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How the Readers' Choice Awards Work
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The Allure Readers' Choice Awards are entirely reader-voted. Each year, we invite our audience to vote for their favorite beauty products, brands, and creators across multiple categories. Voting remains open for a limited time, after which results are tallied and winners are announced on Allure.com. Learn more about how the Allure Readers’ Choice Awards work.
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Teyana Taylor has been everywhere in the last year—after all, she put out a Grammy-winning album and delivered an Oscar-nominated performance—and just as ubiquitous is her signature hairstyle. The multi-hyphenate, far more often than not, has been seen in a retro-meets-modern pixie full of waves and swoops. But she just debuted a different kind of swoopy style, and we can't help but hope this won't be the only time she sports it during award-show season.
Taylor attended the Costume Designers Guild Awards in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, wearing a jaw-dropping raspberry pink Tamara Ralph gown with a sequinned halter top and flowing, satiny skirt. It's truly no wonder the guild honored her with the Vanguard Spotlight Award. But it wasn't just her dress that turned heads. Taylor's hairstyle, created by stylist Tai Simon, was a total departure from her go-to pixie, and just as gorgeous.
The Oscar nominee unveiled a few more inches of hair, styled into a bell bob, named for its shape: a smooth, straight bob that flips out at the ends. If not for the flip, her hair would likely reach past her shoulders, making this more of a lob (or a Robert), but the sweet swoop definitely puts it in bob territory.
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Inspired to get your own bell bob? Hairstylist Rogerio Cavalcante, owner of the Second Floor Salon in New York City, previously told Allure that it's best-suited for straight to slightly wavy hair. "This bob adds a fun, retro-inspired flair while maintaining a clean silhouette,” he says. “Ask your stylist for a blunt cut at the chin or jawline, and style it with a flatiron or round brush to flip the ends outward.”
And yes, it will look just as adorable even if you don't have a sequinned couture dress to pair with it.
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave this storySave this story
If there’s one styling tool our editors rely on the most, it’s the best blow-dryer brushes. These innovative, two-in-one tools help you achieve a professional-level blowout, no salon appointment (or sore arms) required. While they won’t fully replace your blow-dryer—you’ll still want to rough-dry first—they’re a game-changer once hair is damp, cutting down on frizz, styling time, and the dreaded arm workout. Even if you've gotten used to—or resigned yourself to—maneuvering your blow-dryer and round brush simultaneously, trust us when we say hair-dryer brushes make styling more controlled, easier, faster, and smoother.
The concept of a hair dryer brush is simple yet intuitive: The handy, two-in-one tool combines the detangling ability of a brush with the power of heat, allowing you to style, volumize, and blow-dry your hair to perfection. “Blow-dry brushes work for most hair types—fine, wavy, straight, medium, and even very thick hair if the sections are small enough,” says Reagan Baker, a stylist based in New York City, adding that they’re the closest you can get to a professional blowout without needing expert technique. Interest piqued? Keep reading to learn more about our tried-and-true picks
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T3
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure associate director of audience development Melanie Curry using the T3 Airebrush with the oval brush head
Melanie Curry
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: New York City-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab calls the T3 Airebrush One Step her go-to blowout brush, especially for beginners, because it has everything you need for easy styling: multiple heat and speed settings, smooth bristles, and a lightweight design. Head’s up (literally): There are two versions of the Airebrush. One is outfitted with an oval head and the other with a round head. We’ve tested and loved both, but there are some key differences. The oval brush is slightly wider in diameter, making it ideal for thicker, longer hair. Its flatter edges help add soft waves, bends, and that just-left-the-salon lift. The round brush, on the other hand, is slimmer and better for shorter hair that doesn’t require as much surface area. It gets into hard-to-reach edges around the crown of the head way easier and creates a sleeker, more polished finish with a subtle flip at the ends. Thanks to the ceramic barrel and smooth bristles, both brushes literally feel like you’re brushing your hair with a comb—no pulling or tugging. Finish with the Cool Shot setting, which activates a burst of cool air to lock in shine and set your style.
Curry before using the T3 Airebrush with the oval brush attachment
Melanie Curry
Curry after using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Melanie Curry
Hoffmann before using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after using the T3 Airebrush Duo with the round brush attachment
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry
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“I never thought too much about blow-dryers—before now. TBH, I usually just grabbed the cheapest one at Walmart and called it a day. But since upgrading from a $20 tool to the T3 (oval version), I can faithfully say I've been convinced of the prowess that is luxury hair dryers. The T3 evenly distributes heat so my strands are fully dry with just a few passes, so I'm not at risk for extra damage. It's not heavy at all, so my arms don't get tired out.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“This was the first blow-dryer brush I've ever used, so it'll always hold a special place in my heart. It's pretty quiet for how powerful it is, and it's not particularly heavy either. I like holding it upside down and letting my hair wrap around the round barrel as I pull the brush through while twisting. I prefer a curly blowout and find that letting a freshly passed strand cool slightly on the barrel before releasing it really helps maintain the shape for a long time. A little bit of mousse to prep and hairspray to finish really help with longevity too, especially if your hair is textured.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer
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GHD
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Why it's worth it: Even with a blow-dryer brush that cuts your routine in half, there’s nothing more frustrating than a perfect blowout that deflates the minute you step outside. The GHD Duet Blowdry Hair Dryer Brush could never: It keeps your blowout bouncy and humidity-resistant for up to 24 hours—so even muggy weather won’t ruin your look. Its proprietary Heat-Air Xchange Technology evenly distributes heat and airflow through the brush—while built-in sensors monitor the temperature up to 400 times per second—to speed up drying, smooth frizz, and boost shine without overheating hair. And for damage-conscious stylers, GHD’s clinicals report “no thermal hair damage detected after 100 cycles of four passes on thoroughly towel-dried hair.” Translation: This tool checks every box for a long-lasting, damage-free blowout. “It’s truly effortless and delivers a polished, salon-quality finish in a fraction of the time. The craftsmanship and quality are unmatched,” says Linda Gattineri, a colorist based in Del Mar, California.
Lee before using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Lee after using the GHD Duet Blowdry
Christa Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“My strands usually get wild when I air-dry, but the before photo (at about 80% dry, as GHD instructs) shows the difference—rolling each section down with its smooth tension makes styling easy without tugging. It’s a little heavier than some tools I’ve tested (close to three pounds), but because it dries hair so quickly, you’ll barely notice the weight. I never knew my hair could possibly be this frizz-free and shiny.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
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Shark
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Why it's worth it: If you have curly or coily hair and want a blow-dry brush that protects your texture instead of fighting it, the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush has a teardrop-shaped barrel that hugs close to the roots and gently smooths hair from end to end. Combining a round brush, ceramic hot tool, and air styler in one, it glides through textured hair (no annoying snagging) for quick drying, defined volume, and long-lasting shine. The brand’s Gloss Lock Technology locks in up to 24 hours of frizz-resistant smoothness, while Smart Heat Sense Technology monitors temperature 1,000 times per second to stay below 302°F—the sweet spot in protecting delicate curls prone to breakage.
Shipin before using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after using the Shark Glossi Blowout Brush
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“My fastest routine hack ever? Using this Shark Glossi brush. This gets me and my curly hair out of the shower and through the front door in 20 minutes, flat. The handle is smaller than the average blow-dryer brush that I've used, making it easier and more comfortable to maneuver around my head (especially important if you're in a rush to begin with), and it can be used on dry or wet hair. I love how straightforward the product is, but be patient with the motions: you'll need to practice a bit to ensure you use the straightening section correctly when transitioning from wet to dry. Once you have it down, the whole thing is a breeze. It's not a tool I'd use for styling—given that the head is so large, I definitely need to get closer to the roots or S-wave my hair with a straightener—but that's not what it's for! The Glossi is great for quick and smooth utility drying, and would be great for travel. Don't want to chance it on a hotel blow dryer, or pack multiple tools? This is your one and done. (PS: The Shark Speed Style has a much smaller head that lets you style and blow-dry simultaneously; I use this one more often when I have time on my hands.)” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
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Drybar
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
Why it's worth it: The Drybar The Double Shot packs everything we love about visiting a Drybar salon into a handy hot tool. The technology is straightforward: ionic technology reduces frizz, while a combination of nylon and tufted bristles walks a careful line between tension and control. Plentiful vents ensure even, strong airflow that leaves your hair with a springy bounce (without looking like Shirley Temple ringlets). Pro tip: If you have very thick or very long hair, you can do a preliminary rough dry with a regular blow-dryer to prep for The Double Shot.
McGrath before using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
McGrath after using the Drybar The Double Shot
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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"If you want people to ask if you just got a professional blowout—that is, super smooth with loads of bounce—Drybar’s The Double Shot Oval Blow-Dryer Brush is the tool for you. Since the barrel is larger than others, it gives tons of volume, but is still thin enough to create some curls as well (and to really get into the cowlick that curses my bangs)." —Kara McGrath, former content director
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Revlon
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If you haven't already seen one of the many Allure editors and TikTokers raving about the award-winning Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0, you have some serious catching up to do. This brush's innovative, groundbreaking design (which has inspired many copycats) is so good that we’ve given it not one, but two Allure Best of Beauty Awards. (In fact, the original One-Step arguably started the entire blow-dryer brush trend!) Let’s run through all of its pros: The under-$70 tool has four heat settings that suit different textures and a slightly smaller brush head (compared to the original’s)—so it’s easier for those with shorter hair to use, or if you’re looking for extra volume, and a slimmer handle that's easier to grip. During Best of Beauty testing, one of our editors got away with styling their whole head with just one hand.
Han before using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Han after using the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus 2.0
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"I'm no expert at styling my hair, so the more straightforward a tool, the better—so I really appreciate that Revlon's One-Step 2.0 doesn't have much of a learning curve. I wrap my hair in a microfiber towel and wait until it's 75% dry before using low heat. I'll sometimes set my front pieces with the cool shot mode, but I'm not super precious about it. The tool itself is still rather bulky for my liking—even though the top of the handle is slimmer than that of the 1.0—but it gets a good job for the price, and you can probably snag it when it's on sale, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
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Even with the fanciest hot tool, the key to a glorious blowout starts with prep, prep, and more prep. Always start with clean, detangled, and damp hair with a bit of leave-in conditioner, advises New York City-based hairstylist Takisha Sturdivant-Drew. "Start at the root and work your way down to the ends without putting too much heat or tension on the hair," Sturdivant-Drew explains.
Volume is even easier to achieve, especially for straight or wavy textures. "Twist the dryer as you go in a circular motion to add volume if that's what you are looking for," says Sturdivant-Drew. If your hair is on the curly or coily side and you're going for a sleek look, you can follow up with a flatiron or brush it out with the heat off. "If you want it straight, you should use the blow-dryer brush and, right under it, use another brush to smooth those kinky strands all the way out," she says.
To minimize the risk of heat damage, opt for a blow-dryer brush that features several temperature settings, so you can better moderate the amount of heat your hair is undergoing. Not all hair types call for the same heat level, so if you're getting acquainted with a new blow-dryer brush, pay attention to how your hair reacts to different temperature settings as you become more familiar with the tool.
Another tried-and-true defense mechanism is to prep your blowout with a heat protectant. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King tells Allure, "If you're using heat styler or any heat products directly on hair, using a heat protectant, usually made with meadowfoam seed oil, light polymers, or even silicone, can help to minimize damage as they can form a coating on hair." But the best way to fend off heat damage is to not overuse heat on your hair—plain and simple.
Choosing a new hair tool is a matter of personal preference, but shoppers and professional hairstylists alike vouch for the ease of use of hair-dryer brushes. “Blow-dry brushes are so incredibly user-friendly—you can achieve a great blow-dry at home without needing pro-level skills. They take about half the time compared to juggling a dryer and a round brush,” says Baker.
Additionally, if you have pain or limited mobility in your hands or arms, a hair-dryer brush is an excellent alternative to a traditional blow-dryer. “Because they’re easier to maneuver, you’re less likely to tire out your arms or need a second round of styling with a flat iron or curling iron,” says Baker. That said, be sure to let your hair air-dry about 70%—or give it a quick rough dry with a traditional blow-dryer—before reaching for your brush. Starting on damp strands helps prevent breakage and ensures a smoother, frizz-free finish, as these tools aren’t designed for sopping-wet hair.
Hair-dryer brushes come in a range of designs, so depending on the type of barrel, bristles, or shape of your tool, cleaning techniques may vary. "Every brand has different features, but if yours has a filter, remove the dust from it every week," says Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist. "If you are interested in removing hair from the bristles, use either a comb or a boar bristle brush cleaner—a brush used to clean other brushes," he suggests.
To remove product buildup from the bristles of your blow dryer brush, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Cherin Choi, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist, previously told Allure that if product buildup won't budge, she uses a small amount of rubbing alcohol to tackle residue from hairsprays, pomades, and the like.
Remember that cleaning your hot tool regularly is critical to peak performance. "[The product/hair buildup] can prevent your tools from working at full capacity," Atlanta-based hairstylist Tukia Allen told Allure. Brian O'Connor, a Nashville-based hairstylist, agreed with Allen, adding that a hot tool with buildup can lead to the "uneven heating of the hair."
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls— right?
For our review of the best hair-dryer brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and stylists—each of whom have different hair types, experiences with hair-drying, and desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, versatility, ease of use, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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TL;DR:
I’m not going to lie: I don’t wear eyeliner. But my best friend does, so I phoned a friend for this review. Her liner preference is of the liquid variety, which, in my opinion, makes for the sharpest of cat eyes. You know, the ones sharp enough to k— a man… (Any Taylor Swift fans out there?)
The UZO Blaque Liquide Eyeliner is definitely one of those liners that helps create the fiercest of flicks. In fact, it makes mastering the skill a little easier. Its satin finish and ultrafine tip foster a smooth and precise glide across lids, while the waterproof formula ensures your work of art doesn’t budge, no matter the forecast.
To use, give the pen a quick shake to activate the ink, then draw a quick flick off the outer corner of your eye. Move to the middle of your lid and sweep the felt tip outward until the lines connect. Fill in to build up to your desired shape and thickness.
You can find the UZO Blaque Liquide Eyeliner, along with other editor-loved products, in the February Allure Beauty Box.
UZO Blaque Liquide Eyeliner
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TL;DR:
I’m embarrassed by my cuticles. They’re dry, ragged, and, oftentimes, on the verge of bleeding. I’m a picker (and a puller), and my poor cuticles don’t deserve any of it.
Before the new year, I told myself I’d treat my hands better in 2026; I’d keep them moisturized, I’d maintain a manicure to prevent picking, and start paying attention to my cuticles. And as someone who despises the feeling of grease, oil, or anything slippery and slimy on hands, fingers, and nails, this call to action was a big feat for me. In the past, any time I’ve ever tried to incorporate a cuticle oil into my routine, I’d be left with splotches on clothes or bedding, and…sticky fingers.
But I’m ready for a change, and the Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On is already a big help.
The portable rollerball, which fits securely in the palm of my hand, is filled to the brim with moisturizing milk and nourishing honey to keep dry hands hydrated—not greasy. Its twist cap ensures the application—which requires running the rollerball across the base of nails and cuticles—is easy and mess-free.
But my favorite thing about this little vial? The hydrating formula, which is indeed an oil, dries instantly once it’s massaged in—and doesn’t leave any residual grease. It’s kind of amazing how fast it works. No wonder my colleague wanted one of her own…
You can find the Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On, along with other editor-loved products, in the February Allure Beauty Box.
Cuccio Milk & Honey Cuticle Oil Roll-On
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Are your hands sending out an SOS? Between constant washing, harsh weather, and dry indoor air, you need one of the best hand creams for dry skin to rescue them from their rough, cracked state. Our favorite, go-with-us-everywhere formulas go beyond basic hydration, packing in barrier-repairing ceramides, moisture-locking butters like shea and marula, and firming peptides.
Whether you prefer a lightweight lotion for easy reapplication throughout the day or a thick overnight treatment for seriously in-distress skin, we’ve rounded up the options our editors swear by for baby-soft hands and hydrated cuticles all year round.
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Aesop
Nordstrom
Revolve
Bluemercury
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm.
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: Ever wonder how one of the world’s most recognizable hand creams came to be? Fun fact: Aesop’s cult-favorite Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm actually started as a hair product. Back in the ’80s, the brand’s founder—a Melbourne-based hairstylist—began mixing essential oils into his salon formulas to make them smell (and feel) a little better. What began as a small experiment for clients’ hair quickly turned into a global obsession for their hands. The now-iconic balm blends sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils to deeply hydrate, while shea butter and cocoa seed butter soften without any greasiness. Carrot root, rosemary, and aloe soothe and repair, and that signature mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender scent instantly transforms a simple act into a mini ritual. Bonus: It also comes in a jumbo 17-ounce jar with a pump, so you won't run out.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“I can't go to bed (or wake up, frankly) without reaching for this hand cream. It lives on my nightstand, and saves my hands from the lizard-like state they want to be in once it hits November. The scent is fresh and light but not so strong that it announces itself to the room. I've used it before bed so often that it functions like a sleep spray: It signals to my brain that it's time to wind down and hit the hay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
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Cyklar
Cyklar
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve tried anything from Cyklar—from its body washes to its body oils—you already know the appeal isn’t just in the formulas, but in the compliment-inducing scents. At the top of our list is Sacred Santal, a refined blend of bergamot, cardamom, amber, velvet musk, and cashmere wood. The fragrance evokes an outdoor shower in the forest: clean and fresh, with a subtle, nature-forward warmth that never veers too musky. And while it smells divine, it treats hands just as well: Urea gently exfoliates dead cells, while glycerin, snow mushroom, and ectoin draw moisture into the skin. Smoother skin and healthier-looking cuticles without the stickiness? We’ll take three.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“In the winter, my hands are constantly dry (sometimes to the point of cracking). I slather this on any time they start to feel scaly. It sinks in quickly (no greasy finish here) and immediately makes my hands feel softer. I love the formula—rich and deeply hydrating, but not so thick that it sits on top of my skin. My hands look and feel visibly more moisturized right after I use it, and the more I apply it, the better. I also really like the packaging—it's a large tube, so I know it'll last me a few months, and the marbled cap looks so luxe. Plus, the Sacred Santal scent is divine! I was genuinely surprised that this hand cream is only around $20 a tube. The formula and packaging feel much fancier! I'd recommend it to people with super-dry hands who want a cream that not only performs well, but smells great, too.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
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Augustinus Bader
Amazon
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Dermstore
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment
Jessica Cruel
Why it’s worth it: $60 for a hand cream can be tough to swallow, but an ultra-cushiony, fast-absorbing formula that instantly soothes chapped hands makes it easier to justify. Enter Augustinus Bader’s The Hand Treatment, powered by TFC8, a proprietary formula that acts as a GPS to deliver nutrients to your skin cells. Made up of naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and molecules, Bader’s signature blend promotes cellular renewal, repair, and a healthy glow. Rounding out the formula is a conditioning, moisture-locking blend of shea butter, white peony extract, vitamin E, and glycerin—as well as firming peptides to address signs of aging.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“This is the hand cream I keep in my expensive designer handbag, because one luxury item deserves another. I'm always using a nickel-size amount between meetings and subway stops. The consistency is like buttercream icing and easily melts into my hands. I've spent a lot of time focused on my face when it comes to skin care, but now that I’m 35, my attention turned to my hands. My usual drugstore hand cream didn't have the level of actives I need to keep age spots and wrinkles at bay. This one has peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E, and shea butter to moisturize hands instantly and help with signs of aging in the long run. A $60 hand cream is a high price to ask, but I will say that I'm three months in and haven't run out yet.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
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L'Occitane
Amazon
Sephora
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Alessandra Foresto
Why it’s worth it: The classics always deliver: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Balm is pretty much the Goldilocks of hand creams, rich yet never greasy. Its star ingredient, shea butter, is packed with omega-6 to deliver lasting hydration and heal cracked skin. Sunflower seed oil and glycerin join the nourishing lineup to leave hands soft, supple, and smooth all day. Plus, the light, fresh lemon scent keeps us coming back for more.
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“As someone who goes through a lot of hand sanitizer (I live in New York City!), my hands are only soft because of this ultra-rich hand balm! But while the lotion is thick, it's not greasy—I promise you'll be able to tap your phone right after without leaving sticky stains. This super-rich lotion leaves my hands super soft and absorbs quickly. Because the balm is a little thick, you have to really press on the tube to get it out, but it's nothing a little tube squeezer couldn't help with. I have tried hundreds (no exaggeration) of hand lotions and this is just simply the best!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
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Remedy
Target
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Beyond its cute, purse-friendly packaging and easy-squeeze delivery, Remedy’s Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream tackles signs of aging like a pro. The star ingredient is encapsulated retinol—a stabilized form of vitamin A that penetrates deeply without irritation—targeting dark spots, uneven tone, damaged cuticles, and rough, dry hands. Ceramides and shea butter offer rich moisture, so you wake up with unbelievably soft hands come morning. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen after!)
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I don’t know what I love most about this hand cream: its squeezable, spherical packaging, the thick and creamy texture, or how moisturized it leaves my palms. And it doesn't have much of a scent, which is great for sensitive skin types, like me! It's a bit of a struggle to squeeze out the product at first, but once it warms up, it comes out just fine.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
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Dr. Jart+
Amazon
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream.
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: The primary emollient in Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream is, you guessed it, ceramides. More specifically, this cushiony cream soothes stressed skin with ceramide NP, a skin-identical lipid that supports moisture retention and minimizes sensitivity. To up the ante on its skin-softening properties, Dr. Jart’s hand cream also contains glycerin to hydrate and antioxidant panthenol to soothe irritation.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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"My hands get unbearably dry and scaly in the winter, which wouldn't be such an issue if I didn't hate the sensory experience of having moist, cream-covered hands, especially while out and about. Thankfully, Dr. Jart's Ceramidin Hand Cream is light and fast-absorbing enough that I can apply it anywhere without any goopy, lingering wetness while still providing plenty of hydration, thanks to its barrier-building ceramides. Plus, the generous, three-and-a-half-ounce tube can last me months." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
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Chanel
Chanel
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Chanel La Crème Main
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: The adorable, egg-shaped Chanel’s La Creme Main sits so pretty on your bathroom counter, but is also compact enough to toss into your bag or coat pocket for easy post-hand-washing moisture. But she’s not all about looks. At the heart of the luxurious formula is a blend of camellia-derived ingredients: Camellia ceramides help protect the skin barrier, camellia oil deeply nourishes and softens, and camellia yeast delivers lasting hydration. Iris extract adds brightening benefits, helping achieve a more even tone. Why reach for a $62 hand cream over any other? Because you’ll use it to the very last drop.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'll be honest: I've long overlooked the importance of hand care and hand cream—sometimes to the point of painfully cracked hands. This winter, I'm undoing my wrongs and slathering up with hand cream right before I go to bed, and as often as I can manage during the day after washing my hands. One of my go-tos is Chanel La Crème Main, which instantly softens my hands without leaving them feeling greasy—my main gripe with most hand creams. It also has the perfect level of floral notes that's not too subtle nor overwhelming. I can't get enough!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
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Soft Services
Sephora
Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment.
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: The key ingredient in Soft Services Theraplush, a dense overnight hand cream, is retinol, which you might be familiar with from your wrinkle-reducing skin-care routine. This active ingredient is considered the gold standard for treating aging and discolored skin because it regulates collagen production and helps boost skin thickness—so long, sun spots and wrinkles. The cream is infused with calming colloidal oatmeal and panthenol to moisturize and keep active ingredient-related irritation to a minimum. To protect the formula from bacteria and oxidation, it comes in an air-tight, pump-top container that’ll look great on your nightstand.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have hand cream everywhere—my car, my desk, my purse—but this is my ride or die. Everything about it is perfect, from the beautiful, sculptural tub to the soft scent. I also appreciate the addition of retinol for my rapidly aging hands. It’s enough to keep them smooth, but not so much that I’ve ever experienced irritation.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
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Skinfix
Sephora
SkinFix
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream.
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: Raise a (cracked, dry) hand if you’re dealing with red, irritated, or eczema-prone skin. Skinfix's Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream, with the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, was made for exactly that. The formula combines 1% colloidal oatmeal with a 1.5% Triple Lipid Complex of ceramides, sterols, and fatty acids to mimic your skin’s natural barrier and lock in hydration. “I love this because it hydrates deeply without feeling greasy,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin to soothe irritation while strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin.”
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“With two kids, I wash my hands about 4,543 times a day, and they’re as cracked, patchy, and red as ever. This formula is as nourishing as can be—maybe a tad slick for my palms, but since the real irritation is on the back of my hands, that’s where I focus it. Even my nails feel stronger and less dry since I started using it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
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Mienne
Revolve
Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème.
Briana Rengifo
Why it’s worth it: Launched just this year, Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème is already catching everyone’s eye (and nose) here at Allure HQ. While we usually think of hand cream as a utilitarian part of our routine, this one takes hand care to a whole new—dare we say—sensual level. The brand calls its approach “aphrodisiac skin care,” with ingredients meant to awaken the senses through touch and scent. Maca root extract and ylang-ylang oil lend a warm, romantic feel, while ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils smooth and nourish. Shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate keep hydration locked in for hours. Every time you use it, your hands feel silky, smell amazing, and suddenly, moisturizing feels less like a chore and more like a treat.
Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo
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“A staple in my purse since the tube is stunning and sleek. It's such a sensual and smoky hand creme that it transforms such a mundane task into a self-care ritual, leaving my hands hydrated and with a pearl effect.” —Briana Rengifo, designer
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Malin + Goetz
Nordstrom
Malin + Goetz
Why it’s worth it: Malin+Goetz’s All-Purpose Moisture Balm isn’t just for the hands—it can be used all over the body to support the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration. Formulated with 17 botanicals and butters, including meadowfoam seed oil, plum seed oil butter, and sunflower seed oil, this rich balm melts into a lightweight, dry-touch oil, soothing dry patches, chapped lips, and rough cuticles, and even smoothing hair ends and slicking back strands. It never feels heavy—just like a comforting hug for your skin. You’ll want it in your bag, bedside table, and at your desk at all times.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“With chronically dry skin, keeping my hands moisturized during the winter months is a four-to-five-month battle. Finding a hand cream that doesn't leave my hands feeling tacky or oily is an even bigger challenge. The Malin+Goetz cream has been getting me through this extra-cold winter. It’s lightweight, has no sticky residue, and since it’s all-purpose, I work whatever is left into my neck for some extra hydration during the day.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
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Neutrogena
Amazon
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: Inspired by Norwegian fishermen who spent their days braving icy Arctic seas, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream was made to handle parched, overworked hands. The formula is refreshingly simple—just a few ingredients centered around super-hydrating glycerin. “Glycerin powerfully attracts and seals in moisture even after multiple hand washings,” says Dr. Rambhia. The texture is thick and dense at first, but don’t let that fool you. It sinks in fast and leaves behind an invisible shield of softness. “It creates a protective layer that restores cracked, over-washed hands, perfect for anyone who washes or sanitizes often. I’ve used this one since residency and always keep it in my white coat pocket,” says Dr. Rambhia.
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Like anywhere else on your body, dry skin can develop on your hands from environmental changes as the weather becomes colder. "Winter is particularly harsh, as cold, low-humidity air can cause skin to dry out and become itchy, cracked, and irritated," Ross C. Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, previously told Allure. "Cold air also tightens pores, reduces circulation, and reduces sebum production." Also worth keeping in mind: General dehydration can lead to dryness, so make sure you’re staying hydrated to keep your skin at its plumpest. “When we're hydrated, our skin cells swell, and this can be a great thing,” he says. “It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Hand creams are formulated with some of the best moisturizing ingredients available to soothe, comfort, and moisturize dry skin. Usually, they contain a mix of humectants (ingredients that draw water to the surface layer of skin), emollients (lipids that fill in “gaps” in your skin’s moisture barrier), and occlusives (essentially moisture-sealing cling wraps for your skin) to provide softening moisture at different levels of the skin.
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best hand creams, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine. You may simply be browsing for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is how the adage goes, and for many longtime fans of the original Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation, the full-coverage formula wasn’t broken. That includes our editor in chief, Jessica Cruel. “It's my top pick when I have to be onstage, whether that be at a speaking engagement or on live television. The original formula was fail-safe for flawless, full coverage that could stand up to HD and 4K cameras.”
One of my best friends, Emy, has worn Double Wear for nearly eight years. “It’s long-lasting, it doesn’t transfer onto my clothes, and it’s full coverage without looking cake-y,” she says. But the reality is that Double Wear launched in 1997. Cosmetic chemistry has improved exponentially since then, and very few formulas have remained unchanged for this long. For Estée Lauder, it was time for an update.
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Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder
The brand had a long checklist when developing Double Wear 2.0: a more fluid, spreadable, and layerable texture; a more dimensional, skin-like finish; and more stable and true-to-skin shades. Ultimately, the goal was to create a new formula that would attract people who weren’t Double Wear fans in the past. My friend Emy loves the full-coverage formula and instant matte finish, but there’s a cohort of people who found it to be too much (myself included). “Double Wear is not my everyday pick; it's best when you need a formula that will last,” adds Cruel. “This reformulation is an attempt to bring more makeup wearers into the Double Wear family, including those who left the product when they felt it settled into fine lines and wrinkles.”
At the Los Angeles-based launch party for the new foundation, the brand shared that the update has been in the works for a while. And while, according to a spokesperson, the reformulation wasn’t due to changes in EU ingredient regulations, it’s interesting to note that the new foundation no longer contains cyclopentasiloxane, an ingredient now banned in Europe, and the reason other major brands have had to reformulate recently.
I asked cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam to review the ingredient list of both the original and reformulated Double Wear versions. “You are right, they did get rid of the cyclopentasiloxane formula and replaced it with a blend of other silicones (dimethicone, methyl trimethicone),” she says. “I also noticed they removed their water thickeners (xanthan gum and cellulose gum), and this may be due to the addition of sodium hyaluronate, which not only hydrates the skin, but also thickens in water and may be able to replace the previous thickeners.”
The brand also made other changes to the formula: First, there’s the “polymer mesh matrix technology,” which Estée Lauder describes as a “breathable polymer system that acts like an invisible net,” allowing the foundation to move with the skin. The second is a complex they call “AlgaNiacin,” which Lam describes as “a proprietary blend that combines brown algae and niacinamide to decrease sebum production for a more matte and oily-skin-friendly story.”
Sophia Panych wearing no foundation.
Courtesy of subject
Panych after applying Double Wear in natural light.
Courtesy of subject
Panych wearing Double Wear in strong, direct sunlight.
Courtesy of subject
Unlike my friend Emy, I haven't worn Double Wear regularly. I think the last time I wore it was more than 10 years ago, so I can only tell you what I think about the new formula. (I'm 2N1 Desert Beige.) For my everyday makeup, I prefer dewy skin tints, and this new version is still very much the opposite of that. One layer gives me all-over, medium-to-full coverage, with a few additional dots added to my cheeks and chin to cover the annoying splotchiness that's shown up on my skin recently. At first, I disliked how matte it made my face because I felt it made me look older, but I've come to appreciate that it doesn't budge (my beloved skin tints tend to disappear quickly) and, shockingly, that it doesn't settle into fine lines and pores. I initially thought I'd give my bottle to a friend, but after a few days of testing, I've decided it's a great formula to have in my makeup kit for big events and long days.
Emy got serious when it came to her testing, conducting a side-by-side analysis— applying the original to one side of her face and the new formula to the other. (She wears shade 2W0 Warm Vanilla.) “The new one is runnier,” she texted me. “The color seemed a tad lighter than the old formula, and I felt like I had to apply a bit more to get the coverage I desired as compared to the original. But the new one definitely feels lighter and more breathable on your skin. The difference is really noticeable when you’ve got both on.” Emy also brought up a valid concern: Because you have to use more product to get the same amount of coverage as the original, you’ll ultimately go through the bottle more quickly.
Keep reading for more reviews of the new Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place foundation from editor in chief Cruel and other Allure editors, a group that includes both newbies and long-time fans.
Jessica Cruel wearing the new Double Wear formula.
Courtesy of subject
…and another angle of Cruel in Double Wear.
Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
"You can feel the difference in the new formula instantly. It's more liquid-y and loose than the original. Where one drop does the job with the OG formula, it takes two or three to get the same level of coverage. This allows the wearer to customize. The original had one speed—full coverage or bust. This version can be light, medium, or full. One note: You have to let each layer dry down a bit before adding more to get the best results. For those Double Wear lovers, you can still get the finish you love; it just takes a little longer. It still has staying power and a matte finish—the proof was evident after I spent hours sweating and taking selfies at the launch party in LA. It was in the same condition from the first photo to the last.
"The pigments in this new formula have also been updated, which makes for a bit of confusion when looking for your shade. I have always been 6W1 Sandalwood. In this new version, I went from 6W2 to 6C1, and I'm still not quite sure which one is the best fit. There's a 50% chance you'll have to change shades, so I definitely recommend going to get matched before committing to the new Double Wear."
Kassidy Silva without makeup. …
Courtesy of subject
Silva wearing just Double Wear foundation.
Courtesy of subject
Silva in Double Wear with a full face of makeup.
Courtesy of subjectKassidy Silva, social director
"After a year postpartum, and one look at myself in the closing doors of the New Jersey PATH train, I was eager to find a foundation that would cover not only my exhaustion, but also my fine lines…without settling into them like cement. I have always liked Double Wear, as I prefer a more full-coverage look, but I’m constantly testing new things, so it’s fallen by the wayside. The news of an updated formula gave me the perfect excuse to try something ‘new’ and potentially bring it back into my routine.
"The new formula is more lightweight and buildable than the original (I’m shade 2C0 Cool Vanilla), although you still get the medium-to-full coverage depending on how you want to layer. The first time I used it, however, I way overdid it since I’m used to using about two pumps of my other foundation. After some trial and error, I finally figured out the perfect amount I need, which is a dot applied to my forehead, cheeks, and chin that I then blend in with the Rose and Ben Beauty D2 Complexion Brush. I apply a first coat, wait around two minutes before buffing a little more along my hairline, any areas with more redness (like my outer cheeks), and along my jawline to really blend it in. Once it’s dry, I lightly dust powder along my T-zone and chin.
“I can go a full eight hours without needing a touch-up, but I’m makeup-free after 8 p.m., so I’ve never tested it longer than 12 hours. My only other knock is the twist-off cap, which can result in dumping out too much product. But you have that with the original, too.”
Elizabeth Gulino without makeup.
Courtesy of subject
Gulino wearing the new Double Wear foundation.
Courtesy of subjectElizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
"Honesty hour: I’ve never used the original Estée Lauder Double Wear, so the new formula is my first introduction. Luckily, I was shade-matched by a makeup artist who came to the Allure office (1N1 Ivory Nude, which is described as light with neutral peach undertones). The makeup artist recommended I cover the opening of the bottle with a finger, shake, and then dot the product straight onto my face before blending. I’m light-handed when it comes to my foundation. I like to first apply it with a brush, then go over it with a damp sponge. I loved the way my skin looked when the makeup artist applied it, but when I tried it myself, I did not have the same results.
“The first time I pressed it into my skin, my face looked good—great, even!—with just some separation around my forehead. It lasted all day and prevented my face from becoming oily as the day wore on. But the second day I applied the foundation, it separated all over my face, so much so that I had to take it off before applying the rest of my makeup. Looking back, I may have put too much on for the second test run, but the formula may not be for me. Still, thinking about how great the makeup artist made my skin look has inspired me to keep trying.”
Bianca Richards without makeup.
Courtesy of subject
Richards wearing only the new Double Wear foundation.
Courtesy of subject
Richards wearing Double Wear and a full face of makeup.
Courtesy of subjectBianca Richards, social media manager
"My mom lives by the Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation, and I honestly never gave it a chance until my colleague signed me up to test the reformulation. I must admit, I get the hype.
My relationship with foundation has always leaned toward skin tints and lightweight formulas that create that natural, luminous, everyday finish. Even for special occasions, I typically reach for the Tom Ford Matte Foundation when I want a true matte look, or stick with my go-to skin tint for something dewy and effortless. This new Estée Lauder foundation, however, strikes the perfect balance. It delivers the full coverage of a matte formula with the subtle, natural finish of a skin tint. I wear shade 3W2 Cashew, and after a full day of filming backstage at Fashion Week, my makeup didn’t budge."
Jesa Marie Calaor without makeup.
Courtesy of subject
Calaor in the new Double Wear foundation.
Courtesy of subjectJesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
“The new Estée Lauder Double Wear is reliable in every way you’d want a foundation formula to be: It glides on smoothly, doesn’t catch on the dry patches around my lips and along my jawline, and lasts through an entire workday (which, during Fashion Week, stretches well beyond midnight). I wore 4N2 Spiced Sand, a neutral medium shade, and it’s a spot-on match for my winter skin tone. (I'm floored, because many of my winter foundations skew a little too warm, and I definitely don't have cool undertones.) It covers redness and discoloration beautifully, but I do wish it were more lightweight, so it wouldn’t conceal the beauty marks I love so much.”
The Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lightweight Matte Foundation retails for $52 and is now available at esteelauder.com. It will be available at Amazon, Nordstrom, and Ulta Beauty starting February 23, 2026.
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Whether you’re restocking your everyday staples or finally trying that viral hit (hi, Too Faced and Tarte), now is the perfect opportunity to level up your lash game for less. In honor of National Lash Day (a.k.a. February 19—who knew?), Ulta Beauty is stretching the celebration into a full week, with 30% off mascaras, lashes, lash kits, and accessories. That means, from February 15 through February 21, you can lock in some serious savings on everything you need for longer, fuller, lashes—from editor-loved mascaras to falsies. And, Allure editors have tried tons of these best-selling formulas, so you can trust that these deals are ones we'd add to our carts.
Va-Va-Voom VolumeBenefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang Volumizing MascaraJump to review
Ulta Beauty
Lush and LiftedMaybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High MascaraJump to review
Ulta Beauty
Drama Queen Tarte Maneater MascaraJump to review
Ulta Beauty
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Benefit Cosmetics
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure content director Kara McGrath applying the Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Kara McGrath
If your lashes feel more “weighed down” than “wow,” try Benefit’s BadGal Bang Volumizing Mascara. It’s formulated with aero-particles, a material used to create lightweight volume, so you get all the drama without any heavy clumping. Plus, it’s packed with vitamin B5 to keep lashes looking thicker and stronger the more you wear it. And, the wand is just as genius as the formula, with a super-slim, flexible design that hugs every single lash from corner to corner. While we’ll always love classic black and brown, we’re currently obsessed with bolder shades like Wild Plum (a deep wine) and Power Blue (an electric cobalt) that are practically begging to be worn to a music festival or a night out on the town. No matter which shade you opt for, it won’t smudge or flake for up to 36 hours (although we highly recommend washing it off before then!). Add it to your cart for 30% off while you can.
McGrath before applying the Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Kara McGrath
McGrath after applying the Benefit Cosmetics BadGal Bang Volumizing Mascara
Kara McGrath
Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath
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"BadGal Bang is one of my favorite mascara formulas of all time, so it wasn't exactly shocking that I love the burgundy version, too. I know wearing purple makeup to contrast green eyes is the oldest trick in the book, but this plum-y brown really does make mine ‘pop’ without it being super obvious that I'm wearing a colorful mascara." —Kara McGrath, former content director
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Maybelline New York
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Maybelline New York’s Sky High Mascara is all about options, with nine shades to choose from. The lineup includes three blacks with different intensity levels, a true brown, and eye-catching hues like hunter green and deep plum—one of our favorites because it tends to make all eye colors pop. The flexible brush bends to catch every lash from root to tip, and the formula’s lightweight fibers add lift and length, for wispy, defined, and feathery-light lashes. It also features bamboo extract, which is high in silica and promotes longer, healthier lashes.
Taylor before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I’m usually loyal to my lash clusters, but on lazy days, I reach for Maybelline’s Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in Classic Black. Lately, however, I’ve been craving something different, so I swapped my standby black for Burgundy Haze, and it’s quickly become a new favorite in my rotation. The subtle tint warms up my brown eyes and complements the pink tones in my blush, adding just enough color without feeling over the top. It also delivers on performance lifting, lengthening, and separating without flaking or weighing my lashes down.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
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Tarte
Ulta Beauty
Tarte’s Maneater Mascara is made with plant-derived carnauba wax and jojoba oil, which help the formula glide on smoothly without clumping. They’re also conditioning ingredients that make lashes look longer and fuller with continued use. And, as any mascara devotee knows, the brush matters just as much as the formula. This one really delivers: The flexible wand is packed with over 500 tiny bristles that grab and coat every lash—even those barely there ones in the inner corners. The result is long, fluttery lashes that hold their curl all day, until you’re ready to wash it off (which is easy as pie, as the formula isn’t waterproof).
Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh
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“This mascara offers a fanned-out, lengthened look with just enough curl. A single coat makes it look like I naturally have really great lashes (if I do say so myself!), while adding a second turns up the drama without getting clumpy. The formula isn’t waterproof (so removal is a breeze), but it can go toe to toe with the best of them when it comes to longevity. And thank goodness for that—because when your lashes look this good, you want to show ’em off all day long.” —Dianna Singh, features director
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Anastasia Beverly Hills
Ulta Beauty
There’s a lot to love about Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Lash Sculpt Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara. Let’s start with the conditioning and lash growth-enhancing blend of biotin, collagen, and peptides. Then, there’s the buildable formula, the flake- and smudge-proof finish, the voluminous effect, and the wand, which offers a fanned-out look. It layers beautifully, so you get all the drama without the fallout halfway through the day.
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DIBS Beauty
Ulta Beauty
A mascara with a lash primer built in? Now that’s the ticket. DIBS’ Double Standard Primer & Mascara Duo comes in a double-ended tube that features a brown-tinted, lash-lengthening primer on one side, with a slim, plastic brush that grabs every lash. It’s formulated with moisturizing shea butter, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and vitamin B5 to condition lashes as it preps them for the next step. Flip the tube over, and you’ve got a rich, black mascara with a wavy-bristled wand that thickens and amps up the volume. Be prepared for compliments (you’ve been warned). At 30% off, you’re getting two products for even less than the regular price of one—that’s some major girl math.
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Live Tinted
Ulta Beauty
For short, stubborn lashes, Live Tinted’s Legacy Lash Volumizing & Lengthening Mascara delivers instant volume. But, the real magic is that it doubles as a treatment—think serum and mascara in one. The formula is powered by carnauba wax for definition, plus olive and green coffee extracts to help support growth. Meanwhile, a botanical blend of hibiscus flower, safflower, and sunflower oils helps make lashes look longer and denser over time. And applying it couldn’t be easier: The brush has a spiky tip that reaches all the way into those tricky inner corners, separating every lash, for a fanned-out finish.
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Too Faced
Ulta Beauty
Too Faced’s Better Than Sex Mascara might just live up to its name, if you ask us. One coat delivers instant volume, thanks to its iconic, hourglass-shaped brush, which hugs the lash line, lifts, and separates for a curled, clump-free finish. It comes in three shades: rich burgundy, chocolate brown, and deep black—trust us, you’ll want more than one in your rotation (yes, a lash wardrobe is a thing!). The formula is also infused with peptides to help condition lashes, so they stay soft and healthy-looking, with no crunchy flakiness in sight. Want an even longer lasting version? It also comes in Waterproof.
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Grande Cosmetics
Ulta Beauty
Grande Cosmetics’ Lash Enhancing Serum is packed with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and amino acids to help condition and strengthen lashes, so they look longer and healthier over time. It’s also made with isopropyl cloprostenate, a synthetic prostaglandin that boosts your lashes’ active growth phase to make them look longer, thicker, and even darker. All it takes is one swipe of the brush along your upper lash line each night for three months to kickstart the process. Once you’ve reached your ideal length, switch to every other night to maintain those fluttery results.
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Kiss
Ulta Beauty
With Kiss’s imPRESS Pre-Glued Lash Clusters, you get a mix of lengths—from 8 millimeters to 16 millimeters—so you can fully customize your look. (Pro tip: We love using the shorter pieces on the inner corners and longer ones on the outer edges for that lifted effect.) Whether you apply two clusters or five, they’re so lightweight, you’ll barely feel them. Even better, they come pre-glued, so there’s no messy adhesive required—just press them on underneath your natural lashes using your fingers or tweezers for a more seamless, natural finish. Once they’re on, they should stay put for up to 24 hours.
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Ardell
Ulta Beauty
When you’re going for “your lashes, but better,” reach for Ardell’s Naked Lashes 420, which are discounted at 30% off this week. The staggered lengths blend effortlessly with your natural lashes, and you only need a thin swipe of adhesive to keep them looking wispy all day long. The fibers are ultra-lightweight, so they won’t drag down your lash line or lids, and the barely-there band disappears once applied. Prepare for longer, fuller-looking lashes that’ll get people talking—without realizing they’re faux. A true win-win, in our book.
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Each day since the Justice Department published 3.5 million new documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case on January 30, we’ve learned of yet another powerful man who was in contact with the convicted sex offender and people in his network. Late last week, the name Peter Thomas Roth surfaced. According to what appear to be emails in the DOJ release, the skin-care brand founder had communicated with Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell from 2004 until 2018. Now, influencers and content creators are publicly disavowing Roth’s brand and—along with some everyday consumers—calling for boycotts in light of this information.
Nothing in the files suggests that Roth was involved in any criminal conduct, but he exchanged many friendly emails with Epstein and Maxwell long after the former pleaded guilty in 2008 to felony solicitation of prostitution and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution. In September 2017, Roth allegedly visited Epstein’s home to “explain to all the girls about skin creams, cleansers and such,” according to an email. The same month, Roth sent Epstein 13 gift bags filled with products. In another email, dated August 2018, Roth sent Epstein the link to a New York Post story headlined Steve Bannon Trying to Get on Disgraced Jeffrey Epstein’s Good Side,” saying “Great picture of you!!!” Epstein responded “fun,” to which Roth replied with three thumbs-up emojis. Epstein was subsequently charged with federal sex trafficking in July 2019.
Roth launched his skin-care line in 1993 after struggling to find products to treat his acne. The brand is now carried in Sephora, Ulta, and QVC. In a statement sent to Allure, representatives for Peter Thomas Roth stated that Roth “gave up the day-to-day operations of his eponymous brand in 2016.” According to the brand’s website, Roth “leads all research and development efforts.” He is still the CEO.
On February 8, skin-care influencer Hyram Yarbro posted a 26-minute YouTube video in which he said he would no longer promote the brand. He says he has featured its products in “hundreds” of his videos. “I just figured out today that one of my favorite skin-care brands that I have featured in hundreds of videos since the very beginning of my channel, Peter Thomas Roth, is all up in the Epstein files,” Yarbro stated in the video. “I personally will not be supporting him or the brand anymore.” At press time, the video has more than 230,000 views and over 2,000 comments, some saying they are going to boycott Ulta and Sephora as long as they continue to carry the brand.
J.C. Dombrowski, a content creator, also posted a video to say he’s severing any connection with the brand, deleting any previous videos he’s made featuring its products, and requesting to be taken off its public relations team’s mailing list. “I feel especially let down, violated, and appalled that my content helped bankroll someone and some brand like that,” he wrote in his caption, where he also described himself as a survivor of abuse.
People across the internet with far smaller followings, including on Reddit, are also denouncing Roth and his brand, calling on others to stop purchasing his products. “I’m genuinely disgusted and angry about this. PTR made one of my favorite moisturizers, but after this, I will be buying no more,” one user wrote in the /BeautyGuruChatter subReddit.
When Allure asked brand representatives at Peter Thomas Roth for comment, they pointed us to a statement that Roth posted to both his personal Instagram profile and the brand’s on February 5. In it, he said that Epstein was his physics teacher at the Dalton School in New York City in the early ’70s. “We stayed in touch casually in the nearly five decades that followed,” he wrote. “I’m horrified by the crimes he committed and the lasting impact they have had on his victims, and I deeply regret maintaining any association with him after leaving the Dalton School.”
Roth also said in his statement that he never attended Epstein’s parties, flew on his plane, or visited his island. He did recall once visiting Epstein’s Manhattan residence to “show him some skin-care products” and leaving after what he described as a “brief meeting” in his dining room. Roth previously mentioned a visit with Epstein to The New York Times in 2019. He described it as “an afternoon gathering” where “everyone present was in their 40s and 50s.” He told the publication at the time that he witnessed no “untoward behavior.”
This isn’t the first time that a beauty brand founder has been named in files related to Epstein. In January 2024, Frédéric Fekkai, hairstylist and founder of his namesake brand, was named in unsealed court documents related to a 2015 lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Maxwell. Giuffre, a prominent survivor of Epstein’s abuse who died by suicide last year, named Fekkai in the suit as one of the individuals who “has knowledge of [Maxwell’s] conduct.” In one deposition related to the case, an Epstein employee testified, “I heard him call someone, and say, Fekkai is in Hawaii. Can we find some girls for him?”
Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that regular appointments for “undisclosed or redacted individuals” in Epstein’s circle were made at Fekkai’s salon on New York City’s Upper East Side. In 2019, former Fekkai employees told The Daily Beast that Epstein regularly brought groups of young women into the salon, where the outlet reported, “He paid for their services and had them sit on his lap and stroke his hair.” In a statement sent to the outlet, a spokesperson said, “Neither [Fekkai] nor the current management team had any knowledge of the incidents described and, in Mr. Fekkai’s limited acquaintance with Mr. Epstein, he never witnessed any of the deplorable conduct that led to Mr. Epstein’s conviction.” Nothing in the files suggests that Fekkai was involved in any criminal conduct, and he has not been charged with any crime. Allure reached out to representatives for Frédéric Fekkai yesterday for comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
Leslie Wexner, founder of L Brands (previously Limited Brands), has been in headlines for years regarding a longtime association with Epstein. L Brands once owned Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch. (In 2021, the name was changed to Bath & Body Works. Victoria’s Secret was spun off into its own company, and Abercrombie & Fitch was sold nearly 30 years ago.) Wexner stepped down as CEO in 2020. In the January 30 release of documents, an FBI file from 2019, unredacted earlier this week, referred to Wexner as a “co-conspirator” of Epstein. Wexner has not been charged with any crime in connection with Epstein’s sex-trafficking and denies knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
A legal representative for Wexner sent a statement to multiple outlets on Tuesday, saying, “The assistant U.S. attorney told Mr. Wexner’s legal counsel in 2019 that Mr. Wexner was neither a co-conspirator nor a target in any respect. Mr. Wexner cooperated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again.”
While there are many industry players who appear in the files, the release of emails between Roth, Maxwell, and Epstein seems to have sparked sizable outrage from consumers. This may be due to the country’s disgust with the investigation in general—and a perceived lack of consequences—that is growing more intense with the passing of time.
It remains to be seen if this outrage is maintained, if other emails or accusations arise among beauty industry leaders, and what domino effects we might see. Last week, skin-care brand Augustinus Bader reportedly canceled an Upper East Side cocktail event hosted by its cofounder Charles Rosier and self-help author Deepak Chopra just two hours before it was set to begin. We learned of Chopra’s link to Epstein back in November, when another Epstein file release showed that the author had been in frequent email contact with Epstein in the years leading up to his 2019 sex trafficking charges. More of their email correspondence was included in the files released on January 30—among them a 2017 email exchange in which Chopra wrote to Epstein, in part, “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.” In June 2025, Rosier and Chopra launched an AI-based wellness platform called AB Chopra Epigenetics. Chopra has not been charged with any crimes, nor do his emails suggest involvement in any criminal conduct.
In a statement posted to X on February 4, Chopra wrote, “I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity.” He continued: “Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time.” Allure reached out to representatives for Chopra for comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
A representative for the Bader brand told Puck News this week, “Deepak Chopra is no longer a stakeholder or involved in the development of Augustinus Bader’s longevity platform.” Allure reached out to representatives for Augustinus Bader yesterday for additional comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
While the possible damage to brands and reputations seems to grow with each new cache of Epstein releases, in the end, it is nothing compared to the actual damage to the lives of countless abuse victims at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein.
Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of Amazon, Blue Mercury, Byredo, Neiman Marcus, and NordstromSave this storySave this story
The beauty of the best long-lasting perfumes is that they stick with you from your morning coffee to your evening plans without a single touch-up. Whether you want a cozy, musky hug, a fresh floral that feels like a crisp spring morning, or a sexy and spicy statement scent, these fragrances won’t quit after the first spritz. We tested tons of different scents and tapped professional perfumers to find the bottles that truly go the distance, delivering complexity, depth, and that can’t-stop-sniffing effect. Below, your guide to fragrances that actually last—and keep turning heads hour after hour.
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Gucci
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Why we love it: If you’re craving a floral that leans soft and sweet, rather than green and woody, Gucci’s Flora Gorgeous Gardenia delivers. It layers juicy notes of pear over a soft bouquet of gardenia, then deepens with brown sugar and patchouli for warmth. It’s playful but polished, and the kind of scent that makes an immediate impression—no surprise it earned an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2022.
This scent lasts so long that when our tester mailed clothes to a friend across the country, the perfume still lingered on the fabrics. (Her friend loved the scent so much that she bought a bottle for herself!)
Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva
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“From my first sniff of Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia, it had me questioning a major breakup with gourmand fragrance. Was I a floral girl now? While I'm not fully ready to break away from my beloved sugary scents, Gorgeous Gardenia gives me the best of both worlds. With a stunning bouquet of pear, white gardenia and brown sugar, the sweet, elevated floral is a head-turner. Not to mention, it lasts for days, literally. I shipped my best friend a jacket from New Jersey to Oregon and the scent was still going strong after a week.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director
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Parfums de Marly
Amazon
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Although Parfums de Marly Delina took home a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award for best floral perfume, we can’t put this darling in a corner. Alongside classic florals like rose, lily of the valley, and peony, you’ll find fresh, fruity accents—hello, lychee and rhubarb—that give the scent a bright and modern twist. To balance it out, bergamot, cashmere wood, vanilla, and musk add warmth and depth. The result is a floral, fruity, and undeniably elegant scent that transports you to the south of France, donning a little black dress with a martini in hand. And, of course, we can’t forget to mention the chic pink bottle—the perfect addition to your vanity.
Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey
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“This was my first fragrance from the brand, and I immediately fell for the pink bottle with its tassel because it’s so feminine and regal. I’m usually drawn to warm, spicy gourmands, not florals, but I can’t get enough of how powdery this one is. The first word that comes to mind? Feminine. Anytime I want to feel girly and pretty, this is my go-to. Bonus: It lasts all day and all night. I can still catch whiffs of it even after a shower, so you truly get a fragrance that delivers from first spritz to last, a true bang for your buck.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor
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The Harmonist
Bluemercury
Why we love it: The Harmonist’s Sacred Water earned a 2022 Allure Best of Beauty Award, thanks to its bright, uplifting, and quietly elegant spirit. It opens with a sparkling mix of citron, mandarin, and fresh ginger, delivering an instant burst of freshness that softens as it wears. As the scent settles, orange blossom and magnolia come forward, adding depth through easy-to-wear floral notes. A base of grey amber, woody amyris, and cedar anchors everything, giving this fragrance a clean finish that lingers.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I spritz two or three pumps of Sacred Water onto my neck and hair, and then walk into the lingering mist. I layer Dedcool's Xtra Milk on top to lock it in and add a soft warmness to the otherwise citrus scent. While Sacred Water brings light, refreshing notes of ginger and orange blossom, Xtra Milk adds depth with amber and white musk. When I say this elite pairing elicits compliments, I'm not kidding. I've had Trader Joe's employees stop me in the middle of checkout to ask about my perfume, and had company colleagues chase me down in the office to find out what scent I'm wearing. The layered combo is lethal in the most non-lethal and incredibly delightful way. I do wish Sacred Water was more affordable, but it's such a beautiful scent in an even more beautiful bottle, so it's easy to see why the cost is so high!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
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Byredo
Nordstrom
Why we love it: Byredo hits the nail on the head with this wood-forward fragrance. Anchored in bergamot, smoke, and oakwood, Rouge Chaotique smells like a crunchy walk through a forest. Fresh black currant and juicy plum cut through the earthiness, while sweet praline and saffron—it’s the most expensive spice in the world, so this addition, in part, explains the price—add warmth and depth. A single spritz instantly transports us from the concrete jungle of New York City straight to Wyoming, but with this fragrance, we’re glamping, never pitching our own tent. Since this is an extrait, it’s even more concentrated than your typical eau de parfum; each spritz goes a very long way. And, the next time you wear that same shirt, you might not need to reapply.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“This Byredo extrait is my go-to date or night-out scent: The woodsy, slight spicy notes make me feel confident and sexy all night, and the scent lingers well into the next day, but at a slightly softened level that’s more appropriate for the office or meeting up with friends for brunch. I can even smell it towards the end of day two. I’m definitely more light-handed with this extrait than I am with my EDPs, maxing out at two spritzes. It’s potent but not overwhelming.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
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Balmain
Neiman Marcus
Why we love it: Many of our editors have tested the Best of Beauty Award-winning Balmain Carbone, and we all agree it’s unlike anything else in our fragrance rotation. It can come across a bit strong at first, with an immediate hit of musk, suede, cumin, and patchouli, but give it a few minutes, and it enters an entirely new era. A soft rose note emerges, wrapped in a smoky tobacco haze, transforming the scent into something far more nuanced. Together, it’s floral yet smoky, with a moody, jazz-club-after-dark vibe. In our eyes, this isn’t a summer spritz, but its dark sultriness makes it perfect for fall and winter. Just a few sprays offer maximum impact that lasts from dawn until dusk.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“After weeks of testing, I can say Carbone lingers way longer than some of my other favorite perfumes (a major win in my book, since who has time to reapply hourly?). The scent is pretty strong at first, so you only need one or two spritzes for serious impact and staying power. (I’ve noticed it can lasts up to 8 hours.) I tend to wear Carbone on nights out rather than in-office days, for some much-needed confidence.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
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Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Nordstrom
Why we love it: The extrait version of Maison Francis Kurkdijan’s Baccarat 540 intensifies the power of the original eau de parfum, which is bold, given that the original already lasts a long time. It’s woody, ambery, and musky, but also has notes of jasmine flowers, ethyl maltol (an aroma enhancer and sweetener that adds a gourmand twist), and bitter almond to enhance the dessert-ness of it all. Also a saffron-boosted scent, this is another well-worth-the-price perfume that leaves a trail everywhere you go for days, with just a few quick spritzes.
Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner
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“This is one of my all-time favorite perfumes—and one of the only bottles I’ve ever actually finished. (I own around 100 scents, so that’s really saying something.) Like Santal 33, it’s so unique and instantly recognizable when you smell it on someone. It’s the perfect blend of my favorite scent profiles—sweet and ambery—so when I don’t know what to reach for, this one always hits the spot. It also layers beautifully with more skin-scented fragrances, which helps tone down the sweetness for an office day or a morning walk when I don’t want anything too strong. I always get compliments when I wear it.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer
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Bond No.9
Amazon
Why we love it: Smelling like a chocolate cupcake isn’t for everyone, which is why Bond No. 9 elevated the good-enough-to-eat scent and turned it into something worthy of all-day wear. Tribeca has much more to offer than the warm, chocolaty star note. The brand mixed smooth, sweet cacao and caramel with green hazelnut for a crisp twist, along with jasmine and moss for an earthy, yet romantic touch. “Not only are the fragrance concentrations high, but the brand uses newer nitro musks that are stronger than older musks, so you can use 10% less and smell 100 times stronger,” says New York City-based senior perfumer Darryl Do. Translation: While it’s an investment, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth, since a little goes a long way.
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Le Labo
Nordstrom
Why it’s worth it: Darryl Do is also a fan of Le Labo’s Santal 33 for the same reason he loves Bond No. 9: It’s formulated with those aforementioned, newer nitro musks, so the scent is stronger, longer-lasting, and doesn’t require half the bottle to make an impact. Yes, it’s the viral fragrance everyone (and their mom) has smelled before—but there’s a reason it became that scent. The musky base is the definition of comforting, but it's not overpowering. It’s on the minimalist side, but you can immediately recognize when someone is wearing it. Cardamom brings a cozy warmth, iris and violet add brightness, and sandalwood and cedarwood give it that signature leathery edge. Le Labo’s very first creation is a unisex classic for a reason—and, years later, it’s still the one we reach for when we have no idea what scent to wear.
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Prada
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Picture sitting fireside with a milky chai latte, bundled in your comfiest coat and beanie. Now, imagine what that moment would smell like. You’d land somewhere close to Prada’s Infusion de Santal Chai Eau de Parfum. It blends creamy sandalwood with warm chai spices, layered with cardamom and a hint of citrus. A musky base keeps it grounded, reading more like a skin scent than a full-on gourmand.
This recommendation comes by way of Nordstrom’s national beauty director, Autumne West: “I love a niche fragrance where you can really feel the thought behind the ingredients and how the scent develops over time. It has depth without feeling overpowering and wears in a way that still feels very natural and easy.” You can reach for this balanced, comforting spritz while sipping your morning coffee and know you’ll still smell good on your evening commute.
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According to Do, the higher the concentration of fragrance oil is directly correlated to its longevity. Eau de toilettes typically fall in the 7 to 12% range, eau de parfums land around 15 to 20%, and concentrates (also known as extraits) can reach 22 to 30%. Look for fragrances labeled parfum, intense, or elixir, West suggests, if you’re looking for a scent that lasts all day.
The notes of the perfume also make a big difference. West says that fragrances with deeper notes like musk, tobacco, and cardamom, create a lasting impression as the fragrance dries down throughout the day. “Citrus-forward notes can be beautiful and refreshing upon first spray, but they fade quicker,” she says. That’s why many of the citrus scents on this list are anchored with deeper notes, so they’ll linger.
One of West’s favorite tips is to apply your fragrance to freshly moisturized skin because hydrated skin holds onto scent much longer. “Layering also makes a big difference,” she says. “If a fragrance has a coordinating body lotion, oil, or shower gel, applying that first helps create a base so the perfume lasts longer and wears more evenly.”
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