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For as long as I can remember, my hair has been part of my identity and the way I show up in the world. My older sister placed plaits and barrettes in my hair when I was a child, and getting my hair hot-combed at the salon became a weekly ritual by the time I got to elementary school. I eventually permed it, then cut the perm off, then transitioned to fully natural hair almost a decade ago. Every stage of my life has come with a hair transformation to match.

When I got serious about taking care of my natural hair as a young adult, I, like many, turned to online tutorials to figure out what my wash days should look like and how I could or should style my hair. In this landscape I quickly learned that not all natural hair is the same and that there are a multitude of different “hair types” and “curl patterns.”

You’ve probably heard of hair typing or the hair chart: a classification system that sorts hair by texture and pattern using combinations of letters and numbers; from 1A, signifying completely straight hair, to 4C, meaning thick, coarse coils. The online natural hair community put such an emphasis on these classifications that it caused me to see my hair in a whole new light. The practice of hair typing didn't just categorize my texture; it started to define my and others’ expectations of what hair was capable of.

The hair type chart has become a global language for identifying the texture of hair. Over time it has become one of the most widely adopted tools in conversations about hair, including product marketing, social media discourse, and texture education. And although it has been in use for more than 30 years, there are several reasons it just isn’t cutting it in today’s hair landscape. To assess the hair type chart’s present-day usefulness, or lack thereof, I spoke with experts who work with various hair textures every single day.

Hair classification has racist origins

The earliest version of hair typing dates back to 1905, when German anthropologist Eugen Fischer developed a measurement tool used to categorize hair texture as part of racial-classification systems. His work, conducted in what is now Namibia, focused on identifying hair texture, color, and physical traits in relation to whiteness—with the aim of identifying people with so-called racial purity. These early classification methods were rooted in racist pseudoscience and would later become foundational to Nazi racial ideology (aka eugenics).

Despite those dark origins, the concept of hair classification persisted and evolved. During South African apartheid between 1948-1994, “pencil tests” were used as a method of racial categorization, in which a pencil was placed into a person’s hair and they were asked to shake their head. If the pencil fell out, the individual was more likely to be classified as white or of mixed race; if the pencil remained, they were categorized as Black. This practice reinforced the use of hair texture as a tool for determining racial identity and social status.

Fast forward to the 1990s, when American hairstylist Andre Walker (best known as Oprah’s personal hairstylist from 1985-2015) created a new hair-typing system intended to help consumers match products and techniques to their texture, which became the base model for the hair-typing chart people widely use today. He first introduced his chart, called the Andre Walker Hair Typing System, in his 1997 book Andre Talks Hair! and subsequently discussed it on The Oprah Winfrey Show while promoting the book and his line of hair products.

Walker’s system grouped hair into four main categories and assigned each a number, 1 through 4: Straight hair fell into the category of type 1; type 2 encompassed a range of wavy textures; curls fell into type 3; and coily and kinky textures were classified as type 4. Within these numbered categories, patterns were further broken down by subtype A or B, based on the size or tightness of the wave, curl, or coil. Type A referred to looser curls and waves, whereas type B referred to tighter ones.

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Later, as natural hair communities expanded the system to describe coily textures more precisely, the category sub-type C emerged. It's unclear exactly when and how the C category came into play, as Walker did not include it in his original chart; it's likely, though, to have been created by natural hair communities online as people sought more representation and accurate language to describe their hair.

The hair typing system lacks scientific integrity

Despite how widespread its use has become, Walker’s hair-typing system is not backed by science of any kind; additionally, it doesn’t account for how factors like hormones, pregnancy, medication, climate, stress, or the effects of aging can change hair texture.

Oyetewa Asempa, MD, a Houston-based board-certified dermatologist and the director of the Skin of Color Clinic at Baylor University’s Department of Dermatology, explains that Walker’s original hair-typing system was built on visual observation—as in, what hair looks like to the human eye, not on biology. “It has no biological or scientific basis,” she says.

That doesn’t mean the system lacks merit entirely, Dr. Asempa adds, and there have been attempts to create more science-based versions. For example, L'Oréal’s researchers released a study in 2007 that analyzed curl patterns using objective measures from hundreds of people across multiple continents, proposing an 8-type categorization system instead of 4.

But even in those cases, Dr. Asempa points out, the systems are limited in that they can tell you only how a curl looks, not how hair behaves. A chart can’t tell you how your hair will respond to a product, climate change, stress, or even shifts in your own biology. “In science, the coarser the hair is, the more fragile the hair type is,” Dr. Asempa says. “And that possible fragility—not the letter or number on a chart—often determines what our hair actually needs.”

Hair typing can cause more confusion than clarity

In taking a critical look at the hair-typing chart now, I realize Dr. Asempa is right: All it tells you is what your hair pattern looks like—and there’s not really much you can do with that information.

Virginia-based cosmetologist, educator, and author Tishawna Pritchett says she’s never relied on hair typing for that reason. It wasn’t taught in cosmetology school when she studied over 30 years ago, and even after learning about the plethora of hair textures represented by the chart, she never adopted it. “It makes no sense to my clients when their focus is simply healthy hair,” she says.

Many of Pritchett’s clients come in convinced they have 4C hair because of something they saw on the chart, but when she examines their strands, what they’re identifying is often just damaged hair, or curls that haven’t been properly cared for, not their true texture.

When it comes to figuring out how to care for your hair day-to-day, Dr. Asempa says, a better starting point is hair condition, including the damage level, and its porosity—or, in other words, how absorptive it is. Porosity is determined by two things: the natural lipids and cuticle structure you’re born with, and the external choices you make.

Dyes, relaxers, perms, and heat styling all contribute to the breaking of chemical bonds in the hair, which permanently change the structure. Because of that, Dr. Asempa explains, product marketing based on curl patterns alone can be misleading. Someone who is Caucasian with straight, bleached hair, for example, may actually benefit from the same products as someone who is Black with high-porosity coils. What matters most is the hair’s structure and health.

The texture of hair is also tied to general health. When the body goes through shifts, whether from stress, hormonal changes, medication, or simply aging, hair follicles can weaken or shrink. That can cause curl patterns to loosen or lose density. The hair-typing system wasn’t designed to address these kinds of changes either.

Today’s hair-typing chart reinforces age-old biases

Many people in the natural hair community have long pointed out that the modern curl-pattern chart indirectly favors looser, more Eurocentric textures, which can reinforce harmful and prejudiced ideas about beauty. By putting straight hair first, literally as type 1, and coily textures last at type 4, it subtly reinforces the idea that the tighter the texture, the further it is from what has been historically labeled as “ideal” or the “default.” That hierarchy didn’t begin with Walker—again, the very concept of creating hair classifications began with eugenics—but I believe his chart has unintentionally carried some of that thinking forward.

Still, despite all its shortcomings, I can appreciate the hair-typing system as a simple visual guide, which can be especially helpful for people who are just beginning to understand and embrace their curls. The hair system isn’t useless, but it took a long time for me to realize what it leaves out. Hair is personal, and so is the hair journey. It evolves with age, hormones, stress, weather, products, and just day-to-day life—yet my own relationship with my hair texture has primarily revolved around a number or a letter.

Now, instead of letting the chart define me, I’m learning to treat it as one reference point among many. My hair—and yours, and your friend’s, and your sister’s—deserves attention, care, and love not because of where it falls on a chart, but because it’s a unique part of who we are.

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Normally, know-it-alls are kind of annoying. But as far as beauty goes, we always want a well-read skin-care connoisseur or makeup nerd on our trivia team, especially when it comes to current events. Think that’s you? We’ve got a quiz to put your punditry to the ultimate test.

How closely have you been paying attention to the biggest beauty news stories of the year? Celebrities who got candid about going under the knife, formula fear-mongering that made people question their routines, the trends we’ll be taking into the new year—this is your final exam on 2025’s hairiest, happiest, and most helpful beauty stories.

**Photo Credits: **Q #1: Courtesy of Getty Images; Q #2: Peter Ash Lee; Q #3: Courtesy of Backgrid; Q #4: Adobe Stock; Q #5: Courtesy of Getty Images; Q #6: Courtesy of HBO; Q #7, 8, 10: Courtesy of Getty Images; A #11: Adobe Stock; Q #12: Photo: Giles Keyte via Universal Pictures; Q #13: Courtesy of @honeyyynails, @bunnyluxenails, and @overglowedit; Q #14: Courtesy of Getty Images

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I’m no stranger to dry skin during the cold months — including slight peeling on my face and white ashiness on my knees—but about two winters ago I experienced an unparalleled level of uncomfortable dryness around my nipples and areolas. I thought that was bad, until 2024 when I was pregnant and one of the many bizarre pregnancy side effects I experienced was dryness and itching around my areolas.

And just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. The early days of postpartum and breastfeeding my daughter brought even more dryness and itching in that area than I could bare. If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced a similar itchy dilemma, for any number of reasons.

Experts say the issue is not uncommon, and various factors can lead to dry and itchy skin around the nipples. "Dermatitis, excessive sweating, or even an uncomfortable bra" are a few of the common reasons for dry skin in the nipple area, says Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.

It may take a bit of guesswork to determine what exactly is causing your itchy boobs (more on that in a minute), but if the sensation is severe and causing a lot of discomfort, your first step should be to see a dermatologist to figure out exactly what is going on. For more minor cases, there are a handful of over-the-counter products and specific ingredients you can use to help soothe the dry, itchy skin on your breasts.

To help, we tapped board-certified dermatologists and an ob-gyn to explain how to know what's causing your discomfort—and how best to treat it.

Meet the experts:

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• Kim Nichols, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Greenwich, Connecticut.
• Elyse Love, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
• Hoosna Haque, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn in New York City.
• Mina Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

What causes dry nipples and breasts?

It's important to note that nipple skin and breast skin are slightly different, though both have thinner skin than other areas of your body, making these places particularly prone to dryness and irritation. Nipple skin, as opposed to breast skin, "is hair-free, has more glands, and rests on smooth muscle. It has many nerve endings and can be [even more] sensitive," explains New York City-based ob-gyn Hoosna Haque.

One likely cause of dry skin around the nipples and breasts surprised me: "Not wearing a bra can potentially trigger some dryness if there's chafing of the nipple against the clothing," explains Elyse Love, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist. Who would've thought freeing the nipple might actually dry it out?

On the flip side, wearing the wrong bra (both size and fabric) can also cause irritation from chafing. "You want to be careful of the fabric you're using and [avoid] harsh detergents," says Dr. Haque. Dermatologists recommend cotton bras and undergarments because they are less abrasive against the skin.

Other reasons for dry skin on your breasts and nipples could include cold or dry air, irritating fragrances or body products, and overly hot showers, say our dermatologists. Dr. Love also says eczema (a condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, scaly, and inflamed) could be a possible diagnosis even if you've never had it before or don't have it anywhere else on your body. 
"[The breast area] is not an uncommon place for eczema to appear. And it can occur in people who have had a history of eczema in different places over the years or it can happen because the skin gets dry or irritated, particularly this time of year when it's dry outside," says Dr. Love.

There can also be hormonal factors at play when it comes to dryness on the breasts. "Most of the time, when women experience [excessive] dryness in the nipple and areola area it's due to a hormonal imbalance—whether it's pregnancy or menopause," says Dr. Haque. She explains that the skin on and around the breasts can become dry or irritated during pregnancy due to an increase in progesterone and estrogen that can cause the skin to become thinner, making it increasingly susceptible to dryness. There can also be a fluctuation in these hormones for people who menstruate, leading to the same result.

The ins and outs of breastfeeding can also cause dryness and itching around the breasts—of course it'll be pretty easy to know if this is what's causing your irritation. “During breastfeeding, there are many reasons why irritation may occur. Poor latch, pumping issues (incorrect size of flanges), or trauma to the area can lead to skin breakdown,” says Mina Amin, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

When should you see a dermatologist about dry nipples and breasts?

That depends. If the dryness you’re experiencing is recent, Dr. Love recommends asking yourself questions like, what's changed in my routine in the past week? Did I buy a new undergarment? Has the weather suddenly changed? But, as we said, if you are pregnant, nursing, or going through menopause, this could be a clear cause of dryness on your breasts, and Dr. Haque suggests sharing your symptoms with your ob-gyn.

Say the dryness and irritation aren't going away after two weeks of simple swaps like trading your satin bra for a cotton one. In this case, Dr. Love recommends seeing a dermatologist for more clarity. "Sometimes it can be helpful just to see a professional. Typically it's easier for us to connect the dots because we know the things to ask [about]," she says. A dermatologist will also be better able to determine if the dryness is, in fact, eczema and can provide a more targeted treatment.

What products can help treat dry nipples?

You don't need an entire skin-care routine dedicated to your boobs, but experts agree that you should be intentional with how you treat dryness in that area. "It is very sensitive, so it's an area that you want to be thoughtful about," says Dr. Love. The dermatologist recommends showering with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers like Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash and Aveeno Skin Relief body wash.

Another derm tip for combating dryness: "Within three minutes of getting out of the shower, apply moisturizer to the entire body," says Dr. Love. She explains that applying hydrating products while your skin is still a bit damp from the shower helps lock in moisture. Dr. Love also recommends using a thicker balm or cream on your breasts to maximize hydration. Her personal favorites for patients and herself include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, and Avene XeraCalm Lipid Replenishing Cream. (She is an ambassador for the latter brand.)

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Dove

Sensitive Skin Body Wash

$10

Amazon

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Aveeno

Skin Relief Body Wash

$13 $10 (23% off)

Amazon

$10

Walmart

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Avène

XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cream

$38

Amazon

$38

Dermstore

$38

Eau Thermale Avène

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CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

$20 $19 (5% off)

Amazon

$18

Dermstore

$20

Ulta Beauty

Dr. Nichols says to look for products that include lanolin oil, like Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream. 
"[Lanolin] restores moisture in the nipples by reducing water loss in the skin. It's derived from sheep's wool and is widely known for its natural moisturizing properties," she says.

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Aquaphor

Advanced Therapy Ointment Body Spray

$13 $12 (8% off)

Amazon

$13

Walmart

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Lansinoh

Lanolin Nipple Cream

$11 $10 (9% off)

Amazon

$10

Walmart

Pre-baby, I loved Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray. The spray applicator made it easy to cover my chest without getting messy. I would mist a light layer on my breasts after applying my lotion of choice and massage it in (this is a great time for a breast self-exam), focusing on areas of dryness. It's made a huge difference in keeping the skin on my breasts moisturized all day. But after having my daughter, the Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream is my go-to. I love how thick and emollient it is—plus it's safe for baby so no need to wipe it off before nursing.

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Whether you’ve spent years perfecting your shade of blonde or can’t resist experimenting with the latest multistylers or blow-dryer brushes, the best hair treatments for damaged hair can help bring brittle, easily-tangled strands back to life. “Damaged hair will feel dry to the touch and lose its shine, the ends of your hair will start to split—indicating breakage—and your hair may even become frizzy and unruly,” says Jennifer Nast, a hairstylist based in New York City. But you’re far from the only one to experience this—almost everything we do to our hair can cause some damage, including brushing, tight ponytails, and sun exposure.

Our Top Treatments for Damaged Hair

• Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask, $75
• Best for Shine: Oribe Mirror Rinse, $64
• Best Overnight Treatment: Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum, $62
• Best Heat Protectant: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream, $29
• Best for Scalp Health: Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir, $60
• Best for Bleached Hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, $30
• Best In-Shower Treatment: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner, $10

Let’s dig a little deeper. There are several types of hair damage and countless things that cause them. “Heat styling with tools like straighteners and curling irons, coloring and chemical treatments like bleaching and perming, over-washing, and rough handling, such as brushing too hard or using tight hairstyles,” says Angelo David, a hairstylist based in New York City. While there’s no single fix for all types of damage, the right treatments and care can restore shine, bounce, and overall health. Read on for hairstylist tips to revive troubled strands, plus editor-approved fixes we swear by.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is the best treatment for damaged hair?
• How can I heal my damaged hair?
• Can very damaged hair be repaired?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

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K18

Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

$75

Amazon

$75

Sephora

Why we love it: K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask isn’t your run-of-the-mill hair mask. It still promises similar benefits to that of rinse-off masks (shinier, bouncier, and stronger hair), but it’s a leave-in treatment that's meant to be applied on shampooed, unconditioned hair—and it's formulated totally differently, too. Unlike hair masks that sit outside each strand, this one actually penetrates the cortex to repair bonds that are broken during heat styling and color treatments.

"Even though it’s lightweight, it delivers a serious hit of moisture and repair by reconnecting polypeptide chains to strengthen the hair,” says Nast. “My clients love it, especially those with color or heat-styling damage. Plus, it’s lightweight enough for fine hair so that it won’t weigh you down." The brand recommends working it through your strands and letting it sit for four minutes to activate (you can layer on your usual styling products during the wait), then styling as usual. Results build over time, so don’t be surprised if it takes a few washes before you start to see what all the hype is about.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying K18’s Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I put my hair through so much—the blow-drying, the flat-ironing, the re-curling!—my split ends were practically visible from outer space. It wasn't until I diligently started using this now-classic leave-in mask that I believed you could actually undo years of damage. There's a learning curve to using it; you need to essentially emulsify the product in your hands, then apply and wait a few minutes, and then continue to style. You also can't use conditioner before applying. Sure, it's a bit finicky, but this stuff works—seemingly instantly. I got heaps of compliments after using it for a consistent month; people thought my hair was shinier when blown out, and my curls were brought back to life; their pattern restored, their joie de vivre revived!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotech-developed peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: all hair types

Best for Shine: Oribe Mirror Rinse

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Oribe

Oribe Mirror Rinse

$64

Amazon

$64

Nordstrom

$64

Dermstore

Why we love it: Why should your skin get all the glassy glory? Oribe Mirror Rinse is an in-shower treatment designed to give hair that same high-shine, light-catching finish. Used after shampooing, it smooths the cuticle and boosts reflectivity in just a minute, leaving strands noticeably glossier and silkier. “This is the in-shower treatment that’s my personal go-to for giving my natural hair the prettiest gloss—and even makes my extensions look extra fresh,” says Kelley Alvarez, a hairstylist based in Oak Brook, Illinois. The shine comes from a smart blend of smoothing conditioners and lightweight silicones, while glycerin helps keep hair soft and supple. Oribe’s proprietary complex—watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower—adds weightless nourishment and helps shield strands from shine-depleting environmental stressors. “It’s super quick to use, and the scent is amazing,” adds Alvarez.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee before applying the Oribe Mirror Rinse

Lee after applying the Oribe Mirror Rinse

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m a huge Oribe fan—the scent alone gets me every time—but beyond that, I always see and feel a real difference in how my hair looks and behaves after I use their products. Mirror Rinse is unlike any in-shower treatment I’ve tried before. The texture is completely clear and serum-like. First squeeze out excess water and then apply it directly to your hair (trying to use your hands is a lost cause—it’ll slide right through your fingers), let it sink in for a minute or two, then rinse, using it in place of conditioner as directed. I was skeptical at first that something so lightweight could actually cling to wet hair—or deliver the same moisture as a traditional conditioner. But, as I started blow-drying when I got out of the shower, the softness was immediate. The after photo here has zero other product in it besides Mirror Rinse, and my hair (which I only cut twice a year so it's prone to dry ends) has never looked shinier or felt smoother.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silicones, glycerin, watermelon seed oil, lychee fruit extract, edelweiss extract
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with dull or lackluster hair

Best Overnight Treatment: Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

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Kérastase

Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

$62

Amazon

$62

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Nighttime is when most of us want less effort, not another step. Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum fits right in by treating hair while you rest. Instead of rinsing out a mask or dealing with oily residue in the morning, you smooth this lightweight serum onto dry or damp lengths before bed and let it do its thing while you sleep. “It works like hand lotion for the hair,” says Annie Miller, a hairstylist based in Franklin, Tennessee. “It smells incredible, and it absorbs completely by morning without any greasiness.” Plant-based soy and wheat proteins and vitamin B-rich niacinamide help nourish and lock in moisture, while iris root extract and panthenol soften and detangle. By morning, hair feels hydrated, smoother, and easier to manage.

Pai before applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Kérastase Nutritive 8H Magic Night Serum

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I don’t really damage my hair in the traditional sense—but I do wash it every single day, which can leave it dry and frizzy, especially in the winter. I’ve been using this to wake up to shinier, smoother hair in the morning, and have noticed a difference in the flyaways and breakage (especially around my hairline).” —Deanna Pai, Allure contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hydrolyzed wheat protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, niacinamide, iris root extract, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with dry or coarse hair

Best Leave-In Treatment: Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum

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Crown Affair

Overnight Repair Serum

$58

Sephora

Shipin applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: After heat styling or everyday wear and tear, Crown Affair’s new Overnight Repair Serum is exactly what the stylist ordered to repair dry, limp strands. Inspired by the body’s natural overnight cell replenishing and repairing process, it nourishes while you sleep, strengthening, smoothing, and boosting shine, with no rinsing required come morning. I know what you're thinking, but don’t worry—it leaves behind zero greasiness, making it great for finer hair textures. The source of its silky-ifying powers? A seriously stacked ingredient list, including flaxseed and chia that support repair, while a Tsubaki Meadow’s blend—meadowfoam seed oil and tsubaki, the oil extracted from the camellia seeds—locks in moisture, and rosemary adds a natural shine.

Shipin before applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Crown Affair Overnight Repair Serum

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I put my hair through the wringer—curly one day, blown out the next—so this serum is a lifesaver. It's weightless, leaves no residue on your fingers, and dries down quickly. No staining your pillowcase or getting a hair mask on your cheeks. It's meant to be an overnight serum, but I love using it in the daytime, too, essentially whenever I'm brushing my hair smooth—it seals up my split ends so well! On top of all the benefits I see from using this serum, it also has the signature Crown Affair scent; it’s a revelation for damaged ends.” —Shanna Shipin, Allure senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: flaxseed, chia, Tsubaki Meadow’s blend, rosemary
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: fine, dry hair

Best Heat Protectant: Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream

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Gisou

Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream

$29

Sephora

$29

Gisou

Why we love it: A heat protectant is non-negotiable before blow-drying, and Gisou’s 5-in-1 Styling Cream does that, and then some. Powered by honey from the Mirsaleh bee garden in Holland (a staple in all of Gisou’s formulas) and hydrolyzed milk protein that patches up weak spots in the hair shaft, it strengthens as it smooths. Hyaluronic acid is also thrown in the mix to add a hit of hydration and keep frizz at bay. Beyond 450-degree protection, it delivers flexible hold, glossy shine, and major moisture—it’s basically your blow-dry’s new BFF.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream

Sarah Han

Han after applying Gisou Honey Milk 5-in-1 Styling Cream

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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"My hair-care routine is pretty minimal, so I adore a multitasking leave-in like this Gisou 5-in-1. My biggest concern is frizz, so I need all of the hydration I can get and this pre-styling treatment has plenty of it, thanks to the brand's signature Mirsalehi honey, a bee garden oil blend sourced from the same family plot, hydrolyzed milk protein, and both low and high molecular weights of good ‘ol hylauronic acid. Despite all these heavy hitters, my thin (though dense) strands don’t feel weighed down, and once I'm through with blow-drying, there's noticeably less frizz. I'm excited to pair it after a hydrating hair mask to compare results versus using a regular conditioner. —Sarah Han, Allure commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Mirsaleh honey, hydrolyzed milk protein, hyaluronic acid
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: all hair types

Best for Scalp Health: Virtue Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir

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Virtue

Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir

$60

Amazon

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Dermstore

Why we love it: Your scalp is basically ground zero for healthy hair, and Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir understands that to the fullest. While you sleep, it rebalances your scalp and repairs damage, so hair feels softer, stronger, and shinier by morning. Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, fortifying peptides, and scalp-balancing prebiotics, it tackles dryness, flakiness, and itchiness without leaving any residue behind, so you can wake up and go (no washing or dry shampoo needed!). With lavender, chamomile, and sandalwood in the mix, it’s like sneaking in a little aromatherapy moment before bed, because who doesn’t long for better sleep?

Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying Virtue’s Overnight Scalp and Hair Elixir

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“This milky serum is formulated to balance your scalp's microbiome and strengthen strands. In the two weeks I've been testing this, my ends feel less crispy and my scalp less flaky.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, prebiotics
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: those who have scalp irritation or flakiness

Best for Bleached Hair: Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

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Olaplex

No. 3 Hair Perfector

$30

Amazon

$30

Nordstrom

$30

Dermstore

Why we love it: Before TikTok sent Olaplex’s No. 3 Hair Perfector into viral stardom, hairstylists (and Allure editors) were already in on the secret for restoring dry, damaged hair. “It's a bond builder that repairs the broken disulfide bonds in your hair that cause damage from heat styling, coloring, and chemical treatments,” says David. Even after one of his clients had undergone years of bleaching, No. 3 was able to bring it back to life. “After just one use of Olaplex No. 3, her hair felt noticeably softer and stronger,” David attests. “With continued use, it helped restore her hair's health and vitality. You'll notice less breakage, improved elasticity, and a smoother, shinier appearance.”

Former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables before applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Paige Stables

Stables after applying the Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector

Paige Stables

Tester feedback from former Allure senior beauty editor Paige Stables

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“I could see the difference this mask had by the time my hair was dry: My hair was frizz-free, particularly the pieces framing my face, and when I looked at the back of my head in the mirror, I couldn’t believe the overall smoothness. Normally, to achieve such a sleek finish, this would have required additional styling products on the lengths of my hair and a blast of hairspray to tame flyaways. But in a matter of minutes, my hair looked significantly healthier.” —Paige Stables, former Allure senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: a patented bond builder (bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate), humectants, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with damaged hair, especially overprocessed hair

Best In-Shower Treatment: Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner

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Pantene

Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner

$10

Walmart

Why we love it: Got a minute? That’s all it takes for this powerful bond repair conditioner—and Allure Best of Beauty award winner—to start kicking frizz, dullness, flyaways, and dryness to the curb. Taking inspiration from the skin-care world, Pantene’s Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner is packed with pro-vitamin B5, keratin, and vitamin E to strengthen hair from the core while adding hydration and shine back to your life. And the best part? It smells like a blooming garden, and the scent actually lingers in your hair until your next wash.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Pantene Pro-V Miracles Miracle Bond Repair Conditioner

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“If your hair, attention span, and wallet are as damaged as mine, this mask is a true triple threat. I refresh my curls with water pretty much every day, and adding this mask as a step in that process has been a game-changer. I wet my hair from my ears to the ends, add a quarter-size dollop to each side, work through, rinse out after a tight 60 seconds, and violà—you'd never know how scraggly my hair was moments before. For a $10 hair product, it truly rivals other keratin treatments on the market." —Sarah Hoffmann, Allure commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pro-vitamin B5, keratin, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with dry hair

More treatments for damaged hair we like

Best for Second Day Hair: Moroccanoil Treatment Original

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Moroccanoil

Treatment Original

$38

Amazon

$35

Nordstrom

Why we love it: It’s been around forever, but Moroccanoil Treatment Original still delivers, reviving even the driest, most fried strands. David agrees, noting, “Moroccanoil Treatment is a versatile, multi-tasking oil that adds incredible shine, hydration, and manageability to all hair types.”It’s not just about the results but also the experience. The luxurious, lightweight texture absorbs quickly, and while the signature, slightly spicy scent is strong at first, it fades to a subtle level. “It doesn’t leave any greasy residue,” says David, who often uses a small amount on his ends throughout the day to refresh his style and add a touch of shine. “It's also fantastic for taming flyaways and creating a sleek, polished look,” he adds.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, silicones, linseed extract
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with dull, dry hair who want to restore shine

Best for Frizz: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

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COLOR WOW

Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

$28

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Why we love it: If hair could wear a raincoat, Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray would be the one you trust in a downpour. The 2020 Best of Beauty Award winner is hydrophobic—yes, it actually repels water—making it a go-to for frizz that shows up the second humidity hits. By using heat-activated polymer technology, you first apply it to damp hair then once you blow-dry with gentle tension, it forms an invisible matrix that smooths and compresses each strand into a sleek, silky shape while wrapping hair in a moisture-blocking shield. “Dream Coat is that girl when it comes to blocking frizz,” says T. Cooper, a hairstylist based in New York City. “It works on every hair texture and puts a humidity-proof barrier on the hair so styles last longer,” she says. Frizz-fighting polymers smooth and seal, while glycerin and soothing botanical extracts like chamomile and calendula flowers keep hair glossy.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: chamomilla extract, glycerin, calendula flower extract
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Who it’s for: people with frizzy or dull hair

Best Detangler: Redken One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment

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Redken

One United All-In-One Multi-Benefit Treatment

$30

Amazon

$30

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Trying to walk through all 25 (!) benefits of Redken’s One United would take a while, so we’ll give you the highlights. This lightweight leave-in is all about instant manageability, starting with detangling, which matters more than it gets credit for. When knots slip apart easily, you’re less likely to tug, snap, or cause the kind of friction that leads to breakage and split ends. The formula relies on conditioning and smoothing agents to soften strands and help tools glide, while coconut oil and lactic acid support moisture and overall hair health. “This is the quickest solution when someone needs their hair to feel healthy in seconds,” says Samantha Lawrence, a hairstylist based in Seattle. “In addition to detangling, it adds softness, reduces frizz, and gives heat protection all in one step without weighing hair down,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lactic acid, coconut oil,
• Fragrance-free: no
• Who it’s for: people with frizzy or dangle-prone hair

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best treatment for damaged hair?

The best, salon-grade treatments are always going to be reserved for the hands of the pros, “meaning you’d need a cosmetologist to administer them,” explains Claire. But if you’re after at-home solutions, she says treatments for dry, damaged hair generally fall into two categories. “The first is surface-level cosmetic treatments, like hair masks and leave-in conditioners, that offer temporary shine and softness. The second is bond-building reparative treatments, like K18 Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask and Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector, which work at the molecular level to repair serious damage," she says. Remember that those reparative treatments need consistent use for long-term results, but they’re worth it for the deep restoration.

How can I heal my damaged hair?

Healing damaged hair requires consistent care, nourishing products with restorative ingredients, and healthy lifestyle habits. “At-home treatments can be just as effective, if not more so, when used properly and regularly,” says Nast. Start with a gentle shampoo and conditioner that focuses on scalp health and replenishing moisture. Incorporate a rich, deep-conditioning mask into your routine weekly to boost hydration and strength. If it’s possible, cutting back on heat styling and chemical processing is key. If you do reach for your hot tools, always prep hair with a heat protectant.

Small changes like sleeping on a silk pillowcase to minimize friction, eating a balanced diet, and staying hydrated will also help promote stronger, healthier hair. “In the case of excessive damage, you may need to consult a professional for an in-salon treatment, like a keratin treatment, which can deliver more concentrated, long-lasting results that are only available through a licensed stylist,” says Nast.

Can very damaged hair be repaired?

Yes, you can repair very damaged hair, but only to a point. The amount of improvement you see depends on the severity of the damage and the treatments you use. Extreme issues like split ends or breakage can’t be fully reversed, but the right care can make hair look and feel healthier. As David explains, surface-level damage often responds well to bond-repairing products, while more serious damage usually needs in-salon treatment.

Meet the experts

• Kelley Alvarez, a hairstylist at Tricoci Salon & Spa based in Oak Brook, Illinois
• T. Cooper, a hairstylist and founder of Major Face based in New York City
• Angelo David, a hairstylist and founder of Angelo David Salon based in New York City
• Samantha Lawrence, a hairstylist and CEO of Chromatique Salons based in Seattle
• Annie Miller, a hairstylist and founder of Nash & Co Salon based in Franklin, Tennessee
• Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon based in New York City

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best hair treatments for damaged hair, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hair stylists—many of whom have damaged hair they'd like to treat. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

Newsflash: Big, fluffy brows have been having a moment for a while now—and adding the best eyebrow growth serum to your skin-care routine can help bulk up your over-plucked, thinning, or naturally sparse brows.

Unlike other eyebrow products, brow serums are formulated with ingredients that nourish hair follicles and extend the anagen phase—the active growth stage—to help promote fuller, healthier brows. “A few of the most frequently used active ingredients include prostaglandin analogs, peptides, biotin, and panthenol,” says Angela Brimhall, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Draper, Utah. “These ingredients work together to not only promote growth but also improve the overall quality and thickness of the brows.”

Top Eyebrow Growth Serums

• Best Overall: RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, $60
• Best for Prevention: Vegamour Gro Brow Serum, $68
• Best for Grays: Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer, $68
• Best Strengthening: GrandeBrow Brow Enhancing Serum, $73
• Best Fast-Acting: NeuLash NeuBrow Brow Enhancing Serum, $85
• Best Lightweight: Nulastin Eyebrow Serum, $84
• Best Plant-Based: LashFood BrowFood Phyto-Medic Eyebrow Enhancer, $88

Whether you’re trying to bounce back from a regrettable tweezer sesh or just want to add some volume to your existing brows, there’s a serum out there for you. But keep in mind: “Hair growth takes time, so patience is key when using brow serums or other hair growth products,” says Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. These formulas also can't work miracles, so if you're suffering from, say, alopecia, then your best bet is to see a doc.

With that in mind, if you’re ready to make the best eyebrow growth serum a part of your daily routine, we’ve rounded up the best ones that help you achieve noticeable results.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Which serum is best for eyebrow growth?
• Do eyebrow serums really work?
• What actually helps eyebrows grow?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Eyebrow Growth Serum Overall: RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

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RevitaBrow

Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner

$60

Amazon

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Dermstore

Why we love it: RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, a physician-developed conditioning serum and repeat Best of Beauty Award winne), is here to rescue brows from the effects of over-grooming (looking at you, tweezer enthusiasts), harsh styling products, and environmental stressors, giving them a healthier, more youthful look. “RevitaBrow is a trusted, clinically proven formula featuring our proprietary RevitaBrow complex," says Dr. Brimhall. “It’s packed with peptides, biotin, and botanical extracts like antioxidant-rich green tea, Panthenol to strengthen and condition, and ginseng and Swertia japonica, loaded with vitamin B to protect and revitalize. Many of my patients even notice a darker, fuller appearance to their brows, which they love.”

Editor’s tip

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Begin with a fresh canvas, but keep in mind that oil-based makeup removers and cleansers can leave behind a residue that might hinder your brow conditioner’s efficacy. For the best results, thoroughly cleanse your brows to remove any lingering traces of product.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotin, amino acids, green tea extract
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: nightly
• Results: up to 8 weeks for best results

Best for Prevention: Vegamour Gro Brow Serum

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Vegamour

Gro Brow Serum

$68

Sephora

Why we love it: If you’re starting to spot the early signs of brow thinning—say, a little less density at the arch—Vegamour Gro Brow Serum is a smart way to get ahead of future hair loss. Instead of promising dramatic regrowth, it focuses on keeping existing brow hairs healthier and extending their growth stage. The formula blends hydrating humectants (such as glycerin and butylene glycol) with magnolia bark and sprout extracts to support the skin beneath your brows, which is essential for preventing further shedding. The real heavy lifters, though, are a “blend of peptides, curcumin, and red clover extract to extend the active growth phase of the hair follicle,” says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Not only does that help fortify the brows you already have, but it does so “without irritation or prostaglandin analogs that can sometimes darken the skin around the eyes,” she adds.

Editor’s tip

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If you’ve got microbladed or tattooed brows, Gro Brow Serum plays nicely with both and won’t affect the pigment or how well the serum works.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, curcumin, red clover extract, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: twice daily for the first two months; then once daily
• Results: 4-8 weeks

Best for Grays: Olaplex Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer

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Olaplex

Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer

$68 $51 (25% off)

Amazon

$68

Nordstrom

$68

Sephora

Why we love it: Olaplex made its name by repairing damaged hair bonds, so it was only a matter of time before the brand brought that same bond-building reputation to brows. The Browbond Building Serum Eyebrow Enhancer leans on a proprietary peptide complex technology, a multi-peptide blend designed to give brows a fuller, denser look. The cocktail of peptides “may support keratin production, and palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 amide has studies supporting its ability to help repigment graying hairs,” says Dr. Casey. Since graying can signal weakened follicles and a slowdown in healthy hair production, supporting pigment pathways can indirectly help keep brows looking fuller and more robust. Meanwhile, a skin-soothing complex of oat extract, vitamins B5 and B7, and hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin barrier, resulting in healthier-looking brows overall.

One caveat: “The brand’s clinical study is small—just 30 participants—and while 90% reported increased brow density, there’s no indication of how significant that increase actually was,” says Dr. Casey.

Editor’s tip

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A water-based polymer gives brows flexible, all-day shape without flaking—and the formula has just enough grip to double as a subtle brow shaper, helping hairs stay lifted and in place.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Peptide Complex Technology, polymers, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 amide, oat extract, red clover extract,
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: twice daily
• Results: 12 weeks

Best Strengthening: GrandeBrow Brow Enhancing Serum

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Grande Cosmetics

GrandeBrow Brow Enhancing Serum

$73 $58 (21% off)

Amazon

$73

Nordstrom

$73

Dermstore

Why we love it: Recommended by numerous dermatologists, GrandeBROW Brow Enhancing Serum features a standout ingredient: isopropyl cloprostenate, a prostaglandin analog. “Prostaglandins stimulate hair growth by prolonging the hair follicle's growth phase. In addition to this powerful ingredient, the serum is enriched with plant extracts that naturally support brow growth,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. Amino acids in the product also strengthen and fortify brow hairs, while hyaluronic acid conditions and hydrates, giving existing brows a fuller, healthier look. Stick with it for a few weeks, and you’ll start seeing brows bring their fullest A-game. (No wonder it's a staple in Brooke Shields' beauty routine.)

Editor’s tip

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“It’s important to note that prostaglandins can sometimes cause skin irritation or pigmentation changes,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. So, work with your dermatologist to make sure you’re not combining it with other actives that might cause hyperpigmentation.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: isopropyl cloprostenate, amino acids, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: nightly
• Results: 6-8 weeks

Best Fast-Acting: NeuLash NeuBrow Brow Enhancing Serum

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Neulash

NeuBrow Brow Enhancing Serum

$85

Amazon

$85

Nordstrom

$85

Dermstore

Why we love it: When you want fast results, multiple derms we spoke with highly recommend the NeuLash NeuBrow Brow Enhancing Serum for its innovative, peptide-rich formula. “It stimulates hair growth, enhances brow density, and improves shine, flexibility, and conditioning,” says Dr. Brimhall. “With a proprietary complex scientifically proven to boost thickness and ingredients like isopropyl cloprostenate, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins, and zinc-rich pumpkin seed and apple extracts, it deeply conditions brows. Plus, biotin to fortify and keratin to nourish and stimulate growth.” And just how quickly will you start to see improvement? “Most users see noticeable results within 30 days of consistent use, making it one of the fastest brow growth serums available,” adds Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, OH.

Editor’s tip

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“It’s worth noting that it contains sodium laureth sulfate, a potential allergen, and a synthetic prostaglandin. For those with sensitive skin, a patch test is recommended to ensure compatibility before full use,” says Dr. Brimhall.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: isopropyl cloprostenate, Dual-Weight Protein Complex®, sweet almond protein, biotin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: nightly
• Results: 4-6 weeks

Best Lightweight: Nulastin Eyebrow Serum

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Nulastin

Eyebrow Serum

$84

Amazon

$84

Dermstore

$84

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Dermatologically tested, Nulastin Eyebrow Serum is formulated with peptides and keratin molecules to support healthy eyebrow growth and make brows appear fuller. "Peptides, which are small molecules crucial for the health and life cycle of skin and hair, play a vital role in numerous regenerative processes. Widely recognized in the cosmetic industry for their versatile benefits, peptides work alongside keratin to nourish and enhance your brows," says Dr. Kazloskaya. This serum is super lightweight and absorbs quickly without residue, making it easy to layer under makeup for the day.

Editor’s tip

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Apply the product using short, upward strokes to effortlessly shape and groom your brows into place.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: elastin, peptides, keratin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: morning and night
• Results: 6-12 weeks

Best Plant-Based: LashFood BrowFood Phyto-Medic Eyebrow Enhancer

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Lashfood

BrowFood Phyto-Medic Eyebrow Enhancer

$88

Dermstore

$88

Revolve

Why we love it: Finding a clean, effective brow serum isn’t always easy, but BrowFood Phyto-Medic Eyebrow Enhancer stands out as the only Ecocert-certified, clean beauty option on the market. Formulated with the plant-powered Phyto-Medic Complex, this serum is designed to naturally nourish and support healthier, fuller brows. Key ingredients like arginine, soy protein, and lavender water work together to condition and strengthen brows, reduce breakage, and encourage steady growth over time. “I like that it comes in sustainable packaging and the ingredients have been evaluated for biodegradability and ecotoxicity,” says Dr. Brimhall. It’s the perfect combo of gentle and effective for anyone chasing cleaner beauty without sacrificing results.

Editor’s tip

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“It features camellia sinensis—green tea extract—which provides antioxidant protection, and ginseng, known for its hair-stimulating properties,” says Dr. Brimhall.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: phyto-medic complex, arginine, soy protein, lavender water
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: nightly
• Results: 4-16 weeks

Best Multitasking: Obagi Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum

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Obagi

Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum

$145

Amazon

$145

Dermstore

Why we love it: If your brows have thinned from over-tweezing, shaping, or inactive follicles, the Obagi Nu-Cil Eyebrow Boosting Serum is here to help. A key player in the brand’s innovative NouriPlex technology is “dehydrolatanoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, which appears to be present in higher amounts in this serum to help with potency,” says Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles. Dehydrolatanoprost mimics natural compounds involved in hair growth, and it’s known for helping push hairs into the active growth phase, similar to what’s used in many lash-growth serums. The formula also includes “biotin and panthenol to condition and moisturize the hair, sodium hyaluronate to keep brows hydrated, and phenethyl caffeate, an antioxidant that helps keep follicles healthy and ready to grow”—all of which create an ideal environment for fuller, denser brows, says Dr. Safaee.

Editor’s tip

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It might look like a simple spoolie, but it’s specifically designed to glide through thin and thick brow hairs to coat each follicle with serum.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotin, nouriplex technology, sodium hyaluronate, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: nightly
• Results: 8-16 weeks

Best for Sensitive Skin: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

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The Ordinary

Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum

$15

Amazon

$15

Nordstrom

$15

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that’s loaded with 11 straightforward yet powerful ingredients—like four peptide complexes and plant extracts—to keep your brows and lashes fortified and protected. “I recommend peptide-based serums like this because they stimulate follicle stem cells and minimize shedding rather than relying on hormone-like compounds,” says Dr. Kopelman. If you’re dealing with sensitive skin, ingredients such as peptides, plant stem cells, and natural DHT-balancing extracts “tend to give gradual but steady results with less irritation,” she says. The formula also combines acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and caffeine to “improve follicle anchoring and circulation, which helps hairs grow thicker and more resilient. I’ve seen excellent patient adherence with this one because it’s easy to apply and gentle for sensitive skin,” she says.

Editor’s tip

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The formula’s camellia sinensis leaf extract (green tea extract) also stimulates hair follicles, combats oxidative stress, and makes brows less prone to breakage.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sympeptide xlash complex, widelash complex, redensyl complex, camellia sinensis leaf extract
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: morning and night
• Results: 4 weeks

Best for Dryness: Babe Original Amplifying Brow Serum

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Babe Original

Amplifying Brow Serum

$29

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

$29

Revolve

Why we love it: If dry, brittle brow hairs are contributing to breakage, Babe Original’s Amplifying Brow Serum has one of the most conditioning, hydrating formulas in the brow-serum category, thanks to castor oil, biotin, chamomile, sodium hyaluronate, and vitamin E, which work together to soften brittle hairs and nourish the skin beneath them. The plush doe-foot applicator makes it easy to saturate the entire brow area—great if you’re dealing with patchy tails or uneven density. “Their product contains a small amount of isopropyl cloprostenate, which is a prostaglandin analogue similar to bimatoprost, the main ingredient in Latisse,” says Dr. Safaee. And compared with the other isopropyl cloprostenate-based serums on our list, it’s also a more budget-friendly pick.

Editor’s tip

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Because the doe-foot applicator fully saturates the brows, give the serum two or three minutes to dry before applying any other products to the brow or eye area.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: isopropyl cloprostenate, castor oil, panthenol, biotin, hyaluronic acid, tocopheryl acetate
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Application: once daily
• Results: 12 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Which serum is best for eyebrow growth?

The best eyebrow growth serums focus on key ingredients that protect existing brow hairs and stimulate new hair follicles. “Prostaglandin analogs are among the most potent options, working to lengthen the growth phase of hair. Peptides stimulate the dermal papilla cells in hair follicles to support growth and strengthen hair shafts, while biotin boosts keratin production for thicker, more resilient brow hairs. Panthenol (vitamin B5) conditions and moisturizes to prevent breakage, and castor oil, rich in ricinoleic acid, enhances circulation to the follicles, potentially stimulating growth,” says Dr. Brimhall. These ingredients help kickstart new hair growth and level up the fullness, strength, and density of your brows.

Do eyebrow serums really work?

Yes, brow serums can work, but results vary based on genetics, age, skin, and overall health. “Brow serums can effectively promote the growth of fuller, thicker brows by stimulating stunted hair follicles and nourishing existing hair shafts,” says Dr. Brimhall. However, success depends on the condition of your brows and body. For instance, regrowth may be impossible if scarring from overplucking or injuries has destroyed the follicles. Similarly, those with naturally sparse brows due to genetics or age-related slowdowns in the hair growth cycle might see more subtle results than younger individuals with healthier follicles. “Your hair, skin, and nails often reflect your overall health. If you notice significant changes in your brows, it’s worth investigating the root cause to fully benefit from any brow serum,” she says.

What actually helps eyebrows grow?

“A healthy lifestyle, staying hydrated, managing stress, and maintaining a nutrient-rich diet with proteins, vitamins, and minerals are crucial for overall well-being and can promote healthier eyebrows and hair,” says Dr. Kazlouskaya. However, she emphasizes not relying solely on lifestyle changes, as hair and brow loss can sometimes signal underlying medical conditions. “In some cases, the loss may be irreversible if untreated, or it could delay diagnosing significant issues like autoimmune diseases or chronic skin disorders. Consulting a board-certified dermatologist helps identify and address the root cause, preserving hair health and overall wellness,” she says.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology in Cincinnati, OH
• Angela Brimhall, DO, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Sage Dermatology and MOHS Surgery in Draper, Utah
• Angela Sanfilippo Casey, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Columbus, Ohio
• Viktoryia Kazlouskaya, MD, board-certified dermatologist and CEO of Dermatology Circle based in New York City
• Hannah Kopelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Kopelman Hair Restoration, based in New York City
• Maryam Safaee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Los Angeles

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 brow serums, we considered each product's performance across four primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, and texture. 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.

RUO BING LISave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Finding a lipstick that’s both high-performing and budget-friendly can feel like striking gold—but the best drugstore lipsticks prove it’s totally possible. From long-lasting mattes to hydrating satins and everything in between, we’ve tested hundreds of lipstick formulas to determine the few that deliver rich pigment and comfortable wear without sacrificing your budget. We tested each formula based on color payoff, texture, feel on the lips, and wear time, so consider this your ultimate guide to the best drugstore lipsticks to add to your collection.

Our Top Drugstore Lipsticks

• Best Overall: Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm, $10
• Best Red: Essence Makeup The Slim Stick, $5
• Best Stain: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain, $12
• Most Versatile: Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick, $9
• Best Soft-Matte: Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick, $11
• Best Long-Lasting: Kiko Milano Unlimited Double Touch, $18

Frequently Asked Questions

• What differentiates a drugstore lipstick from a high-end one?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Revlon

Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

$10

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it’s worth it: Revlon reintroduced its viral Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm with a sleek new look, but don’t worry, the formula that’s won over beauty lovers for years is exactly the same—and now it’s earned a 2025 Best of Beauty nod from our editors. One swipe instantly explains the hype: a sheer, glassy finish that catches the light beautifully while feeling weightless. And because it’s infused with hyaluronic acid and aloe, it hydrates as it glides on, leaving lips soft and smooth. The 10 buildable shades—from cult-favorite Rum Raisin to fresh, everyday nudes—prove their versatility across all types of looks, from subtle daytime to bold statements. For a drugstore lipstick that delivers luxury-level shine, comfort, and sheer, flattering color, it’s hard to beat.

Hoffman before applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffman after applying the Revlon Super Lustrous Glass Shine Balm

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

“This lipstick punches well above its price point. I won't name names, but it does remind me quite a bit of a much fancier glossy balm that I also love dearly. Revlon is always on it when it comes to their range of lip shades too—consistently nuanced and chic, which is what the drugstore girlies deserve!” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

• Finish: shiny
• Shades: 10

Best Red: Essence Makeup The Slim Stick

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Essence

Makeup The Slim Stick

$5

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Essence’s The Slim Stick snagged a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Matte Lipstick—and at just $5, it’s an extra impressive win. The formula delivers rich, velvety color without any of the dryness matte lipsticks are notorious for, and the shade range is full of deep, pigmented reds we can’t get enough of. Fall-ready Brick Red offers warm brown undertones, while Nice Spice brings a brighter, orange-red pop.

Packed with nourishing oils like jojoba, coconut, and macadamia, the lipstick glides on smoothly and feels comfortable. And despite the soft, creamy feel, the staying power is seriously impressive: During Best of Beauty trials, testers reported up to eight hours of wear with no fading.

Allure senior copy manager Leslie Lipton before applying the Essence Makeup The Slim Stick

Leslie Lipton

Lipton after applying the Essence Makeup The Slim Stick

Leslie Lipton

Tester feedback from Allure senior copy manager Leslie Lipton

“For literally pennies—well, 499 of them—this lipstick has a creamy, matte finish with the staying power of others that cost 10 times more. The velvety, saturated color (loving Nice Spice right now) goes on after my morning coffee and lasts through lunch. Plus, the skinny, angled tip makes precise application a breeze—lip liner not required. —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager

More to know

• Finish: matte
• Shades: 10

Best Stain: Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

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Nyx Professional Makeup

Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Allure former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain

Angela Trakoshis

Why it’s worth it: Nyx Professional Makeup’s Lip IV Hydrating Gloss Stain does double duty: It starts as a glossy shine but dries down to a stain-like finish, so your color sticks around well after the initial shine fades. The weightless, cooling formula glides on smoothly without any tackiness, hydrating lips with coconut water, magnesium, and vitamin B12. With 16 shades—from everyday mauves to bold reds—it’s an easy, one-swipe formula way for long-lasting, fuss-free color that works for just about any occasion.

Trakoshis before applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.

Angela Trakoshis

Trakoshis after applying the NYX Professional Makeup Lip IV.

Angela Trakoshis

Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

“The Nyx Lip IV gives that juicy, glossy look—but feels more like a serum. It’s hydrating, super comfortable, and never sticky. What I love most is how it lasts; even after the shine wears down, it leaves behind this subtle tint that kind of works like a lip stain. My favorite shade is Caramel Drip because it pairs so nicely like a nude liner, which is something I wear every day.”—Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

• Finish: glossy to matte
• Shades: 16

Most Versatile: Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

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Maybelline New York

Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

$9

Target

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Why it’s worth it: Whether you prefer a matte or satin finish, the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick delivers, but whichever you choose, your lips stay hydrated. The “serum” is a nod to hyaluronic acid and nourishing oils like jojoba and moringa seed, which leave lips with a plump, healthy look. Despite its moisturizing formula, the lipstick doesn’t sacrifice color: Both finishes deliver rich, pigmented coverage without the accompanying dryness or cakiness that many matte-leaning formulas have. The satin shades offer soft, buildable shine, while the matte shades pack intense pigment with zero gloss—think all the drama of a liquid lip without the stiffness. With 16 shades to choose from, there’s a perfect option for every skin tone (and mood!).

Wohlner before applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Wohlner after applying the Maybelline New York Moisturizing Serum Lipstick

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

“If you know me, you know I can’t stand a long-wearing matte that leaves my lips looking like the Sahara. But I do love a natural-looking matte that actually hydrates—and this one hits the mark. Shade Maybe It’s (Miley Cyrus’s favorite, by the way) is my go-to everyday nude: It lasts for hours without that dry, flat matte finish. Layer a hydrating gloss on top, and you get double the moisture and a soft, polished look that feels effortless.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

• Finish: satin, matte
• Shades: 16

Best Soft-Matte: Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick

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Milani

Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick

$11 $9 (18% off)

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: You may not think a long-wearing liquid lipstick can also be hydrating, but Milani’s Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick flips that script. Formulated with vitamin E and avocado oil, it has a lightweight, airy texture that glides on smoothly and feels flexible. However, the color still lasts for up to 12 hours and is fully transfer-proof, giving you a true matte that feels nothing like the harsh formulas of yesteryear. It’s the perfect mix of staying power, comfort, and color payoff.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick in Main Character

Sarah Han

Han after applying Milani Stay Put Liquid Lip Longwear Lipstick in Main Character

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“Milani lipsticks and I go way back, and I'm convinced the drugstore darling has some of the best formulas, period. As far as liquid lipsticks go—and I've tried my fair share—these are definitely on the more comfortable end of the spectrum, but at the end of the day, I don't expect it to be totally weightless and hydrating. I love the whipped texture and slightly softer-matte finish of Stay Put and the colors are unapologetically bold—which is what I'm here for. Like, hell yes, I'll wear Main Character and carry that energy forward.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

• Finish: matte
• Shades: 13

Best Long-Lasting: Kiko Milano Unlimited Double Touch

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Kiko Milano

Unlimited Double Touch

$18

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Kiko Milano’s Unlimited Double Touch Lipstick is the two-in-one lippie you never knew you needed. One side features a smudge-proof liquid lipstick you’ll apply as a base, and the other side features a clear gloss you can layer on top for a shiny finish. The liquid lip has a pointed applicator for drawing precise lines, while the gloss comes with a brush for effortless swiping. Beyond the convenience, it’s also seriously long-lasting. Houston-based makeup artist Rose Siard calls Unlimited Double Touch her go-to when she needs a “bulletproof” lip color that truly lasts all day. “It feels super comfortable and holds up beautifully through eating and drinking,” she says.

More to know

• Finish: matte or glossy
• Shades: 24

Frequently Asked Questions

What differentiates a drugstore lipstick from a high-end one?

According to Siard, drugstore and high-end lipsticks both have their place; the latter simply has a more elegant feel. “Drugstore formulas are easy, dependable, and great when you want to play with color without spending a lot, whereas high-end lipsticks usually feel a little smoother, more refined, and the shades tend to have more depth,” she says. An example: “Drugstore long-wearing options can last forever but may feel drier, while high-end usually focuses on comfort and a softer fade.” Packaging is another big difference: Drugstore keeps it simple, while high-end gives you that little luxury moment every time you touch up. In the end, Siard says neither is “better;” it just depends on whether you’re in the mood for something practical or something a bit more special.

Meet the experts

• Rose Siard, a Houston-based makeup artist and founder of Rose and Ben Beauty

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

The best base coats don’t just make your nail polish last longer—they can also keep your nails strong, healthy, and chip-free. A good base acts like a protective foundation, reinforcing weak or brittle nails while helping polish adhere better, so your mani stays flawless for days. It can also prevent peeling, cracking, or splitting, which is especially important if your nails are prone to damage (or if you’re a sucker for a good gel mani). Whether you’re dealing with thin, fragile nails, oily nail beds (yes, that’s a thing—more on this later), or you just want your polish to last for more than a day, the right base coat is the unsung hero that deserves a place in your DIY mani routine. To find the very best options, Allure editors tested tons and reached out to nail experts to find out which formulas they keep in their kits.

Our Top Base Coats

• Best Overall: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, $12
• Best Peel-Off: Olive & June Peel Off Base Coat, $12
• Best for Minimizing Chipping: Orly Bonder Basecoat, $13
• Best Strengthening: Nail Essentials by ASP Artificial in a Flash Super Hard Base Coat, $7
• Best Undercoat: ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment, $20

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Do you need a base coat for your nails?
• What ingredients should you look for in base coats?
• What's the difference between a base coat and an undercoat?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: OPI Natural Nail Base Coat

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

OPI

Natural Nail Base Coat

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: OPI’s 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Natural Nail Base Coat quickly became an editor favorite during testing for good reason. We found that its glossy formula not only created a flawless base for polish, but also prevented discoloration (when worn solo) and extended the life of our manicures (when applied under color). With consistent use, we noticed stronger, healthier nails, making this base coat a rare all-in-one: It strengthens, protects, extends polish wear, and delivers salon-worthy shine.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“What I like most about this base coat is that it gives you a really even coat—I just need two swipes on each nail and I’m good to go. It also dries down fast, which means quicker, less messy manicures overall.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: ethyl acetate, butyl acetate
• Best for: thin, brittle nails; extending polish wear time

Best Peel-Off: Olive & June Peel Off Base Coat

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Olive & June

Peel Off Base Coat

$12

Walmart

$12

Olive & June

Why it’s worth it: Olive & June’s Peel Off Base Coat does exactly what it promises: It allows you to peel any nail polish—whether it's gel, the intended use, or not!—off, without needing acetone. But don’t worry, your color won’t quit after day one or two. When applied just to the center of the nail (with a small border left bare), it still allows the edges of your polish to stick. When you’re ready to remove, use a cuticle pusher to lift around each nail, then easily peel the polish off. Bonus: It’s packed with glycerin to hydrate nails and prevent the drying effects that often come with gel polish and acetone. “People are going to [peel off their gels] anyway, so we might as well give them a product that’s going to prevent damage,” New York City-based nail artist Julie Kandalec previously told Allure.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“Since you don’t cure the peel-off base coat, it can be used under regular polish as well—which is how I plan to use it in the future. I found that the wear time was just a bit short for my taste when I layered the peel-off under the gel, but imagine it will come in handy for special events when I coat my nails in loads of glitter.”—Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: glycerin
• Best for: removing polish quickly and easily, keeping nails hydrated

Best for Minimizing Chipping: Orly Bonder Basecoat

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Orly

Bonder Basecoat

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Another favorite of Russel’s, Orly’s Bonder Basecoat is the one to buy if you struggle with lacquer longevity or have oily nail beds (yes, that’s a thing, she says, and it makes your polish come off quicker!). According to Russel, this formula is a rubber base coat—it’s designed to dry with a slightly tacky finish to help polish stick to your natural nails, making your mani last longer and preventing chipping or cracking. Los Angeles-based manicurist Alex Jachno likes to think of it as the double-sided tape of base coats.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: ethyl acetate, butyl acetate
• Best for: extending nail polish wear, preventing chipping

Best Strengthening: Nail Essentials by ASP Artificial in a Flash Super Hard Base Coat

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ASP

Nail Essentials by ASP Artificial in a Flash Super Hard Base Coat

$7

Sally Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If your nails are weak and brittle, nail expert Juli Russel swears by the Nail Essentials by ASP Artificial in a Flash Super Hard Base Coat. “It hardens your natural nails and adds reinforcement to help prevent breaks,” she says. Thanks to hydrolyzed keratin, a protein that penetrates the nail to strengthen and smooth, this base coat is like a mini nail rescue. When your nails are at their worst, take a polish break and apply it every morning—you’ll be back to strong, healthy nails before your next salon visit.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, hydrolyzed keratin, calcium
• Best for: thin nails that break easily

Best Undercoat: ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment

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Epres

ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment

$20

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: UV light and gel polish can damage your nails over time, causing dryness and thinning. If your nails are struggling, a strengthening base coat (hi, ASP) is key—but you can also use an undercoat (which should be applied underneath your base coat) for some extra TLC. The ePhD Bond Repair Nail Treatment is Jachno’s favorite. “Think of it as the most beneficial pre-base coat step,” she says. “It hydrates the nail bed, supports growth, and helps your manicures last longer. I’ve never used a better treatment, and I use it on all of my clients.”

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: ethyl acetate, diethylhexyl maleate
• Best for: healing nails and encouraging growth

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a base coat and an undercoat?

According to Jachno, a base coat is a “specific product designed to adhere to the natural nail and create the foundation for polish or gel.” She says base coats improve wear time, prevent staining, and support nail health. The term undercoat is a bit broader, referring to “anything applied underneath color,” says Jachno. “This can include treatment layers like nail treatments, primers, bonding treatments, and nail dehydrators used during prep,” she says. In short: Undercoats are about preparing and protecting the nail, while base coats anchor polish.

Do you need a base coat for your nails?

To get more wear out of your manicure, Russell always recommends using a base coat. “It’s literally designed to help polish stick to your natural nail,” she says—so skipping it is only doing you a disservice, especially because most base coats also promote nail health. “Some gel polishes come with the base coat built-in, so it’s optional in that case,” she adds.

What ingredients should you look for in base coats?

“Look for ingredients that support adhesion while protecting the natural nail,” says Jachno. Russell points to Polyvinyl Butyral (PVB) as a must for grip and chip resistance, while hydrolyzed keratin stands out for reinforcing weak nails. “Strengthening and conditioning ingredients like calcium, proteins, and vitamin E can help repair the nail plate,” adds Jachno.

Meet the experts

• Alex Jachno is a Los Angeles-based manicurist
• Julie Russel is a nail expert and Sally Beauty ambassador

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 best base coats, 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 board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

It takes a lot to dampen the Christmas spirit at the Teigen-Legend household. Chrissy Teigen has been going all in on giving her children fun holiday activities to do, but even the best laid plans of mice and men and multi-hyphenate moms often go awry. And for the Cravings founder, that means a (literally) sweet idea turned into a cosmetic dentistry disaster.

Teigen posted a reel to Instagram on Sunday showing her adorable kiddos “growing” candy canes, in which they “plant” peppermint seeds in crushed Oreo “soil,” and they magically grow increasingly large candy canes over the course of a few days. But something backfired as Teigen prepared the extra-large candy canes for their big reveal.

Somehow—it's not entirely clear—as she was opening the candy cane package, “My tooth fell off," she laughs, indecisively covering her mouth to hide the nub that's left of her natural tooth. “It's a veneer. I have the whole piece,” she says. “I was trying to create magic. Now I have no tooth.”

If anyone can handle this situation with humor, it's Teigen, who goes to her son's holiday recital the next day with a wonky smile—and a face mask to occasionally cover it. She then ends the reel with a casual photo shoot montage set to Bruno Mars's “Just the Way You Are.”

Instagram content

Thankfully, she didn't have to wait long to get the veneer replaced. She shared a video of herself in the dentist's chair on her Instagram stories to announce, “We are back in business, shout out to the tooth goat,” tagging Dr. Laurence Rifkin.

ScreenshotPhoto: Chrissy Teigen/Instagram

But as happy as she is about the replacement veneer, she also reminisced about the brief but glorious day she spent without it, posting a selfie with her eldest daughter and writing, “Was cool to say hi to my old tooth for a while hiiii old tooth!”

ScreenshotPhoto: Chrissy Teigen/Instagram

If she was trying to make holiday memories, she definitely succeeded—just with a little unexpected dental magic on top of the Christmas joy.

Photographed by: Giancarlos Kunhardt; Prop Stylist: Briana RengifoSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

While you're probably familiar with the benefits of retinol in your face products, investing in one of the best retinol body lotions is key in addressing uneven tone, sagging skin, and breakouts below the neck. "Retinol works exactly the same on all skin, whether it's on the face or body," says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada. However, you'll typically find lower concentrations of retinol in body-care products compared to their facial counterparts.

Those with sensitive skin may be hesitant to try any retinol at all, but we've got options for everyone. Plus, Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor in the Twin Cities, Minnesota, offers this sound advice: “When choosing a retinol body lotion, look for formulations with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides to counteract the dryness and irritation that retinol can sometimes cause.”

Our Top Retinol Body Lotions

• Best Overall: Cocokind Retinol Body Cream, $21
• Best for Crepey Skin: Frank Body Retinol Body Lotion, $25
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion, $94
• Best Scent: Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol, $155
• Best Fast-Acting: Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment, $79
• Best Lightweight: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment, $32
• Best Splurge: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound, $128

Ahead, we listed every retinol body lotion, cream, and serum that board-certified dermatologists (and our editors) swear by for skin that needs blemish-, dullness-, and crepe-reducing care.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of retinol body lotions?
• How and when should I use retinol body lotion?
• What other ingredients should I look for in a retinol body lotion?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Cocokind Retinol Body Cream

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Cocokind

Retinol Body Cream

$21 $20 (5% off)

Amazon

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Since you’re treating a much larger surface area, irritation risk scales up fast—so if you’re new to body creams with retinol, Cocokind Retinol Body Cream is a gentle place to start. It uses a beginner-friendly 0.05% retinol to help firm skin’s appearance and smooth the look of uneven tone and texture. “This lower-grade retinol mixed with nourishing, barrier-supporting ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and shea butter makes it particularly great for dry or sensitive skin,” says Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. There’s no greasiness or stickiness, so it’s easy to use consistently, which is where retinol really pays off.

Editor’s tip

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The fragrance-free formula has earned the National Eczema Association’s seal, meaning it’s less likely to trigger irritation or flare-ups.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: squalane, ceramides, shea butter
• Who it’s for: people with early signs of aging, sensitive skin, or dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: 0.05% retinol

Best for Crepey Skin: Frank Body Retinol Body Lotion

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Frank Body

Retinol Body Lotion

$25

Amazon

$25

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: When body skin starts feeling thinner, drier, or a little less springy than it used to, Frank Body Retinol Body Lotion steps in with more than just surface-level moisture. Retinol helps smooth the look of fine lines, crepey texture, and uneven tone, while niacinamide and peptides support elasticity and skin strength over time. Rich, comforting emollients—think shea and mango seed butters, macadamia oil, and rosehip oil—round out the formula to replace lipids that naturally decline as skin matures. “The mango seed butter and berry extracts not only help offset the dryness that can come with retinol, but I love how they give the formula a warm, soft scent as they treat skin,” says Dr. Reszko.

Editor’s tip

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Antioxidant berry extracts add extra defense against daily stressors, helping skin look brighter and more resilient.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, mango seed butter, shea butter
• Who it’s for: people with fine lines, loss of elasticity, or uneven skin tone
• Fragrance-free: no
• Retinol concentration: not disclosed

Best for Sensitive Skin: Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion

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Replenix

Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion

$94

Amazon

$94

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: You won’t find the exact retinol percentage on the label, but Replenix Retinol Smooth + Tighten Body Lotion does pack all-trans-retinol—a well-studied form of vitamin A that your skin converts into retinoic acid to boost collagen production and cell turnover. The brand calls its retinol “medical-grade,” which (FYI) is often industry shorthand for levels you won’t typically see in standard drugstore products, although there’s no regulation around the term. And while it’s potent, sensitive-skin types don’t need to worry: “The formula’s all-trans-retinol is encapsulated for gradual release, to minimize irritation while it brightens and firms crepey skin. Plus, it’s paired with calming edelweiss flower extract and antioxidant-rich green tea,” says Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Editor’s tip

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Got sensitive skin that’s also Sahara-level dry? This formula has you covered. “It also contains hyaluronic acid to plump and hydrate, plus ceramides to support skin elasticity and lock in moisture,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: Pwr3+ Antioxidant Complex, hyaluronic acid, biomimetic ceramide complex, edelweiss flower extract
• Who it’s for: people with crepey skin or uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: not disclosed

Best Scent: Chantecaille Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol

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Chantecaille

Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol

$155

Amazon

$155

Dermstore

$155

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: When we think of French-girl glow, we think of Chantecaille—the brand, which began as a French fragrance house, has always made everyday routines feel elegant and indulgent. The Rose de Mai Body Cream with Retinol features a velvety, fast-absorbing formula that melts into skin with a delicate, natural rose fragrance. And while the scent is dreamy, the formula works hard to smooth out dry, rough texture. “This lotion uses encapsulated retinol in botanical microspheres for controlled release, reducing irritation, and includes glycerin, shea butter, and jojoba to hydrate and soften uneven skin,” says Dr. Goldenberg. But it tackles more than dryness: “Retinol also helps clear body breakouts and fade stubborn dark spots, while the antioxidants from rose water and avocado extracts protect against new damage,” he says.

Editor’s tip

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Since retinol appears lower on the ingredient list, don’t expect overnight magic—though with that divine scent, the wait is hardly a chore.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: rose flower water, shea butter, marine extract, avocado extract
• Who it’s for: people with dry skin or uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes (natural rosewater scent)
• Retinol concentration: not disclosed

Best Fast-Acting: Murad Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment

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Murad

Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment

$79

Amazon

$79

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Nope, it’s not a typo—Murad’s Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment really does use retinal (also called retinaldehyde), the more potent cousin of retinol that works faster to deliver noticeable results. Perfect for those tricky spots prone to sagging (think arms, knees, and décolletage), it blends powerful actives with rich, skin-loving moisturizers. “The encapsulated retinal delivers more efficacy with less irritation to help lift, firm, and tighten skin, while shea butter, squalane, and avocado extract keep it deeply moisturized,” says Dr. Spearman. The lush yet quick-absorbing formula leaves skin soft and smooth over time, minus any greasy finish.

Editor’s tip

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Retinal is more potent than standard retinol, so start slow—think a few times a week—before working up to nightly use.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: shea butter, squalane, urea, avocado fruit extract
• Who it’s for: people with stretch marks, crepey skin, or cellulite
• Fragrance-free: no
• Retinol concentration: not disclosed

Best Lightweight: Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

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Paula's Choice

Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment

$32

Amazon

$32

Dermstore

$32

Paula's Choice

Why it's worth it: If you're looking for a dose of lightweight moisture, Paula's Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment won't disappoint. Dr. Liu is a fan of this silky formula because "it combines retinol with antioxidants and emollients to target both texture and hydration." Moisturizers like shea butter and grapeseed oil can feel heavy, but Paula's Choice manages to make this treatment feel virtually weightless. A sticky, greasy finish? Not a chance.

Editor’s tip

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Though it doesn't technically contain fragrance, reviewers note a light scent that seems off-putting to some.

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: shea butter, grapeseed oil
• Who it’s for: people who want fast-absorbing moisture
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: 0.1% retinol

Best Splurge: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound

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U Beauty

Resurfacing Body Compound

$128

Amazon

$128

Nordstrom

$128

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: U Beauty Resurfacing Body Compound won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award in the Splurges category for many reasons. For one, and most importantly, it pairs retinol with all of the acids your skin needs to amp up cell turnover: lactic, salicylic, mandelic, phytic, and glycolic, plus papain enzymes (extract from papaya fruit). Though it shouldn't sting or cause irritation upon application, as with all retinol products, start easy and build up usage. Plus, a boatload of conditioning ingredients, including glycerin, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E will surely soothe and soften your skin.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"I put this on my crusty, dusty feet with some Vaseline, and it works. I like the serum-y texture; it sinks into the skin nicely, and it doesn't leave a residue." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: lactic acid, glycolic acid, mandelic acid, phytic acid, salicylic acid, biomimetic peptides, papain, bioferments
• Who it’s for: people with mature, rough, or dull skin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: not disclosed

Best for Body Acne: Soft Services Software Update Performance Retinol Serum

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Soft Services

Software Update Performance Retinol Serum

$44

Sephora

$44

Soft Services

Why it's worth it: If you want a retinol treatment that's light enough to layer under your favorite hydrating body lotion, you'll love the Soft Services Software Update Performance Retinol Serum just as much as we do. This weightless, fast-absorbing formula treats your skin with a max-strength combination of 0.25% pure retinol, 5% niacinamide, and 3% glycerin to help clear clogged pores, smooth bumpy texture, and lighten post-acne marks while also firming and refining skin over time. The retinol boosts cell turnover, helping dead skin cells shed more efficiently so they don’t build up and block pores, while niacinamide calms inflammation and regulates oil to keep future breakouts at bay.

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Jennifer Hussein

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"I slather this serum all over my body nightly, and it's seriously transformed my skin. After nearly two decades of battling body acne and painful ingrown hairs, I finally have clear shoulders that aren’t spotted with post-acne hyperpigmentation." —Jennifer Hussein, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: 5% niacinamide, 3% glycerin
• Who it’s for: those seeking a lightweight, layering-friendly treatment
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: 0.25%

Best for Dark Spots: Nécessaire The Body Retinol

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Nécessaire

The Body Retinol

$62

Amazon

$62

Nordstrom

$62

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Not only is Nécessaire aesthetically pleasing—its chic, minimalist packaging will upgrade any bathroom situation—but the editor-approved The Body Retinol has the chops to earn a permanent, rightful place in your skin-care routine. The formula has one main mission: to reduce signs of aging on the body, including the appearance of fine lines, crepiness, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation. Pure encapsulated retinol (0.1%) works alongside other heavy hitters like mandelic and glycolic acid (gentle chemical exfoliators) and vitamin C (a skin-brightening antioxidant) to leave behind undeniably smoother skin.

"Vitamin C not only supports collagen synthesis, but also offers antioxidant protection against environmental damage that speeds up aging," Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio, explained in our roundup of the best body-tightening creams. This lotion also features peptides, "which strengthen the skin’s structure by aiding in collagen repair," she added.

Editor’s tip

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The scent can be polarizing due to its high concentrations of actives, but note that it wears off within a minute or so.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, vitamin C
• Who it’s for: people targeting scars, dark spots, and other concerns below the neck
• Fragrance-free: no (rosewater-based fragrance)
• Retinol concentration: 0.1%

Best Retinol Alternative: Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Collagen-Boosting Elasti-Cream

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Sol De Janerio

Beija Flor Body Collagen-Boosting Elasti-Cream

$48

Amazon

$48

Ulta Beauty

$48

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Bakuchiol gets a lot of attention as a retinol alternative, but Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Collagen-Boosting Elasti-Cream leans on a more under-the-radar option: bio-retinol cacay oil (caryodendron orinocense seed oil). Naturally rich in vitamin E, linoleic acid, and small amounts of vitamin A-related compounds, cacay oil supports smoother, more resilient-looking skin without the irritation some people get from traditional retinoids. “For people experiencing thinning and crepey skin, over-moisturizing isn’t the solution; you need a product that helps build support. Cacay oil is one of the Amazon forest’s best-kept secrets and a natural retinol alternative,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The formula also layers in vegan squalane to hydrate and prevent moisture loss, plus polypeptides to help skin look plumper and more bouncy.

Editor’s tip

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Murumuru and tucumã butters add richness without a waxy feel, while glycerin keeps skin deeply hydrated instead of sitting on the surface.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vegan squalane, polypeptides, vegan collagen
• Who it’s for: people with thinning, crepey, or sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: no (fruity-floral Cheirosa ’68 scent)
• Retinol concentration: none (bio-retinol cacay oil)

Best for Dry Skin: Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Body Butter

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Josie Maran

Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Body Butter

$42

Sephora

$42

Josie Maran

Why it's worth it: If you’re dealing with keratosis pilaris or uneven texture, don’t just moisturize and hope for the best. Though humectants certainly help, Josie Maran Pink Algae Pro-Retinol Body Butter takes the brand’s signature whipped body butter and upgrades it with pink algae-derived pro-retinol, a gentler vitamin A alternative rich in beta-carotene that helps smooth texture, improve firmness, and calm rough, bumpy skin. “It smooths texture, improves firmness, and soothes rough skin without the typical irritation you might see in retinol products,” says Dr. Reszko. Hydration comes from argan oil and squalane, while quercetin (a plant-derived antioxidant) helps boost the effects of the pro-retinol.

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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"Can this come in bathtub-sized version I could soak in? I’ve dealt with dry skin and particularly keratosis pilaris on my arms and rough, bumpy texture on my calves for as long as I can remember, and moisture alone never quite does the trick. I’m usually hesitant to use retinol all over my body because my skin is so sensitive—but this formula has never made me break out thanks to its gentle retinol alternative. The argan oil gives it an almost whipped texture, yet the hydration goes surprisingly deep. It kind of feels like magic.” —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Other key ingredients: argan oil, quercetin, safflower seed oil, shea butter, squalane, aloe
• Who it’s for: people with bumpy skin or uneven texture
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Retinol concentration: none (pink algae-derived pro-retinol)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of retinol body lotions?

"Retinol body lotions are gaining popularity for their ability to address skin concerns beyond the face, offering anti-aging, exfoliating, and smoothing benefits," says Dr. Liu. Quick reminder on retinol: It's a derivative of vitamin A that most notably accelerates cell turnover, boosts collagen production, and improves texture. "As we age, our collagen production naturally deteriorates, which leads to skin laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles," says Dr. Yadav. "Retinol stimulates skin's fibroblasts, the cells that create collagen, to help create firmer skin." This can aid in tackling neck and chest creases, which Dr. Yadav says can be notoriously challenging to treat, as well as sagging, crepey skin on areas like the thighs and arms.

Retinol can also help prevent body acne and breakouts by balancing sebum production and promoting faster cell turnover, which keeps pores from clogging, explains Dr. Yadav.

Finally, if you're dealing with discoloration or dark spots, you guessed it—retinol can help. "Retinol is what's known as a tyrosinase inhibitor, tyrosinase being the enzyme in the body that triggers the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin color," says Dr. Yadav. "Sun exposure, age, and skin injury (such as a blemish or scar) can cause hyperpigmentation." Retinol can help combat this process by helping to fade existing discoloration, whether it's sun spots on the shoulders or darker patches of skin on areas like the armpits or elbows.

How and when should I use retinol body lotion?

While most retinol body lotions tend to be milder than face treatments (with lower concentrations of retinol), Dr. Yadav still recommends starting slowly, especially if you have sensitive skin. "Retinol can be a little irritating, so I'd suggest applying once a week for a few weeks to start," she says. "Then, once you've confirmed your skin can tolerate it, increase your application cadence, following the same method until you've worked your way up to daily application."

Like the retinol you use on your face, retinol in a body lotion can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it's best to use it at night. (It's pretty much a given at this point, but it bears repeating that you should also be applying sunscreen on your body during the day to protect your skin against damage—after all, sun damage is what many of us are trying to correct with retinol, says Dr. Yadav.)

Using your retinol-infused facial moisturizer on your body may have crossed your mind—and while we appreciate the desire to be efficient, this may not be the best idea. For one, the product you use on your face is likely more potent than a retinol lotion formulated for your body, so the facial cream is likely more irritating. Also, facial moisturizers are housed in smaller packaging, which means you'd go through them too quickly if you were to use them for your entire body. Finally, retinol body lotions are often formulated alongside other hydrating ingredients, so you'll still enjoy the smooth, moisturizing benefits of a traditional body lotion (unlike a facial cream, which may not provide enough hydration for the body).

That being said, if you're looking for retinol creams for the face, we recommend the following:

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Eau Thermale Avène

RetrinaL 0.1 Intensive Cream

$68

Amazon

$68

Dermstore

$68

Ulta Beauty

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SkinCeuticals

Retinol 0.3

$80

SkinCeuticals

$80

Dermstore

$80

Bluemercury

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Dr. Dennis Gross

Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Intense Wrinkle Cream

$77

Amazon

$77

Nordstrom

$77

Dermstore

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Dr. Few

Clean Retinol

$195

Neiman Marcus

$195

Dr. Few

What other ingredients should I look for in a retinol body lotion?

As much as we sing retinol's praises, the ingredient doesn't come without its fair share of side effects, such as disrupting the skin barrier and stripping it of natural lipids like ceramides. "Ceramides act like the 'grout' between your skin cells' 'bricks' and help prevent moisture from escaping," explains Dr. Yadav. "Using a body lotion with ceramides can inhibit transepidermal moisture loss and keep skin comfortable and balanced." Aside from ceramides, seek out moisturizing plant butters like shea and cocoa, which can help "counteract the dehydrating effects of retinol, helping skin look moisturized, soft, and conditioned," she says.

Meet the experts

• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic based in New York City
• Gary Goldenberg, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Goldenberg Dermatology, based in New York City
• Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor based in Minneapolis-Saint Paul
• Anetta Reszko, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto, Canada

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 retinol body lotions, 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 board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

The best eye shadow primers could be the make-or-break step that decides whether your look stays flawless or fades before lunchtime. One quick swipe can get richer pigment out of your eye shadow and smoother blending, without any creasing or fading. Think of it as setting the stage for your makeup: Today’s formulas don’t just lock color in place, they also blur texture, even out tone, and often deliver skin-care perks like hydration or oil control, too. Whether you’re dealing with fine lines around your eyes or just want your shimmer to pop more and last longer, using the right primer can help. Keep reading for Allure editor and makeup artist picks that prove that great eye makeup doesn’t start with shadow—it starts underneath.

Our Top Eye Shadow Primers

• Best Overall: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, $28
• Best for Mature Skin: Milk Makeup Hydro Grip Eye Primer, $25
• Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer, $11
• Best for Dry Lids: Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base, $28
• Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer, $28
• Best for Discoloration: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer, $29

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Do eye shadow primers really make a difference?
• How do you apply eye shadow primers?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

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Urban Decay

Eyeshadow Primer Potion

$28

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: The Urban Decay Eye Primer Potion has been an editor and makeup artist go-to for what feels like forever. Why? “It lengthens the life of eye shadow without settling into fine lines or being too thick in texture,” Natalie Dresher, a Miami-based makeup artist, previously told Allure. It’s lightweight, with an almost serum-like consistency that spreads and applies beautifully (no buildup or patchiness here). It's not over-the-top sticky, but the tacky texture keeps whatever shadow you put on top in place and won't let go anytime soon. The Original shade (this one) is a pale, sheer translucent beige, while Eden is a matte beige and Sin is a pale, champagne shimmer. It’s also available in an “anti-aging” version that’s formulated with mature skin—think plumping peptides and brown algae—in mind. Bottom line: This is the primer for anyone and everyone.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: synthetic beeswax
• Finish: natural
• Shades: 3

Best for Mature Skin: Milk Hydro Grip Eye Primer

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Milk Makeup

Hydro Grip Eye Primer

$25

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Totally invisible, Milk’s Hydro Grip Eye Primer is like double-sided tape for eye shadow and won’t settle into fine lines. “It has a thinner formula, so it’s easy to blend on the delicate eyelid area,” says Pittsburgh-based makeup artist Patty Bell. “It will lock your eye makeup into place for eight hours, and it has hyaluronic acid to add moisture and offer a blurred effect to the lid.” It’s also made with blue agave, for some great grip, and niacinamide and aloe for an extra hit of hydration. Bell even says it can be used under the eyes as well to help prevent your concealer from creasing. If that’s not a true multitasker, we don’t know what is.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, blue agave, niacinamide, aloe
• Finish: invisible
• Shades: 1

Best Drugstore: Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer

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Nyx Professional Makeup

Nyx Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer

$11 $10 (9% off)

Amazon

$11

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Another favorite of Bell’s, Nyx Professional Makeup’s Ultimate Shadow & Liner Primer punches well above its price point. The lightweight formula glides on effortlessly and blends out in seconds, making it nearly foolproof to apply. It comes in four skin-like shades—so good, we’ve worn them solo as cream shadows—that help neutralize veins and discoloration while softly blurring the lids for a smooth, even base. Thanks to a boost of vitamin E, it also delivers hydration, keeping that dry, chalky look at bay all day long.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 4

Best for Dry Lids: Nars Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

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Nars

Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

$28

Kohl's

Why it’s worth it: Nars’ Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base is the kind of behind-the-scenes product that makes every eye look better. The sheer formula disappears on contact, creating a light, barely-there layer. “I love that it grips without feeling heavy or interfering with any shadow I layer on top,” New York City-based makeup artist Nick Barose previously told Allure, adding that it’s been his go-to for decades because it “just lets the color shine.” Antioxidant-rich rice extract and sea whip extract help hydrate and protect the delicate eye area, so it wears more like skin care than traditional makeup (no dryness in sight!). If you want longer wear, cleaner blending, and shadow that truly pops, this primer quietly does all the heavy lifting.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice brain oil extract, sea whip extract, beeswax, mica
• Finish: natural
• Shades: 1

Best for Oily Lids: Too Faced Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer

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Too Faced

Shadow Insurance 24-Hour Eyeshadow Primer

$28 $19 (32% off)

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If there’s a Too Faced palette in your makeup stash (and let’s be real—there probably is), the brand’s Shadow Insurance Eye Primer is the secret to making those shadows (and all others) work harder. Made with oil-absorbing silica, it blurs and tamps shine down, so your lids aren’t creased by lunch. The silky, colorless formula melts seamlessly into any skin tone, instantly smoothing the lids and creating the perfect canvas for shadow to grip onto. The result? More vibrant color, easier blending, and significantly longer wear. It’s also waterproof, to prevent fading and smudging—even in high humidity or rain. We can’t speak to its 24-hour wear time claim, but it has lasted us through 12-hour days, so we think it’s up for the challenge.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silica
• Finish: invisible
• Shades: 1

Best for Discoloration: Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer

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Laura Mercier

Eye Basics Primer

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Available in two shades, the Laura Mercier Eye Basics Primer is a must-have for neutralizing discoloration. The light blue shade counteracts purple and pink tones to cover redness and veins, while the peach shade brightens and corrects sallow-looking skin. Once applied, your lids are perfectly even and ready for shadow, keeping powders and creams exactly where you want them. Plus, this concealer doubles as a treat for your skin, with aloe to soothe and hydrate, lanolin acid to lock in moisture, and safflower seed oil to nourish without feeling heavy.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe, lanolin, safflower seed oil
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Do eye shadow primers really make a difference?

Yes, eye shadow primers give you the best color payout from your eye shadows and make your looks last longer without creasing or melting off, says Bell. “They give you a clean canvas to work with, so they’re a great way to start out your makeup routine.” She also says that tinted primers (like the Laura Mercier one on this list) are great if you have discoloration on your eyes. “They even out the skin tone and can even correct dark lids or cover up veins.”

How do you apply eye shadow primers?

Bell says the best way to apply eye shadow primers is with your fingertip. “Apply a small amount to a clean lid and let it dry before your eye shadow application,” she says. If you want to use a small brush, that’s totally okay, too—but the heat of your fingertips may help the product adhere to the lid more. “Once it’s on, it’ll grab on to your shadow and lock it into place,” Bell adds.

Meet the experts

• Natalie Dresher is a Miami-based makeup artist
• Nick Barose is a New York City-based makeup artist
• Patty Bell is a Pittsburgh, PA-based makeup artist

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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