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There's a new member of the MAC Viva Glam family: Chappell Roan! The musician has officially joined a truly legendary lineup of stars who have fronted campaigns for MAC's philanthropic lipsticks, an effort that has raised over $545 million since 1994.

The Chappell Roan Viva Glam collection includes three lip colors: UnNatural Red Head, a dark cherry; Roan of Arc, a mid-toned plum lipstick-balm; and Damnsel, a sheer red-plum gloss with gold shimmer. The packaging features very Roan-esque crest with a sword and heart design, referencing some of the themes the Grammy winner has explored in her performances. (Roan has been a MAC Cosmetics ambassador since late 2025.)

Roan joined forces with her go-to makeup artist Andrew Dahling on the campaign, and Dahling described it as an “incredibly collaborative process” centered on a “multidimensional French Revolution story” featuring a few characters. “The archetypes really helped decide where to go. I’ve learned it’s helpful to invent a character and play from her," Dahling explained. "I thought about what Chappell Roan would look like during the French Revolution, or in a hyperbolic 1940s film as a romantic aristocratic empress. The key to connecting her visual identity was the use of color and glitters, a sort of modern, surreal Chappell Roan take on this era of makeup and its references.”

Roan was super hands-on in the process, designing her specific shades and packaging. “I wanted to do more of a bold color because that is my vibe,” the singer tells Allure. “I wanted the packaging to live in the world of Medieval, Art Nouveau. And I wanted to make a lipstick that matched my hair!”

Makeup is integral to the persona of “Chappell Roan” the pop star and a key part of the world the singer and her team create for every performance. “It is all intertwined, but I am really only wearing makeup when I am performing. When I wear makeup, it is 100 percent Chappell Roan,” she says. “However, the performing side of Chappell only makes up one third of my character. It’s the showmanship sliver that you see, but the rest is quite bare.”

The campaign was shot by photographers Inez & Vinoodh and directed by MAC Global Creative Director Nicola Formichetti. Given that lip products are Viva Glam's main focus, they play an important role in the imagery; Roan wears a combo of UnNatural Red Head and Lip Pencil in Vino in the photos, paired with a dramatic eye in shades of plum, gold, ruby, and turquoise, feathery lashes, pencil-thin brows, and tumbling red curls styled by Lacy Redway. “This campaign is meant to be inclusive and represent a different type of glamour,” Roan explains. “I hope the weird art kids and people who are down to be different, dramatic, and bold all see themselves reflected here but all are welcome.”

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In addition to raising funds for charities that support sexual, gender, racial, and environmental equality, MAC is donating $300,000 to Roan's nonprofit, the Midwest Princess Project, and its LGBTQ+ partner organizations. With her campaign, Roan joins stars like RuPaul (the first Viva Glam campaign star!), Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Rihanna, Rosalía, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, and Missy Elliott, all of whom have posed in support of the initiative.

“I think [Viva Glam] represented people who weren’t afraid to associate themselves with something gay and something feminine, which are two things that are shamed in our society,” Roan shares. “Honestly, it's a lot to take in that I am a part of that legacy, and I feel a lot of responsibility to uphold what people expect but also to honor the people before me.”

Roan's Viva Glam collection launches June 11.

Collage: Ingrid Fowler; Source images: Getty; Dianna Mazzone; Jenny Walton; Diogo Parrinha; Getty; Getty.Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter and Zendaya and Billie Eilish and Hailey Bieber all have at least two things in common: 1) They are famous. And 2) They can pull off a headscarf better than most. I’ll let the photos floating around the World Wide Web speak for themselves.

Pause there, then rewind to 1953: Roman Holiday premieres starring 24-year-old Audrey Hepburn. As she begins her rise to stardom, she frequently wraps her chocolate brown hair in a headscarf. 1970: Printed scarves—in colorful florals and punchy designs–crown Queen Elizabeth II from one royal engagement to the next. Fast-forward and the year is 1998: Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill repopularize scarves, swirling them around their hair on stage and off.

Then and now, the most elegant—and sometimes, the most mundane—squares of fabric have been spun (and tied) into a statement. Sometimes, the most extravagant materials can even take the shape of a headscarf. We witnessed this in 2014, when Adam Selman designed Rihanna a custom headpiece, dazzling with thousands of Swarovski crystals.

Rihanna dazzles in head-to-toe Swarovski crystals at the 2014 CFDA Awards.

Getty Images

But let’s pause again. Because there was a distinct time—specifically the 18th century—when headscarves represented an extremely different status than “cool” or “stylish”: Headscarves were a symbol of servitude. Not a choice. Not a fashion statement. Headwraps were a requirement for slaves by their owners.

Decades later, Black culture began to embrace the style, day and night, and it evolved into a form of protection: “Would you ride your bike without a helmet? No. Would you go to sleep without wrapping your hair? Never. When it comes to maintaining hairstyles, retaining length, and preventing frizz, the noblest work is done at night,” former Allure editor Jihan Forbes wrote in 2018.

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Now, amid your morning scroll in 2026, chances are someone on your phone screen will be showing off their headscarf this summer. Posing…and voguing, because the accessory begs to be photographed. Maybe it’s Zendaya, who stops your scroll, hilariously posing for the camera at an independent bookstore with copies of Dune and The Odyssey, her bangs poking out of a casual blue bandana. Or it could very well be that you still have images of Beyoncé and Sabrina Carpenter saved from 2024—when the headscarf trend really started taking off—on your Pinterest board. (Not going to lie, we still think of Carpenter's look in her “Espresso” music video, complete with baby pink scarf, her curtain bangs peeking out just so). Or, perhaps, it’s your favorite content creator—Claudya Moreira, Jenny Walton, Tezza Barton, Jessica Skye, Amy Julliette Lefévr, and the list goes on (and on)—whose photo you have saved as inspiration because maybe…just maybe…you are finally convinced to wear the scarf that’s been sitting in a drawer, waiting patiently to be all tied up.

Sabrina Carpenter walks the runway at Vogue World in 2024

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Candidly, we still have Hailey Bieber’s Coachella look (you know, the one where she boldly layered a leopard-print scarf over a Fila baseball cap) stuck in our heads. The same is true about Ayo Edebiri (a.k.a. Chef Sydney “Syd” Adamu) in The Bear. Edebiri pairs her white coat with a new scarf episode after episode—and each look is fabulous. Uncommon it is not to see this hairstyle in the kitchen. But, uncommon it is for someone to have such an expansive collection of ridiculously gorgeous scarves. All were sourced by costume designer Courtney Wheeler—from Aimé Leon Dore, Fine and Dandy, a vintage shop in New York City, and eBay, among other places—who says the scarves were a practical accessory but also gave Syd "self-expression without her even speaking.”

Hairstylist and hair department head for The Bear Ally Vickers had runway images pinned on her mood board for Edebiri’s character: “I pulled a lot of inspiration from fashion shows in the ‘90s and 2000s,” she tells Allure. “Anna Sui, Calvin Klein, and Prada are my favorites for archival runways. The hair is chef’s kiss.” Yes, Chef! Yes, indeed.

Emilia Wickstead spring 2026

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Zimmerman spring 2026

Getty Images

If you follow fashion week, you'll know Headscarves have been the accessory du jour of the past few seasons. At the spring/summer 2026 runway shows—at Calvin Klein, Emilia Wickstead, Zimmerman, and Giambattista Valli, to name a few—models could be spotted rocking the accessory. Bold prints, solid, splashy colors, and unexpected fabrics all made an appearance. While what’s on the runway doesn’t necessarily make it to street style, scarves have flooded the sidewalks.

For Claudya Moreira—a model, digital creator, and the self-proclaimed “Queen of Scarf”—a scarf is a “versatile accent” that she incorporates into her daily ensemble, no matter the occasion…or season. “My love for scarves runs deep and is rooted in my heritage,” she tells Allure. “Growing up in an environment where all the women wore scarves, I naturally embraced them as a part of my daily life and personal style. I inherited a cherished scarf from my grandmother, and everything our grandparents leave us is a blessing. Scarves are more than just accessories to me; they represent a connection to my past, a celebration of heritage, and a medium for artistic expression.”

Claudya Moreira, the self-proclaimed “Queen of Scarf,” photographed wearing her signature accessory.

Diogo Parrinha

You’ll see Moreira styled to perfection from head to toe (in a structured blazer or summery blouse or full-length gown on her Instagram) and just about every look is complete with a scarf in some form. “Each of these styles allows me to express my fashion sense while adding a touch of elegance to my outfits,” says Moreira, who has even designed a collection of scarves called Zafia Lisbon.

Creator Jenny Walton sees scarves as more than just a polished accessory: “I mainly end up wearing them when I’m having a bad hair day, which is often in the summer,” she tells Allure. “Or if my roots need to be redone and I don’t have time, a headscarf can prolong my hair appointment for a few weeks.” To be clear, you would never know that her vibrant matching Marimekko dress and scarf were hiding anything such as a “bad hair day.” Walton typically reaches for Hermès scarves and says their lightweight silky texture makes them easy to tie—and they actually stay on.

Jenny Walton pairs a Marimekko headscarf with striking sunnies.

Jenny Walton

Hairstylist Lacy Redway previously told Allure, “To secure the scarf, cross two pins behind your ears where they are not very visible.” Allure associate features director Dianna Mazzone Singh says this method has proven to be successful for her, especially with a little reinforcement from the arms of her sunglasses (as she has styled the look above).

Allure associate features director Dianna Mazzone Singh poses poolside in a caftan and headscarf.

Dianna Mazzone Singh

In her “30 Days, 30 Scarf Styles” series, Moreira shared a genius solution to avoid slippage, laying the scarf over her head (so one of the corners completely covers her face), sliding on thick black headband, and folding the scarf back over the headband to conceal it completely. Hairstylist Sunnie Brook also has a hidden support hack using bobby pins and some sneaky folding, which you can watch below.

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And on a windy day—or just to be certain your scarf isn't going anywhere—Vicker’s has another pro tip: “Leave a little hair out at the nape of your neck. Tie your scarf between the hair that you’ve left out and the bulk of your hair; then when you’re putting your hair into a ponytail you can secure all the hair into the same elastic,” she says. “You will still be able to see the bow of your scarf, but your hair will keep her locked in.”

It’s certainly one way to elevate your ponytail—or hairstyle of the day—and look effortlessly polished… no matter what lies beneath.

Shop our favorite headscarves:

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SilkySilky

Elegantly Designed Silk Printed Square Scarf

$30

Nordstrom

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The Peacock Crew

Premium Soft Cotton Bandanas

$13

Amazon

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For Love & Lemons

Rose Crochet Head Scarf

$69

Revolve

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Gunia Project

Lybid Silk Headscarf

$170

Gunia Project

NexxusSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Ciara Miller is the definition of “booked and busy.” When we connect on a sunny Friday afternoon, she’s in New York City prepping to spend nearly five weeks in Fiji hosting the Love Island aftershow, Aftersun, alongside Tefi Passoa. After that, she might be returning to the Hamptons for the 11th season of Summer House. And then she’s appearing on Dancing with the Stars, all while helping renovate her grandparents’ home in North Carolina.

Miller, who joined the Summer House cast during season five in 2021 while working as a traveling nurse during the pandemic, is also the face of Nexxus’s new campaign, titled “Claim Your Space.” It's all about confidence, presence—and the power of texture spray. The timing couldn’t be better for the nurse-turned-model-turned-reality-TV-star-turned-host, who has a profusion of eyes on her at this very moment. “I feel like [the campaign] is such a representation of this next chapter and who I am right now,” Miller shares. “For Black women, our hair is like our crown… Being unapologetically you and being able to walk in a room and take up that space as a woman is so important.”

If you’re even remotely familiar with the Bravo universe, you probably know that Miller is at the center of a scandal involving two fellow castmates. If not, a quick primer: Miller’s ex, West Wilson, recently began a relationship with her (now former) very close friend, Amanda Batula, who is currently in the process of divorcing another castmate, Kyle Cooke. The fallout took place during the three-part Summer House reunion, which aired its final segment on June 9, and Miller says that even though the process was “cathartic,” she’s “excited to close the door” on everything and move onwards and upwards.

For the reunion taping, Miller paired her two-piece Di Petsa dress with a deep burgundy red hair color—something she said felt “symbolic” given the increased attention to her personal life. “I don't experiment with my hair color a lot,” she explains. “The red was like, ‘She's on fire.’ It was symbolic, but I also wanted to try something new. My dress was a bit more muted so I wanted my glam to really be able to speak for itself.”

Miller has previously said that her “word of the year” for 2026 was “community”—a choice that has been particularly resonant given the support she has received since news of Wilson and Batula’s romance became public. “When I was making [community] my word of the year, I didn’t know just how much I would really need to lean on that,” she explains. “But going into this next era… I’m in my ‘F*ck it, f*ck you’ era of ‘I am me. I’m being myself. I’m taking up space with my hair, but also in my presence.’ When I'm walking into the room, it’s understanding that I deserve to be here. I'm grateful and I don't take any of this for granted, but I'm also where I'm supposed to be.”

Though Summer House season 11 is still up in the air—a Bravo VP told The Hollywood Reporter that casting isn’t typically final until late June—Miller has officially landed on her Aftersun outfits and is planning to pair them with “hair accessories, jewels, and braids.” She’s also prepping for DWTS, which kicks off in the fall. “I'm going to be in Fiji going to the gym and asking questions about love,” she says. "Those will be my two focuses.”

“I’m in my ‘F*ck it, f*ck you’ era of ‘I am me. I’m being myself.’”

One thing Miller will definitely be packing for Fiji, Los Angeles (where DWTS films), and the Hamptons (should she return to the house) is hairspray, which is her absolute must-have while filming. “I go through bottles and bottles and bottles of hairspray.” These days, she’s into Nexxus Maximum Firm Hold Hairspray paired with the brand’s Air Shape Workable Hold Texture Spray. For those long hours of filming, “you need products that are going to help your hairstyle stay throughout the day. We're always doing some type of crazy activity.” She keeps travel sizes in her bag or production vehicles for on-set touchups, and hairspray and texture spray are always in her night-out bag, too. And as for what was in that Sephora bag from her very well-played Instagram post after news about Batula and West broke? “Perfume, setting sprays, and of course, makeup.”

Though Miller's hair-care routine varies depending on what she’s doing, a heat protectant is an absolute must to keep her hair healthy through lots of styling. “I live and die by a heat protectant,” she says. “It’s essential to the process if I want to keep my natural hair and prolong the life of my extensions as well.” She cares for her natural hair with steam treatments. “It’s a team effort between me and my hairstylist taking care of my hair, trying to protect it, and morphing into different styles.”

Throughout her five seasons on Summer House, she’s worn lots of different hairstyles, but says she feels most comfortable in braids. “I wore braids when I was younger. Being able to come back to that style is nostalgic but a representation of who I actually am,” she says. “It tells a story of my comfort: not trying to fit in a box, avoid questions, or being in white spaces and having my hair be a topic of conversation. I feel like I've been able to shed the anxiety or the anticipation of that.”

Miller has been at the center of a whole lot of conversation thus far in 2026, but a year from now, what does she want Summer House fans to take away from her story? “Honestly, I hope they talk about how I have great hair, I've had great glam, and the type of friend that I am… and leave it at that.”

Nexxus

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Who needs a trip to Seoul when you can find the best Korean skin care on Amazon? The e-retailer's K-beauty selection grows by the day, offering up-and-coming brands (Celimax, Manyo, Mixsoon, etc.), as well as a plethora of brands we consider as household names (CosRx, Medicube, Beauty of Joseon, etc.). It's enough to leave even beauty editors like us feeling dizzy with options—let alone our dear readers.

However, we have the distinct pleasure of testing Korean skin care daily (we're not exaggerating!), which is a feat, given how fast the K-beauty innovation and launch cycle is. We've also been admirers of the Korean skin-care scene ever since the first “wave” in the mid-2010s—and clearly, we never looked back. We're confident that the products below are the true crème de la crème of double-cleansing products, hydrating essences, cast-free sunscreens, and dryness-reversing sheet masks. Did we mention everything's incredibly affordable? Apart from a few luxury-leaning brands, the vast majority of products are less than $30 and frequently on sale. (In this economy? Thank goodness.)

Our Top Korean Skin-Care Products on Amazon

• Best Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser, $12
• Best Essence: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, $25
• Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin: Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream, $29
• Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream, $27
• Best Face Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19 (4-pack)
• Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal, $17
• Best Eye Patches: CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches, $23 (60 pairs)
• Best Face Mist: Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist, $19
• Best Mineral Sunscreen: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $22
• Best Chemical Sunscreen: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen, $22

So, if you've ever been curious about the products and culture behind viral trends like glass skin, mochi skin, and PDRN, you've come to the right place. Or, if your goal is to simply better support and nourish your skin, we've got all the recommendations you need to build out a Korean skin-care routine in a matter of some light reading and a few computer clicks/phone taps. Without further ado, let's dew it up.

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• Newly-Tested Favorites
• Tried-and-True Staples
• Cleansers
• Toners/Essences
• Serums
• Moisturizers
• Masks
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are the biggest Korean skin-care trends for 2026?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Newly-Tested Favorites

An Innovative Retinol: Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anua

Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

$30

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Just when you think Korean moisturizers can't get much better, Anua shows up with a built-in sculpting tool. Meet the Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream, which features a gua sha-inspired applicator that's outfitted with a cooling metal edge to treat your skin (especially your jawline and cheekbones) to some extra TLC. Nothing's stopping you from squeezing product out and applying it with your hands—but, hey, if you have the time, why not go the extra step? At the heart of the formula is encapsulated retinol to help firm and smooth the look of fine lines, while tried-and-true ingredients such as squalane, panthenol, and hydrolyzed collagen cushion the skin with extra hydration and care.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Soooo this is kind of genius? I haven’t seen many skin-care products that build the gua sha into the packaging itself, and as someone who’s constantly misplacing those little tools, I appreciate how the Anua Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream really multitasks. There’s definitely a slight learning curve with figuring out how much product to squeeze out—too little and the applicator drags, too much and you’re massaging forever—but once I got the hang of it, the curved tool fit so nicely along my jawline and cheekbones. The massage feels genuinely relaxing and depuffing, though fair warning: You absolutely need to wipe off the applicator after each use to prevent product buildup.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol (percentage undisclosed), squalane, cholesterol, panthenol, macadamia seed oil, hydrolyzed collagen
• Who it's for: anyone concerned with signs of aging and can tolerate retinol, mature skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

A Serum-Coded Sunscreen: Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ma:nyo

Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

$18

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If you're the type of person who can't stand applying sunscreen, we highly urge you to try some Korean formulas. Don't know where to start? One we've been super impressed by is Manyo's Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen Cream SPF 50. True to its name, it feels airy, lightweight, and almost like nothing on the skin. And even though it has “moisturizing” in its name, it's actually great for oily and combo skin, thanks to Manyo's proprietary technology that uses less oil—resulting in a nongreasy, your skin-but-a-little-more-radiant finish. Superstar brighteners niacinamide and tranexamic acid help even out your skin tone, while nano hyaluronic acid plumps your complexion.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Korean sunscreens are so good that it's honestly hard for one to stand out from the rest. (I try a lot of them, ok?) However, thanks to the US banning sales of non-FDA-approved sunscreen filters, our options have gotten a bit more interesting. I've been testing this Manyo Air Light SPF for a few months, thanks to Best of Beauty testing, and have been smitten with it ever since. It has that serum-y texture I love in my sunscreens that melts into my skin super quickly—because I can't be bothered to rub in sunscreen for 15 seconds when there are faster options! It's super breathable and layers beautifully without a trace of pilling.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: ensulizole (2.5%), homosalate (5%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (5%), niacinamide, tranexamic acid, vitamin E
• Who it's for: anyone who likes chemical sunscreens
• Fragrance-free: yes

Got Milk?: Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro EssenceSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aestura

Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence

$33 $26 (21% off)

Amazon

Why it's worth it: OK, so it doesn't actually have milk in it, but the delightful, milky texture of Aestura's Atobarrier365 Hydro Essence is undeniable. Though it looks syrupy coming out of the bottle, your skin will drink this barrier-repairing, extra-nourishing formula right up—make sure to pat it in for the best (read: glowiest) results. Suitable for normal, dry, and combo skin, this essence is one of those no-brainer skin-care products that you should add to your routine to replenish moisture levels after cleansing and prior to your moisturizer and/or sunscreen. In terms of ingredients, all of the crowd-pleasers are involved: ceramides, fatty acids, cholesterol, squalane, as well as Aestura's proprietary take on the skin's natural moisturizing factors (NMF) aptly called Barrier Moisturizing Factors (BMF). Translation: Your skin is about to look oh-so supple.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“A no-fuss essence that's a boost of hydration for my dehydrated skin? More, please! I love that this has no fragrance, doesn't irritate my eyes or sensitive skin, and simply performs. I have dry, often flaky skin, so repairing my barrier is something I work on daily; I apply this essence immediately after washing my face, and pat it into my skin. It's so absorbent and lightweight that I can quickly move on to other elements of my skincare routine (super helpful in the busy mornings, especially). I've gone through two bottles and am on my third; I'm happy to report that my skin doesn't just look and feel more hydrated and supple after sticking with this product. I got a skin analysis, and the high-tech computer told me so!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: BMF (Barrier Moisturizing Factors), triple lipid complex (ceramides, fatty acids, and cholesterol), squalane, glycerin, vitamin E
• Who it's for: people with normal, dry, or combination skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Are You Jelly? Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum MistSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

$19 $17 (11% off)

Amazon

Han using the Biodance Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: We're not quite sure how Biodance pulled this off, but the new Jelly Serum Mists—available in Collagen Peptides and Caviar PDRN—are pretty close to the brand's viral face masks in mist form. Of course, they're not going to be as potent as a mask you leave on for multiple hours, but they're far juicier and more hydrating than most face mists our tester has spritzed over the years. The ingredients back this up: Ultra-low molecular weight collagen, niacinamide, and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid drench your skin in hydrating, plumping, and radiance-boosting goodness.

Tester feedback from Han

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“These Biodance mists hit different—they truly feel like a lighter version of the brand's viral hydrogel masks. I can't stand ultra ultra fine mists that feel like they disappear in midair. These mists, however, seem to create a temporary layer that sits on top of your skin before it sinks in. (I also go pretty hard with my mists—after all, I'm treating it like a moisturizer…that doesn't disturb my makeup.) It's just so refreshing and juicy. There's no other way to describe it.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Collagen Peptides: 77% of 243Da collagen water, 243Da collagen extract, 10 signal peptides; Caviar PDRN: 76% caviar water, caviar extract, high-purity salmon PDRN
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Tried-and-True Staples

Cleansers

Best Cleansing Oil: Ma:nyo Factory Cleansing OilSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ma:nyo

Factory Cleansing Oil

$23 $18 (22% off)

Amazon

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen using Manyo Factory Cleansing Oil

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Korean cleansing oils are elite—they never feel overly heavy or pore-clogging, even after they've been swiftly washed down the drain. Apply Ma:nyo Factory's Cleansing Oil to dry skin and give yourself a gentle massage, rubbing the formula in circular motions to break down every last bit of makeup and sunscreen before emulsifying with a bit of water, and then washing it off completely. Once you try it for yourself, you'll quickly understand why it earned a spot on Olive Young's (a.k.a. the Sephora of South Korea) 2025 Awards List (and 2024, 2023…and so on) , which compiles the year’s best-selling products across skin care, makeup, hair care, and more.

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"Oil cleansing for a few minutes every single night has taken my skin from good to great, and Ma:nyo's Pure Cleansing Oil has been my go-to. When my pores are particularly clogged, I can physically feel the sebum and dirt coming out after rubbing a couple of pumps of this gentle formula into my skin. It's the only reason my facialists are always telling me there's no need for extractions." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan kernel oil, jojoba seed oil, olive oil
• Who it's for: people who wear makeup, people concerned with blackheads
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cleansing Balm: Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Banila Co

Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm

$21

Amazon

Why it's worth it: No list of popular Korean skin-care products is complete without Banila Co's Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm, which sells one jar every few seconds globally. Similar to oil cleansers, this sherbet-like solid should be applied to dry skin and thoroughly massaged in—this is where it melts into a smooth oil—to break down all of the makeup (waterproof and otherwise) and dirt accumulated from the day. Spiked with antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E, it's impossibly gentle and never leaves skin feeling stripped, making it the perfect first step to any double-cleansing routine.

P.S. If you have specific skin concerns, like blackheads, the balm is also available in Clarifying, Calming, Brightening, and Nourishing versions.

Tester feedback from Han

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"You never forget your first cleansing balm. Like many, Banila Co's Clean It Zero was my formal introduction to the superior method of double-cleansing, and the results were real. My skin cleared up so fast once I started using this balm. (This is also around the time I finally started taking sunscreen seriously—hey, post-college isn't that bad—and we should all know by now that oil-based cleansers do the bulk of sunscreen removal, so less clogging and debris = clearer skin. Yay!) Not to mention, I started actually liking cleansing my face more; this sherbet-y balm is extra satisfying to spread and massage in." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: acerola berry (rich in vitamin C), vitamin E
• Who it's for: people who wear sunscreen (so, theoretically, everyone!) and/or makeup
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Foaming Cleanser: Etude SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Etude

SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

$22

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Etude's SoonJung line is pretty much a surefire bet for any skin type, but especially easily-sensitized skin. The pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser sits at a—you guessed it—a pH of 6.5, which is close to your skin's natural pH of 5.5, thus minimizing the chances of barrier damage and water loss. If you didn't know, “like every other organ in our body, skin performs its best within a narrow, ideal environment, especially when it comes to pH,” Rachel Nazarian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. The soft, comforting, and cloud-like foam is just the cherry on top of this soothing cleanser infused with madecassoside (an ingredient derived from Centella asiatica or cica) and panthenol.

Tester feedback from Han

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"Even before I tried this cleansing foam out for myself, I saw a lot of hype on social media coming from people of all different skin types. It's so satisfying to use and I love how gentle it is—it is, after all, fragrance-free—especially after I've gone to town breaking down my makeup with a cleansing balm or oil. It feels like my skin is being cuddled and pampered by the softest cloud, which is a fabulous way to wind down from a long day. My skin feels equally soft and comfortable after I've rinsed it away. No notes." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: panthenol, madecassoside, camellia sinensis leaf extract
• Who it's for: all skin types, including sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Gel Cleanser: Mixsoon PDRN Collagen Gel CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Mixsoon

PDRN Collagen Gel Cleanser

$12

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Mixsoon PDRN Collagen Gel Cleanser

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: If your skin barrier is feeling raw or irritated, Mixsoon’s PDRN Collagen Hydrating Gel Cleanser gently cleanses without stripping, using moisture-binding ingredients like glycerin, sorbitol, and a trio of hyaluronic acids to keep skin soft and plump post-rinse. Its standout rice-derived PDRN (salmon, who?) is paired with collagen extract, fermented soybean, and peptides to support and replenish stressed skin. The formula effectively lifts away daily buildup while helping your barrier stay calm, hydrated, and balanced.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I have combo skin, but depending on the cleansers I use, my skin can definitely feel tight and uncomfy after my usual nighttime double cleanse (I really take my time to very thoroughly massage in my cleansing oil or balm, too). In my experience, gel cleansers are least likely to strip my skin, and Mixsoon's PDRN Collagen Hydrating Gel Cleanser is no exception. It feels so incredibly soothing on my skin, and I do feel the hydrating benefits from PDRN, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and peptides. While no wash-off product is going to be intensely hydrating, I can always count on this one to keep my complexion happy and balanced. P.S. I also like that Mixsoon discloses the pH, which at 5.5, is very similar to our skin's natural pH and thus unlikely to cause irritation.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice-derived PDRN, collagen, peptides
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Cream Cleanser: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming CleanserSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

The Face Shop

Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

$12

Amazon

Han applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: To cap off your double cleanse, follow up with a water-based face wash like The Face Shop's Rice Water Bright Facial Foaming Cleanser. True to its name, this cream-to-foam formula features rice water (rich in vitamins A, B, and E) to provide a mild, brightening cleanse. In short, expect glowing skin that feels nourished, not tight, and provides a clean slate for the rest of your skin-care products to work their magic (and absorb properly).

Tester feedback from Han

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“This is one of those classic K-beauty cleansers I've known from the very start of my long K-beauty journey—I recently ‘rediscovered’ it and I'm wondering why I hadn't sooner. It's the perfect deep cleanse for my combination skin and leaves my skin looking more radiant and less congested, but most importantly, not super tight. The ingredients are super appealing to me too—natural rice water, rice bran oil, and soapwort extract (a surfactant). On days I don't wear makeup, I find that just this cleanser is enough. (And I normally always double-cleanse.) And it's $13 for a huge tube that'll probably last me six months? Yup, no notes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract (natural surfactant)
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no

Toners/Essences

Best Essence: CosRx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power EssenceSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cosrx

Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

$25 $18 (28% off)

Amazon

Han applying Cosrx Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: A Korean beauty best-seller that's all over your FYP, worth the hype, and a one-way ticket to glass skin? That's CosRx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence, whose namesake ingredient (96% snail mucin) soothes blemishes, brightens acne scars, and evens out hyperpigmentation. This sensorially pleasing formula keeps it simple with just 11 ingredients, including two classics, hyaluronic acid and allantoin, to hydrate and calm your barrier.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I’m a longtime fan of this hit brand. The texture is so fun and surprisingly not tacky seconds after applying. But more importantly, it gives my skin lots of love, glow, and bounce with every application. It's a must at any time of the year." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, allantoin
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those dealing with acne or hyperpigmentation
• Fragrance-Free: yes

Best Toner Pads: Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish PadsSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Mediheal

Madecassoside Blemish Pads

$24

Amazon

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Mediheal Madecassoside Blemish Pads

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: If your skin tends to freak out over harsh actives, Mediheal’s Madecassoside Blemish Pads provide a much gentler approach to acne treatments. These toner pads are soaked in calming, Centella asiatica-derived ingredients (namely madecassoside) that help cool down angry breakouts while easing redness and irritation. The formula also delivers a boost of hydration via glycerin and allantoin, so skin feels comfortable and balanced, proving that moisture is equally essential when caring for acne.

You can use these like a regular toner pad, swiping one over clean skin before moisturizer to soothe and prep. Or, place them directly on stressed areas and leave them on for about 15 minutes as a quick mask. Once you remove the pads, pat in any leftover essence, and then follow up with the rest of your routine.

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I have very sensitive, oily skin that can break out if I look at it wrong. Add to that the dozens of new beauty products I'm testing each week, and I'm almost always dealing with some stubborn blackheads, whiteheads, or both. When I first notice signs of a breakout, I always make sure to grab these pads. The actual material of the pad is very thin and soft (not scratchy like some other pads I've tried, which can irritate my skin even more). There's a lot of product in each box of pads, so they're always fully saturated, even weeks after I've bought them. And I love that each box comes with a pair of clear plastic tweezers hidden underneath the lid, so I can quickly and easily grab a pad without having to stick my fingers inside. The pads apply a thin layer of clear, watery product that dries down quickly and layers easily underneath the rest of my skin care and makeup. And after a few uses, my skin looks calmer and clearer. These have been a medicine cabinet must-have for me since I first tried them. Madecassoside is the real deal!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: madecassoside, cica, glycerin, allantoin
• Who it's for: acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Exfoliating Toner: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear TonerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner

$16

Amazon

Why it's worth it: A gentle exfoliating toner? That's not an oxymoron; we're referring to Skin1004's Madagascar Centella Poremizing Clear Toner. Despite being packed with four acids—alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, polyhydroxy, and lipohydroxy—it doesn't sting a bit and layers beautifully with all of your other products. (For extra sensitive skin, we'd recommend patch-testing.) K-beauty brands never leave out soothing ingredients in their formulas, and Skin1004's signature ingredient is Centella asiatica extract (also known as cica), which is positioned high on the ingredients list—the fourth, in fact—to hydrate, minimize irritation, and support the barrier.

Tester feedback from Han

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“If I'm wearing makeup (which is most days), I'll incorporate this super mild exfoliating toner into my a.m. routine to make sure my skin is as smooth and prepped as possible. After I rinse my face with cool/lukewarm water, I pat a generous amount of Poremizing Clear Toner on—focusing on my T-zone and nose—and let it absorb/dry before moving onto my serum and moisturizing sunscreen. With continuous use, I think it's helped curb some of my T-zone shine, which I'm always grateful for.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients:
• Who it's for: everyone, maybe except sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Serums

Best Hyaluronic Acid Serum: Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Torriden

Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

$24 $22 (8% off)

Amazon

Han applying Torriden Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Trust us, this isn't any run-of-the-mill HA serum. Torriden's take, a.k.a. The Dive In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Serum, has a 5D Hyaluronic Acid Complex, which means it’s formulated with five types of HA molecules that penetrate your skin at different levels for instant and long-lasting hydration. Panthenol and allantoin provide extra hydration and soothing benefits. It's also lightweight enough that you can mix it with another serum of your choosing—including cushioning your usual retinol serum to minimize irritation.

Tester feedback from Han

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"There's something oh so satisfying about this serum's silky texture. It dries down almost immediately, and my skin always feels bouncier with each application. At nighttime, I often pair it with my retinol serum to offset any dryness." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid (five types across high, medium, and low weights), panthenol, and allantoin
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol for Beginners: Iope Retinol Super Bounce SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Iope

Retinol Super Bounce Serum

$49

Amazon

Han applying Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Iope’s Retinol Super Bounce Serum blends a gentle yet effective proprietary Granactive Retinol—a stabilized retinoid complex—with soothing cypress leaf extract to soften signs of aging and boost bounciness in your skin. The serum’s formula activates quickly, releasing encapsulated retinol gradually to reduce irritation while maintaining all of its potent goodness. Just apply a pump or two in the morning and evening, follow with SPF, and you're all set.

Tester feedback from Han

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“In my 30s, I've committed to applying retinol serum every night to continue aging gracefully. (Ever heard of Asian don’t raisin?) A lot of formulas don’t jive with my skin, but Iope has yet to let me down. I first fell in love with the Best of Beauty-winning Retinol Expert before switching over more regularly to Retinol Bounce—because I find that I like the slippier texture more, and it feels slightly more hydrating. Retinol Bounce melts into my skin, and my complexion is noticeably plumper after the fact. I think my moisturizer absorbs better, too.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pure retinol, encapsulated retinol, granactive retinoid, Bio-Seletinoid, Lactobacillus ferment
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to target fine lines and texture
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol for Experienced Users: Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening BoosterSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Celimax

The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

$20 $19 (5% off)

Amazon

Han applying the Celimax The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: As you can deduce from the superlative, Celimax’s The Vita A Retinal Shot Tightening Booster is better suited for those who are familiar with using retinoids. The reason being: The formula pairs 0.1% retinal (a faster-acting derivative of vitamin A) with hydrolyzed sponge, tiny spicule-like structures that theoretically help ingredients penetrate more deeply into your skin's layers, to more effectively address wrinkles and pores. However, no need to fret about your barrier. There are plenty of soothing, strengthening ingredients such as niacinamide, panthenol, and peptides to balance out the powerful retinal.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I know spicules are not for everyone—I don't necessarily gravitate towards formulas with them, but I don't mind a teensy bit of spice. (It doesn't actually hurt, but there is some tingling!) Do they actually penetrate better? Unclear. But, for a booster formula in a smaller tube that I reserve for my forehead (where expression lines are popping up) and around my eyes, I'd like to believe it doesn't hurt. I will even layer this underneath another retinol or retinal serum (like the IOPE serum further down this list!), since I'm concentrating this in my most concerning areas. As someone who doesn't partake in Botox and the like, this is my main line of defense against signs of aging.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.1% retinal, niacinamide, panthenol, lecithin, peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Soothing Serum: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive AmpouleSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Skin1004

Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule

$19 $14 (26% off)

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Skin that’s constantly dealing with irritation, breakouts, or environmental stress needs products that know how to get down to business. Featuring Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica), which has long been used in Asian medicine and skin care for its calming, repairing properties—and in modern times where pollution and sensitivity go hand in hand—Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Probio-Cica Intensive Ampoule excels in soothing irritated complexions. Shari Marchbein, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, told Allure that the ingredient is naturally packed with amino acids, fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that help support smoother texture, better hydration, firmer-looking skin, and fewer blemishes.

Where the brand switches it up, though, is with its sourcing. Skin1004 relies on Madagascar (an island praised for its biodiversity) for its key ingredient, cica, and then ferments the botanical to enhance its soothing and barrier-repairing—making it a smart pick for stressed, reactive, or breakout-prone skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“This soothed my breakout-prone skin and even seemed to take down the redness of an active zit. After applying this before bed, I woke up to brighter, clearer skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: fermented cica, cica, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, asiatic acid, ceramide NP
• Who it’s for: acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Vitamin C Serum: Dr.Althea Vitamin C SerumSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Althea

Vitamin C Serum

$23

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Dr.Althea's Vitamin C Boosting Serum provides a double dose of brightening power with its tag-team of 63% vitamin C (via hippophae rhamnoides water, a sea buckthorn derivative) and tranexamic acid. Say goodbye to stubborn discoloration and dullness without any harsh side effects—thanks to hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and cica. If you do have particularly sensitive skin, give the Gentle Vitamin C Serum—which features a lower concentration of 20% vitamin C— a go.

Tester feedback from contributor Devon Abelman

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"Dr.Althea's Vitamin C Boosting Serum boasts eight types of hyaluronic acid and cica, alongside the main source of vitamin C, sea buckthorn (also known as Hippophae rhamnoides water). I really appreciate that there’s no off-putting scent and the silky formula absorbs instantly sans greasy residue—I can layer moisturizer and sunscreen with no problem."—Devon Abelman, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hippophae rhamnoides water (63%), allantoin, cica, tranexamic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Who it's for: people with dark spots and dullness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Moisturizers

Best Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin: Aestura Atobarrier 365 CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aestura

Atobarrier 365 Cream

$32 $26 (19% off)

Amazon

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

Sophia Panych

Why it's worth it: When it comes to soothing dry, sensitive skin, Aestura absolutely knows ball. The Atobarrier 365 Cream is lightweight enough that you can use it both day and night to calm inflammation and lock in moisture. It's infused with micro triple-lipid capsules (composed of ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids) that burst upon contact with skin. Take it from David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who says, “it has this frosting-like texture that just melts on your skin.” Dr. Kim even uses it as a hand cream, but we'd also recommend the Best of Beauty Award-winning Atobarrier 365 Ceramide Lotion, which comes in a bigger pump bottle if you want to spread the skin-softening love beyond your face.

Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych

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“I like my face creams boring. Flashy packaging? Don't want it. Buzzy ingredients. Don't need 'em. That's why when I saw this cream on the giveaway table at work–with its basic blue-and-white tube, simple descriptor (Moisturizing Cream), and star ingredient (ceramides), I was sold before I even had the chance to slather it on. Luckily, the formula lived up to its basic-ness (and again, that's a very good thing). The silky cream has no scent, no bells and whistles, and leaves my temperamental, combination, 39-year-old skin feeling soothed and very, very hydrated. Since nabbing it off the free table, I've gone through two tubes, and I just found a travel-size tube that will be coming with me on my summer holidays. Oh, and did I mention it wears well under makeup? Well, it does, and makes you look glowier and plumper, too.

Maybe it's not quite thick enough for very dry, cold environments, and if you prefer drugstore pricing, this is slightly higher than that, but I honestly think it's just a really well-formulated, easy-to-use, reasonably-priced face cream. I could do with a larger tube, though.” —Sophie Panych, content director

Best Moisturizer for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ato Ceramide CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Illiyoon

Ato Ceramide Cream

$29 $25 (14% off)

Amazon

Former Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Illiyoon Ato Ceramide Cream

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: When skin is feeling dry and stripped, Illiyoon’s Ato Ceramide Cream does the heavy lifting, relying on plant-based ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, plus glycerin to deliver long-lasting hydration. Despite how moisturizing it is, the formula feels surprisingly lightweight and works for all skin types. Acne-prone skin can benefit, too, as its low-pH formula (your skin’s natural pH hovers around 5.5, and this cream clocks in at 6) helps keep irritation in check. Our editors, both acne-prone and not, say it sinks quickly into rough patches, soothing and hydrating them fast without clogging pores or leaving behind a heavy feel—making it a no-brainer for everyday use.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“This is my all-day, everyday essential for dry skin. Whenever my barrier feels parched, it’s the first thing I reach for—it instantly plumps and hydrates for hours. I’ve recommended it to so many friends looking for a rich moisturizer that never feels heavy, and the feedback is always the same: They repurchase as soon as it runs out. It’s been front and center on my vanity for three years, and I have no plans to ever change that.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, glycerin
• Who it's for: all skin types, even acne-prone skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Acne-Prone Skin: Dr. Althea 345 Relief CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Althea

345 Relief Cream

$27 $26 (4% off)

Amazon

Felbin applying the Dr. Althea 345 Relief Cream

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: Relief is right there in the name, so you can breathe a sigh of relief if you have constantly angry skin. Dr. Althea's 345 Relief Cream taps three ingredients (including tea tree leaf water) to minimize blemish-related irritation, four to nourish your barrier (glycerin, panthenol, etc.), and five to calm signs of stressed skin (cica and madecassoside)—and they're pretty much all familiar, tried-and-true actives. The current formula is also fungal-acne safe, which means it's void of ingredients that can trigger yeast-related breakouts.

Tester feedback from Felbin

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“The way this cream sinks in immediately should be studied. It's so lightweight and soothing, and it melts in seconds, leaving my skin hydrated and glowy. I love that it's not too thick or sticky, like some heavier moisturizers can be. In the winter, when I get dry patches around my mouth and nose, it does an excellent job of balancing my combination skin without turning greasy.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tea tree leaf water, niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, Centella asiatica, madecassoside, Coptis japonica root
• Who it's for: tk
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Moisturizer for Oily Skin: Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing CreamSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anua

PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

$24

Amazon

Felbin applying the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: If you prefer lightweight hydration (hi, oily skin!), Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid 100 Moisturizing Cream nails it. The gel-cream sinks in instantly, leaving skin looking fresh, smooth, and softly luminous. Its formula blends PDRN—short for polydeoxyribonucleotide, a compound derived from salmon sperm DNA that’s been studied for its regenerative and healing properties—hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed collagen to help boost hydration and support smoother-looking skin over time, while glycerin draws moisture in, aloe curbs inflammation, and squalane helps seal it all in. The result? Long-lasting hydration with a barely-there feel.

Tester feedback from Felbin

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“My perfect moisturizer is lightweight, non-greasy, and deeply hydrating. This one from Anua checks every box. As the thin cream sinks in, it gets to work, moisturizing my sensitive skin (dry, flaky patches and all) while giving me a great glow. I also love that it comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube, so I don't have to stick my fingers into a jar of cream.” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: PDRN, hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, aloe
• Who it’s for: oily skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Eye Cream: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + RetinalSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Beauty of Joseon

Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

$17

Amazon

Han applying Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: You may know Beauty of Joseon for its viral sunscreen, but don't sleep on (literally!) the Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal. Puffy undereyes meet their match, thanks to anti-inflammatory ginseng. We’re not the only fans, by the way. "I love the ultra-nourishing and soothing formula with the added (gentle) kick of retinal," says cosmetic chemist Ramón Pagán. But what is retinal, anyway? As Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, explains, "Retinal only requires a one-step conversion to the active form of retinoid acid, unlike retinol, which requires a two-step conversion." In layman's terms, retinal works faster and is less irritating than retinol.

Tester feedback from Han

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

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinal, ginseng, glycerin, niacinamide
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to address/help prevent fine lines, those sensitive to regular retinol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lip Mask: Laneige Lip Sleeping MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

$24 $17 (29% off)

Amazon

Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask is an all-time Allure editor-favorite—and it took home a 2024 Readers' Choice Award, proving it's a go-to among readers, too. This buttery formula softens and plumps lips overnight thanks to a moisture-boosting blend of coconut oil, murumuru seed butter, and shea butter. (Laneige also offers a lighter daytime balm, but you can also use this mask during the day for a heavier-duty option.) Plus, vitamin C makes an appearance to provide lasting protection against free radicals and environmental aggressors.

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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"It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: coconut oil, murumuru seed butter, shea butter, vitamin C
• Who it's for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Brightening Eye Patches: CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye PatchesSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cosrx

Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches

$23

Amazon

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey wearing the CosRx Pink Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patches

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why it's worth it: CosRx’s Peptide Collagen Eye Patches aren't just pretty to look at and use—derms enjoy them, too. “They're ideal for sensitive and delicate skin, delivering a cooling dose of hydration while helping to depuff, plump, brighten, and smooth the undereye area,” says La Jolla, California-based dermatologist Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, MD. To thank are familiar ingredients such as brightening niacinamide, depuffing caffeine, firming peptides, and moisture-drawing hyaluronic acid. Especially noteworthy, however, is adenosine (a molecule your body naturally produces) that signals to your skin cells to produce more elastin—you know, the stuff that naturally declines as we age. Didn't get enough sleep? You can fake more hours with a pair of these—pretty solid for a 10-minute treatment.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“After having an allergic reaction that left the skin around my eyes dry and sensitive, these eye patches came to the rescue. I love how light and hydrating they are—plus the eye serum left over after removing the mask is hydrating, making my undereye area feel soft, smooth, and supple.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: collagen, peptides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, adenosine, vitamin B12
• # of patches: 60
• Duration of use: single-use

Best Firming Eye Patches: Abib PDRN Retinal Eye PatchesSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Abib

PDRN Retinal Eye Patches

$19

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Abib’s PDRN Retinal Eye Patches are basically eight hours of sleep in undereye mask form. Whether you use them in the morning (just be sure to follow up with sunscreen!) or before bed, they help tackle puffiness, dark circles, eye bags, and crow’s feet for smoother, more refreshed-looking skin. In addition to ‘ol faithfuls such as glycerin, niacinamide, and caffeine (a favorite of ours to perk up tired eyes), the formula features retinal to help firm skin and PDRN to flood the skin with moisture. Editor's note: Retinal is the last ingredient in the list, so it's at a very low concentration that most people should be able to tolerate.

While they’re mainly designed for the undereyes, you can also place them on your forehead, neckline, or smile lines—wherever your skin needs extra love. Thanks to their winged shape and lightly embossed texture, they stay put and feel comfortable—so you can walk around, multitask, or sip your morning coffee while they do their thing.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I’m all about retinal—and really, most vitamin A derivatives, but mostly retinal because of its effectiveness. I’ve been sheetmasking way more regularly in the colder months (my skin craves hydration, hydration, hydration!), and I love popping in a pair of these Abib retinal patches underneath a soothing sheet mask for added undereye-firming benefits. A major plus? I can plop on my patches a tad closer to my lower lashline than a sheet mask can—that little space matters to me! These particular patches are slightly textured, too, so they stay off impressively well, especially compared to other (more slippery) masks I’ve tried.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jericho rose, vegan collagen, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Who it’s for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Masks

Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

$19

Amazon

Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh peeling off the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Singh

Why it's worth it: The Korean mask hype is real and well-deserved, and the TikTok-viral Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is proof. (Also, it’ll probably fare better for restless sleepers.) Apply an even layer across your entire face, wait around 15 minutes for the mask to dry, and then snooze away. While you're off in dreamland, all these good-for-skin ingredients—niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, collagen extract, and ceramide NP—sink in to make your skin look like a dewy dumpling and boost elasticity. Come morning, gently peel off your mask and rinse off any remaining pieces with lukewarm water.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week, and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, collagen extract, ceramide NP
• Who it's for: everyone who doesn't mind a peel-off mask
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Overnight Sheet Mask: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19

Amazon

Lee applying the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: The talk of the K-beauty town? Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask. This incredibly soothing gel mask substitutes regular ‘ol hyaluronic acid with oligo-hyaluronic acid, which the brand says penetrates and hydrates more deeply (because of its lower molecular weight) than the former. That’s not all: Low-molecular collagen helps refine enlarged pores, smooth the look of fine lines, and boost your skin with the bounciness it deserves. While many of you have heard about the overnight mask of it all, you don't necessarily need to leave it on all night (especially if you're a side sleeper or toss and turn). But, for the best results, give it three to four hours—or until the mask turns transparent, so you know everything has fully soaked into your skin. Maximum glowiness is the name of the game, and Biodance has a winner.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“This jelly-like hydrogel mask is very slippery, so fair warning: Don’t try to throw it on while you’re in a rush. Once it’s in place, though, it feels incredibly cooling and refreshing, which is exactly what I want at the end of a long day, and it sticks nicely to the curves of my face. I usually reach for cloth or fiber masks that are dripping with serum for that instant hit of hydration, but this one stayed plenty saturated and did a great job plumping up the dry spots on my cheeks and forehead where fine lines tend to pop when my skin’s feeling thirsty.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: low-molecular collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide
• Who it's for: everyone who likes a sheet mask
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Quick Sheet Mask: Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Lifting MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Jart+

Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask

$16

Amazon

Han applying the Dr. Jart+ Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Dr. Jart+’s Cryo Rubber Lifting Mask might make you look like a transformer while it’s on, but the results are worth it. In just 20 minutes, skin looks more hydrated and visibly lifted. It’s a serum-and-mask duo: Smooth the included ampoule onto skin first, then seal it in with the two-piece rubber mask and let it work its magic.

The mask feels instantly cooling—part of what gives skin that fresh, lifted look—and it’s packed with smoothing peptides and adenosine to help support firmness. Once time’s up, finish with the rest of your routine and get on with your day. It also comes in three versions (hydrating, brightening, and calming for redness), so you can choose the one that best suits your skin concerns.

Tester feedback from Han

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“Dr. Jart+ is a sheet mask OG brand for me, and I’ve been loving its gel masks as of late because they have a pre-mask ampoule that is super juicy and hydrating—I really feel like the mask helps push the product into my skin. The colors are fun, too, I admit! Who doesn’t love a pink, blue, green, or yellow moment? You can’t go wrong with any of the peptide-infused formulas—here, you see the Soothing iteration, which is chock-full of allantoin, one of my favorite, you guessed it, soothing ingredients (alongside cica, of course). Redness, goodbye!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, adenosine, vitamin E (Step 1); glycerin, allantoin (Step 2)
• Who it’s for: those with fine lines, wrinkles, or dullness that need a pick-me-up
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Clay Mask: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Innisfree

Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

$18

Amazon

Pai after using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: If congested pores and excess oil are your main concerns, a clay mask is one of the fastest ways to reset your skin. Innisfree’s Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask uses mineral-rich clay to absorb buildup and shine, clearing pores in its wake. The formula also includes lactic acid, a gentle exfoliant that helps sweep away dead skin cells and encourages fresher skin to surface, which Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Barbara, told us prevents pore blockages that lead to breakouts. Unlike some clay masks that leave skin feeling tight, lactic acid mimics a "naturally occurring group of molecules found in our skin that helps to hydrate and maintain the skin barrier,” Dr. Chan says.

It’s also a natural humectant, which means it attracts water to the skin! The result is a cooling, wash-off treatment that helps minimize the look of pores, blackheads, and oil, while keeping skin calm—all for under $20.

Tester feedback from Pai

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"I'm not a hydration girlie. Instead, I look for masks that can suck the gunk out of my pores with abandon, and this mask does exactly that. What makes it great isn't just the combo of bentonite and kaolin clays, but the addition of volcanic ash and lactic acid for dual exfoliation. I liked that I got a little scrubbing action as I was rinsing it off—and my skin looked way more even and radiant after just one use." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: volcanic ash clusters, lactic acid, bentonite, kaolin, walnut shell powder
• Who it’s for: people with acne-prone, oily skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Leave-On Mask: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sulwhasoo

Overnight Vitalizing Mask

$46

Amazon

Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: If your skin's feeling extra dry and chapped, swap your usual moisturizer for a richer treatment like Sulwhasoo's Overnight Vitalizing Mask. This nighttime leave-on locks in moisture to reinforce and strengthen your barrier all night long—and all of the next day. Jujube and pomegranate extracts, the two hero ingredients that make up the brand's Nutritive Red Elixir, are full of antioxidants to help soothe and repair skin. Gently rinse off in the morning with lukewarm water, and et voila, you’re glowing.

Tester feedback from Lee

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“The texture feels incredibly indulgent and luxe as it goes on—it feels like such a treat for my sensitive skin prone to dryness. It absorbs beautifully, leaving just a hint of dewiness, but never in that uncomfortable, hair-sticking-to-your-face way. By morning, there wasn’t a trace of residue—I even forgot to wash it off—and my skin was unbelievably soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance against this mask.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: jujube and pomegranate extracts, glycerin, squalane, shea butter
• Who it's for: everyone, especially those with dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Sunscreens

Best Mineral Sunscreen: Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Koolsol by Knours

Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

$22

Amazon

Han applying the Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Mineral sunscreens have a reputation for leaving behind a chalky cast—and honestly, that concern isn’t totally unfounded. Since zinc oxide starts as a white powder, completely invisible formulas on every skin tone are, quite frankly, impossible. (We also know tinted sunscreens aren’t for everyone!) Enter Koolsol by Knours Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which comes impressively close to the real thing. Give it a good shake, apply, and you’ll notice how weightless it feels—more like a chemical SPF than a traditional mineral one. The formula is boosted with skin-friendly hydrators and soothers like cica, snow mushroom, aloe, and niacinamide, resulting in a finish that’s soft, smooth, and about as close to cast-free as mineral sunscreen gets.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I have never met a Korean mineral sunscreen—or any mineral sunscreen, especially untinted—that has this close to the feel of a chemical sunscreen. As you probably know, no mineral sunscreen can be 100% cast-free (zinc oxide starts as a white powder, after all!), but Koolsol Ultra Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 leaves my complexion looking almost indiscernibly the same. I only notice the teeniest tinge of cast in real life, but I honestly don't think an observer would. (My boyfriend, who looks at my face quite a lot, couldn't tell!) It applies so elegantly, like a lightweight moisturizer, and leaves my skin looking dewy, but not overly so. I'd never thought I'd say such a thing, but I think I even prefer this mineral option over Knours' chemical SPF (which is also nice, to be fair)!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zinc oxide (10%), niacinamide, snow mushroom, aloe, cica
• Who it's for: all skin types, especially those sensitive to chemical SPFs
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Chemical Sunscreen: Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Round Lab

Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+

$28 $22 (21% off)

Amazon

Lee applying the Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen UVLock SPF 45+

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: After the massive success of Round Lab’s Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen, expectations were high for the FDA-approved UVLock version—and the brand delivered. The texture is smooth, lightweight, and easy to spread, making it a dream to wear alone or layered under makeup. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, is a fan, too, thanks to hydrating staples like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus antioxidant protection from niacinamide. “It blends in easily and layers beautifully with other skin-care products and makeup,” Dr. Chang e told Allure. The addition of birch sap, panthenol, and purslane extract helps calm and soothe, making it especially appealing for easily irritated skin.

Tester feedback from Lee

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"I can’t believe it took me this long to try the Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen. Now I fully get the hype. It disappears instantly, makes my skin feel hydrated thanks to the birch sap, and honestly, my only complaint is that it doesn’t come in a jumbo bottle so I can slather it everywhere." —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, birch tree sap, niacinamide, glycerin (no percentages of UV filters listed)
• Who it's for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen SunscreenSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen

$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen

Alessandra Foresto

Why it's worth it: We love it when a product name just makes sense. Case in point: Medicube's No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen gives you a serious radiance boost with just one application, and of course, without white cast. (It's a chemical formula after all!) Chock-full of ceramides, cica, collagen, and hyaluronic acid, this lightweight formula replenishes moisture levels and strengthens your barrier—all while acting as a great hydrating makeup primer. It has a slight pink tint to match the outer packaging, which we can't help but think is a cute bonus.

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“Like a good beauty editor, sunscreen is not a step I skip even on the darkest, rainiest days. I like this Medicube SPF because it's light and absorbs quickly but still feels moisturizing, plus it has a very subtle, radiant finish. Unlike other sunscreens, it doesn't leave a white cast behind, and it also doesn't feel thick and sticky on my face. But, most importantly for me, it does not make my makeup pill. I use it as the last step in my moisturizing routine every morning, after a hyaluronic acid serum and a moisturizing cream, and before concealer and foundation.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: 13.6% homosalate, 9% octocrylene, 4.5% octisalate, 2.7% avobenzone, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, ceramides, collagen, peptides, Centella asiatica
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest Korean skin-care trends for 2026?

According to New York City-based dermatologist Jane Yoo, MD, 2026 is the year of Korean skin care, and these are some of the areas you can expect to see the biggest innovations:

Fermented Ingredients:

Korean skin care prioritizes ultra-gentle, sensitive-skin-friendly formulas featuring fermented ingredients like ceramides, postbiotics, and cica (short for Centella asiatica), which will continue to dominate daily routines as they promote barrier repair and long-term skin health.

Clinically Proven Actives:

Driven by the growing interest in K-beauty professional procedures, Dr. Yoo expects continued demand for pre- and post-procedure care as well as products that deliver results comparable to clinical treatments. “I think we will see different delivery systems being employed to have actives penetrate the skin barrier and increase the efficacy of products,” she says.

PDRN:

If you haven’t heard of it yet, PDRN is a DNA-based compound—often sourced from salmon sperm—known for stimulating collagen, boosting hydration and elasticity, and calming inflammation. It’s having a major moment in skincare, showing up in everything from collagen creams to serums. According to Dr. Yoo, expect even more options soon, including vegan formulations and combinations with other powerhouse ingredients like retinol and antioxidants. FYI: Dr. Yoo warns that Injections of PDRN are illegal by the FDA, and there have been side effects and complications from healthcare professionals permanently scarring skin. So, make sure you’re only applying it topically.

Bioactive peptides:

Bioactive peptides—short chains of amino acids that can send specific signals to skin cells to stimulate collagen, support repair, and improve elasticity—are now finding their way into regular consumer formulations due to demand for professional-level results at home. Dr. Yoo says that delivery systems that enhance penetration and efficacy will be key here.

Lightweight sunscreen:

“Everyone is obsessed with Korean sunscreens,” says Dr. Yoo. With the forthcoming FDA approval of Parsol Shield (a new broad-spectrum UV filter that results in lighter formulations), there will come a slew of “wonderful, diverse, and inclusive sunscreen options headed our way,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, NJ
• Jane Yoo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Ramón Pagán, a cosmetic chemist

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 Korean skin care on Amazon, 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.

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There’s a lucid rebellion bubbling within the walls of Broadway’s Studio 54 theater, the kind that transcends space, time, and earthly norms. It’s a revolt against societal bounds, a nostalgic renaissance honoring then and now, and a revelation of beauty for the “others” of this planet and the ones beyond our realm.

Dammit, Janet, it’s Rocky Horror!

Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, the 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show is a true masterclass in delicious deviancy, a glitter-bombed portrait of humanity at its most free and fearless. The story follows newly engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss who, confronted with car issues on a treacherous and stormy night out, stumble across a mansion of misfits led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a gender-bending scientist with a thirst for depravity. The cosmic creatures they encounter inside lead them on a journey of self-discovery, seduction, and sexual liberation, leaving audiences to wonder what planet these otherworldly characters may have come from.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first premiered onstage in 1973, inspired by the decades of science-fiction and gothic horror films that preceded it, before being turned into a film two years later that has developed a massive cult following. This is largely due to the movie’s midnight showings, where fans come dressed in the film’s iconic costumes, shouting lines and call-backs from their seats as they revel in Rocky’s unapologetic nature. The show’s roots are centrally grounded in queer and drag culture—the characters come from the planet “Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania,” after all—with its themes of liberation, freedom, and passion serving as safe “come as you are” or “come as you wish to be” messaging for those who have entered the fan base over the years.

Concerns from legacy fans that the revival may not reach expectations are squashed roughly 20 minutes into the 2026 production when Luke Evans—standing at 6’8” in stiletto heels, equipped with Frank-N-Furter’s iconic cherry red lip, green-glitter eye shadow swept across his lids, and a shoulder-grazing rock-star shag—makes his glorious entrance with a rendition of “Sweet Transvestite," that permeates your soul. In that moment, Evans’s stature and presence are so enrapturing, he could make the Mona Lisa quake in antici…pation.

Luke Evans as Frank-N-Furter.

Evans’ full Frank-N-Furter hair and makeup.

But the colorful parade of excellence that takes the stage at Studio 54 eight times a week is a true testament to collaboration. Each detail of the production has been handled with care, not a single eyelash left unnoticed by the show’s hair and makeup team led by hair and wig designer Alberto “Albee” Alvarado and makeup designer Sterling Tull.

In bringing Rocky to life, both designers drew inspiration from the Club Kids, those exuberant, fashion-obsessed personalities who ruled and fueled New York City’s nightlife in the 1980s and ’90s. They also wanted to pay tribute to the show’s influence from and in drag culture, not solely acknowledging how the role of Frank-N-Furter defies gender norms, but also how Rocky has introduced liberation to countless young people over the past 50 years.

“Drag is so dependent on your self-expression that I wanted that to be communicated through [each performer’s] makeup looks, so I wanted to give the actors the freedom to find those characters,” Tull explains of the time they took with each performer to carefully uncover how these modern interpretations of famed characters would come to life. “[Throughout the process], some looks were psychotic, some were pretty, some were total Club Kid clowncore, until we settled and found something that they really vibed with and wanted to apply on their face eight shows a week.”

Evans in the makeup chair.

That is abundantly clear in Evans’s Frank-N-Furter, whose electrifying aesthetic is both reminiscent of the character’s famous roots while also a complete departure from the famed source material. Gone are Tim Curry’s colorless face palette and short curls, and in their place: bold, painted-on brows, seafoam green-glitter eyelids, and a wig so fabulous, Evans can’t help but twirl its ends numerous times throughout the show (when he’s feeling flirty, you know?).

“The first day I put Luke in Frank-N-Furter makeup, Sam told us to ‘go really small,’ and I said, ‘Great!’ And then I did not go very small; I went very Siouxsie Sioux, Club Kid drag…and Luke loved it,” says Tull. According to Evans, it’s his exaggerated brows and the “sharp, smoky intensity around the eyes” that are key to his transformation, allowing him as Frank to “control the room, seduce everyone, and destroy people a little bit at the same time,” he says. “There’s something almost cinematic about this version of [Frank-N-Furter]—beautiful, dangerous, and sexy.”

In selecting his wig, Alvarado explains, “[With Frank], there’s some sort of Christ-like Jesus complex where people are so drawn to him and revere him, and so the long hair, for me, was a nod to that.” With a lived-in texture, “this version feels more rock star than cabaret…like Frank has been awake for three days hosting some beautiful, chaotic party in another dimension,” Evans says, adding that the longer, looser shape “gives him a more sensual masculinity, which I think makes him feel both more dangerous and more vulnerable. I wanted audiences to feel like they couldn’t quite place him in a specific era or category. He’s glamorous, but untamed.” Ultimately, for Evans, the wig is a "huge part of unlocking my Frank…The second it goes on, my posture changes, my energy changes, and Frank arrives.”

Evans in final hair and makeup checks backstage.

The choice to give Frank-N-Furter a wig with visible green roots was not only intentional, Alvarado says, but a throughline that echoes the show’s core theme of acceptance. “I always hoped that [the roots] would be green to show that [Frank] was trying to cover up what he really was, and now he's starting to embrace it, and he's starting to see his true self with his real green hair coming in.” That “true self” pointing to Frank-N-Furter’s comfort within his own skin, liberated of any societal norms that could keep him from tasting his earthly desires.

This root-ful message even trickles down to the show’s Phantoms—four members of the ensemble that serve as Rocky’s Greek chorus, who Tull describes as each possessing unique, flavorful notes of “Club Kid clowncore.” Though traditionally made to blend in, Tull and Alvarado wanted to breathe life into each Phantom, styling them based on specific icons of queer culture like Amanda Lepore. Their wigs range in color, including soft pinks and blondes, with highlights of tinsel throughout—a nod to the full tinsel wigs that didn’t make the cut (in this instance, there is such a thing as too much sparkle). “[The Phantoms] are such a heartbeat of this show,” Alvarado says.

Amber Gray as Riff Raff.

As Columbia, Golden Globe winner Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the ultimate showgirl. To craft Rodriguez’s take on the character, while paying homage to Nell Campbell’s famed portrayal of the flirtatious tap dancer who is the most theatrical in Frank-N-Furter’s troupe of misfits, Tull pulled inspiration from vaudevillian icons and starlets like Sharon Tate, “who has a very tragic end to her story, much like Columbia,” she explains. This took the form of colorful, exaggerated eyebrows, pastel blush that can be seen from space, and glitter galore. The purple hues used throughout the makeup reference royalty, while the gold shimmer on Rodriguez’s eyes draws from the original production, culminating in the perfect concoction of regality, old celebrity, and vaudevillian iconography.

Columbia’s wig was created with a similar sentiment, holding true to the character’s famed bright red hair, updated for this production with finger waves and short pigtails. “We wanted to keep [Rodriguez’s] playfulness,” Alvarado adds, “which is why you see all of those hair decorations that are put in haphazardly,” adding a nice, spirited contrast to Columbia’s regality.

For characters like the Riff Raff (Amber Gray), the castle’s spooky caretaker who sits right at Frank-N-Furter’s side, “the most important thing to me was silhouette,” Alvarado says. In their designs, both he and Tull wanted to acknowledge that Gray is a woman of color playing this traditionally male character, not shying away from the drag king reality taking stage in this portrayal.

Riff Raff’s complete hair and makeup.

Gray transforming into Riff Raff backstage.

Following a similar silhouette to Richard O’Brien’s original Riff Raff, Alvarado collaborated with Gray on a wig consisting of firmly laid blonde braids that hang down her neck. “It’s an honoring of my hair [as someone who is] biracial…It’s the perfect combination in keeping a wig that would be made for my hair type as well as the original silhouette,” Gray says.

Tull paired this with makeup that can best be described as “alien punk,” emphasizing Gray’s natural features with heavy contour, black lipstick, and darkened teeth to create a skeletal aesthetic that uplifts Riff Raff’s frightening demeanor. “The truth is,” Gray tells Allure, while getting prepped backstage before a Thursday matinee, “that I’m a very outside-in actor. So when I stare in the mirror in my costume, in the wig, and in the makeup, I understand how to play the role.”

Harvey Guillén as Eddie.

The drag king inspiration continued with Harvey Guillén’s portrayal of Eddie, the show’s rock-and-roll ghost who survives just one scene before being chainsawed to pieces. Tull drew inspiration from old Broadway makeup that is “specifically over the top,” best showcased in Guillén’s massive black eyebrows that are dusted with enough glitter to shine for those seated at the top of the balcony.

“A big throughline with a lot of the people in the castle, including Eddie and the Phantoms, is that they all kind of have a Frank-N-Furter shape to their eyes because they're, in my head, being infected by him,” Tull explains. “These Transylvanians, who might be aliens or might once have been human, have become so deranged over time and become little cultish Frank-N-Furter creatures, and that's how I really felt about Eddie.”

Alvarado’s wig choice for Eddie resembles classic biker mullets and updos from the 1960s. Given Eddie is a fully comedic role, Alvarado was intentional in not wanting to cheapen the character’s aesthetic in a laughable manner, but rather, to make Guillén as “hot” as possible. “There’s something so much more powerful about making them look really beautiful and letting them be funny by choice,” he says.

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It's a stark contrast to the second role Guillén plays in the production: Dr. Scott, a much more demure-looking gentleman compared to Eddie’s rock 'n roll flair. Guillén begins the show in Dr. Scott’s ensemble, then, after just one number, bolts to the theater’s basement to be transformed into Eddie, where, in the nick of time, he is able to make it back onstage for his star number. Only to return to the basement shortly after, peel out of Eddie-drag, and back into his full Dr. Scott look to finish the show. The whole journey is a true testament to the creative team’s excellence.

Josh Rivera as Rocky.

Then there’s Rocky (played by Josh Rivera), the show’s meticulously crafted specimen who Frank has created for NSFW purposes. “I really wanted to create a femme Rocky,” Tull says, laughing, “and Josh said he’s never felt as masculine as when he was in full baby doll glam.”

In the storyline, “Rocky is seven hours old; they were just born today,” Tull says, “so the makeup needed to explain that. This person put on this makeup without any knowledge of makeup, but they’re doing it because it makes them feel good; it makes them feel sexy.” Tull executed this by giving Rocky bright pink blushed cheeks, baby blue eye shadow, and bold bottom lashes, achieving a youthful glow that sparkles onstage.

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Rivera enjoys the freedom his makeup chart allows, exploring the beautiful possibilities that come with a bright blush palette and bountiful amounts of glitter. “During previews, I started [extending the blush] to my nose too, so I get a little Rudolf-chic kind of thing. I just think it’s cheeky.” He jokes, “We are singlehandedly propping up the glitter industry right now.”

While Rocky is typically portrayed as a classic, naturally blonde hunk, Alvarado chose to create a wig that “looked like what his hair would look like if we actually bleached it, which is why there is still root in there,” he says. And don’t worry, the hunk aesthetic remains untouched.

The Rocky Horror Show pridefully struts forward on the tails of its famous legacy while beaming with modern flair and electricity. There is simply too much to appreciate in one viewing. I am on my fourth visit to Rocky, with many more to come as the show continues to run through the fall on Broadway, and each subsequent evening I spend in Transylvania makes one point abundantly clear: There’s a light over at the Frankenstein place, and if my research is correct, that light may just be a spotlight reflecting off the pounds of glitter scattered across the Studio 54 stage. And what a marvelous sight it is.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 21: Olivia Rodrigo attends The Cure Music Video Premiere at The Metrograph on May 21, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Kevin MazurGetty Images for Olivia Rodrigo )Kevin Mazur/Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you didn't live through the ‘90s in your teens or twenties, I’m not sure I can convey in a glorifying enough way the ubiquity, the importance, the power of a single bobby pin positioned just above eyebrow height in the hair. Whether or not you were using it to keep bangs off your face, it was a must-have hair accessory. Sure, we wore cute clips, too, but there was something about a lazy bobby pin that so perfectly captured a cross-section of the era's styles. And while Olivia Rodrigo wasn't even born yet, she absolutely nailed the look on her current trip to London.

The singer-songwriter is promoting her new album, You Seem Pretty Sad for a Girl So in Love, and on June 4, she made a stop at BBC Radio One. Rodrigo was spotted wearing a cropped, lime-green, knit vest over a black and white polka dot mini dress, as well as thigh-high white socks and black heels. The fit perfectly nailed influence 1960s mod style had on 1990s trends, worn in a 2026 way.

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But what really brought it all together was one tiny detail: a bobby pin. Rodrigo's signature long hair was side-parted, with the thicker side held ever so slightly back by a little, folded piece of metal that cost maybe a few cents.

Photo: Getty Images

It's worth noting that Rodrigo, perhaps controversially, wore the bobby pin grooves-up. Some stylists say that the ridges should always face the scalp for maximum security, but hairstylist Andrew Fitzsimons previously told Allure, "The correct way to place a bobby pin is ridges up. The point of the ridges is to be able to glide over and secure the bulk of your hair, while still keeping it as flush as possible."

Truly the “tastes great, less filling” debate of the hairstyling world. (Sorry, that reference goes even farther back than the '90s.)

Rodrigo has recently shown how fond she is of the babydoll grunge style that's so indelibly associated with the ‘90s, so it just makes sense that she'd deploy such an accurate hair accessory. And it wouldn't surprise me in the least if she breaks out a snap clip next.

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Cindy Crawford looks great. Full stop. None of this “for your age” bullshit. “I'm not 20, and no one expects me to look the same way as I did when I was 20,” she tells podcast hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan on the latest episode of Gloss Angeles, where the legendary supermodel gets candid about everything from facials to facelifts. (Spoiler alert: She's not especially into either.)

Speaking of being 20, Crawford is appalled that the public discussion about the “right” age to get a facelift has skewed so young on social media. “Is there a right age? I mean, certainly not 20. I'll tell you that much,” she says. And certainly not 24, which is her model daughter Kaia Gerber's age. And when it comes to cosmetic treatments and procedures that have gained popularity among younger people, she tries to steer her away.

“What I say is, like, look, you are naturally beautiful, and I would just encourage her to lean into that,” Crawford says of her advice to Gerber. “Because otherwise, everyone starts looking kind of the same, and so I'm like, you made it because you had your look.”

So does the Meaningful Beauty founder, now 60, think that she's at the right age for a facelift? She's not immune to intrusive thoughts about getting work done, but she's holding off, at least for now. She credits some of that restraint to a pact with her friend, makeup artist Sonia Kashuk.

“We're like, 'We're not doing it, right? We're not doing it,'” Crawford says. “I feel lucky that my husband is very, very against it cause he's like, ‘You look beautiful. Why?’" But then, Crawford says, she'll see someone who got a facelift and admire how great it turned out, so the temptation returns.

“I have decent genetics, and, I mean, tempted? Yes. I, like everybody—you look at someone, you're like, ‘They look really good. What did they do?’ But then you see other people, and you're like, is it worth the risk?" she says, grimacing at the thought of undesirable results. “My self-talk is all about, obviously, trying to take care of myself and accept that, you know, we all age if we're lucky.”

Photo: Gloss Angeles

As for other beauty treatments, Crawford tells Gloss Angeles that she's tried lasers and PRP, but she's getting conventional facials a lot less often than she used to. “I used to go to Cristina Radu all the time for facials, and that's when I was working a lot, and my skin was younger, and I really needed the cleaning and the microdermabrasion more,” she says. “Now, I don't like that kind of a facial so much.”

Instead, to get a more refreshed look, she's been enjoying the occasional facial massage, and she recently partnered with Upneeq, the prescription eye drops that help lift eyelids. “Upneeq is a great product, especially for people who don't want to do surgery,” she says, referring to blepharoplasty.

“I would recommend to anybody because you can just stop using it if you don't like it. You can use it every day if you want. You could use it for special events if you want,” she says. “It's not a big buy-in, right? There's so many interventions you can do now.”

And whether or not you decide to pursue those interventions is an entirely personal call. “If it bothers you, it bothers you,” Crawford said, echoing the advice her esthetician aunt used to give about not considering other people's opinions regarding your appearance. “And if you want to and if you have the means to address it, then that should be up to you.”

Check out the full conversation about aging, modeling, running a beauty brand, and so much more in the latest episode of Gloss Angeles.

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The New York Knicks may have lost to the San Antonio Spurs at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, but there were still plenty of highlights at the highly anticipated matchup—most notably a surprise appearance from New York's very own Cardi B, who took the court at Madison Square Garden to perform her songs “Bodak Yellow” and “Bodega Baddie” in inches upon inches of extra-long, sweeping dark hair.

If you thought Cardi was just there to cheer on the Knicks with her son Wave, well, you'd be wrong! She was there to watch, but she was also there to work! Cardi paired her super-fitted catsuit with nearly ankle-length hair parted precisely in the middle, styled as always by her longtime hairstylist Tokyo Stylez, who described the hairstyle as looking like “silk.” It was the perfect pick for a quick but very impactful performance (just over three minutes) and flowed dramatically behind Cardi as she strutted from her seat through a throng of dancers to the center of the floor. And when we say her hair was long, we mean it—it didn't end at her hip, her butt, or her knees, but hit right between her calf and ankle for extra drama.

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The rest of Cardi's beauty details were just as notable, including her equally long, bright white stiletto-shaped nails and matching white pedicure by nail artist Jenny Bui. Makeup artist Erika La' Pearl applied classic Cardi B glam: precise brows, long lashes, and a subtly shiny lip.

“Bodak Yellow” came out in 2017, skyrocketing Cardi to worldwide fame, and since then she's solidified her place as one of the biggest rap and beauty icons in the industry. She launched her hair-care brand, Grow-Good, this year—a project that was more than three years in the making—and continues to have so much fun with her beauty routine, whether that's with a denim-blue bob or a rainbow updo. The Knicks play the Spurs again on June 10, so we'll be keeping a very close eye on the celeb-studded front row for another Cardi cameo.