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  • 11 Best Red Lipsticks Allure Editors Actually Wear on Repeat

    11 Best Red Lipsticks Allure Editors Actually Wear on Repeat

    A collage of red lipsticks featuring selfies from Allure staffers on a bright red backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    The best red lipsticks have a reputation for being high-maintenance, but the right one is as easy to wear as any other color in your makeup bag. And these days, you’ve got options: Some love a high-coverage lipstick—in case you haven’t heard, bold is back—while others want a sheer wash of color. Not only do the finishes, formulas, and payoff vary, but so do the shades. One tip? Choose your red lipstick like you’d pick an outfit. Fiery orange-reds feel warm and playful. Cool blue-reds look sharp and polished, and they can even make your teeth look whiter. A bright, classic red works well for brunch or the office, while deeper brick or wine shades feel moodier and are perfect for evenings. If a bold matte feels like too much, try a sheer balm or a glossy formula for an extra pop.

    Our Top Red Lipsticks

    • Best Overall: MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo, $25
    • Best Buildable: M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in Lose My Breath, $26
    • Best Cream Lipstick: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe, $32
    • Best Drugstore: Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick in Wild Card, $10
    • Best Cool-Tone Red: Maed Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick in Ritual Red, $36
    • Best Blurring: Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red, $29
    • Best Luminous Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen, $37
    • Best Range of Reds: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet, $24

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?
    • How do you make red lipstick last?
    • Is there a red lipstick that looks good on everyone?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    To help you find your match, our editors and makeup artist experts tested reds in every finish, from sheer balms to longwear liquids, and these are the ones that earned a permanent spot in our makeup bags

    Best Overall: MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    MAC

    Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick

    $25

    Nordstrom

    $25

    Ulta Beauty

    $25

    Sephora

    Allure creative director Amber Venerable applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    Amber Venerable

    Why we love it: Plenty of MAC shades have cult followings, but Ruby Woo is a household name at this point. Countless brands have tried to duplicate it, but this blue-red lipstick has long reigned as the industry's gold standard—and a repeat Allure Best of Beauty and Readers’ Choice Award winner. Marking MAC’s 40th anniversary, the updated Macximal Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick keeps the beloved shade, which universally flatters skin and brightens smiles, but upgrades the formula to one that’s more comfortable. It uses coconut oil, organic shea butter, and organic cocoa butter to keep lips soft. The payoff remains full-coverage in a single swipe, setting to a silky, velvety matte finish.

    Venerable before applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    Venerable before applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    Amber VenerableVenerable after applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    Venerable after applying the MAC Silky Matte 12HR Wear Lipstick in Ruby Woo

    Amber Venerable

    Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable

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    tk

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: coconut oil, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter
    • Finish: silky matte
    • Available red shades: 5 (Ruby Woo, Russian Red, Lady Danger, Diva, Sin)

    Best Buildable: M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in Lose My Breath

    M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    m.ph by Mary Phillips

    Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

    $26

    Shop

    $26

    Sephora

    Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

    Kassidy Silva

    Why we love it: Not everyone wants to commit to a full-wattage red. If that’s the case, the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm is an easygoing, beginner-friendly option. It offers a sheer, shiny wash of color like a lip balm that builds with each swipe, or you can dab it on for a flushed-lip effect. Along with the color, the formula includes hyaluronic acid, which helps lips hold moisture so they look plumper, and squalane keeps them soft and supple. The texture is slick and smooth, feeling more like a balm than a typical lipstick. Plus, its compact design makes it ideal for on-the-go touch-ups.

    Silva before applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in TK

    Silva before applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

    Kassidy SilvaSilva after applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm in TK

    Silva after applying the M.ph Lip Ciggy Sheer Lipstick Balm

    Kassidy Silva

    Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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    tk

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: squalane, hyaluronic acid
    • Finish: high shine
    • Available red shades: 3 (Siren, Lose My Breath, and Cherry Pie)

    Best Glossy Finish: Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in branded component on a light gray background with best of beauty 2026 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dear Dahlia

    Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow

    $32

    Amazon

    $36

    Nordstrom

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Alessandra Foresto

    Why we love it: Shiny, juicy, and light-catching are all ways to describe the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow, which is why it's no surprise it won a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award. The lipstick glides on in a glossy, sheer layer and stays comfortable thanks to shea butter and plant-based moisturizing oils like sunflower, castor, jojoba, sweet almond, and argan; together, they cushion lips and smooth the look of fine lines. The formula includes the brand's patented Dahlia variabilis flower extract, which is known for its antioxidant benefits. The red in the line is Chloe, a glossy reddish-orange that brightens lips with a buildable wash of color.

    Foresto before applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Foresto before applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Alessandra ForestoForesto after applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Foresto after applying the Dear Dahlia Lip Paradise Sensual Lip Glow in Chloe

    Alessandra Foresto

    Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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    “I was a big fan of the early 2000s matte red lipstick crayon, but as I've gotten older, my lips just need more hydration than those formulas can offer. I've now officially called off my search for a true red lipstick that doesn't make my lips flaky and cracked by the end of the day. This sheer and glossy formula is just what I was looking for. The color is pretty buildable, so I find myself reapplying like I would a lip balm because it feels so comfy and hydrating. But it still lasts through coffee and a non-messy desk meal!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: Dahlia variabilis flower extract, shea butter, argan oil, sweet almond oil
    • Finish: glossy
    • Available red shades: 1 (Chloe)

    Best Drugstore: Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick in Wild Card

    Beige Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick with Allure Best of Beauty stamp in the top right corner on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Maybelline New York

    Serum Lipstick

    $10 $8 (20% off)

    Amazon

    $10

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Maybelline has never needed a high price tag to compete, and the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick proves that yet again with a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award. This lipstick blends hyaluronic acid with marula, moringa, avocado, soybean, sunflower, and jojoba oils to keep your lips moisturized and soft. In practice, it glides on like a balm but lays down rich, opaque color. The satin shades are the standouts, wearing comfortably and fading gracefully throughout the day, even after a meal. The line features three distinct reds: Open Late, a cool berry-red with a matte finish; Wild Card, a bright, classic matte red; and Blind Date, a deep brick-tone red with a satin finish.

    Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

    Sophie PanychPanych after applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

    Panych after applying the Maybelline New York Serum Lipstick

    Sophie Panych

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    “The Maybelline Moisturizing Serum Lipstick in Wild Card formula looks and feels like a lipstick five times the price (and with today's wild luxury beauty market, probably even eight times the price). It glides on fully opaque in just one swipe—there's no need to add layer upon layer to achieve full coverage, and it's great for overlining—without feeling suffocating on your lips. In fact, the formula is ridiculously comfortable to wear; it feels as comfortable and hydrating as a tinted balm, but with the added creamy, velvety feeling you get from the pigment. I like the shade Wild Card because it reminds me of some classic matte red hues from pricier brands. The brand describes it as a mid-tone red, but on me it looks more blue-based than orange-based, which I prefer as it's more complementary to my neutral undertones. The only thing I'll say is it's not indelible (the brand promises eight-hour wear). It will leave a mark on your wine glass or water bottle, and it will move around if you're not careful while eating, which is not really that surprising from a traditional-style lipstick like this.” —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, marula oil, avocado oil, soybean oil
    • Finish: matte or satin
    • Available red shades: 3 (Open Late, Blind Date, Wild Card)

    Best Liquid Lipstick: Maed Signature Lip Pigment Matte Liquid Lipstick in Ritual Red

    Maed Signature Lip Pigment in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Maed

    Signature Lip Pigment in Ritual Red

    $36

    Shop

    $36

    Sephora

    Why we love it: If you can’t stand a chalky lip that settles into every line and somehow makes your lips look even drier, meet your match. Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment delivers the lasting power of a matte without the typical dryness or weight. The flexible formula moves with your lips, feels practically undetectable, and is packed with hydrators that keep them soft and smooth all day. The star ingredients do the heavy lifting: maca root adds dimension and a subtle glow (no flat, matte finish here), tucuma butter—a natural silicone alternative—locks in moisture and smooths texture, jojoba esters lend that buttery glide, and cherry coffee seed oil helps firm and support elasticity. Basically, it’s a long-wearing lip that feels like a gloss but performs like a liquid lipstick.

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment

    Han after applying the Maed Signature Lip Pigment.

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    "As I've gotten older, my tolerance for drying liquid lipsticks has gone down to…zero. (Heck, back in the day when I wore liquid lipsticks every day, I probably was already thinking, Why am I putting myself through this torture?) And while no liquid lipstick will ever wear as comfortably as my beloved lip tints, Maed’s Signature Lip Pigment comes pretty darn close. The secret? Cherry coffee seed oil, tucuma butter, and jojoba esters for a gosh-darn smooth glide and subtle sheen (that dries totally matte in a few minutes). And I've never seen an applicator like this one: It has a long, tapered-in end that hugs my lips perfectly, depositing a ridiculously even layer of pigment." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    Tester feedback from editor-in-chief Jessica Cruel

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    tk

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: cherry coffee seed oil, tucuma butter, jojoba esters
    • Finish: matte
    • Available red shades: 1 (Ritual Red)

    Best Matte Lipstick: Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

    Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red in branded component on a light gray background with best of beauty 2026 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Hung Vanngo

    Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

    $29

    Shop

    $29

    Sephora

    Why we love it: Fresh off of winning a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick is a matte that’s surprisingly comfortable to wear. Its creamy formula sets to a soft, blurred finish that looks smooth and stays hydrated for hours, wearing down evenly rather than fading or flaking in patches. That ease of wear comes down to the thoughtful blend of ingredients: sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to draw in and lock in moisture, vitamin E for antioxidant protection, and a run-resistant polymer that creates a flexible layer that keeps the color from fading.

    Han applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

    Han after applying the Hung Vanngo Creamy Matte Longwear Lipstick in New York Red

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from Han

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    “I distinctly remember a phase where I wore long-wearing matte liquid lipsticks exclusively—and my crusty lips somehow didn't deter me! Well, they do now, and I've been on a kick of more hydrating lip tints and tinted lip balms. But there's just something about opening and twisting up a classic bullet lipstick that I've been craving, and Hung Vanngo's New York Red is a gorgeous and very vibrant shade (just the way I like it) that is literally named after where I live! Thankfully, this matte lipstick isn't the least bit moisture-sucking—hi, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E—and glides on like a creamy dream.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, vitamin E
    • Finish: matte
    • Available red shades: 4 (Red Carpet Red, New York Red, 403 Red, Vanngo Red)

    Best Luminous Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

    Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood

    $37

    Amazon

    $37

    Nordstrom

    $37

    Ulta Beauty

    Why we love it: Charlotte Tilbury fans might know the Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick formula for its perfect pink-nude shade Pillow Talk, but its lineup of reds, including Hollywood Vixen, Pizzazz, and Flame Flame, deserves just as much attention. The formula starts as a soft stain and builds to full, saturated color, and feels comfortable no matter how many layers you apply. Antioxidant lipstick tree (Bixa orellana) extract soothes and conditions lips, vitamin E hydrates and smooths, while the "3D glowing pigments" give your lips a fuller, more radiant look, so the matte finish never goes dull. The square-angled tip works like a lip brush, making it easy to get a sharp edge right from the tube.

    Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

    Madison San MiguelSan Miguel after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

    San Miguel after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Hydrating Lipstick in Hollywood Vixen

    Madison San Miguel

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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    “I usually stay clear of red lipsticks because of the aftermath: the tug-of-war removal with my cleansing balm, pigment settling into my lip lines, and all of the other pains that come with. This formula has converted me back. Though I wouldn't describe it as a true matte, its hydrating base—vitamin E, buttery waxes—helped give it a subtle sheen (which I prefer). One quick swipe delivers rich pigment, while a second layer (or even more) easily builds the intensity without feeling gritty or heavy. It's comfortable, never drying, and most importantly, comes off with just a few swipes of my makeup remover.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: Bixa orellana extract, vitamin E
    • Finish: matte
    • Available red shades: 5 (Hollywood Vixen, Pizzazz, Flame Flame, Cinematic Red, Red Carpet Red)

    Best Range of Reds: Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

    Image may contain: Bottle, Cosmetics, and LipstickSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Poundcake

    Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying the Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet

    Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen after applying Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet.

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why we love it: Just about every Allure editor has the Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in their makeup bag. This two-time Best of Beauty Award winner is a staff favorite for its rich pigment, staying power, and impressive conditioning properties (thanks to avocado oil and vitamin E). If lip liner feels like a chore, its easy-to-maneuver doe-foot applicator makes crisp, precise lines, so it acts as a two-in-one. It’s also super buildable—dab it on with your finger for a soft, just-bitten tint, or swipe it straight on for a bold, full-coverage lip that looks effortlessly polished.

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    "When I'm in the mood for a liquid lipstick, I reach for the Best of Beauty Award-winning Poundcake Cake Batter Liquid Lipstick in Red Velvet. It's a super-pigmented, suede-like formula that goes on opaque but dries down into a comfortable, long-wearing matte. Every time I've worn this bold shade, I've gotten hit with compliments. It's just so good!"—Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: avocado oil, vitamin E
    • Finish: matte
    • Available red shades: 6 (Red Velvet, Strawberry, Bloodberry)

    Best for Precise Application: Tom Ford Runway Lip Stylo Matte Lipstick in Scarlet Rouge

    Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Tom Ford

    Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge

    $47

    Nordstrom

    $55

    Sephora

    Allure former content director Kara McGrath applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine.

    Kara McGrath

    Why we love it: What makes a slim lipstick so great? The thinner tip makes it easy to trace the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid’s bow—no liner or brush needed. That’s exactly why Tom Ford’s Slim Lip Color Shine is a permanent fixture in our makeup bags. Sure, it’s not the longest-wearing formula out there (that glossy finish comes with trade-offs), but it earns its spot as both a luxe lip balm and gloss in one. Packed with hydrating waxes and emollients like chamomile flower oil, it glides on like butter and somehow still delivers rich, even color. It’s a splurge, but the kind you’ll reach for so often, it basically pays for itself.

    McGrath before applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine

    McGrath before applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

    Kara McGrathMcGrath after applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine

    McGrath after applying the Tom Ford Slim Lip Color Shine in Scarlet Rouge.

    Kara McGrath

    Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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    “Applying this lipstick is nothing short of glorious. The formula is so pigmented and so silky that it goes on perfectly evenly in a single swipe. Since the bullet is quite thin, you can easily sneak into the corners of your mouth and define your Cupid's bow without using a lipstick brush. Scarlet Rouge is my perfect red; it leans slightly warm (which is ideal for me, a spring) but isn't so orange-y that it makes my teeth look yellow. Since it has a glossy finish, it's not the longest-lasting lipstick out there but, again, since it's so nice to put on, I don't mind reapplying.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: Chamomile flower oil
    • Finish: glossy
    • Available red shades: 1 (Scarlet Rouge)

    Best for Beginners: Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

    Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil component in red with white accents on a light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Nars

    Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

    $32

    Nordstrom

    $32

    Ulta Beauty

    $32

    Sephora

    Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

    Ingrid Fowler

    Why we love it: A modern twist on the brand’s beloved Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, the Nars Powermatte High-Intensity Lip Pencil (a Best of Beauty Award winner) packs bold pigment into a creamy, long-wearing formula that sets to a soft matte finish and lasts up to 12 hours. The chunky crayon makes it easy to swipe on full color in seconds, yet it's precise enough to double as a liner, making it the ultimate multitasker to stash in your bag. And true to Nars' form, the shade names are just as memorable as the formula—think American Woman, Born to Be Wild, and Dragon Girl.

    Fowler before applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil

    Fowler before applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

    Ingrid FowlerFowler after applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil

    Fowler after applying the Nars Powermatte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl.

    Ingrid Fowler

    Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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    “Nars was not kidding when they included ‘high-intensity’ in the name of this product. This pencil packs the punch of highly pigmented lip color. The formula is extremely creamy, going on easily with one swipe, but doesn’t budge or bleed out of place. The rounded pencil tip is my preferred product design since it makes it easy to apply with precision. I’m wearing the shade Dragon Girl, a bright red that complements my cool complexion.”—Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Key ingredients: N/A
    • Finish: matte
    • Available red shades: 5 (Dragon Girl, Cruella, and Midnight Rider)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I choose the best red lipstick for my skin tone?

    Anyone can wear whatever red lipstick they like, full stop. "The right red is the one that makes you feel good," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles, whose clients include Margot Robbie, Gabrielle Union, and Lily Collins.

    However, you can expedite finding a red lipstick you love by considering your skin tone and your skin's undertone. New York City-based makeup artist Diane Kendal previously told Allure that red shades with blue undertones give cool-toned, fair-to-light-medium complexions a more radiant appearance and even make teeth look whiter. For warm, medium skin tones, Kendal suggested orange-red shades—"Intense, yes, but they make olive skin glow by bringing out its golden tones," she says. As for deeper skin tones, she recommended red hues "with a lot of pink," which she said works beautifully against dark complexions.

    How do you make red lipstick last?

    We all love the look of freshly applied lipstick, but after a few hours (or drinks), things can start to look messy. Don't fret, because there are quite a few ways to make your look last for hours on end. Back in the day (2010 to be exact), New York City-based makeup artist Peter Phillips previously gave Allure editors a few tips on ensuring that any lip look stays put—and these hacks are still used by our staff to this day.

    Prep your lips: Your results will only be as smooth and seamless as the actual skin on your lips. To smooth your skin pre-lipstick, try using a lip scrub or a damp washcloth to buff dry flakes. "Pat on a clear lip balm and give it a few minutes to sink in, then blot with a tissue," said Phillips.

    Use setting powder after applying your lipstick: Makeup artists and Allure editors alike abide by this tip, especially when it comes to smudge-prone shades like red. Phillips recommended dabbing a light amount on the lips to keep your lipstick in place without drying out your skin. "Close your mouth, smile, and then dust a little face powder on your lips with a fluffy brush," he says. “Don't reapply lipstick or it could get cakey.”

    If matte lipsticks are too dry for your lips, use a satin-finish option instead: Since many long-wearing lipsticks are matte and can dry out your lips, Phillips prefers satin-finish, pearlescent lipsticks. "The shine is created by pearl pigments and not by the texture. It's not as moist as a creamy lipstick and will therefore stay on longer," he said.

    Is there a red lipstick that looks good on everyone?

    Both experts agree that anyone can wear a red lip, but no single shade looks the same on everyone, since skin undertone, natural lip color, and finish all change how a red reads. "MAC Ruby Woo is absolutely a classic; that crisp blue-red can be beautiful across a wide range of skin tones," explains Tim Quinn, a makeup artist based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Jalia Pettis, a makeup artist based in Phoenix, Arizona, relies on the range of reds from The Lip Bar and Charlotte Tilbury.

    Rather than stick with one go-to shade, both makeup artists switch it up. Choose a liner that matches your lipstick keeps red crisp and helps it last longer, while one closer to your natural lip color softens the edges. You can skip liner altogether with sheer balms and stains, since the point is a blurred, diffused look.

    "On one person, a bright blue-red is magic; on another, a warmer red or a deeper, softer shade brings their whole face to life,” says Quinn. He also considers how the shade works with the rest of their makeup, noting that someone who feels overwhelmed by a bold matte lip might love that same look, just in a sheerer texture.

    Meet the experts

    • Fiona Stiles is a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
    • Diane Kendal is a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Peter Phillips is a New York City-based makeup artist
    • Jalia Pettis is a Phoenix-based makeup artist
    • Tim Quinn is a West Palm Beach-based makeup artist

    How we test and review products

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

    For our list of the best red lipsticks, 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 makeup artists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

    Our staff and testers

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

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

    More Allure editor-approved makeup coming in 3, 2, 1…

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    6 Best Dove Products of 2026 for Smooth Skin from Head to Toe

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    There’s a reason Dove has earned a permanent spot on our top shelves—and it’s not just the brand’s beloved beauty bar. From creamy body washes to hard-working antiperspirants, the best Dove products keep skin hydrated and fresh from head to toe, which is why so many of its offerings have taken home tons of Best of Beauty Awards over the years. One has earned a place in the Best of Beauty Hall of Famers—with six awards to its name—while others have become routine regulars among editors solely for the brand's range of clean, comforting scents.

    Because we’ve put just about every Dove body product to the test, we can say with our full chest which classics and award-winning formulas deserve a rightful spot in your daily regimen. Whether you’re looking for all day freshness or to make your everyday shower ritual smell—and feel—just a bit more luxurious, these tried-and-true picks always deliver.

    Our Top Dove Body Products

    • Rinse It Right: Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash, $13
    • Hall of Fame Freshness: Advance Care Dry Spray Antipersirant, 3-pack, $24
    • No Dryness, No Problem: Deep Moisture Body Wash, $13
    • Hands-Down Favorite: Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash, 4-pack, $20
    • Retinol Results: Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum, $10
    • Sweat Check: Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick, $11

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Rinse It Right: Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash

    Dove Serum+ Radiance Oil Body Wash in branded bottle component on a light gray background with the 2026 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dove

    Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash

    $13 $11 (15% off)

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: Traditional foaming body washes can often leave skin feeling tight or stripped. Dove’s Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash does the opposite: The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning cleanser puts glycerin front and center, making up 50% of the formula to lock in hydration and keep skin comfortable long after you rinse—making it a great pick for anyone with mature skin, according to Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s also packed with nourishing plant oils, including jojoba and monoi flowers, to soothe dryness and help protect the skin barrier.

    While the cleanser has a serum-like texture (as its name suggests), it lathers into a rich, foamy mousse that leaves skin impressively soft and rinses without any residue. Not to mention, the bottle is generously sized, so for roughly the price of that fancy desk salad, you get plenty of product to work into your daily routine.

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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    “This is one of the best body washes I’ve ever tried, full stop. My skin is notoriously dry, and this leaves it squeaky clean minus the feeling (no tightness!). The bottle is impressively large, and lasted me a good four months before hitting pan (trust: I shower every day). You get all of the skin care benefits without needing to add extra steps to your body care—my skin always feels so smooth and hydrated even after rinsing.”—Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glycerin, jojoba seed oil, monoi flower
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 1

    Hall of Fame Freshness: Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

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    Dove

    Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

    $24

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: You’ll need more than one hand to count how many Best of Beauty Awards the Advance Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant has won. (Hint: It’s six!) That track record has earned it a spot among Allure’s Best of Beauty Hall of Famers. Year after year, our editors have praised its reliable odor and sweat protection, thanks to 20% aluminum chlorohydrate and a crisp cucumber scent (hello, Cool Essentials).

    Beyond keeping sweat in check, the aerosol formula helps leave underarms feeling soft and comfortable with sunflower seed oil. It’s also made without alcohol, a common ingredient in deodorant sprays that can irritate sensitive skin, so you can spritz it without sacrificing comfort. And don’t worry about getting lost in a dust cloud of deodorant: The fine mist goes on evenly and dries down in a flash.

    Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “After a decade of fighting off sweat and stink with aluminum-free deodorant, I’m officially back on my antiperspirant grind. While I love a swipe of stick in the morning, a quick spritz or two of this Dove dry mist, which cools on contact, dries instantly, and smells sweetly like candied cucumber, is the perfect amount of product to keep me from flooding the treadmill during a grueling Barry’s workout. I always keep a can in my gym bag!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    Tester feedback from San Miguel

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    “As a certified sweaty girl (trust: I have had hyperhidrosis since I was a teen), there are few antiperspirants that I have swiped—or in this case, sprayed—more than once—Dove’s Advance Care Dry Spray is one of them. I’m typically wary of sprays because I have more confidence in visually seeing the application than not, but this, however, convinced me to take a chance. After seeing it finely spray without a trace, its wicked-fast dry down time, and impressive sweat control, who knew you didn’t have to endure the pesky deodorant marks to get reliable protection?” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate 20.2%, sunflower seed oil
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 3 (Cool Essentials, Fresh, Revive)

    No Dryness, No Problem: Deep Moisture Body Wash

    Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash in branded blue and white bottle on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dove

    Deep Moisture Body Wash

    $13

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: Body lotion doesn't always cut it when your skin is extra-dry. Start your hydration routine in the shower with the Best of Beauty-winning Deep Moisture Body Wash, which gives skin a head start with glycerin and plant-based moisturizers that help replenish moisture and prevent moisture loss. Better yet, they're delivered through MicroMoisture droplets, which are tiny capsules designed to deposit the formula onto the skin as you cleanse, giving you longer-lasting comfort.

    Thanks to this lineup, “the formula helps maintain the moisture barrier and supports a healthy skin microbiome, leaving skin soft and hydrated instead of tight or dry,” Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained. The texture is just as satisfying: It creates a creamy lather that leaves skin so soft and smooth, it feels like we’ve already slathered on our favorite moisturizer.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “I have some of the thirstiest, driest skin imaginable from the neck down, especially on my KP-prone arms. Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash has become one of my go-tos when my skin is screaming for help. It feels more like an in-shower lotion than a traditional body wash, with a rich, creamy texture. Since it’s sulfate-free, you won’t get any of that bubbly lather you might be used to with body washes, but that’s a big part of what helps my skin not feeling stripped. I’m also notorious for forgetting to apply body lotion after showering, so I appreciate that this feels like a cleanser and moisturizer in one. The fragrance is similar to the classic Dove Beauty Bar (soft and powdery) and while it doesn’t linger post-shower, I’d be very interested in a fragrance-free version.”—Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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    “In this economy, I’ve learned to be strategic with my beauty buys. While I love a good splurge on a body wash, you really can’t go wrong with a classic that checks all the boxes. The Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is perfect for everyday use. It lathers beautifully (I love a sudsy wash), smells superfresh, and leaves my skin feeling thoroughly cleansed, especially when used with a net sponge.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: glycerin, soy bean oil
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 1

    Hands-Down Favorite: Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash

    Dove Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dove

    Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash

    $20

    Amazon (4-Pack)

    Why it’s worth it: We ask a lot from our hands—frequent hand washing, doing the dishes, the list goes on—that can sap moisture. So, the best hand washes shouldn’t just clean hands; they also ought to hydrate and keep the skin soft and supple. Dove's Advanced Care Hand Wash checks all the boxes, with a nourishing blend of glycerin and shea butter that helps replenish moisture while you rinse.

    Plant-based surfactants whip up a soft, foamy lather that lifts away dirt and grime, leaving hands feeling clean and soft. Add in the warm vanilla notes, and every wash feels (and smells) like a little treat. But if you prefer to switch up your scents, the formula is available in seven other scents, including Lavender and Aloe & Eucalyptus, that smell just as incredible as they feel.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 8 (Shea Butter & Vanilla, Aloe & Eucalyptus)

    Retinol Results: Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum

    Dove Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dove

    Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum

    $10 $9 (10% off)

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: Retinol has earned its gold-standard status for a reason: It helps address a host of concerns, from lingering post-acne marks to fine lines. The Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum extends those benefits below the neck, thanks to retinyl propionate, a gentle retinol derivative that boosts cellular turnover and collagen production.

    This formula pairs the retinoid with firming collagen peptides and niacinamide to offset potential irritation and improve elasticity. Antioxidant-rich ascorbyl phosphate, a vitamin C derivative, and rosehip oil round out the formula, helping brighten tone and smooth texture. The velvety texture melts into skin without any sticky residue, making it easy to work into your morning or nighttime routine wherever your skin could use the TLC.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: retinol, collagen peptides, niacinamide, ascorbyl phosphate, rosehip oil
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 1

    Sweat Check: Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick

    Dove Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dove

    Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick

    $11 $8 (27% off)

    Amazon

    Why it’s worth it: If your morning workout comes with a serious side of sweat, bring out the heavy-duty stuff with Dove’s Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick. The formula contains 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, an aluminum-based active that can stand up to (and reduce) excessive sweating, including that stemming from hyperhidrosis.

    The deodorant also gives dry, irritated pits some extra love, with barrier-supporting sunflower seed oil that helps soften and moisturize skin. Its soft-solid texture glides on smoothly and dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about marks on your clothes. And with two fresh scents—Clean and Cool Essentials—it’s a formula you’ll look forward to swiping.

    More to know

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    • Key ingredients: 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, sunflower seed oil
    • Fragrance-free: no
    • Scents: 2 (Clean and Cool Essentials)

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Meet the experts

    • Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana

    How we test and review products

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

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

    Our staff and testers

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

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

  • 6 Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin 2026 to Hydrate and Protect

    6 Best Sunscreens for Dry Skin 2026 to Hydrate and Protect

    Image contains Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee with the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen...Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Whether dryness stems from the weather, aging skin, hormonal changes, or medication, the best sunscreens for dry skin provide instant relief and hydration, smoothing flakiness and rough patches while leaving an illuminating glow. “When choosing a sunscreen for dry or sensitive skin, it’s important to find one that protects and hydrates the skin barrier,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati. These can include ingredients like “hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, or ceramides,” which attract and lock in moisture while soothing irritation, says Ashley McGuinness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chesterfield, Missouri. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens fit the hydrating bill; however, mineral UV filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are overall kinder to sensitive skin.

    Our Top Sunscreens for Dry Skin

    • Best Overall Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT, $40
    • Best Overall Mineral: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 60+, $26
    • Best Lightweight: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45, $38
    • Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50, $53

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?
    • Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Allure editors test tons of sunscreen formulas—both chemical and mineral—all year round, but these are the formulas that go beyond UV protection, offering moisturizing ingredients and antioxidants that give you a glowing, hydrated complexion. We’re spilling our top picks that glide on like a dream while keeping your skin moisturized all day.

    Best Overall Chemical: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    La Roche-Posay

    Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    $40

    Amazon

    $40

    La Roche-Posay

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sarah Han

    Why it’s worth it: There's a new UV filter in town, and it's kind of a big deal. Meet bemotrizinol (BEMT), the first new sunscreen filter approved by the FDA in more than two decades—and La Roche-Posay is among the first brands to bring it stateside. Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen features 2% BEMT, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays and is photostable, meaning it doesn't break down as easily when exposed to sunlight. The brand’s patented Cell-Ox Shield technology combines sunscreen filters with an antioxidant blend of litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E to help fend off free radicals caused by UV exposure and pollution. Dry skin gets a hydration boost, too, thanks to moisture-attracting glycerin and butylene glycol, plus dimethicone, which helps seal in moisture and smooth over rough, flaky patches.

    Of course, even the most impressive sunscreen ingredients won't mean much if you dread putting the stuff on. Luckily, this one also gets high marks for how it feels. "It feels silky on the skin with no white residue," says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who gave it the ultimate sweat test during the Chicago Marathon. "I generously reapplied all over my face, neck, and arms at the halfway point," she says, adding that it felt lightweight and smooth without getting greasy or stinging her eyes, even after a second application. If it can hold its own through 26.2 miles, your morning commute should be a breeze.

    A selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han before applying the La RochePosay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sarah HanAllure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying the La RochePosay Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT

    Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    "La Roche-Posay does it again. I love sunscreens that are on the more fluid side—think serum-like textures—and the Anthelios UVDefense SPF 50 Sunscreen with BEMT clearly falls under that umbrella! Like everyone in the beauty world, I'm ecstatic about a new UV filter, but I'm also hoping *taps watch* that the next approval doesn't take another 36 years. (We need to keep up with our global counterparts who are light-years ahead!!) Anyway, back to this formula. It's so lightweight and elegant that it practically disappears on contact, especially when you're applying two finger lengths' worth (the standard guideline). I was a little extra for this particular demo and used three fingers, so it did take a beat longer to fully rub in. Either way, the formula feels like nothing on the skin—and outside of the depths of winter—my combo skin and I don't need a standalone moisturizer because this doubles as both! The finish is definitely not as glowy as the UVAir serum, but these days, I kind of prefer a more ‘natural’ and ‘balanced’ look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

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    • Type: chemical
    • Key ingredients: 2% BEMT, 3% avobenzone, 5% octisalate, 6% octocrylene, 11% homosalate, Cell-Ox Shield technology (litchi extract, alteromonas, cassia senna alata, and vitamin E), glycerin, butylene glycol, dimethicone
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: not disclosed
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: all skin types, though those with particularly sensitive skin may want to patch-test the formula first, as chemical UV filters can sometimes cause irritation

    Best Overall Mineral: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

    Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ in branded component with best of beauty 2025 seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Shiseido

    Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

    $26 $22 (15% off)

    Amazon

    $26

    Nordstrom

    $26

    Sephora

    Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why it’s worth it: When you want your sunscreen to feel more like soothing skin care—and less, well, sunscreen-y—Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+ is the answer. The 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a lightweight, lotion-like texture that glides on smoothly and dries down to a non-greasy, invisible finish. It’s spiked with skin-loving ingredients like raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, and five types of algae to keep your complexion hydrated and calm. Our tester swears by how seamlessly it layers under makeup—and while the bottle is on the smaller side, a little does go a long way.

    Selfie of Jesa Calaor before applying the Shiseido Urban Environment OilFree Mineral Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

    Calaor before applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

    Jesa Marie CalaorSelfie of Jesa Calaor after applying the Shiseido Urban Environment OilFree Mineral Clear Sunscreen SPF 42

    Calaor after applying the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60+

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    "With my extra-dry complexion, I am always looking for hydrating products that leave me with a summery, dewy glow. This sunscreen gives me exactly that. The mineral formula is more like a fluid than a lotion, and quickly melts down to blend in with my medium-tan skin." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

    More to know

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    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 5.7% titanium dioxide, 5.9% zinc oxide, raspberry extract, witch hazel, glycerin, algae
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: 80 minutes
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people with extra-dry skin

    Best Lightweight: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45 in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Belif

    The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    $38 $27 (29% off)

    Amazon

    $38

    Sephora

    $38

    Shop

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it’s worth it: What if your favorite moisturizer came with a side of SPF? That's the idea behind Belif's Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45: it takes everything fans love about the brand's editor-favorite The True Cream Aqua Bomb Moisturizer and adds broad-spectrum sun protection. Like the moisturizer, it's packed with moisture-boosting glycerin, soothing panthenol, brightening niacinamide, and Belif's botanical blend of oat seed, calendula, and other calming herbs.

    The biggest difference comes down to texture, which has a “creamy consistency that feels so classically K-beauty,” says Dr. Yoo. That signature Korean beauty feel comes courtesy of lightweight silicones and smoothing polymers, which give the sunscreen a silky, almost primer-like finish. It glides on without feeling heavy or greasy, making it an easy addition to your morning routine (or a replacement for a separate moisturizer, depending on your skin type). "It's refreshing and quick-absorbing while still leaving skin feeling plumped and comfortable," she says.

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Lee before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Christa Joanna LeeAllure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee after applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Lee after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “I have yet to try the famous Belif Aqua Bomb Moisturizer (I know—sacrilege), but after practically emptying my tube of Aqua Bomb Sunscreen SPF 45 in just a couple of weeks, I'm not sure I need to. This sunscreen checks every box on my wish list: It's incredibly lightweight and moisturizing, has a cream texture yet absorbs with the speed and ease of a gel, and leaves behind absolutely zero white cast. The results may not be dramatic in my demo, but the difference is immediately noticeable once it's on your skin. I couldn't ask for much more from a sunscreen.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    More to know

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    • Type: chemical
    • Key ingredients: 2.7% avobenzone, 9% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 9% octocrylene, glycerin, panthenol, niacinamide, oat seed, calendula
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: not disclosed
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: everyone, especially for people with dry skin

    Best for Redness: EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 in branded component on a light gray background with 2025 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    EltaMD

    UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    $53

    Amazon

    $53

    Dermstore

    Calaor applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why it’s worth it: A little color theory goes a long way when it comes to tackling redness: Green cancels out red. EltaMD's UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 puts that art-class lesson to very good use. A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, this mineral sunscreen has a sheer green tint that helps neutralize visible redness. But it does more than color-correct: The formula features soothing Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), an amino acid complex of taurine, arginine, and glycine to help stressed, irritated skin bounce back, and ceramides to reinforce the moisture barrier and keep dryness in check. The lightweight, non-greasy texture is great for sensitive, redness-prone skin, whether you're dealing with a temporary flare-up, a naturally flushed complexion, or irritation brought on by cold, dry weather.

    Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    Sophia PanychPanych after applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Panych after applying the EltaMD Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    Sophia Panych

    Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    “I love how this green sunscreen tones down the redness I typically experience around my nose and on my cheeks. It feels so good—like a moisturizer—and never ever leaves a white cast.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    “After my morning cleanse, vitamin C serum, and face cream, I applied two to three pumps of the stuff on my face. It goes on green, then immediately turns white, and then sheers out as you rub it in. On days when I wore makeup, I’d wait about five minutes before applying my favorite base (Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, or the Lisa Eldridge Enhancing Skin Tint). The EltaMD UV Skin Recovery worked well with all of them and didn’t pill throughout the day. I'm in my late 30s, have combination skin, and live in a city with very hard water that dries you out from head to toe. I loved that this sunscreen left my complexion looking dewy, something I’ve never seen from an all-mineral sunscreen.” —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

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    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 12.9% zinc oxide, amino acids, cica, ceramides
    • Tinted: yes (green tinted)
    • Water-resistant: no
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: anyone dealing with redness

    Best Dewy Finish: Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Supergoop! Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50 in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Supergoop

    Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    $38

    Nordstrom

    $38

    Ulta Beauty

    $38

    Shop

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Sarah Han

    Why it’s worth it: Some days, sunscreen is the only thing you have time (or energy) to put on your face. Other days, you're going all out with a full face of makeup. Either way, Supergoop's Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF has you covered. This chemical sunscreen doubles as a makeup primer, creating a smooth, grippy base that helps foundation apply evenly and stay put, without leaving a white cast. The finish is fresh and dewy without feeling greasy, even on our tester's combination skin, which tends to get oily in certain areas. Peptides help skin look plumper and bouncier, while hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom provide plenty of hydration without making skin feel slick. The only minor trade-off? It takes a little longer to rub in than some other sunscreens, but for this much moisture, those extra few seconds are well worth it.

    Han before applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Han before applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Sarah HanHan after applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Han after applying the Supergoop Dewscreen Hydrating Primer SPF 50

    Sarah Han

    Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “Supergoop is a top-tier sun-care brand, but the brand really deserves its flowers with its latest creation. Dewscreen is easily my favorite Supergoop product, ever: It’s a true moisturizer-first formula with a boost of SPF, which my dehydrated skin drinks up like that, and there’s just a hint of grippiness that helps my makeup look flawless and stay in place all freaking day and night. Dewscreen makes my skin look like a dewy dumpling—no matter how tired I feel in the morning, it instantly perks up my skin. Because it’s so moisturizing, it takes a beat to fully blend out, but that’s not a con at all. I’d rather be as thorough as possible and ensure I’m applying the right amount—yes, even on the dreariest winter days.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: chemical
    • Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 9% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 9% octocrylene, peptides, hyaluronic acid
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: not disclosed
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: all skin types

    Best Tinted: Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

    Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Iris & Romeo

    Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

    $50

    Nordstrom

    $50

    Sephora

    $50

    Shop

    Why it’s worth it: Iris & Romeo’s Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow comes in four flexible shades—Universal, Cool Glow, Warm Glow, and Bronze Glow—designed to flatter a range of skin tones while delivering a noticeable glow. The formula leans heavily into brightening, thanks to a potent mix of vitamin C, vitamin E (to help keep that vitamin C stable), and niacinamide for a more even-looking complexion over time. The texture is on the richer side, so it wears more like a tinted moisturizer than a barely-there sunscreen, which we love for light coverage days.

    Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

    Shanna ShipinShipin after applying the Iris  Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50  Vitamin C  Glow

    Shipin after applying the Iris & Romeo Weekend Skin SPF 50 + Vitamin C + Glow

    Shanna Shipin

    Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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    “It may be called ‘weekend skin,’ but I use this beauty every single day. This moisturizer hydrates, provides impressive SPF 50 coverage, and leaves me with a natural radiance that’s glowy, not glittery. I have acne scars, flakiness, and fine lines; still, Weekend Skin leaves me looking airbrushed, well-rested, and, frankly, I'm flabbergasted at how it does all I need it to do so elegantly and effectively.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    More to know

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    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 10% non-nano zinc oxide, vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: all skin types that want a bit of coverage, including sensitive skin and mature skin

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Which sunscreen is best for dry skin?

    “When searching for sunscreens for dry skin, it’s crucial to find products with ingredients that moisturize and improve the skin barrier, like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, dimethicone, or ceramides,” says Dr. McGuinness. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are great for sensitive skin, but chemical sunscreens packed with hydrating ingredients work just as well. Extra points if your sunscreen of choice includes antioxidants (hi, vitamin E and vitamin C) to combat free radicals. And, of course, stick to lightweight, non-greasy formulas for a comfortable, glowing finish.

    “In addition to making sure your sunscreen has broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, people with dry skin should opt for a cream or lotion-based formula instead of gels or sprays, which can sometimes be more drying,” says Dr. Foad. Sprays commonly feature alcohol, which people with dry skin should definitely avoid, Dr. McGuinness points out.

    Do you put moisturizer or sunscreen first?

    For both mineral and chemical formulas, start with a lightweight moisturizer, let it fully absorb, then follow with sunscreen. That said, if your skin isn’t especially dry and you prefer chemical SPFs, you can often skip the separate moisturizer and apply sunscreen directly—many formulas are hydrating enough on their own.

    Meet the experts

    • Ashley McGuinness, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Chesterfield, Missouri
    • Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati
    • Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

    How we test and review products

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

    For our list of the best sunscreens for dry skin, 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.

  • Inside Alexander Skarsgård’s Wicker Transformation, From Flax Lashes to His Basketweave Bulge

    Inside Alexander Skarsgård’s Wicker Transformation, From Flax Lashes to His Basketweave Bulge

    Two stills from the movie Wicker the first showing Alexander Skarsgard having his hair touched up the second shows him...Black BearSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Believe the hype: Wicker is the wittiest, smartest, most romantic movie of the year. It’s also the horniest, and should we be surprised? The basketweaving lexicon is full of words like “tucking,” “waling”, and “rim,” with willow rods described as “featuring a thick butt end and a thin tip.” That’s crafty…and hot.

    The premise of the film is simple: In a medieval English village by the sea, a lonely fisherwoman (Olivia Colman) bucks the convention of marriage by contracting the local basketmaker (Peter Dinklage) to weave her a husband made of wicker (Alexander Skarsgård), sending the townspeople who once tormented her into a frenzy when they learn of his passionate and unwavering affection for her.

    Even just the two-and-a-half-minute trailer, released on July 30, had people hot and bothered. Netizens proclaimed their affection for the rattan man, claiming a combination of intrigue, longing, and confusion. “I am 100% going to see the “Wicker” film because I never thought anyone would ever write a screenplay exploring the deeply impure feelings they experienced while walking into a Pier One Imports,” one Threads user wrote. “Women don’t want romcoms, they want to watch a menopausal woman get railed by a wicker basket,” joked another. You can purchase “Worth the Splinters” and “Wicker Dicker” T-shirts on Etsy, while over on TikTok, fans are plotting to steal the life-size cardboard displays of a woven Skarsgård from movie theaters to be able to stare at the sexy sentient basket anytime they like.

    The thirstiness—and with it the buzz—surrounding this movie works because Wicker Husband is hot. Would we be drooling over him if he looked more like a laundry basket from Home Goods than a hot dude from Sweden? The audience needs to find him desirable, but they also need to believe he’s woven from reeds. Casting Skarsgård was crucial in making Wicker Husband yearnable, but so was the art of special-effects makeup. One of the biggest questions around this film is how they transformed Skarsgård into Wicker Husband. Was it prosthetics? AI? A spandex suit? We spoke to the team behind the cosmetic cinematic feat to find out.

    alexander Skarskgard on set as the Wicker Husband having his fiber wig touched up by makeup designer Sarah Rubano.

    Skarsgard on set with lead FX makeup designer, Sarah Rubano.

    Black Bear / Kristof Galgoczi NemethBringing on a real basketweaver

    To bring the Wicker Husband to life, filmmakers Alex Houston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson brought on New Zealand-based design and visual effects studio Wētā Workshop led by prosthetic makeup designer Joe Dunckley and lead makeup-effects artist Sarah Rubano.

    The research and design process for the makeup was allotted 18 months prior to principal photography, so Dunckley had the opportunity to get the execution down to a science. The process started with 2D concept art, mapping out the shapes the team needed to build Wicker Husband. Then they enlisted an actual weaver and textile artist, Jasmin Van Lith, to create samples of realistic weave patterns for the areas needed (Van Lith also assisted in hand-crafting physical garments for the Avatar franchise).

    The tricky part was making sure Skarsgård could still emote while wearing the prosthetics. To do this, they used 3D animation software to measure precisely how much movement was needed, ensuring Skarsgård had ample facial expressions. For example, “If you're smiling, the corners of your mouth need to lift 20 millimeters, and we need to allow for that much movement in the weave pattern,” Dunckley explains. “We could take that information [to Van Lith], and she would give us a physical weaving sample that would conform to that amount of movement in that direction.”

    Alexander Skarsgard stands on the set of Wicker in his woven prosthetics having his makeup adjusted by lead makeup...

    Wicker Husband’s eyes were the trickiest feature to get right, according to lead makeup-effects artist Sarah Rubano.

    Black Bear

    From there, Dunckley and Rubano took the weave samples to Wētā sculptors, who would re-create the weave digitally on a scan of Skarsgård’s face and body. Those “appliances” (the wearable pieces) were then printed out, and physical tests of them would be conducted until they landed on the perfect specifications for each piece. “It was an extraordinary development phase and something that we're really proud of because we think they could be the very first 3D-printed prosthetic appliances,” Dunckley says. “[There have been] sculpted prosthetics in 3D before, and you can mold prosthetics in 3D, but we're directly printing the prosthetic appliances that we applied on Wicker.”

    In total, they ended up with 10 facial appliances and 50 interlocking body pieces stitched onto power mesh or spandex for Skarsgård to put on, a process that Dunckley and Rubano got down to 90 minutes while filming. When it came to his face, he had ears, lips, and under lips, eye bags, and a piece Rubano referred to as a “Batman mask,” which covered the forehead, nose, and cheekbones.

    Additionally, there was a jaw piece and the wig, which was made out of muka, a fiber produced from New Zealand flax. “Those [muka] strands were knotted onto the weave just like you would a human hair wig, knotting onto the lace,” says Rubano.

    Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgard being filmed for their film Wicker. Skarsgard is covered in woven prosthetics.

    Skarsgård’s wig was made from muka, a fiber made from New Zealand flax and a key material in Māori traditional textiles.

    Black BearMaking Wicker Husband hot was all in the details

    Hotness was the team’s North Star when it came to Wicker Husband, but how much of it was just Skarsgård being…Skarsgård? “He needed to be the object of desire,” says Dunckley. “He needed to be the hot basket. But Alexander himself was the key inspiration for the design.”

    That meant making sure the actor was recognizable through the makeup so that his expressive qualities came through onscreen—so that you could sense his calm, confident demeanor and his intent listening skills. “We called his look the ‘Skarsgård Smolder,’” says Dunckley. “It was very intentional to get his likeness into the weave, and there were multiple iterations of sculpts to get there.”

    Rubano took steps to ensure Wicker Husband’s face featured “handsome-man” qualities. This included making his cheekbones higher and more defined by adding extra material, creating a strong jawline, and knotting his eyebrows to create a more “robust” shape. His wig was longer when they first started testing it, but they ultimately landed on a refined, swept-back style with a “Harlequin romance” type of vibe. Basically, if you saw him on the cover of a romance novel, you’d buy it.

    Three closeup images of muka fibers bundled hanging and sewn into beards to be used for Alexander Skarsgard's costume in...

    Muka fibers, made from the New Zealand flax plant, were used to make Wicker Husband’s hair, beard, and lashes.

    Wētā WorkshopWicker Husband's lashes helped give him a more human quality.

    Wicker Husband’s lashes helped give him a more human quality.

    Wētā Workshop

    One element that really sold the fantasy were his eyelashes, also made of muka fiber. Rubano says that they only did his makeup test and “assembled” Skarsgård the Friday before the Monday filming date, and they needed the “robust” lashes to make it all work.

    “The eyes were the trickiest,” says Rubano. “We got a little help from visual effects to remove some of the pink out of the tear ducts and a little bit of pink on the eyeball and on the waterline, but [the lashes] pulled us away from ‘human’ into this lovely, beautiful wicker creation.”

    Dunckley shared that they almost went with sclera lenses (contact lenses that cover a majority of the eye) painted with a basketweave print to make Skarsgård completely unrecognizable. And if you’ve seen the film, you know those didn’t make the cut. “When we tested them, we were like, ‘He's gone, he's no longer the romantic lead. He's too alien,’” Dunckley says. Without them, Skarsgård felt more accessible. “The window to the soul was there.”

    Alexander Skarsgard as Wicker Husband and Olivia Colman as Fisherwoman on the set of their film Wicker about to dance.

    When designing his facial prosthetics, Rubano enhanced the cheekbones and jawline to give Wicker Husband a “handsome quality.”

    Black BearSkarsgård’s wicker bits almost weren’t

    One of the most talked-about moments of the film is the 10-second, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it scene of Wicker Husband wading naked in the river. And yes, the bulge matches the basketweave.

    While we were prepared to get intel on the decisions behind the size and shape of the “wicker ween” prosthetic, Dunckley admits that he can’t take credit; costume designers Tóth András Dániel and Godena-Juhász Attila were responsible for the woven willy. “Our build focused on the hips up,” Dunckley explains, “and that shot came a little later.

    When it was decided to do the wide river shot, András and Attila helped out, “so it’s actually a costume fabrication build,” explains Dunckley. The penis is padded to look like the same shapes that are already throughout the body, and the weave of it is a “puff paint-type finish” which was printed on spandex, with the coloring matching the prosthetics so the final look was cohesive.

    Other much-talked-about body parts from the film are Skarsgård’s wicker nipples (which he gifted British talk show host Graham Norton when appearing on his show for the film's press run). But there was a point in the design process where these itty-bitty body parts got discarded. "There was a lot of debate during our design phase as to whether or not he should have nipples,” says Dunckley.

    “People seemed to have strong feelings one way or the other. Why would a sentient wicker being have nipples? On the other hand, why not?!” Dunckley adds. “Now, seeing all the attention that the wicker nipples are getting out there in the world, it's a good thing we did!” Built separately, the fiber nips were made using traditional hat-making techniques and then woven onto the suit as a final step.

    Makeupeffects artist Sarah Rubano touches up Alexander Skarsgard's Wicker Husband prosthetics on set of the movie Wicker.

    Skarsgård and Rubano on set.

    Black BearAlexander Skarsgård really is yearnable

    Skarsgård was a dream to work with, according to Rubano, and a total team player—resilient and zen in the makeup chair with a great sense of humor.

    “He sat so quietly, like a statue, and then he'd come to life when it was time [to go to set],” Rubano adds. “Joe and I looked after him over the course of the day, and he looked after us because he was so respectful in the makeup. He made sure that he was looking after it, so it endured the course of a long shoot day.”

    Rubano notes that to help bring some comfort to filming, they would peel off the lips and eyelashes so he could eat in peace, and they made him a beard bib to keep it clean. “He was just wonderful to work with. We were very lucky.”

  • 14 Best Makeup Gift Sets That Work for Every Person on Your List

    14 Best Makeup Gift Sets That Work for Every Person on Your List

    Image contains Allure editors with the best makeup gift sets on a pink backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    There’s something especially satisfying about unwrapping a makeup gift set and realizing you actually want to use everything inside. The best makeup gift sets go beyond tossing a few lipsticks and eyeshadows into a pretty box, bringing together curated products that work just as well together in a routine as they do on their own. Whether you’re shopping for a beauty maximalist or someone who swears by a five-minute face, there’s a set with their name on it—and some even feature Best of Beauty Award winners and longtime editor favorites.) From mini makeup essentials to splurge-worthy collections, these are the sets we’d happily gift… or keep for ourselves.

    Our Top Makeup Gift Sets

    • Love at First Swipe: Merit x Erdem The Winter 2026 Set, $68
    • Bisou, Bisous: Violette_FR Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition, $43
    • A Rosy Outlook: YSL Iconic Pink Lip Gloss & Blush Gift Set, $65
    • Oh, Honey Honey: Clinique 6 Piece Black Honey Deluxe Makeup Holiday Gift Set, $99

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

    Love at First Swipe: Merit x Erdem The Winter 2026 Set

    Merit x Erdem The Winter 2026 Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Merit

    The Winter 2026 Set

    $68

    Sephora

    Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Merit Flush Balm

    Sarah Han

    Why it's worth it: In the time it takes you to read this story, you could probably pull together a complete makeup look with the Merit x Erdem Eye and Cheek Gift Set. It's no secret we're huge fans of Merit's minimalist approach to makeup, and this limited-edition collaboration with London fashion house Erdem gives the brand's signature five-minute routine a romantic makeover.

    Inspired by Erdem's dreamy, feminine aesthetic, the four-piece collection is all about delicate washes of color and a lit-from-within glow. You'll find two exclusive new shades—Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Tulle (a rose-bronze) and a mini Flush Balm in Carnation (a warm pink)—alongside Solo Shadow Sheen in Mink (a shimmery brown-gray) and a mini Clean Lash Mascara. Best of all, the silky cheek and eye formulas blend easily with your fingertips, making application even more effortless.

    Tester feedback on the Merit Flush Balm from commerce editor Sarah Han

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    “TOO. CUTE. Amirite? Merit's pocket-purse-whatever-friendly Flush Balms are so easy to use because you can use your fingers to blend and diffuse them (hi, foolproof!) in, but I like picking up the pigment using a fluffy, dense brush for more color payoff. Speaking of color, the shade range is just chef's kiss. No matter which shade you choose, you get a satin, flushed-from-within finish that makes your cheeks look scrumptious. I honestly forgot how easy these are to use, so I'm looking to play with Le Bonbon (a bright pink) and Rouge (a sheer red) next.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    What it includes

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    • Mini Flush Balm in Carnation
    • Solo Shadow Sheen in Mink
    • Day Glow Highlighting Balm in Tulle
    • Clean Volume Mascara in Black

    Bisou, Bisous: Violette_FR Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition

    Violette_FR Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Violette_FR

    Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition

    $43

    Shop

    $43

    Sephora

    Why it's worth it: Choosing a lip color for someone can feel almost as personal as picking out a fragrance, but it's hard to go wrong with Violette_FR's bestselling Bêtise, a warm, rosy-berry shade that gives lips a naturally flushed, just-bitten look. The Bouche Duo Bêtise Edition celebrates the fan-favorite color in two very different finishes. Bisou Balm is a moisturizing lipstick-balm hybrid that delivers a sheer color with a soft-focus, blurred matte finish. For something bolder, the two-time Best of Beauty Award-winning Lip Nectar combines the hydration and shine of a lip oil with the richer, buildable pigment of a stain. Either way, your giftee will get that effortless French-girl lip down.

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Violette_FR Lip Nectar

    Alessandra Foresto

    Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Violette_FR Bisou Balm

    Sarah Hoffmann

    Tester feedback on the Violete_FR Lip Nectar from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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    "I love the staying power of lip stains (you try finding time to reapply your lip color when you're running from meeting to meeting), but I absolutely hate dry lips. This is by far the most moisturizing lip stain I've ever tried that doesn't fade away in 0.2 seconds. It actually stays shiny, like a gloss but better, for hours on end and doesn't dry matte or flaky like other lip stains sometimes do. Even as it fades, it leaves behind a nice, soft, shiny wash of color. The photo above was taken after breakfast, an iced coffee, and sushi! I love the color range as well: My favorites are Amarante Noire, Souci d’Automne and Bêtise." —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    Tester feedback on the Violette_FR Bisou Balm from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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    "To some extent, I think this is the lip product I've been looking for for my entire life. It is far and away the easiest method of achieving the French blurred lip look I've ever found, and for that reason, it will simply never leave my purse again. I like to get really haphazard with the application—the messier you are, the prettier it looks, I swear—so the pigment in the center and the balm on the outside really get mixed together on my lips." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

    What it includes

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    • Bisou Balm in Bêtise
    • Lip Nectar in Bêtise

    Lash Masterclass: Chanel Expert Eyes Set

    Chanel Expert Eyes Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Chanel

    Expert Eyes Set

    $129

    Nordstrom

    $129

    Ulta Beauty

    Han applying the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

    Sarah Han

    Why it’s worth it: Some days, eyeliner and mascara are all you have the time (or energy) for. Chanel's Expert Eyes Makeup Set covers both, with three eye-makeup staples: Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Espresso, a deep brown pencil that glides on smoothly and resists smudging; La Base Mascara, a conditioning primer that helps prep lashes; and Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir, which adds volume and definition in just a few swipes. We also always look forward to seeing what limited-edition makeup pouch Chanel comes out with each holiday season, and this year's chic, all-white, knit-style version is one they'll want to keep long after the makeup runs out.

    Tester feedback on the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara from Han

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    "My itty-bitty lashes always need ample help, and Chanel Le Volume delivers noticeable volume from the very first swipe—and, importantly, doesn't make my lashes look overly spidery.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

    What it includes

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    • Stylo Yeux Waterproof Eyeliner in Espresso
    • La Base Mascara
    • Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Noir

    Sweet or Spicy?: Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Duo

    Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo & Lip Balm Makeup Gift Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Patrick Ta

    Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo & Lip Balm Makeup Gift Set

    $52

    Sephora

    Lee applying the Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo & Lip Balm Makeup Gift Set

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: The change in seasons has a way of zapping the life out of our skin, but makeup artist Patrick Ta knows a thing or two about bringing back that fresh, healthy-looking glow. His limited-edition Major Headlines Double-Take Duo & Lip Balm comes in two holiday-inspired pairings: Something Sweet blush palette with Vanilla Chai lip balm, both in soft rosy pink, or Something Spicy blush palette with Gingerbread Latte lip balm for a warmer, spicier take. The blush palettes pair a dewy cream with a matte powder that can be worn separately or layered to add depth and dimension to cheeks, while the lip balms deliver a sheer tint, glossy finish, and a nourishing feel, thanks to plumping peptides and smoothing bakuchiol.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “Ooh, I think I just found my most flattering pink blush ever? My skin is naturally redness-prone, so a lot of blush shades end up making me look like I'm having some sort of allergic reaction. But this mauve-y pink is seriously one of the prettiest shades I've ever tried. I love layering the cream and powder formulas together because it gives my cheeks a little more dimension. I'm not usually much of a lip girlie, but the matching gloss is such a perfect color match that it makes pulling together a coordinated look so easy. It's a tad on the thicker side, which I appreciate now that the weather's getting cooler and my lips are perpetually dry and chapped.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    What it includes

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush
    • Major Moisture Smoothing Lip Balm

    A Rosy Outlook: YSL Iconic Pink Lip Gloss & Blush Gift Set

    YSL Iconic Pink Lip Gloss & Blush Gift Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    YSL

    Iconic Pink Lip Gloss & Blush Gift Set

    $65

    Sephora

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the YSL Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Powder Blush

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: With packaging this pretty, YSL's Iconic Pink Lip Gloss & Blush Gift Set is meant to be shown off and used every day. Inside, you'll find two perfectly coordinated pinks to take the guesswork out of putting together a polished makeup look: Make Me Blush in 44 Nude Lavallière and the matching Loveshine Lip Oil Stick. The blush comes in a sleek compact modeled after the fashion house's signature clutches, and its silky, highly pigmented formula blends easily (though our tester notes that a little goes a long way). Meanwhile, the lipstick-oil hybrid is infused with nourishing botanical oils for a smooth glide, creamy shine, and lasting hydration.

    Tester feedback on YSL Make Me Blush from Lee

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    "I'm wearing a different shade here (93 Restless Rose) than the one included in this set, but the formula is what really stands out. It's incredibly silky and super pigmented, so a little goes a long way. It blends out so easily though that you don't have to worry about going overboard." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    What it includes

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Make Me Blush Powder Blush in 44 Nude Lavalliere
    • Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in 44 Nude Lavalliere

    Small But Mighty: Westman Atelier Petite Party

    Westman Atelier Petite Party in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Westman Atelier

    Petite Party

    $75

    Nordstrom

    $75

    Sephora

    $75

    Shop

    Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick

    Lexi Herrick

    Why it's worth it: Celebrity makeup artist Gucci Westman is known for creating gorgeous, natural-looking makeup on some of Hollywood's biggest stars (Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon, anyone?), and her brand's Petite Party set brings a little of that red-carpet magic to your giftee’s makeup bag. This limited-edition collection includes four minis: Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppy, a bright cherry shade that gives cheeks a healthy flush; Lit Up Highlight Stick in Toast, a shimmery rosy-brown that adds an eye-catching glow; Eye Love You Eye Pencil in Cendre, a soft charcoal gray for defining eyes; and Eye Want You Mascara for fuller, longer-looking lashes. It's basically everything they’ll need to get party-ready in minutes, whether they’re going all out or keeping things simple.

    Tester feedback on the Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick from senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick

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    “The Lit Up stick is so convenient for a quick swipe of highlighter. It lifts the appearance of my cheekbones and smile and adds the perfect amount of dimension to my makeup throughout the day." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

    What it includes

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    • Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Poppy
    • Lit Up Highlight Stick in Toast
    • Eye Love You Eye Pencil in Cendre
    • Eye Want You Mascara

    Oh, Honey Honey: Clinique 6 Piece Black Honey Deluxe Makeup Holiday Gift Set

    Clinique 6 Piece Black Honey Deluxe Makeup Holiday Gift Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Clinique

    6 Piece Black Honey Deluxe Makeup Holiday Gift Set

    $99

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

    Alessandra Foresto

    Why it's worth it: When we think of makeup shades that have earned a spot in the beauty hall of fame, Clinique's Black Honey is one of the first that comes to mind. The sheer, berry-brown shade has been an editor favorite for decades, and the brand's 6-Piece Black Honey Deluxe Makeup Holiday Gift Set gives fans six ways to wear it. The All About Shadow Octet Eye Shadow Palette features eight wearable shades, ranging from soft neutrals to rich, earthy tones, inspired by Black Honey, Pink Honey, and Nude Honey. There’s also High Impact Mascara and High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner—both in Black Honey— adding a softer, brown-ish alternative to your usual black eye makeup. For lips, there's the original Almost Lipstick, a balmy, no-mirror-needed formula that enhances your natural lip color, plus a matching Quickliner Lip Liner for added definition. And because there's apparently no such thing as too much Black Honey, the set also includes Pop Lip + Cheek Oil, a two-in-one formula that gives lips and cheeks a dewy tint.

    Tester feedback on the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey from Foresto

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    “I'm fully part of the Clinique's Black Honey cult. Because the formula is super hydrating and glossy, I reach for it when my lips are feeling dry from a few too many days wearing lip stains or matte lipsticks. The color is truly flattering—the brand says it looks different on everyone; it looks like a true berry on me—and the pigment is sheer but buildable. It's definitely not super long-lasting. It will make it through a cup of coffee, but be ready to reapply often. I have gone through so many tubes, I wouldn't even be able to approximate the count! The one I have now is down to the very bottom.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

    What it includes

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    • All About Shadow Octet Eye Shadow Palette
    • High Impact Mascara in Black Honey
    • Almost Lipstick in Black Honey
    • Pop Lip + Cheek Oil in Black Honey
    • Quickliner for Lips Lip Liner in Black Honey
    • High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner in Black Honey

    Something to Talk About: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Set

    Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Charlotte Tilbury

    Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Set

    $36

    Nordstrom

    $36

    Ulta Beauty

    Herrick applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk

    Lexi Herrick

    Why it's worth it: Speaking of shades that have stood the test of time, Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk is high on the list. The universally flattering pink-nude has practically become a beauty empire, and the Pillow Talk Iconic Lip & Cheek Set brings together three of its biggest hits in one gift-ready package. Inside are travel-size versions of Matte Revolution Lipstick for creamy, long-lasting color; Lip Cheat Lip Liner for defining and creating the illusion of fuller lips; and Beauty Light Wand, a liquid highlighter-blush hybrid that gives cheeks a dewy, rosy flush. The set also comes in Pillow Talk Medium, a deeper, warmer berry-pink take on the original.

    Tester feedback on the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk from Herrick

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    "Pillow Talk is easily one of my all-time favorite nude lipsticks. It's a very versatile shade that looks amazing on so many people. I especially like the creamy application and the warm, gentle way it highlights my features." —Lexi Herrick, senior director of audience development

    What it includes

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    • Matte Revolution Lipstick
    • Lip Cheat Lip Liner
    • Beauty Light Wand

    Bold Moves: Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eye & Lip Set

    Carolina Herrera Good Girl Eye & Lip Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Carolina Herrera

    Good Girl Eye & Lip Set

    $95

    Nordstrom

    Lee applying the Carolina Herrera Fabulous Eyes Liquid Eyeliner and Fabulous Eyes Smudgeproof Mascara

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it's worth it: When it comes to making a statement with makeup, a bold eye and lip combo will never go out of style. Fashion designer Carolina Herrera knows a thing or two about timeless glamour, and its Good Girl Eye & Lip Gift Set brings together three makeup essentials for getting the look. The set’s Fabulous Eyes Liquid Eyeliner makes it easy to draw sharp, precise lines that won’t budge, while Fabulous Eyes Smudgeproof Mascara gives lashes fullness and definition without smearing. The finishing touch? Good Girl Gloss in 996 Luxe Plum, which looks more violet in the tube but transforms into a more berry-toned shade on lips. It's also infused with hyaluronic acid and peppermint for fuller-looking lips and lasting hydration.

    Tester feedback on the Carolina Herrera Fabulous Eyes Liquid Eyeliner and Fabulous Eyes Smudgeproof Mascara from Lee

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    “I have monolids and short, stubby lashes, so suffice it to say I'm pretty picky about my eye makeup. I tend to draw a slightly thicker line so it actually shows up when my eyes are open, and this liquid liner is great for that. It goes on smoothly and, most importantly, doesn't smudge all over my lids. As for the mascara, my little lashes absolutely love the big, fluffy brush. Those stiff, plastic wands never seem to grab my tiny lash hairs quite right, but this one catches almost all of them in a single swipe. The plush bristles also do a great job of separating them, so I get fuller-looking lashes without clumps.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    What it includes

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    • Fabulous Eyes Liquid Eyeliner in Extreme Black
    • Fabulous Eyes Smudgeproof Mascara
    • Good Girl Gloss in 996 Luxe Plum

    Calling Dibs: Dibs Beauty 12 Days of Dibs

    Dibs Beauty 12 Days of Dibs in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    DIBS Beauty

    12 Days of Dibs

    $184

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Dibs Beauty No Pressure Lip Liner

    Sarah Kinonen

    Why it's worth it: Technically, Dibs Beauty's 12 Days of Dibs is an advent calendar, but we seriously doubt your giftee will have the patience to wait nearly two weeks to unwrap everything inside. Known for its easy-to-use, multitasking makeup sticks and buttery complexion duos, Dibs has packed this 12-piece set with mini versions of its biggest hits, plus a few full-size surprises. Highlights include two shades of the bestselling Desert Island Duo, which pairs cream blush and bronzer in one convenient stick; the GlowTour Duo for extra radiance; and the Jam Jam Lip in Blueberry Ice (an icy-blue balm that goes on clear for a glossy finish). The set also includes practical extras, including the LoveBeam Setting Spray, a dual-ended cheek brush, and a brush-cleaning mitt and dry shampoo spray to keep makeup tools fresh.

    Tester feedback on the Dibs Beauty No Pressure Lip Liner from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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    “Super creamy, glides on smoothly, and leaves behind the prettiest color. The Dibs Beauty No Pressure Lip Liner hits all of the above without dragging, smudging, or transferring—a true feat in the world of lip liners! And although it only comes in six shades (they absolutely should expand the range), I like to toggle between two perfect neutrals: XOXO (rosy pink) and Girl Talk (nude pink). I like to use these to trace the outline of my lips and then fill in with a hydrating lip balm, but lately I’ve been wearing them solo and loving the semi-matte look!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

    What it includes

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    • Mini Desert Island Duos in Shades 2 and 5.5
    • Mini GlowTour Duo in Starlit
    • Mini Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo
    • Mini LoveBeam Setting Spray
    • Brush Cleaner Mitt
    • Brush Dry Shampoo Cleaner
    • Jam Jam Lip in Shade Blueberry Ice
    • Duo Brush Cheek
    • Status Stick in Shade High Road Highlight
    • No Pressure Lip Liner in Debrief
    • Go To Glossy Balm in Kiss Me Quick

    Pretty in Pink: Dior Addict & Diorshow Volume & Glow Makeup Set

    Dior Addict & Diorshow Volume & Glow Makeup Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dior

    Addict & Diorshow Volume & Glow Makeup Set

    $119

    Nordstrom

    $119

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

    Jennet Jusu

    Why it's worth it: Anti-blush trend, who? Dior's Addict & Diorshow Volume & Glow Makeup Set makes a convincing case for keeping rosy cheeks (and lips) in your makeup routine. This limited-edition holiday trio includes Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink, which uses the brand's Color Reviver technology to create a personalized flush based on your skin's moisture levels; Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil in 001 Pink for a nourishing, glossy wash of color; and the 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Diorshow Overvolume Mascara for dramatic, fanned-out lashes. Everything comes tucked inside a shimmery Dior makeup pouch—which is practically worth the splurge on its own, given how much use they’ll get out of it.

    Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

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    “For my lip products, I stick to the rivers and lakes I’m used to: clear, sticky, and long-lasting. So, although I have a few of my favorites, I was pleasantly surprised to give Dior its props. The smoothness was too good. I use it with my no-makeup-makeup looks or a casual beat when I want to step up from my usual clear gloss. So, I have to admit it: It’s worth the splurge.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

    What it includes

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    • Addict Lip Glow Oil in 001 Pink
    • Diorshow Overvolume Mascara in 090 Black
    • Rosy Glow Blush in 001 Pink

    Bordeaux, Baby: Victoria Beckham Eye Wardrobe Collection

    Victoria Beckham Eye Wardrobe Collection in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Victoria Beckham

    Eye Wardrobe Collection

    $163

    Nordstrom

    $163

    Shop

    Why it's worth it: Burgundy makeup is everywhere this season, and we're here for it, since the rich, wine-inspired shade gives eyes that smoky, sultry look without feeling quite as intense as black. Victoria Beckham Beauty's Eye Wardrobe Collection in Bordeaux gets your giftee in on the trend with a four-piece set that includes the Eye Wardrobe eyeshadow palette in a refillable compact, along with two versions of the brand's beloved Satin Kajal Liner: a rich matte burgundy for smudgy definition and the new, set-exclusive Bordeaux Pavé, flecked with gold and ruby sparkle for when they want a little extra drama. A black Vast Lash mascara adds the finishing touch with fuller, more voluminous-looking lashes. The whole lineup comes dressed up in special holiday packaging, too, so you can cross gift wrapping off your to-do list.

    What it includes

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    • Eye Wardrobe in Bordeaux
    • Satin Kajal Liner in Bordeaux
    • Satin Kajal Jewel Liner in Bordeaux Pavé
    • Vast Lash in Black

    All Roads Lead to Glow: Jones Road The Bobbi Kit 6.0

    Jones Road The Bobbi Kit 6.0 in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Jones Road

    The Bobbi Kit 6.0

    $88

    Shop

    Why it's worth it: Five sold-out editions later, now we know we have to snag Jones Road's The Bobbi Kit before it disappears. Now in its sixth iteration, this year’s set brings together everything you need for a full face of makeup—all handpicked by the founder (makeup artist Bobbi Brown) herself. The lineup includes the new Silky Highlighting Powder, a four-shade compact complete with a brush for sweeping a glow onto cheeks and lids; The Lip Crayon, a lipstick-liner hybrid with a comfortable satin finish; the fan-favorite Mini Miracle Balm in your choice of Joy (a deep berry) or Bare (a rosy mauve); and The Statement Mascara in your choice of either classic Pitch Black or the new Rich Brown. And in a major upgrade from the brand's signature Tyvek bags, everything comes tucked inside a sophisticated vegan-leather roll-top clutch with plenty of extra room for their other beauty essentials.

    What it includes

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    • Silky Highlighting Powder in Barely Pink
    • The Lip Crayon in Me
    • Mini Miracle Balm in Bare or Joy
    • The Statement Mascara in Pitch Black or Rich Brown
    • The Highlight Brush

    Brushing Up: MAC Finishing Touch Brush Kit

    MAC Finishing Touch Brush Kit in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    MAC

    Finishing Touch Brush Kit

    $79

    Nordstrom

    Why it's worth it: You know how a brand-new hoodie never feels quite as soft after its first wash? The same goes for makeup brushes—even if you're diligent about cleaning them, there's something especially satisfying about dipping a fresh, fluffy brush into your favorite face powder. MAC's limited-edition Finishing Touch Brush Kit makes a great gift for anyone whose brush collection could use a refresh (which, let's be honest, is probably most of us). The three-piece set includes the 168S Large Angled Contour Brush, which hugs the curves of your face for seamless blush, bronzer, and highlighter application; the 239S Eye Shader Brush for packing on eyeshadow; and the 217S Blending Brush for diffusing harsh lines. And to really seal your status as a stocking-stuffing pro, the brushes come with sparkly handles and a matching glittery makeup bag that make the set feel extra festive.

    What it includes

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    • 168S Large Angled Contour Brush
    • 239S Eye Shader Brush
    • 217S Blending Brush

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How we test and review products

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

    For our list of the best makeup gift sets, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified derms and K-beauty experts. 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.

  • Amazon Holiday Beauty Event 2026: Shop Allure Editors’ Favorite Deals

    Amazon Holiday Beauty Event 2026: Shop Allure Editors’ Favorite Deals

    A collage of Biodance Stila Amika Sol de Janeiro and Charlotte Tilbury beauty products on a red backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    Some may say that it's too early to start thinking about holiday shopping—but not us. (After all, who enjoys waiting until the last minute to secure gifts?) Luckily, Amazon’s Holiday Beauty Event is the perfect time to start checking off everyone on your list, transition your skin-care routine from warm to cold weather, or simply restock your year-round favorites. This two-week-long sale is happening now and runs through November 1, 2026, with up to 40% off makeup, skin care, fragrance, and more—including a few Allure Best of Beauty winners. (Bonus: Look out for 48-hour flash deals across every beauty category!)

    Our Top Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Deals

    • Holy Hydration: Biodance Day Glow Kit, $34 $20
    • Pretty in Pink: CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, $23 $20
    • Cherry on Top: Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, $75 $60
    • Getting Steamy: WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh, $79 $57
    • Pucker Up: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, $37 $26
    • Major Perks: Amika x Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo, $29 $23
    • Love You A Latte: Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists, $26 $21

    Jump to:AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals
    • Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals
    • Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals
    • Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals
    • Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

    So, whether you’re checking off stocking stuffers or simply need a restock of your go-tos, now is a good time to get shopping. To make sifting through the slew of discounts easier, we’ve curated a list of the best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event deals below. Happy saving!

    Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals

    Biodance Day Glow Kit in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Biodance

    Day Glow Kit

    $34 $20 (41% off)

    Amazon

    This K-beauty lineup has everything you need to bring the bounce back to dry, dull skin in one convenient, travel-size kit. Take it home with you during the holidays—cleanser, toner pads, moisturizing cream, and the brand’s viral overnight masks, of course—so you can end the year on a high note with plump, glowy skin.

    Revolution Beauty Makeup Sparkle Advent Calendar in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Revolution Beauty

    Makeup Sparkle Advent Calendar

    $65 $20 (69% off)

    Amazon

    An advent calendar is literally the gift that keeps on giving. This 24-piece box is for the makeup lover in your life (yourself, included!) who’s always looking to try a new blush, eyeliner, or mascara to add to their glam routine. In fact, with everything from makeup essentials to tools, this has everything you need for a complete beauty routine makeover.

    Anua Dewy Glow Holiday Amenity Kit in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Anua

    Dewy Glow Holiday Amenity Kit

    $37 $31 (16% off)

    Amazon

    PDRN has become one of the buzziest skin-care ingredients over the last few years for its supposed regenerative, skin-strengthening properties. This five-step kit—including a mist, serum, cream, lip serum, and face mask—combines the star active with10 types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and repair the skin at different levels.

    Medicube Rosemary PDRN Glass Hair Set in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Medicube

    Rosemary PDRN Glass Hair Set

    $79 $59 (25% off)

    Amazon

    We’ve heard all about glass skin, but the smooth, glossy look of glass hair is equally as desirable. Each product in this bundle (shampoo, conditioner, scalp serum, and hair mask) is infused with rosemary PDRN, which helps to soothe and nourish the scalp and, in turn, potentially support healthier hair growth.

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Laneige

    Lip Sleeping Mask: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips

    $32 $24 (25% off)

    Amazon

    Laneige’s Sleeping Mask is not only a Best of Beauty Award winner, but it’s also a three-time Readers’ Choice winner for its softening, moisture-locking overnight formula. This shea butter-infused bundle includes the Sleeping Mask and the Lip Glowy Balm in the Berry and Vanilla flavors for a complete strawberry shortcake–inspired lip routine. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

    Sol de Janeiro Delicia Drench Vanilla Moisturizing Body Routine Gift Set in branded component on al ight gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sol De Janerio

    Delicia Drench Vanilla Moisturizing Body Routine Gift Set

    $74 $56 (24% off)

    Amazon

    A good shower routine doesn’t stop once you step out of the bathtub. This Sol de Janeiro gift set includes a shower oil, body butter, and perfume mist, each concocted with notes of velvet plum, amber, and sandalwood to make sure your skin smells and feels amazing long after you wash.

    Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals

    Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Biodance

    Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

    $19 $15 (21% off)

    Amazon

    Jelly, serum, and mist aren’t three words that you’d usually see listed together, but unlike traditional water-based mists (this mist uses collagen water, which has a lower molecular weight that allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin) that quickly evaporate or oil-based mists that can leave the skin feeling greasy, this hydrogel mist delivers lasting hydration with a blend of 10 different peptides to plump the skin.

    Kiehl's Since 1851 Ultimate Strength Hand Salve in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Kiehl's Since 1851

    Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

    $34 $26 (24% off)

    Amazon

    With all of the scrolling involved in shopping for beauty steals, a heavy-duty, moisturizing hand cream should be top of mind. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is a classic formula infused with shea butter, avocado oil, and sesame seed oil to soften and deeply moisturize dry, rough hands.

    CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Cosrx

    Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch for Puffy Eyes

    $23 $16 (30% off)

    Amazon

    If you are looking for the perfect gift for a beauty-loving teen, look no further than these Pink Peptide Collagen Eye Patches from CosRx. The adorable pink patches are packed with caffeine, niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to depuff and hydrate dry undereyes and keep the skin looking fresh and radiant.

    ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm in branded tub component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Elemis

    Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

    $75 $60 (20% off)

    Amazon

    Unless you live in a temperate state, the holiday season inevitably lends itself to cold, windy weather, and your drier skin will 100% need extra TLC. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm has a rich balm-to-oil-to-milk formula that removes makeup without stripping the skin. Hero ingredients like elderberry oil and starflower oil act as natural antioxidants to soothe skin and support your barrier.

    Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals

    Amika x Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Amika x Ellis Brooklyn

    Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo

    $29 $23 (21% off)

    Amazon

    You may not have a vacation on the books until 2027, but this tropical-scented dry shampoo will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an island escape with each spritz. This limited-edition dry shampoo combines Amika’s oil-removing rice starch technology with the fruity notes of guava, mango blossom, and banana from Ellis Brooklyn’s Guava Granita scent to refresh and soften your strands while leaving behind a tropical aroma.

    WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh in multiple branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Wavytalk

    Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh

    $79 $57 (28% off)

    Amazon

    Steam to straighten your hair? I know it sounds impossible, but the WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener will make you suspend your disbelief. This tool uses Hydro-Infusion steam to turn water into a fine heated mist that hydrates the hair it straightens, meaning less frizz and silkier strands with fewer passes than needed with a traditional flatiron.

    Dyson Special Edition Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer in Strawberry Bronze and Blush Pink in branded components on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Dyson

    Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer in Strawberry Bronze and Blush Pink

    $450 $372 (17% off)

    Amazon

    Pretty much all of our editors rave about this 2024 Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award winner. Why? Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology amplifies airflow by 3x for faster drying. This blowdryer also uses an exclusive Time in Flight sensor that measures the blowdryer's distance from your scalp and adjusts the heat temperature for comfortable styling. No more stinging your scalp in the name of a flawless blowout.

    Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals

    Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Charlotte Tilbury

    K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick

    $37 $26 (30% off)

    Amazon

    In the nursery rhyme, first came love, and then came marriage. For Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, first comes intense pigment and hydration, and then comes plump, kissable lips. Infused with lipstick tree oil, the aptly termed botanical extract derived from the achiote tree and known for its rich red pigments and hydrating properties, and crambe oil to soften the skin and lock in moisture, and light-diffusing pigments for more vibrant color payoff, this is essentially the lipstick of the holidays—and beyond.

    Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Stila

    Glitter & Glow Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

    $25 $15 (40% off)

    Amazon

    This shimmering Best of Beauty-winning eye shadow combines pearls and glitter, leaving behind a luminous, multidimensional, and otherworldly shine. With a flat doe-foot applicator, the formula glides onto the eyelid with zero fallout—hello, smooth sailing.

    Urban Decay All Nighter Waterproof Makeup Setting Spray with 24HR Wear in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Urban Decay

    All Nighter Setting Spray

    $34 $27 (21% off)

    Amazon

    Last year, Urban Decay caused a stir with the re-release of its beloved All Nighter Setting Spray. The new formula, according to our tester, boasts similar all-day staying power, but with an improved spray nozzle and finer mist for more controlled application.

    Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Bobbi Brown

    Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

    $37 $30 (19% off)

    Amazon

    There are few makeup looks that defined the ‘90s quite like the grungy, smoky eye. Now, that same vibe has evolved into Charli XCX’s lived-in black Brat look, and this long-wearing Bobbi Brown gel liner is an easy way to replicate it. With the help of an angled brush, it glides on smoothly with easily buildable, bold pigment.

    Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

    Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Sol De Janerio

    Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists

    $26 $21 (19% off)

    Amazon

    Sol de Janeiro is taking the phrase “wake up and smell the coffee” literally. This limited-edition Leite Cafe mist blends mouth-watering notes of lychee, coconut milk, frothy vanilla, and latte accord for a creamy Brazilian cafezinho–inspired (a sweetened shot of coffee) scent.

    Hugo Boss BOSS Ma Vie Eau de Parfum in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Hugo Boss

    BOSS Ma Vie Eau de Parfum

    $65 $52 (20% off)

    Amazon

    Who says fruity florals should be reserved for spring and summer? This fragrance opens with notes of cactus blossom and rose, which are then grounded with woodsy cedar notes that make a strong case for bringing this garden-like scent well into the holiday season.

    CLEAN CLASSIC Warm Cotton in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Clean

    Warm Cotton

    $78 $55 (29% off)

    Amazon

    If the winter season is about being all bundled up and cozy, what’s better than slipping into warm cotton sheets? This fragrance is inspired by the feeling and aroma of freshly dried linen with notes of verbena, floral cotton accord, and musk.

    Billie Eilish No. 2 Perfume for Women in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Billie Eilish

    No. 2 Perfume for Women

    $82 $55 (33% off)

    Amazon

    If the sculptural vessel alone isn’t enough to make you want to snag this perfume, the spicy-woody notes of Italian bergamot, black pepper, palo santo, and musk certainly are. Give Billie a round of applause!

    Frequently Asked Questions

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  • 7 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin That Won’t Cause Irritation

    7 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin That Won’t Cause Irritation

    Image contains a collage of silos of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin on an offwhite backgroundCollage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

    When your skin is easily irritated by what can feel like everything under the sun, the best sunscreens for sensitive skin may be your saving grace. Even the most beloved sunscreen formulas might not be a good match for reactive skin, since certain chemical UV filters can penetrate the skin and trigger irritation or allergic reactions in some people. Enter mineral sunscreens, which make up every recommendation on our list. These use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect against UV rays while largely staying on the skin's surface, making them less likely to trigger irritation. The growing skin-care market is catering to those with reactive skin more than ever, so it's easier to find a formula that suits you and your sensitivity while providing top-of-the-line protection against cancer-causing sun exposure.

    Our Top Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

    • Best Overall: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50, $53
    • Best for Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, $22
    • Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen, $43
    • Best Over Makeup: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $58

    Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • How can I benefit from sunscreen for sensitive skin?
    • What's the difference between a chemical and a mineral sunscreen?
    • Meet the experts
    • How we test and review products
    • Our staff and testers

    Read on for the favorites trusted and recommended by editors and dermatologists that leave skin soothed and, more importantly, protected from the sun (with proper reapplication, of course).

    Best Overall: EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 in branded component on a light gray background with 2025 best of beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    EltaMD

    UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50

    $53

    Amazon

    $53

    Dermstore

    $53

    Bluemercury

    Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying EltaMD’s UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Sunscreen

    Jesa Marie Calaor

    Why it's worth it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, EltaMD's UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting SPF 50 is like the Swiss Army knife of sunscreens—sensitive-skin-friendly, non-greasy, and redness-neutralizing, thanks to a green tint that works some color-theory magic. That green pigment comes from Centella asiatica (cica), a skin-care staple that counteracts redness and soothes irritation. The amino acid complex—comprising taurine, arginine, and glycine—was refined through over 100 rounds of testing to repair damage and help prevent future irritation and redness. This mineral sunscreen is also packed with ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration, ensuring your complexion remains calm, protected, and comfortable throughout the day.

    Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Allure content director Sophia Panych before applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Sophia PanychPanych after applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Panych after applying the EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

    Sophia Panych

    Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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    “I love how this green sunscreen tones down the redness I typically experience around my nose and on my cheeks. It feels so good—like a moisturizer—and never ever leaves a white cast.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

    Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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    “After my morning cleanse, vitamin C serum, and face cream, I applied two to three pumps of the stuff on my face. It goes on green, then immediately turns white, and then sheers out as you rub it in. On days when I wore makeup, I’d wait about five minutes before applying my favorite base (Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation, Monika Blunder Blunder Cover, or the Lisa Eldridge Enhancing Skin Tint). The EltaMD UV Skin Recovery worked well with all of them and didn’t pill throughout the day. I'm in my late 30s, have combination skin, and live in a city with very hard water that dries you out from head to toe. I loved that this sunscreen left my complexion looking dewy, something I’ve never seen from an all-mineral sunscreen.” —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 12.9% zinc oxide, amino acids, cica, ceramides
    • Tinted: yes (green tinted)
    • Water-resistant: no
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: everyone

    Best for Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

    INNISFREE Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 in branded white tube with cap on light gray background with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in the top right cornerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Innisfree

    Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

    $22

    Amazon

    $22

    Sephora

    $22

    Shop

    Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Innisfree Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

    Christa Joanna Lee

    Why it’s worth it: If you've yet to find a sunscreen that actually makes you excited to apply it to your redness-prone skin, allow us to introduce you to Innisfree’s Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45. This 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner has a “subtle green tint that helps neutralize visible redness” while 17% zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection, says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And the skin-care benefits don't stop at sun protection and color correction: Eight types of hyaluronic acid team up with squalane to keep skin hydrated and nourished, while soothing cica helps calm irritation. The texture is a touch thicker than you might expect from a Korean sunscreen (which are known for being especially lightweight), but nothing a little more time rubbing in can't fix. Besides, if its redness-neutralizing tint means you can go lighter on the concealer and foundation, we'd say those extra seconds are well spent.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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    “Between the dryness from rubbing my skin raw with tissues from a recent cold, ongoing redness and discoloration from melasma, and extra sensitivity from upping my tretinoin use, my skin is dealing with a trifecta of redness. I'm already a huge fan of Innisfree's chemical sunscreens, so I was curious to see how its Daily UV Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45 would compare. I'll admit, the zinc oxide takes a beat to rub in, and the texture is definitely a little thicker than what I've come to expect from a K-beauty sunscreen. But I've always found that my sensitive skin seems less prone to sunburn when I use mineral formulas, so I'm willing to spend a few extra seconds blending. I also appreciate that this one helps tone down some of the redness without making my skin look chalky. I wouldn't go so far as to say it magically evens out my complexion enough to skip foundation entirely, but I can definitely get away with a slightly lighter hand when applying makeup afterward.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

    Tester feedback from Panych

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    “My biggest issue with mineral sunscreens is how they can sometimes interfere with my makeup. I was immediately drawn to this formula, not just because as someone with mild rosacea, I love anything that neutralizes redness, but also because when it dries down, it doesn’t leave a greasy film or chalky residue, meaning it doesn’t get in the way or react funny with anything you layer on top of it." —Sophia Panych, content director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 17% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cica, niacinamide, ceramides
    • Tinted: yes (green tinted)
    • Water-resistant: no
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people with redness-prone, dry, and sensitive skin

    Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    La Roche-Posay

    Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen

    $43 $30 (30% off)

    Amazon

    $43

    La Roche-Posay

    Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

    Deanna Pai

    Why it's worth it: If you didn’t think a drugstore sunscreen could rival your fanciest, most luxe formulas, you’ve clearly never tried La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen. The 2024 Best of Beauty winner is so ultra-sheer and fast-absorbing, it practically disappears on contact. “It has a subtle mattifying effect that's perfect to wear under makeup,” says Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

    Beyond the elegant texture, the formula does a lot of skin-care heavy lifting. It’s infused with tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), a more stable form of the antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and support the skin barrier, along with silica to softly blur and control excess shine. And because it’s a La Roche-Posay staple, it also contains the brand’s thermal spring water, known for its soothing, anti-inflammatory properties, which is especially clutch for sensitive or easily reactive skin.

    Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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    “I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin. Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose, leaving my very oily T-zone looking more matte, but not flat or one-dimensional. The tube also holds a ton of product, too, so it can last me through a beach trip and then some.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 6% titanium dioxide, 5% zinc oxide, vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: 40 minutes
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: all skin types

    Best for Body: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

    Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Blue Lizard

    Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

    $11 $9 (18% off)

    Amazon

    $14

    Ulta Beauty

    Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

    Shanna Shipin

    Why it's worth it: Blue Lizard has built its reputation on gentle, no-fuss formulas, and its Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is a perfect example. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide handle the broad-spectrum sun protection, while soothing aloe and antioxidant vitamin E help keep skin feeling soft and comfortable. It also contains dimethicone, which helps lock in moisture and smooth over dry patches. Its thicker, more substantial texture feels especially comforting on skin from the neck down. "This is one of my favorite sunscreen recommendations for very sensitive and reactive skin types," says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania, who points to its fragrance-free formula and mineral UV filters as reasons it’s especially gentle, even for eczema-prone skin.

    Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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    “This sunscreen can be used by everyone in my family: me with my dry skin, my daughters with their eczema-prone skin, and my husband with his extremely oily skin. It smooths over your body like a lotion, with some nice emollients and a ribbony feel‚ not like a typical chalky mineral sunscreen that you have to squeeze out of the bottle and rub into skin. Be warned: It will leave a white cast. That's not something I care about, and honestly, it alerts me to spots I've missed on myself or my kids, but it could be a dealbreaker for some people. Something I haven't loved is their rebrand—it's had no impact on the product performance, of course! But it's a bit stuffy-looking, and I preferred the playful and bright packaging of yore. The sunscreen is so good that I'll simply have to live with it, though!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 10% zinc oxide, 8% titanium dioxide, aloe, vitamin E, dimethicone
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: 80 minutes
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: everyone

    Best for Whole Family: Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

    Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 in branded component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Babo Botanicals

    Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

    $24

    Amazon

    $24

    Shop

    Shipin applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

    Shanna Shipin

    Why it's worth it: Ever wondered why the brand is called Babo? The answer is surprisingly cute: It was the name of the founder’s son’s beloved stuffed bunny—perfectly in line with a line built around gentle, plant-based skin care for the whole family. Babo Botanicals’ Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50 packs a hefty 20.6% zinc oxide for reliable, broad-spectrum protection, yet it avoids that telltale chalkiness (even if it does take a minute to fully rub in). You can thank polyhydroxystearic acid—which keeps the zinc evenly dispersed so it glides on in a sheer, fluid layer—along with iron oxides that help subtly neutralize any white cast. For extra-sensitive skin, the formula layers in soothing support with aloe, calendula, and chamomile extracts, plus bisabolol to help calm visible redness—making it a solid option for those dealing with conditions like eczema. A blend of maracuja, raspberry seed, and sunflower oils gives the formula that light, almost serum-like slip—so it glides on easily, wears well under makeup, and feels far more elegant than you’d expect from a high-zinc mineral SPF.

    Image may contain Daya Vaidya Black Hair Hair Person Adult Face Head Photography Portrait Cosmetics and Lipstick

    Shipin before applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

    Image may contain Adult Person Bottle Lotion Face Head Photography Portrait Body Part Finger Hand and Black Hair

    Shipin after applying the Babo Botanicals Daily Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50

    Tester feedback from Shipin

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    “Love a brand that I can use for myself and on my kids, and Babo Botanicals makes great sensitive-skin-friendly products like this sunscreen that leaves no white cast and wears so comfortably on the skin. I love that the brand created it with all seasons in mind—even though I live in LA and there’s practically only one season here—but the point of that all-seasonality is that it’s comfortable to wear when it’s hot, when it’s cold, when it’s windy, when it’s dry—you get the picture. It leaves no white cast, hydrates my skin, and doesn’t pill under my makeup. Love it!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 20.6% zinc oxide, polyhydroxystearic acid, aloe, calendula, chamomile extracts, bisabolol, maracuja oil, raspberry seed oil, sunflower oil
    • Tinted: no
    • Water-resistant: no
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: everyone, even kids

    Best Over Makeup: Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

    Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 teal vial of tinted powder sunscreen with beige brush on white backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Colorescience

    Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

    $58

    Amazon

    $58

    Nordstrom

    $58

    Dermstore

    Why it's worth it: Let's be honest: Many of us aren't reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially when we’re wearing makeup. If you don’t want to add a layer of lotion over your foundation—understandable—why not brush on your SPF instead? Colorescience’s Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50 packs 22.5% zinc oxide and 22.5% titanium dioxide into a convenient, portable brush, making touch-ups as easy as a quick dusting of setting powder. "This is my go-to sunscreen for reapplication during the day—it's always in my bag," says Dr. Saedi. The powder also helps absorb excess shine, which is handy for oily skin types, while hyaluronic acid and antioxidants like green tea extract provide additional skin-care benefits. Just be sure to apply it generously and evenly to get the labeled SPF 50 protection.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 22.5% zinc oxide, 22.5% titanium dioxide, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, green tea extract, antioxidants (green tea extract, grape seed extract, sunflower sprout extract)
    • Tinted: yes (4 shades)
    • Water-resistant: 80 minutes
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: everyone, especially oily skin and people looking to easily reapply over makeup

    Best for Eczema: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

    Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 in branded tube component on a light gray backgroundSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

    Vanicream

    Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

    $15 $14 (7% off)

    Amazon

    $20

    Ulta Beauty

    Why it's worth it: Dye-free, fragrance-free, lanolin-free, and grease-free, yet packed with everything your sensitive skin actually needs. Vanicream Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 pulls double duty as both sunscreen and daily moisturizer, so you can skip a separate hydrator without feeling deprived. It blends in easily, making it an effortless one-and-done step under makeup or on bare skin. “It’s non-comedogenic, so it’s safer for acne-prone skin to avoid clogged pores and breakouts, plus ceramides help keep your complexion hydrated,” says Gloria Lin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The addition of glycerin in this drugstore SPF keeps your skin feeling soft and comfy without a greasy feel.

    More to know

    AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

    • Type: mineral
    • Key ingredients: 19.5% zinc oxide, ceramides, glycerin
    • Tinted: yes (universal tint)
    • Water-resistant: not disclosed
    • Fragrance-free: yes
    • Who it’s for: people with eczema or dry skin

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How can I benefit from sunscreen for sensitive skin?

    As we mentioned, people with sensitive skin can find it challenging to find a sunscreen that won't irritate them because of common irritants in chemical sun blockers. If that sounds like you, try a gentler mineral sunscreen.

    Even if you're not sensitive to every chemical in a chemical sunscreen, figuring out what makes your skin reactive is complicated. "Even if you identify which [kind of] product it is, you don't know which chemical it is [because] formulas typically contain up to four [photoprotective chemicals]," says board-certified dermatologist Corey L. Hartman, MD, based in Birmingham, Alabama. Thus, a mineral sunscreen with no chemicals rids you of the root issue.

    Another consideration is "to avoid mineral sunscreens that have parabens, phthalates, and added fragrances, as these can cause irritation, redness, and inflammation of the skin," Dr. Lamm notes. The lesson: Always read the ingredient list, especially as some sunscreens are hybrid formulas and contain physical and chemical UV filters.

    What's the difference between a chemical and a mineral sunscreen?

    Physical sunscreens (a.k.a. mineral) work by reflecting the UV rays off the skin. Conversely, Dr. Lamm explains that chemical-filter sun protection products work by absorbing the sun's rays that hit your skin rather than bouncing them off.

    Mineral-based products utilize, well, mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are usually gentler than chemical options. "Mineral sunscreens also typically do not irritate the eyes like chemical sunscreens," he says. Plus, they're photostable, so they don't need to be applied as regularly as chemical sunscreens, according to New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, MD.

    That's not to say people with sensitive skin can never use chemical sunscreen—it just may involve more trial and error to discern which (if any) ingredients spur adverse reactions. More important than anything, though, is to use any sunscreen—period. "My recommendation is to find a sunscreen you love, chemical or physical, and use it every single day," says Muneeb Shah, MD, a Wilmington, North Carolina-based, board-certified dermatologist. "Whichever sunscreen you love, as long as the SPF is [at least] 30, is the sunscreen for you."

    Meet the experts

    • Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
    • Corey L. Hartman, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
    • Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
    • Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Plymouth Meeting Dermatology based in East Norriton, Pennsylvania
    • Muneeb Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Wilmington, North Carolina
    • Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

    How we test and review products

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

    For our list of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, protection, 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.