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At the American Infusion Center’s location on lower Broadway in Manhattan, La-Z-Boy recliners with laptop tables are positioned in front of windows overlooking the Hudson River. The majority of people sitting in those seats—click-clacking away on their computers with an IV dangling from one arm—are women, including me. And many, including me, are there to get an iron infusion—a treatment that, despite being well-informed about my health, I hadn’t even heard of until I was in dire need of it at 47.

My iron levels weren’t ever mentioned at doctor’s visits until I was pregnant with my daughter at 39. With another human growing inside me, the need for adequate nutrients had new urgency. Those levels were steady for the duration of my pregnancy, but after a whirlwind four years—living through a challenging postpartum period, perimenopause, and a global shutdown—they took a nosedive.

But the drop wasn’t something my doctors picked up on easily. It took a year of relentless symptoms (fatigue, hair-shedding, brain fog, restless legs, anxiety), monthly periods reminiscent of crime scenes, and two myomectomy surgeries (to remove clusters of uterine fibroids) before I was deemed anemic. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia, a condition that occurs when your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells. You can be iron deficient (meaning you have low stored iron, or ferritin) but not necessarily anemic, although untreated iron deficiency often leads to anemia.

Though my iron deficiency went largely unrecognized for a time, I’m certainly not alone in this journey, which—like so many diagnoses in women’s health—often follows a long and winding path. A 2024 report from JAMA Open Network found that 34% of women between the ages of 18 and 50 are iron deficient. Post-menopause it becomes less common, as women stop bleeding regularly, so there’s less iron loss; that’s also why iron deficiency is less common in men.

The reason so many women find themselves dealing with anemia, particularly in their 40s (I was 45 when I was diagnosed), is not so straightforward—which is why it comes as no surprise that many are searching for answers and sharing symptoms on TikTok. Ahead, we sort through the signs of iron deficiency, including fatigue, shortness of breath, dark circles, cracking skin, and what social media is calling “ferritin face.”

What do we need iron for anyway?

Iron is a building block for hemoglobin, a protein in your blood that is required for the production of the red blood cells that deliver oxygen throughout our bodies. It sounds vital because it is. It’s key for optimal skeletal and cardiac muscle function, for hair growth, and for making neurotransmitters in our brain (including the dopamine and serotonin that have such a profound effect on our moods), says Imo J. Akpan, MD, a hematologist at New York Presbyterian.

“[Iron] also plays a quieter but important role in supporting regular ovulation and a healthy uterine lining, both of which matter when someone is trying to conceive,” says Lora Shahine, MD, a reproductive endocrinologist and ob-gyn at Ivy Fertility in Seattle.

And iron is foundational to how our bodies produce energy. Explains Amanda Kahn, MD, an internist in New York, “When iron stores are low, women often feel it everywhere, from their energy levels to their mood to their hair.”

The face (and hair and body) of iron deficiency

Do you have heavy periods? Do you have brain fog? Do you get winded walking up stairs even when you’re in really good physical shape? These are some of the questions Jamie Rosen, a 40-something brand consultant in New York City, remembers being asked by her hematologist Rachel Kramer, MD, during her first visit. “I was like, ‘Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes,’ to everything she asked me,” says Rosen, who had a list of symptoms that she had long been brushing off.

Dr. Kramer has an office at American Infusion Center’s Upper East Side location and has worked as a hematologist for nearly 30 years. She says many of her young, female patients likely have an iron issue that they are chalking up to something else. “Lots of people are iron deficient in their 20s and 30s, and they don’t get to me until they’re in their 40s,” she explains. “They often just think they’re a tired person.”

The most common signs of iron deficiency are: fatigue, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, chest pain, muscle cramping, pica (the compulsion to eat non-nutritional items such as ice, clay, chalk, or soap), difficulty concentrating, and depression. But this deficiency can also have more visible manifestations, such as hair loss and what the internet has dubbed “ferritin face” or “low-ferritin face.”

Macrene Alexiades, MD, a dermatologist in New York City, says that patients whose iron stores are low often have pale and sometimes dry, cracking, itchy skin. “I see it with some regularity, and when we look under the hood, we often find there’s some iron deficiency there,” says Dr. Alexiades. The washed-out pallor and undereye shadows that sometimes accompany iron deficiency have recently come to be called ferritin face.

“It’s not an established clinical term, but it reflects a real phenomenon that clinicians and patients are noticing,” says Jamie Schwartz, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian at Health Loft. And one that TikTokkers are chronicling in earnest. “I looked literally half dead,” one woman posted about the effect of her ferritin level on her face (with Mumford and Sons’ “White Blank Page” as a soundtrack). "Low iron is looking like this even after 10 hours of sleep and being asked if you're ok 24/7," wrote another, who chronicles her iron struggles online.

While skin pallor and dark circles can be a clue, they are not specific enough on their own to suggest iron deficiency, says Marisa Garshick, MD, a dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey. “Skin pallor is often only noticeable in individuals with lighter skin tones and is not always obvious or easy to detect, while dark circles can occur for many reasons, including genetics,” she points out. That said, “it’s changes in hair and nails that will most commonly prompt an iron work-up in my practice.”

Meanwhile, the connection between hair shedding and ferritin is well documented, with studies associating low ferritin levels with telogen effluvium, a form of temporary hair loss.

The testing (or lack of testing) is part of the problem

Screening for iron levels is not part of a standard checkup. Women are routinely screened only when they’re pregnant, and even then, testing is typically limited to how much iron we have moving in our blood (our serum iron level) and not how much ferritin our bodies are producing. Serum iron levels can go up or down in response to your diet, supplement regimen, or menstrual cycle, and they change quite significantly throughout the day. Ferritin, on the other hand, says Dr. Akpan, refers to our iron reserves and isn’t affected by your diet or periods, and isn’t likely to fluctuate from one day to the next. It’s a much more reliable marker of iron deficiency.

Dr. Akpan describes ferritin as our “iron savings account.” If you’re nearing overdraft, the low balance can have a ripple effect on your body—even if your serum iron level is within normal range. This is why it’s not uncommon for a woman who is noticing hair loss and feels exhausted to still be told by her doctor that her labs are “normal.” Few doctors will do a full iron panel, which includes serum iron and ferritin, as part of a routine visit, so patients often have to request it.

What is considered normal ferritin, though, can be subjective. (Like I said: long and winding.) “We do not have an agreed-upon threshold for diagnosing iron deficiency in women,” says Dr. Akpan. “The World Health Organization recommends using a ferritin cutoff of <15 ng/ml to diagnose iron deficiency in women, but several other medical societies suggest that this is too low and should be <30 ng/ml.” A 2025 Lancet Hematology Review proposed that any ferritin levels under 50 ng/ml should prompt a closer look, and Dr. Kahn, who works closely with a hematologist in her practice, often targets a ferritin level closer to 100 ng/ml.

A diagnosis may be further complicated because low iron can masquerade as something else or overlap with other issues. If a patient is not anemic—something measured by the hemoglobin test that is part of a routine checkup—doctors may not screen for iron deficiency at all. “A patient with fatigue who has a normal level of hemoglobin is more likely to have a thyroid test than an iron test,” says Dr. Akpan, “or someone who is depressed may be started on antidepressants but not have their iron levels checked.”

While the importance of iron is emphasized during pregnancy and postpartum, it is crucial across the entire reproductive lifespan, particularly in perimenopause, when menstrual cycles can become heavy and unpredictable. Uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and conditions that cause heavy menstrual bleeding are, says Dr. Shahine, a major and underappreciated cause of iron deficiency in women.

“Paradoxically, the years leading up to menopause can be when iron deficiency is most likely, even though we tend to associate it with younger reproductive years,” says Dr. Shahine. “The fatigue and brain fog of this transition are sometimes attributed entirely to shifting estrogen when low iron may also be part of the picture.”

Women also tend to simply shrug off or accept some symptoms. If you’re working full-time and parenting and caring for aging parents while also trying to find time to shower every day, you might not think to question the fact that you feel exhausted. The number of post-menopausal women suffering from iron deficiency is lower, but the prevalence is not zero, says Dr. Akpan, and deficiency can still occur during this period due to gastrointestinal conditions or malabsorption.

How to close the iron gap

Once you’ve determined that you are, in fact, low in ferritin, your doctor will likely tell you to first look at your diet. But gastrointestinal absorption is a perpetual problem with iron, whether you’re trying to get enough through food or with the help of supplements. There are also a number of conditions that can further impact the body’s ability to absorb iron, like celiac disease, gut inflammation, and reduced stomach acid (common in anyone who uses proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux). Your genetics can also play a role in how you absorb iron, and research has shown that Hispanic and Black women are more prone to iron deficiency. Says Dr. Kahn, “Some women aren’t losing iron, they simply aren’t absorbing it well.”

The truth is that most women do not get nearly enough dietary iron. The recommended daily allowance for girls and women aged 9-50 is 18 mg; that number drops to 8 mg after menopause. To be clear, that can’t be 18 mg in one meal. For example, that steak you had for dinner is absorbed at only 25-30% (a lean cut will yield about 2.5 mg of iron), and that big spinach salad at only 2-10%. “More iron on the plate doesn’t mean more iron absorbed,” says Schwartz, who explains that the body has a ceiling on how much it can absorb at one time, regulated by hepcidin, a peptide hormone produced in the liver. “And how much you absorb shifts based on your current iron stores, inflammation levels, and the form of iron consumed.”

You also need to consider the type of iron-rich food you’re consuming: Heme iron is dietary iron found in foods of animal origin and is proven to be better absorbed; while non-heme iron is found in foods of plant origin and is less efficiently absorbed.

Pairing those iron-rich plant sources—like spinach, swiss chard, and broccoli—with vitamin C is helpful. One quick and easy hack is to squeeze lemon on them before consuming. Says Schwartz, “Eating iron-rich foods like lean red meat, liver, lentils, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, and dark, leafy greens alongside vitamin C is foundational as it significantly boosts the absorption of non-heme iron.” She explains further that, though vitamin C will add to the iron you can absorb during the day, it won't raise the maximum amount your body can take in: “It's more a tool that helps you get closer to whatever your personal ceiling happens to be that day.”

Plant-based eaters need to be extra mindful about their iron. “A woman relying solely on plant sources would need to eat considerably more volume [almost twice as much] and variety to hit the same absorbed amount,” says Schwartz, adding that the body absorbs iron more efficiently from multiple smaller exposures than from one large intake. “Eating twice as much [of one protein source] doesn't give you twice as much absorbed iron—it gives you diminishing returns.”

When your dietary intake doesn’t match your iron needs, which is the case for many women, that’s when supplements should be considered. “Ferrous sulfate is the classic affordable option, but it’s notorious for causing constipation and nausea, which is why so many people quit,” says Schwartz, adding that one study reports that up to 40% of people stopped over a three-year period. She recommends other types of supplements, like iron bisglycinate or liposomal iron, which are better tolerated.

Wendi LeBrett, MD, a Los Angeles-based gastroenterologist, says that pairing your iron supplement with vitamin C improves uptake, and emerging evidence suggests that taking iron supplements every other day, versus daily, helps absorption and curbs GI side effects. You may also need to be mindful about supplement stacking. Because you know those calcium supplements your doctor said you need for your middle-aged bones? Well, they're inhibiting the absorption of dietary iron and supplements, says Dr. LeBrett. So are coffee, tea, and chocolate. She recommends consuming any of these things two to three hours apart from your chosen iron.

Did you get all that? Right, it’s a lot to consider. And that’s why some women—like me—have started getting IV iron, or iron infusions. (At the end of the story, we’ll tell you how to find a reputable clinic.) These infusions go directly into the bloodstream, which can help with absorption by bypassing the GI tract and bolster your iron levels more quickly, says Dr. Kahn. Common side effects of iron infusions include nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Rarer side effects could include anaphylaxis.

When I went in for my first infusion, my ferritin level was 13; three treatments later, it had increased fivefold. This was after years of taking oral iron supplements without much discernible change. Many hematologists believe infusions, which are most commonly offered in a hospital or outpatient-clinic setting, are still thought of as a last resort. “IV iron supplementation is still underused,” says Dr. Akpan, adding that many patients simply don’t try or can’t handle other supplementation. Adds Dr. Kramer, “You shouldn’t wait until your ferritin is [low] and your hair is falling out all over the place and you feel terrible.”

Dr. Akpan usually sees an improvement in her patients’ iron levels with one to three infusions, then will continue to recheck levels every four to six weeks to assess their iron stores. Says Dr. Garshick, depending on the degree of deficiency, many people begin to notice improvements within a few weeks of treatments, including improvements in their skin; hair recovery can take longer, she adds, often three to six months to see meaningful changes.

And, importantly, Dr. LeBrett cautions that taking any iron supplements without properly investigating the root issue can itself be an issue. “People shouldn’t ignore a problem just because it’s corrected with supplementation,” she says, noting that iron deficiency can be a side effect of celiac and inflammatory bowel disease. In fact, overdoing it on iron can be another issue entirely and lead to inflammatory conditions.

More women are experiencing iron deficiency in midlife

“Whenever I would go to the infusion center in Long Island for my weekly iron IVs, I was always running into mom friends,” says Jennifer Conlon Pavelchak, a New York City-based publicist in her 40s. She was prescribed a five-dose course of iron infusions spaced a few weeks apart after hair loss, brain fog, and joint injuries prompted her doctors to test her ferritin (her level was 26). “I would say 80% of the people getting iron infusions with me every visit were women.”

Dr. Akpan and Dr. Kramer both report that more women in midlife are coming to their offices with iron issues than they were a decade ago. Parsley Health—a membership-based, functional health practice—has found the same to be true. Robin Berzin, MD, the company’s founder, has some ideas why: “We’re seeing more midlife women eating plant-forward diets and more of them on GLP-1 medications, both of which can decrease iron intake. GLP-1 medications reduce appetite and overall food volume. They can dampen the appetite for red meat, specifically, which is the most absorbable iron source, and cause slow gastric emptying, which may affect absorption.” If you do the math, eating less simply means less opportunity to reach the recommended daily iron intake.

But Dr. Kahn thinks the reason we are seeing more women with dipping iron levels goes beyond diet and exercise trends: “Part of it is increased awareness, but there’s also an intersection of multiple factors like perimenopausal bleeding changes, chronic inflammation, gut dysfunction, and women pushing themselves harder than ever professionally and personally.”

It’s that last point that really hits home. This innate need to constantly power through pain and exhaustion feels like the girl-bossification of health. The correlation between hard work and low iron may not be causal, but someone who is under chronic stress may eat poorly, skip meals, or form habits that contribute to poor iron absorption because of poor diet. “Women just feel like they should keep pushing,” says Dr. Kramer—and more awareness about iron being a possible culprit for many common symptoms is prompting us to take the reins and look into it.

Within a few weeks after Pavelchak’s course of five iron infusions, her hair stopped snapping off and grew back thicker; she no longer experiences daily mid-afternoon energy crashes; and her ability to heal following a series of knee injuries improved dramatically (she’s even running again). Now she gets her ferritin checked every three months to make sure it remains steady.

Rosen, who was switched to IV infusions after many months of supplementing, made no discernible difference, had an initial course of four spaced over six weeks; she still gets one every few months, along with regular lab work. She has noticed a marked change in her energy level and brain fog.

My own iron journey has been more of a marathon than a sprint: I’ve adopted an iron-rich diet, with plenty of tofu, eggs, red meat, sardines, and leafy greens; and been supplementing (I’m taking Pure Encapsulations Iron-C, which pairs iron glycinate with vitamin C for optimal absorption) and infusing (once a month) since January. I’m almost at the number where my doctor thinks I should feel my best (last ferritin count: 74!). My hair has stopped shedding excessively, my restless legs have chilled out, and my energy holds fairly steady on the days when I get enough sleep (an entirely different struggle). According to my mother, I also have “my color” back. I consider that progress.

FAQs

What is iron deficiency? How does it differ from anemia?

Iron deficiency occurs when your total iron stores or reserves are depleted. Anemia occurs when you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body. You can be iron deficient but not anemic.

What are the most common symptoms?

Some of the most common symptoms are what doctors would call nonspecific and can include fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, dizziness, brain fog, muscle cramping, pica (eating non-nutritional items such as ice, clay, chalk, soap), and depression.

What is ferritin?

Ferritin is the storage form of iron, or what doctors think of as your “reserves.” Those so-called reserves are what the body dips into in order to make more red blood cells when needed.

What tests should you ask your doctor for?

A full iron panel measures your serum iron level (the amount in your blood right now), ferritin (your iron reserves, or stores), and often your TIBIC (your total iron-binding capacity, or how much iron your blood can carry).

What should you look for in a supplement?

Iron bisglycinate is considered to be the most tolerated and best absorbed form of oral iron supplementation. Studies confirm that it has a gentler side-effect profile than the more widely available ferrous sulfate form.

How do you find a reputable infusion center?

IV iron infusions should only be used after a referral from a doctor. They are often administered in a hospital or outpatient-clinic setting. Says Dr. Akpan, “My recommendation is to research physicians and advanced-practice providers who have clear expertise in the management of iron deficiency and have demonstrated that they usually manage patients in need of an iron infusion.”

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

There are beauty sales, and then there are the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale beauty deals—the rare event during which you can stock up on editor-approved favorites, exclusive value sets, and luxury splurges all in one place. From July 18 through August 9, the sale is open to the public—no cardholder status needed. This year's event is especially noteworthy as Nordstrom celebrates its 125th anniversary with its largest beauty assortment on sale to date, making it even easier to score products our editors love—plus plenty of Allure Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Award winners.

Whether you're replacing a well-loved curling iron, replenishing your favorite sunscreen, finally treating yourself to that chic fragrance you've been eyeing, or, dare we say, getting a head start on holiday shopping—is it ever really too early?—this is one of the best times of the year to shop prestige beauty. We combed through hundreds of deals to narrow down the standouts worth your attention before they inevitably sell out.

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Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Makeup Deals

Our Top Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Beauty Deals

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Clinique Black Honey Almost Lipstick & Pop Lip + Cheek Oil Gift SetSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

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Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Almost Lipstick in Black Honey

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The deep burgundy of Clinique’s Black Honey looks far more intimidating in the tube than on your lips, transforming into a glossy, moisturizing wash of almost-sheer mauve that enhances your natural lip color. It's no surprise the Almost Lipstick, an Allure Readers' Choice Award winner, has earned such a devoted following: "It glides on so smoothly and is super buildable," says commerce editor Sarah Han. And if you prefer a dewier take on the iconic shade, it's also available as a lip and cheek oil that delivers a fresh, juicy flush to both lips and cheeks.

Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Make Me Blush & Loveshine Lip Oil Stick 2-Piece Makeup Gift Set

Allure contributing writer Christa Lee applying the Yves Saint Laurent Beauty Make Me Blush

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Yves Saint Laurent

Beauty Make Me Blush & Loveshine Lip Oil Stick 2-Piece Makeup Gift Set

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Even if the only person you're shopping for is yourself (which, frankly, you deserve), this Yves Saint Laurent set makes a worthwhile treat: It pairs the silky Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Powder Blush in 44 Nude Lavallière with the matching Loveshine Lip Oil Stick for an effortlessly coordinated look. "Though I'm wearing a different blush shade in this video—93 Restless Rose—I can say the texture is so silky. And it's deeply pigmented, so a little goes a long way,” says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee. Meanwhile, the lipstick-to-oil hybrid is infused with six nourishing oils for a smooth glide, creamy shine, and all-day hydration.

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Allure senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick

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Consider this duo your fastest route to a fresh, glowy complexion. According to senior director of audience development Lexi Herrick, the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick “blends incredibly smoothly and beautifully,” while nourishing skin with jojoba seed oil, vitamin C, vitamin E, and oil-absorbing kaolin clay. The coordinating Lit Up Highlight Stick uses light-reflecting mica and antioxidant-rich grape extract to deliver a dewy, lit-from-within glow—no brushes needed.

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Sarah Han applying the Chanel Le Volume de Chanel Mascara in Ecorces

Sarah Han

It had us at the chic little pouch, but the three beauty icons tucked inside this Nordstrom-exclusive set are what make Chanel's Most-Coveted Beauty Set worth the splurge. Inside, you'll find the La Mousse Camellia Cleansing Cream-to-Foam, which is infused with camellia-derived ceramides to deeply cleanse away sunscreen, makeup, excess oil, and pollution. It also includes the Volume de Chanel Mascara for instant, one-coat volume, and the Rouge Coco Baume Shine in Honey Bliss, a hydrating tinted lip balm that delivers buildable color, glossy shine, and long-lasting comfort.

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Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying MAC Lip Pencil in Cork

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Does Velvet Teddy really need an introduction? This lip duo pairs MAC's iconic neutral Lip Pencil with a coordinating Lipglass Air Non-Sticky Gloss in Casual, a lightweight formula infused with a 7% blend of coconut, jojoba, and meadowfoam seed oils for glass-like shine and up to eight hours of hydration. While social media manager Bianca Richards is applying MAC Lip Pencil in Cork (another versatile shade) in the video above, she says the brand's lip pencils are among her favorites for their color payoff and creamy formulation.

Hourglass Essentials Makeup Brush SetSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

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Former Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Hourglass Soft Glow Foundation Brush

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When's the last time you replaced your makeup brushes? Yep, that's what we thought. This Hourglass set upgrades your entire routine with three of the brand's best-selling brushes. It includes the multitasking Ambient Lighting Edit Brush, which former commerce writer Lily Wohlner loves because it's "small enough to get into every corner but still glides across your face effortlessly.” Plus, it comes with the Vanish Seamless Finish Concealer Brush for more precise application, and the Ambient Complexion Brush for all-over blending.

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Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 DuoSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

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Lee applying the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Duo

Christa Joanna Lee

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Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum on her arm

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Speaking of products worth doubling up on, OSEA's Hyaluronic Body Serum is one you'll actually finish to the last drop. This Best of Beauty Award winner pairs five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with brightening niacinamide, calming aloe, antioxidant-rich green microalgae, and firming vegan peptides. “And for fellow sensitive-skin people out there, the serum is fragrance-free!” says senior commerce director Shanna Shipin. “I was able to use it on my non-preggo, preggo, and postpartum body without irritating my easily inflamed skin.”

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Lee applying the Lancôme Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum

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Lancôme's Rénergie H.C.F. Triple Serum combines three powerful serums in one bottle to target hydration loss, dark spots, fine lines, and firmness simultaneously. "H.C.F." stands for hyaluronic acid, vitamin C + niacinamide, and ferulic acid—three time-tested ingredients for addressing visible signs of aging—and this set includes both a full-size and travel-friendly mini of the serum, plus the Rénergie Multi-Lift Night Cream to complete your nighttime routine.

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Lee after using the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner Set

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Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Olaplex Double Shine N°7 Bonding Oil Duo

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Herrick using the Bio Ionic Long Barrel Styler Curling Iron

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Former Allure associate director of audience development Melanie Curry using the T3 Airebrush with the oval brush head

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$150 $100 (33% off)

Nordstrom

If you've never quite mastered the round-brush-and-blow-dryer routine, the T3 AireBrush is the shortcut you've been waiting for. New York City-based hairstylist Jennifer Korab calls it her go-to blowout brush for beginners thanks to its lightweight design, multiple heat and speed settings, and smooth ceramic barrel that glides through hair so effortlessly it feels more like you’re simply brushing your hair—no pulling, tugging, or twisting required.

Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Fragrance Deals

Jo Malone Wood Sage & Sea Salt Home & Away Gift SetSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Jo Malone

Wood Sage & Sea Salt Home & Away Gift Set

$262 $175 (33% off)

Nordstrom

Lee applying the Jo Malone Wood Sage Cologne

Christa Joanna Lee

"If a beach vacation could be bottled, it would probably smell like Jo Malone London's Wood Sage & Sea Salt," says Lee. The airy blend of ambrette seed, sea salt, and earthy sage captures the feeling of windswept hair and sun-warmed skin without relying on the heavy coconut or vanilla notes that so often define beachy fragrances. This gift set includes both a full-size and travel-size bottle, so you can take that just-got-back-from-the-coast feeling wherever you go.

Byredo Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum Set

Han applying the Byredo Bal D’Afrique Eau de Parfum

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Byredo

Bal d'Afrique Eau de Parfum Set

$415 $280 (33% off)

Nordstrom

If you've already fallen for Jasmine Tooke’s favorite fragrance, Byredo Bal d'Afrique, this is the kind of gift set you'll use every piece of. The fragrance opens with bright neroli and sunny marigold before settling into warm cedarwood, creating a scent that feels fresh, warm, and effortlessly sophisticated. The matching perfume oil and hand cream help the fragrance last throughout the day.

Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum SetSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tory Burch

Sublime Eau de Parfum Set

$216 $116 (46% off)

Nordstrom

Silva after applying the Tory Burch Sublime Eau de Parfum Set

Kassidy Silva

A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, Tory Burch’s Sublime Eau de Parfum is bright and easygoing with timeless notes like rose, vetiver, osmanthus, and leather that give depth to the sunny citrus fragrance. This set includes both a full-size and travel-friendly bottle, so you can keep the mood-boosting scent close wherever the rest of summer takes you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Lisa Aharon, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Jae-Manuel Cardenas, a hairstylist based in New York City
• Krupa Koestline, a cosmetic chemist based in Orlando
• Jennifer Korab, a hairstylist based in New York City
• Pearl Rimtepathip, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated 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?

And for our reviews of the best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale deals, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Red eyeliner has a bit of a PR problem. For decades, makeup artists in movies and television have relied on using red around the eyes to tell us a character has been crying, hasn't slept in three days, or—if we're really leaning hard into the drama—has a case of pink eye. It's not exactly the color most of us instinctively reach for when we're trying to look awake and put-together.

And then there's Zendaya.

At the Spider-Man: Brand New Day photo call, the booked and busy actor somehow managed to make crimson eye makeup look not only remarkably wearable but downright elegant. Honestly, if anyone could convince us that the color associated with conjunctivitis belongs in our makeup routine, it was always going to be her.

For such a conspicuous color, the look was surprisingly restrained. Zendaya wore a thin ribbon of vibrant red all the way around her eye, hugging the upper lash line and coating her lower waterline, staying unbroken at the inner corner. The color was also gently smudged below her lower lashes, winging ever so faintly upward at the outer corner. Wispy clusters of black lashes and softly defined brows and lips kept the look grounded.

Photo: Getty Images

Keeping on theme of keeping on theme (see: every look she’s worn to every movie event she’s attended this year), Zendaya framed the makeup look with a pair of sparkling spiderweb earrings that couldn't have been a more perfect nod. And considering Spider-Man's signature suit, the crimson liner felt less like an unexpected beauty choice and more like an extremely intentional reference.

Does this eye makeup feel vaguely familiar? Your memory isn't playing tricks on you. Just this past March, while promoting The Drama, Zendaya wore another striking red eye look that leaned even more editorial, proving this isn't a one-off experiment but a color she's genuinely embracing.

Photo: Getty Images

If Zendaya has you reconsidering a color you've spent your entire life keeping out of your waterline, you don't have to call on a superhero makeup artist to make it work. Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in 714 Full Red and Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Inky Stix in Robotic Red make experimenting with red eyeliner feel a whole lot less intimidating.

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I don't know about you, but I have been feeling the heat—literally and figuratively. Much of the United States has been under quite the heatwave, but you know what instantly cooled down my sweaty, humid self? One glimpse of Hailey Bieber's new nail color!

OK, I'm exaggerating, but the Rhode founder's nail shade du jour is the definition of cool blue. She and her husband Justin stepped out on a gorgeous summer night in New York City, with Bieber wearing a deep red mini slip dress and a contrasting manicure in an equally gorgeous cerulean blue hue—one that feels like a breath of fresh, air-conditioned air.

Getty Images

Bieber's nails were her preferred length and shape—medium almonds—and painted with a few coats of a creamy sky blue polish with a lilac-y undertone. (Try Gucci's Vernis à Ongles Nail Polish in Lucy would be a close match, as would Essie's Nail Lacquer in Ripple Reflect. For something brighter, try Londontown's Lakur in Cabana Boy.) We're so used to seeing her in her signature glazed nails that blue feels like a big departure for the star, but it's exactly the right pick for a hot, steamy summer in the city. Don't you feel cooler just looking at it? (She also wore a matching pedi!)

Though we love a classic bright, bubbly hot pink, cherry red, or tangerine orange from June through August or the unexpectedness of a dark, moody manicure in the summertime, it seems like our favorite celebs have been in a cool-toned mindset, skipping warmer shades in favor of pastels with an airy, summery vibe. Michelle Obama recently wore a similar pale blue polish, Emily Blunt went lavender, and Taylor Swift got a jumpstart on the season in an equally chilly millennial mint shade. The hottest, sweatiest, stickiest days of the season are right around the corner, so if you need to chill out on a 90-degree day, lean into cool, creamy pastels to take down the temperature.

More celebrity beauty news:

• Vanessa Hudgens's Pickle Nails Are a Really Big Dill
• Zendaya's Undone Braid and Flushed Cheeks Would Be Right at Home on Mount Olympus
• Alysa Liu's ESPY Hair Is the Ultimate Cool Girl Updo

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

To say we’re having a vanilla moment is an understatement. Vanilla is everywhere, and so are the best vanilla perfumes: standing next to you on the subway, walking past you in a crowded restaurant, and on the best-seller shelves at your local Sephora and Ulta Beauty. The fragrance world has embraced vanilla in a massive way over the past few years, with brands like Kayali, Sol de Janeiro, and Summer Fridays taking the lead; it’s sweet, cozy, and comforting no matter the season, and who doesn’t want to smell downright delicious?

But vanilla scents are so much more than just one-note, sugary-sweet fragrances. Part of its charm is the nostalgia factor; for many people, vanilla conjures up happy memories and feelings of joy and contentment. "It’s strongly linked to our memories and a signal for pleasure—it’s hard not to feel happy when you smell it," Meabh McCurtin, a perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances, simply put it.

Our Top Vanilla Perfumes

• Best Warm Vanilla: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum, $150
• Best Fruity Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum, $138
• Best Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21, $660
• Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum, $350
• Best Sweet Vanilla: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum, $82
• Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve, $24

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?
• How to layer vanilla perfume with other scents
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Vanilla is also super versatile and plays just as well with florals as it does with musky or spicy scents. It pops up in gourmand-forward body sprays and eau de toilettes for a light, fluffy hint of sweetness; sophisticated, grown-up takes on the classic vanilla; smoky and woody interpretations; and so much more. Thanks to spicy kicks of pink pepper or bright bursts of orange zest, many of our favorite vanillas offer more than meets the…sweet tooth. Keep reading to find mouth-watering scents that are sure to become your new signatures.

Best Overall: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

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Octavia Morgan Los Angeles

Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

$150

Ulta Beauty

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

Bianca Richards

Why we love it: Octavia Morgan’s Vanillin Supreme is a vanilla fragrance that’s anything but staid—it’s made for those who want a scent that is elegant yet impactful, and not to mention, long-lasting. Top notes of spicy rum, sweet vanilla, and earthy sandalwood create an unforgettably rich, sweet-meets-woody opening that calms as it fades, transforming into a blend of jasmine, rose, and cocoa. As it settles onto your skin, you’ll notice hints of bright orange and elemi, which is often described as lemony, in the drydown. Vanillin Supreme has quickly become one of our favorite vanilla fragrances simply because it’s so versatile; it’s an obvious choice for the colder months, but the floral and citrus notes make it work just as well in the heat.

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I am expanding my gourmand scent palette, and this latest addition to my stash is getting me super excited for fall! It has deeper, richer notes of rum, cocoa, sandalwood, and true Madagascar vanilla, making it the perfect choice to cozy up with a glass of wine and my go-to mystery novel.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key notes: rum, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cocoa, elemi, orange
• Sizes: 50 ml

Best Fruity Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum

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Armani Beauty

Power of You Eau de Parfum

$138

Amazon

$138

Nordstrom

$138

Sephora

Allure contributor Kara Nesvig with a bottle of the Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum

Kara Nesvig

Why we love it: Passionfruit may be the key note in Armani’s viral hit Power of You, but it doesn’t claim the only starring role. In fact, Power of You shines because it’s a dreamy duo of both tart, juicy passionfruit and plush, soft vanilla notes. It’s definitely more fruity than gourmand, with lots of brightness up top and a shampoo-y clean, fresh opening that fizzes and sparkles. Later, however, Power of You relaxes into warm vanilla base notes, which help the passionfruit notes radiate without overpowering them.

Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig

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“I’m not the world’s biggest vanilla fan at the moment; I’m a little bored by the vanilla obsession, to be frank, but there’s something about this hilariously named burgundy juice that I can’t get enough of. It’s just so happy! I spray it on and instantly feel more cheerful thanks to that bold passionfruit opening, and the vanilla is sweet but not cloying, with a nice creaminess that works well in the summertime. If you’re looking for an EDP that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky in the humidity, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with Power of You.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: passionfruit, vanilla
• Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml, 90 ml

Best Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

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Guerlain

Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

$660

Guerlain

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Here's a fun fact: The “21” in Guerlain's Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 refers to the number of days the vanilla planifolia is cold-soaked in alcohol in order to transform into a luxurious, potent tincture. It's vanilla in one of its purest forms: comforting, luxurious, intimate, with a tinge of gentle sweetness. Quick fragrance lesson: Extraits are the most concentrated, reaching upwards of 22% to 30% fragrance oils. (By comparison, eau de toilettes typically fall in the 7 to 12% range and eau de parfums land around 15 to 20%.) Add musk to the mix, and you've got yourself a long-lasting perfume that some say even lingers post-shower.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This is the perfume that made me go, ‘Oh, ok, so maybe I do like some vanilla scents. It’s intense and concentrated, but not in an overbearing way. It feels like a hug from someone you love, probably due to the musk and amber of it all. I bet my boyfriend would like wearing it, and the intersection of scents we both like is almost nonexistent. I get why it's making the rounds on the internet, and if it didn't cost so much, I'd recommend it to everyone. If you have the funds, I can vouch that this stuff lasts. I can still smell a bit the next day!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key notes: vanilla, spices, amber, opoponax (sweet myrrh), musk
• Sizes: 50 ml

Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

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Dior

La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

$350

Dior

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: According to the house of Dior, founder Christian Dior slipped a lucky piece of wood into the lining of his outfit for the day. Bois Talisman is inspired by that daily ritual, with an additional nod to Dior perfumer Francis Kurkdijan’s own personal lucky charm, a sugar cube in his jacket pocket. Thus, the fragrance is a lush, rich blend of cedarwood, sugar, and yep, you guessed it—vanilla! (Three types of vanilla, to be exact.) While we believe that all perfumes are unisex and anyone can wear whatever they want, Bois Talisman is a great way for people who wear traditionally "masculine" scents to dip their toes—or is it their nose?—into the wonderful world of vanilla perfume. Like all of the Dior Collection Privée scents, Bois Talisman is dramatic, bold, and long-lasting.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“If you want a brooding, moody fragrance, this could be it. There are vanilla notes, yes, but any sweetness is enrobed in a heavy smoky and woodiness that makes this the most unisex (or masculine) fragrance in my wardrobe. One spritz lasts all day—I kid you not!—so dispense mindfully. It's far less honeyed than your typical vanilla, but very warm; in the vein of By the Fireplace but more powerful.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key notes: ​​vanilla, cedar
• Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml

Best Sweet Vanilla: Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum

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Summer Fridays

Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum

$82

Amazon

$82

Sephora

$82

Revolve

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why we love it: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to smell like a decadent dessert—and Summer Fridays couldn’t agree more. The first fragrance from the wildly popular skin-care (and makeup) brand was inspired by eating ice cream on a sunny summer day, with dreamy, sultry, and sweet notes of coconut, caramel, tonka bean, and—you guessed it!—vanilla. Despite those powerful notes, Sunlit Vanilla is light and summery versus dark and rich, perfect for a beach vacation.

Tester feedback from former associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“Most vanilla scents lean on the sweet side (which I love), but Summer Fridays Sunlit Vanilla is an aquatic gourmand that sits in its own category. This scent reminds me of lounging beachside with a sugary cocktail in hand—everything I want out of summer." —Annie Blay-Tettey, former associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, caramel, coconut, vanilla, musk, tonka bean, amber
• Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml

Best Vanilla Perfume Oil: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve

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Cyklar

Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Cyklar Rose Bud Perfume Oil

Sarah Kinonen

Why we love it: For something that stays closer to the skin than a traditional eau de toilette or eau de parfum spray, try a fragrance oil. Cyklar’s Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve is a lush blend that lingers for hours. Fresh bergamot and green cardamom keep it crisp, while tonka bean, amber, and musk melt into lingering notes of vanilla, heliotrope, and ambrette seed. Some of our editors even treat it as a base for perfume cocktailing. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that Vanilla Verve won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Perfume Oil, so you know it’s legit. (You can also scoop up the scent in various body-care products.)

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“Although I prefer to spritz on my fragrances, every now and then, a perfume oil is a cute change of pace. This one from Cyklar comes in a super-chic, palm-size glass bottle (it's 0.5 fl oz.!) that's spill-proof, great for mid-day touch-ups, and is easy to travel with (can be tossed into any bag!). Even easier? The application process—you just glide the rollerball across skin, making sure to hit pulse points, like inside of wrists and under ears. While I like wearing it solo, it's also fun to layer on top of my favorite musk scents: ByRosie Jane Rosie and Dedcool Xtra Milk. I've tried all of the scents, but my current favorite is the new Rose Bud, which is a true floral. The rose is so fresh and so spot on, and smells just like petals from the flower. It's not powdery, but there are warm notes of sandalwood and musk to give the fragrance a grounded, skin-like finish. I love it!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, green cardamom, vanilla, heliotrope, ambrette seed, amber, musk
• Sizes: 15 ml

Best Unique Vanilla: Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum

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Henry Rose

Dave Eau de Parfum

$120

Nordstrom

$120

Sephora

$120

Credo Beauty

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman with a bottle of the Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum

Katie Gunderman

Why we love it: Firstly, it’s very unique indeed to call a vanilla perfume “Dave,” but stick with us here. Henry Rose, the fragrance brand created by actor Michelle Pfeiffer, is an ode to her husband, David E. Kelley, who particularly loves it when his wife wears vanilla perfume. The scent has a lovely duality, as though Pfeiffer swiped her husband’s sweatshirt and their two fragrances mingled together; it’s as dreamy as a traditional vanilla gourmand can be, but pink pepper and neroli give it a lightness and complexity that sets it apart from more traditional sweet vanilla scents.

Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“Henry Rose Dave Eau de Parfum is the most beautiful, warm, and rich vanilla scent. I love that the vanilla notes are not artificial at all and there is a musky depth to it. This gourmand is perfect for all seasons as it is light and sweet but still has a gorgeous spicy quality to it.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Key notes: ​​tangerine, pink pepper, neroli, vanilla bean chantilly, tonka bean, cocoa shell
• Sizes: 8 ml, 50 ml

Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

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Phlur

Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Revolve

Allure social director Kassidy Silva with a bottle of the Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair Body Mist

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Shocker: The standout note of Phlur’s Vanilla Skin is vanilla, but what makes this 2024 Best of Beauty-winning hair and body mist interesting are the additions that elevate its sweet, warm base. Hints of pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine petals, sandalwood, and cashmere wood peek through for intrigue. “It's not for the faint of heart,” Chriselle Lim, founder of Phlur, previously said of the original Vanilla Skin EDP. “We wanted to make sure that it was paired with some unexpected notes to add more depth to a universally loved scent.” The body mist is slightly toned down, as you can imagine, so it depends on your intensity preferences.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“Phlur's Vanilla Skin is nearly good enough to eat. The creamy blend of vanilla, pink pepper, and sandalwood notes makes this fragrance truly delectable and a staple to wear through any season.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director

More to know

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• Notes: vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine, cashmere wood
• Sizes: 88 ml, 237 ml

Best Spicy Vanilla: YSL Babycat Eau de Parfum

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YSL Beauty

Babycat Eau de Parfum

$330

Nordstrom

$230

Sephora

Why we love it: If your vanilla vibe is more rock star than pretty princess, try YSL’s viral Babycat, a spicy, glamorously bold bourbon vanilla. According to the brand, the evocatively named fragrance was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s love of leopard print, and that makes total sense; it’s a vanilla with claws. While the bourbon vanilla base definitely grabs your attention, pink and black pepper, saffron, and cedarwood are swirled in to give it a palpable kick. Babycat is a “big night out” kind of fragrance, one you spritz on after piling on the black eyeliner and slipping into your highest heels.

More to know

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• Key notes: ​​pink pepper, black pepper, elemi, olibanum, saffron, cedarwood, vanilla, suede
• Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?

It's not just vanilla that smells different on everyone. “Depending on one's own scent, natural skin oils, and pH, perfume notes can be brought out differently because everyone's skin composition is unique," says Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance.

“Vanilla, for example, can often smell much sweeter on some people's skin; for others, it might come across as warmer and richer,” Jelk notes. Why? “If your skin is more acidic, vanilla can become sharper or spicier.” While we typically associate gourmand notes with colder weather, vanilla certainly can shine in warmer months, too. “Body temperature can also play a role, as warmer skin can intensify certain base notes, vanilla and amber being two examples,” Jelk explains. No wonder vanilla is a year-round scent for many editors.

How do you layer vanilla perfume with other scents?

As Jelk puts it, “there are no rules with fragrance,” but she says she personally likes to mix vanilla with iris and/or musks. She also prefers the term “fragrance wardrobing” over layering because it “allows you to personalize your trail rather than adding a perfume directly on top of another.” Her tip? One scent for your wrists, another for your neck, and perhaps a third for your clothes. “Create your own olfactive look, just like you would a fashion outfit,” Jelk says.

Meet the experts

• Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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I look at red carpet photos for a living, so I'm pretty used to gorgeous gowns and glam. But once in awhile, a premiere look absolutely stops me in my tracks—or, more accurately, my scroll—and literally takes my breath away. Enter Zendaya at the New York City premiere of The Odyssey, whose loose, undone (and extra-long) braid and soft, flushed makeup can only be described as “angelic.”

And I'm talking literally angelic, as the Emmy-winning actor wore a feathered strapless Matières Fécales gown with actual wings attached to her shoulders, leaning into the whole “I'm playing a legendary Greek goddess” theme of her red carpet dressing for the Odyssey press run. (She plays Athena in the movie, and while Athena doesn't typically wear wings, she is sometimes depicted with them.)

Hairstylist Coree Moreno “effortless texture and romantic movement” with a beautifully soft fishtail braid that flowed all the way down Zendaya's back to mid-hip. “The inspiration was modern romance with an effortless sensibility," he tells Allure. “Zendaya's gown had such an ethereal, sculptural presence that I wanted the hair to feel soft, lived-in, and full of movement. Rather than creating something overly polished, I focused on texture that felt naturally evolved throughout the day. The loose face-framing pieces and airy finish complemented the drama of the dress without competing with it.”

Moreno used a mix of Bellami Professional Tape-Ins and Wefts in shades Chocolate Rebel and Dark Brown to add length and fullness. One of the key products was Nexxus's AIR SHAPE Workable Hold Texture Spray, which he misted through the mid-lengths and ends of Zendaya's hair to add airy volume, texture, and hold without sacrificing movement or looking stiff or sticky. “Loose” was the key word here, as the hair was gathered gently back at the nape of her neck and braided into a “deconstructed fishtail braid" with the front portions left out of the style to frame her face in easy waves—waves that fluttered in the most gorgeous way as she walked the carpet. A few pieces of hair escaped the braid, adding a windswept texture to the overall style, and Moreno gently pulled apart sections of the braid for fullness and dimension. To lock in the look, he spritzed Zendaya's hair with Nexxus's Maxximum Firm Hold Hairspray.

Braids have been a key element of many of Zendaya's The Odyssey looks, including the crown braid she wore to the London premiere and the milkmaid braids from Paris.“I’ve always believed that hair should carry emotion, not just shape,” Moreno wrote on Instagram alongside some gorgeous behind-the-scenes shots. “For this look, the goal was to create something that felt lived in, romantic, and weightless—as if it had always belonged to the moment.”

Getty Images

Makeup artist Ernesto Casillas said the goal was “beautifully luminous and sun-kissed skin,” which he achieved with a base of “fresh, glowing skin” and some strategic cream blush layering. Casillas paired Prada Beauty's Touch Blush shades Caffee and Cherry across Zendaya's cheeks, nose, temples, and chin, where the sun would typically hit, and finished with just “a touch” of Prada Balm in Astral Pink. Does she not look like she just flew down from Mount Olympus to help us on our epic quest?

Getty Images

Unfortunately for us and our summer beauty inspiration boards, the Odyssey press tour is coming to a close, but we don't have to wait too long for more Zendaya red carpet action; she'll be gearing up for the release of the next Dune movie in just a few months!

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TL;DR:

• What it is: A makeup sponge
• What it does: Blends and diffuses base products, like foundation and concealer, for a smooth, seamless finish
• Who it’s for: Allure Beauty Box subscribers—exclusively!

As someone who’s constantly testing new foundations, concealers, and cream blushes and bronzers, I can never have too many makeup sponges.

This black, teardrop-shaped tool from Gloat is sleek, functional, and thoughtfully designed—and the fact that the brand made it just for our July Beauty Box makes it feel that much more special.

Here’s how I use it: No matter what I’m blending, I dampen the sponge, then gently bounce the bottom side across my face (from my forehead to under my jawline) until the look is uniform. Then I’ll use the pointed tip to blend in hard-to-reach nooks and crannies (around my nose and under my eyes). The finish is always super smooth, dewy, and never streaky.

The Gloat Makeup Sponge is exclusively available in the July Allure Beauty Box.

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The Makeup Sponge You Can Only Get in This Month’s Allure Beauty Box

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

You may be long out of school, but is it time to graduate? If you’re ready to level up from your beginner-level retinol serum, the best retinal serums and creams can deliver faster results in your skin-care routine. Yes, that's retinal, with and “a”—and it'll get you smoother skin, fewer breakouts, and a brighter, more even skin tone without jumping straight to a prescription-strength retinoid like tretinoin or adapalene.

“Retinal—also called retinaldehyde—and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives,” says Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. “However, retinal is one step closer to becoming retinoic acid, which is the active form that binds to receptors in your skin to stimulate collagen production and skin cell turnover.” Because of that, retinal can work more quickly and more efficiently than even the best retinol cream.

In fact, “retinal is 10 times more potent than retinol,” says Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. It’s no wonder many dermatologists refer to it as liquid gold, and some even use a retinal face serum themselves. “I’ve been using vitamin A for decades—it’s truly been my fountain of youth,” says Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Danville, California. "Even in my late 40s, people still think I’m in my 20s or 30s.” While you won’t see results overnight, consistency can pay off.

Our Top Retinal Serums

• Best Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal, $85
• Best for Uneven Texture: The Inkey List Advanced 0.2% Retinal Serum, $15
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum, $55
• Best for Experienced Users: Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual‑Retinoid Treatment, $68

Frequently Asked Questions

• Retinal versus retinol: What's the difference?
• Is it better to use retinol or retinal?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Heads up: As with other retinol products, “retinal should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding,” Dr. Levit says. And, of course, pair it with sunscreen. Daily SPF is a must for anyone concerned with signs of aging, but it becomes even more important when using retinal, which can leave skin more sensitive to UV exposure. If you have the green light, check out these derm-approved picks that deliver real results.

Best Retinal Serum Overall: Medik8 Crystal Retinal

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Medik8

Crystal Retinal 6

$87

Amazon

$87

Dermstore

Why we love it: With strengths ranging from 0.01% to 0.24% retinaldehyde, Medik8 Crystal Retinal has something for everyone, from sensitive skin newbies to seasoned retinoid pros. Its stability system sets it apart, which is essential to ensuring you’re getting an effective formula with minimal irritation. This formulation uses crystal encapsulation technology (like encapsulated retinol, just with retinal), a patented carrot seed oil complex, and airtight packaging—all designed to keep the retinal molecule ultra-potent and ultra-gentle. “It’s also formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to buffer any potential irritation, and the texture is creamy and fast-absorbing,” says Dr. Berry.

The gradual system has made it popular among multiple Allure editors. “The brand makes it simple to ease into retinal use: You start with level 1 (sensitive) or 3 (beginner), then graduate to higher concentrations once your skin can tolerate them,” says former Allure content director Kara McGrath. "I haven't experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin.”

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 1

Shanna Shipin

Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Dianna Singh

Singh after applying the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"I may be a beauty editor, but I'm new to retinal! After years of being spooked by the ingredient, I tried a few ‘clean’ retinol alternatives and wasn't compelled to keep any in my routine. It wasn't until I realized that Medik8 had an amazing gradual strength system that started at a very gentle beginner percentage of 0.01% retinal. After you finish a bottle and your skin tolerates it, you can carry onto the next! I started with the lowest-dose (Level 1) serum for very sensitive skin types, and it's been great for my dehydrated, eczema-prone skin. I especially have to be careful of dermatitis around my eyes, which tells me instantly when I've gone too far with a product. I'm on bottle number 2 of this level, and am just about ready to move on to level 3. I've seen an improvement in my closed comedones on my forehead, but have not yet seen quite the wrinkle-minimizing I'm hoping to see in the future; I haven't had a flare-up due to this product, so I know it's time to move up. What I love about this formula is that it's not as drying as other vitamin A (or retinol-adjacent) serums I've tried. There's glycerin in the formula, as well as HA to help offset overly drying out my skin. It's a breeze to rub in, and you hardly need any out of the pump-top to cover your face. The only drawback is that too much comes out of the bottle at once. I'd love for half of what is dispensed, just so I don't overdo it, or waste product!" —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Tester feedback from Allure features director Dianna Singh

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“When vitamin A works, it really works—and this formula is a testament to the ingredient's line-smoothing prowess. Plus, it's one of the few that doesn't make my skin extra sensitive or turn my pillow yellow. Once I finish this bottle, I'm going to move up to the ‘advanced’ strength version.” —Dianna Singh, Allure features director

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.01%, 0.03%, 0.06%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.24% twin-encapsulated retinaldehyde
• Other key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: beginner or expert retinal users

Best for Dry Skin: Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

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Celimax

The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

Allure editorial assistant Jennet Jusu applying the Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

Jennet Jusu

Why we love it: Like so many gentle K-beauty brands, leave it to Celimax to figure out how to make retinal feel a little less intimidating. The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster pairs 0.1% retinal with the brand’s nano-sized delivery system, which breaks the retinal into smaller particles so it can disperse more evenly across the skin and penetrate more efficiently, helping smooth bumpy texture and refine skin with less irritation than stronger vitamin A products. The formula also contains 1% panthenol to cushion, soothe, and support the skin barrier, plus 3% Matrixyl 3000, a popular synthetic peptide complex made of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, well-studied for their ability to support collagen production and improve skin firmness.

Tester feedback from editorial assistant Jennet Jusu

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“I’m getting more into K-beauty and trying skin care that can actually make a difference for my dry, hyperpigmentation-prone skin. Celimax’s The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is super lightweight and has basically no scent, which I love. After a few uses, my skin felt a little firmer, and by day three, I noticed one stubborn pore already looked smaller. I ended up liking it best sandwiched between my moisturizer and face mist, and it layered really nicely before I reapplied my sunscreen.” —Jennet Jusu, editorial assistant

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.1%
• Other key ingredients: 1% panthenol, Matrixyl 3000
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: everyone

Best for Sensitive Skin: Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum

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Peach & Lily

Retinal For All Renewing Serum

$55

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: If your complexion goals include brighter, more even-looking skin—but your skin is notoriously sensitive to actives—this serum makes retinal feel surprisingly doable. Peach & Lily Retinal For All Renewing Serum uses 0.1% encapsulated retinal, which releases slowly into the skin to help smooth uneven tone and boost radiance. “It’s potent yet gentle, with the help of ectoin, which has been clinically proven to reduce retinoid-related irritation,” says Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Plenty of retinoid serums say they’re friendly to sensitive skin, but this one backs it up: In the brand’s clinical testing, the formula showed zero (!) water loss after application and virtually no skin-barrier disruption. A calming lineup of heartleaf extract, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants does the behind-the-scenes work to keep irritation at bay while results build. “Together, it improves texture and tone with minimal side effects,” says Dr. Karcher.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“The bright yellow hue of Peach & Lily’s Retinal All-Renewing Serum isn’t just to cheer up your day—it turns out retinal in its pure form naturally runs that color (and yes, it disappears as soon as you rub it in). The texture hits a sweet spot, too: not so watery that it drips off before you can get it on your face, but not so thick that you’re massaging forever. Instead of leaving a glassy sheen, it feels like it’s sinking deeper and leaving things plush and cushioned from within. After a few nights, my skin felt baby-soft with zero hint of irritation.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.1% encapsulated retinal
• Other key ingredients: ectoin, heartleaf extract, ceramides
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin

Best for Beginners: Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

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Naturium

Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

$29 $24 (17% off)

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

$29

Soko Glam

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Naturium Retinaldehyde Cream Serum 0.05%

Sarah Han

Why we love it: For newbies ready to dip a toe into the world of retinal, the lowest concentration of Naturium's Retinaldehyde Cream Serum—which is available in 0.05%, 0.1%, and 0.15% strengths—is a gentle yet effective place to start. “Even at the 0.05% retinal concentration, it provides meaningful collagen support and smoothing effects while minimizing barrier disruption,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, NV. “Gentle retinal options like this also help patients stay consistent with a lower risk of irritation, and consistency is what ultimately drives long-term results.”

The rest of the ingredient list only strengthens its case for sensitive skin, pairing retinal with a cushioning base of glycerin to keep skin hydrated and comfortable. Fermented yeast extracts and soy amino acids support the skin barrier, while pomegranate extract and vitamin E provide antioxidant protection against daily environmental stressors. The creamy texture is also part of what makes it so approachable: It delivers the smoothing benefits of vitamin A without leaving sensitive skin feeling dry and tight.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I've been through two tubes of this Naturium retinal, starting with 0.05% before I worked my way up to 0.10%—and now they also offer 0.15%, which I'm sure my skin can tolerate since it's not particularly sensitive. I love how lightweight this gel is, and despite its fun yellow coloring, it basically disappears into your skin on contact. It's so airy and layers beautifully with all of my other nighttime skin-care products. (It's sandwiched between essence and moisturizer). I've never experienced any irritation, but if I need an extra dose of hydration in the winter, I'll follow up with a more viscous hydrating serum like Torriden's Dive In Serum. I love how accessible Naturium's price points are across the board, but especially for a retinal. $29 in this economy? Not too shabby when other formulas easily surge past $50.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.15%
• Other key ingredients: glycerin, fermented yeast extracts, soy amino acids, vitamin E, pomegranate extract
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin

Best for Experienced Users: Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual‑Retinoid Treatment

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Paula's Choice

Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual‑Retinoid Treatment

$68

Amazon

$68

Sephora

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual‑Retinoid Treatment

Jessica Cruel

Why we love it: While 0.1% retinal alone is typically considered beginner-friendly, it’s the addition of 0.16% Adapinoid (oleyl adapalenate) that makes the Paula’s Choice Clinical Pro Retinaldehyde Dual-Retinoid Treatment more of an intermediate-to-advanced retinoid formula. Oleyl adapalenate is an oil-soluble adapalene derivative designed to be gentler than traditional adapalene, and together the two retinoids tackle skin from different angles: Retinal supports collagen production, smooths texture, and softens the look of fine lines, while the adapalene derivative encourages additional cell turnover and promotes clearer-looking skin.

Fortunately, the formula doesn't simply throw two retinoids together and call it a day: Jojoba oil, glycerin, and dimethicone cushion skin against dryness and improve tolerability. Saccharomyces ferment, mushroom extract, pomegranate extract, and vitamin E further soothe and support the skin barrier, making this an ideal option “for those who want stronger mature skin benefits, but not quite ready for prescription retinoids,” says Dr. Hovenic.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“It has a lightweight, silky texture that smooths easily over skin—no stinging, no burning. Like all dermatologists recommend, I only use about a pea-size amount all over my face at night before topping with my favorite thick moisturizer. I had a deflated pimple that just wouldn't disappear, and after a few nights using this retinal it was noticeably smaller. A couple weeks later the post-acne darkness was less pronounced as well.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.1% retinal
• Other key ingredients: 0.16% Adapinoid, jojoba oil, glycerin, dimethicone, Saccharomyces ferment, mushroom extract, pomegranate extract, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people who want a more advanced retinoid option

Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

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Beauty of Joseon

Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

$17

Amazon

$17

Sephora

Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

Sarah Han

Why we love it: If your under-eyes are starting to rat you out for your doom-scrolling and repeat pizza nights, Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream is one of our favorite Korean eye creams for faking the look of eight hours of sleep—though maybe hydrate and log off once in a while, yeah? Inspired by traditional Korean hanbang skincare, this silky cream blends ginseng (the OG brightener and circulation booster) with gentle, effective retinal to smooth fine lines and depuff tired eyes. The lightweight, serum-like texture melts right in, leaving your eye area looking firmer, glowier, and way more put-together than you feel.

Tester feedback from Han

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"I'm unconvinced eye creams provide long-term, visible results (e.g. minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles) without retinoids involved. Beauty of Joseon's Revive has been a staple in that regard. The custardy formula absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look refreshed and slightly brighter. I even dab some onto my forehead lines (not super noticeable as of now, but you can't be too preventative)." —Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: not disclosed
• Other key ingredients: ginseng, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types

More retinal serums we love:

Best for Dull Skin: Remedy Science Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment

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Remedy

Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment

$35

Amazon

Why we love it: If you’re already well-versed in the benefits of retinal and ready to streamline your routine, Remedy Science Super Stacked Healthy Aging Treatment makes a strong case for doing more with less. It combines 0.1% encapsulated retinol and 0.05% retinaldehyde—“a formulation recommended for more experienced retinol users to smooth fine lines and improve texture,” says Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Newnan and Stockbridge, GA. From there, it layers in peptides like argireline and Matrixyl 3000 for firmness, glycolic acid for gentle resurfacing, niacinamide for brightness, and ceramides to keep skin comfortable. “It’s truly a one-and-done option for busy people who want visible results without a complicated routine,” says Dr. Oyetakin.

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.05%
• Other key ingredients: 0.1% encapsulated retinol, 2% argireline, glycolic acid, 2% niacinamide, Matrixyl 3000
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin

Best for Mature Skin: Isdin Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Serum

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Isdin

Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced Serum

$185

Amazon

$185

Dermstore

Why we love it: Not your first rodeo with retinal? Then Isdin Retinal Advanced Rejuvenating Facial Night Serum is a great next step to level up your routine. “It’s a dual-phase formula with both an oil phase and an aqueous phase, leaning more toward the hydrating and moisturizing side,” says Dr. Levit. “The oil phase delivers the key actives—including retinaldehyde and bakuchiol—while ingredients like dimethicone help protect the skin and glycerin boosts hydration. Melatonin is another standout for its skin-repairing benefits,” he says. If you have sensitive skin, just a heads-up: It’s lightly fragranced. But, according to Dr. Levit, “most of my patients find the scent pleasantly subtle—and they actually appreciate that it tones down the overly ‘clinical’ smell you sometimes get with fragrance-free treatments.”

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: not disclosed
• Other key ingredients: bakuchiol, melatonin
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: all skin types

Best for Dark Spots: Allies of Skin Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream

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Allies of Skin

Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream

$130

Amazon

$130

Nordstrom

$130

Dermstore

Why we love it: From dryness and breakouts to fine lines and dark spots, Allies of Skin’s Retinal 0.1% & Peptides Advanced Repair Night Cream is your skincare all-in-one. It blends encapsulated retinal (for a gentler retinoid experience), six firming peptides, and 11 antioxidants and brighteners to smooth texture, give an even tone, and bring out your skin’s glow. “This serum is great for anyone looking for retinal paired with barrier-loving ingredients like ceramides, and peptides,” says Dr. Berry. “It’s powerful but gentle, feels soft on the skin, and layers well with other actives. I especially recommend it for patients with drier skin.”

More to know

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• Retinal percentage: 0.1%
• Other key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, omegas
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: all skin types, especially for dry skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Retinal versus retinol: What's the difference?

“Retinal and retinol are both vitamin A derivatives, but retinal is one step closer to retinoic acid—the active form your skin uses. That means it works faster and is typically more potent than retinol,” says Dr. Levit. While retinol needs two conversions in the skin to become active, retinal only needs one, so you’ll often see quicker results when smoothing fine lines, improving texture, and fading dark spots. That said, “retinal can also be slightly more intense, so it’s usually recommended for those who’ve already built some tolerance to retinoids,” he says.

Is it better to use retinol or retinal?

It depends. “If you have sensitive skin or are brand-new to retinoids, retinol is a great place to start,” says Dr. Berry. “If you're already tolerating retinol well, or you're targeting deeper wrinkles, pigmentation, or acne, retinal can offer faster and more noticeable results with less irritation than prescription-strength options.”

Meet the experts

• Sonia Badreshia-Bansal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and RealSelf expert based in Danville, CA
• Asmi Berry, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, NV
• Cheryl Karcher, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Center Aesthetic & Dermatology based in New York City
• Noah Levit, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Dermatology Physicians of Connecticut based in Fairfield, Hamden, and Norwalk, CT
• Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of Epiphany Dermatology based in Newnan and Stockbridge, GA

How we test and review products

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

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

$36 at Makeup by MarioSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A lightweight liquid bronzer and contour serum
• What it does: Adds warmth and soft definition with a skin-like finish
• Who it’s for: Anyone intimidated by traditional contour products

My mornings usually look the same: coffee, Wordle, makeup, sprint to the subway, and a full day of meetings. So when someone says it looks like I’ve gotten some sun, I take that as the highest compliment.

The truth? Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum deserves most of the credit. The celebrity makeup artist calls it his “softest sculpt yet” (hence, the name), and I get what he means: It’s nearly impossible to overdo.

Here’s how I use it: After applying foundation and concealer, I swipe the doe-foot applicator along my forehead, beneath my cheekbones, and around my jawline, then blend everything out with a dense, angled contour brush.

I never feel like I have to be especially precise—and that’s exactly what I want from an everyday bronzer. It just makes me look like I spent a little more time in the sunshine than I actually did. (My weekly screentime report would beg to differ.) And if glow is what I’m going for, a couple of drops—used like an allover primer—give the prettiest, dewiest finish.

Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum is in the July Allure Beauty Box.

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Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt Bronzing & Shaping Serum

$36 at Makeup by Mario$36 at Makeup by Mario

$40Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A peptide-powered heat protectant and blowout styler
• What it does: Helps protect hair while leaving it smoother and shinier.
• Who it’s for: Anyone who blow-dries or heat styles their hair regularly

Anyone who’s spent a summer in New York City knows humidity and fine hair don’t mix. By the time you’ve made it to work, any styling you may have done at home has somehow dropped and/or completely disappeared.

This year, though, I’m on a mission to maintain my blowouts longer after I leave the house. Aside from a trusty can of hairspray, I’ll be reaching for the Goddess Maintenance BioTech Blowout Hair Mask, a pre-styling leave-in treatment that preps hair for hot tools, to help hold everything together.

Here’s how I use it: After shampooing and conditioning, I rake in a dime-size dollop of the lightweight cream from mid-lengths to ends while my hair is still slightly damp. Then I grab my blow-dryer and, sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, my curling iron for some quick bends.

I’ll be honest, even with the mask, my blowout still isn’t invincible (again, this is New York in the summer), but at least now I have a fighting chance.

Goddess Maintenance BioTech Blowout Hair Mask is in the July Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Goddess Maintenance BioTech Blowout Hair Mask

$40$40