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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Wavy hair is that girl—effortlessly cool, perfectly undone, and full of personality. But finding the best products for wavy hair can take some serious trial and error. Many of the more popular options on the market cater to straight-up curls or pin-straight hair, giving less love to the in-between. And while it might seem low-maintenance at first glance, waves have their challenges. Without the right formulas, they can lose their bounce, become lackluster, or get tangly and unmanageable. Overly heavy products, and your waves fall flat; too light, and frizz takes over.

To strike the perfect balance, we tested countless products and asked hairstylists for their expertise and recommendations for wave-enhancing products that keep your hair soft, defined, and full of life, whether you air-dry regularly or are in a committed relationship with your hair dryer. Scroll on for favorites from editors and stylists for your most amazing waves yet.

Our Top Wavy Hair Products

• Best Overall: Ouai Wave Spray, $30
• Best for Frizz Control: Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion, $38
• Best Hold: Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray, $30
• Best for Dry Styling: Sachajuan Styling Cream, $39
• Best for Air-Drying: Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream, $26
• Best for Volume: IGK Beach Club Texture Spray, $36
• Best Serum: Roz Milk Hair Serum, $52

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I enhance my wavy hair?
• How do I make my wavy hair less frizzy?
• Should you oil wavy hair?
• Meet the Experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Whether you’re a wash-and-go minimalist or love the polished finish of a heat tool, we’ve got you covered. Ahead, discover expert-approved products for wavy hair that will define, hydrate, and celebrate your natural look in all its glory.

Best Overall: Ouai Wave Spray

Ouai

Wave Spray

$30

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Revolve

Allure contributing editor Deanna Pai using the Ouai Wave Spray

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Ouai’s Wave Spray offers effortless, lived-in waves every time—minus the crunch or dryness of your average salt texturizer. It’s a weightless mist that uses a blend of rice protein and coconut water to enhances your natural wave pattern and create a just-out-of-the-ocean vibe. It’s versatile, too: sSpritz it on damp hair for soft waves, refresh dry strands with a light mist, or spray and braid your hair before bed and wake up to tousled perfection.

Pai before using the Ouai Wave Spray

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Ouai Wave Spray

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I've been using this for the better part of a decade—it's just that good. While it doesn't have great frizz control, it's unmatched at giving me defined waves and lots of bounce. I consider it a worthwhile tradeoff, especially on days when it's not humid.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice protein, coconut water
• What you'll notice: enhancing texture and soft, natural waves

Best for Frizz: Cecred Moisture Sealing Lotion

Cécred

Moisture Sealing Lotion

$38

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why we love it: This creamy-as-heck Cecred Moisture Sealing Lotion comes straight from the mind of Béyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles. It’s part styler, part leave-in, though cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski calls it “standard conditioner with a different name.” Expect reduced frizz, a surge of moisture, and softly defined waves that carry you from desk to dusk. Apply it to damp hair and air-dry or style with heat. Keep in mind that this isn’t a heat protectant, so pair it with something to keep your strands safe during straightening or blow-drying.

Calaor before applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Cécred Moisture Sealing Lotion

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Two or three quarter-size dollops of this emollient lotion help smooth my frizz and define my waves. I dispense it onto my hands, massage it into my poofy waves (dry or wet), and loosely tie my hair into a loose, low bun. Whenever I release it, it looks way smoother—staying that way for the rest of the day. It smells amazing, too. I get comments like, ‘What fragrance are you wearing?’ on the woody, clean scent whenever I wear my hair down.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, shea butter, olive oil
• What you’ll notice: sleeker, easier to brush hair

Best Hold: Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray

Dae

Hibiscus Wave Spray

$30

Amazon

$30

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Why we love it: Hibiscus leads the charge in Dae’s Wave Spray, moisturizing, softening, and styling waves like a breeze. The light hold helps your style last way longer than it would sans spray, and the buildable formula means you can go subtle or pile it on for a more textured look. Alongside elasticity-boosting hibiscus, you’ll find conditioning prickly pear oil and restorative moringa seed oil. The scent? Fruity, fresh, and more than welcome.

Foresto before applying the Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Dae Hibiscus Wave Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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”My hair has gotten straighter and straighter as the years go by, and while I used to be able to air-dry and get perfect S waves without any product help, that's no longer the case. To get a more evenly distributed set of waves nowadays, I need a little hold, but I hate feeling like my hair is crunchy or too oily, so I prefer to stay away from mousses and gels. Instead, I like the buildable properties (and delicious tropical smell) of this creamy spray. I use a few spritzes on damp hair and braid my hair into pigtails or space buns after washing it for beachy waves. On day 2, I use a tiny, tiny bit more on dry hair and use a flatiron to give my waves more definition without making them feel sticky (and finish things up with an oil for extra shine and frizz control). If I'm stretching into day 3, I spray again and scrunch my hair up to go back to messy waves.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hibiscus, prickly pear oil, moringa oil
• What you’ll notice: style-extending, softening

Best for Dry Styling: Sachajuan Styling Cream

Sachajuan

Styling Cream

$39

Dermstore

$39

Revolve

Allure contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman applying the Sachajuan Styling Cream

Annie Blackman

Why we love it: The Sachajuan Styling Cream is a multitasker that turns 'meh' hair days into actually good ones. Packed with the brand’s signature Ocean Silk Technology, it smooths, defines, and adds shine without heaviness or stickiness. Whether you leave your waves to air-dry naturally or straighten them for a sleek finish, this formula keeps hair soft, manageable, and protected from heat damage. With continued use, you can expect boosted strand strength and less breakage. Wins all around.

Blackman before applying the Sachajuan Styling Cream

Annie Blackman

Blackman after applying the Sachajuan Styling Cream

Annie Blackman

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman

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“I really like Sachajuan’s Styling Cream for its not-too-soft-not-too-strong hold and salon-esque scent. If I’m working with dry hair, I mist it with my spray bottle, scrunch the product into the ends of my hair, and then diffuse it with my Dyson Supersonic. The result is a nice amount of texture and wave.” —Annie Blackman, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein, red algae extract, panthenol
• What you'll notice: heat-protected styling and silky smooth definition

Best for Air-Drying: Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

Briogeo

Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

$26

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Revolve

Allure former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

Jennifer Hussein

Why we love it: If soft, heat-free hair is your dream, Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream is about to be your go-to. The creamy yet lightweight formula smooths and hydrates, enhancing your natural waves while reducing frizz for lively, touchable strands that feel as good as they look. It’s perfect for those wash-and-wear days when you want effortless, polished hair. Yuzu extract protects against environmental stressors, while plum oil delivers a dose of moisture to leave hair looking soft, healthy, and ready for compliments.

Hussein before applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

Jennifer Hussein

Hussein after applying the Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

Jennifer Hussein

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein

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“Briogeo's air-dry cream is one of the few wave enhancers I've tried that doesn't leave my hair with a crunchy feel. In fact, it leaves my usually -frizzy strands with a soft, smooth texture that I love running my hands through. This cream turns into a weightless oil as I scrunch it in, so I can pack on product without a greasy texture forming.” —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yuzu extract, plum oil, super B-complex
• What you'll notice: frizz-free air-dried styles with a soft, natural finish

Best for Volume: IGK Beach Club Texture Spray

IGK

Beach Club Texture Spray

$36 $32 (11% off)

Amazon

$36

Nordstrom

$36

Revolve

Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray

Angela Trakoshis

Why we love it: If you live miles from the ocean but still crave a touch of beachiness to your hair, IGK’s Beach Club Texture Spray is the next best thing. It delivers effortless volume and tousled waves with zero crunch or dryness. This salt-free formula adds buildable texture and gentle grit while locking in moisture, making it perfect for achieving that effortless, tousled look. Think soft, touchable hair with all the body and bounce of a day spent oceanside, minus the saltwater.

Trakoshis before applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray

Angela Trakoshis

Trakoshis after applying the IGK Beach Club Texture Spray

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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“Meet beach hair in a bottle, zero effort required. Spray, scrunch, and boom—this gives you instant beach waves without even leaving the house.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hydrolyzed wheat protein
• What you'll notice: tousled, beachy volume and texture sans dryness

Best Serum: Roz Milk Hair Serum

RŌZ

Milk Hair Serum

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

$52

Revolve

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Roz Milk Hair Serum

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: If you’re craving versatility, turn to Roz Milk Hair Serum. This 3-in-1 leave-in treatment detangles, smooths, and enhances definition—whether air-drying, blow-drying, or just refreshing. “You’re ultimately looking for a product that helps your hair air-dry nicely, with just enough hydration without weighing it down. This formula is an all-around perfect product, and I always recommend it for my clients looking to enhance their natural waves,” says LA-based hairstylist Richard Grant. It’s lightweight, nourishing, and leaves hair soft, frizz-free, and manageable, regardless of how you style it.

Pai before applying the Roz Milk Hair Serum

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Roz Milk Hair Serum

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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“While I love Ouai's Wave Spray, my hair sometimes needs more moisture—especially when the weather is dry, cold, or both. I reach for this hair serum and scrunch it in with my hands to get a softer, more lived-in look. It does a bang-up job of controlling flyaways and staticky hairs, and I love that my hair always feels touchable and healthy.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: BotaniComplex, red algae extract, panthenol
• What you'll notice: frizz-free air dries, smooth blowouts, and effortless refreshes.

More products for wavy hair we love:

• Looking for that effortlessly cool, lived-in vibe? Oribe Matte Waves Texture creates a tousled, piecey effect reminiscent of a salt spray, evoking breezy beach days. This lightweight lotion enhances natural texture while adding grip for styling and a matte finish. “Since it leaves a little grit, I suggest starting with a small amount on damp hair and then using a diffuser to lock it in,” says hairstylist Joseph Chase.
• When wavy hair meets humidity, frizz often follows, but it doesn’t have to. Olaplex No.10 Bond Shaper Curl Defining Gel provides smooth, defined waves with a flexible, crunch-free hold—which might be why it won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award. “For wavy hair, lighter products like gels and lightweight creams are perfect for enhancing your natural texture without weighing strands down,” says L.A.-based hairstylist Cheryl Bergamy.
• Meet the modern-day mousse that’s your newfound secret to touchable, flexible hold. Rahua’s Aloe Vera Hair Mousse locks in flexible, medium hold while delivering volume, body, and shine. The plant-powered formula smooths and hydrates with organic aloe vera, sugarcane provides definition and long-lasting hold, and guayusa protects from damage while promoting healthy growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enhance my wavy hair?

“Enhancing your waves always starts with the correct products,” says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Sophie Rose. She suggests using a light moisturizer to detangle wet hair, followed by a mousse or light gel. “Scrunch the product into the hair using your fingers as a diffuser, and flip your head over while scrunching for more volume,” she adds.

For refreshing waves, Grant recommends skipping the rewash and trying this little hack instead: “Mix a leave-in conditioner with water and lightly spritz it onto your hair,” he says. “Then, do a quick diffuse to redefine your waves.” This simple method revives your natural texture while keeping your routine fuss-free.

How do I make my wavy hair less frizzy?

Keeping wavy hair frizz-free comes down to hydration and the right styling techniques. “In theory, the more the hair is hydrated, the less frizz you'll have, so it’s about finding that balance between a leave-in and an oil, depending on the density of your hair,” says Grant. Rose emphasizes the importance of letting your hair dry completely before touching it. “Try not to touch the wave until it’s 100% dry,” she says. “How your hair looks when it’s wet is generally how it will look when it’s dry. Whether you use a diffuser on low heat or let it air-dry, the wave pattern needs to set.” For best results, apply a leave-in conditioner for hydration and follow with a product that offers hold to keep frizz at bay.

Should you oil wavy hair?

Oil on wavy hair can be beneficial, but it’s all about balance and application. “I don’t recommend using too much oil on wavy hair, but you can use a light oil on the ends if you have heat or chemical damage,” says Rose. “Just avoid the roots because they will weigh down the hair.” Grant agrees that oil can play a helpful role in hydration. “I wouldn’t apply oil to the roots but focus more on the mid-shaft to the ends.” When used conservatively, oil can be a great way to address dryness and frizz while maintaining the bounce and lightness of your waves.

Meet the experts

• Sophie Rose, a Los Angeles-based hairstylist
• Richard Grant, a Los Angeles-based hair stylist
• Joseph Chase, a bi-coastal hair stylist
• Cheryl Bergamy, a Los Angeles-based hair stylist
• Perry Romanowski, a Chicago-based cosmetic chemist

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly 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 products for wavy hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists to find the most hydrating, strand-softening formulas out there. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Amazon Prime Day 2025 may still be a couple of weeks away, but the best early K-beauty Amazon Prime Day deals are already rolling in—and they’re worth adding to your cart sooner rather than later. Beauty editor-fave Korean beauty staples like CosRx, Round Lab, Mixoon, and Medicube are marked down ahead of the main event, making now the perfect time to stock up on your glass-skin essentials.

Whether you’re after a hydrating toner to plump up dry skin, a barrier-boosting cream for sensitive days, or that fast-absorbing sunscreen TikTok can’t stop raving about, these early discounts cover every step of your routine. And it’s not just skin care—you’ll also find K-beauty makeup must-haves and hair deals in the mix.

We’ll keep updating as more markdowns go live, but act fast: The best Amazon Prime Day finds tend to sell out quickly. Scroll on for the best early Amazon Prime Day K-beauty deals of 2025 you can shop right now.

​​Best Amazon Prime Day K-Beauty Deals You Can Shop Now

 Bouncy SkinDr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy MaskJump to review$13 $11 (15% off)

Amazon

 Keep CalmMixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica EssenceJump to review$18 $14 (22% off)

Amazon

Protection PerfectionRound Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50Jump to review$25 $20 (20% off)

Amazon

Want more Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals? Lucky for you, we've rounded up the buzziest Amazon Prime Day beauty deals on sale you can shop right now. If you want a true cheat sheet, shop the Allure Amazon Storefront now.

Jump to:

• Our Top Korean Beauty Deals
• Best Korean Skin-Care Deals
• Best Korean Makeup Deals
• Best Korean Hair-Care Deals

Best Amazon Prime Day Korean Skin-Care Deals

Dr. Althea

Vitamin C Boosting Serum

$27 $24 (11% off)

Amazon

Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum

Devon Abelman

Dr. Althea Vitamin C Boosting Serum is a lightweight, brightening formula designed to even tone and revive dull, tired skin. "Even though it’s fragrance-free, it smells like freshly squeezed Florida orange juice—pulp and all," contributor Devon Abelman says. “Scent aside, I love how dynamic this formula is. It covers all the bases for achieving the healthy skin of your dreams: brightening, hydrating, smoothing, and healing. Texture-wise, it’s viscous and almost gel-like without feeling sticky.”

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra-Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Koolsol by Knours

Ultra-Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$25 $16 (36% off)

Amazon

Big news: For fans of chemical sunscreens, Koolsol by Knours Ultra-Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 comes surprisingly close to mimicking the feel of a chemical formula—something rare for any mineral sunscreen, especially an untinted one. “It applies so elegantly, like a lightweight moisturizer—hi, cica, snow mushroom, aloe, and niacinamide—and leaves my skin looking dewy, but not overly so,” says commerce editor Sarah Han.

Dr. Althea

Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

$13 $11 (15% off)

Amazon

Han applying the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask

Sarah Han

This mask ditches the usual cotton sheet for a soft, gel-infused gauze that clings comfortably to your face and feels instantly cooling and soothing. Inside, 10 different types of hyaluronic acid work together to drench your skin in hydration—plumping it up right away while keeping it moisturized and bouncy for hours. “I always expect my skin to be glowing after taking off sheet masks, but I was still impressed just how **glowy** I really looked,” says Han.

Han applying the Mixsoon Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence

Sarah Han

Mixsoon

Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence

$18 $14 (22% off)

Amazon

Mixsoon keeps it simple with just three ingredients (water, butylene glycol, and cica), providing a lightweight, fluid formula you can layer without heaviness. The result is skin that feels calm, hydrated, and radiant. “There's something inherently stress-free about using a simple formula you know is going to hydrate and calm my skin—which is exactly what Soondy Centella Asiatica Essence delivers on," Han says.

Round Lab

Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50

$25 $20 (20% off)

Amazon

Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Stick SPF 50 makes sunscreen application (and reapplication) a cinch. The solid stick glides seamlessly, with birch sap and hyaluronic acid keeping skin looking hydrated and fresh. Toss it in your bag and swipe on anytime for dewy, protected skin.

Ma:nyo

Bifida Biome Ampoule Toner

$22 $18 (18% off)

Amazon

This barrier-boosting formula delivers the refreshing, watery feel of a toner with the concentrated power of an ampoule. Infused with bifida ferment and probiotics, Ma:nyo Bifida Biome Ampoule Toner works to repair and strengthen skin while soothing irritation and replenishing hydration.

Some by Mi

AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner

$22 $17 (23% off)

Amazon

Some By Mi AHA-BHA-PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner is a gentle yet effective exfoliating toner that targets breakouts, clogged pores, and uneven texture. The trio of exfoliating acids—AHA to smooth, BHA to clear pores, and PHA to hydrate—helps refine skin without harshness.

Dr. Jart+

Cryo Rubber Mask Collection

$16

Amazon

Meet a mask for every self-care moment: The Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Mask Collection comes with options to hydrate, firm, or soothe, depending on what your complexion’s craving. Each two-step treatment begins with a concentrated ampoule, followed by a cooling rubber mask that seals it in, making the whole experience feel spa-like.

Banila Co.

Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm

$21 $15 (29% off)

Amazon

Banila Co Clean It Zero Original Cleansing Balm—an Allure Korea editor fave—melts from a sherbet-like balm into an oil to whisk away makeup, sunscreen, and impurities. Powered by olive and jojoba oils, plus antioxidant-rich extracts from acerola, cranberry, and pomegranate, it leaves the skin clean, soft, and refreshed.

Numbuzin

No. 5+ Vitamin Glutathione Ampoule

$20

Amazon

When a K-beauty founder loves a serum, we love said serum. "Glutathione [a combination of amino acids glycine, cysteine, and glutamic acid] has gained a lot of popularity in K-beauty for targeting blemish scars and hyperpigmentation,” says Yanghee Paik, cofounder of Rael Beauty. Paired with vitamin C, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid, this serum works wonders for a clearer complexion.

Purcell

24/7 Colostrum Pore Defence Ampoule Mist

$37 $27 (27% off)

Amazon

K-pop idols, including Blackpink’s Rosé and Aespa’s Giselle, have been spotted carrying this unassuming face mist, so naturally, we’re scooping up one for ourselves. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid, colostrum, and probiotic ferments to refresh your skin, and it works well before and after makeup. Mist away!

TonyMoly

I'm Rice Exfoliating Enzyme Cleanser

$14 $10 (29% off)

Amazon

This water-activated TonyMoly powder cleanser can be used in two ways: either as a traditional exfoliating cleanser or as a 10-minute brightening mask. Superfine rice powder and papain enzymes do the heavy lifting in terms of buffing away dead skin cells, while cica and glycerin lock in moisture and strengthen your barrier. Best of all? So TSA-friendly.

Medicube

Zero Pore Pads

$31 $19 (39% off)

Amazon

The power of Medicube’s Zero Pore Pads can’t be underestimated. Each round is drenched in 0.45% white willow bark (a.k.a. BHA) to clear blackheads and minimize the look of pores, 4.5% citric acid to smooth uneven texture, and cypress tree leaf and skullcap to curb sebum production.

Fully

Green Tomato Clay Mask Cleanser

$24 $18 (25% off)

Amazon

Packed with 49% green tomato extract, glycerin, a six-clay complex (which includes kaolin and bentonite), and cica, this cleanser-mask hybrid clears pores and sweeps away blackheads while also soothing the skin. Wear it as a mask for two to five minutes before washing it off for a deeper cleanse than what your typical cleanser provides.

Best Amazon Prime Day Korean Makeup Deals

Rom&nd

Better Than Cheek

$15 $9 (40% off)

Amazon

Powder blushes are making a comeback. Unlike the chalky formulas of past years, Romn&d’s Better Than Cheek leaves behind a soft-matte, texture-blurring finish in super-wearable hues.

A'pieu

Juicy-Pang Jelly Blusher

$7

Amazon

It’s as sensorial as it gets with this blush. A’PIEU Juicy-Pang Jelly Blusher has a soft, bouncy texture (somewhere between a cream and a powder) that blends like a dream for the smoothest application imaginable. Infused with fine satin pearls and inspired by juicy fruits like plum, grape, apple, and peach, it leaves cheeks with a fresh, natural-looking glow.

Colorgram

Under Eye Highlighter Stick

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

Colorgram Under Eye Highlighter Stick is designed to glide along the lower lash line for instantly bigger, brighter-looking eyes. The smooth, smudge-proof formula adds a subtle shimmer that gives your makeup look a fresh, doe-eyed effect.

Touch in Sol

No Poreblem Primer

$17 $15 (12% off)

Amazon

Large pores? No poreblem. Touch in Sol’s fan-favorite primer smooths skin with a lightweight, velvety finish that blurs the appearance of pores and grips onto makeup in place all day. Thanks to green tea extract and collagen, it also keeps skin calm, fresh, and hydrated, so your makeup looks (and stays) its best.

Best Korean Hair-Care Deals

Mise en Scene

Perfect Serum Original

$23

Amazon

Mise En Scène Perfect Super Rich Serum is the brand’s most intensive hair serum, providing deep hydration, taming stubborn frizz, and helping to repair breakage for smoother, shinier strands. Compared to the original Perfect Serum—which Han calls “the closest I’ve ever felt to having commercial-worthy hair”—the Super Rich version delivers a denser, more indulgent texture for hair that’s thick, coarse, color-treated, or seriously damaged.

Unove

Silk Oil Essence

$30 $22 (27% off)

Amazon

Unove Silk Oil Essence is like a quick makeover for tired, frizz-prone hair. Packed with over 20 proteins, amino acids, and nourishing oils, it smooths, softens, and adds shine—yet still feels lightweight, even on fine or thin hair.

Elizavecca

Collagen Coating Hair Treatment Rinse

$20 $14 (30% off)

Amazon

If your hair’s feeling overworked from constant heat styling or coloring, Elizavecca CER-100 Collagen Coating Hair Treatment Rinse is like a reset button. Packed with hydrolyzed collagen, ceramides, and nourishing oils, it smooths frizz, softens brittle ends, and restores that healthy shine and bounce.

Cosrx

Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Oil Serum

$23 $20 (13% off)

Amazon

CosRx Peptide-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum is a lightweight treatment that strengthens weak keratin bonds while adding silky shine. Infused with seven botanical oils, including argan, jojoba, and camellia, it smooths frizz and seals split ends without weighing hair down. “This hair oil serum has also been great with extra dry ends and doesn’t leave your hands feeling super greasy,” says shopping director Shanna Shipin.

K-beauty Amazon Prime Day deals won't be around forever, so act fast and bookmark this page as we add more recommendations. Happy shopping!

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

When it comes to achieving a dewy, hydrated complexion, nothing delivers the way the best hyaluronic acid serums do. Don't be fooled by the fact that it has "acid" in its name—unlike its exfoliating counterparts, hyaluronic acid is a hydrating skin-care ingredient that works for everyone, even if you have sensitive skin.

Naturally produced by our bodies, hyaluronic acid promotes elasticity and skin hydration by holding up to 1,000 times its weight in water. And while it's a godsend in the winter, it can also be a game-changer in the summer—for when typical moisturizers can feel heavy and oppressive. Incorporate one of our favorite, dermatologist-approved HA serums below into your routine and lock in the hydrating, barrier-restoring goodness with a moisturizing face cream. Then, say hello to your plumpest, dewiest complexion yet.

Our Top Hyaluronic Acid Serums

• Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan, $120
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Skin Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops, $13
• Best for Brightening: Osea Dream Night Serum, $88
• Best for Plumping: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator, $184
• Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $127
• Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $40
• Best Korean: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule, $21

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?
• Is it safe for all skin types?
• Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers
• Meet the experts

Best Overall: SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan

SkinCeuticals

Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan

$120

SkinCeuticals

$120

Dermstore

$120

Bluemercury

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it's worth it: The 2024 Best of Beauty Award-winning SkinCeuticals Hyaluronic Acid Intensifier Multi-Glycan is intended for surface hydration, so it lessens the look of fine lines and folds. This updated rendition of the brand’s original humectant-forward serum contains the same ingredient lineup as its predecessor—hydrating hyaluronic acid, tone-brightening licorice root, vitamin E-rich purple rice extract—with the addition of proxylane, SkinCeuticals’s proprietary post-biotic ferment extract. This ingredient increases your skin’s levels of glycan, complex sugars that are naturally present in your skin, giving skin a plumper look and supple feel. This skin-plumping serum is a good option to enhance the volumizing effects both after and between injectables, like hyaluronic acid-based dermal fillers.

Tester feedback from Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Hyaluronic acid serums are a must in my routine for my extra-dry skin with rosacea, but many of the formulas I've tried are too runny or feel like they disappear seconds after application. This is by far the easiest and most comforting serum I've used. It is thick for a serum (no drippy mess here), glides along my face with ease, and leaves it soft and soothed.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, licorice root, purple rice, proxylane
• Who it's for: everyone

Best Drugstore: E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

e.l.f. skin

Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

$13

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying e.l.f. Skin’s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

Why it's worth it: Talk about quenching your skin’s thirst—E.L.F. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops earned its 2025 Best of Beauty Award because it truly lives up to the name. Lightweight hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration without ever feeling heavy, while a hibiscus complex (rich in antioxidants) helps boost collagen and your skin’s own hyaluronic acid production for extra plumpness and glow. Another standout ingredient of this formula is its 5% niacinamide, which evens out tone, refines pores, and smooths rough patches. Layer it under makeup, mix a drop into your foundation, or wear it solo. However you use it, expect bouncy, dewy skin that stays refreshed all day.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Whenever I don’t get enough sleep (or even when I do, honestly), a brightening serum is a must in my morning routine. Thirst Burst Drops offers the best of both worlds, packing in both hydrating and brightening ingredients that perk up my skin straight away. The gel texture melts right into my skin and provides a bit of tackiness (not stickiness) that really grips onto my sunscreen and makeup. Glowy, radiant base? Check, check." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, hibiscus complex, niacinamide
• Who it's for: people with oily, dry, or combination skin

Best for Brightening: Osea Dream Night Serum

Osea

Dream Night Serum

$88

Nordstrom

$88

Ulta Beauty

$88

Revolve

Allure contributing commerce editor Christa Joanna Lee applying Osea’s Dream Night Serum

Why it's worth it: Not only does the lavender scent of Osea Dream Night Serum help set a calming tone as you drift off, it’s also a reminder that this retinol-based treatment belongs in your nighttime routine. Featuring bio-retinol derived from green microalgae, it provides the same line-smoothing and texture-refining perks as traditional retinol, but in a gentler, more stable form. Firming peptides, hyaluronic acid, plus antioxidant-rich red algae and spirulina (part of Osea’s sea-inspired skin-care philosophy) work while you sleep to hydrate, strengthen, and protect. By morning, skin looks plumper, smoother, and refreshed (sweet dreams, indeed).

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m a little obsessed with lavender—I use a lavender pillow spray every night—so this serum’s scent feels instantly comforting. The texture is slightly thicker than most serums I’ve tried (a plus, since it doesn’t slip right out of the dropper), and it sinks in within seconds. Even with retinol in the mix—the brand doesn’t disclose the percentage—I had zero irritation on my sensitive skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, bio retinol (extracted from green microalgae), red seaweed, peptides
• Who it's for: people with loss of skin firmness and elasticity

Best for Plumping: SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

SkinMedica

HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

$184

Amazon

$184

Dermstore

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the SkinMedica HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: SkinMedica HA5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum may seem like it’s just showing off with its five different types of hyaluronic acid—sodium hyaluronate, time-release, nano, cross-linked, and uncross-linked—but they’re all put to very good use in this skin-smoothing formula. The HA quintet is accompanied by peptides, antioxidant-packed grape flower extract, and polysaccharides that help support yet another hyaluronic acid: the kind your own body makes. Think of it as a team of personal trainers spotting your skin as it gets better at maintaining its moisture.

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I don't use a hyaluronic acid serum all the time, but when I do—namely, in the summer, when my naturally oily skin doesn't need a ton of moisture—it's this one. It disappears instantly (which is why you can't see it in my video!) but keeps my skin calm, comfortable, and plump.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, grape flower extract, polysaccharides
• Who it's for: all skin types, but especially dry, mature skin

Best for Fine Lines: Alastin HA Immerse Serum

Alastin Skincare

HA Immerse Serum

$127 $118 (7% off)

Amazon

$134

Alastin Skincare

Allure commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Alastin HA Immersive Serum on her face.

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Alastin's HA Immerse Serum doesn't just supply skin with hyaluronic acid from the outside in. Rather, this strategic formula also contains a peptide that encourages the skin to produce its own hyaluronic acid for long-lasting hydration. And, as if that weren't good enough, this overachiever contains yet another peptide that stymies the breakdown of your skin's natural hyaluronic acid, keeping its levels high over time. Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Westport, Connecticut, previously called Alastin one of her go-tos for "replenishing fine lines and lost volume," making it a good choice for those with mature skin types.

Tester feedback from Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin

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"To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse. It makes any moisturizer I layer over all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get after waiting too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel." —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract
• Who it's for: anyone dealing with chronic dryness, and those with mature skin

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

La Roche-Posay

Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$40 $30 (25% off)

Amazon

$40

Dermstore

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: La Roche-Posay's Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum combines powerful hydration and calming ingredients, so your skin stays plump, protected, and pampered. “Pure hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, madecassosides—which are wound-healing agents derived from Centella asiatica—nourish your skin barrier, and vitamin B5 soothes and hydrates,” says Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, OH. We love that this relatively affordable serum is safe for all skin types, even those prone to sensitivity (since it's been allergy-tested). If your skin can handle retinoids, try pairing this hydrating formula with a retinol cream if you want to address (and/or help prevent) signs of aging while minimizing any retinoid-induced irritation.

Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“There are few skin issues in my life that a good hyaluronic acid serum can't fix. Dry patches? Hyaluronic acid. Dull skin? Hyaluronic acid. Clogged pores? You wouldn't think it, but hyaluronic acid genuinely helps balance my skin so it's not producing the excess oil that pisses my pores off. La Roche-Posay's Hyalu is the platonic ideal of an HA serum to me: medium viscosity, non-sticky, and vaguely aquatic smelling. My skin is always better off when I make the time to stack it in ahead of moisturizer.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
• Who it's for: people prone to redness

Best Korean: Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

Wellage

Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

$21

Amazon

Allure contributor Devon Abelman applying the Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule

Devon Abelman

Why it's worth it: Starting at a mere $14, you can’t afford not to try the Wellage Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule. Housed under the same manufacturer behind some of the most popular injectables in South Korea, this no-frills approach to HA is ideal for anyone who really wants to lock into the hydration-increasing ingredient, especially considering it offers nine different molecular weights of it. (Glass skin, here we come.) With a texture that feels more or less like water, it’s a fragrance-free K-beauty find that’s easy to squeeze into an especially thirsty skincare routine, whether it has three steps or 13.

Tester feedback from Allure contributor Devon Abelman

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“Wellage’s Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule is like blue Gatorade for your face. Although they are the same color, the serum is free of artificial colors—but feels just as instantly replenishing and intensely hydrating as taking a big gulp of Gatorade when you’re dehydrated or under the weather. Real Hyaluronic Blue Ampoule has a liquidy, toner-like consistency, so it’s super lightweight and rapidly absorbent. On days when my acne-prone skin feels sensitized or inflamed, I love putting on several layers to load it up with ultra-soothing nourishment. No matter how much I put on though, it always leaves my skin bouncier and glossier. I think I might need a lifetime supply of this.” —Devon Abelman, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, panthenol
• Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive

Other hyaluronic acid serums to consider

• If you want an easy way to slip even more hyaluronic acid into your regimen, reach for Paula's Choice Boost Hyaluronic Acid Booster. “This HA booster is another great option that combines hydrating hyaluronic acid with vitamin B5 (panthenol) to strengthen the skin while giving a plump and softer look,” says Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. Blend it with your go-to serum, moisturizer, or eye cream—or apply it alone—for an instant hydration upgrade.
• If your compromised skin barrier could use a little extra love, CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum is a hardworking yet budget-friendly pick. “It goes on light and absorbs fast, plus it’s got ceramides to boost hydration and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to help strengthen and protect skin,” says Dr. Bittar. And because it’s fragrance-free, it’s super gentle while still restoring moisture and bounce.
• If you’re trying to address dark spots or uneven tone in addition to hydration, Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum features niacinamide, which helps improve uneven tone. It doesn’t slack with ample amounts of hyaluronic acid, either: “It has one of the highest concentrations of HA (1.5%) on the market. This combo can noticeably plump to give a dewy look and improve tone while soothing dry and sensitive skin, while going on silky smooth,” says Dr. Bittar.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of hyaluronic acid?

Known as a humectant, hyaluronic acid is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness," New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, tells Allure. Although we naturally produce hyaluronic acid in our bodies, as we age, the quantities decrease (similar to collagen), making our skin more susceptible to dehydration.

With consistent use of hyaluronic acid, you'll likely notice an immediate improvement in the hydration of your skin, Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist, tells Allure. "Long-term benefits are seen as early as two weeks with continued improvement through several months," she adds. All year round, our skin craves moisture to counteract a range of skin-care concerns, including sun exposure, signs of aging (such as fine lines), loss of elasticity, and dehydrated skin.

As with all ingredients, over-the-counter, topical products don't have the same benefits as prescriptions or in-office treatments—but that doesn't mean you shouldn't incorporate them into your skin-care routine. "We can inject hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin to help restore lost volume, but when used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration." You can quite literally get hyaluronic acid fillers at your board-certified dermatologist's office.

Is hyaluronic acid safe for all skin types?

With their non-irritating nature, hyaluronic acid serums are generally usable across multiple skin types, including sensitive skin, according to Dr. Sink. To get the most benefits out of your serum experience, she shares her preferred application method. "Hyaluronic acid serums are best applied to slightly damp skin and before applying other products," Dr. Sink explains. "Moisturizing with a thicker cream or serum afterward can help lock in hydration."

As we previously mentioned, your skin's level of hyaluronic acid decreases with age, so if you're looking to maintain your moisture barrier and replenish hydration levels, you may want to consider incorporating hyaluronic acid-infused products into your daily skin-care routine. (You'll also see HA commonly listed as sodium hyaluronate, a stabilized version of the ingredient.)

Is there a downside to hyaluronic acid?

Overall, hyaluronic acid is a gentle, non-active ingredient that's suitable for most skin types. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, there are no known side effects of utilizing hyaluronic acid—it's produced in our bodies, after all—but if you’re prone to sensitivity, consult with your dermatologist before incorporating a new product into your routine. “Active ingredients, which tend to feel irritating on sensitive skin, and synthetics, like fragrance and dyes, could be the culprits of any irritation,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Peter Bittar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Miami Dermatology & Laser Institute, based in Miami
• Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati, OH
• Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut
• Jacquelyn Sink, MD, a Chicago-based board-certified dermatologist

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 review of the best hyaluronic acid serums, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and dermatologists interviewed for the piece—who all have different skin concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want a brighter complexion), and whether one product was tested and suitable across multiple skin types. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, ingredients, and value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Photographed by: Giancarlos Kunhardt; Prop styling: Briana Rengifo

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

By now, you know that the Allure Best of Beauty Awards bestow that instantly recognizable seal on the products that editors, makeup artists, hairstylists, and dermatologists agree are the cream (and serum) of the crop. Spotting that red circle while shopping feels like getting an instant and highly enthusiastic recommendation from your most beauty-savvy, ingredient-literate friend.

We've been bestowing Best of Beauty Awards for nearly three decades now, so repeat winners are inevitable, not because there's a lack of competition in certain categories—trust us, there are plenty of amazing new launches that give more familiar products a run for their money. It's just that some winners somehow manage to remain untouchable. And that's why we've decided to salute them with a Hall of Fame—a designation given only to products that have won three or more Best of Beauty Awards.

Does it mean that you shouldn't even bother trying other products? Of course not—something else may work really well for you. But does it mean you must try them at least once if you haven't already because hello, they are clearly awesome? Yes, yes, a thousand times, yes.

Okay, so none of these products have won Best of Beauty Awards a thousand times, but that's only because we didn't get started until 1996. The fact that some of these tools and formulas have won three, four, even double-digit times is still incredibly impressive— even more so when you consider how many have won Readers' Choice Awards, too.

The products below are only some of the Best of Beauty Award Hall of Famers—yes, there are even more habitual winners—so check them out and then find out for yourself why they keep conquering their categories.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

Best Physical Body Scrub

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

$11 $8 (27% off)

Amazon

Senior audience development director Lexi Herrick using the Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub in Moroccan Rose.

Lexi Herrick

There’s truly a Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub scent for every imaginable mood—social media manager Bianca Richards is currently obsessed with the freesia, sandalwood, and vanilla combo of Exotic Bloom—but no matter which fragrance floats your boat, the results are always stunning, soft, glowing skin. “I always find myself coming back to this tried-and-true favorite,” Richards says. “The sugar granules are just right for gently exfoliating dead skin, leaving it feeling smooth and refreshed,” which may explain why it’s been bestowed with its third Best of Beauty Award.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Oral-B iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

Best Toothbrush

Oral-B iO Series 5 Electric Toothbrush

$100 $90 (10% off)

Amazon

Not everyone gets excited about brushing their teeth, and those unenthusiastic people are the ones who haven’t tried the Oral-B iO Series 5 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush yet. We, on the other hand, have been using it for years, and it keeps coming out on top of our electric toothbrush picks. Editor in chief Jessica Cruel has been using this rechargeable, round-brush wonder for years and really appreciates the sensitivity sensor, and her dentist has even noticed a difference.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

Best Powder Highlighter

Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter

$27

Sephora

Senior art director Ingrid Fowler applies the Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter.

To love the look of a liquid highlighter but prefer a powder format is to find yourself with few options that really deliver that gorgeously glassy look, so, of course, we keep coming back to Rare Beauty Positive Light Silky Touch Highlighter. Winning each year since its launch in 2022, this magical little mound of radiance never looks cakey or costume-y. “It’s so light and fine that it feels like you're applying air,” says senior art director Ingrid Fowler. “You only need a little bit to get a glimmery, shimmery—but not too shimmery—payoff.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

Best Monthly Peel

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel

$125

Amazon

Shani Darden Skin Care Triple Acid Signature Peel gives you the opportunity to play esthetician at home with a two-step, brush-on framework that feels straight out of a spa. Starting with an exfoliating combo of lactic, glycolic, and mandelic acids and ending with a clay mask, it delivers fast, noticeable results that have earned it three Best of Beauty Awards. "I feel so fancy every time I use this peel," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey. "The two-step system makes it seem more thorough than most acid-based peels, and the glowy results prove it actually is."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Lush Bath Bomb

Best Bath Bomb

Lush Bath Bomb

$8

Lush

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen drops a Lush Bath Bomb into her tub.

Ask 10 people to describe a Lush Bath Bomb, and you’ll get 10 different answers. That’s because, even though it’s the quintessential bath bomb that so many of us picture when we think of bath bombs, it comes in seemingly countless shapes, colors, and scents. Watching it become one with your bath water and then immersing yourself will never not be whimsical. Bonus: “They never fail to leave soothed, soft skin in their wake,” says senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Best Skin-Care Steals

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

$15 $13 (13% off)

Amazon

Editor in chief Jessica Cruel, who has access to pretty much any cleanser you can imagine, keeps a reserved parking space for Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser in her shower. Like so many of us who have made it a part of our routines over the years—it has double-digits Best of Beauty Awards, so that really is so many of us—she knows that sometimes you just want clean skin without frothy fanfare and potentially irritating active ingredients. Ultimately, this hydrating formula is kind to both sensitive skin and sensitive bank accounts, and that earns it Hall of Fame status.

Best of Beauty Awards: 11

Jones Road The Blush Brush

Best Blush Brush

Jones Road The Blush Brush

$36

Jones Road

Managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying blush with the Jones Road The Blush Brush.

The true test of a makeup brush’s brilliance: making an uncoordinated person seem like a pro with its foolproof application. “Even when I think I've added too much product, Jones Road’s The Blush Brush proves me wrong as I watch it blend out with ease,” says contributing editor Marci Robin. This ease of use and reliability are only part of what makes it a repeat red-seal recipient; it also boasts soft, thick bristles that feel as fantastic as they perform.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

Best Tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

$25

Amazon

Sometimes we forget that tweezers weren’t named after the name Tweezerman—that’s how gold-standard (or perhaps stainless-steel-standard)—the brand’s plucking tools are. And that’s especially true of the Slant Tweezer, which is the winningest Best of Beauty Award recipient in the honor’s history with 26 red seals. You can always rely on it—and boy, have we—to grab even the finest and most stubborn hair.

Best of Beauty Awards: 26

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

Best Mattifying Primer

Smashbox The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer

$34 $29 (15% off)

Amazon

Lily Wohlner

Although there was quite a gap between the 2009 and 2025 Best of Beauty Awards bestowed upon The Original Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer, this Smashbox classic has always been That Girl. Social director Kassidy Silva—who loves the lightweight, oil-free, even matte base it creates with its transparent formula—keeps finding herself making a U-turn back to the smooth, transparent formula on her long road of trying new primers. “If you also subscribe to the ‘apply in the morning and hope it stays all day’ makeup routine, this is the primer for you.”

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Homecourt Room Deodorant

Best Room Spray

Homecourt Cece Room Deodorant

$45

Revolve

$45

Bluemercury

Once you can admit that your home may be stinky beyond the help of a scented candle, it’s time to look to something that can actually solve the problem, and we’ve found, over and over, that Homecourt Room Deodorant does the job with odor-neutralizing zinc, yeast ferment, and charcoal. We’re especially big fans of the smoky-meets-sweet scent, Cece.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil

Best Color Pencil Eyeliner

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil

$23

Amazon

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen creates a purple liner look with the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil.

Nicola Dall’Asen

You know a product is iconic when, every few years, Allure editors are like, “There really is nothing quite like this in the category.” Such is the case with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil, which has undeniably served as the inspiration for countless eyeliners that have come after it. Now, accepting its third Best of Beauty Award—following wins in 2009 and 2015—it has several staffers contending that it’s the G.O.A.T. because of its incredible opacity, durability, and shade range, which includes both everyday and experimental colors, like the matte dark brown Demolition and the sparkling hot pink Woodstock, respectively.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

Best Liquid Body Wash

Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash

$11

Amazon

The definition of affordable luxury, Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is such an indulgently hydrating cleansing experience that it feels like you must have made a financially regrettable decision every time you take a shower. Thankfully, you can get suspiciously soft skin without overspending with this long-loved formula, which is welcoming its ninth instantly recognizable seal to its own instantly recognizable bottle.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Nars Powder Blush

Nars

Powder Blush

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Bluemercury

Senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor brushes the Nars Powder Blush onto her cheekbones.

Don't call it a comeback! OK, call it a comeback. Nars Powder Blush has racked up numerous Best of Beauty Awards since the turn of the century, but its winning streak slowed in recent years as the blush competition thickened. We're not saying that's what prompted the brand to reformulate what is arguably its most famous product (even your grandma knows about Orgasm), but we were so impressed with 2024’s talc-free, even more blendable, and conveniently refillable reimagining of Nars Blush that we couldn't deny it its eighth red seal. "The new formula feels ever-so-slightly more velvety and deposits even more color with each swipe," says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor.

Best of Beauty Awards: 8

CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat

CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat

$12

Amazon

Your favorite nail polish color may change from week to week, but when it comes to that last clear layer, it's hard to stray from a formula as fantastic as the CND Vinylux Long Wear Shine Top Coat. It helps any color from any brand (it doesn't discriminate) look shinier and last longer, acting as a force field against annoying chips. In other words, your favorite color may need to stay your favorite color for longer than a week because it’s going to stick around beyond seven days with this level of protection on top.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

Patrick Ta

Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

$40

Sephora

Size matters, especially when it comes to your go-to sculpting product. "I put contour and bronzer on every single day. It's a product you just use more, and in more places, so I didn't want it to run out quickly," makeup artist Patrick Ta previously told Allure of his Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo. As its name suggests, this winner actually gets you two products—and plenty of 'em—and their textures are so incredibly blendable that it feels like the makeup artist's mastery was one of the ingredients. And it’s no wonder that it applies perfectly with Patrick Ta’s new addition to the Hall of Fame, Major Sculpt Dual-Ended Sculpting Brush.

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

ghd Platinum+ Styler

GHD

Platinum+ Styler

$319 $239 (25% off)

Amazon

$279

Revolve

$289

Dermstore

Contributor Paige Stables straightens her hair with the ghd Platinum+ Styler.

Is it a flatiron? Sure, technically. But what's earned the ghd Platinum+ Styler the "styler" designation—and four Best of Beauty Awards—is its so-much-more-than-a-flatiron flair. In addition to easy-peasy straightening, it allows you to create waves and curls with its rounded barrel and no-snag plates, which never deviate from 365 degrees—the perfect temperature for styling without singeing. No matter how high-maintenance your bangs may be, this tool makes sleek child’s play of them.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

eSalon

Custom Hair Color Set

$33

eSalon

Some say the eSalon Custom Hair Color Set is the next best thing to going to the salon, but we have the audacity to say it may be—wait for it—just as good. That's because eSalon puts just as much care and expertise into crafting the single-process shade you want—based on your hair's texture, history, and more—as a live-and-in-person colorist The kit comes with more components than the average at-home hair dye (like a professional-style applicator brush and a stain guard gel for applying around your hairline), but it's not the least bit intimidating to use. (In fact, it's arguably easier—just one of the reasons it keeps getting Best of Beauty Awards.) "The finished result was so flattering and natural, it was like the shade was made for me—because it was," says contributor Liana Schaffner.

Best of Beauty Awards: 10

Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge

Beautyblender

Original Makeup Sponge

$20

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

$20

Revolve

Contributor Hunter Lacey blends in concealer using the Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge.

There have been many—oh, so many—imitators, but nothing will ever replace the original Beautyblender. Shaped like a pointy egg, the makeup-kit staple is now a 14-time Best of Beauty Award winner. "I wanted a tool that gave you an airbrushed look without having to actually use an airbrush machine," founder Rea Ann Silva previously told Allure, and that's achieved by how foundation sits atop the Beautyblender once it's wet, not to mention the way its suede-like texture and edge-free shape blends it out gorgeously and into every tiny angle and contour of the face.

Best of Beauty Awards: 14

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara

Maybelline New York

Great Lash Mascara

$10 $7 (30% off)

Amazon (2-Pack)

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara has been winning Allure awards—both Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice—since before some of our current staff members were born. The pink and green packaging may be instantly recognizable, but it's what's inside the tube that makes it the most iconic everyday mascara on the market. We've seen it reimagined as a waterproof formula and in different colors, but we'll always keep coming back to the original for its simple yet effective lengthening and separating results.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Tangle Teezer The Original

Tangle Teezer

The Original

$15

Amazon

The original Tangle Teezer completely changed not only the way we treat our hair when it's wet, but the way we view hairbrushes. Turns out that a giant, plastic jelly bean is exactly what so many of us needed to get through our knotty hair—straight, curly, or in-between—without any discomfort. "It fits perfectly into your palm, which allows for less of the tugging that makes hair snap," hairstylist Tommy Buckett has told Allure of the four-time Best of Beauty winner. And while it may not look (or for that matter, be) as expensive as some other pro-loved hairbrushes on the market, you have to admit, the huge array of colors it comes in (and the adorable fact that the brand now makes Tangle Teezers for our furry friends) just adds to how delightful it is to use.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Touchland

Touchland

Power Mist

$30

Amazon (3-Pack)

Features director Dianna Mazzone Singh cleanses her hands in a pinch with the Touchland hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizer isn't fun… said someone who has yet to be introduced to Touchland. The recipient of multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards, this germ-killing mist lures you in with its colorful, chic packaging and has you coming back for more with its unexpectedly lovely scents, like Beach Coco, Citrus Grove, and Pure Lavender. It's easy to forget that it serves such a practical purpose, but even easier to remember to use it because you'll actually want to.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler

Kevyn Aucoin

The Eyelash Curler

$26

Bluemercury

$26

Dermstore

This eyelash curler won its first Best of Beauty Award more than 20 years ago, if you can believe it—and you should definitely believe it because it's absolutely worth making it the one in your makeup bag. The Kevyn Aucoin classic may not be one of the color-cosmetics products the brand is so celebrated for, but the fact that this tool has been around (and winning awards) for so long shows just how iconic it is. We especially appreciate how its bright red pad makes it almost impossible to pinch yourself when you go in for the curl.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

St. Tropez Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

St. Tropez

Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse

$46 $32 (30% off)

Amazon

Nearly every self-tanner on Earth does its darkening with dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the sugar that reacts with amino acids on your skin to prompt a faux golden glow. But somehow, St. Tropez has managed to make the customizable results of its Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse the most convincingly un-faux—to the point that your staunchly pro-sunscreen friends might scold you for lying out in the sun. A three-time Best of Beauty winner, this advanced formula even wows scientists with its ability to provide a customized level of color depending on how long you leave it on. "What's really impressive about this technology is that they've been able to show that every time you wash it off after an hour, you'll get a light, even tan, and so on for the rest of the shades," cosmetic chemist Jim Hammer previously told Allure. "From a chemistry perspective, this sort of consistency is a real achievement. And for people at home, being able to pick three shades from one bottle? That's a first."

Best of Beauty Awards: 3

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

Self-Tanner

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer

$12 $10 (17% off)

Amazon

$10

Walmart

If the bronze bottle of Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer looks a bit trophy-esque, perhaps that's because it's surrounded by multiple Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Awards. The long-time go-to self-tanner for people who are nervous to use self-tanner, the formula promises the kind of gradual build-up of color that doesn't feel as overwhelming as the prospect of a full-blown tan in a matter of minutes. "And just like the color is more subtle than that of the self-tanners you may be used to, so is the scent," says contributing editor Marci Robin. "Sure, brands have come a long way in masking that telltale DHA smell, but Jergens mastered that long before the rest, and it's only gotten more pleasant to use and smell in recent years."

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

Neutrogena Body Clear Body Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit

Neutrogena

Body Clear Body Wash Pink Grapefruit

$38 $29 (24% off)

Amazon (3-Pack)

$10

Target

For so many people, Neutrogena Body Clear Body Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit was the first product that we ever used to address backne and other body breakouts; and for so many people, it's still what we turn to when things get bumpy below the neck. Its salicylic acid makes it a no-brainer, especially in the summer or after workouts, and its grapefruit scent has always been the ideal amount of citrusy-but-not-too-sweet. No wonder it's won a nice handful of Best of Beauty Awards.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

Olive & June Polish Remover Pot

Olive & June

Polish Remover Pot

$10

Olive & June

Senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen removes her red nail polish with the Olive & June Polish Remover Pot.

You think it's humiliating to be terrible at painting your own nails? Try being a klutz at removing that nail polish—knocking over the bottle, getting remnants of cotton stuck to your nails, etc. The worst. And that's why we've been so thankful—to the tune of four Best of Beauty Awards—for the Olive & June Polish Remover Pot. The sponge inside is saturated in a gentle non-acetone formula, so after a couple twists of the fingertip, your nail is totally clean, free of both polish and fuzz. And you're ready to give painting your nails another good-faith try.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Aveeno

Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30

$25 $18 (28% off)

Amazon

We should all be applying sunscreen every day—yes, even if we're just sitting inside near a window—the way we apply moisturizer every day. Aveeno makes multitasking super easy and (clearly, from the Best of Beauty Awards it has racked up) effective with its Positively Radiant Daily Face Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30. This drugstore favorite goes beyond hydrating to provide broad-spectrum protection that lessens the likelihood of sun damage, like discoloration. All the while, it addresses existing dark spots with its proprietary tone correcting soy formula.

Best of Beauty Awards: 5

RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

RevitaBrow

RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$60

Amazon

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Dermstore

While other brow conditioners and serums promise miracles, RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner has long delivered on exactly what we're hoping to see: healthier-looking, less brittle, and, yes, seemingly fuller eyebrows. "I graduated from high school in 1994. I think you can imagine what my poor brows endured during that dark, dark decade for the human eyebrow. By the time I arrived at Allure in my 20s, they were still shadows of their former selves," says executive beauty director Jenny Bailly. "A strict hands-off policy certainly helped with regrowth, but I saw the most improvement after I started using RevitaBrow pretty much as soon as it came out. I've tried other brow conditioners over the years, but always come back to this one and use it consistently every day (which I can't say for many other beauty products)."

Best of Beauty Awards: 13

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

BareMinerals

Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating Gel Cream

$39 $27 (31% off)

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Revolve

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Tinted Moisturizer isn't just an Allure editor and beauty expert favorite. In addition to its four Best of Beauty Awards, it has also impressed shoppers enough to win multiple Readers' Choice Awards. (We like to think that means you're listening. Thanks!) Ever so much lighter than foundation but just as transformative, it blends beautifully into your complexion (there are 20 flexible, glow-imparting shades), hydrates like the dickens, and even provides SPF 30 broad-spectrum sun protection.

Best of Beauty Awards: 4

Color Wow Root Cover Up

Color Wow

Root Cover Up

$34 $26 (24% off)

Amazon

$35

Revolve

$35

Ulta Beauty

At first glance, if you didn't know what Color Wow Root Cover Up is, you might think it's an eye shadow or brow powder. But inside the easily portable compact is actually a multiple Best of Beauty award-winning gray-hair concealer like no other. "It's a pressed powder—in eight shades, from platinum to black—that comes with a small brush so I can pinpoint my grays and avoid my fancy salon highlights better than I can with a spray or loose powder," says Bailly, who adds that its finish is like real hair, so it never turns dull or stiff the way some sprays and hair mascaras do.

Best of Beauty Awards: 9

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder

L'Oréal Paris

True Match Super-Blendable Powder

$13 $9 (31% off)

Amazon

L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Powder's Best of Beauty wins date back all the way to 2005, and it's still impressing drugstore beauty shoppers nearly 20 years later. (Just think of how many other foundations have come and gone in that time.) It keeps wowing us with how strangely un-powdery (read: undetectable) it is, and if redness is one of your biggest frustrations, this pressed formula will become one of your biggest allies.

Best of Beauty Awards: 7

Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinish Loose Powder

Make Up For Ever

HD Microfinish Powder

$39

Sephora

We're devastated every time a few of Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Microfinish Loose Powder’s super airy particles land anywhere other than our faces because that's a tiny bit of blurring, light-diffusing magic that our skin is missing out on. This loose powder visibly minimizes pores and lines while somehow remaining invisible itself. It has won several Best of Beauty Awards since its first in 2008, and we're just grateful that Make Up For Ever has never messed with this magic.

Best of Beauty Awards: 6

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Martha Stewart has been sharing advice for as long as she's been famous. Younger readers may not realize this, but it's what she's famous for. Hosting, cooking, decorating—her lifestyle tips didn't just put her on the map, they became the map. And while she has definitely branched out into other areas over the last couple of decades, Stewart is still a well of brilliant advice, including within the beauty space.

Stewart joined American Vogue's new head of editorial content, Chloe Malle, for a candid conversation on The Run-Through podcast, recorded before a live audience. Malle had lots of questions for Stewart—who wouldn't?—and Stewart was more than happy to go into great detail about everything from playing mahjong with Cardi B to Instagram comment drama with her gardener. She even declared herself the blueprint for the controversial trad wife lifestyle.

“I’m a trad wife. I’m the original. I love trad wives,” Stewart tells Malle, adding that she's planning to visit Ballerina Farm as well as Nara Aziza.

The multi-hyphenate didn't share any beauty tips that were particularly trad-wife-specific, but she did offer her guidance on living an age-defying life.

“I don’t think about age. I think one secret of growing old gracefully is not to think about how old you are. If I started to think about how old I was—come on, it would be horrifying," Stewart, who recently celebrated her 84th birthday, tells Malle. “So I don’t think about that. But one thing I do do—and it’s good for anybody older—if you’re over 60, start making younger friends.”

Stewart, like so many of us, is interested in looking as youthful as she feels, hence the recent launch of her skin-care line, Elm Biosciences. But beyond using the brand's serum and supplement, she has advice for looking photogenic.

Recalling what is now one of the most iconic thirst traps in recent years, Malle asked Stewart how the rest of us can recreate that magic.

Instagram content

“First of all, feel like you look good. And look good. It helps to have a little bit of makeup on; you don’t have to have a lot of makeup. And the lighting is all-important,” Stewart says, elaborating on what went into her museum-worthy 2020 Instagram post. “When I was coming out of the pool and I just happened to look at my camera. I wasn’t aiming to take a thirst trap, I was aiming to take a selfie.”

Ultimately: “Try to feel attractive. That’s important.”

Follow Stewart's lead by doing pilates three times a week and drinking green juice straight from the garden every day—the bushier the celery, the better—and you're well on your way.

Listen to the entire podcast episode with Martha Stewart right here.

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

A good tan makes me feel like a brand-new woman (IYKYK). So, when Friday rolls around, the best self-tanning mousses hate to see me coming. I’ve been a self-tan lover for years—my mainstays being bronzing drops and body lotions—but I’d never tried a mousse until testing them for this story. Fast forward two months, and they’ve officially stolen my heart. Yes, they’re a bit more labor-intensive—you need a deep exfoliation beforehand and a mitt to apply them—but the payoff is worth it: less streaking, deeper color, longer-lasting glow, and friends asking if I got a spray tan (even though the reality is I was leg-up-on-the-wall in my bathroom shower).

After trying 12 Allure team favorites and bestsellers, I’ve officially become a self-tanning mousse pro. So, let me break down what makes one worthy of a spot on my list: It should last at least five days; offer an even, sunkissed glow, sans orange streaks; give my skin a hydrating boost; and smell like a tropical island (not a chemical experiment).

Top 5 Self Tanning Mousses I Tested

• Best Overall: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse, $49
• Best Express: Loving Tan Platinum Express 2 Hour Mousse, $45
• Best Gradual: Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse, $48
• Most Customizable: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse, $46
• Best For Dry Skin: Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse, $49

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• How do I prep my skin for tanning mousses?
• What should you look for in the best tanning mousses?
• How do I get an even, streak-free tan?
• Can I fix mistakes or remove self-tanner from my hands?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

During testing, I patch-tested each mousse on one arm for comparison, then left it on to see how long it developed and how long my tan lasted. After months of trial and error, I’ve rounded up the absolute best mousses for an effortless glow.

Best Overall: Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Dolce Glow

Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Dolce Glow’s Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse was the first one I tried on my testing journey, and it blew me away right out of the gate (I mean, it is a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, after all!). Even after testing 11 more formulas, I kept comparing everything back to this one, which is why it ultimately snagged my top spot.

The lightweight formula glides on effortlessly, blending like a dream with zero streaks. It also skips the dreaded tanner stench, replaced by a subtle, fresh scent, so you can easily wear it out of the house while it develops. As the color soaked in, my skin felt soft and nourished—not dry and begging for moisture—thanks to aloe vera, jojoba oil, and Australian macadamia oil. Just keep in mind that the shade continues to deepen for over four hours, so you might look extra bronzy before rinsing.

I tested this mousse twice, leaving it on for six to seven hours each time (per the brand’s rec for a deep tan), and the result was pure island-vacay glow. If you’re after something subtler, you can rinse after two to four hours—this customizability is why the brand offers just one shade.

The real wow moment came after washing it off—it looked exactly like a professional spray tan. No streaks, no patchiness, just an even, airbrushed finish. I even used it on my face (a risky move, I know), and it didn’t cling or turn too dark around my nose and mouth. Instead, my skin looked hydrated, glowy, and bronzed, with zero orange undertones. The color lasted a full seven days on my body (my face wore off faster, since I wash it more often), outperforming nearly every other formula I tested, and faded flawlessly. Although it takes a while to develop, I’ll take it for its week-long staying power.

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner before and after applying the Dolce Glow Lusso Self-Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: aloe vera, jojoba oil, Australian macadamia oil, vitamin E
• Shades: 1
• Development time: 2 to 8 hours for full color
• Fragrance: fresh and light
• Lasts up to: 7 days

Other great tanning mousses to consider:

Best Express: Loving Tan Platinum Express 2 Hour Mousse

Loving Tan

Platinum Express 2 Hour Mousse

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: After testing this mousse, it’s no surprise it snagged a 2024 Best of Beauty award. At first, I was skeptical: It goes on dark (like, can’t-leave-the-house dark) and I’ll admit, a little streaky at first—especially on my face, where I looked like I’d applied a mud mask. However, it dries down fast and doesn’t move once it’s on, so you can fix any harsh spots before it sets. After the easy, two-hour wait and a rinse, it gave me one of the best-looking tans of the mousses I tried (phew!). And, the quick development makes it perfect for last-minute plans.

I tested Maximum Tan, the deepest of the four shades. Even as a naturally pale girl, it didn’t look fake—just perfectly olive-y and bronzed, with zero streaks. My skin felt hydrated, too, thanks to an aloe vera base. And, the formula includes caffeine, which is known to reduce puffiness in body-care products. The color keeps developing over the next 24 hours, so it’s definitely deeper the next day, but not unwearably so. Pro tip: Apply a very light layer to your face to avoid looking a little too dramatically dark.

I noticed the color starting to fade around day five—which makes sense, since I’d only left it on for two hours, so I didn’t expect it to last as long as some of the gradual tanners I tried. It came off a bit patchy on my hands, wrists, and ankles, but everywhere else faded evenly. I’ll take it for the two-hour wait time!

Wohlner applying the Loving Tan Platinum Express 2 Hour Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner before and after applying the Loving Tan Platinum Express 2 Hour Mousse

Lily Wohlner

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, caffeine, pomegranate
• Shades: 4
• Development time: 2 hours
• Fragrance: None
• Lasts up to: 5 days

Best Gradual: Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Lux Unfiltered

N°36 Tanning Mousse

$48

Amazon

$48

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: +Lux Unfiltered’s N°36 Supernatural Tanning Mousse may require a full eight hours to achieve your darkest tan, but trust me—it’s worth the wait. It lasts a full week and is packed with skin-loving ingredients like moisturizing sunflower and jojoba seed extracts, brightening vitamin C, antioxidant-rich papaya extract and cocoa seed extract, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, making it one of the richest formulas on this list. Plus, it smells like fresh blood orange, so there’s no classic self-tanner stink while it develops. It also comes in two shades (medium and deep), so it’s a bit more customizable than formulas like Dolce Glow or St. Tropez, which are only available in one shade.

You could let this sit for four hours for a lighter glow, but I like to max it out (can you tell I hate looking pasty?). I usually sleep in it, then rinse it off in the morning for an even, bright, streak-free finish. Since it soaks in for so long, the tan lasts a full seven days. And, when it does fade, it’s smooth and natural, with zero patchiness.

Wohlner applying the Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner before and after applying Lux Unfiltered N°36 Tanning Mousse

Lily Wohlner

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sunflower extract, jojoba seed extract, vitamin C papaya extract, cocoa seed extract, and hyaluronic acid
• Shades: 2
• Development time: up to 8 hours for full color
• Fragrance: citrus
• Lasts up to: 7 days

Most Customizable: St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse

St. Tropez

Self Tan Express Mousse

$46 $32 (30% off)

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Customize your glow with St. Tropez’s Self Tan Express Mousse, which can be left on from one to three hours. One hour gives you a natural glow and three gives a deep, dark tan, so you get the exact color you want. I love that the max three-hour window is all you need for a rich, island-ready bronze. And speaking of islands, it smells like one, too (hi, coconut, vanilla, and Tahitian gardenia).

This formula glides on like silk without streaks, thanks to hydrating aloe in the formula. Plus, it dried down in seconds and didn’t transfer onto my clothes, which I appreciated. I left this formula on for the full three hours and got a rich, realistic tan that lasted five days before starting to fade. While I wish it had stuck around a bit longer, it faded evenly, so I didn’t have to worry about scrubbing any patchy spots off with a removal mitt.

Wohlner applying the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner before and after applying the St. Tropez Self Tan Express Mousse

Lily Wohlner

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, glycerin
• Shades: 1
• Development time: up to 3 hours for full color
• Fragrance: tropical
• Lasts up to: 5 days

Best For Dry Skin: Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse

Tan Luxe

Hydra Mousse

$49

Amazon

$54

Sephora

$49

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: Dry skin and self-tanning mousse don't jive, since the color won't stick as smoothly. So if that’s a concern, opt for the most hydrating formula possible—and that is the Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse. Formulated with a nourishing blend of vitamins B, C, and E, plus raspberry oil and the classic aloe vera, this foam not only glides onto your skin like a dream, but feels hydrating while it soaks in, making it an actual enjoyable experience rather than something that feels stripping or drying (trust, I’ve tested my fair share of these that did not make it onto the final list).

As you can see, this mousse is totally clear, so unlike every other formula on this list, you can’t see where you applied it, whether you buy the light/medium or medium/dark shade. One one hand, it’s nice because you can wear it out of the house without worrying like you look like a crazy person out in public, but on the other hand I found it took more time for me to apply, as I had to go over every area of my body to ensure each section was covered since I had no guidelines.

I opted for the medium/dark shade, this tan develops in four to six hours, which I find to be the average for most self tanners. Four hour is a lighter more natural tan, and six gives you a darker color. I did find that the final color wasn’t as dark as other tanners I tried (cue Dolce Glow or St. Tropez), making it a solid option for paler people or those who want something for the chillier months where you don’t want to look too dark. I tested this one during a long beach weekend, so I found that it faded quicker than others I tried due to chlorine and salt water, but I’m confident it would have lasted longer in my usual NYC environment.

Wohlner applying the Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner before and after applying the Tan Luxe Hydra Mousse

Lily Wohlner

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: aloe vera
• Shades: 2
• Development time: up to 6 hours for full color
• Fragrance: None
• Lasts up to: 5 days

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prep my skin for tanning mousses?

Before applying any self-tanner, take care of treatments like waxing, shaving, manicures, or hair color touch-ups. "All of those treatments can remove self-tanner," spray tanner Anna Stankiewicz previously told Allure. Once that’s done, it’s time to prep. Self-tanner can sink into dry skin, leaving dark patches behind that look unnatural. Slough away any flakes with a scrub—focusing on rough spots like the knees, elbows, ankles, and heels—or a cleanser with glycolic or salicylic acids to remove dead, dull skin, Stankiewicz says. I also love an exfoliating mitt (a lot of self tanner brands like Dolce Glow and St. Tropez sell them), which removes any leftover tanner, leaving behind a fresh base for your next round.

What should you look for in the best tanning mousses?

When I’m shopping for a self-tanning mousse, I look for skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, or vitamin E to keep my skin hydrated while the tan develops—because who wants dry, stripped skin (even if it is bronzed)? Most self-tanners rely on DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a sugar that reacts with amino acids in the top layer of skin to create a gradual glow. The tricky part? DHA can be hard to stabilize, which is why some tans turn tangerine, cosmetic chemist Randy Schueller told Allure. The best formulas add stabilizing sugars like erythrulose; encapsulation technology to lock in a smooth, streak-free finish; and moisturizing emollients—all of which also neutralize that yeasty self-tanner smell we dread.

How do I get an even, streak-free tan?

Start with exfoliated, completely dry skin (emphasis on dry—oils “could interfere with the binding of DHA to the stratum corneum and cause uneven development,” says NYC-based dermatologist Shari Marchbein, MD). Spot-moisturize only the tricky areas—knees, elbows, and ankles—to prevent them from going too dark. If you’re a beginner, stick to lighter formulas to minimize streaks and patchiness, then level up to darker shades once you’re confident. When applying, work from the legs up, using any leftover product on your feet, and finish with your hands. Afterward, give yourself extra drying time. “If the directions say five minutes, wait 10,” Stankiewicz advises. For bonus insurance, dust a talc-free powder all over to prevent transfer, she adds. Then, it’s hands off: no showering or sweating for six to eight hours until it’s time to rinse.

Can I fix mistakes or remove self-tanner from my hands?

Yes! If you notice streaks or patches after the tan has developed, exfoliating mitts on wet skin work wonders for lifting unwanted color away, according to Evans. You can also use a baby wipe to dab away excess or misplaced product as you're self-tanning. To prevent staining your hands, wash them immediately after applying self-tanner, and treat them like you would the rest of your body with an exfoliating mitt if any color lingers.

Meet the experts

• Anna Stankiewicz, a spray tan artist
• Randy Schueller, a cosmetic chemist
• Shari Marchbein, MD, a dermatologist based in New York City

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

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

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