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A long holiday shopping list can make even the most festive among us break into a cold sweat, but the best Amazon gifts under $50 prove you don’t need to blow your budget to give everyone something they’ll genuinely love. And by everyone, we mean everyone: your K-beauty-obsessed best friend, your mom who seemingly has everything, and the notoriously picky teen in your life.

Of course, this is Allure, so we’d never leave you short on beauty gifting inspiration. You’ll find skin-care sets from favorites like Laneige, Sol de Janeiro, and Summer Fridays, makeup treats even the minimalists will get excited about, and hair-care goodies for just about every texture and routine. Best of all, everything clocks in under $50, so there’s no need to girl-math your way into justifying the price tag.

Our Top Amazon Gifts Under $50

• For the One Who’s Always on the Go: Laneige Icons to Go, $27
• For the One Who Loves “You Smell Amazing” Compliments: Phlur The Body Mist Edit, $42
• For the Glass-Skin Obsessed: Medicube PDRN Glow Essentials Kit, $20
• For the Gift That Keeps on Giving: Conair Hair Accessories Advent Calendar, $50
• For the One Who Loves a Shortcut: Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Styler, $50
• For the Makeup Minimalist: Lancôme Juicy OG Idôle Look, $29

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• Skin-Care Amazon Gifts Under $50
• Fragrance Amazon Gifts Under $50
• Hair-Care Amazon Gifts Under $50
• Makeup Amazon Gifts Under $50
• More Editor Favorites Under $50

Skin-Care Amazon Gifts Under $50

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Sol de Janeiro

Beija Flor Jet Set

$34

Amazon

The gift of a firmer-looking behind might sound a little funny at first, but when it’s coming from Sol de Janeiro, IYKYK. This travel-ready kit bundles the Beija Flor Body Wash and Elasti-Cream, both packed with cacay oil to support cell turnover, plus Cheirosa ’68, an addictive, fruity-floral mix of dragon fruit and jasmine. (The scent nods to 1968, the year Tropicália: ou Panis et Circencis was released—an album widely considered a “manifesto” of Brazil’s vibrant Tropicálismo movement.) Consider it a little Brazilian-inspired getaway they can unwrap.

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L'Occitane

Festive Crackers Holiday Beauty Gift Set

$32

Amazon

L’Occitane’s holiday crackers are almost too charming to pull apart, but your recipient will be far too excited about the minis tucked inside to hesitate for long. The set comes with four individually giftable crackers filled with petite hand creams, shower gels, and body-care treats in some of the brand’s signature scents, making them easy stocking stuffers or a chic little thank-you for colleagues.

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Medicube

Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit

$15 $12 (20% off)

Amazon

If the person you’re shopping for is already a K-beauty stan, chances are “glass skin” is somewhere in their vocabulary. Medicube’s four-piece trial kit gives them a whole routine dedicated to getting that juicy, bouncy glow, with mini versions of the brand’s Collagen Toner, Collagen Serum, Collagen Cream, and viral Collagen Night Wrapping Mask. The lineup leans heavily on different forms of collagen alongside hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid to help skin look plumper, smoother, and more luminous.

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Elemis

Way to Glow Kit

$49

Amazon

Never tried Elemis’ iconic cleansing balm? Lee likens it to a “magic trick” for makeup and grime—it simply makes them disappear—and this version adds English rose extract to help leave skin feeling soft and nourished. The travel set also comes with the Glow Priming Moisturizer and Midnight Facial for even more hydration and radiance—all tucked into a plush pink bag.

OSEA Bodycare BestsellersSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Osea

Bodycare Bestsellers

$48

Amazon

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

Jailynn Tayler

For the person who treats body care with the same devotion as their face routine, OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Bestsellers set covers just about every step: a body wash, resurfacing scrub, ultra-hydrating body butter, and seaweed-infused body oil. Contributor Jailynn Taylor is especially a fan of the oil: “It’s not greasy or glittery—just this subtle, healthy, and natural-looking glow.”

Estée Lauder The Glow Heroes

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum

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Estée Lauder

The Glow Heroes

$50

Amazon

We won’t beat around the bush: If former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin could only use one face serum for the rest of her life, she’d choose Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum. “My chronically dry spot would absolutely notice if I skipped a day of use,” she says. This four-piece set lets your giftee experience the hype with a deluxe travel size, plus the brand’s Eye Gel-Cream, Gelée Cleanser, and Revitalizing Supreme+ Moisturizer Cream for a full routine.

Summer Fridays The Jet Lag Essentials SetSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

The Jet Lag Essentials Set

$34

Amazon

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mist

Shanna Shipin

This Summer Fridays set packs some of its most viral favorites into one box (though ask any teen and they’ll tell you anything from the brand is a hit). This set rounds up Jet Lag Eye Patches, Jet Lag Mask + Moisturizer, Jet Lag Hydration Serum, and the Soothing Face Mist. Shipin says, “As a loyal Jet Lag Mask user, I was so happy Summer Fridays expanded the line and launched this mist–I use it All. The. Time.”

Laneige Icons to Go

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner and Moisturizer

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Laneige

Icons to Go

$27 $20 (26% off)

Amazon

Laneige has been setting the pace in K-beauty for years, especially when it comes to serious hydration. This kit rounds up four of its moisture-boosting hits: the Best of Beauty-winning Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer (which Lee calls her “fastest shortcut to glass skin”), Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer, Water Sleeping Mask, and the editor-favorite Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry for plump, smooth skin from face to lips.

Fragrance Amazon Gifts Under $50

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Phlur

The Body Mist Edit

$42

Amazon

We get it: Gifting fragrance can feel like a bit of a gamble—scent is personal, and your giftee will probably know within one spritz whether it’s them or decidedly not. That’s the beauty of Phlur’s body mists: They’re light enough to mix and layer to their liking, and this discovery set gives them five to play fragrance bartender with—Vanilla Skin, Beach Skin, Heavy Cream, Matcha Milk, and Paradise Nectar. Of the latter, contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee says, “It’s a floral-fruity scent that’s basically your happiest vacation in a bottle.”

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Nest New York

Discovery Set

$50 $40 (20% off)

Amazon

Nest New York’s Discovery Set gives them five scents to sniff their way through: Crème de Clementine, Vanilla Bourbon, and Lychee Rose eau de parfums, plus Watermelon Peony and Madagascar Vanilla perfume oils, which wear closer to the skin (someone leaning in will notice, but they don’t fill the whole room). With juicy fruits, fresh florals, and warm, creamy vanillas to mix, match, and layer, every day can be a choose-your-own-scent adventure.

Hair-Care Amazon Gifts Under $50

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Conair

Hair Accessories Advent Calendar

$50 $40 (20% off)

Amazon

We make no guarantees that your giftee will actually have the patience to open just one surprise a day. This 12-day hair-accessories advent calendar packs in 21 styling goodies—including a compact detangling brush, mini and flat clips, ponytail holders, spirals, and playful fruit barrettes—making it an especially fun present for teens, little sis, or anyone whose hair-accessory drawer could use a cute refresh.

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Moroccanoil

The Essentials Suite

$46

Amazon

When you’re gifting beauty, it’s hard to go wrong with a product so iconic that many of us could pick its brown bottle and aqua label out of a lineup. This set stars the frizz-smoothing, shine-boosting Moroccanoil Treatment, plus Fragrance Originale Hair & Body Fragrance Mist and Berry Pomegranate Lip Balm for a little head-to-toe pampering.

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Pattern

Mini Stylers Kit

$36 $32 (11% off)

Amazon

Tracee Ellis Ross’s Pattern Beauty gives curly and coily hair the pampering it deserves, and this travel-size styling kit covers pretty much every curl mood. It comes with a Curl Gel for flexible definition, a moisture-rich Styling Cream, a Hydrating Mist for refreshing and reactivating curls between wash days, and a Strong Hold Gel for styles that need a little more staying power—all in TSA-friendly three-ounce sizes.

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Revlon

One-Step Volumizer Plus

$50

Amazon

At this point, the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Hair Dryer and Styler is practically an Allure awards regular: It’s a multiple-time Readers’ Choice Award winner and took home a 2023 Best of Beauty Award for Best Brush Dryer. With hardly any learning curve (read: no intimidating maze of buttons and modes), your giftee can smooth, dry, and pump up the volume in one go.

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Amika

Hydro Dream

$32

Amazon

Shipin after applying the Amika Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Leave-In Conditioner

Shanna Shipin

If you’re shopping for someone who loves to travel, please don’t leave their hair at the mercy of whatever shampoo and conditioner happen to be bolted to the hotel shower wall. Amika’s Hydro Rush gift set comes with travel-friendly sizes of its Intense Moisture Shampoo, Conditioner, and Leave-In Conditioner, a hydrating trio that boosts moisture, while the leave-in also helps detangle and keep frizz in check.

ColorWow Dream Smooth Travel Kit

Shipin applying the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

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COLOR WOW

Dream Smooth Travel Kit

$36

Amazon

When Shipin wants people to believe she just left the salon with a professional blowout, she reaches for the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray. This travel-ready kit pairs a mini Dream Coat—which helps block humidity and keep frizz at bay for days—with Color Security Shampoo and Conditioner, so your recipient can start the smooth, glossy-hair routine before they even step out of the shower.

Makeup Amazon Gifts Under $50

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Saie

The Saieglow Bestsellers Kit

$42 $34 (19% off)

Amazon

Who doesn’t love makeup you can swipe on and go? Saie’s Saieglow Bestsellers Kit has everything your giftee needs for an easy, glowy look: a full-size Dew Blush in Chilly, plus minis of Glowy Super Gel in Sunglow and CitySet Setting Spray—the latter of which Lee says “somehow keeps makeup budgeproof for hours with still just the right amount of dewiness.”

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Charlotte Tilbury

Icon Baby Lip Duo Kit

$28

Amazon

There’s nothing like a five-second swipe of lip color to make you feel instantly more Zoom-ready, date-night-ready, or just generally pulled together. Your giftee gets a mini Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Icon Baby and a full-size Lip Lustre Gloss in Hall of Fame—two foolproof pinky-neutral shades that require approximately zero knowledge of their makeup preferences.

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Lancôme

Juicy OG Idôle Look

$29

Amazon

There’s just something about mini beauty products that makes them extra delightful. With the Lancôme Juicy OG Idôle Look kit, you don’t have to play detective with their shade match (black mascara is always a safe bet), and the Juicy Tube in Marshmallow Electro—a shimmery pale pink—looks good on pretty much everyone.

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Clinique

Black Honey Trio

$30

Amazon

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick

Alessandra Foresto

Clinique’s Best of Beauty-winning Black Honey looks far more intimidating in the tube than it does on lips, which is part of the magic behind the iconic plum shade. “The color is truly flattering—the brand says it looks different on everyone; it looks like a true berry on me—and the pigment is sheer but buildable,” says Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto. This gift set gives them three ways to play with the color: Almost Lipstick, a coordinating liner, and a glossy lip oil that can also be used on cheeks.

Milk Makeup Must-Haves

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Hydrating Setting Spray

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Milk Makeup

Must-Haves

$35

Amazon

Even if your giftee is in their minimalist-makeup era, they probably don’t want what little they do wear slipping and sliding around. Milk Makeup’s Mini Must-Haves Set has the prep-and-set essentials covered with mini Hydro Grip Primer and Hydro Grip Hydrating Setting Spray (plus a Lip + Cheek for a pop of all-over color). Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor has gone through three bottles of the setting spray alone, so consider that a very enthusiastic endorsement.

More Editor Favorites Under $50

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Nodpod

The Weighted Blanket for Eyes

$38 $30 (21% off)

Amazon

Know a mom who would consider a few extra hours of sleep the ultimate gift? This is essentially a weighted blanket for her eyes, with four evenly weighted pods that deliver gentle pressure while blocking out light, plus a strap-free design that won’t dig into her head while she sleeps.

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JBL

Go 5 Portable Bluetooth Speaker

$55 $40 (27% off)

Amazon

The JBL Go 5 is barely bigger than your palm, making its crisp, room-filling sound all the more impressive—and ideally sized for blasting GRWM playlists from the bathroom counter. It’s waterproof, drop-proof, and delivers up to 10 hours of battery life, so it can tag along from the shower to your bag, or wherever you want to bring the vibes.

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Collective Home

Ceramic Jewelry Tray

$13 $11 (15% off)

Amazon

Your new boyfriend’s mom, the coworker you pulled for Secret Santa, your kid’s favorite teacher—some people call for a gift that feels personal without getting too personal. Enter this jewelry tray, personalized with their initial and perfectly sized for corralling rings, earrings, keys, and all those tiny treasures that tend to wander off. Even better: It’s one of our favorite gifts under $25.

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Flamingo Estate

The Guide to Becoming Alive

$60 $40 (33% off)

Amazon

If they’re already a fan of Flamingo Estate—like Shipin, who stockpiles the brand’s gourmand-inspired Prinsesstårta Candle—The Guide to Becoming Alive is a natural next gift. Part cookbook, part gardening guide, and part ode to living closer to nature, the lush coffee-table book offers a peek into the recipes, rituals, people, and plants that shape Flamingo Estate’s dreamy Los Angeles world.

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Owala

FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$30

Amazon

Anyone can slather on all the face creams in the world to quench thirsty skin, but hydration is an inside job, too. Seemingly every water bottle has had its moment, and right now, Owala is the one to tote around. The insulated bottle keeps drinks cold for hours, has a clever sip-or-swig lid, and comes in fun colorways like Angel Food Cake—a cheery mix of pink and orange that’s easy to spot at the bottom of their bag.

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Apple

Airtag

$29 $24 (17% off)

Amazon

For the person in your life who’s forever asking, “Where did I put my keys?”, an Apple AirTag is the kind of practical tech gadget they’ll actually use. They can tuck or clip the tiny tracker onto keys, a bag, luggage, or another frequently misplaced essential, then use their iPhone to help hunt it down when it inevitably goes MIA.

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How is your skin feeling today: calm and bouncy or tight and itchy?? If you picked the latter, you may be dealing with dry skin. Don’t worry—parched or rough skin isn’t something you need to battle for the rest of your life. With a little TLC and the right products, you can defeat it, or at least deal with it effectively.

You’ve probably got some questions, like which products to use, what to stay away from, and how to incorporate a retinol into your routine without it wreaking havoc on your complexion. Ahead is a complete guide to building a dry-skin routine, which we put together with advice from a few trusted dermatologists. They’re here to share their wisdom and best product recs to help you stock your shelves and soothe your skin.

What actually is dry skin?

According to Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, xerosis—or the formal medical term for what you’re experiencing—happens when skin lacks the necessary factors (like lipids) to maintain a healthy skin barrier. Without these essential components, the barrier becomes less effective at retaining water and keeping irritants out, Dr. Shah explains, and soon you’ve got the perfect recipe for “thirsty” skin.

For starters, you’ll likely notice a rough, flaky, or scaly texture; peeling; dullness; or even cracking if the dryness is particularly severe, says Dr. Shah. In general, the skin feels uncomfortable, whether irritated or tight, so you’ll know if something is wrong.

Dry skin and dehydrated skin are not the same thing, though they sound similar and their symptoms can overlap, says Dr. Shah. The former is defined by a lack of oils, where your skin barrier is thirsty for fats that make skin feel hydrated, bouncy, and happy. Dehydrated skin, she explains, is about a lack of water. This is “generally considered a temporary skin condition and can happen to any skin type, even oily skin,” Dr. Shah adds. “For example, someone can have oily but dehydrated skin, which may look oily while still feeling tight or uncomfortable.” Dehydrated skin is typically caused by dry air, harsh skin care, or the weather.

The basics of dry skin

Dry skin usually manifests as a skin type rather than an occurrence, like a breakout; however, it can also be caused by weather (dry air, frigid temperatures), lifestyle elements (regular swimming in chlorinated pools or high indoor heating), hormonal shifts, and aging. Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, says dryness often becomes more common as you age “because the skin produces less oil and sweat and loses some of its ability to hold onto moisture.” In addition, women and smokers are also more likely to deal with dryness.

It’s typically a bit easier to address this particular skin challenge on your own, versus conditions like rosacea and acne, but call your derm if you’re noticing severe or persistent dryness, says Dr. Campbell. Very itchy, cracked, or red skin could be a cry for help—and moisture! Dry skin may also be linked to skin and medical conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thyroid disease, diabetes, and other concerns, Dr. Campbell adds. In short, if your skin feels atypical or raises an internal red flag, give your derm a call or schedule an appointment.

The foundation of a dry-skin routine

Your daily routine doesn’t need to be very complicated to work well, says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Simple can be just as effective as a 10-step routine—if not more so. It’s all about nailing the basics: cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen. Ingredient-wise, look for products formulated with barrier-repairing ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and squalane, which all help lock in moisture, Dr. Spearman advises.

“For dry skin, less is often more,” says Dr. Shah. “Focus on gentle cleansing, barrier-supporting ingredients, and consistency rather than constantly adding more products.” Dr. Campbell agrees: “A simple routine works well for most people,” she says.

And how do you know when your skin is adequately hydrated? According to Dr. Spearman, it will look smooth and slightly plump with a healthy shine—the sign of a happy, moisturized complexion.

Cleanser

“Gentle” is the key word with the first step of caring for your dry skin. “Harsh soaps and strong foaming cleansers can strip away the skin’s natural oils and make dryness worse, so choose a gentle, soap-free cleanser instead,” says Dr. Campbell. In the morning, reach for your cleanser or simply rinse the skin with water, then proceed with a hydrating serum or essence (if desired), moisturizer, and SPF. Easy peasy!

You don’t need to spend a ton on your cleanser; gentle cleansers are easy to find at the drugstore, like La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, which Dr. Shah says is “a great everyday option for dry and sensitive skin because it cleanses without stripping away too much of the skin's natural moisture.” Very dry-skin types may want to try a cleansing oil like Avène XeraCalm Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil, which replenishes lipids while washing away the day.

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

$20 $14 (30% off)

Amazon

$22

Ulta Beauty

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Avène

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Cleansing Oil

$46

Amazon

$46

Dermstore

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Neutrogena

Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser

$23 $18 (22% off)

Amazon

If you prefer a less creamy, more “traditional” cleanser, try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Cleanser, a lighter-weight gel that won’t strip skin but still gives you that “freshly washed” feeling.

Moisturizer

Moisturizer is the MVP of your routine, for obvious reasons, but which option should you choose? As with cleanser, you don’t need to shell out a big chunk of your paycheck to get a quality moisturizer; derms are quick to point out that the drugstore is a great place to start, and that what works for your best friend may not work for you (and vice versa). “The key is that there isn't necessarily one universal ‘best’ moisturizer,” says Dr. Shah. “The ideal product depends on how dry the skin is and what else is going on.” Adds Dr. Campbell, “the best moisturizer is one that feels comfortable enough to use consistently.”

Instead of fancy packaging or a luxe price point, focus on what’s inside the bottle, tube, or jar. “The ingredients I look for fall into three main categories: humectants [like hyaluronic acid or glycerin] to attract and hold water; emollients [like ceramides or squalane] to soften and smooth the skin; and occlusives [like silicones, petrolatum, shea butter] to help reduce water loss,” explains Dr. Shah. “The ideal moisturizer should include all three, as they work synergistically.”

For very dry skin, Dr. Shah says, “one of the most effective and time-tested ingredients is petrolatum because it's an excellent occlusive and helps significantly reduce transepidermal water loss.” (Petrolatum is what you find in classic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, for example.) Dr. Campbell seconds that, saying, “Petrolatum, or petroleum jelly, is one of the most effective ingredients for reducing water loss from the skin.”

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Vaseline

Petroleum Jelly (3-Pack)

$15

Amazon

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CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

$19 $13 (32% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

Dr. Shah is also a fan of the classic drugstore fave CeraVe Moisturizing Cream for its blend of three ceramides and hyaluronic acid. “The ceramides help restore and maintain the skin’s protective barrier, while hyaluronic acid helps the skin attract and retain moisture,” she says. “Its thicker texture makes it particularly useful for skin that feels tight, rough, or flaky.”

Mildly thirsty skin types can stick with a cream or lotion versus a heavier formula. Another drugstore go-to is Vanicream Enhanced Moisturizer, which is formulated for sensitive skin but versatile enough for other skin types too. Dr. Shah also likes First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream, which soothes and moisturizes irritated skin with colloidal oatmeal, squalane, and glycerin. For more mature-skin types, Dr. Campbell is a fan of SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore for its barrier-supporting lipids and triglycerides.

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Vanicream

Enhanced Moisturizer

$13

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

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First Aid Beauty

Ultra Repair Cream

$42 $34 (19% off)

Amazon (6 Oz)

$42

Ulta Beauty (6 Oz)

$18

Nordstrom (2 Oz)

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SkinCeuticals

Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

$155

SkinCeuticals

$155

Dermstore

$155

Bluemercury

SPF

As always, you must finish your daily skin-care routine with SPF 30—at a minimum! There are plenty of broad-spectrum sunscreens to choose from, including some formulated specifically for dry skin. Sunscreen is a non-negotiable step, no matter the weather; think of regular application as an easy investment in your future skin health. CeraVe’s AM Facial Moisturizer SPF 30 is a forever favorite of many Allure editors and writers (this one included) because of its accessible price point and multitasking formula. For a lightweight, almost watery option with soothing colloidal oatmeal, First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Sunscreen Milk deserves a spot in your routine.

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CeraVe

AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

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First Aid Beauty

Hydrating Sunscreen Milk

$36 $27 (25% off)

Amazon

$38

Ulta Beauty

$36

Dermstore

What to avoid if you have dry skin

Your skin should be treated with tenderness, so avoid harsh soaps and super-foamy cleansers, says Dr. Campbell; these can strip away natural oils and exacerbate dryness. She recommends fragrance-free formulas for anyone who has sensitive or very dry skin, as they are typically gentler than scented formulas.

The main rule is not to overdo it—and we’re not just talking about toners or active ingredients like glycolic or salicylic acid. “The biggest issue is often not a single ingredient, it's doing too much, too often,” says Dr. Shah.

That could be frequent showers or showering in extremely hot water, over-exfoliating or over-cleansing your skin, using retinols too aggressively, or using alcohol-heavy products, which can be especially drying, explains Dr. Shah. “People with dry skin don't necessarily have to avoid every active ingredient,” she adds, “but they should be careful with anything that can further compromise the skin barrier.”

Extra credit

People with dry skin are often leery of retinoids and alpha hydroxy and beta hydroxy acids, given their reputation for stressing out the skin. But you can add them to your routine, as long as you do so gently and carefully, says Dr. Spearman: “I recommend starting slowly with a gentle retinol just two or three nights a week and applying it to completely dry skin. Follow with a hydrating moisturizer, and if you tend to be especially sensitive or dry, you can even apply moisturizer before your retinol.” Give your skin time to adjust with a gradual approach—baby steps are best here!—and increase use as your skin adapts.

The same goes for products with AHAs and BHAs: Slow and steady wins the race. Dr. Spearman recommends a lower concentration of acid and using the product just once or twice per week, followed by a hydrating moisturizer to support the barrier. “You know you’ve overdone it if your skin starts feeling tight, burning, or looks red and irritated,” she says. If so, stop using the exfoliants and let your skin take a breather.

As we inch closer to winter, which can cause an uptick in dryness or make it worse, consider making a few small adjustments to your daily routine to strengthen your skin for cooler air. Dr. Shah recommends keeping baths and showers short and lukewarm rather than hot, which can remove natural oils from the skin. Pat wet skin instead of rubbing it, then apply moisturizer while skin is slightly damp. Resist the urge to over-exfoliate during the winter, she says, and consider placing a humidifier in your bedroom to replenish lost moisture due to indoor heating.

You may want to switch to richer, creamier products for winter, too, she says: “A cream is usually better for dry skin than a lightweight lotion, and you can apply it more than once a day if your skin feels tight.” For especially rough areas, Dr. Shah suggests layering petrolatum or another similar ointment on top of your moisturizer for more hydration.

And don’t forget your hands and lips! Incorporate rich hand creams and lip balms to fight cracking and chapping.

Meet the experts

• Caren Campbell, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco.
• Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
• Dara Spearman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I’ll admit it: I thrive on a full calendar. I don’t mind multitasking, and the more I have to do, the more I get done. Don’t get me wrong, I also enjoy the occasional rainy weekend in bed, I’m just wired to be busy—and I love when beauty products have that same energy.

This is why I’m especially excited about the October Allure Beauty Box. Every product inside pulls double (okay, sometimes triple) its weight. From skin care that also moonlights as makeup, a dry shampoo that buys me an extra day between washes, and other fun-to-use formulas that address multiple concerns in one step, this box is made up of—and for—overachievers.

New Member Gift: Kitsch Pistachio Latte Hair Perfume

Why you’ll love it: If walking around smelling like a pistachio latte is wrong, we don’t want to be right. This hair and body mist blends nutty pistachio, creamy coconut, and warm coffee into a sweet and cozy scent. And it does more than just smell good. The odor-neutralizing formula helps refresh–not mask–second-day hair, so you can feel free to spritz on repeat.

How you’ll use it: On your hair, on your body, on your pillow before bed–basically anywhere you want a refreshing cloud of a pistachio latte to linger. We especially love spritzing it onto a favorite sweatshirt before going out to get an actual pistachio latte for the ultimate sensory experience.

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K-Beauty Choice: Belif Super Drops Niacinamide Golden Glow Serum, Aprilskin Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain, Yepoda The Bubble Double, or Kaja Dewy Bar in Berry Sparkler

Why We Love It: You chose from four K-beauty faves: The Belif glow drops are your skin-care-meets-makeup primer; Yepoda’s foaming face wash cleanses and exfoliates in one go; Kaja’s tiny tube gives lips and cheeks a kiss of color; and for long-lasting, lip-tinting magic, there’s the Aprilskin lip stain.

How You'll Use It: Whichever Seoul-inspired option you selected to customize your box, you can expect it to become one of the products you reach for every morning—and wonder how you ever got by without it.

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Kat Burki Rose Hip Intense Recovery Eye Serum

Why We Love It: Noticing fine lines, dullness, or dryness under your eyes? Whether it’s one or all of the above, this versatile serum tackles multiple concerns at a time, thanks to a potent blend of fine line-fighting retinol, brightening vitamin C, calming niacinamide, and hydrating rosehip oil.

How You'll Use It: After washing your face, gently tap a dime-size amount under each eye, morning and night. Once the product is fully absorbed, follow it up with your favorite face cream and, of course, sunscreen in the morning.

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Charlotte Tilbury Mini Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk and Mini Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss in Refresh Rose

Why We Love It: Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk has earned its icon status by being that universally flattering—and universally beloved—iconic nude pink shade. And if you really want to make it shine? We found pairing it with Collagen Lip Bath Lip Gloss in Refresh Rose, a fresh clear gloss, never misses.

How You'll Use It: This is the perfect everyday lip combo because it goes just as well with a bare face as it does with a full-glam moment. Use the liner to outline around your lips to add subtle or dramatic definition. Then layer on a coat (or two) of the gloss for a high-shine, glassy finish.

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Color Wow Insta-WOW Advanced Dry Shampoo

Why We Love It: Unlike traditional dry shampoos that can leave behind a powdery residue, this no-grit, cast-free cleanser absorbs oil, revives volume, and leaves hair looking virtually the same as it did on washday—all thanks to rice starch. Plus, we love the subtly sweet scent (apples and jasmine) that lingers long after your first spritz.

How You'll Use It: Shake, spray, and massage! No, those aren’t lyrics in a Top 40 song, though they definitely could be. Those four words are the directions for cleaning your hair in a pinch using this dry shampoo. Just be sure to spritz directly into (and under) the roots (the bottle should be eight inches from your head), let it settle in, then give it a quick zhuzh to stretch your style for one more day.

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Earth Harbor Azure Water Peptide Smoothing Cream

Why We Love It: With a texture that’s closer to a bouncy gel than a heavy cream, this Earth Harbor moisturizer hydrates like the best of ’em—just without the weighty feel. Instead, its peptides firm, seaweed amino acids nourish, and hyaluronic acid locks in moisture, all without leaving your face looking (or feeling) greasy.

How You'll Use It: Reach for this moisturizer before sunscreen in the morning or as the final step in your nighttime routine—and whenever your skin needs a little extra TLC in between.

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Recurring Member Bonus: Givenchy Beauty Prisme Libre Glow Serum Foundation Sampler

Why you’ll love it: Givenchy perfected the skincare-meets-makeup formula with this serum-foundation hybrid. First, you’ll love the buildable coverage with a radiant blur finish. Then you’ll appreciate the skincare benefits, like Micro Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides Yuzu Extract, that keep skin hydrated, plump and bouncy–even when the foundation isn’t on.

How you’ll use it: This lightweight, super-blendable formula makes it easy to get that “perfect” complexion without all the effort. Just a few drops blend seamlessly into your skin, whether you’re going for a five-minute face or full-glam glow.

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

Raise your hand if the rollout of the best beauty advent calendars gets your heart racing every holiday season. Some may say it's too early to start thinking about gift shopping in September, and to that, I say, stop being such a Grinch! Besides, the earlier they launch, the more time you have to deliberate over what to buy. But don't deliberate for too long—you’ll want to hit the checkout button before they inevitably sell out, whether you're treating a friend, family member, or yourself. (Wink.)

Our Top Beauty Advent Calendars

• The Evolution of Your Beauty Routine: Anthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $98
• The Star of Our Wish List: Revolve 25 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar, $150
• Doctor's Orders: Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar, $250
• It's Giving Dewy Dumpling: Anua 7 Days of Glass Skin Advent Calendar, $34
• Red Carpet-Ready: Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar, $220
• Walking in a K-beauty Wonderland: YesStyle Y So Cereal Advent Calendar, $165
• Scents of the Season: Maison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar, $140

And before you hit me with the "buttt," I know. Advent calendars give us sticker shock, too. Think of it this way: When you add up the retail value of each product, it’s crystal clear just how much you're saving. The holidays are stressful as is, so I let these calendars do the math for me—and, trust me, it’s a winning formula. After all, why struggle to land on the perfect singular gift when you can buy them a little bit of everything? Sounds like beauty heaven to us.

If you're unsure where to start, I've assigned myself the arduous task of online window shopping for you. (Ha, I kid: It's not arduous, and it's quite literally my job.) Without further ado, here are the best beauty advent calendars out right now—plus, a few 2025 calendars that are still available to shop. And of course, I'll be refreshing this story with newness as it rolls out. For now, have your credit card info ready and prepare to be crowned the best gift-giver of all time.

• Anthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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  Anthropologie

  The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $98

  Anthropologie

  Why I love it: Anthropologie is always one of the first beauty retailers to debut its advent calendars, and with every year, they continue to impress us with whimsical packaging and designs. (Props to artist Nephthys Foster!) The product selection is especially strong this year and distributed relatively evenly between skin care, body care, makeup, hair, and fragrance, so there are truly treats for any taste. Plenty of buzzy brands—Boy Smells, Vacation, and Salt & Stone—are waiting behind 24 pint-size doors.

  The star product: Summer's over, but sunscreen is a 365-day affair. In case you thought you could start winding down your SPF application, think again. Luckily, Supergoop's SPF 50 Play Everyday Lotion is one of our favorite face and body sunscreens to slather on, thanks to a lightweight, cast-free formula infused with skin-soothers like sunflower seed extract. “Unlike the lotion sunscreen of yore that takes rigorous rubbing to blend into your skin (if it ever does), this one melts right in…and it doesn't feel heavy or sticky throughout the day," says senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor.

  P.S. Is your loved one a candle fiend? They'll love Anthropologie's Holiday in the City 12-Day Advent Calendar ($178), which is stuffed with 10 wax candles, room fragrance spray, and one candle snuffer.

• Anthropologie The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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  Anthropologie

  The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $50

  Anthropologie

  Why it's worth it: $50 for an advent calendar that includes the likes of Ilia and L'Occitane? You've got that right. I think this would be a great gift for the teen girls in your life, since it offers plenty of day-to-day products they'll actually use, like the Batiste Dry Shampoo Original, Mario Badescu Facial Spray, and Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Lip Balm.

  The star product: I'm going with OPI Funny Bunny—not because I personally love it, but because even I know how popular the milky white shade is. (I'm more of a pink/purple/blue gal—all of the colors, please!) And, because I'm in my fragrance era, I'll toss in the Clean Reserve Whipped Cherry Eau de Parfum. This fruity-gourmand sounds downright delectable, with notes of wild cherry, coconut water, mimosa blossoms, pralines, and vanilla cream.

• Revolve 25 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

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  REVOLVE Beauty

  25 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

  $150

  Revolve

  Why it's worth it: Technically, these are on preorder at the time of writing, but you should totally add them to your cart to secure yours. (They're expected to start shipping out around October 16, so you don't have to wait long!) These sell out relatively early in the season. And when you're getting $953 worth of beauty products for $150, yeah, I get why. The range of these 24 beauty and wellness brands is quite impressive and includes some unexpected finds, like Abbode, Etoile Collective, and Lemme. What's also in the mix? Tried-and-true classics, such as Benefit Cosmetics Benetint, Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Universal Peel, and Tarte Tartelette Tubing XL Mascara. Our gifting list revolves around this cheerful red suitcase.

  Star product: Hands down, it's the Foreo Mini UFO. I'm not used to seeing skin-care devices in any advent calendar, period, so this is a great get. While it comes with seven masks that lay right on top of the device, I'm pretty sure any microfiber or cellulose sheet mask, like the Mediheal Collagen ones, will do the job. Keep calm and mask on. (Sorry, can't help it.)

• Revolve 12 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

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  REVOLVE Beauty

  12 Days of Revolve Beauty Advent Calendar

  $89

  REVOLVE

  Why it's worth it: Back this year is Revolve's 12-day advent calendar, which is a more affordable (but just as cute!) gift priced under $100—but the fun part is that you get $409 worth of product. Just about every brand featured is an Allure fave, from Kosas to Summer Fridays. An indulgence that feels comparably responsible? Oh yes, it's possible.

  Star product: It's a mini, yes, but it absolutely has to be the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum. Yes, she's expensive (the full size is $188), but I can't lie: This is the serum that has made me look the glowiest after one application (and I've tried hundreds throughout my career). But when there's a high concentration of peptides involved, it makes sense. This silky serum, as far as I'm concerned, excels in the plumping and firming category.

• Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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  Dermstore

  Best of Dermstore: 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $250

  Dermstore

  Why it's worth it: Ah, Dermstore, one of my favorite destinations for skin care—though the e-retailer covers it all: makeup, hair, fragrance, and wellness, and this advent calendar is a prime example of its offerings. We're talking a host of derm- and editor-approved brands, like EltaMD, Paula's Choice, Revision Skincare, and SkinMedica. If that's not enough to convince you, perhaps the numbers will. $1,147 worth of products for $250, enough said.

  Star product: Of course I'm going to highlight a full-size product, and of course it'll be Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3. As a human being in my early (and close to mid) 30s, I'm more about aging prevention than ever! Now's the time to ramp it up, folks—well, if that's your goal, of course. With a range that spans levels 1 through 24 and allows you to “graduate” from lower to higher concentrations over time, the Crystal Retinal 3 that's included—which contains 0.03% of the active—is perfect for beginners. (If you have very sensitive skin, level 1 is recommended.) "I haven't experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin,” former content director Kara McGrath said in her review.

  More from Allure

  • 7 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles to Help Smooth and Soften
  • 7 Best Peptide Serums for Plumper, Bouncier Skin
  • 33 Halloween Nail Art Ideas That Are Equal Parts Eerie and Cute

• Anua 7 Days of Glass Skin Advent Calendar

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  Anua

  7-Days of Glass Skin Advent Calendar

  $34

  Ulta Beauty

  Why it's worth it: If you've been curious about this buzzy K-beauty brand but don't know where to start, let this travel-friendly kit be your intro—or if you're on a gifting budget, this clocks in at just $34. Win-win. In fact, this lineup is a complete skin-care routine, from double-cleaning to moisturizer, so it's as practical as it is well-priced. All you need to add on is sunscreen, which Anua also offers, of course.

  Star product: The Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum has gone viral, and for good reason. Azelaic acid is an all-star ingredient that "helps treat acne, reduce inflammation, fade post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and improve redness, all while targeting acne-causing bacteria,” Connie Yang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously explained. In this particular formula, it teams up with niacinamide to address uneven skin tone and calm redness. Oh, and it also makes a power pair with tretinoin.

• Laneige 12 Days of Wonder Advent Calendar

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  Laneige

  12 Days of Wonder Advent Calendar

  $149

  Sephora

  Why it's worth it: Laneige has proven to be a K-beauty stronghold in the U.S. since 2017 (when it launched at Sephora!), so I suspect this advent calendar will sell out pretty quickly—so get shopping. 12 Days of Wonder has a great mix of skin-care formulas from the soothing Water Bank and plumping Bouncy & Firm lines, and of course, the brand's popular (and delectably-smelling) lip-care collection. The Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serums are newer favorites of mine—what can I say, I'm a sucker for those satisfying donut applicators!

  Star product: There are long-time faves like the Lip Sleeping Mask, but with winter dryness on my mind, I'm gearing up to slather the Water Sleeping Mask on every night to lock in moisture, strengthen my barrier, and boost overall glowiness. Three types of HA, probiotics, niacinamide, and squalane—sweet dreams, indeed!

• Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar

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  Charlotte Tilbury

  Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar

  $220

  Nordstrom

  $220

  Sephora

  $220

  Charlotte Tilbury

  Why I love it: Dahlings, always count on Charlotte to deliver a showstopper of an advent calendar. This year's wardrobe-like iteration is painted in a cheerful red and adorned with star-shaped knobs that pull out to unveil the beauty treasures within. It's the kind of dresser eye candy you'll want to keep around to store jewelry, hair accessories, or knickknacks of any sort. Here's the breakdown: 15 products in all, four of which are full-size. Also in the mix is a fuzzy pink makeup bag (with a keychain attachment to hook onto your bigger bags) and white quartz gua sha in the shape of the classic Charlotte Tilbury lips.

  The star product: When in doubt, go team Pillow Talk. Over the years, I always come back to Matte Revolution Lipstick when I need a reliable lipstick that doesn't dry out my lips but still packs the punch of color I permanently crave. I actually prefer Pillow Talk Medium (which is the shade included here) to the original Pillow Talk because it gives me that bolder pop.

• Sunday Riley 12 Days Of Sunday Carry-On Essentials

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  Sunday Riley

  12 Days Of Sunday Carry-On Essentials Mini Advent Calendar

  $115

  Revolve

  Why it's worth it: Also up for preorder (and ready to ship as soon as October 20) is a cute suitcase-themed advent calendar aptly named Carry-On Essentials. Inside, you'll discover a stacked lineup of the brand's C.E.O. products, which do wonders for reducing dullness. And hot off the press: The Auto Correct Brightening + Depuffing Eye Cream is a 2026 Best of Beauty winner! Infused with caffeine and antioxidants, this is the wake-up call your dark circles will love (or hate, rather?).

  Star product: Naturally, I'm eyeing another Best of Beauty winner, Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, which helps seriously boost brightness and smooth texture—all while being gentler than other exfoliating acids. Don't just take my word for it: “I can count on one hand the products that I routinely go back to, and Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment and I have been BFFs for about a decade now," says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee. "As I enter the last year of my 30s, I depend on this more than ever to keep my dry, sensitive skin from flaking and looking dull. It delivers consistent exfoliation, keeps rough patches at bay, and despite being an acid treatment, it's never irritated my skin.”

• YesStyle Y So Cereal Advent Calendar

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  Yesstyle

  Y So Cereal Advent Calendar

  $165

  Yesstyle

  Why it's worth it: YesStyle advent calendars sell like hotcakes every year, so you'll want to preorder yours as soon as you're able to (October 7 at 11 p.m. ET). Besides the super cute packaging (the mascots, I mean, c'mon!), you get a plethora of Korean skin care and makeup from 35 brands! While some days include sample-like satchets, the minis and full-size products more than make up for those. A full-size Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm will last you months. A full-size tube of Abib Collagen Eye Patches? Yes, please.

  The star product: As Allure's biggest K-beauty fan, this is the hardest box to choose just one product, so I'll just rattle off a bunch of products I love and a quick reason why.

  • Arencia Fresh Green Rice Mochi Cleanser: It has such a fun texture and I love that it gently exfoliates. I also prefer to leave it on for a minute or two as a “mask.”
  • Centellian24 Madeca Cream Time Reverse: This is one of those creams everyone raves about, no matter their age. It's calming and floods your skin with long-lasting moisture and barrier-strenghtening benefits. I actually like the lighterweight Time Reverse Zero for my combo skin, but the original will be perfect for the winter.
  • Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Probiotics NAD+ Serum-in-Mist: It's simply a really good, actually deeply hydrating face mist—truly the brand's milky essence in mist form!
  • Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss: These make my lips look so juicy and I adore the bouncy donut applicator—my favorite shade is No.4 Bora Bora.
  • House of Hur Moist Ampoule Blusher: This liquid blush is extra pigmented, so you just need the tiniest amount a fabulous, “look at me” flush.

• Beekman 1802 Kindness Café Advent Calendar

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  Beekman 1802

  Kindness Café Advent Calendar

  $199

  Shop

  $199

  Beekman 1802

  Why it's worth it: Beekman 1802 usually wins for one of the cutest advent calendars that come across my inbox and desk, and this year is no different. Yes, I'm swayed by adorable characters, and what about it? A little Goatie is all dressed up as a barista, holding a tray of miniature coffee and pastries, to welcome you to the Kindness Café, and I gladly accept the invite. Out of the 24 goodies, you'll unlock 12 full-size products—a fantastic deal, because every limb of mine is going to need every possible hand and body cream come winter.

  The star product: Most hand creams are good, but some, like the Milk RX Advanced Better Aging Hand Renewal Cream, provide extra benefits that make them more enticing. In this case, lactic acid gently exfoliates to smooth out any rough patches (hello, harsh winter winds), while peptides help boost elasticity. Repeat after me: No cracked hands in 2026 (or 2027).

• Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar

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  Benefit Cosmetics

  The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar

  $168

  Nordstrom

  $168

  Sephora

  $168

  Revolve

  Why it's worth it: Benefit's 2025 Rubik's Cube advent calendar is still sitting on my office desk, but somehow it's already time to check into The Hotel Beneville. This pretty-in-pink suitcase is home to so many editor favorites, including but not limited to the classic Benetint, Hoola Bronzer, Badgal Bang Mascara, and The Porefessional Primer. All in all, this lineup of 24 full- and mini-size makeup and skin-care products will keep any beauty lover fed well through 2027. Bon voyage!

  The star product: Like thousands of other people on this planet, I trust Benefit brow products—like, a lot. While my absolute fave isn't included (I love you, Precisely, My Brow Detailer), my runner-ups are. Take Gimme Brow+, a Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice Award winner that lends the illusion of fuller brows in as little as three swipes. Easy.

• Tatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar

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  Tatcha

  12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar

  $280

  Ulta Beauty

  $280

  Sephora

  Why it's worth it: Tatcha packaging is already gorgeous as-is, so when the Japanese-inspired skin-care brand finally came out with its first-ever advent calendar last year, we couldn't believe our luck. And by another stroke of luck, it's back for 2026! 12 Ways to Love Your Skin is aptly named, with 12 nourishing formulas that cleanse, hydrate, brighten, and smooth with time-honored Japanese ingredients such as Uji green tea, Akita rice, Okinawa algae, Japanese indigo, and tsubaki oil. P.S. You can spot quite a few Best of Beauty and Readers' Choice winners in this lineup: The Silk Serum, The Brightening Eye Cream, and The Water Cream.

  The star product: Why does senior commerce director Shanna Shipin call The Longevity Cream her “Goldilocks moisturizer?” It doesn't irritate her eczema, for one, makes her ultra-dry skin look “so supple” and “glistening,” and offers enough grip to double as a primer. And the texture of this gel-cream? Addicting. “There's a wiggly, jiggly bounce-back when you tap on the surface of the moisturizer, and you really are best served by using the spoon to scoop a dollop out,” Shipin says. Who says skin care shouldn't be fun? Certainly not us.

  More from Allure

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• Maison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar

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  Maison Margiela

  Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar

  $140

  Nordstrom

  Why it's worth it: You don't always need 24 products, especially when it comes to a category as personal as fragrance. Maison Margiela gets that, which is why it kept its curation super tight with just five of its most people-pleasing scents: Jazz Club, By the Fireplace, Chasing Stars, Lazy Sunday (which comes in a hand cream, shower gel, and eau de toilette). What do they all have in common? They're comforting, calming, and grounding, so get cozy.

  The star product: By the Fireplace is a scent we love spritzing in the colder months. And because it's an eau de toilette (it's lighter, thanks to a lower alcohol concentration), it's a fantastic unisex scent. Social media manager Bianca Richards, for example, shares this scent with her partner. “Matthew and I thrive in the fall because we're both homebodies who love creating a cozy, warm space to feel at peace," she says. Infused with notes of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord, By the Fireplace feels genuinely like a warm hug. (For the record, regardless of fragrance formulation or gender, you can 100% wear whatever scent you please!)

Sarah Han is the commerce editor at Allure and has been covering beauty from a shopping and cultural lens for 10 years. She's the team expert on all things K-beauty, in particular, but especially loves all skin care and makeup (especially of the colorful variation). Previously, she served as an … Read MoreCommerce Editor

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Keywordsshoppingadvent calendarsgift ideasgift guidesHolidayChristmasRead MoreShoppingThe 37 Best Luxury Beauty Gifts, Because You’re Fancy and You Know ItGo on, make someone's year.37 slidesBy Angela Trakoshis and Sarah HanNO RETURNS33 Best Practical Gifts That Are as Chic as They Are FunctionalThe best kind of present is one they'll actually use on the reg.33 slidesBy Sarah HanShopping42 Unique Gifts for People Who Have EverythingLet us help you do the (nearly) impossible.42 slidesBy Sarah Han and Annie BlackmanNORDY KNOWSThe 23 Best Nordstrom Gifts of 2024, According to a Shopping EditorJust sayin'!23 slidesBy Angela TrakoshisMAKE IT PERSONAL31 Best Personalized Gifts That Are Oh So ThoughtfulPrepare for "aww's" all around.31 slidesBy Jennifer Hussein

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

A fountain of eternal youth doesn't exist, but the best peptide serums are pretty good fill-ins for targeting sagging skin. That’s because peptides are powerful agents for boosting collagen production—you know, the process that slows down as we age—and thereby minimizing the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Here's the science in a nutshell: Peptides are an umbrella term for tiny chains of amino acids. These chains act as molecular-level messengers between skin cells, directing them to address skin elasticity and hydration—two key factors in wrinkle severity. Think of peptide creams and serums as your behind-the-scenes crew, helping to direct your skin towards a plumper, more resilient future.

Our Top Peptide Serums

• Best Overall: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum, $94
• Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
• Best for Nighttime: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, $85
• Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum, $22

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are peptides?
• ​​How do peptides benefit the skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

While they won't stop the clock, they can still be an effective way of slowing down signs of aging. If that's what you're looking for, we tested dozens of formulas to find the absolute best peptide serums on the market. Ahead, we rounded up their recs—along with editor-loved formulas—that smooth, hydrate, and give your skin a little extra support.

Best Overall: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum

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Medik8

Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum

$95 $71 (25% off)

Amazon

$95

Dermstore

$95

Shop

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: While some peptide serums have a specialty, Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Face Serum covers all of the bases. An alternative name for it could be "Liquid Magic”—of course, no skin-care product is capable of straight-up magic. But when there are 13 peptides involved—including copper peptides and Matrixyl 3000, two of the most well-studied versions—we know something's working. The special sauce is a proprietary technology called Dual MiniProteins, which pairs those peptides with proteins in micro molecules to ensure deep penetration into the skin and promote elasticity. It also features two other technologies, Growth Factor MiniProtein and Expression Line MiniProtein, which promote smoothing even further. “[Growth Factor MiniProtein] relaxes expression lines in just 10 minutes and visibly reduces deep wrinkles within eight weeks,” says New York City-based dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD, who adds that it delivers “filler-mimicking” results.

The serum is also super hydrating thanks to hyaluronic acid, so your skin is smooth and taut. As far as where this serum fits into your skin-care routine, you can use it day and/or night before your oil-based serums (like the brand's vitamin C or retinal serums) and moisturizers.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I was so excited to try this product (not least because of the “Botox in a bottle” conversation surrounding it) and let me tell you: This is something worth making room for in your routine. Especially if you're pregnant and can't use retinol, or are simply too sensitive for the likes of vitamin A! This formula impressed me right away since it includes peptides that are both fast-acting (as in, you can see an immediate skin-plumping effect) and those that work over time to smooth out deeper-set wrinkles. The texture is gel-like and lightweight. It can feel a smidge tacky on the fingers but once it dries down, you don't notice it. Part of my love for it comes from that bounce of light you get off the skin right after applying! I haven't experienced pilling with foundation or other moisturizers but i have to admit: I hesitate to add anything to my routine that'll make me wince come repurchasing time, and because of that, I'm tempted to hoard it like Gollum and only use it during the PM instead of both night and day. It's all worth it if it means warding off actual Botox for a bit longer!”—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptide complex (13 types, including Matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides), multi-weight hyaluronic acid, carnosine, growth factor miniprotein, expression line miniprotein
• Who it’s for: people with deep-set wrinkles or expression lines
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

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SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

Dermstore

$150

Bluemercury

$150

SkinCeuticals

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: We can go on about the science of the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox’s powerhouse peptide duo, but here are the basics: The neuropeptides in this formula, which signal skin cells to repair damage and boost collagen, target expression lines that are too risky to treat with neuromodulators like Botox, such as nasolabial folds (smile lines). That said, Justine Park, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, California, says this serum complements Botox treatments to help relax lines it can treat even further. On top of its sag-reducing properties, the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning P-Tiox is infused with brightening niacinamide and laminaria extract, a seaweed-derived ingredient rich in skin tone-evening antioxidants. David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, notes that the formula includes sensitive-skin-friendly gluconolactone (also known as polyhydroxy acids or PHA), which provides gentler resurfacing than BHAs or AHAs as they can’t penetrate the skin as deeply. The results over time are glowy, glass-reflective skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face, which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (dipeptide diaminobutyroyl benzylamide diacetate, acetyl hexapeptide-8), niacinamide, laminaria extract, polyhydroxy acids
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Nighttime: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

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Estée Lauder

Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

$88

Amazon

$88

Nordstrom

$88

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Nighttime is when your skin goes into repair mode, but it's also a time when your moisture barrier is more permeable—meaning water can more easily escape, leaving skin dry and dehydrated by morning. Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair takes advantage of both with a proprietary ingredient, Night Peptide (also known as tripeptide-32); it helps increase cellular turnover overnight, supporting the skin’s natural renewal process and lock in hydration. The formula also centers on a mix of fermented, sensitive skin-friendly extracts—including Bifida ferment lysate, yeast extract, and Lactobacillus ferment—that help fortify the skin barrier following exposure to environmental stressors.

Unlike more intensive nighttime staples that can leave skin dry or irritated (looking at you, retinol and exfoliating acids), this serum leans more nourishing with humectants like glycerin and sodium hyaluronate to attract and retain water, and emollients, such as squalane, lecithin, and jojoba esters, that lock it all in. Antioxidant-rich chamomile adds a soothing touch to the lineup, calming irritation as you snooze. The result is a serum that lets the rest of your routine do its thing while you sleep, leaving your skin prepped, calmer, and softer come morning.

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“If I could only use one serum for the rest of my life, it would be this one. I use it every morning and every night, and I absolutely notice when I skip a day. It feels so lightweight and nourishing, sinking in quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind. In addition to the nice glow it gives me, it calms my super-sensitive skin, prevents pesky flakes in the chronically dry spots around my nose, and keeps breakouts at bay. Pricey? Yes. Worth it? You bet!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, Bifida ferment lysate, Lactobacillus ferment
• Who it’s for: all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Face and Neck: Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

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Allies of Skin

Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

$188 $150 (20% off)

Amazon

$188

Nordstrom

$188

Shop

Han applying the Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Allies of Skin’s Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum takes a high-tech approach to firming, especially in areas where sagging tends to show first: the face and neck. This concentrated formula features a 9% peptide complex and 3% SH-oligopeptide-1 (growth factor) complex to enhance elasticity and strengthen the skin’s structure. Add in growth factors, and you’ve got yourself a powerhouse formula that bolsters your barrier and targets loss of volume and firmness. The lightweight texture is nothing to overlook—it absorbs quickly, making it easy to layer under the rest of your skin-care routine. You’ll also notice instant hydration and glow, a perk we always appreciate.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Ok, the serious and immediate glow I get from this ultra-silky Allies of Skin serum alone was enough to sell me on it. (My face is freshly rinsed with water in the video—no toners or essences applied beforehand.) But of course, the ingredients are what do the heavy lifting, and when I first read into this product, I knew it meant business. While I'm only 32, I don't plan on getting injectables or Botox to stave off any fine/expression lines, so this is one of the many preventative topical measures I plan on using consistently to keep my skin looking as firm, lifted, and smooth as possible. This serum sinks into my skin immediately and provides a slight gripping effect that's perfect for makeup—an unexpected bonus, but I'll absolutely take it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 9% LiftingPeptide Complex, 3% sh-oligopeptide-1 growth factor complex, MSM, copper lysinate, phospholipids, glycolipid
• Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

$295

Dermstore

$295

Bluemercury

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Ask any dermatologist about growth-factor skin care, and they'll likely bring up the repeat Best of Beauty-winning SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, the patented formula (since 2000) that started it all. "It's one of the most clinically supported growth-factor serums on the market, offering firmer-looking skin in as little as two weeks," Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, explained. But what are growth factors, anyway—and how do they benefit mature skin? "These naturally occurring proteins stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, boosting collagen and elastin production to improve skin firmness, texture, and overall vitality," Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Encinitas, California, explained. But that's not all for TNS Advanced+'s name. Though TNS (tissue nutrient solution) is, in fact, related to the main event, the innovative growth factors are paired with a peptide duo to boost elasticity and plumpness even more.

Oh, you thought we were done? In the other chamber of the serum's bottle is an antioxidant treatment stocked with marine extract, green microalgae, and more to support cellular turnover for that fresh-faced glow. One pump dispenses both chambers seamlessly into one silky, lightweight, and fragrance-free formula.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“A dermatologist once told me that this stuff was the reason she was well into her 40s before she started using Botox, so I, being in my late 30s, see it as my alternative, too. And while, okay, I do get Botox, I supplement it with this every morning, which keeps my skin firm and smooth. I see it as more preventative than reparative at this point, but I really like the lightweight texture and nonexistent scent. My only gripe is with the dual applicator; sometimes, it only pumps product out from one side, which means I can be left using only one of the enclosed serums for weeks." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (trifluoroacetyl tripeptide-2 and dimer tripeptide-43), human fibroblast conditioned media, Lactococcus ferment lysate, shea butter, glycerin
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin or those looking to prevent signs of aging
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum

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L'Oréal Paris

Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum

$22 $18 (18% off)

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the L’Oreal Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum

Madison San Miguel

Why it’s worth it: These days, a skin-care regimen can rack up more steps than the average glass-skin routine. L’Oreal’s Revitalift Triple Power 3% Peptides Serum, however, takes a more streamlined approach to smoothing and firming skin. Its multitasking blend of peptides—Matrixyl 3000 (a combination of palmitoyl tripeptide-1 and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7) and argireline amplified peptide (which derms often call “Botox in a bottle”)—work together to improve the appearance of wrinkles and restore bounce, while hyaluronic acid replenishes moisture to dehydrated skin. The serum is also loaded with vitamin C to brighten and even skin tone over time—just in case you’re dealing with dark spots, too. The result: Plumper, more hydrated skin over time, proving that a good skin-care routine doesn't have to cost a fortune (or take a ton of time).

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“As soon as I felt the rich, milky texture of this serum, I knew it was going to meet expectations. I have dry to very dry skin, which often needs thick, silky formulas to soothe any ‘tightness’ and dry patches that may appear. This was an instant win—it calmed my skin and layered seamlessly with the rest of my skin care. Beyond its hydrating peptide blend, it also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C that I typically use individually. Because it combines all three, I can see myself swapping this in place of my other skin care, streamlining my routine in the midst.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Matrixyl 3000 (palmitoyl tripeptide-1and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7), argireline amplified peptide, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C
• Who it’s for: anyone with signs of aging
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum

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Caudalie

Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum

$84 $67 (20% off)

Amazon

$84

Sephora

$84

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: If your skin is lacking its usual bounce, Caudalie’s Best of Beauty-winning Resveratrol-Lift Instant Firming Serum pairs peptides with a potent antioxidant—resveratrol—in a formula that those with dry skin will especially appreciate. Its impressive lineup of peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, tripeptide-1, and hexapeptide-9) supports both barrier function and collagen production, while resveratrol, an antioxidant extracted from grapes, helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles. The serum also pairs two forms of hyaluronic acid (hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) with vegan collagen, yet another humectant, to draw moisture to the skin, while squalane and sunflower seed oil moisturize for a smooth, radiant finish. While it has a velvet feel, the serum absorbs quickly, leaving dry skin comfortable, hydrated, and ready for the next step in your routine.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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"Have I had to check my carry-on suitcase after a trip to France because I got carried away at a pharmacy stocking up on this favorite serum? I will not confirm nor deny! It’s this serum I measure every other one against, and so far, nothing has beaten it. It’s hydrating even on my eczema-prone skin, and the silky finish makes a great base for makeup. I can visibly see my skin looks smoother and glowy with consistent use. If the glass bottle weren’t refillable, I’d feel guilty about how many I’ve gone through over the past few years!" —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (acetyl dipeptide-1 cetyl ester, tripeptide-1, and hexapeptide-9), resveratrol, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, squalane, sunflower seed oil, and vegan collagen
• Who it’s for: all skin types, especially dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What are peptides?

Peptides are short chains of amino acids, "like glycine, arginine, histidine, et cetera," says Dr. Kim. “They're designed to boost and replenish amino acids, which are the building blocks for collagen production.” You might recognize amino acids as the building blocks of protein, but peptides tend to be shorter chains than proteins. And compared to topical collagen, peptides have a small particle size that allows them to penetrate the surface level of your skin at a deeper level. In turn, they’re great at reducing the appearance of fine lines, soothing dehydrated skin, and leaving skin firmer, Dr. Kim says.

​​How do peptides benefit the skin?

The abundance and quality of our body's natural collagen production decrease over time, as Dr. Hartman previously explained. As a result, wrinkles start to form and skin begins to sag, but peptide chains mimic the structure of amino acids to diminish the look of these concerns over time. People with mature skin, in particular, can benefit from peptides for their ability to improve skin firmness along the jawline, smooth expression lines, and even out skin tone.

That said, not all peptides are created equal. The most common types of peptides consist of signal peptides, carrier peptides, enzyme-inhibitor peptides, and neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides, which all have specific functions. (Also, keep in mind that labs and brands can and often do trademark their own peptide complexes.)

• Signal peptides: These peptides signal your skin cells to go into repair mode, helping to stimulate collagen and elastin production.
• Carrier peptides: Carrier peptides carry other ingredients to skin—copper peptides being the best-known of these. They deliver copper to the skin, which activates wound healing and collagen production.
• Enzyme-inhibitor peptides: These peptides block the naturally occurring enzymes in your body that can break down collagen.
• Neurotransmitter-inhibitor peptides: Think of these as the topical (though far less powerful) cousin of Botox—they smooth expression lines by temporarily relaxing the look of muscle movement.

While you’ll often find "peptides" placed front and center on the actual product packaging, ingredient lists often categorize peptides by how many amino acids a peptide contains, such as dipeptide (two), tripeptide (three), and hexapeptide (six). It's also not uncommon to see multiple peptides strung together to maximize their collagen-boosting benefits.

Peptides seldom cause skin sensitivity or irritation, but you should still be discerning of your serum’s formulation. "If someone has a [negative] reaction, it's most likely from the preservatives, other chemicals, or essential oils in the formula, not the peptides," Dr. Kim says. So, it’s always best practice to do a patch test before applying.

Meet the experts

• Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles
• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology based in Birmingham, Alabama
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at SOM Aesthetics based in Encinitas, California
• Blair Murphy Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• May Hall, DO, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Asheville, North Carolina
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing every product included in each 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 peptide serums, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers, editors, and contributors, determined that every product excelled in each category—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Photos: Courtesy of @sauce.nailco, @ghoulish.nails, @nailsbyheather.erringtonSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Halloween costumes come with various levels of commitment: There are the planners who start working 11 months out with detailed mood boards, the crafters who get to work two months ahead of time, and those who leave the planning to 10 minutes before they leave the house. But did you know about the other group that's filled with Halloween spirit? They are your nail-obsessed friends.

You might think a full costume takes more planning than Halloween nails, but after you see this collection of intricate and beautiful designs, you'll realize they are each a work of art in their own right.

Although the nail canvas is small, these designs totally capture the eerie magic of October 31, with enchanting cat-eye effects, edgy chrome embellishments, and more. For 2026, we’ve rounded up the 33 best Halloween manicures for you here.

Vintage apparitions

Courtesy of @bymiaf

Who says ghosts have to be scary? Mia Farelli, the manicurist behind this look, certainly doesn’t think so. Using a gold chrome powder is a charming way to create vintage frames and add whimsy to spooky designs. Many of these details require a steady hand, so we recommend booking an appointment to see your nail tech to achieve them.

Sparkling spiders

Courtesy of @sauce.nailco

If you’re on team “spiders can be cute,” this sparkling manicure is one to consider this season. Use a tiny liner brush to draw “legs” around colorful rhinestones. Lauren Horner, who created this look, used Swarovski crystals from Crystal Chaos—but we love the brighter colored gems in the Melody Susie Rhinestone Kit.

Jack and Sally

Courtesy of @ghoulish.nails

This isn't a Halloween nail story without an homage to The Nightmare Before Christmas. The attention to detail in the hand-drawn characters is truly a masterpiece, right down to the tiny white-shadow detailing on the spiral hills.

Starry ghosts

Courtesy of @nailsbyheather.errington

We love how this cute, ghost-themed manicure almost looks like a mimic of a French tip with a milky pink base. This design can be achieved with a tiny nail art brush, dotting tool, chrome powder, and a whole lot of patience. Or you can use these cute press-on nails.

Beetlejuice

Courtesy of @handittoheather

You’ll have to resist asking for this manicure three times. For the base, Heather Buzzell used black cat-eye polish with a silvery tone running through it, giving it that dark, spooky effect. Then, to create the drip and cobweb details, she used Luxapolish green and purple chrome.

Velvet slime

Courtesy of @mabelandrowe

If hand-painted icons or nail decals aren’t your thing but you still want a special set for the holiday, this velvet green look is for you. Ask your nail artist for a cat-eye manicure, which involves moving the iron particles in a special nail polish with a magnet to create the illusion of texture.

Not-so-frightening French tips

Courtesy of @overglowedit

We honestly didn’t know a themed Halloween manicure could get as chic as this one by content creator Melanie Graves. This is a look to try at home with nail stickers. For this design, Graves used Deco Beauty nail art stickers and carefully placed them over the top of her black-and-white French tips.

Pumpkin French tips

Courtsy of @chicaartistanails

Bet you never thought you could love pumpkins quite so much on a nail look. To try this design at home, start with a neutral-toned base, and then choose five other autumnal hues that will form your pumpkin, like the gorgeous shades in Olive & June’s Fall Mani System.

Begin creating a rounded tip (where your classic French tip would go) with those shades, making sure to create a small indent to form that pumpkin shape. Then, using a detailing brush, go in with a black polish and outline those pumpkins, adding personality with stalks.

Chrome green wet look

Courtesy of @califreenails

This chrome green set created by LA-based Michelle Won is both simple and bold, and proves that not all Halloween manicures need to be intricate to be incredible. Sometimes you just need a long canvas to work on, an epic chrome powder, and some super-realistic water droplets.

Black-and-white bats

Courtesy of @nailss.by.gracie

At first glance, this manicure by Welsh nail artist Grace Andrew looks like bubbly, abstract shapes on a sheer pink base. Upon closer inspection, though, you'll find that it features a spooky scene: a bat in flight against the clouds on a starry night. You can try this at home using a fine nail art brush with black and white polish, or you can add some spooky-themed decals.

Cute chrome mummies

Courtesy of @nailartbyjen

This adorable manicure by California-based nail art content creator Jeanette Flores is simultaneously subtle and fully committed to the bit. From a distance it might seem like a regular white-chrome manicure with a little texture, but up close, you can tell there's a mummy peeking at you from every nail. We love how Flores used Daily Charme Chrome Effect Gel to create the look of three-dimensional bandages.

Negative-space spookiness

Courtesy of @witchofbunnywoods

Take the edgy simplicity of a black French manicure and turn up the Halloween spirit with this negative-space concept by UK-based nail art creator Alana Lawson. The black tips fully border the almond shape, leaving an open area for little illustrations, like a Jack-o'-lantern, bats, and spiderwebs, also painted in black for a sleek presentation.

We all scream for ice cream

Courtesy of @jbepolished

Still can’t let go of summer? Try this “summerween” manicure. You can feel the SoCal vibes in California nail artist Jazmine's spine-tingling yet mouth-watering manicure, which features Halloween-inspired ice cream treats in vibrant colors atop a multicolored chrome base. The idea requires a pretty ample canvas, so it's not surprising that she opted for Apres Nails Gel-X Long Stiletto tips.

Iridescent ghosts

Courtesy of @nailnymphs

Bust out a chrome powder (like Daily Charme’s Magic White Chrome Powder, which has a true silvery shift) and pink gel polish (like CND’s long-lasting Shellac Strawberry Smoothie) to re-create this set by Gabi De la Cruz. The creepy-but-cute ghosts wearing witch hats might take some artistry, but they’re totally drawable using a fine-tip nail art brush.

Spooky soulmates

Courtesy of @caval.studio

For lovers of both Halloween and Valentine’s Day, we have this hauntingly romantic manicure by Charlotte Bradwell of Caval Studio in Sheffield, UK. Bradwell swept on a sheer pink base (Essie Nail Lacquer in Vanity Fairest is perfect for this) before meticulously painting tiny, lovestruck creatures above it.

Cosmic creamsicle

Courtesy of @nail.brat

Sure, this manicure uses cream-colored polish, but it doesn’t make the look any less eerie. Its snakes, evil eyes, and crescent moons create a sinister set that skips the dark hues. For a similar cream-and-orange combo, try OPI Nail Lacquer in My Vampire Is Buff and China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Orange Knockout.

Muted mischief

Courtesy of @baileebailsnails

When Halloween and minimalism intersect, the result is this look by Bailee Tabag. Its matte topcoat and autumnal colors give the Jack-o’-lanterns, spiderwebs, and ghosts style and finesse. For a spooky mani with a similar finish, reach for Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish Matte Top Coat.

Eerie oozing

Courtesy of @amyle.nails

The first step to creating this mesmerizing gel mani by LA-based manicurist Amy Le is carefully forming the drip effect using black nail polish, a dotting tool, and a nail art brush. Next, smear chrome powder over the top of each nail to create this oil-slick effect. Finally, add some small, cute spiders to give it a Halloween-esque finish, and seal the look with a high-shine topcoat.

A little bit bloody

Courtsy of @lolo.nailedit

California-based content creator Lauren proved that the look of dripping blood can make a hell of a stylish manicure. She combined a milky base (like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sheer Happiness) with an accent nail featuring delicately placed drips of blood (we love a deep, dark red like Zoya Professional Lacquer in Courtney for this step). It’s a bloody Halloween-themed manicure, but without going over the top, if that isn’t your vibe.

Tiny skeleton bones

Courtesy of @kuypernailart

You don’t need to dress up as a skeleton to get into the Halloween spirit. Designs that look as good as this one, by content creator Kristin Kuyper, enable you to wear the theme on your nails instead.

This look requires some patience and a steady hand. To re-create it, start with a jet-black allover nail color. Then, carefully paint the bones in a white polish. (For a stark contrast, KBShimmer Nail Polish in White Here White Now over Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Absolute Black.) If you aren’t a keen nail artist, take this inspiration to the salon with you.

Slime and stripes

Courtesy of @nails_by_syd

If you want to partake in spooky-season festivities without being completely obvious, take this design as inspiration. The matte-black hues, monochrome stripes, and lime green slime scream Halloween, but only to those who are looking close enough. For a green that is as chic as it is slimy, reach forManucuris Green Natural Nail polish in Lime.

Witchy negative-space tips

Courtesy of @thuybnguyen

These negative-space tips with a starry-night pattern, created by LA-based manicurist Thuy Nguyen, are the witch glam we didn’t know we needed. For this look, head to the salon and ask for a reverse French manicure with clear, free-edge tips, a true black base, and some delicate black stars to embellish the set.

Matte black bats

Courtesy of @nails_by_syd

Playing around with matte and shiny topcoats on a black nail-polish shade is a supercool way to spook-ify a traditional Halloween look. Take this set by Minnesota-based nail artist Sydney, who painted high-shine spooky bat designs atop a matte-black base.

Itsy-bitsy spiders

Courtesy of @nailslpc.xo

Have you ever seen a French manicure made of cobwebs? Neither have we. But you can ask your nail tech to swap out the regular French tip for a spiderweb design before adding teeny spiders, then finish the look with a matte topcoat.

Shimmery Halloween scene

Courtesy of @heygreatnails

Level up any Halloween manicure with a shimmering cat-eye base, like the one in this design by content creator Aistė Plechaviciute. We cannot get enough of this velvet look with orange accents to create a night-sky scene with tiny bats and stars for a magical holiday effect.

Spotty sorcery

Courtesy of @spellboundxnails

Orange-and-black manicures are quintessential for Halloween, but you can add so much more personality to the colors with graphics like in this look by UK-based nail artist Aimee White. The flawless orange ombré is topped with witchy illustrations in matte black and white, including a snake, a moon, and potions. Little dots and stars keep it looking more cute than creepy.

Petrified pastels

Courtesy of @ceirrasnails

From a distance, this pastel masterpiece by Orlando-area nail artist Ceirra Carlini-Smith looks like a sweet, springtime, tie-dye-inspired manicure. Look a little closer, however, and you realize the graphics are straight out of the movie Scream—but with a bit of a flower-child twist. We love this as a supercute way to wear your enthusiasm for Halloween without in-your-face obviousness.

Ghoulish galaxy

Courtesy of @sassynailsss

This mystical manicure by California nail artist Sabrina Fagundes is a whimsically witchy way to celebrate Halloween. And it proves that any color you're in the mood for—like this dusty periwinkle—can work for a spooky manicure when you enhance it with details like eyes, snakes, and a starry sky.

Cherry skulls

Courtesy of @thecosmostudio

Chances are you've seen many iterations of this French-tipped manicure featuring tiny cherry details. An artist at Cosmo Studio in Los Angeles brings an original Halloween twist to this deep French look by replacing the cherries with itty-bitty black skulls.

Haunted hands

Courtesy of @nailsandstuff_here

There are few moments in horror movies more chilling than when the hands of the undead start emerging from the ground. Nail artist Amy captured that spooky scene in nail art using a stamping plate, multiple green nail polish shades (we like Lights Lacquer Swamp Girl and Tranquila y Tropical for a fun clash), and one black polish.

Glam glitter and ghosts

Courtesy of @nailbruja

Miami-based nail technician Laysa found yet another genius way to incorporate the ghost motif into a manicure. These nails were made with hand-sculpted acrylic, which she infused with a chunky orange glitter base. If you look closely, you'll see a few teeny ghost- and bat-shaped glitter pieces in there too.

Shimmery spiderweb

Courtesy of @nailsbyyeya

Combine the classic appeal of a French manicure with a Halloween motif like spiderwebs for something that's equally eerie and elegant. California-based nail artist ​​Mireya amps up the creep factor with color-shifting purple and gunmetal gray base shades.

Itty-bitty eyeballs

Courtesy of Betina Goldstein

Eyes as part of someone's face? Pretty. Eyeballs anywhere else? Pretty creepy. Betina Goldstein used Essie nail polishes to paint bloodshot blue eyes at the base of neutral nails: Blushing Bride for the base, Blanc for the eyeballs, Strut Your Stuff for the irises, Licorice for the pupils, and Geranium for the veins.

Written by Allure StaffKeywordsserviceTrendsseasonalnailsnail artnail trends

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Allure Best of Beauty Live 2026 Sweepstakes (the “Promotion”)

OFFICIAL SWEEPSTAKES RULES

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1. PROMOTION PERIOD. Promotion begins October 17th, 2026 10:30 AM ET and ends 7:00 PM ET October 17th, 2026 (“Promotion Period”). Online entries must be received by the end of the Promotion Period. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by the end of the Promotion Period and received no later than five (5) days later.

2. ELIGIBILITY. This Promotion is only open to attendees of the Allure Best of Beauty Live 2026 Event (the “Event”) who are legal residents of the 50 United States and District of Columbia, who are at least 18 years old as of the date of entry, except officers, directors, members, and employees of the Sponsor, Administrator, or any other party associated with the development or administration of this Promotion, and the immediate family (i.e., parents, children, siblings, spouse), and persons residing in the same household, as such individuals. This Promotion is void outside the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, and where prohibited.

3. HOW TO ENTER. To enter into the sweepstakes, attendees of the Event must post on social media with a hashtag #BestofBeautyLive and tag advertiser brand handles (@amazonbeauty, @beautyofjoseon_official, @botoxcosmetic, @diamondglow, @eltamdskincare, @juvederm, @kikomilano, @larocheposay, @lorealparis, @olay, @secretdeodorant, @skinmedica, @wellahair). All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. All entrant information is subject to the respective Privacy Policy of the applicable Sponsor.

4. WINNER SELECTION AND NOTIFICATION. Winner selection will be conducted by random drawing from all eligible entries on or about October 18th, 2026 (the “Drawing Date”). Any potential winner will be notified by mail, email and/or telephone. If a potential winner: (i) cannot be contacted; (ii) does not respond within five (5) days from the date the Sponsor first tries to notify him/her; (iii) fails to return the Affidavit and Release as specified in Rule 9; (iv) refuses the prize; and/or (v) the prize or prize notification is returned as undeliverable, such potential winner forfeits all rights to win the Promotion or receive the prize, and an alternate potential winner may be selected. Upon contacting a potential winner and determining that he/she has met all eligibility requirements of the Promotion, including without limitation the execution of required waivers, publicity and liability releases and disclaimers, and, at Sponsor’s discretion, successful completion of a background check, such individual will be declared the “winner” of the Promotion.

5. PRIZE DESCRIPTION. There will be three – four (3-4) winners. The prize is 1x GA ticket to the Allure Best of Beauty Live Event 2027. The approximate retail value of the prize is $259. Sponsor reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute the prize with a prize of equal or great value.

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Sponsor in its sole discretion, the potential winner may be disqualified and the prize may be awarded to an alternate winner. If winner is deemed to be a minor under the jurisdiction of his/her residence, the prize will be awarded in the name of his/her parent or legal guardian who must execute any necessary affidavit and release.

10. DISCLAIMERS. (i) Sponsor not responsible for entries that are postage-due, lost, late, misdirected, incorrect, garbled, or incompletely received, for any reason, including by reason of hardware, software, browser, or network failure, malfunction, congestion, or incompatibility at Sponsor’s or Administrator’s servers or elsewhere. In the event of a dispute, entries will be deemed submitted by the authorized account holder of the e-mail address submitted at the time of entry. “Authorized account holder” is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an e-mail address by an Internet Access Provider, online service provider, or other organization (e.g., business, educational institute) that is responsible for assigning e-mail addresses for the domain associated with the submitted e-mail address. (ii) Sponsor and Administrator, in their sole discretion, reserve the right to disqualify any person tampering with the entry process or the operation of the web site or otherwise attempting to undermine the legitimate operation of the Promotion. Use of bots or other automated process to enter is prohibited and may result in disqualification at the sole discretion of Sponsor or Administrator. (iii) Sponsor and Administrator further reserve the right to cancel, terminate or modify the Promotion if it is not capable of completion as planned, including by reason of infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, force majeure or technical failures of any sort. (iv) Sponsor Entities are not responsible for errors in the administration or fulfillment of this Promotion, including without limitation mechanical, human, printing, distribution or production errors, and may modify or cancel this Promotion based upon such error at its sole discretion without liability. In no event will Sponsor be responsible for awarding more than the number of prizes specified in these rules. (v) In the event this Promotion is cancelled or terminated, pursuant to subparagraph (iii) or (iv), Sponsor, in its sole discretion, may elect to hold a random drawing from among all eligible entries received up to the date of discontinuance for any or all of the prizes offered herein. (vi) SPONSOR ENTITIES MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR GUARANTEES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, AS REGARDS THIS PROMOTION OR THE MERCHANTABILITY, QUALITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE REGARDING ANY PRIZE OR ANY COMPONENT OF ANY PRIZE. (vii) CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY AN ENTRANT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE THE WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THIS PROMOTION MAY BE A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND/OR CIVIL LAWS, AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK REMEDIES AND DAMAGES (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FROM ANY SUCH ENTRANT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT OF THE LAW, INCLUDING CRIMINAL PROSECUTION. (viii) The value(s) of the prize(s) set forth above represent Sponsor’s good faith determination of the approximate retail value(s) thereof; the actual fair market value(s) as ultimately determined by Sponsor are final and binding and cannot be challenged or appealed. In the event the stated approximate retail value(s) of a prize is more than the actual fair market value of that prize, the difference will not be awarded in cash or otherwise. No substitution or compensation will be given for any portion of the prize that is not used.

11. APPLICABLE LAWS AND JURISDICTION. This Promotion is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. If any court of law, having the jurisdiction to decide on this matter, rules that any provision of these Official Rules is invalid or unenforceable, then that provision will be removed from the Official Rules without affecting the rest of the Terms. The remaining provisions of these Official Rules will continue to be valid and enforceable. Issues concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York, without regard to any principles of conflict of laws. All disputes arising out of or connected with this Promotion will be resolved individually, and without resort to class action, exclusively by a state or federal court located in New York, New York. Should there be a conflict between the laws of the State of New York and any other laws, the conflict will be resolved in favor of the laws of the State of New York. To the extent permitted by applicable law, all judgments or awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket damages (excluding attorneys’ fees) associated with participation in this Promotion and shall not include any indirect, punitive, incidental and/or consequential damages.

12. WINNER LIST. For a list containing the name(s) of the winner(s), send a self-addressed stamped envelope, within six (6) months of the Drawing Date, to:

Winner List 
Allure Best of Beauty Live Event 2026 Sweepstakes, for the care of: Research & Insights
CONDÉ NAST 
1 World Trade Center 
New York, NY, 10007

13. SPONSORSHIP. This Promotion is sponsored by Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007 (individually and collectively, the “Sponsor”).

14. ADMINISTRATION. This Promotion is administered by Condé Nast, 1 World Trade Center, New York, NY 10007.

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

Because your lips are constantly exposed to environmental factors, chapping, peeling, and dryness can quickly sneak up on you. The best lip masks, however, come to the rescue with a hefty, much-needed dose of moisture: Often thicker, more nourishing, and longer-lasting than your usual lip balms, these formulas are specifically designed to soften sore, cracked lips. In fact, many of them are meant for overnight use—keep your tub or tube bedside, slather it on, and wake up to smoother lips (that are already prepped for your favorite lipsticks, stains, and glosses). Want bonus points? Use a lip scrub beforehand so your lip mask works even more effectively.

Our Top Lip Masks

• Best Overall: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask, $24
• Best Scent: Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask, $26
• Best Overnight: Tatcha Kissu Overnight Lip Mask, $29
• Best Plumping: Abib PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly, $15
• Best for Lip Lines: Blue Lagoon Skincare BL+ Complex Lip Renewal Mask, $75
• Best Fragrance-Free: PCA Skin Overnight Lip Mask, $50

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes dry or chapped lips?
• How are lip masks and lip balms different?
• When do I need a lip mask?
• Which ingredients are found in lip masks?
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Below, check out our favorite lip masks for extra TLC and kissable softness.

Best Overall: Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

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Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

$24 $17 (29% off)

Amazon

$24

Shop

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is an all-time Allure editor-favorite and repeat Best of Beauty winner—it even took home a 2025 Readers' Choice Award, proving it's a go-to among readers, too. Its über-thick formula—loaded up with shea butter, murumuru butter, coconut oil, and antioxidants like vitamin C—falls somewhere between a balm and a cream, helping to smooth flakes and deliver intense moisture to chapped lips overnight. The formula cocoons and slowly melts into your lips as you sleep, so that come morning your lips look and feel as soft and supple as ever—and stay that way, too. Plus, dare we say we’d swap this for our everyday lip balm: Choose from 10 shades (Sweet Candy, Gummy Bear, Peach Iced Tea, to name a few) or customize your own flavor (available on Amazon) for juicy pigment that smells just as tasty as it sounds.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I’ve tried countless lip masks over the years, but Laneige is always in my rotation. The flavors are always scrumptious, and the formula is juicy—like a soothing blanket for my lips. I usually wear it overnight but I’ve been known to slather them on for 10 to 15 minutes before going out to prep my lips in a pinch. Despite the petite-looking tub, this stuff lasts for a long time, and a little goes a long way.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, murumuru seed butter, coconut oil
• Who it’s for: everyone
• Shade count: 10
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Scent: Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask

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Gisou

Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask

$26 $21 (19% off)

Amazon

$26

Shop

$26

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the Gisou Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask in Cherry Chocolate

Madison San Miguel

Why it’s worth it: Gisou is practically synonymous with honey (which the brand sources from the family's own bee garden), so it's not surprising that it’d drop a honey-packed lip mask that puts your average balm to shame. The Best of Beauty-winning Honey Glaze Collagen Therapy Lip Mask is thick and comforting without being gloopy—meaning that, with a light hand, you can wear it as a balm—and pairs that signature honey with a blend of botanical oils, like jojoba and sunflower seed oils, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides. Together, these ingredients do a lot of heavy lifting to protect, nourish, and temporarily plump lips—and of course, give the mask a just-picked-from-the-hive honey-vanilla scent.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“This is the type of packaging you want to sleep right next to on your night stand. And while I love staring lovingly at it, my major praise is in the formula: It glides on my lips with a smooth slip, leaving a trail of gloss-like shine that beats my go-to lip balm by a long run. You’ll often find me with a lip balm in hand, but this mask has minimized the frequency of how much I apply—in the past, I’ve even gone a full four to five hours without reapplying! It’s a true treat morning and night, especially with the light trail of sweet honey (and now, a rich cherry chocolate scent, too!) that it leaves on your lips.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: honey, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
• Who it’s for: anyone who wants a balm-like feel
• Shade count: 1
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Overnight: Tatcha Kissu Overnight Lip Mask

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Tatcha

Kissu Overnight Lip Mask

$29 $20 (31% off)

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

$29

Tatcha

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Tatcha Kissu Overnight Lip Mask

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: Not only is it pretty to look at, Tatcha’s Kissu Overnight Lip Mask has multiple editors hooked on its bouncy, jelly-like formula. The lip-smoothing benefits are just as impressive: Triisostearin, a combination of glycerin and fatty acids that acts as both a hydrating humectant (to attract moisture into the skin) and an emollient (to lock said moisture in). . It’s also formulated with anti-inflammatory allantoin, moisture-locking camellia oil, plus squalane, peach extract, and vitamin E to address flakes and cracks caused by a damaged barrier. Our editors also shout out its chic gold spoon applicator, which fits right on top of the lid for easy storage (genius). Slather it on, snuggle under your blankets, and repeat for pillowy-soft results.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I should really not be surprised that this lip mask is superior to any other I have tested in the past, given that I haven’t been disappointed by any Tatcha product I’ve ever tested. This mask works fast, though, leaving my lips flake-free almost as instantly as the jelly-like product touches my lips—it’s pretty impressive! I let it soak into my lips at night, but I also use it as a softening primer with my skin care in the mornings before applying gloss.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: triisostearin (glycerin, fatty acids), squalane, vitamin E, allantoin
• Who it’s for: anyone with cracked lips
• Shade count: 1
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Plumping: Abib PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

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Abib

PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Abib PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly

Christa Lee

Why it’s worth it: Think of your go-to juicy lip gloss and double it by 10: That’s the impact of Abib’s PDRN Lip Mask. Its smooth jelly texture glides on sheer, swapping thick globs for a silky glaze. Then there’s the plumping lineup: Plant-based PDRN, vegan collagen, and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate, hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid) flood lips with hydration, giving the formula—and your lips—a bouncy, cushiony feel.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“This stuff looks like liquid glass on my lips. I’m perpetually dry and prone to peeling year-round, so I need something deeply nourishing, but Abib's PDRN Vegan Collagen Lip Mask Glazed Jelly feels much lighter than a heavy petroleum ointment or thick balm. I’ll slather on a thicker layer when I’m leaving it on for hours or overnight, but a very light coat doubles beautifully as a glossy daytime lip treatment. There’s definitely some tackiness to it—but doesn’t there kind of have to be if you want a lip mask to actually stay put? If you have long hair, tie it back and you’re golden.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: plant-derived PDRN, vegan collagen, sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: people who want a lightweight mask that can double as a daytime gloss
• Shade count: 1
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Lip Lines: Blue Lagoon Skincare BL+ Complex Lip Renewal Mask

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Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare

BL+ Complex Lip Renewal Mask

$75

Nordstrom

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lagoon Skincare’s BL+ Complex Lip Renewal Mask

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: The last place you should use retinol is the lips—however, Blue Lagoon Skincare’s BL+ Complex Lip Renewal Mask delivers similar benefits, sans the active. To thank is the brand’s BL Complex, a proprietary blend of microalgae and silica that supports collagen production and makes lips look fuller and more supple. It pairs the lot with 0.5% bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative, to soften texture and fine lines, while nourishing emollients, including ceramides, squalane, and castor seed oil, help moisturize dry, cracked lips. Top it off with Blue Lagoon seawater, a mineral-rich thermal water, and you have yourself a rich, restorative formula you’ll want to tote around everywhere. We also can’t forget about the dual-sided spatula: It has a hollow scoop to pick up the perfect amount of product and a textured, ridged side for a gentle, stimulating massage.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“It’s rare for me to use an overnight lip mask and feel like it genuinely worked by morning—but my lips hadn’t met this treatment from Blue Lagoon. Nearly every time I use this mask, I see a marked improvement in my lips. Chapped to smooth. Pruny to plumped. Sad to supple. The formula looks super rich (and I’m sure people pile it on), but I find it super effective with a nearly weightless amount on the lips. That’s especially important to me at night: Some lip masks are so thick and tacky that they overstimulate me. I can’t get comfortable, and as a side sleeper, I hate waking up to product smeared all over my pillow! With this one, a single swipe fully coats my lips. I don’t have to dig into the tub to see results, so a little goes a long way. If it didn’t consistently heal my chapped lips and keep them hydrated, I’d complain about the price—but this stuff works.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: microalgae, silica, 0.5% bakuchiol, ceramides, squalane, Blue Lagoon seawater, and castor seed oil
• Who it’s for: anyone concerned with signs of aging
• Shade count: 1
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Fragrance-Free: PCA Skin Overnight Lip Mask

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PCA Skin

Overnight Lip Mask

$50

Amazon

$50

Dermstore

$50

PCA Skin

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the PCA Skin Overnight Lip Mask

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: For intense hydration minus the fragrance, PCA Skin's Overnight Lip Mask scores perfect marks. The silky formula is packed with emollients, including shea butter, squalane, and vitamin E, and feels nourishing—not medicinal—without leaning greasy. This super-dense, unscented formula is delicate on sensitive skin, yet so concentrated in its moisturizing ingredients that a single jar can last months, even with nightly use.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I need a no-nonsense, intensive lip mask at night or else I wake up to flakes and peeling. The texture of PCA's Overnight Lip Mask feels goopy at first, but it glides on and delivers a protective layer of moisture. The combo of squalane, vitamin E, and shea butter puts all my daytime lip balms to shame.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, shea butter, vitamin E, coconut oil
• Who it’s for: people with sensitive skin
• Shade count: 1
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes dry or chapped lips?

The skin on your lips is structurally different from the rest of your face, which is the main reason why they become dry and chapped so easily. “Lips don’t have oil glands, so they dry out easily,” says Anna Karp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. On top of your skin’s lack of natural moisture, Dr. Karp also lists a slew of triggers that lead to dry, chapped lips: cold weather, wind, sun exposure, licking your lips, dehydration, certain medications like isotretinoin, allergens, and irritants in toothpaste or lip products.

How are lip masks and lip balms different?

Usually, lip balms are designed for all-day wear, whereas most lip masks are designed for overnight wear and include heavier occlusives like petrolatum. “Think of balms as your daytime moisturizer and lip masks as your nighttime recovery cream,” says Hallie McDonald, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of ERLY. That being said, she notes that if your everyday balm has a rich consistency, you can use it overnight for similar benefits.

When do I need a lip mask?

Lip masks are a great addition to any lip-care routine, but they’re especially helpful when bouts of seasonal dryness, chapping, and flaking hit. Chapped lips can develop anywhere, anytime, on anyone for a variety of reasons, including environmental factors (like sun damage), allergies, and lip-irritating habits like biting or picking the skin. Like a lip balm, these masks mainly rely on moisturizing ingredients (some of which we’ll dive into below). But masks have more concentrated formulas that deliver stronger smoothing and plumping results in less time than a balm.

Though not always necessary, a lip scrub can help slough away any dead skin cells that might otherwise prevent you from reaping the full benefits of your lip mask. Before moisturizing, use a gentle scrub occasionally—or any time you see flakes—to keep lips smooth and maintain the moisture barrier. However, if your lips are visibly chapped, prioritize hydration and barrier repair over exfoliation.

Which ingredients are found in lip masks?

Emollients like ceramides and fatty acids often do much of the heavy lifting in lip masks. But, as with face masks, you can find other active ingredients that promise more targeted results. For instance, you can find formulas that exfoliate (making quick work of flakes) and offer a subtle plumping effect, as well as others that boost collagen production to tackle fine lines around the mouth. Slather on these moisturizing treatments while you sleep, commute to work, or whenever you need long-lasting hydration.

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

You can never have too many lip products:

• 9 Best Lip Liners to Shape, Define, and Boost Fullness
• 8 Best Long-Lasting Lipsticks That Won’t Melt Off by Lunchtime
• The Best Lip Glosses Are Shiny, Nourishing, and Surprisingly Elegant