sure, but they're also a testament to the quality of the products imprinted with the logo, especially when it comes to those we put on our faces. Allure editors have tested nearly every Chanel beauty product, and a few have risen the ranks to become routine regulars. We can say with our full chests that if you're shopping Chanel’s collection of iconic handbags and apparel without perusing the Parisian label's beauty section, you're doing yourself—and your makeup bag—a huge disservice.

Our Top Chanel Products

• A Radiant Complexion, Bottled: Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation, $65
• The Baume Bomb: Rouge Coco Baume Satin Tinted Lip Balm, $48
• All Length, No Clumps: Le Volume de Chanel Mascara, $40
• Fresh Flush: No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm, $50
• Fan-Favorite Nail Polish: Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour, $33
• Cuticle Maintenance, Secured: L’Huile Camélia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil, $33
• Nightly Reset: Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume, $200
• Pocketful of Hand Care: Chanel La Crème Main, $62
• On-the-Go Chic: N°5 Eau de Parfum Purse Spray, $195

You're probably aware of Chanel’s prestige fragrances (No. 5, anyone?), but the high-end label's beauty collection features so much more than perfume—including a makeup artist-beloved foundation and award-winning night cream. Elevate your beauty regimen with Chanel's finest skin care, makeup, and fragrances below.

Jump ahead to:

• Our favorite Chanel makeup
• Our favorite Chanel skin care
• Our favorite Chanel fragrances

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

Our Favorite Chanel Makeup

A Radiant Complexion, Bottled: Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

Chanel

Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation

$65

Chanel

$65

Nordstrom

$65

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B20

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Cakey foundation? We don't know her. Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation is one of our go-tos when we want a lightweight, skin-like finish. After all, radiance is “in” any time of the year. While there are a handful of familiar skin-care ingredients we'd like to spotlight, one we usually don't talk about is…water! "The formula is made of 40% water, leaving the skin hydrated and plump, while the radiant finish helps to create a smooth, glowy, seamless, and skin-like blend," Amrita Mehta, a makeup artist based in New York and LA, told us. This insight totally checks out, since the silky liquid couldn't be easier to blend out. In our experience, the formula is also very conducive to layering without looking heavy or textured, so you can easily add coverage wherever you need it.

Han before applying the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B20

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation in B20

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"I'm extra picky about foundation and concealer—it has to give me buildable coverage but feel like nothing on my skin, and I adore a somewhat dewy finish. After hearing so many makeup artists rave about the formula, I had a feeling Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Foundation would live up to its name—and it really does. It feels as lightweight as my favorite skin tints but ups the coverage ever so slightly. I usually apply a light second layer in the places I need more coverage—my semi-spotty cheeks, the redness around my nose, etc., and I barely feel the formula at all. I will say B20 looked a little too warm upon first swatch (even though it's labeled as a neutral undertone shade) but it matched my paler-than-usual winter complexion well after I blended everything out with my trusty sponge." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, meadowfoam seed oil, kalanchoe pinnata leaf extract
• Finish: luminous
• Who it's for: anyone who wants light-to-medium foundation coverage
• Available shades: 39

The Baume Bomb: Rouge Coco Baume Satin Tinted Lip Balm

Chanel

Rouge Coco Baume Satin Tinted Lip Balm

$48

Chanel

$48

Ulta Beauty

Shipin applying the Rouge Coco Baume Satin Tinted Lip Balm

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: A lip balm from Chanel? Really? Yes. Rouge Coco Baume Satin Tinted Lip Balm is the kind of everyday luxury that’s genuinely worth it. With a beautiful range of 12 shades—from barely-there neutrals to rich berry tones—there’s a tint for every mood and skin tone. The formula is packed with nourishing ingredients like shea butter and meadowfoam oil, which deliver lasting hydration without feeling heavy or sticky. It glides on effortlessly, leaving a smooth, satin finish that enhances your natural lip color while keeping dryness at bay.

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“It's no wonder Sophia Richie Grainge wore this lip product on her wedding day—it's perfect. It's lipstick meets lip balm in the way that its comfortable like a balm but pigmented like a lipstick. And this packaging? So Chanel chic!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Available shades: 9 (including Dreamy White, Natural Charm, My Rose, and Fall for Me)
• Who it's for: anyone who wants a sheer wash of lip color

An Artist's Palette: Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette

Chanel

Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette

$160

Chanel

$160

Bloomingdale's

Why it's worth it: While Chanel's eye shadow quads have been around for years (and super cute and portable, to boot!), the luxury brand reimagined its palettes for the 2025 holiday collection and gave us these beauties, a.k.a. the Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palettes. Available in three absolutely stunning colorways, The Daring Muse, The New Singular, and The Space Traveler (pictured here), these are a makeup lover's dream. Shimmery, matte, metallic–you name it, Les 9 Ombre's got it. Each shade is perfectly soft, blendable, and buildable, but doesn't budge throughout the day or cause fallout while applying. With nine options per palette, the eye look possibilities are pretty much endless, so let your creativity run wild.

Han applying Chanel Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in The Space Traveler

Sarah Han

Han after applying Chanel Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in The Space Traveler

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“You know what I love more than a Chanel eye shadow quad? Yup, a palette even with more options. What I first laid eyes on the Les 9 Ombres Eyeshadow Palettes, I knew I had to get my hands on one. I was immediately drawn to The Space Traveller because its combination of colors seemed the most wearable, and that pearlescent lavender shade in the top row in particular was screaming my name. It's just so pretty and ethereal; I have no notes! My favorite gel liner just so happens to be a purple/berry, and the two together are a match made in makeup heaven.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Total colorways: 3 (The Daring Muse, The New Singular, and The Space Traveler)
• Finishes: matte, satin, shimmery and metallic

All Length, No Clumps: Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Chanel

Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

$40

Chanel

$40

Nordstrom

Allure former market shopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: Reach sky-high length with the Le Volume de Chanel Mascara. Its clump-free formula is paired with the Chanel-exclusive tapered brush for longer, more voluminous lashes. One coat is all you need from this pitch-black formula for a noticeable effect, but feel free to layer it for a fuller finish without webbing.

Trakoshis before applying the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Trakoshis after applying the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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"What screams luxury more than a Chanel mascara? The Le Volume de Chanel Mascara is great for creating volume and length on my lashes. It's also really buildable, which is great for touch-ups on a night out when I feel like my lashes could use a bit more 'oomph.'” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

Tester feedback from Han

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"My itty-bitty lashes always need ample help, and Chanel Le Volume delivers serious volume from the very first swipe but, equally importantly, doesn't make my lashes look overly spidery. I love that Chanel plays with non-black hues in its lineup because your girl can't pass up a brown mascara (I might have to try the blue next!). My only qualm is that it dries out a little faster than I'd like, but that's definitely not unique to this formula. I'll be honest; I didn't have high expectations for this mascara going in, but now it's one of my absolute favorites!" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Available shades: 3 (Noir, Écorces, and Blue Night)
• Benefits: volumizing, lengthening
• Who it's for: anyone who wants bolder-looking lashes

Fresh Flush: No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

Chanel

No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm

$50

Chanel

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Ulta Beauty

Han applying No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm in Berry Boost

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: No matter which of the Chanel No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm's nine shades you pick, you can expect a radiant flush of color from each swipe. Each pot of this creamy cheek and lip tint contains moisturizing camellia oil to plump and condition skin as you wear its long-lasting formula. Tobi Henney, a bi-coastal makeup artist, previously told Allure that this tinted balm is quite pigmented, so use a light amount of product when applying.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I love a multipurpose product and lip and cheek tints are definitely at the top of that list. No. 1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm has a buttery, red camellia oil-infused formula that easily transfers onto the pad of my (clean!) ring finger so I can dab away on my cheeks and lips. Even though it's a tint, shades like Berry Boost don't disappoint in the pigmentation category—I'm left with a pretty flush that I can apply and blend out with just my fingers, or if I'm not in a rush, a blush brush (I'm using Saie's The Double Brush in the clip).” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Available shades: 9
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to add stunning color to their next makeup look

Fan-Favorite Nail Polish: Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

Chanel

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

$33

Chanel

$33

Nordstrom

Shanna Shipin wearing Chanel’s Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in shade Sun Drop

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Trust us, you deserve a fresh mani with one of Chanel's Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour shades. The 33-shade range has stunning high-shine finishes and a patent effect that could rival vinyl, kind of like a Chanel bag or pair of shoes. Once you apply, expect your fresh coat of polish to stay put without chipping for up to seven days.

Tester feedback from Shipin

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"What first grabs you are the shade offerings. There are the legends, from the perfect nude-pink 'Ballerina' to the quintessential red 'Pirate,' but what keeps me coming back are the seasonal shades. They're simultaneously of-the-moment and classic; like 'Sun Drop' (seen above), a not-too-bright coral you can wear any time. I've used these polishes with and without base or top coats, and I've always been impressed by how long they last, even without any protective layers. They also happen to make the perfect presents, and I always keep an eye out for the cute little nail polish bundles that pop up around gifting season." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Available shades: 33
• Who it's for: anyone who wants long-lasting nail polish with a vivid color payoff.

Our Favorite Chanel Skin Care

Bye, Chapped Lips: Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres

Chanel

Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres

$60

Chanel

$60

Ulta Beauty

Dianna Singh applying the Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Why it's worth it: When the going gets tough on your lips (as in, when dryness and chapped skin arise), a heavy-hydrating formula like Chanel’s Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres is a necessity. This serum feels light and instantly seeps onto lips as it treats dry skin with white camellia flower extract, which is rich in conditioning antioxidants. Since this product promotes hydration, you’ll also notice the plumping and smoothing effects of water-replenishing humectant hyaluronic acid.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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“Sure, I could use the lip balm perpetually rolling around at the bottom of my bag to hydrate my lips, but why would I do that when I could use this elegant tube of serum instead. The lightweight formula within is just as luxurious, and instantly soothes and plumps. I keep a tube on my nightstand for easy access before bed, but it's also been known to make an appearance in my vegetable drawer: The cold of the fridge makes it even more refreshing to apply.” —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: white camellia extract, hyaluronic acid
• Who it's for: anyone with dry, chapped lips
• Fragrance-free: no

Pocketful of Hand Care: Chanel La Crème Main

Chanel

La Crème Main

$62

Chanel

$62

Nordstrom

$62

Ulta Beauty

Han applying Chanel La Crème Main

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: So often our faces and limbs get all the love, but our hands are overlooked—and that neglect shows, especially in the dead of the cold winter months. For some editors, a luxurious hand cream is the constant reminder we need to apply and reapply so our skin always stays supple and soft, instead of dry, irritated, and cracked. Infused with soft floral notes, Chanel's La Crème Main fits right in with the brand's nicely-scented skin-care lineup. But more importantly, this silky treatment delivers long-lasting hydration in the form of its star ingredient, camellia yeast, camellia oil, and camellia ceramides. Who knew your hands could look so radiant? (We do.)

Tester feedback from Han

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“I'll be honest: I've long overlooked the important 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
• Who it's for: anyone with dry and/or cracked hands
• Fragrance-free: no

Dewy Skin On-the-Go: No.1 de Chanel Serum-in-Mist

Chanel

No.1 de Chanel Serum-in-Mist

$120

Chanel

$120

Ulta Beauty

Trakoshs using the No.1 de Chanel Serum-in-Mist

Why it's worth it: Dry, dull skin? Couldn't be us. The N°1 de Chanel Serum-in-Mist is like a glass of water and a power serum for your face—all in one ultra-fine, makeup-friendly spritz. The formula is infused with red camellia extract (the antioxidant-rich hero behind the brand’s entire N°1 line), which is giving instantly refreshing, soothing, and straight-up dew—whether you’re barefaced or fully done-up. Think of it as your 3 p.m. skin revival in a bottle.

Tester feedback from Trakoshis

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“I genuinely didn’t think I needed another facial mist—my shelf already looks like that of a spa's—but this one completely changed my mind. The mist is ultrafine, like a soft veil, and somehow makes my skin look instantly more awake and alive without messing up my makeup. Plus, the packaging is so chic and weighty, so it actually feels special every time I use it—not like something I’m just spraying mindlessly between meetings.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red camellia extract, camellia water, glycerin
• Who it's for: anyone who needs a mid-day refresh
• Fragrance-free: no

Nightly Reset: Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume

Chanel

Le Lift Pro Crème Volume

$200

Chanel

$200

Nordstrom

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume

Kassidy Silva

Why it's worth it: We have high standards when it comes to determining our Allure Best of Beauty Award winners—but even higher standards when we're talking splurges. As evident by the red seal, Chanel's Le Lift Pro Crème Volume makes a worthwhile case. ICYMI: Honey is a super soothing ingredient and can help reduce inflammation and redness by drawing out excess fluid— and Chanel's version is particularly special, a.k.a. melipona enzymatic sourced from Costa Rica. This antimicrobial, moisturizing agent then thrives in harmony with a host of near-and-dear-to-us ingredients, such as glycerin, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, and cica. And unlike many of Chanel's other skin-care offerings, it's fragrance-free, making it all the more accommodating for sensitive skin. Consider it the perfect nightcap to the rest of your skin-care routine.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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"The Chanel Le Lift Pro Crème Volume moisturizer helps me hit glazed status every night before bed. With chronically dry skin—thank you eczema and psoriasis—it's my nightly staple to keep my skin supple and glowing." —Kassidy Silva, social director

Tester feedback from Trakoshis

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"Even though I'm only 28, my biggest skin-care concern is wrinkles, so I'll try anything that claims to stave them off," says Trakoshis. "The Le Lift Pro Crème Volume is a fragrance-free moisturizer that contains melipona enzymatic honey—an ingredient sourced from and harvested in Costa Rica—to tighten, plump, and boost collagen, so fine lines are not a worry." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: melipona enzyme, shea butter, jojoba seed oil, glycerin, Centella asiatica leaf extract
• Who it's for: people experiencing signs of aging and in between procedures
• Fragrance-free: yes

Cuticle Maintenance: L’Huile Camélia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil

Chanel

L’Huile Camélia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil

$33

Chanel

$33

Nordstrom

Kara McGrath applying the Chanel L’Huile Camélia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil

Kara McGrath

Why it's worth it: Cuticle treatments are the underdog of nail care as they replenish much-needed moisture to prevent skin and nail dryness. Our team loves the gel-to-oil Chanel L’Huile Camélia Hydrating and Fortifying Oil for its ultra-moisturizing properties à la ceramide-rich camellia oil. With each squeeze, the pen-like applicator disperses just enough product to minimize oily messes.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“I love that this cuticle oil is a little more viscous than most; the thicker formula stays where I've applied it rather than running down my fingers. It instantly makes my cuticles and nails look more moisturized, plus, it has a light floral scent that's simply divine.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: camellia oil
• Who it's for: dry cuticles, brittle nails
• Fragrance-free: no

Our Favorite Chanel Fragrances

On-the-Go Chic: N°5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set

Chanel

N°5 Eau de Parfum Twist and Spray Set

$235

Chanel

$235

Bloomingdale's

$235

Macy's

Allure features director Dianna Singh using the Chanel No.5 Refillable Purse Spray

Dianna Singh

Why it's worth it: If it's one Chanel fragrance to rule them all, it has to be N°5. The current formula has been an editor/consumer/anyone favorite since 1986 because it strikes a beautiful balance of floral, citrus, vanilla, and woody notes without feeling the least bit intimidating or overwhelming. Fragrance lovers of all ages will find something to love about it, which is why it's such a timeless scent. No wonder Chanel has spread the N°5 love across its fragranced offerings (hey, body oil and hand cream).

Tester feedback from Singh

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“Chanel No. 5 Eau de Parfum is as classic as it gets, but the brand continues to best themselves with new ways to experience it. Personally, I'm partial to this special-edition purse spray designed to be worn around the wrist like a grown-up charm bracelet.” —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key notes: rose, jasmine, aldehydes, vanilla
• Size: 3.4 fl oz., 1.7 fl oz

A Floral for Every Season: Gabrielle Eau de Parfum

Chanel

Gabrielle Eau de Parfum

$176

Chanel

$176

Nordstrom

$176

Sephora

Talia Gutierrez applying the Chanel Gabrielle Eau de Parfum

Talia Gutierrez

Why it's worth it: Fans of true florals will love dousing themselves in Chanel’s Gabrielle Eau de Parfum, aptly named after Miss Coco Chanel herself. (Fun fact: Her birth name is Gabrielle.) Its profile sticks strictly to a bouquet of tuberose, jasmine, ylang-ylang, and orange blossom, bottled in a classic square mister that’s the perfect fit for any vanity setup. Since this scent has a subtler floral fragrance profile, it’s ideal for layering with your favorite gourmand or fruity perfumes.

Tester feedback from former associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez

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“A few years ago I found a bottle of Chanel Gabrielle in the Allure Beauty Closet and would make frequent trips down to the closet just for a spritz or two. That's when I knew it was time to get my own bottle for home. It's elegant and feminine but still wearable at the office and for a date night out. The notes that stand out to me the most are jasmine and tuberose, but there's also a bit of orange blossom and ylang-ylang for a sweet and fruity floral fragrance that’s well worth its price tag. Plus, the bottle looks as chic as ever on my nightstand.” —Talia Gutierrez, former associate special projects manager

More to know

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• Fragrance notes: jasmine, ylang ylang, orange blossom, tuberose
• Who it's for: anyone who is a fan of floral fragrances
• Available sizes: 1.2 fl oz., 1.7 fl oz., 3.4 fl oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

Unlike your run-of-the-mill hand cream, the best-smelling hand creams wrap your hands in a delicious scent—turning an ordinary skin-care step into an olfactory treat. However, even a good-smelling hand cream needs to deliver intense moisture without leaving behind a greasy film. We’ve tested tons of formulas (including a few Best of Beauty winners!) infused with rich butters and oils that soften hands and nourish cuticles. However, the scents—everything from bright florals to cozy ambers—are the main event. Keep reading to find the scented hand cream that’ll tie together your moisturizing routine with your fragrance collection.

Our Top Best-Smelling Hand Creams

• Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream, $22
• Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème, $45
• Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream, $22
• Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods, $10
• Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $105
• Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment, $74
• Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum, $36
• Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream, $50
• Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You, $20

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• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Maison Louis Marie

No.04 Bois De Balincourt Hand Cream

$22

Amazon

$22

Revolve

$22

Anthropologie

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Why we love it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, the Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream is easily one of the best hand creams we’ve tried in the past year. While Maison Louis Marie is foremost known as a perfume label, this one prioritizes hydration with a moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, and green tea and chamomile extracts—immediately quenching dry skin without the dreaded leftover greasiness. And, of course, the brand’s ambery-woody notes (hi, sandalwood and cedarwood) are the cherry on top.

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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“No.04 Bois de Balincourt is one of my all-time favorite fragrances—it's floral, fresh, warm, and earthy—and I'm so happy it comes in hand cream form. I love that it’s ultra-hydrating for dry hands but doesn't leave them feeling sticky. The 1.7 fl oz. tube is perfect for when I’m on the go, and the aluminium packaging feels so much more chic than a plastic tube.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avocado oil, shea butter, green tea, chamomile extract
• Fragrance notes: sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood
• Total scent options: 4 (including No.09 Vallée de Farney and No.13 Nouvelle Vague)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Mienne

Fleurir Hand Crème

$45

Revolve

Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying the Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Briana Rengifo

Why we love it: Mienne’s Fleurir Hand Crème has made the rounds at Allure HQ for good reason. Hand cream is usually a practical step, but this one makes the whole routine feel a little more intentional. The brand calls it “aphrodisiac skin care,” thanks to a blend of maca root and ylang-ylang for a warm, cozy whiff, plus ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils to smooth and nourish. To keep moisture locked in for hours, there’s a nourishing blend of shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate. The result is soft, hydrated hands with a subtle scent that makes reapplication something you actually look forward to.

Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ginger oil, rosehip oil, passion flower oil, mango butter, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance notes: ylang ylang, ginger, passion flower
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 2 fl oz.

Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Moroccanoil

Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

$22

Moroccanoil

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Why we love it: Moroccanoil’s hair care is beloved for its hydration, and its body line also lives up to that reputation. The Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream is intensely moisturizing yet fast-absorbing, packed with nourishing argan oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing squalane, and a rich blend of cocoa and shea butters that leave skin incredibly soft. Its scent evokes a stroll through a blooming garden, with notes of dahlia petals, delicate tuberose, and a warm base of sandalwood and musk.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“No one in New York City has time to stop and smell the roses (it's not like the city is filled with them). But the second best thing, for me, is the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream. This hydrating cream smells like a lush bouquet of roses. The fresh, floral scent isn't at all overwhelming plus last for hours on end.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cocoa butter, shea butter
• Total scent options: 8 (including Ambiance de Plage and Oud Minéral)
• Size: 3.4 fl oz.

Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

The Crème Shop x Peanuts

Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

$10

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

Sarah Han

Why we love it: The Crème Shop proves there’s more to cute packaging than meets the eye. Its holiday collab with Peanuts features a Moisturizing Hand Cream in three scents—Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk—each formulated with a nourishing base of shea butter and vitamin E to keep hands soft and smooth. Lightweight and nongreasy, it’s the rare drugstore hand cream that feels as silky and buttery as many of the higher-end formulas on the market.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Honestly, I'm not a fan of super fragranced hand creams, which is why I've been reaching for the subtly-scented The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème constantly these days. (I'm also a sucker for cute collabs and packaging, which The Crème Shop excels at!) I like that only I can really smell the woody-musky notes and the formula is straightforward—think glycerin, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and vitamin E." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 3 (Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Aesop

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Revolve

$35

Bluemercury

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

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Before Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm became a staple on nightstands and in tote bags everywhere, it began as an experiment in a Melbourne hair salon, where the brand’s founder started tinkering with essential oils to elevate his styling products. Before long, clients started asking for a hand-care product, sparking the invention of this balm. Packed with sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils, as well a shea and cocoa seed butters, this chic tube delivers long-lasting moisture without any slick residue. At the heart is a mix of mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender that evokes Aesop’s unmistakable essence of clean, herbal, and grounding.

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 November hits. 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: sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, coconut oils, shea butter, cocoa seed butter
• Fragrance notes: mandarin rind, cedarwood, lavender
• Total scent options: 2 (Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm and Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm)
• Size: 2.6 oz.

Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

Soft Services x Dedcool

Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

$74

Sephora

Why we love it: If you’ve never tried Soft Services’ beautifully packaged Theraplush cream, take this as your cue to try the body-care brand’s collab with DedCool. Infused with the dreamy, Best of Beauty-winning Xtra Milk scent—a soft skin-like blend of white musk, bergamot, and amber—this hand cream smells like being enveloped in a warm hug. It’s more reason to love the original formula, which is powered by retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to nourish hands and cuticles overnight, even out tone, and plump thin, delicate skin. You also have the option to purchase a mini DedCool Xtra Milk spray with the cream for a full-circle fragrance moment.

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“My daily beauty essentials include a spritz of Dedcool Xtra Milk, a fresh-ambery musk fragrance, and lots and lots of hand cream. Between my frequent, aggressive hand-washing and the winter air, I go through tubes and tubs of the latter. It moisturizes and soothes the dry patches on the backs of my hands, but doesn't leave my fingers so slick that I can’t type on my laptop without leaving fingerprints. It also has the lightest hint of Xtra Milk—an essence of it, if you will—that’ll make you say ‘ahh’ every time you get a whiff.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol
• Fragrance notes: white musk, bergamot, amber
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum

Sidia

Hand Serum

$36

Amazon

$36

Revolve

$36

Anthrpologie

Why we love it: If you dread a thick cream, hand serums—like the 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Sidia The Hand Serum—will be much more up your alley. Lighter than lotion but just as hydrating, this silky serum taps avocado butter and shea butter to soften hands soft along with aloe vera and cactus flower to calm irritation. Plus, it comes in three different scents that hit every fragrance profile from spa-like to woodsy.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Mazzone Singh 

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"Half of the hand creams on my shelf are there because I like the way they look, the other half are there because they actually hydrate and nourish. This one is among the few that check both boxes: The sleek tube is filled with a featherlight formula that leaves my hands feeling moisturized but not greasy."—Dianna Mazzone Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, avocado butter, shea butter, prickly pear, cactus flower
• Fragrance notes: cypress, musk
• Total scent options: 3 (Nirvana, Wired, and Soaked)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

Byredo

Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Love clean scents? Byredo’s Blanche Hand Cream will quickly become a bedside table/desk/purse essential. With notes of rose, peony, and violet layered over musks and sandalwood, it strikes a floral-woody harmony—think fresh, just-out-of-the-shower skin rather than an overpowering bouquet. Blanche offers a subtle, refreshing lift, especially when paired with the matching perfume. On the skin-care side, the light, non-sticky formula hydrates all day with glycerin and butylene glycol, making it an ole faithful when our hands need some TLC.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’m such a perfume girl, and this is hands-down a scent I always want to wear—especially on days when a super sweet vanilla gourmand isn’t hitting the spot. Whether it’s a night out or a long office day, I keep Blanche in both cream and EDP formats for a quick hydrating hand-care moment or a refreshing, pick-me-up spritz.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe leaf juice, shea oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, olive oil, orange peel oil
• Fragrance notes: rose, peony, violet, musk, sandalwood
• Total scent options: 10 (including Rose and Gypsy Water)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You

Glossier

Hand Cream in Glossier You

$20

Sephora

$20

Glossier

Why we love it: The cute, pocket-size packaging of Glossier’s Hand Cream isn’t the only reason to add it to your bag. It comes in four gorgeous scents—our favorite is You, the brand’s signature skin-like blend of amber and musk that smells a little different on everyone—all wrapped into a fast-absorbing formula that feels like silk. Inside, hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich botanical blend, and fermented coconut fruit extract quickly soothe and soften dry, rough hands.

Tester feedback from contributor Christa Joanna Lee

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“This is the hand cream version of the brand’s first fragrance—that musky, warm, salty-clean blend they famously described as smelling like your own skin, but better. So if you’re already a Glossier You fan, you’ll love this lightweight, fast-absorbing cream— but if you’ve never tried the perfume, you’ll still love it. It’s fun to pop open, perfectly palm-size, and the bright red tube makes it ridiculously easy to find in my Mary Poppins bag.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 4 (Lilyhaze, Sandstone, You, and Orange Blossom Neroli)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

Wondering why your face feels tight after cleansing, your body gets itchy the second the weather changes, and daily shaving leaves your cheeks looking irritated? Here’s the truth: Your skin barrier is taking a beating. It’s the protective outer layer that's meant to keep hydration in and irritants out, and we put it through a lot. Hot showers, over-cleansing, skipping moisturizer, not using SPF consistently, and aggressive shaving can all chip away at the barrier until the skin becomes dry, red, reactive, or just uncomfortable.

As a licensed esthetician since 2021, I see this all the time–particularly in my male patients, who often put their sensitive skin through constant shaving and lack consistent skin care routines. And, as a guy, I’ve also personally dealt with barrier issues. The products below are ones I use and love because they make a noticeable difference. If you want healthier, calmer, smoother skin, start here.

Instagram content

Ian's Skin Barrier Faves

The Facial CleanserCaldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial CleanserJump to review$45 $36 (20% off)

Amazon

The MoisturizerDoctor Rogers Face CreamJump to review$78

Amazon

The Body WashLa Roche-Posay Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face WashJump to review$20

Amazon

Cleansing Balm: Good Light Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm

Good Light

Strawberry Moon Grinding Cleansing Balm

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: If you wear sunscreen daily and reapply it often (hint: you should!) or wear makeup (even just some concealer), then starting your P.M. routine with a cleansing balm makes all the difference. I love this one's strawberry-sorbet scent and how nourishing it feels thanks to moringa oil, which works to melt sunscreen and makeup effortlessly while moisturizing skin. It pairs perfectly with a gel cleanser and keeps the barrier happy, since there’s no harsh rubbing or stripping required to get everything off.

Face Cleanser: Caldera + Lab The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser

Caldera + Lab

The Clean Slate Purifying Gentle Facial Cleanser

$45 $36 (20% off)

Amazon

$45 $34 (24% off)

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: I love this cleanser because it’s truly gentle, but still makes my skin feel super-clean after I rinse. It’s a gel formula powered by gentle surfactants, which are cleansing agents that help remove dirt, sweat, and sunscreen, as well as amino acids to protect your skin barrier. If you usually avoid cleansers because they leave your face feeling tight or dehydrated, then this is the one to try.

Face Moisturizer: Doctor Rogers Face Cream

Doctor Rogers

Face Cream

$78

Amazon

$78 $62 (21% off)

Credo Beauty

Why I recommend it: This is one of the most elegant and reliable barrier-repair creams I’ve used. I like that it’s rich but not heavy, and made with deeply moisturizing ingredients—like squalane, a fatty acid that's naturally found in the skin barrier—for compromised skin. When my face feels tight, irritated, or raw from over-exfoliation, this cream brings it back to life. It gives you that immediate comforting effect while also supporting deeper barrier recovery.

Body Wash: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP Moisturizing Body & Face Wash

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$22

Ulta Beauty

Why I recommend it: It’s easy to focus all your attention on your face and overlook the skin on your body, but the barrier from your neck down needs support, too. This wash is rich in niacinamide (which can rev up ceramide production for a stronger moisture barrier) and shea butter, which is packed with fatty acids that work together with the lipids in your skin to help your barrier function properly. And it’s even been accepted by the National Eczema Association (which vets the formula for safety and gentleness). Bottom line? It’s a game-changer for dry or sensitive skin, helping keep skin balanced and comfortable from head to toe.

Body Moisturizer: Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion

Cetaphil

Moisturizing Lotion

$16

Amazon

Why I recommend it: The best time to lock in moisture is right after a shower—since it's an opportunity to seal in any hydration your skin absorbed—ideally with this everyday body lotion. It’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, and won’t leave you feeling greasy while you get dressed. I love the inclusion of vitamins B3 (a.k.a. niacinamide) to boost ceramide production and B5 (a.k.a. panthenol) to soothe irritation. It’s affordable, reliable, and easy to build into your daily routine.

Sunscreen: EltaMD UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50

EltaMD

UV Restore Color Correcting Face Sunscreen SPF 50

$52

Amazon

$52 $42 (19% off)

Dermstore

Why I recommend it: Your barrier can’t repair itself well if it’s getting hit with UV damage every day. This is my go-to sunscreen for sensitive or winter-worn skin because it supports recovery while also calming visible redness. The green tint neutralizes windburn or flushing, and the SPF 50 mineral protection is ideal for compromised skin, as mineral sunscreens tend to be gentler than chemical sunscreens. (They sit on top of skin to reflect UV rays instead of being absorbed, as chemical filters are.) I wear this often on cold days or after an in-office treatment, when my skin needs some extra care.

Lip Care: Remedy Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment

Remedy

Hydrating and Healing Lip Balm Ointment

$16

Amazon

$16 $12 (25% off)

Remedy

Why I recommend it: The skin barrier on the lips is much thinner and more fragile than that on the rest of your skin, which is why dry, cracked lips can happen year-round—but they're especially common in the winter. That's why this lip treatment has quickly become one of my go-tos; I love how nourishing (not sticky) it feels. Keep one on your nightstand and another in your work bag or pocket, so you always have one handy.

Moisturizing Balm: KaramMD Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm

KaramMD

Enriched Breathable Barrier Balm

$100 $70 (30% off)

KaramMD

Why I recommend it: I use this balm at night, when my skin needs a little more TLC. Think of it as a breathable seal—a thin, not-too-heavy layer over your moisturizer that helps lock everything in. Thanks to ultra-hydrating cupaçu butter, it’s perfect for what I call “micro-slugging,” or supporting your skin with extra cushion and support overnight so you wake up to a noticeably calmer, more hydrated complexion.

Face Mask: Dr. Sam’s Flawless Revival Mask

Dr. Sam’s

Flawless Revival Mask

$54 $49 (9% off)

Dr. Sam's

Why I recommend it: This is the product I reach for when my skin needs intensive help. Niacinamide, soothing plant oils, and a barrier-boosting lipid complex make this mask incredibly comforting. You can use it for 10 minutes for a quick reset, but I also love applying it as an overnight mask when my skin feels compromised.

The Takeaway

A strong skin barrier changes everything: It can support hydration, comfort, clarity, and even how well your skin tolerates shaving. In my practice, I’ve found that we men often weaken our barriers without realizing it by using harsh, stripping cleansers, skipping moisturizer because we assume we don’t need it, or shaving over already irritated skin. Inconsistent routines also play a huge role—your skin can’t repair itself if you’re constantly changing products.

These are the products I trust, use, and recommend to my clients because they effectively restore and maintain the barrier. Commit to using a few of them consistently, and your skin will look and feel better every day.

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

When we talk about the best Korean cleansing oils, we’re talking about the products that basically redefined what a good first cleanse should feel like. These formulas are lightweight, silky, and ridiculously good at melting off makeup, sunscreen, and grime—without leaving skin tight or greasy.

What makes these cleansing oils distinctly Korean? K-beauty cleansing oils usually rely on plant-derived oils and streamlined ingredient lists, so they feel gentle even if you’re wearing waterproof mascara or have sensitive or acne-prone skin. “They tend to have a lighter consistency and fewer ingredients,” which makes them easier on the skin than some heavier Western formulas, says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA. And when you follow them with a water-based cleanser (the classic double-cleanse), your pores get a deeper, more satisfying clean.

Our Top Korean Cleansing Oils

• Best Overall: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil, $16
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil, $20
• Best for Dry Skin: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil, $40
• Best for Oily Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil, $18
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil, $26
• Best for Mature Skin: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, $20

Whether you like fragrance-free options, formulas that target blackheads, or oils that leave your skin feeling extra nourished, Korean cleansing oils are one of those rare categories where almost everyone finds a favorite—and beauty editors, derms, and even TikTok, all agree.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I use cleansing oils?
• What makes Korean cleansing oils different?
• Why is double cleansing important in Korean skincare?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

Haruharu Wonder

Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

$16

Amazon

$25

Nordstrom

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: In Korean culture, rice is deeply tied to comfort, health, prosperity, and home, so when a brand puts it front and center in your skin care, you know it’s intentional. The fermented black rice in Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil delivers a surge of antioxidants, minerals, and proteins that help keep skin elastic and resilient from step one. Alongside rice bran extract, the formula blends olive oil (to whisk away makeup and excess sebum), sunflower seed oil (to soothe and moisturize), macadamia seed oil (to strengthen your barrier), jojoba seed oil (to balance and refine), and tocopherol for an extra antioxidant boost. There’s not much else in the formula, and that’s exactly why TikTok is obsessed with its short, sweet, no-fluff ingredient list.

Han before applying the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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“The key characteristic of a good cleansing oil? A super silky formula that breaks down your toughest makeup with tugging—especially around the eyes—and washes away without an ounce of residue. Oh, and it doesn't hurt when they're fragrance-free for my sensitive girlies. The Haruharu Black Rice Moisture Cleansing Oil is one of my top recs for cleansing oils for these reasons, and because it just… delivers. There's nothing complicated about it, which is exactly what I need as I'm beginning my loaded nighttime skin-care routine. It melts away shimmer eye shadow, long-lasting gel liners, and every type of mascara in 10 seconds. It's a must even on my no-makeup, sunscreen-only days, too. A mainstay, as they say.” —Sarah Han, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice bran extract, olive oil, sunflower seed oil, macadamia seed oil, jojoba seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

$17

Amazon

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: If the makeup-melting, calming ability of Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil feels almost heaven-sent, it tracks—“1004” is pronounced cheon-sa, meaning “angel,” in Korean. The entire brand centers its formulas around Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) sourced specifically from Madagascar, where the plant grows with exceptional purity and potency thanks to the island’s untouched environment. This cleansing oil’s featherlight texture works beautifully for all skin types, including our tester with oily, acne-prone skin and Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, who calls it “a new favorite for my sensitive, rosacea-prone skin. The cica is extremely soothing, and the formula has a super-lightweight texture.” Staying true to Skin1004’s pared-back formulas, it keeps things streamlined with just four key oils: bergamot, sunflower seed, olive fruit, and jojoba seed.

Pai before applying the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Light Cleansing Oil

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"I don't want to be dramatic, but this has capital-T transformed by cleansing routine. I got it in a set paired with the brand's Cleansing Ampoule Foam, but this is a non-negotiable first step for melting all of my makeup off before I go in with the lather. It has a generous slip, little to no scent, and a lightweight texture that's easy to emulsify and rinse. My only complaint is that I will need a jumbo size made." —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, bergamot, sunflower seed, olive fruit, and jojoba seed oils
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

Sulwhasoo

Gentle Cleansing Oil

$40 $32 (20% off)

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: You may know Sulwhasoo for its 500-hour ginseng creams and tech-packed serums, but don’t sleep on this quieter overachiever. The Gentle Cleansing Oil, a 2024 Best of Beauty winner, happens to be waterproof makeup’s worst enemy, melting through long-wear formulas without drying out skin. Its secret isn’t ginseng this time, but a cushiony blend powered by the brand’s Hydra Capture Complex, which uses four proprietary herbal extracts to help skin stay hydrated as you cleanse. Mulberry leaf and mountain yam extracts soften and nourish, while the silky oil-to-milk texture leaves skin feeling clean but not tight. While it’s on the pricier side for a cleanser, one pump does more heavy lifting than most double-cleanse duos combined.

Lee before applying the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Sulwhasoo Gentle Cleansing Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m pretty heavy-handed with waterproof eye products (my go-to liner is basically budgeproof), so finding a makeup remover that melts down every last bit of mascara and liquid liner in seconds is wildly satisfying. Even better, it rinses off feeling completely hydrating—and while it doesn’t claim any brightening benefits, my skin somehow always looks a little glowier afterward.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Hydra Capture Complex, mulberry leaf extract, mountain yam extract
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Skin: Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Ma:nyo

Pure Cleansing Oil

$18

Amazon

$23

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: Don’t just take our word for it—we’re pretty sure you know one of the 20 million (and more) people worldwide who’ve grabbed a bottle of Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil. This best seller uses 14 plant-derived oils to cleanse without clogging pores, transforming into a milky wash that dissolves makeup and restores your skin’s natural moisture and pH balance. It’s suitable for all skin types (yes, even acne-prone). “Its tea tree and melaleuca oils help combat oily skin and bacterial overgrowth, making it great for people with blackheads and whiteheads,” says Dr. Justine Park. With nourishing argan, moisture-replenishing jojoba, and vitamin E–rich olive oil, it’s no wonder this cleanser has a global fan base.

Wohlner before applying the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying the Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“By the time I’m ready to take off my makeup, I’ve usually had it on all day—so the moment I walk through the door, it needs to come off fast and easily. This cleansing oil melts off my makeup in just a few swipes without irritating my acne-prone skin, and although it’s fragrance-free, the natural scent from the oils gives off a subtle, spa-like vibe that makes for the perfect way to unwind after a long day out and about.” —Lily Wohlner, Allure commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil, tea tree oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

More Korean cleansing oils we love

Best for Sensitive Skin: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

Round Lab

1025 Dokdo Cleansing Oil

$26 $19 (27% off)

Amazon

$23

Nordstrom

$23

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: The 1025 Dokdo line gets its name from the waters around the Ulleungdo and Dokdo islets in the East Sea—an area known for mineral-rich deep-sea water, which Round Lab uses to create some of its calmest, most balancing formulas. Their Dokdo Cleansing Oil pairs that soothing water with plant-derived oils like meadowfoam, grape seed, avocado, evening primrose, and macadamia to melt makeup without leaving skin tight or greasy. It’s especially great for sensitive or dry skin thanks to barrier-loving ingredients like allantoin, and panthenol. “The addition of hyaluronic acid and ceramides helps soothe dry, sensitive skin while adding hydration as it cleanses,” says Dr. Justine Park.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil

Beauty of Joseon

Ginseng Cleansing Oil

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

$20

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon’s Ginseng Cleansing Oil takes the brand’s hanbang roots (traditional Korean herbal medicine) and turns them into a cleansing step that feels practically therapeutic for mature skin. The stars are “glycine soja (soybean) oil, which melts makeup while giving mature skin nourishing omegas, as well as ginseng seed oil for natural antioxidant power,” says Dr. Justine Park. With olive, camellia, coconut, and black cumin oils in the blend, this silky formula transforms from an oil into a soft foam cleanser, keeping skin supple and hydrated rather than tight. It’s the kind of gentle face wash that leaves mature, often-dry skin feeling soft, calm, and cared for.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: soybean oil, ginseng seed oil, olive oil, coconut oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I use cleansing oils?

First, skip the water. “Apply cleansing oil to dry skin and massage into the skin to dissolve dirt, grime, oil, sunscreen, makeup, etc.,” says Dr. Justine Park. Working it in dry allows the oils to properly break everything down. Once it’s had a moment to do its job, “rinse with warm water or use a warm wet washcloth to wipe away and then rinse with warm water,” she says. Only after that step should your skin be wet.

What makes Korean cleansing oils different?

What makes these cleansing oils distinctly Korean comes down to texture, simplicity, and the types of oils used. In general, Korean beauty products, especially cleansing products, skew lighter and more streamlined, favoring plant-based oils over the denser, synthetic formulas to nourish your skin barrier.

Why is double cleansing important in Korean skincare?

“Double cleansing ensures thorough and effective cleansing as a two-step process to allow the removal of impurities followed by the actual cleansing of the skin,” says Dr. Justine Park. The first step—an oil-based cleanser or cleansing balm—breaks down sunscreen, makeup, and excess sebum, while the second step—a water-based cleanser—removes leftover residue, sweat, and impurities. Together, these K-beauty skin-care products leave your complexion clearer, smoother, and better prepped for the rest of your routine.

Meet the experts

• Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Refinery based in Washington
• Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Skin & Beauty Center based in Westlake Village, CA

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle 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 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 Korean cleansing oils, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, 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 around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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

Courtesy of @crybabyricecake and @addy.tattooSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

You couldn’t escape the aughts without overhearing someone say, “You don’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.” I think of that 2009 quote by Kim Kardashian a lot, as it perfectly captures how far we’ve come in our appreciation of tattoos. What was once seen as taboo or tacky is now a commonly accepted form of expression. Tattoos capture feelings (even if it’s just “I’m bored after work”), honor the people who’ve had a hand in shaping our personalities (think: a tribute to a relative who has passed or, in my case, the Spice Girls ink on my left bicep), and freeze moments in time.

Tattoos also tell stories. They reflect a sense of time, place, and our cultural experience. The trends of 2026 will capture the coming year’s vibes, just as the fingerstache summed up the obsession with hipster and twee culture in 2011. See also: the lavender sprig that took over forearms after 2015, the disco ball boom of 2020 (Taylor Swift’s “Mirrorball” might have had something to do with that), and the soaring number of angel-number flash tattoos in the last couple of years.

“I think if you are trying to get a trendy or ‘Pinteresting’ piece, you need to realize just that: It’s trending,” says Jes Valentine, a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Studio. “Will that thing you’re thinking of inking matter to you in eight or so years?”

If the lavender sprig is still calling you by your full government name, then book the appointment and wear it with pride. “Own it with intention. If you love a lavender sprig, make it yours—change the flow, add texture, integrate meaning,” says Emmanuel Fortunato, a New York City-based tattoo artist, who adds that the goal shouldn’t be to avoid trends. “Your story makes the tattoo timeless.”

We spoke with tattoo artists regarding the trends they expect to dominate the new year, and if tattoos are any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a nostalgic and romantic year.

Your Pet in a Locket

Getting a pet portrait is classic, but Valentine says that more and more of her clients are asking to have them inked inside heart-shaped locket designs. “It’s a trend that the client makes super personal,” she explains, because both elements of the tattoo are highly customizable. Your fur baby can have its toothy smile, for instance, and the locket can be as ornate or understated as you want.

Courtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @soff_carrillo

Nostalgic Themes

Here’s your sign to get that Titanic-inspired “Heart of the Ocean” tattoo or the vibrant Lisa Frank dolphin you once had on your math binder. There’s a growing interest in imagery from the early 2000s, the ’90s, the ’80s, and the ’70s across all ages, says Lindsee Boyer, a tattoo artist in Minneapolis.

Even people who didn’t live through these eras have been getting tattoos inspired by them, Boyer notes: “Young people get excited because the style feels new and fresh to them.”

Valentine echoes this, adding that she’s seeing an interest in motifs from the late ’90s and early ’00s, specifically. “Think tribal designs, cherries, and bows,” she says. “Basically, all the things I got when I was 18, which is fun, but makes me feel super old.”

Courtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @lindseebeetattooCourtesy of @lindseebeetattoo

Microrealism

If you love the idea of a detailed depiction of your favorite trinket or your go-to bagel order inked onto your person, you’re not alone. This tattoo style has become extremely popular in our artist friends’ shops.

“Microrealism designs are so impressive,” says Kayla O’Connor, a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire’s San Diego studio. “They can be done in full color or black and gray, and are a great option if you decide to go small-scale with your tattoo.”

Carefully consider the placement of this delicate style, O’Connor continues: “You want to avoid getting it in a place that gets a lot of sun exposure, like the top of the forearm, or a place where tight clothing often rubs, such as near your bra and along your waistline,” she says.

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @girlknewyorkCourtesy of @tattooer.ariCourtesy of @law_ink and @atelier.evaCourtesy of @crybabyricecakeCourtesy of @crybabyricecake

Fine-Line Florals

Delicate, airy, floral pieces are in full bloom. “This style of tattoo shows just enough negative space to highlight both the artwork and the person wearing it,” says Jojo Lu, an Orange County-based tattoo artist at Playink Tattoo Studio, adding that the beauty is in the detail of these designs.

Thanks to the organic shapes created by florals, each piece can be tailored to flatter any placement area. “Floral, geometric, and fine-line pieces are quite versatile,” Lu says. “They work beautifully on the arms, legs, ribs, back, and sternum. These areas provide natural flow and movement that complement these designs well.”

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @nicetattooparlorCourtesy of JK Kim

Ornamental Designs

Ornamental tattoos use fine lines, pointillism, and shading techniques to adorn and enhance the natural contours of your body. With patterns that call back to Art Nouveau aesthetics and lacework, they are as detailed as they are stunning—but it’s important to recognize and understand the significance of motifs rooted in specific cultures. “Sacred geometry has that meditative, almost spiritual quality, and every line has a purpose,” says Fortunato. Before springing for that Mandala or Celtic knot design, make sure to read up on its meaning to avoid appropriating any cultural or spiritual themes.

Courtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of JK Kim

Meet the experts

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• Lindsee Boyer is a Minneapolis-based tattoo artist and owner of Bee Tattoo Studio.
• Emmanuel Fortunato is a New York City-based tattoo artist and ambassador for Hustle Butter tattoo aftercare.
• Jojo Lu is a tattoo artist based at Playink Tattoo Studio in Orange County, CA.
• Kayla O’Connor is a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire Tattoo in San Diego.
• Jes Valentine is a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Tattoo Studio in Brooklyn.