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

Bedtime doesn’t wait for perfect conditions. If you’re trying to rest on a long-haul flight or in a noisy, too-bright environment, the best sleep masks can help fake the feeling of a cozy, tranquil bedroom—making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. In general, “it’s best to sleep in a dark room,” says Jose Colon, MD, an adult and pediatric sleep medicine physician based in Florida. “If you have blackout shades, that’s great, but they’re not always practical.” He adds that city-dwellers may find it especially hard to block light from their bedroom, and that trying to sleep soundly in the summertime (when the sun sets later) can be tricky if you like to hit the hay on the earlier side. “In those situations, a sleep mask can be a helpful way to block out light and create a darker sleep environment,” Dr. Colon notes.

Our Top Sleep Masks

• Best Overall: Manta Original Sleep Mask, $39
• Best Light-Blocking: Mzoo Sleep Mask, $17
• Best Noise-Reducing: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask, $65
• Best for Eyelashes: Slip Contour Sleep Mask, $79
• Best Budget: Quince Sleep Mask, $20

Beyond better sleep, certain sleep masks can offer perks for your skin, too. Just like with silk pillowcases, sleep masks made with silk or satin act as a smooth surface for the delicate eye area so you don't wake up with those tell-tale pillow creases on your skin. As New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD, previously told Allure, "silk and satin are extremely soft materials, so they cause less friction between the skin and the fabric." As a result, you’ll wake up feeling and looking more refreshed and bright-eyed. Forget counting sheep: These editor- and expert-approved sleep masks are all you need to drift off to dreamland.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is it healthy to sleep with a sleep mask?
• What is the best type of eye mask for sleeping?
• How do I choose the right sleep mask?
• Meet the experts
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Manta Original Sleep Mask

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Manta

Sleep Mask

$39

Amazon

Why we love it: Manta’s machine-washable Original Sleep Mask is designed to keep most sleepers comfortable, calm, and sound asleep through the night. “It is highly customizable, offers full blackout, and [has] cups over your eyes that allow you to open your eyes without the mask rubbing your lashes,” says Michael Breus, PhD, a California-based clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist, noting that he considers it his favorite sleep mask out there.

That customizability extends to the mask’s adjustable elastic head strap and eye cups, which slide along the length of the mask to better match the actual distance between your eyes and ensure a closer, comfier fit. The deep, moldable eye cups not only prevent friction on your lids and lashes, as Dr. Breus noted, but they also reduce the pressure on your eyes overall—so you won’t wake up with fuzzy, bleary vision or dents around your eyes. Strictly a side sleeper? In that case, Dr. Breus recommends the Manta Pro Mask; its sides are thinner and less bulky, so they lie flat against the sides of your head.

More to know

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• Fabric: modal fabric, polycotton, polyester velour
• How to clean: machine-wash, air-dry flat
• Adjustable: yes
• Best for: back sleepers, combination sleepers

Best for Travel: Mzoo Sleep Mask

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Mzoo

Sleep Mask

$17

Amazon

Why we love it: For complete, total lights-out, consider Mzoo’s Sleep Mask. Its memory foam eye cups contour to the shape of your face and provide supportive, dense cushioning without adding pressure or heat; if you’re a hot sleeper, rest easy knowing that the foam is perforated to ensure steady airflow all night long. It comes in five cute colors (black, grey, blue, purple, and pink) and doesn’t put pressure on your temples—side sleepers, rejoice! The included earplugs and carrying pouch make it a great option for the lucky ones who are able to sleep on planes.

And, with its patented light-blocking design, this mask can keep your entire sleep schedule on track (for less than $20, to boot). As Allure previously reported, too much light at bedtime can suppress your body’s melatonin production, which makes it harder to wind down and feel sleepy. It can even disrupt your circadian rhythm (a.k.a. your internal clock) after you’ve fallen asleep.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I've only ever lived in New York or Los Angeles, which means I only know a sleeping environment with a truly incredible amount of light beaming through my window. For the longest time I avoided blackout curtains because I love some dappled sunlight during the day, so this Mzoo Sleep Mask has been my saving grace. I bought it in the dead of night, fittingly, because I couldn't sleep. I love that it's soft and (synthetic) silk, and crucially for me, there are punched-out eye holes so my lashes don't get smooshed. I currently don't have eyelash extensions, but I always hated the feeling of my lashes being flattened against other eye masks. The other thing this mask is particularly good at is the adjustment band—there are two (important!!) adjusters to tighten or loosen, which means that the fit is nice and firm. This means the mask has a better chance of actually staying put all night. Hello, uninterrupted sleep.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Fabric: synthetic materials, memory foam
• How to clean: hand-wash; air-dry
• Adjustable: yes
• Best for: city dwellers, travelers, anyone who goes to bed early or in a bright room

Best Noise-Reducing: Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask

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Lunya

Washable Silk Sleep Mask

$65

Amazon

$65

Revolve

$65

Lunya

Why we love it: Thick and incredibly soft, the Lunya Washable Silk Sleep Mask blocks light and noise in one fell swoop. The strap doesn’t taper until it reaches the back of your head, so the same material that blankets your eyes goes over your ears, too. Unlike other options on our list, this mask doesn’t have molded eye cups—instead, it’s ultra plush all over, which may make it more effective at reducing light. (The brand recommends a darker color for your mask if you want more light-blocking benefits—although the seasonal prints might make it tough to choose.) FYI: While its head strap is stretchy, it isn’t adjustable. Instead, you can choose between two mask sizes (small and large) to find a good fit.

More to know

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• Fabric: mulberry silk
• How to clean: machine-wash; air-dry flat
• Adjustable: no, but it comes in two sizes
• Best for: anyone who needs more peace and quiet to fall asleep

Best for Eyelashes: Slip Silk Contour Sleep Mask

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Slip

Silk Contour Sleep Mask

$79

Amazon

$79

Nordstrom

$79

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Slip’s Contour Sleek Mask is made of the same ultra-smooth mulberry silk as its best-selling pillowcases, so trust that it’ll feel cool and soft on your skin. But it isn’t just easy on the delicate area around your eyes—it’s gentle on your lids and lashes, too. Slip made this mask specifically with eyelash extensions (and anyone who’s prioritizing long, healthy lashes) in mind, so the inside is contoured to give your eyes plenty of space and prevent it from pressing directly against your eyes (and, in turn, crushing your lashes). Don’t stress about letting light in, though: The cushy, molded eye cups still sit flush against your brow, temples, and undereye area, which will keep you in the dark (literally). This mask only comes in one size and it isn’t adjustable, but it’s available in over a dozen colors and prints, which Slip is always updating with the seasons and trends.

More to know

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• Fabric: mulberry silk
• How to clean: hand-wash; air-dry
• Adjustable: no
• Best for: folks with eyelash extensions, anyone who wants to avoid eye pressure

Best Budget: Quince Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

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Quince

Mulberry Silk Beauty Sleep Mask

$20

Quince

Why we love it: You can’t put a price on a good night’s sleep, but if you’re looking for a more luxurious snooze that won’t break the bank, Quince’s Sleep Mask is a dreamy upgrade that clocks in at $20. Its cool-to-the-touch silk slides (and never snags) over skin, while its lightly cushioned design cradles your head. Plus, silk isn’t as absorbent as other fabrics, like cotton, so your nighttime skin care products will stay on your face rather than seeping into your mask. One thing to note: This sleep mask’s interior isn’t contoured, so it’s best if you only need moderate light-blocking. The silk-wrapped elastic head strap prevents creasing in your hair and pressure from building around your eyes, but keep in mind that it isn’t adjustable.

More to know

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• Fabric: mulberry silk
• How to clean: machine-wash; line-dry
• Adjustable: no
• Best for: anyone seeking hotel-quality sleep for less

Frequently asked questions

Is it healthy to sleep with a sleep mask?

There’s no medical reason not to wear a mask to bed, Dr. Colon says. Just make sure it still feels comfortable after hours of wear, he says—otherwise, it could end up disrupting your sleep more than helping it. And remember to wash it regularly and replace it if it starts to lose efficacy (say, if its strap gets stretched out or the inner padding breaks down), Dr. Breus notes.

What is the best type of eye mask for sleeping?

The best eye mask is the one that fits well (it shouldn’t slip or slide around on your head) and feels comfiest for you, according to Dr. Colon. But there are some general features you can look out for to separate the meh options from the exceptional. For one, the more coverage the mask provides, the better, Dr. Breus says. Blocking out as much light and interference as possible will help you fall asleep and stay asleep more easily. For another, molded eye cups can reduce uncomfortable pressure and enhance the mask’s fit.

How do I choose the right sleep mask?

Make sure the mask works with your sleeping position. Side sleepers, for example, may want to avoid designs with too much bulk around the sides, since they can put pressure on the temples. Those featuring adjustable straps can help the mask stay put if you tend to toss and turn. And if you run hot, Dr. Breus recommends looking for options made with cooling, breathable materials like silk. And remember that you may need to try out a couple of different masks before you find a fit and feel that works for you, but it’ll be worth it when you find the one that genuinely improves your shut-eye.

Meet the experts

• Michael Breus, PhD, a California-based clinical psychologist and clinical sleep specialist affiliated with Sleep Foundation
• Jose Colon, MD, an adult and pediatric sleep medicine physician based in Florida

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Nicole Kidman, can you see the red carpet at the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles? I'm only asking because the star's curtain bangs are so long, they're practically obscuring her vision! (In a chic, bombshell way, of course.)

Kidman, who appeared in and produced the Emmy-nominated series Margot's Got Money Troubles, hit the red carpet wearing some seriously major bangs with her off-the-shoulder, feathered white dress. Her strawberry blonde hair was pulled loosely up and back so the bangs could play the starring role of her hairstyle, and they definitely earned that moment in the spotlight!

As a classic pair of curtain bangs are wont to do, they split in the center to let a bit of her forehead peek through, with even portions of hair on either side. One side was brushed to partially fall over one eye for that ever-glamorous peekaboo effect. The rest of her Emmys look was soft and sweet, with delicate pink shades on her cheeks and lips and a few strokes of liner and mascara to define her blue eyes. Everything about her Emmys look feels playful: a white sheath dress with a cheeky ruffled shoulder, an updo that isn't one bit stuffy, and bangs that fall where they want to in just the exact right spot. Can you give out an Emmy Award for Best Bangs on the Red Carpet? If you could, Kidman would be a shoo-in.

Getty Images

Now, Kidman often has bangs, and she wears them all sorts of ways: long and brow-brushing, full and fluffy, wispy, even a subtle tribute to mall bangs. But there's something about a set of curtain bangs that feels so “movie star magic" on the red carpet. They're flirty, charming, romantic, and most of all—fun! Oh, and now I want to cut curtain bangs too.

More news to know:

• The Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 Emmy Awards? You Decide
• Selena Gomez's Mermaid Waves at the 2026 Emmys Just Keep Flowing
• Zendaya Debuted Her New Pixie Cut at the 2026 Emmys

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For as long as Allure editors have been weighing in, one unpopular opinion has lingered: There is no significant difference in the application performance of different types of mascara wands. Whether it's spoolie-like bristles or silicone spikes, uniform size and shape, or swirling like a spiral, the formula itself is what’s to blame for clumping. But never say never: It turns out there’s a mascara wand that actually makes a huge difference—it's just not the one that comes with your mascara, and it looks nothing like it either.

What is lash painting?

For years, savvy makeup artists have been using lash fans, also known as mascara fan brushes, on notoriously tricky bottom lashes, and now they’re taking to social media to share the concept of lash painting. “If you hate bottom-lash mascara, it's because most wands deposit a ton of product,” Rose Siard of Rose and Ben Beauty says. A lash fan completely changes the game by giving you more control over mascara application. Instead of loading up your brush, simply dip the brush onto the sides of the wand to pick up just enough product. “This is something pros use all the time, and obviously, it's a lot more hygienic because we can clean it afterwards,” whereas a mascara wand needs to go straight back in its tube.

Instagram content

Begin at the base

Makeup artist Kate Talbert, who also posted about lash painting, suggests starting at the base of the lashes because “this is going to give them a little bit of a tightline effect, so it's going to add some definition,” plus, it ensures even separation. You won’t miss any spots, too, because the fanned bristles help catch every lash.

Top it off

Siard also notes that, beyond bottom lashes, this kind of brush is great for hard-to-reach spots along the upper lashes, such as the inner corners. “You have a lot more control because you have length,” she says, referring to the mascara fan’s long, skinny handle. For an extra dose of fluff and volume, Talbert holds her usual mascara wand vertically and lightly brushes through her lashes.

Shop the technique

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Bdellium Tools

730 Bent Lash Fan

$14

Amazon

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Kevyn Aucoin

Angled Fan Mascara Brush

$33

Bergdorf Goodman

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Melt Cosmetics

99 Mascara Fan Brush

$23

Amazon

$23

Nordstrom

If you’re tempted to give lash painting a try, Talbert is using the Bdellium 730 Bent Lash Fan, which costs just $14. Our editors are also quite fond of the Kevyn Aucoin Angled Fan Mascara Brush for its dual-tip applicator. For extra application control, we suggest the Melt Cosmetics 99 Mascara Fan Brush because of its angled tip.

“Does it take an extra two, three seconds? Maybe, not really," Talbert says. “But it's 100% worth it.”

To get the most out of your lash fan, Allure editors recommend the Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler to lift and prep the lashes before application. And if you accidentally overapply, the Tweezerman Folding I-Lashcomb separates and removes any excess mascara.

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Shu Uemura

Iconic Eyelash Curler

$28 $24 (14% off)

Amazon

$29

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tweezerman

Folding I-Lashcomb

$14

Amazon

$15

Nordstrom

$15

Ulta Beauty

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Lacy Redway must have opened a time capsule from 40 years ago and pulled out a still-working crimper, because the lead hairstylist on Christian Siriano’s spring/summer 2027 show has fully reimagined what this distinctly dented texture could look like for a modern runway. The result, dubbed the “enchanted crimp,” is part sleek, part ridged, and considerably more sophisticated than the crimped looks we’ve seen cycling through the beauty-trend pipeline before.

The key: Most of the hair isn’t crimped. “Once the hair is flat-ironed, we use a crimper to create these ridges along the hair,” Redway tells Allure of the middle-parted style. “And depending on how long your hair is, you might have different sections, but they're all going horizontally across the hair.” So, on the models, those sections appear almost like bands of pronounced, corrugated texture laid across otherwise perfectly straight sheets of hair, tucked cleanly behind the ears.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

The two-texture effect and deliberate lack of volume are what separate the enchanted crimp from the fluffy, fully crimped looks that come to mind when you think of how crimpers were used in the ’80s. Instead of making crimping the entire hairstyle, this technique treats it almost like an accessory. The smoothness remains the dominant texture, while the ridges provide little flashes of dimension whenever the hair moves.

Photo: Getty Images

There’s also considerable emphasis on shine. Hair was prepped with Tresemmé A-List Collection All-In-One Style Primer and Extra Hold Mousse, then blow-dried smooth using both flat and round brushes. Redway selectively applied hairspray before crimping. She then brushed Bonding Oil through the hair to give it the glossy finish that so beautifully complemented Siriano’s ethereal ensembles.

Photo: Getty Images

Although Redway doesn’t necessarily expect people to try to precisely copy the look in everyday life, she’s confident that this show will spark simpler translations. “I think we might see girls doing it like how you’d put a barrette in your hair, like just doing a crimp on each side of their head.”

The enchanted crimp isn't about fully resurrecting an old-school style. It's about letting a little texture wander into an otherwise very polished look—and knowing when you’ve hit your crimping quota.

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

Featured in this article

Anthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarAnthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarRead more$98

Anthropologie

Tatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent CalendarTatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent CalendarRead more$280

Ulta Beauty

Maison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday CalendarMaison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday CalendarRead more$140

Nordstrom

L'Occitane Prestige Advent CalendarL’Occitane Prestige Advent CalendarRead more$155

Nordstrom

Revolution Beauty Makeup Advent Calendar 2026Revolution Beauty Makeup Advent Calendar 2026Read more$65

Amazon

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty WonderlandCharlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent CalendarRead more$220

Charlotte Tilbury

Elizabeth Arden 12 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarElizabeth Arden 12 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarRead more$90

Nordstrom

Launching September 14, 2026: Beekman 1802 Kindness Café Advent CalendarBeekman 1802 Kindness Café Advent CalendarRead more$199

Beekman 1802

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

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

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

• Anthropologie The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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  Anthropologie

  The 24 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $98

  Anthropologie

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

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

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

• Tatcha 12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar

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  Tatcha

  12 Ways to Love Your Skin Advent Calendar

  $280

  Ulta Beauty

  $280

  Sephora

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

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

• Maison Margiela Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar

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  Maison Margiela

  Replica 7-Day Holiday Calendar

  $140

  Nordstrom

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

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

• L'Occitane Prestige Advent Calendar

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  L’Occitane

  Prestige Advent Calendar

  $155

  Nordstrom

  Why I love it: Wherever you or your loved ones may be, this L'Occitane Prestige Advent Calendar invites its recipient to experience a piece of Provence, France, where the brand's roots lie. There, you'll find bounties of almond trees and lavender plants that power many of L'Occitane's beloved skin-care and body-care products. This stacked lineup—filled with dryness-soothing formulas such as the Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, Almond Milk Concentrate, and Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum—is more than ideal for ushering in the colder months.

  The star product: There's an average shower…and then there's a shower using the L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, which transforms from a luxe oil to a silky foam. Not only will your bathroom smell like a spa—think a comforting, warm blend of almonds and vanilla—your skin will benefit just as much as the rest of your senses. "By the time I step out of the shower and into my robe, my skin feels like satin," a former staffer attested.

• Revolution Beauty Makeup Advent Calendar 2026

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  Revolution Beauty

  Makeup Advent Calendar 2026

  $65

  Amazon

  $65

  Ulta Beauty

  Why I love it: What's better than a wallet-friendly beauty brand? An even more wallet-friendly advent calendar, obviously. Revolution Beauty's set rings in at just $65 (no price increase from 2025—we love to see it!), and with 24 products total, that means each comes in at less than $3 a pop. You can replace your entire makeup routine, or share the wealth with your makeup-obsessed sisters and nieces. This colorful lineup stretches from lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, and setting powder to makeup tools such as sponges and heart-shaped powder puffs. Glam time is a go.

  The star product: If the Jelly Blush looks a little familiar, your eyes aren't tricking you. Whether you've a die-hard fan of that other brand's formula or haven't bounced around the idea of trying jelly makeup, let this delightful lip and cheek stain convince you to dab, blend, and be on your popsicle-stained, dewy-flushed way.

• Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland

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  Charlotte Tilbury

  Charlotte's Hollywood Beauty Wonderland Advent Calendar

  $220

  Charlotte Tilbury

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

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

• Elizabeth Arden 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

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  Elizabeth Arden

  12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $90

  Nordstrom

  Why I love it: Elizabeth Arden is skin care that means business—and by business, we mean seriously soft and plump skin. After all, we use the terms “iconic” and “icon” very sparingly (copy team, hear that?), but a product like the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant deserves the accolade. First launched in 1930, we've written about the deeply moisturizing (and Best of Beauty-winning) salve more times than I can count on two hands. Editors in chief and flight attendants, among many others, have given it heaps of praise. Alongside the all-rounder cream, you'll find five full-size products (like the Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick) and three travel-size products (hey, White Tea Original Eau de Toilette).

  The star product: I know I just gave Eight Hour its flowers, but the Advanced Gold Ceramide Capsules and Retinol HPR Ceramide Capsules deserve shoutouts all the same. Not only are they extra-travel-friendly for holiday trips home, but they're also already portioned out, so you can squeeze and apply without a second thought—especially useful for those nights you feel so tired you can barely lift up your arms to brush your teeth. (Just me?)

• Launching September 14, 2026: Beekman 1802 Kindness Café Advent Calendar

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  Beekman 1802

  Kindness Café Advent Calendar

  $199

  Beekman 1802

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

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

• Launching September 15, 2026: Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar

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  Benefit Cosmetics

  The Hotel Beneville 24-Day Advent Calendar

  $168

  Sephora

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

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

• From the 2025 Archives: L'Oréal Paris 24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar

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  L’Oreal Paris

  24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar

  $150

  Amazon

  Why I love it: Anyone who hasn't lived under a rock their entire life knows that L'Oréal Paris is one of the best drugstore beauty brands around—but that doesn't stop us from exploring (and buying) the brand's holiday offerings. This cute, Parisian-themed 24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar is stocked with tried-and-true faves such as Lumi Glotion, Telescopic Mascara, and Revitalift Triple Power Cream, because skin care and makeup go hand-in-hand—and this gift knows it.

  The star product: It's, of course, the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist Spray. True to its name, it's so fast-acting that you get budge-proof makeup protection in just three seconds. Richards says her makeup held up every day all summer long, which is saying a lot since we're based in New York City.

• From the 2025 Archives: Drybar House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

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  Drybar

  House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

  $99

  Amazon

  Why I love it: Drybar came in hot last year (literally) with its first advent calendar, aptly named the House of Blowouts. Complete with all the styling products you could possibly need (detanglers, heat protectants, and finishing sprays—gang's all here), and then some, this gift is bound to make someone's year. And priced at just under $100, it's not too hard on the wallet either.

  The star product: I call the duo that is the Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner “glossy hair goals.” Despite the deeply moisturizing, frizz-minimizing abilities of vegan keratin, neroli oil, and murumuru butter, they never weigh down hair. Even better, they leave your hair smelling delicious, too, with gourmand notes of coconut, amber, and vanilla.

• From the 2025 Archives: Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar

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  Dr. Barbara Sturm

  Advent Calendar

  $560

  Amazon

  $560

  Nordstrom

  Why I love it: Dr. Barbara Sturm is the kind of luxury brand we pine for all year round, but especially when its value-filled advent calendar drops. Outfitted in velvet green, this skin-care treasure chest has so many goodies that even the Grinch would grin at such a sight. Prepare to be prepared for whatever winter and the new year bring because you'll be well-equipped with various face creams (original, rich, and glow), as well as all of the serums your skin needs at any given moment—see: Hyaluronic Serum, Clarifying Serum, and The Better B Niacinamide Serum. Radiance, bottled over and over.

  The star product: I don't know about you, but come the post-summer months, my skin looks, well, dull. Sure, I slather on hefty doses of hydrating serums, but sometimes my skin needs a little extra boost. Enter: Glow Drops, a versatile, light-reflecting serum that can be mixed in with a moisturizer for a subtle, all-over glow, patted over makeup as a highlighter, or slathered on alone for maximum payoff. A fun touch? The bottle is decorated with a limited-edition snowflake design. Très cute!

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

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Keywordsshoppingadvent calendarsgift ideasgift guidesHolidayChristmasRead MoreShoppingThe 37 Best Luxury Beauty Gifts, Because You’re Fancy and You Know ItGo on, make someone's year.37 slidesBy Angela Trakoshis and Sarah HanNO RETURNS33 Best Practical Gifts That Are as Chic as They Are FunctionalThe best kind of present is one they'll actually use on the reg.33 slidesBy Sarah HanShopping42 Unique Gifts for People Who Have EverythingLet us help you do the (nearly) impossible.42 slidesBy Sarah Han and Annie BlackmanNORDY KNOWSThe 23 Best Nordstrom Gifts of 2024, According to a Shopping EditorJust sayin'!23 slidesBy Angela TrakoshisMAKE IT PERSONAL31 Best Personalized Gifts That Are Oh So ThoughtfulPrepare for "aww's" all around.31 slidesBy Jennifer HusseinMakeup8 Best Lip Stains That Look Fresh All DayMoisture meets pigment in these long-lasting formulas.By Sarah HanShopping12 Best The Ordinary Products for High-Performance Beauty on a BudgetThe beloved skin-care brand is known for its straightforward formulas and affordable price points.By Christa Joanna LeeMakeup9 Best Foundations for Oily Skin for a Fresh, Never-Greasy FinishPut excess shine in its place—without losing your natural glow.By Christa Joanna LeeShopping11 Best Wrinkle Creams For Smoother, Plumper-Looking SkinWhen used consistently, these potent formulas seriously firm skin and keep moisture loss at bay.By Deanna PaiShopping9 Best Split-End Serums to Soften and Smooth Frayed HairThe only permanent fix is a trim, but these temporary solutions can instantly smooth frayed strands.By Lily WohlnerShopping5 Best Sleep Masks for Uninterrupted SnoozesMeet the silky-soft options that make it easier to drift off.By Sarah MadausMakeup8 Best Waterproof Mascaras That Can Outlast AnythingWe're crying tears of joy—without streaks or smudging.By Marie Lodi

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

With nearly 200 years of beauty history behind them, the best Guerlain products are practically shorthand for very fancy French beauty. Founded in Paris in 1828, Guerlain began with perfume and eventually branched out into makeup and skin care, becoming one of the few beauty brands that have endured for generations while continuing to evolve with the times.

Case in point: Météorites, the pastel powder pearls that became a Guerlain signature in the ’80s and now come in a pressed powder format, and Rouge G, the refillable lipstick housed in a redesigned case that could easily pass for jewelry. Fragrance is still a huge part of Guerlain’s DNA, with historic scents like L’Heure Bleue finding new life through modern reinterpretations. Ahead, we’ve gathered the Guerlain icons—plus a few newer favorites—that prove nearly two centuries later, the brand still knows how to make beauty look, feel, and smell a little more special.

Our Top Guerlain Products

• Out of the Blue: L'Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum, $145
• Do a Double Take: Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum, $250
• Lasting Impression: L’art & La Matière Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21, $660
• Sealed With a KissKiss: Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick, $40

Out of the Blue: L'Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum

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Guerlain

L'Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum

$145

Guerlain

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Guerlain L’Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Guerlain isn’t simply pulling its 1912 classic out of the archives for the new L’Heure Bleue Eau de Parfum. This contemporary interpretation takes the original’s iris-and-vanilla pairing in a fresher, lighter direction, inspired by the fleeting “blue hour” when daylight fades but night hasn’t quite arrived. It starts off cool, clean, and airy, with hints of juicy pear and citrusy neroli, before becoming softer and more floral. At its heart is a custom-developed iris tincture—an aromatic extract made by soaking dried, powdered iris rhizomes, or the plant’s underground stems, in alcohol, almost like steeping tea. This gentler alternative to heat-based distillation gradually draws out the iris’s fresh, green, and subtly woody qualities, rather than emphasizing only the powderiness typically associated with the flower. As the fragrance settles on skin, vanilla, musk, and ambroxan add cozy warmth without making it overly sweet.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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"This airy iris scent has become a staple in my fragrance rotation since I first tested it back in May. The majority of my collection is made up of gourmand fragrances, so I was taken by surprise in the lab when I got my first sniff of L'Heure Bleue and was immediately attached. Typically, I find iris fragrances to be too powdery for my tastes, but the ozonic accord brings a distinct lightness that really opens up the scent. Plus, when I get whiffs of the jasmine, vanilla, and pear, as I wear it throughout the day, I can't help but stop and sniff. During the day, I get an easy eight hours of wear time, but it lasts even longer when I spritz it on my clothes or pillows. I even gave my notebook a few spritzes four months ago, and the scent has barely faded from the pages!" —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key notes: airy ozonic accord, pear, neroli, iris tincture, iris butter, jasmine, vanilla, ambroxan, musks
• Sizes: 1 fl. oz, 1.7 fl. oz., 3.4 fl. Oz.

Do a Double Take: Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum

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Guerlain

Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum

$250

Guerlain

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum tackles multiple concerns for aging skin (like wrinkles and laxity) with two separate formulas, which are housed in a dual-chamber bottle and dispensed together with each pump. The “renew” side uses glycolic and lactic acids, plus the gentler PHA gluconolactone, to gradually whisk away dulling dead skin, while white honey extract adds another boost of radiance. The “repair” side of the serum helps skin look firmer and more resilient with the brand’s proprietary Blackbee Repair Technology and mineral-rich honeys sourced from remote islands known for their protected ecosystems. Guerlain ferments those honeys with 10 microorganisms—a controlled process involving hundreds of tiny biological reactions—to create additional compounds that the brand says give skin a tighter, more lifted appearance.

Even with exfoliating acids in the mix, the formula doesn’t skimp on moisture: Glycerin and hyaluronic acid draw water into the skin, squalane and meadowfoam seed oil soften, and oat extract helps soothe. Together, the two formulas take a comprehensive approach to both early and more established signs of aging, targeting uneven texture, dullness, fine lines, and loss of firmness.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“This isn’t my first rodeo with dual- (or even triple-) chamber serums, yet every time I always find the concept so genius. Guerlain’s Abeille Royale Double R Renew & Repair Advanced Serum is basically like getting two full serums in one, with the added bonus that it takes the guesswork out of figuring out which actives work well together. And while the video simply doesn’t capture the texture, trust me: It’s incredibly airy and lightweight. You can practically see it disappear into my skin the second I smooth it on, without leaving behind even a trace of stickiness. Still, my perpetually dry skin feels thoroughly pampered afterward. I’m also very sensitive-skin-prone, and nothing in the formula sets mine off, including the added fragrance, which I’m usually wary of (in this case, it smells subtly sweet and very chic). I’ll need more time to see what it can do for my skin’s resilience—mine has been feeling especially thin and vulnerable lately after a bout of inflammation from another product—but the luxe, weightless texture makes this the kind of serum I’ll have no trouble sticking with long enough to find out.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycolic acid, lactic acid, gluconolactone, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, meadowfoam seed oil
• Fragrance-free: no

Lasting Impression: L’art & La Matière Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

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Guerlain

L’art & La Matière Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

$660

Guerlain

Silva applying the Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: You might assume the “21” in Guerlain’s L’Art & La Matière Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 refers to its concentration or launch year, but it’s actually the number of days for which the house cold-soaks vanilla pods in alcohol to create its signature tincture. That extra time draws out sides of vanilla you won’t find in your average gourmand perfume: It’s still creamy and sweet, but also spicy, woody, faintly smoky, and even a little leathery.

The fragrance is an extrait made with a potent 30% fragrance concentrate. (For comparison, an eau de parfum typically contains around 10% to 20%, so this higher concentration gives the scent a richer feel and lasts longer on skin.) The fragrance celebrates vanilla’s place in Guerlinade, the house’s olfactory signature: a recurring palette of bergamot, rose, jasmine, iris, vanilla, and tonka bean that gives many Guerlain scents their recognizable warmth and soft sweetness. Here, vanilla takes the lead, while warm spices keep it from feeling overly saccharine. Opoponax—a balsamic resin—adds ambery depth, and musk leaves it feeling soft and skin-like. If you love vanilla, this is the polished, grown-up version you’re looking for.

Tester feedback from Silva

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“Guerlain's Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 is a vanilla fragrance like no other. The musky gourmand is a sexy, mysterious confection that turns heads no matter what room you're in. But the unique blend isn't even the most standout element; it's wear time. Fragrances typically don't last long on my skin; I usually get between 4 and 5 hours before needing to reapply, but I get at least 12 hours with this scent. I'll apply two spritzes to my wrist that I dab on my neck and a few to my clothes and hair, which last all day. I'll catch a whiff from my wrist every so often, and it adds a little bounce in my step. Not to mention, the bottle's intricate craftsmanship makes it a standout in any perfume cabinet. The woven golden rope on the bottle's neck and the brand's signature G and bees around the bottle are my favorites. Each bottle is fully customizable, moving it into heirloom status in my eyes. It's certainly a splurge, but if it's in your budget and you love compliments, this one is for you.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director

More to know

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• Key notes: vanilla planifolia tincture and absolute, bergamot, pink pepper, coriander, patchouli, opoponax, musk
• Size: 1.7 fl. oz.

Sealed With a KissKiss: Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick

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Guerlain

Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick

$40

Guerlain

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Since launching in the ’90s, Guerlain’s KissKiss lipstick has had a few makeovers, but this year’s version may be its most practical yet: The gold case is slimmer and, for the first time, refillable. The formula got an update, too, pairing rich color and a softly blurred matte finish with minimal transfer—without leaving lips feeling dried out. That comfort comes courtesy of honey, beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly, plus shea butter, ceramides, sunflower oil, and rosehip oil, which help lips stay smooth and soft. Alongside the honey scent, notes of orange blossom and vanilla leave behind a subtle fragrance with every swipe—a small touch that makes application feel that much more luxurious.

Pai before applying the Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Kiss Kiss Honey-Infused Refillable Lipstick

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Pai

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"I'll start with the first impression: The packaging is sleek and chic, and slim enough that I can throw it into the tiniest bag if needed. But the lipstick itself is—not to be dramatic—a revelation. I usually reach for tinted lip balms for the sheer convenience (pun intended) but have found that a brighter, more pigmented color better brightens my face and makes me look pulled together. And dang, does this give me everything I want: It has a balmy feel that lasts for hours, and the color makes me look polished without feeling fussy. I haven't put it to the kiss-proof test just yet, but I don't even care: It's good enough to become a regular in my lip rotation." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: honey, beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, shea butter, ceramides, sunflower oil, rosehip oil
• Shades: 20
• Fragrance-free: no

Stand Corrected: Météorites Compact Mattifying & Setting Pressed Powder

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Guerlain

Météorites Compact Mattifying & Setting Pressed Powder

$75

Guerlain

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the Guerlain Météorites Compact Mattifying & Setting Pressed Powder

Katie Gunderman

Why we love it: Guerlain’s candy-colored Météorites spheres have been setting, correcting, and illuminating complexions since 1987; now, the iconic multicolored pearls come in a more travel-friendly compact. Each palette includes four color-correcting shades that blend together into a sheer, natural-looking veil, with a finish that skews more matte and blurring than the famously luminous pearls. Mica and boron nitride give it its silky, light-reflective slip, while oil-absorbing silica and cornstarch control shine without zapping all the dimension out of the skin. (Squalane, meanwhile, retains moisture, so it won’t cause dryness or tightness for anyone who wants to mattify.) The lightweight powder softens the look of pores, fine lines, and uneven texture while setting makeup with a transfer-resistant, second-skin finish. Swept over foundation, it can also refresh its color and extend its wear, essentially giving makeup a second wind without piling on another layer of base.

Gunderman before applying the Guerlain Météorites Compact Mattifying & Setting Pressed Powder

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman after applying the Guerlain Météorites Compact Mattifying & Setting Pressed Powder

Katie Gunderman

Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“I have been reaching for this powder every single day. It mattifies, it blurs, and it last all day. What else could I ask for! Oh, it also smells amazing and is a great size to pop on your purse if you like to touch up. It looks smooth on the skin and I love using it with a big fluffy brush for a veil of powder across my T-zone.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mica, boron nitride, silica, cornstarch, squalane
• Shades: 4
• Fragrance-free: no

Smooth as Satin: Rouge G Satin Lipstick

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Guerlain

Rouge G Satin Lipstick

$44

Guerlain

Lee applying the Guerlain Rouge G Satin Lipstick

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Leave it to Guerlain to design a lipstick case that doubles as something you’d happily flash like jewelry. Though the original Rouge G debuted in the 1950s, the lipstick took on the form we recognize today in 2009, when Guerlain enlisted a Place Vendôme fine jeweler to design its sculptural case, complete with a cleverly concealed double mirror. In recent years, the brand gave the icon another glow-up with redesigned gold cases that are refillable and lighter than their predecessors, plus 40 shades across satin and velvet-matte finishes. (One catch: The latest refills aren’t compatible with older cases.)

The 2025 Allure Best of Beauty-winning Rouge G is just as noteworthy inside, gliding on with rich color and a creamy feel, thanks to squalane, jojoba esters, sweet almond and sunflower oils, rice bran, and beeswax. Sodium hyaluronate helps lips hold on to moisture, while Guerlain’s exclusive Lily-Oleo Extract—a blend of lily flower extract and sweet almond oil—enhances the pigments for a vibrant finish. It’s lipstick, lip care, and objet d’art wrapped up in one very chic package.

Lee before applying the Guerlain Rouge G Satin Lipstick

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Guerlain Rouge G Satin Lipstick

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“My dry, sensitive lips have a bad habit of making lipsticks pill, so believe it or not this was my first time trying Guerlain’s iconic Rouge G Satin Lipstick—and I’m kicking myself for waiting so long. It feels surprisingly balmy going on, with the kind of smooth, creamy glide I usually associate with a tinted balm. The difference is the color payoff: Where most balms leave behind a sheer wash, Rouge G has the opaque pigment of a true lipstick, so I get full-on color without any dry, heavy feeling. And yes, the mirrored case is as fancy as it looks, but it's also really practical for touch-ups on the go.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba esters, sweet almond oil, sunflower, rice bran, beeswax, sodium hyaluronate, lily flower extract, sweet almond oil
• Shades: 26
• Finish: satin
• Fragrance-free: no

Set the Mood: L’art & La Matière Customizable Scented Candle

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Guerlain

L’art & La Matière Customizable Scented Candle

$165

Guerlain

Silva lighting the Guerlain L’art & La Matière Customizable Scented Candle

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: Few things can change the mood of a room as quickly as lighting a candle: The soft glow makes everything feel cozier, while the fragrance can help you unwind, perk up, or mentally transport yourself somewhere else. Guerlain takes that small pleasure one step further with a candle you can design yourself. Start by choosing one of the six refillable, faceted glass jars—each finished with brushed-gold accents and Guerlain’s signature bee—then pair it with your preferred scented-wax insert. Options include Vanille Planifolia, a warm, ambery vanilla; the fresh, citrusy Bergamote Fantastico; and seven other floral, woody, or spicy fragrances. You can even have the jar engraved. You can even have the jar engraved, so no one can conveniently forget who this very fancy candle belongs to.

Tester feedback from Silva

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“There is no better compliment than guests walking through your front door and saying, ‘Your home smells incredible! What is that?’ For me, it's all thanks to Guerlain’s L'Art & La Matière Scented Candle. About an hour before company arrives, I light my midnight blue jar in the scent Rose Centifolia and it transforms my home into a rose garden. The candle has an impressive 45-hour burn time, and you only need to light it for about two hours to get the full impact. If florals aren’t your thing, the Figue Azur is a delightful sweet fig and woody mix, or the Vanille Planifolia is a go-to for gourmand lovers. There are nine interchangeable scents to customize for any jar; you can’t go wrong!” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Number of scents: 9

Sweet Relief: KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

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Guerlain

KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

$43

Guerlain

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Guerlain’s KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm is the result of the humble lip balm getting the full luxury treatment. It adds a sheer, glossy tint without needing a mirror to apply, while its buttery texture keeps dry lips comfortable. Guerlain doesn’t stop the bee theme at the packaging: The formula contains honey to soothe and nourish, beeswax for a smooth glide, and propolis, which teams up with hyaluronic acid to make lips look softer, smoother, and subtly plumper. Shea butter adds another layer of moisture, helping the balm deliver all-day hydration. There’s also eosin, a pH-responsive pigment that plays up your natural lip color for a personalized flush.

Han before applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“As much as I love (and will always love!) my color-packed lip stains, sometimes it's clear that my lips need a hydration-focused formula. (Hey, lip lines and flaking!) The KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Balm helps my lips look as smooth, plump, and glossy as they possibly can be—without actually using a lip plumper or gloss (both of which I'm not a fan of and rarely use). While I wish the color range was more varied, I will settle for generous layers of Blossom Glow (a rosy peach), which add *just* enough pigment for my liking. Another bonus? The gorgeous gold packaging makes me want to keep the product always in sight so that I may actually remember to reapply throughout the day—and I do!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: honey, beeswax, propolis, hyaluronic acid, shea butter, eosin
• Shades: 8
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

Everett Collection / Warner Bros. PicturesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I should say at the outset that I am on Nicole Kidman’s side. Always have been, always will be. We all have our movie star. The one who would be our best friend if only we could chain her to the radiator until she loved us. For me, it’s Nicole. That said, could also be Sandra Bullock. I’m not picky.

Put another way, I’ve been waiting for Practical Magic 2 since the Dolby Sound insignia rolled on Practical Magic.

So the other day, with a genuine thrill, a gallon of popcorn, and my 17-year-old daughter, I went to see the sequel at the least moody place on earth: The Grove in Los Angeles. Outside, legions of women in pastel Alo yoga tops photographed candy-colored smoothies in this Potemkin Village of an outdoor mall. Inside, we were whisked away to a world of rain and candles and velvet and creepy houses and stormy, witchy gloom. (The movie itself is terrible but that’s not the point; I still loved it in every way.)

And then our heroines walk onscreen. Heaven. I mean, the hair! The bodies! The linelessness! Or, depending on your point of view: The extensions! The surgery! The Botox! I have come to realize that one woman’s heaven is the internet’s garbage dump.

In case you missed the haters, the argument goes roughly like this: Kidman, 59, and Bullock, 62, look too good. Too young. Not enough sag. There have been 28 years between the two films, but in the narrative of the fictitious Owens sisters, only about 10 years should have passed. Which means the actors who played Bullock’s daughters in the originals are now too old to plausibly play college-ish. So new actors were cast as the kids, and the same actors play the adults, and the world wide web lost its fact-checking mind. How could someone in her seventh decade pretend to be 40-whatever? Suddenly their beauty was an affront.

To the haters—you know who you are, but in case you don’t, if you think you might be, you are—I have a few questions: Have you ever used concealer and been called a liar? Swiped on mascara and felt the cold sting of accusing fingers? Worn self-tanner and been denounced a fraud?

Fine. New rule. Every time you put on your Spanx you have to wear a disclaimer across your torso: “The following has been modified from its original version. It has been formatted to fit this .”

My point is that we have arrived at a fake (and highly specific) moral high ground that determines what’s okay. Creams, gels, ointments, healthy living: Cheers to you, Meryls of the world! Scalpels, stitches, suction tubes: character flaws. These vitamins have been approved by the public, those injections have not. Give up pasta, take your peptides, do a HIIT class every day, and spend $800 on a serum made from the tears of a Balinese orchid, and we marvel. We nod our heads and ask for links. But one syringe too many and it’s The Scarlet Letter. A for Allergan.

While we’re on the subject of feminism, because duh, we are: Is a 60ish year-old woman who looks ohmygodsoinsanelygorgeous inspiring or intimidating? Is she furthering the cause of feminism because, fuck it, why should an older woman be put out to pasture? Or is she betraying the sisterhood of wiry hair, crepey skin, and lost waistlines?

At what age does wanting to look good stop being self-care and become a crime against feminism? Why are we threatened by beautiful older women regardless of how they came about their beauty? And, sorry for all the questions but here’s another: Who is on the judgement committee? Because I have some questions about their qualifications.

(Also, not for nothing, but if you think that Kidman and Bullock look unnatural, can I gently point out that you’re watching a movie about wine glasses that fling themselves to the floor, doors that spontaneously splinter into pieces, and cups of tea that stir in their own sugar? But Bullock’s lack of crow’s feet is where you draw the line?)

Like I said, I’m on their side. Bullock’s skin is rose petal smooth. Kidman’s arms are as taut as climbing rope. This is not the sound of someone who is threatened; it’s the sound of someone taking notes. The world in which turning 50 means allowing yourself to slide into a life of puff-sleeve tops and low expectations is gone. Why not accept it, even embrace it, as I have? And why stop at 50?

Maybe I’ll grab the 10lb weights in my next HIIT class. Perhaps I’ll actually use the serum that’s been in its box since forever. Could even try microblading. And when 60 comes for me, I might buy myself a new bikini. I think Nicole would approve.

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If you’re human, you’ve most definitely dealt with a bump on your eyelid at least once in your life (and if you’re not human, then, like, wow—thanks for being an Allure fan). Eyelid bumps are a part of life, whether they appear around your eyes, your lash line, your waterline, or on your actual eyelid. Typically, most eyelid bumps and lumps, like acne, milia, and styes, are totally harmless and go away on their own with at-home treatments. But the keyword here is most.

Surprisingly, there’s a whole world of eyelid bumps out there that, although uncommon, can require medical intervention. So before you chalk up your red, swollen eyelid to an easy-breezy stye, make sure you’re aware of the other possibilities and know what to look out for on your own face. To help you out, we chatted with three board-certified dermatologists about what causes a bump on your eyelid, how to treat each type, and how to prevent them from coming back.

Meet the experts:

• Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ.
• Arash Akhavan, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City.
• Adam Friedman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Washington, DC.

In this story:

• Stye
• Pimple
• Milia
• Skin tags
• Warts
• Tumors
• How do you prevent eyelid bumps?

Stye

What is a stye?

“A stye is a painful bump that occurs along the follicles of your eyelash region,” says Arash Akhavan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Dermatology and Laser Group in New York City. Styes are, by far, the most common type of bump you may get on your eyelids, and they pop up when “an occluded tear duct gets blocked by dead skin cells, keratin, and oils,” says Adam Friedman, MD, a Washington, DC-based board-certified dermatologist. They can happen to anyone at any time, but they occur most often when you irritate your eyelids. “I see a lot of styes from people who wear fake eyelashes, since they can irritate the oil glands and allow bacteria to grow,” says Karan Lal, MD, a double board-certified pediatric and cosmetic dermatologist in Scottsdale, AZ.

What does a stye look like?

A stye looks like a red, swollen, and painful bump at the base of your eyelashes or just inside the eyelid. If the stye is large enough, the surrounding area may be swollen and inflamed as well.

How to treat a stye

Styes typically clear up on their own within a few days to a week, but if you want to speed up their healing time, try warm compresses (i.e., a washcloth soaked in warm water and wrung out) for 10 minutes at a time. "Warm compresses soften and widen the pore to allow the blockage to pass,” says Dr. Friedman. “You can also take anti-inflammatories, like Motrin, to help decrease inflammation and swelling,” says Dr. Lal.

Pimple

What is a pimple?

Just like with a stye (and most eyelid bumps), a pimple is caused by an oil gland getting blocked by a mix of skin cells, oil, and keratin, creating inflammation within the follicle. Pimples can technically occur anywhere on your body, but when it comes to your face, they’re more likely to pop up around the cheekbone and eyebrow area, rather than on the eyelid or lash line itself.

What does a pimple look like?

Pimples can look like, well, pimples—white-tipped bumps, flesh-toned clogged pores, and inflamed cystic acne. But let’s be clear: “True pimples are not common close to the eyes,” says Dr. Akhavan. “Typically, it’s going to be a stye or one of the other more traditional eyelid bumps.” (You might need your dermatologist's help identifying if you actually have a pimple near your eye.)

How to treat a pimple

If the pimple is near your eye area—but not directly on or around your eyelids—you can dab on your usual acne products, like a gentle salicylic-acid spot treatment (we like Murad Deep Relief Acne Treatment) and/or a medicated pimple patch (like Peace Out Acne Healing Dots). If the pimple is on your eyelid or lash line, either treat it like a stye with warm compresses or leave it alone and allow it to heal on its own. If it hasn’t gone away within a week, or it’s grown more inflamed, head to your dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Milia

What is milia?

Milia are firm, light-colored bumps that commonly occur around the eyes and cheeks. Milia is created when dead skin cells (keratin) get trapped under the skin and harden, causing a small bump that never comes to a head.

What does milia look like?

Milia tends to look like whiteheads, which is why they’re so often mistaken for acne. The main difference? “Milia are never inflamed,” says Dr. Akhavan, meaning they won’t get red like acne or a stye. “They’re just dome-shaped, non-inflamed bumps filled with keratin. There’s no pus or inflammation or bacterial component.”

How to treat milia

Sorry, but most milia will need to be removed by your dermatologist, who will make a small nick in the skin and push out the hardened keratin lump. Milia seem poppable like a pimple, but they truly aren’t. The skin covering milia is thicker, and the bump inside is solid, so trying to pop milia is like trying to push a marble through your shirt: pointless. If you don’t want to head to the derm, you can try treating small milia with topical retinoids, like adapalene, which will work to slowly resurface the top layer of your skin and eventually clear the bump.

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Skin tags

What are skin tags?

Skin tags are fleshy overgrowths of skin that are completely harmless and benign, aka non-cancerous, says Dr. Akhavan. They’re incredibly common in all humans, but they’re especially prevalent in areas of friction, like under your breasts, in your armpits, in the folds of your neck, and around your eyes. “Rubbing and friction is the recipe for skin tags,” says Dr. Lal. Skin tags can be genetic (thanks, mom), but they’re also associated with PCOS, obesity, and diabetes—all of which can affect your growth hormones, says Dr. Lal.

What do skin tags look like?

“Skin tags are usually fleshy growths extending out from a little fibrous stalk,” says Dr. Lal. They’re often darker than your natural skin color and can look like a wart or mole, which is why [professional] diagnosis is so important when it comes to treating eye bumps. “It really does take a trained eye,” he says.

How to treat skin tags

To get rid of a skin tag safely, you need to see your dermatologist (please don’t risk your eyesight with an at-home skin-tag remover from the internet). If the skin tag is small, your doctor can freeze it off and destroy the cells with liquid nitrogen. If the skin tag is thick and large, your derm may just numb the area and snip it off instead. Don’t worry—both options sound intense, but they’re quick and only sting for a few seconds max.

Warts

What are warts?

Warts are raised bumps that can occur anywhere on your body, including your face and eyelids. “All warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is super common and contagious,” says Dr. Lal. “Once you scratch a wart and get it into your nails, you can transmit to another area on your skin.”

What do warts look like?

Here’s where it’s a bit tricky: Warts come in a ton of different shapes and sizes depending on where they are on your body. They can be flat like a mole, or super-raised like a skin tag. But in general, “warts have a cobblestone appearance that just looks wart-like,” says Dr. Lal.

How to treat warts

Because warts can look so similar to moles and skin tags (two bumps that should never be self-treated, especially near your eyelids), and because they’re also highly contagious, you’ll need to see your dermatologist for help. “We typically freeze warts or cut them off,” says Dr. Lal.

Tumors

What are tumors?

A tumor is a mass of abnormal tissue growth that can be malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous). Yes, “tumor” sounds scary, but even a mole is technically classified as a tumor, so don’t freak. Though the majority of tumors and growths on your body end up being benign, they still need to be evaluated and biopsied by your dermatologist to rule out anything suspicious. That’s why we keep recommending you see a doctor for any eyelid bumps that aren’t going away.

What do tumors look like?

Anything, really. Tumors can look like a mole, a fluid-filled cyst, a pimple, milia, or a skin tag. “If you have a bump that bleeds easily or that’s actively growing, get it checked out because it could be skin cancer,” says Dr. Lal.

How to treat tumors

Because there are so many different types of tumors and growths, there’s no single answer for how to treat a tumor. But typically, your doctor will take a skin biopsy, which may involve numbing you and shaving off the growth as a first — and potentially final! – step.

How do you prevent eyelid bumps?

“The cause of most eyelid bumps—like milia, pimples, and styes—tends to be some kind of inflammation or chronic irritation,” says Dr. Akhavan. “The top of the follicle will get clogged, and the keratin will get blocked in, which can also lead to inflammation.” Unsurprisingly, good skin-care habits are the best prevention against most forms of eyelid bumps. “The skin cells are super sticky around your eyes, so they’re more likely to ball up if they get irritated,” says Dr. Lal.

Both he and Dr. Akhavan advise against using super-thick and heavy products around your eyes (bye, slugging), and to thoroughly remove any makeup and wash your face every night. “In my experience, bumps are mostly caused when people repeatedly don’t wash off products and fall asleep with makeup,” says Dr. Akhavan. So even though you can’t magically change your genetics or ward off all eyelid bumps for the rest of your life, you can start double cleansing at night to minimize your chances. And remember: If you see something, say something—to your dermatologist. Risking your eyesight is never worth the laziness of not making an appointment.

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Selena Gomez has been a faithful member of Team Bob for quite awhile now; when I think of her, I think of her with collarbone-length hair, if not shorter. But for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, the star—whose series Only Murders in the Building is nominated for Outstanding Comedy Series—showed off some major mermaid-esque length alongside her glimmering golden gown.

I always love when a celeb pairs a very opulent or dramatic red carpet look with more casual hair, which is what Gomez did for the 2026 Emmys. Her strapless Louis Vuitton dress was a dream of a gown, made up of countless gold pailettes, and instead of going full updo or Hollywood glam, Gomez and hairstylist Renato Campora opted for flowing mermaid waves that felt nearly to the top of her hip. Her dark hair was parted subtly in the center and styled in easy, effortless, I-just-got-done-with-a-dip-in-enchanted-waters waves with tons of soft texture and lots of body.

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It's honestly surprising to see Gomez with such long, lusciously wavy hair, given that many of her most notable red carpet hairstyles of the past few years have been more on the sculpted side. (Need we remind you of the ultra-tight, sleek bun she wore for her bestie Taylor Swift's wedding rehearsal dinner?) The contrast between the relaxed, sea siren waves and the statuesque gown is a really fun one, and feels like something her character Mabel Mora might be into too. It remains to be seen if Only Murders will take home a trophy tonight, but Gomez is already a big winner in our (beauty) book.

More glam news to know:

• The Best Beauty Looks at the 2026 Emmy Awards? You Decide
• Crimped Hair Got a Sleek Makeover at New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2027
• Emma Stone's Hair Is Suddenly So Long

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TL;DR:

• What it is: Four of Dime Beauty Co.’s skin-care products, each ready to tackle a different concern of your choice
• What it does: Get straight to work on whatever’s currently at the top of your skin-care agenda
• Who it’s for: All skin types!

I have the basics of my skin-care routine covered: cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen, repeat. It’s when I think about what I’d actually like my skin care to do that things get personal.

That’s what I like about this month’s Member Choice from Dime Beauty Co. You get to choose from four targeted formulas based on what feels like the missing piece in your routine.

There’s Luminosity Eye Serum, which hydrates the delicate undereye area with aloe while targeting the look of dark circles and puffiness with caffeine. Super Firm Serum is all about tighter-looking skin with peptides, while TBT Serum takes aim at signs of aging and uneven texture with firming peptides and smoothing niacinamide. And when the concern is more short-term, Acne Spot Treatment lets you zero in on blemishes with salicylic acid.

Think of it like filling an open position in your skin-care routine.

Dime Beauty Co. Luminosity Eye Serum, Super Firm Serum, TBT Serum, or Acne Serum is in the September Allure Beauty Box.

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DIME Beauty Co. Luminosity Eye Serum, Super Firm Serum, TBT Serum, or Acne Spot Treatment

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