SPORT

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools

Best Makeup Tools of 2021 Makeup Brushes Hot Tools Skin Care Device Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Jacq Harriet; Fashion Stylist: Herin Choi; Hair: Eric R. Williams; Makeup: Mariko Herano; Models: Laura at Elite, Cory at New Pandemics, Aalyah at IMG

It is no surprise that beauty tech is ever-evolving, but we continue to be blown away by the tool innovations we find each year during our Best of Beauty Award testing process — and this year's winners are no exception. Flatirons and curling irons are fancier and more intuitive than ever, offering the ability to meet a wide range of hair textures and styling needs. Updated makeup tools have made it a whole lot easier to recreate all of your saved TikTok looks, and applying false lashes is now nearly foolproof.

We don't know what we'd do without trusted beauty professionals, but time at home has turned many of us into skilled makeup artists and hairstylists. With this year's lineup of tools, all of which rightfully earned the coveted Best of Beauty Award seal, your artistry is about to be leveled up like never before.

Among the winners there is an incredibly lightweight blow-dryer from Drybar that smooths any hair texture without leaving your arms sore. There's also Glamnetic XoXo's Vegan Magnetic Lash, which eliminates the need for glue and a steady hand. And while many other brands have tried to steal the spotlight, we're giving Shu Uemura's iconic eyelash curler yet another win — because, well, there's just no duplicating it.

There's so much to be excited about. But focus your attention for a second on all of the top tools below that stole our hearts. When you're done, click over to see the full list of this year's 2021 Best of Beauty winners. Prepare to be wowed. —Nykia Spradley

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • T3 Aire Brush Duo on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/28

    Hot Tools (Brush Dryer): T3 AireBrush Duo

    The T3 AireBrush Duo has two interchangeable brushes, five heat settings, and three different speeds, which adds up to sleekness and volume in one pass.

    $180

  • Drybar Reserve Ultralight AntiFrizz BlowDryer on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/28

    Hot Tools (Blow-Dryer): Drybar Reserve Ultralight Anti-Frizz Blow Dryer

    If you think the airy, ergonomic design of Drybar Reserve Ultralight Anti-Frizz Blow Dryer ups your bathroom's Insta game, just wait till you see what it does for your hair.

    $285

  • GHD Max Styler on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/28

    Hot Tools (Flatiron): GHD Max Wide Plate Styler

    The sensors in the GHD Max Wide Plate Styler monitor heat 200 times per second to keep it at the perfect hair-smoothing (but not hair-damaging) 365 degrees.

    $219

  • CHI Spin N Curl Compact Matte Black on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/28

    Hot Tools (Curling Iron): CHI Spin N Curl Compact

    The rotating barrel of the CHI Spin N Curl Compact does all the work, producing big, bouncy curls at the push of a button.

    $100

  • Kristin Ess Beach Waves 1 Curling Iron on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/28

    Hot Tools (Curling Iron): Kristin Ess 1" Curling Iron

    For shorter styles, the slim Kristin Ess 1" Curling Iron gives bobs, lobs, and pixie cuts a generous serving of tousled texture.

    $50More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a man wearing a lime green suit with a smokey purple eyeshadow look in front of a purple backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Eyes
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
  • Trademark Beauty Babe Waves on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/28

    Hot Tools (Waves): Trademark Beauty Babe Waves

    Place the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves against your hair to sculpt perfect mermaid ripples. The three ceramic barrels leave an undulating impression — effortlessly.

    $59

  • Y by Yusef Cushion Paddle Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/28

    Hairbrush (Paddle): Y by Yusef Cushion Paddle Brush

    The airy cushion and ball-tipped bristles of the Y by Yusef Cushion Paddle Brush deliver luxurious shine and a blissful scalp massage.

    $20

  • Manta Healthy Hairbrush on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/28

    Hairbrush (Paddle): Manta Healthy Hairbrush

    For fragile hair, the supremely flexible Manta Healthy Hairbrush molds to the shape of your palm and scalp, reducing tension to prevent damage.

    $30

  • Conair Hairbrush Advisory Frizzy Hair BlowDry Porcupine Round Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/28

    Hairbrush (Round): Conair Hairbrush Advisory Frizzy Hair Blow-Dry Porcupine Round Brush

    The Conair Hairbrush Advisory Frizzy Hair Blow-Dry Porcupine Round Brush polishes roots and sculpts our ends into a full-figured curve.

    $16

  • Goody Total Texture Oil Infused Detangler on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/28

    Hairbrush (Detangler): Goody Total Texture Oil- Infused Detangler

    The Goody Total Texture Oil-Infused Detangler distributes a light veil of oil as you brush, so bristles glide without snagging and knots practically undo themselves.

    $10

  • Kitsch Dual Edge Brush Comb on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/28

    Hairbrush (Edge Styler): Kitsch Dual Edge Brush and Comb

    The Kitsch Dual Edge Brush and Comb has soft nylon bristles on one side and a mini comb on the other so you can lay down baby hairs and get artsy with your edges.

    $6

  • Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Hair Pick on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/28

    Hairbrush (Hair Pick): Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Hair Pick

    We've combed through the competition. Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross Hair Pick is The One for fluffing, shaping, and elongating tight textures.

    $9

  • NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/28

    Skin Device: NuFace Trinity

    NuFace Trinity uses metal spheres to channel low-level current to facial muscles, painlessly zapping skin into a tighter, smoother, more toned-looking state.

    $339More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
    • Three side by side images of a man wearing a lime green suit with a smokey purple eyeshadow look in front of a purple backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Eyes
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
  • Merit Brush No. 1 on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/28

    Makeup Brush (Foundation): Merit Brush No. 1

    Densely packed and slightly angled, the bristles of the Merit Brush No. 1 cozy up to your bone structure, buffing away streaks from hairline to jawline.

    $30

  • Laruce LR105 Short Shadow on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/28

    Makeup Brush (Concealer): Laruce LR105 Short Shadow

    The airy tips of the Laruce LR105 Short Shadow blur shadows and fine lines under your eyes. The curved head hugs nostrils and navigates the base of any blemish.

    $28

  • ZARA Beauty Large Powder Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/28

    Makeup Brush (Powder): Zara Beauty Large Powder Brush

    Insanely soft and feathery, the Zara Beauty Large Powder Brush skims the face and diffuses powder for the sheerest-possible coverage.

    $18

  • Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/28

    Makeup Brush (Contour): Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush

    Apply the fanlike bristles of the Patrick Ta Major Sculpt Contour Brush to the contours of your face and ta-da! Cheekbones you never knew you had.

    $35

  • Sephora Collection PRO Blush Brush 96 on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/28

    Makeup Brush (Blush): Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96

    Compatible with liquids, creams, and powders, the fluffy Sephora Collection Pro Blush Brush #96 swirls pigment over the apples and builds color along the cheekbones.

    $30

  • Sigma Beauty E40 Tapered Blending Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/28

    Makeup Brush (Highlighter): Sigma E40 Max Tapered Blending Brush

    Roughly the size of our fingertips (but way more dexterous), the Sigma E40 Max Tapered Blending Brush concentrates glow on high points of the face.

    $17

  • Tweezerman Angled Brow Brush Spoolie on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/28

    Makeup Brush (Brow): Tweezerman Dual Ended Angled Brow Brush

    No gap is too narrow for the Tweezerman Dual Ended Angled Brow Brush to target. Switch to the spooley on the other side to help brows achieve their fullest potential.

    $15

  • Merle Norman Cosmetics Makeup Artistry Eyes 2 Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/28

    Makeup Brush (Eye Shadow): Merle Norman Cosmetics Makeup Artistry Eyes #2 Brush

    Wide enough for sweeping on shadow and thin enough for adding definition, the Merle Norman Cosmetics Makeup Artistry Eyes #2 Brush accommodates lids and creases (and pros and amateurs).

    $18More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a man wearing a lime green suit with a smokey purple eyeshadow look in front of a purple backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Eyes
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
  • Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Cream Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/28

    Makeup Brush: Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Cream Brush

    Blending, highlighting, sculpting, diffusing… Is there anything the Monika Blunder Beauty Hybrid Cream Brush won't do? "Yes," answered one editor. "Shed."

    $35

  • EcoTools BioBlender on white background

    Courtesy of brand23/28

    Makeup Sponge: BioBlender by EcoTools

    Plenty of makeup sponges have the ability to make streaks disappear. But the BioBlender by EcoTools can make itself disappear too — it will almost entirely decompose in a home compost bin in six months.

    $10

  • Tweezerman Moon Dust Slant Tweezer on white background

    Courtesy of brand24/28

    Tweezers: Tweezerman Slant Tweezer

    At this point, Tweezerman Slant Tweezer should be an honorary Allure editor. The precise stainless steel tips were fine-tuning our brows back when we were still editing with ink.

    $23

  • Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler on white background

    Courtesy of brand25/28

    Eyelash Curler: Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler

    The icon of eyelash tools (and a must-have for monolids), Shu Uemura Iconic Eyelash Curler accommodates every eye shape, giving even downward-facing lashes a robust bend.

    $23

  • LoveSeen False Lashes on white background

    Courtesy of brand26/28

    Lashes: LoveSeen

    The wispy tips and staggered lengths of LoveSeen strips mimic the pattern of your natural lashes — if your natural lashes dusted your brows.

    $22

  • Glamnetic Xoxo Vegan Magnetic Lash on white background

    Courtesy of brand27/28

    Lashes: Glamnetic XoXo Vegan Magnetic Lash

    Glamnetic XoXo Vegan Magnetic Lash gives dramatic effect with zero effort. Just draw the magnetic liner along your upper lids and these lashes snap into place.

    $30

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm28/28

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautyhot toolsmakeup brushesbase makeupbrushesheat toolshair toolsmakeup spongesmakeup brushconcealer brushface powderlash curlerfull browsgrooming productsrevlonAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 13, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Nails

19 Best Nail Products Polish Topcoat and Nail Care of 2021 Allure Best of Beauty

Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino

This past year was, among other things, a time when a lot of people finally mastered the at-home manicure. What might have started out of necessity became a hobby for plenty of folks, whether they expanded their classic nail polish collection, bought an at-home gel kit, or found themselves fully immersed in the press-on nail resurgence.

While we're thrilled salons are reopening, we also know you might continue to enjoy doing your own nails from time to time. To ensure your at-home kit is stocked with the cream of the well-manicured crop, Allure editors tested hundreds of nail products, then narrowed it down to 19 winners we feel confident calling the best.

Looking for the perfect bright red, trendiest light blue, or creamiest nude nail polish? We've got you. How about a sparkly topcoat that layers well over any color? No problem. Maybe you're looking for a set of nice, long press-ons, or custom nail wraps for your next in-person party? We have picks for those too, plus all the extras (remover, cuticle oil, nippers, etc.) you need to ensure your manicure comes out looking pretty darn professional.

Scroll through to see this group of winners, then check out the rest of the 2021 Best of Beauty winners list. —Kara McGrath

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • CND VINYLUX in Bordeaux Babe on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/20

    Nail Polish (Dark Red): CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Bordeaux Babe

    One coat — really, just one — of CND Vinylux Long Wear Polish in Bordeaux Babe yields the deepest berry with the quickest drying time. Case in point: Our color set while we were typing this sentence.

    $7

  • essie Nail Polish in Not Redy For Bed on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/20

    Nail Polish (Bright Red): Essie Nail Polish in Not Red-y For Bed

    Essie nail polish in Not Red-y For Bed is what would happen if you crossed a cherry with a chili pepper: bright, glossy, and a little bit saucy.

    $11

  • Dear Sundays N.01 on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/20

    Nail Polish (Soft Pink): Sundays Nail Polish in L.01

    Sundays nail polish in L.01, a pink so pale it borders on white, has the tender appeal of apple blossom.

    $18

  • Zoya Tweedy on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/20

    Nail Polish (Bright Pink): Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tweedy

    A bright pop of bubblegum pink, Zoya Professional Lacquer in Tweedy practically asks to be snapped.

    $7

  • For TMRW For Later on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/20

    Nail Polish (Creamy Beige): For Tmrw Non-Toxic Nail Polish in For Later

    A cuddly neutral, For Tmrw Non-Toxic Nail Polish in For Later is the color you'd get from pouring extra milk in your tea — and spending extra time with a nail buffer.

    $18More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman looking down, over the camera wearing a pink and white shirt with pink lipstick onBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
    • September 2021 Makeup Launches: a collaged image of Oribe Desertland Eau de Parfum, By Terry V.I.P Expert Palette in Bonjour Paris, and Elaluz Oil-Infused Lip Gloss on pink and white backgroundThe Best New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in September
    • August 2021 Makeup Launches: a collaged image of Smashbox x The Suicide Squad Lipstick, Victoria's Secret Tease Crème Cloud Eau de Parfum, and Beautycounter Lid Glow Cream Shadow on a marbled pink and orange backgroundThe Most Exciting New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in August
    • Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush, Fig 1 Ceramide Seal Moisturizer, and KB Shimmer Easy Glowing Nail Polish on pink backgroundThese Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of August 2021
  • Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Run The World on white background with Best of Beauty 2021 seal

    Courtesy of brand6/20

    Nail Polish (Black): Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Run the World

    Smooth onyx with a mirror-like gleam, Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in Run the World is honestly more opulent than some jewel tones we’ve tried.

    $20

  • Jin Soon in Palma on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/20

    Nail Polish (Green): Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Palma

    Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Palma glazes our nails in vibrant, verdant green; built-in UV filters act like fronds to shield our color from sun damage.

    $18

  • Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure in Crystal Blue on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/20

    Nail Polish (Blue): Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure Nail Polish in Crystal Blue

    The barely perceptible shimmer in Sally Hansen Good Kind Pure nail polish in Crystal Blue gives powder blue more dimension than we ever thought possible.

    $10

  • Mischo Beauty in NYFW on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/20

    Nail Polish (Blue): Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in #NYFW

    Mischo Beauty Nail Lacquer in #NYFW cloaks nails in the velvet blue of a midnight sky.

    $20

  • OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/20

    Nail Polish (Orange): OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song

    A dazzling tangerine that reflects every kind of light, OPI Nail Lacquer in PCH Love Song is like brushing on the sunset.

    $10

  • Butter London All You Need is Love Patent Shine 10x on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/20

    Nail Polish (Glitter Topper): Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in All You Need Is Love

    Suspended in translucent lacquer, the rainbow flecks in Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer in All You Need Is Love turn your run-of-the-mill manicure into bona fide nail art.

    $18

  • NAILS OF LA PressOn Extensions on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/20

    Press-Ons: Nails of LA Press-On Extensions

    Nails of LA Press-On Extensions transform stubby nails into perfect ovals.

    $16

  • Crowned and Polished Babygirl PressOn Nails on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/20

    Press-Ons: Crowned and Polished Nail Kit

    Each Crowned and Polished nail kit mimics salon acrylics — minus the price tag, light cure, and time commitment.

    $30More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman looking down, over the camera wearing a pink and white shirt with pink lipstick onBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
    • September 2021 Makeup Launches: a collaged image of Oribe Desertland Eau de Parfum, By Terry V.I.P Expert Palette in Bonjour Paris, and Elaluz Oil-Infused Lip Gloss on pink and white backgroundThe Best New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in September
    • August 2021 Makeup Launches: a collaged image of Smashbox x The Suicide Squad Lipstick, Victoria's Secret Tease Crème Cloud Eau de Parfum, and Beautycounter Lid Glow Cream Shadow on a marbled pink and orange backgroundThe Most Exciting New Makeup Products Hitting Shelves in August
    • Tangle Teezer Naturally Curly Detangling Brush, Fig 1 Ceramide Seal Moisturizer, and KB Shimmer Easy Glowing Nail Polish on pink backgroundThese Are Allure Editors' Favorite New Beauty Products of August 2021
  • ManiMe Wraps on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/20

    Nail Wraps: ManiMe

    Some nail-art projects involve canceling your plans, fiddling with doodads, and making a big old mess. Not ManiMe's stick-on gels. The cushy strips fit like a glove, stick without ripples, and last up to 10 days.

    $25

  • Sally Hansen Color Therapy Beautifiers Strengthening Base Coat on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/20

    Base Coat: Sally Hansen Color Therapy Beautifiers Strengthening Base Coat

    Sally Hansen Color Therapy Beautifiers Strengthening Base Coat imparts a protective barrier and the rosy glow of a vigorous buffing, making polish a bonus — not a necessity.

    $10

  • essie gelsetter on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/20

    Topcoat: Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat

    The bouncy finish of Essie Gel-Setter Top Coat resists dings and gives nails a rounder, fuller, beautiful-er silhouette.

    $11

  • Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil with Willow Bark Extract on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/20

    Cuticle Care: Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil

    We used to hydrate our cuticles because… well, just because. Naturally London Hydrating Cuticle Oil turns the typical chore into a luxurious treat with aloe, lavender, and rose hip.

    $22

  • Tweezerman Mini Cuticle Nipper on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/20

    Cuticle Care: Tweezerman Mini Cuticle Nipper

    Some of us actually used the word "fun" to describe Tweezerman Mini Cuticle Nipper, which says a lot about its pinch-free design — and our social life this past year or so.

    $13

  • Olive June Polish Remover Pot on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/20

    Nail Polish Remover: Olive & June Nail Polish Remover

    Well, that was easy: Dip your finger into the acetone-free Olive & June Nail Polish Remover pot and pull out a spotless, bone-dry nail. And now the cap also has a built-in sponge for erasing enamel on toes.

    $10

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm20/20

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautynail productsNail PolishManicuresnailsnail carepedicurehand creamshand lotionessie nail polishopiZoyaSally HansenAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 12, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals

23 Best Drugstore Makeup Skin and Hair Products of 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Jacq Harriet; Fashion stylist: Herin Choi; Hair: Eric R. Williams; Makeup: Mariko Herano; Models: Laura at Elite, Cory at New Pandemics, Aalyah at IMG

There's no denying that the drugstore beauty aisle has gotten some upgrades in the past few years. Next to the simple cleansers and moisturizers you can now find retinol and hyaluronic acid serums. Makeup brands are keeping up with emerging trends, including with skin tint and cream blush launches. And the hair-care aisle has gotten a few reboots with more options for curls and coils.

Besides these upgrades, many of us rely on drugstore products — whether for a childhood staple we can't let go of or the need to quickly buy a matte lipstick before going out with friends — for convenience and affordability. It's part of the reason why we have our Steals category. Amid testing hundreds of products for the annual Best of Beauty Awards, we get to give an extra shout-out to the products that blew our minds without stressing our bank accounts.

Our only requirement for the Steals category: The product has to be $11 or less. (We raised it by $1 from last year to ensure we're getting every product we can.) The category is divided into four subcategories: body, hair, makeup, and skin — and we have a feeling you're going to enjoy our picks, such as the hyaluronic-acid infused Maybelline New York Lifter Lip Gloss and Pantene's hydrating Miracle Intense Rescue Shots. 

Without further delay, here are the 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Award winners in the Steals category. Enjoy the savings. —Gabi Thorne

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • TRESemm Keratin Repair Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/24

    Hair: Tresemmé Keratin Repair Shampoo and Conditioner

    When hair looks fuzzy and dull, tiny breaks in the cuticle are to blame. The proteins in Tresemmé Keratin Repair Shampoo and Conditioner restore sleekness by plugging up those microscopic holes — for a microscopic fee.

    $6 at Shampoo$6 at Conditioner

  • Suave Pink Smooth Performer Shampoo on white backgrounc

    Courtesy of brand2/24

    Hair: Suave Smooth Performer Shampoo and Conditioner

    In the Suave Smooth Performer Shampoo and Conditioner duo, the conditioner's amino acids are amazing at repairing damage, while the sulfate-free shampoo is equally gifted at building lather.

    $5

  • OGX Blonde Enhance and Purple Toning Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/24

    Hair: OGX Blonde Enhance + Purple Toning Shampoo

    Plenty of factors contribute to brassiness in blonde hair: sun exposure, minerals in tap water, styling products. The purple pigments in OGX Blonde Enhance + Purple Toning Shampoo get to the root of the problem by neutralizing yellow undertones.

    $7

  • Herbal Essences Argan Oil and Aloe Hair Mask on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/24

    Hair: Herbal Essences Argan Oil & Aloe Botanical Repairing Mask

    The bouncy Herbal Essences Argan Oil & Aloe Botanical Repairing Mask adds softness and luster without dragging down curls or flattening fine hair.

    $6

  • Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in Couture on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/24

    Makeup: Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in Couture

    Creamy in texture, crammed with moisture, and unwilling to fade or feather, the lush cherry bullet of Revlon Colorstay Ultimate Suede in Couture checks all the boxes on our fantasy lipstick Bingo card.

    $10More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
  • Pantene Miracle Rescue Intense Rescue Shot on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/24

    Hair: Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shot

    Applied once a week in the shower, the perfectly measured dose of lipids, glycerin, and amino acids in the Pantene Pro-V Intense Rescue Shot boosts moisture, seals split ends, and inoculates hair against future damage.

    $7

  • Hask Tea Tree Oil and Rosemary 5in1 LeaveIn Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/24

    Hair: Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray

    Mist on the lightweight Hask Tea Tree Oil & Rosemary 5-in-1 Leave-In Spray to calm your scalp, polish flyaways, undo tangles — the list is staggering, but the price isn't.

    $16

  • Aussie Miracle Coils Stretching Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/24

    Hair: Aussie Miracle Coils Stretching Cream

    With a texture that falls somewhere between a pomade and a lotion (a potion!), the leave-in Aussie Miracle Coils Stretching Cream organizes curls and elongates tight spirals.

    $5

  • e.l.f. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/24

    Makeup: E.L.F. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara

    The oversize brush of E.L.F. Cosmetics Big Mood Mascara has more than 200 bristles (we consulted the company) that work to inflate every last lash (we consulted the mirror).

    $13

  • Flower Beauty The Skinny Microbrow Pencil on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/24

    Makeup: Flower Beauty The Skinny Microbrow Pencil

    The precise tip of Flower Beauty The Skinny Microbrow Pencil delivers such fine strokes, it's impossible to tell where the pigment ends and your brows begin — which is really the entire point.

    $10

  • Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/24

    Makeup: Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss

    The Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss formula, packed with hyaluronic acid, provides intense moisture and shine. When the gleam fades, the suppleness stays for hours.

    $9

  • CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/24

    Makeup: CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation

    The delicate fluid of CoverGirl Clean Fresh Skin Milk Foundation is made with coconut milk and aloe vera and disappears the second you start blending, creating an even canvas with a dewy finish.

    $10

  • Essence Makeup Fix Last 18H MakeUp Fixing Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/24

    Makeup: Essence Fix & Last 18H Make-Up Fixing Spray

    The Essence Fix & Last 18H Make-Up Fixing Spray keeps your makeup looking fresh and newly applied for up to 18 hours — that's the length of a flight from New York to Singapore — for roughly the price of a round-trip subway ride.

    $5More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
  • Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/24

    Skin: Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser

    Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser was on the first-ever Best of Beauty winners list in 1996 and it's still here for a reason: hydrating ingredients gentle for sensitive skin but powerful enough to remove makeup. (One thing that's different, though: The 2021 formula is paraben-free.)

    $11

  • Ponds Lifting Brightening Eye Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/24

    Skin: Pond's Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream

    Buffered by vitamin B and cushioned in glycerin, the retinol in Pond's Rejuveness Lifting & Brightening Eye Cream goes easy on the eyes as it smooths fine lines and crepiness.

    $10

  • Burts Bees Rescue Balm on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/24

    Skin: Burt's Bees Rescue Balm

    Filled with antioxidant turmeric and natural butters, the unassuming tube of Burt's Bees Rescue Balm delivers the relief of the goopiest salve — with a texture to rival the smoothest satin.

    $4

  • The INKEY List Retinol on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/24

    Skin: The Inkey List Retinol

    We all know about retinol's ability to diminish wrinkles — and its reputation for irritating skin. The lightweight serum of The Inkey List Retinol releases the molecule at a deliberately slow rate, delivering all its magic while minimizing the abrasive side effects.

    $10

  • Biore Brightening Exfoliating Scrub on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/24

    Skin: Bioré Brightening Exfoliating Scrub

    Any humble scrub can polish skin. But the Japanese-inspired Bioré Brightening Exfoliating Scrub elevates exfoliation to an art form with yuzu lemon (to brighten tone) and dragon fruit (to refine texture).

    $8

  • St. Ives Acne Control Spot Treatment on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/24

    Skin: St. Ives Acne Control Spot Treatment

    Second only to exiling your zit to an Alpine retreat, the cooling St. Ives Acne Control Spot Treatment works at a brisk clip, quelling redness and reducing swelling with icy menthol and salicylic acid.

    $9

  • Baylis Harding Goodness Rose Geranium Hand Wash on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/24

    Body: Baylis & Harding Goodness Rose & Geranium Hand Wash

    A sink-side staple with the presence (and essence) of a fancy guest soap, Baylis & Harding Goodness Rose & Geranium Hand Wash coddles skin with essential oils and a dewy, floral scent.

    $7

  • Alba Botanica Acnedote Face Body Scrub on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/24

    Body: Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub

    Containing anti-inflammatory ingredients and 2 percent salicylic acid, the Alba Botanica Acnedote Face & Body Scrub is versatile enough to use on your face and body, leaving no pore unpurged.

    $6More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
  • NIVEA Breathable Body Lotion on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/24

    Body: Nivea Breathable Body Lotion

    With shea butter and oils, the remarkably lightweight Nivea Breathable Body Lotion is like a deep inhale for your skin, leaving it more supple and refreshed. (We can't get enough of the Tropical Breeze scent.)

    $8

  • Jergens Ultra Healing Hand Body Cream with Plant Protein Complex on white background

    Courtesy of brand23/24

    Body: Jergens Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream

    Hydrating enough to bolster your moisture barrier and light enough to slather on your hands, the nongreasy Jergens Ultra Healing+ Hand & Body Cream keeps limbs silky and screens pristine.

    $6

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm24/24

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautybeauty bargainsdrugstore productsaffordable beautydrugstore brandsdrugstore beautydrugstore makeupdrugstore mascaraaffordableshampoosface washesface scrubpowder blushmascarashighlighter makeupAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 10, 2021 by SPORT 0

The Most Innovative Beauty Products of 2021

Best Innovative Beauty Products Breakthrough Awards 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Jacq Harriet; Fashion stylist: Herin Choi; Hair: Eric R. Williams; Makeup: Mariko Herano; Models: Laura at Elite, Cory at New Pandemics, Aalyah at IMG

Earlier this year, we began researching products that would eventually win the Allure Best of Beauty Awards. We swiped, sudsed, and slathered thousands of beauty products — and along the way, we discovered seven that were unlike any beauty product we'd seen before. And that's saying a lot coming from editors whose bathrooms look like unorganized back rooms at Sephora. These seven innovative beauty products won our 2021 Best of Beauty Breakthrough Awards.

The process to explore whether a beauty product is a Breakthrough is a deep dive. It's a monthslong journey that involves poring over clinical data and sending every nominee and its credentials to our independent judges, including cosmetic chemists, hairstylists, makeup artists, dermatologists, and sustainability advocates. They dedicate hours to studying each product to answer one question: Is this really a breakthrough?

They shared with us what they loved, hated, and, most importantly, which products were unlike anything they'd gotten their hands on before. Here, we present seven of the most revolutionary innovations we've ever seen — ones that have changed the way we approach beauty. These new products boggled our editors' minds and forever changed our beauty routines. We hope your mind is blown as much as ours was (and still is).

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Agency Future Formula on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/8

    Agency Future Formula with Tretinoin

    Prescription retinoids firm, smooth, and brighten, so why aren't we all walking around with gleaming, baby-bottom skin? Well, there are a few reasons you might not have an Rx: These retinoids are notoriously capable of stirring up side effects (dryness, flakiness, redness, burning) and they're not that easy to get. A prescription requires a trip to the dermatologist and for more than 42 percent of the U.S. population, that's not an option, according to a paper on areas underserved by dermatologists in JAMA Dermatology's Archives of Dermatology. (Retinols are available over the counter, but tretinoin, the gold standard for addressing fine lines, is not.)

    Agency is the first virtual-consult service we've seen that enables you to get a tretinoin prescription while in your living room, and in that respect "it's providing a dermatologist visit for those living in 'dermatologist deserts,'" says Mona Gohara, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut. A visit, and then some: Because Agency isn't doling out standard prescriptions, if you are a candidate for tretinoin, you'll get a customized formula with one of four percentages, plus four complementary ingredients, such as brightening niacinamide or calming azelaic acid. That's a boon because attempting to layer tretinoin with your own skin care ups the risk of irritation: "It's not an ingredient that can play nicely in the sandbox with a lot of other active ingredients," says Gohara. "It's like the queen bee."

    Before mixing tretinoin with other actives, "we tested over 2,500 data points," says David Lortscher, the dermatologist who founded Agency, which offers newbies unusually low percentages (including 0.003 percent tretinoin). If you're new to tretinoin, a low percentage can make it possible to tolerate it, though any amount has the potential to irritate, says Gohara.

    When cherry-picking a client's formula, providers take into account three makeup-free selfies and a questionnaire. After you get your personalized formula, you'll have access to dermatologist check-ins as often as you like. If your skin acts up or results plateau, Agency's dermatologists can adjust your next formulation. All of this customization and concierge-y-ness will run you $30 per month (traditional tretinoin Rxs cost $50 to $250).

    "This is the way to get people the guidance they need — no, not need, deserve," says Gohara. "Access is so important." One of our beauty editors, Devon Abelman, has been using Agency for four months (her current formula: 0.035 percent tretinoin, 1 percent dexpanthenol, 5 percent tranexamic acid, 4 percent niacinamide) and it's helped quell her cystic acne and dark spots. 

    And Agency has saved her time and stress shuttling to and from appointments during an unpredictable pandemic. "This made me so at ease with my skin journey," Abelman says. "It puts everything my skin needs— over-the-counter and prescription ingredients — in one simple bottle."

    $60

  • Upneeq on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/8

    Upneeq

    A flick of white eyeliner. A pump of an eyelash curler. These are noble ways to look more awake, but Upneeq, a prescription eye drop, makes them seem like child's play. Upneeq temporarily lifts eyelids that have drooped due to acquired ptosis, a detachment of the eyelid muscle that can happen with age. The condition is most common after 40, but some oculoplastic specialists are seeing it in younger patients, which some think may be caused by the constant strain of staring at screens.

    Unlike the bulky skeletal muscles in your biceps and quadriceps, your lid's aptly named levator muscle is small, smooth, and atrophies rather than strengthens with overuse, says Raymond Douglas, an aesthetic reconstructive and oculoplastic specialist and global head of scientific affairs for Upneeq. "Once the muscle weakens and the lid drops, it does not restore to the previous level," he explains. 

    Though a so-called Botox brow lift can help approximate a more wide-awake appearance, the only method to truly lift lids before Upneeq's FDA approval last year was ptosis correction surgery. This involves shortening the lid's muscles, may or may not need to be paid for out of pocket, and may or may not require general anesthesia — costs and risks that can be unappealing, particularly if you're only dealing with slight drooping. (Severe cases of ptosis impact vision and can be dangerous for activities such as driving. It is likely that surgery would still be called for.)

    "Upneeq is, in my opinion, the best nonsurgical solution for acquired ptosis," says Bruce Moskowitz, an assistant clinical professor of ophthalmology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City, who has been prescribing it for over six months. (Iopidine, a glaucoma medication, has already been used off-label for Botox-induced ptosis — a temporary condition in which Botox migrates from the forehead or "11 lines" to the eyelid muscle — but was hampered by "limited availability and the large incidence of red eyes associated with its use," he says.) 

    Upneeq's active ingredient, 0.1 percent oxymetazoline hydrochloride, stimulates receptors on the eyelid’s muscles, which trigger a contraction. "It has been safely used for decades for nasal decongestants, although the concentration in Upneeq is far less," says Moskowitz. In clinical trials of once-daily use, patients noticed an improvement in as little as five minutes, with full results kicking in in two hours and lasting for about eight hours. "We fully expect that someone would be able to potentially use it again after eight hours, but we haven't studied dual dosing yet," says Douglas. The treatment has an extremely low incidence of side effects, says Moskowitz: general irritation, dryness, redness, or sensitivity in less than 5 percent of patients. Upneeq lifts the lid's muscles from 1 to 3 millimeters — a difference that can be eye-opening. 

    Lena Leit, a 45-year-old event producer and mother of three in Los Angeles, began using the drops regularly after noticing a new, heavy-lidded look: "My eyes look wider, brighter, and overall more open now."

  • The Atolla Ritual on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/8

    Atolla

    Remember those choose-your-own- adventure books? Well, imagine if one grew up, went off to engineering school, and became a choose-your-own adventure skin-care series. It would look a lot like Atolla: Take a quiz with more than 50 possible paths — which you are led down depending on how you answer each question — and you'll receive a customized routine (cleanser, serum, moisturizer). If you’re prone to breakouts, you will go down one track. If you're pregnant, another. And so on.

    Each question is designed to gather a battery of information — enter your zip code and Atolla pulls info on the water quality, pollution, humidity, and wind and sun exposure you face daily. "The online questionnaire goes above and beyond what other customized services ask," says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. "The questions are clinically relevant and well thought out." Atolla's algorithm maps your answers onto more than two million data points to choose your best mix of 64 possible ingredients (there were three actives in every formula I received). 

    The sheer number of data points allows the model to be predictive of which ingredient combinations are most helpful for your skin, says cofounder Meghan Maupin, an engineer who started the line after graduating from MIT with an unhappy complexion. As more people take the quiz, the data points shift: "The power of machine learning is clustering different types of data," Maupin says. "Patterns [emerge] so our predictive models continue to get more refined and more granular."

    Your routine is shipped to you along with four paper strips for measuring your skin's pH, oil, and moisture levels. After finishing each month's routine, you place the strips onto your cheeks and T-zone, and they change color. "You take a photo of the paper strips and a computer vision algorithm reads the ratio of light to dark and translates it to a numerical percentage of oil or moisture levels in your skin," Maupin says. Atolla then reformulates next month's products according to your evolving needs. "Including ways to track how well the skin care is doing. That makes Atolla unique," says Woolery-Lloyd.

    But blind deference to artificial intelligence this is not: Atolla's Skincare Manager Tool allows you to tinker with its recommendations (you can choose from 12 textural options, including gel moisturizers and lotions) and gives you tips on incorporating products from other brands.

    Allure's most veteran editors, including deputy beauty director Elizabeth Siegel, were "seriously impressed" by the Atolla formulas they received (in a matter of days, no less). "My skin went from dry and blotchy to soft and radiant in a week. The shift was so noticeable, my mom asked what I was using," says Siegel. "And you get cards that tell you about your ingredients." 

    Cosmetic chemist Ni'Kita Wilson was struck by the level of customization: "You are using diagnostic tools that touch your skin. This level of 'touch' is important to get the most accurate results. The more data collected, the better the end result. I haven't seen any other products that are this comprehensive for consumer use at home."

    $79

  • Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/8

    Neutrogena Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum with Hyaluronic Acid

    Take a deep breath. Close your eyes. Let your thoughts melt from your head. (They'll be back when we finish our skin-care meditation.) Now imagine you're in a drugstore aisle — the shelves are empty, except for one cheery blue jar. In your mind's eye, open the jar. Its contents are the exact color of a cloud. If you could touch it, it would feel cool, smooth, and bouncy. If you could smooth it on your face, your skin would feel drenched on contact — but, curiously, it would leave your skin with a soft glow, rather than looking wet or shiny. Now open your eyes. The bright blue jar is still there: It's Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost Night Pressed Serum with Hyaluronic Acid, and it has made this list because, simply, it pushes the boundaries of what a serum or night treatment can look and feel like.

    Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's hard to cobble together an accurate description of this pressed serum because it's not like anything we've experienced before. That was no accident. Neutrogena set out to create "the next form of hyaluronic acid" with a "unique texture that is delightful to use. Something that could be lightweight, but really provide a skin benefit at the same time," says Star Walsh, associate director of Neutrogena R&D. The pressed serum is cool and squishy like a putty, smooth and rich like a jelly, and translucent and hydrating like, well, a serum. "The concept
    is similar to the 'pressed serums' of Korea, but created in a different way, using polymers," says cosmetic chemist Ginger King, who explains that this enables Neutrogena to deliver a cushiony feel without an uncomfortably high price tag. "You don't see those kinds of textures in mass markets."

    What does it take to rethink skin care to this extent? More than 100 tries. Behind those 99-plus failures were 99-plus problems, such as: Putting two hydrating heavyweights (hyaluronic acid and glycerin) in one formula means major risk of stickiness, unless you add skin conditioners. But when you add skin conditioners, it changes the formula's texture, and the point of this one was to have a cool texture.

    At long last, after 24 months of trial and error, you hit the right ratio and mix of ingredients to deliver a texture like nothing you've produced before: Polymer chains form a 3D matrix that’s dense in the jar but breaks apart when applied to skin, so you get two textures in the span of seconds. But the same quality that gives the polymer its unusual feel — it is springy in the jar and melts on skin because of its special reaction to applied force — is nearly impossible to work with. 

    The formula must be mixed in giant tanks for large-scale production, and the amount of force applied in the lab — where you first got your formula to work — "is different from when you go to a manufacturing site and now your scale batch is about 1,700 times bigger," Walsh says. So much so that the production process has to be tailored to the pressed serum's specifications. The timing of the product's release from the tank, the filling line in each jar, "all of those steps needed to be adjusted somehow to account for this unique polymer that we were dealing with."

    In the end, Walsh's team successfully engineered a bouncy, hydrating, changes-before-your-eyes texture. "They created something that performs like an ointment — it is intensely hydrating and seals moisture into skin — but without the drawbacks. It won't clog pores and it's light and breathable," says Doris Day, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, who often recommends the formula to patients who battle oiliness and breakouts. 

    For my part, I found its hydration felt weightless but was paradoxically long-lasting: The longer I used it, the dewier my skin looked around the clock — almost like it had just taken a few long, deep breaths.

    $18

  • GHD Unplugged Cordless Styler on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/8

    GHD Unplugged Styler

    The GHD Unplugged Styler, a compact, cordless flatiron, does for hair straightening what WiFi did for work: It makes it possible to get it done wherever in the world you are. But it took a lot to make styling at a stoplight (more on that soon) a reality: Over the course of 10 years and 560,000 hours of testing, researchers at GHD's labs in Cambridge, England, went through eight iterations and analyzed 400 million (yes, million) hinge operations to make sure you can open and close (and open and close, and open and close) your iron without issue. It all led to a 6-inch, 11-ounce wand that offers 20 minutes of continuous styling at a constant temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit, no outlet needed. (You can charge it using a USB-C on your laptop or car dashboard or plug it into a regular outlet. Either way, it takes about two hours to fully charge.)

    This is not the first cordless iron in existence, but it is the first we've tried that is small enough to truly use anywhere. (We've tucked it into beach bags, clutches, and carry-ons.) And it is the only one we've used that performs as well as a traditional flatiron, meaning the last section you press will look as smooth as the first. Other cordless flatirons have struggled with that while operating via batteries alone. So GHD teamed an efficient co-lithium battery technology with a custom heating element. That is a mouthful, but basically it provides a fast conversion of energy into consistent heat so the plates are constantly being warmed so their temperature doesn't wax and wane as heat is lost to the hair and surrounding environment during a styling session, explains Richard Gregory, head of mechanical engineering at GHD.

    After spending a full decade developing this technology, researchers spent another two years putting the final product through grueling tests. More than 800 GHD Unplugged units were switched on, heated up to temperature, and cooled down 650,000 times each. The product was also sent to more than 300 people in the U.K. and Asia, who attested to its efficacy on different hair textures — and its practicality for life outside of a lab.

    Speaking of: "I take it on every location shoot. It's a game changer," says DJ Quintero, a hairstylist at Serge Normant John Frieda Salon in New York City. We asked Quintero to test the iron for us. He now uses it when he's styling hair outdoors (on the beach, in a jungle), in the back of a car en route to an event, or even in the studio, where holding up the entire production to touch up a model's hair at his station is rarely an option. "It is definitely the smallest and best cordless iron I have ever seen and used," he says. 

    I turned on my own some 36,000 feet in the air, and landed at LAX with a sleek, swingy look — no small feat considering the bedhead I had when I took off. I charged it on my laptop. "It's not easy to do what they did," one electrical engineer at a prestige semiconductor manufacturing company told us. "When you make a wired product wireless, you bring in a lot more complexity. You're bringing in batteries, a certain type of circuit for battery applications, a fuel gauge, and everything [needs to be] shrunken down so it can all fit inside."

    Most engineers, he explains, spend their working lives trying to make their devices efficient, which means making sure they give off as little heat as possible. This device of course is meant to heat the hair, so by its very design it's going to lose energy, but it needs to be efficient in its power loss. The engineers behind Unplugged achieved that by providing an extremely fast transfer of energy into heat from the batteries. "Add to that the fact that you're trying to deliver the same exact temperature the entire time. That is some serious engineering."

    $299

  • Benefit Cosmetics They're Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/8

    Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara

    "Have you seen the staple trick?" I have not. Benefit's Maggie Ford Danielson (her mother and aunt founded the brand 45 years ago) disappears from our Zoom. A few moments later she is back, breathless, with a candy-pink stapler. She shakes the staples into her palm. Then, like a motion played in reverse, the staples start floating up and off of her hand, rising, and then clinging to a mascara wand she is dangling just above them.

    The wand is not magic; it is magnetic — a mascara novelty that makes for more than just a fun
    party trick. Benefit's research and development teams were looking for a way to make a lengthening mascara that would somehow stand out from all the other lengthening mascaras. It had to deliver a jaw-dropping lifting, elongating effect. They experimented with new ratios of standard ingredients, then reexamined what a mascara could be, considering some unusual sources of inspiration. 

    "We looked at rulers and string and gum and spaghetti and all these things," says Kate Helfrich, senior vice president of global product and service innovation. When a formula inspired by quick-dry nail polish didn't pan out (Helfrich recalls it made lashes look scary, chunky, and spidery), the team became intrigued by the unique pull of magnetism, "the way you can draw something across the floor, across the table," Helfrich says. "It was kind of an insane idea. Nobody had done it."

    But how, exactly, could a magnet make lashes longer? It's thanks to ferromagnetism, a fancy term for the way in which certain materials — like iron — are attracted to magnets. See, iron oxides are a type of powdered pigment that come in many colors (yellow, red, black), and they're already commonly used in mascaras, blushes… just about any color cosmetic you can think of.

    But magnets aren't flying off your fridge onto your eye shadow palette because iron oxide pigments are not typically used in high enough concentrations to interact with other magnetic objects, explains cosmetic chemist Ginger King. But if you did really pack a mascara formula with iron oxide pigments, you'd get impressive lengthening effects. "It's like adding fibers," King says. "The particles will automatically volumize and lengthen the eyelashes." 

    The challenge is getting enough of the pigments from the tube to lashes — and that's where the magnetic eureka moment comes in. The Benefit team embedded a small, rod-shaped magnet within the mascara wand's brush to attract the iron oxide particles and let you carry them where they need to go. This part was frustratingly hard to pull off, Helfrich admits. There were (many, many) magnets too weak to interact with the mascara formula; another was so strong it ended up pulling mascara right off the lashes. 

    Further complicating matters, the plastic combs that worked for other mascaras often blunted the magnet's force. After some 75 tries, the team found a perfect match: a not-too- weak, not-too-strong Goldilocks magnet teamed with a comb created out of a thin, flexible plastic. "They got it just right," says King. "You get better payoff and lashes are coated more evenly so they look longer."

    The result: the Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara, which features a satisfyingly (not clumsy) thick formula that cleanly combs through lashes. I, for one, find it to be a godsend for my thick, downturned outer lashes. I watch as they are lifted by the comb, and they are so well coated that the formula holds them there — a first for me without a curler. Some oily-skinned testers reported that it was on the smudgy side, but staff writer Nicola Dall'Asen says it was "hands-down the best mascara I've ever used." So maybe it is a magic wand after all.

    $27

  • LOreal Water Saver on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/8

    L'Oréal Water Saver

    You know when people say "it's not rocket science"? Well, this kind of is. L'Oréal's Water Saver, an in-salon device, helps conserve water using the same principles rockets do when launching. Gases (hydrogen, oxygen) are forcibly collided until they become smaller, faster, and ultimately propel the rocket into the stratosphere. Here, water molecules (instead of gases) slam into each other until they are micronized and shoot out at a higher velocity. It lets you wash hair with less water, but you still get the satisfaction of strong water pressure, says Guive Balooch, global vice president of the L'Oréal Technology Incubator. (Mechanical engineers, sustainability researchers, chemists, hairstylists, and more from the incubator and Swiss environmental technology company Gjosa created L'Oréal's Water Saver together.)

    But I didn't totally understand why making water droplets smaller would save water, so I called Robert Urban, a doctor of pharmacy, who consults on cancer drug clinical trials at ZS Associates in California. It turns out micronization is a commonly used tool in pharmaceuticals, typically to help with drug absorption, so he's happy to break it down for me.

    "If you wanted to cover the floor with balls, you'd want a lot of little balls instead of bigger ones, because smaller balls will have more contact with the floor and involve much less material." It clicks: Smaller droplets of water can cover the surface of your hair just like big ones do, but without wasting all the water that isn't touching your hair.

    "This results in up to an 80 percent reduction of water. So if you have it in 10,000 salons, you can save 1 billion gallons of water per year," Balooch says. The Water Saver (which is currently in hundreds of salons and will roll out in thousands next year) attaches to the spigot at a wash station with space to plug in up to three bottles (shampoo, conditioner, and treatment). Their contents get infused with water, enabling them to be more evenly and efficiently distributed along the hair strand. "It helps control the amount of product used, and I was happy with the multiple pressure settings for rinsing different hair textures," says Hayde Georgakis, a hairstylist at Cutler Salon in New York City (he is not affiliated with L'Oréal). "I was excited to try something that could help preserve water — our shampoo basins are running from the time we take our first client to our last." 

    And that's a problem: The United Nations estimates that 1.8 billion people will suffer water scarcity by 2025, and almost half of the world's population will deal with "high water stress" by the end of the decade. Areas in the American Southwest already have physical water scarcity.

    "I think it's a brilliant and highly innovative idea, as it creates a major water reduction and improved experience," says global recycling leader Terracycle's Tom Szaky (L'Oréal is a global client of TerraCycle, which had no involvement in Water Saver). "It provides innovation opportunities in how shampoo and conditioner packaging can be more recyclable and reusable [since] it just has to plug into this machine, versus squeezed into one’s hand." 

    L'Oréal is exploring waterless powders that can be infused into the device and plans to release an at-home water-micronizing showerhead as early as 2023.

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm8/8

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautybest of beauty breakthorughscosmetic chemistsmakeup artistisreviewsdentistskin technologytechnologylifestyle trendsAllure Best of BeautyrepackageBreakthroughsshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 10, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Base

The Best Foundations Concealers and Highlighters of 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino

We know the perfect makeup look doesn't exist, but for every beauty look (whether done at the hands of a professional or an amateur), the road to perfection starts with a solid base — the products that make up our complexion.

We know it's hard to choose the best foundation when there are different formulas for every skin type. It's even harder to choose concealer when there are those that are better at covering blemishes versus those that are best for hiding dark circles. And, oh, don't even get us started on rifling through bronzers and blushes.

All that goes without even mentioning that this year has been a weird one for those of us who love a fully beat base. Though all of these products might not be a part of our daily routine the way they used to be, highlighters, setting powders, and the like are still an integral part of our beauty regimens (especially when used as a midday pick-me-up between Zoom meetings).

That's why our talented panel of judges swatched their way through 835 submissions, narrowing it down to 11 subcategories and 23 seal-worthy products to bring you the base winners for the 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards. We can't wait for you to find your next go-to highlighter, can't-live-without blush, and so much more. —Talia Gutierrez

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Make Up For Ever Hydra Booster Step 1 Primer on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/24

    Primer: Make Up For Ever Step 1 Hydra Booster Primer

    One thin layer of Make Up For Ever Step 1 Hydra Booster Primer locks in moisture for a luminous, poreless effect.

    $37

  • Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/24

    Primer: Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer

    And the oil-absorbing powders in Shiseido Synchro Skin Soft Blurring Primer seem to airbrush our T-zones away.

    $36

  • ONESIZE Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/24

    Powder Foundation: One/Size Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation

    A buildable powder with an invisible finish, One/Size Turn Up the Base Versatile Powder Foundation lets us control the intensity of our coverage.

    $33

  • BLKOPL TRUE COLOR Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation SPF 15 on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/24

    Foundation Stick: BLK/OPL Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation

    Packing rich pigment into a dense bullet, BLK/OPL Skin Perfecting Stick Foundation goes on creamy and blends seamlessly.

    $11

  • Este Lauder Double Wear Sheer on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/24

    Light-Coverage Liquid Foundation: Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup

    Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long-Wear Makeup blurs pores and obscures fine lines with the lightest finish in the game.

    $43More from Allure

    • Kevyn Aucoin, The Ordinary, Kosas Concealers on peach-colored backgroundThe 27 Best Full-Coverage Concealers
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
  • LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/24

    Medium-Coverage Liquid Foundation: LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation

    LYS Beauty Triple Fix Serum Foundation uses hyaluronic acid to keep skin dewy while it diffuses imperfections.

    $22

  • bareMinerals ORIGINAL Liquid Mineral Foundation on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/24

    Full-Coverage Liquid Foundation: BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation

    And the airy, mineral-based pigments in BareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation hover over creases instead of settling into them; a few drops conceal everything — and feel like nothing.

    $35

  • Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brighten Correct Duo on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/24

    Undereye Concealer: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brighten & Correct Duo

    There's more to Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer Brighten & Correct Duo than meets the eye. The dual-ended stick blurs, brightens, and hydrates for a wide-awake look you've got to see to believe.

    $32

  • Bodyography Professional Cosmetics Skin Slip Full Coverage Concealer on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/24

    Blemish Concealer: Bodyography Professional Cosmetics Skin Slip Full Coverage Concealer 

    The elegant pigments in Bodyography Professional Cosmetics Skin Slip Full Coverage Concealer blend so beautifully, you'll almost regret having to squander them on a zit (almost).

    $25

  • MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Pop Powder Blush on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/24

    Powder Blush: Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush

    Makeup by Mario Soft Pop Powder Blush is saturated enough to create a gorgeous flush — and fine enough to let your cheeks peek through it.

    $24

  • Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/24

    Cream Blush: Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush

    With the richness of a balm and the stay-put-ness of a stain, Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush imparts a wash of color that's indistinguishable from your own skin.

    $21

  • Pixi Rose Radiance Perfector on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/24

    Liquid Highlighter: Pixi +Rose Radiance Perfector

    For the frost-averse, Pixi +Rose Radiance Perfector delivers dewy warmth with a subtle rose tint and hydrating ceramides.

    $18

  • Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Ultra Glow Highlighter on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/24

    Powder Highlighter: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Ultra Glow Highlighter 

    The only reasonable alternative to swallowing a light bulb: Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish: Ultra Glow Highlighter seems to illuminate skin from within using finely milled, high-wattage shimmer.

    $48More from Allure

    • Kevyn Aucoin, The Ordinary, Kosas Concealers on peach-colored backgroundThe 27 Best Full-Coverage Concealers
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
  • Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/24

    Cream Highlighter: Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter

    Like a cushion of air, Stila Heaven's Hue Highlighter yields to the warmth of
    your fingertips and melts into skin, creating a weightless veil of light.

    $32

  • JOAH Beauty Crystal Glow Tinted Luminizer Stick on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/24

    Stick Highlighter: Joah Beauty Crystal Glow Tinted Luminizer Stick

    Our editors had to test the entire 10-shade spectrum of Joah Beauty Crystal Glow Tinted Luminizer Stick. It's a tough job, but someone has to look like a walking advertisement for glass skin.

    $16

  • EM Cosmetics So Soft Bronzer on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/24

    Bronzer: Em Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay

    A lush stick with a soufflé texture, Em Cosmetics So Soft Multi Faceplay glides over the high points of the face, depositing warmth right where you want it.

    $30

  • Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crme Contour Powder Bronzer Duo on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/24

    Contour: Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo

    We love anything that's well-edited, especially if it's going on our face. Containing one sculpting cream and one bronzing powder, Patrick Ta Beauty Major Sculpt Crème Contour & Powder Bronzer Duo defines in the most refined way possible.

    $38

  • Live Tinted Huestick in Rise on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/24

    Multiuse Stick: Live Tinted Huestick

    It takes a single Live Tinted Huestick to do the work of an entire makeup bag. In Perk, Balance, Rise, Origin, and Found, the creamy crayon disguises dark circles, protects with antioxidants, and drapes lips, cheeks, and eyelids in sheer color.

    $24

  • Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/24

    Pressed Powder: Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder

    A sweep of Giorgio Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Setting Powder instills radiance and erases shine — because it's brilliant enough to know the difference.

    $64

  • Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/24

    Loose Powder: Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder

    Colorless and weightless, Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder is like a real-life filter for your face.

    $16

  • Coco Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/24

    Facial Self-Tanner: Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops

    The genius of Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bronzing Face Drops is that it piggybacks on your normal routine for hassle-free color. Add a few drops to your daily moisturizer for a light tint; mix in a few more for a deeper bronze.

    $28More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
    • Three side by side images of the back of a woman with her hair up in a bun wearing a pearl necklace and striped white and orange sweaterBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Tools
    • Kevyn Aucoin, The Ordinary, Kosas Concealers on peach-colored backgroundThe 27 Best Full-Coverage Concealers
  • XXRevolution Quick FiXX Mattifying Fixing Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/24

    Mattifying Setting Spray: XX Revolution Quick FiXX Mattifying Setting Spray

    A quick spritz of XX Revolution Quick FiXX Mattifying Setting Spray minimizes shine for the long haul, so you can set your makeup and then forget your makeup.

    $15

  • MAC Fix Magic Radiance on white background

    Courtesy of brand23/24

    Dewy Setting Spray: MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance

    And for a luminous finish that refuses to quit, MAC Fix+ Magic Radiance keeps skin plump and pliant while it perfects.

    $33

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm24/24

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of BeautyFoundationbronzerbasehighlightercontoursetting spraymakeup setting spraysconcealer for eyesconcealer paletteself-tannerstannerspowder foundationpressed powderface primerAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 9, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips

19 Best Lip Makeup of 2021 Colors Balm Gloss Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino

If there's one beauty lesson we've dutifully embraced throughout 2021, it's not to take our lipsticks for granted. The bold swipe of a full-pigment, matte-red bullet, or the comfortable sheen of a tinted balm, and the glamorous shine of a glitter-packed gloss…few were felt during the isolation and rare, face-covered social outings of the last year and a half. But now lipstick, just like the world at large, is attempting a shaky comeback to normality, and at Allure, we understand that return isn't necessarily a given.

So we savored every single cream bullet, liquid matte lipstick, gloss, balm, and stain (we tried hundreds of them) while determining which ones would earn our beloved Best of Beauty seal because we know we might not be wearing our tried-and-trues — like YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Studio or Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream — in public as often as we'd like.

Thankfully, there's nothing stopping us (and you) from enjoying a bold red like Pound Cake's Maraschino Cherry or the buttery, neutral Maybelline New York Ultimatte in More Truffle at home and around your vaccinated loved ones. Trust us, that's exactly what we'll be doing with the 2021 Best of Beauty-winning lip products below. Because now we know better than ever that wearing lipstick is more for the wonderful feeling than for the look itself. And that's something we'll revel in every chance we get.

Scroll through to see each winner, then be sure to read the full list of 2021 Allure Best of Beauty winners. —Nicola Dall’Asen

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • LOral Paris Les Nus by Colour Riche on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/20

    Lipstick (Your Lips But Better, Light): L'Oréal Paris Les Nus in Nu Confident

    The satin lingerie of lip color, L'Oréal Paris Les Nus in Nu Confident produces the sheerest-possible wash of rose.

    $9

  • LIPSAX Liquid Matte Lipstick in Selfie on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/20

    Lipstick (Your Lips But Better, Medium): Lipsax Liquid Matte Lipstick in Selfie

    A dusty pink that melts into a comfy stain, Lipsax Liquid Matte Lipstick in Selfie seems to become a part of your lips.

    $18

  • Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick in More Truffle on white background with Best of Beauty seal

    Courtesy of brand3/20

    Lipstick (Your Lips But Better, Dark): Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick in More Truffle

    Straight-up cocoa with a powdery finish, Maybelline New York Color Sensational Ultimatte Slim Lipstick in More Truffle enrobes lips in richness and warmth.

    $9

  • Pound Cake Cosmetics in Maraschino Cherry on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/20

    Lipstick (Classic Red): Pound Cake Cake Batter in Maraschino Cherry

    One swipe of Pound Cake Cake Batter in Maraschino Cherry delivers instant opacity — and a hint of badassery — with shine-free carnation color.

    $20

  • Mented Cosmetics Red Rover on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/20

    Lipstick (Dark Red): Mented Cosmetics Red Matte Lipstick in Red Rover

    Creamy in texture and matte in finish, Mented Cosmetics Red Matte Lipstick in Red Rover is a saturated burgundy that goes on smooth.

    $18More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a man wearing a lime green suit with a smokey purple eyeshadow look in front of a purple backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Eyes
  • imayla beauty The One Hydrating Cream Lipstick in Crise

    Courtesy of brand6/20

    Lipstick (Deep Red): Imayla Beauty The One Hydrating Cream Lipstick in Cérise

    You've got to kiss a lot of frogs to find a glossy red that stays put. Infused with hyaluronic acid and steadfast pigments, Imayla Beauty The One Hydrating Cream Lipstick in Cérise is, well, a real prince.

    $32

  • Rouge Dior 028 Actrice on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/20

    Lipstick (Bright Pink): Dior Rouge Dior in Actrice

    Brighter than rose and quieter than coral, Dior Rouge Dior in Actrice is that most enigmatic shade of pink: the exciting kind.

    $38

  • YSL Beauty Rouge Volupt Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Studio on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/20

    Lipstick (Coral): YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Studio

    A vibrant hybrid of red and pink, YSL Beauty Rouge Volupté Shine Lipstick Balm in Rouge Studio bathes lips in dewy brightness.

    $38

  • MAC Satin Lipstick in Cyber on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/20

    Lipstick (Plum): MAC Satin Lipstick in Cyber

    One layer of MAC Satin Lipstick in Cyber delivers an edgy sheen; several swipes impart blackberry darkness.

    $19

  • BITE Beauty Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick in Mulberry on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/20

    Lipstick (Berry): Bite Beauty Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick in Mulberry

    Packed with cocoa butter and potent color, Bite Beauty Power Move Soft Matte Lipstick in Mulberry gives lips a hydrating, raspberry hug.

    $28

  • Kylie Skin by Kylie Jenner Sugar Lip Scrub on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/20

    Lip Scrub: Kylie Skin by Kylie Jenner Sugar Lip Scrub

    The sugar crystals smooth, the oils and shea butter soften, and the morning after you use Kylie Skin by Kylie Jenner Sugar Lip Scrub even the mattest of matte lip colors go on like silk. (Test-driven by a woman who really knows how to make the most of matte lip colors — and by many Allure editors, who really know how to get lips so glowy you might skip lip color altogether.)

    $20

  • Biossance Squalane Rose Vegan Lip Balm on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/20

    Lip Balm (Daytime): Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm

    Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm provides so much plumpness and suppleness, you'll be tempted to skip the lipstick (although it does make color gleam).

    $14

  • Dr. PAWPAW Overnight Lip Mask on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/20

    Lip Balm (Overnight): Dr. Pawpaw Overnight Lip Mask

    We swear our lips gave a sigh of relief when we smoothed on Dr. Pawpaw Overnight Lip Mask. The velvety salve diminishes lines with aloe vera and olive oil.

    $10More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a group of women looking straight into the camera wearing natural makeupBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Base
    • Three side by side images of a man wearing a lime green suit with a smokey purple eyeshadow look in front of a purple backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Eyes
  • Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/20

    Lip Oil: Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil

    With translucent color and succulent cherry oil, Dior Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil lays down a glaze that enhances the shape of your lips.

    $35

  • Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/20

    Lip Crayon: Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon

    Maybelline New York SuperStay Ink Crayon unleashes our inner makeup artist. The creamy texture spreads beautifully; the tapered point defines effortlessly; the range of shades has "ombré" written all over it.

    $9

  • Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/20

    Lip Gloss: Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream

    The boss of all glosses, Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Cream Color Drip Lip Cream delivers intense pigment and a vinyl shine in one perfectly dosed stroke.

    $19

  • Pure Theory Love Life Lip Tint on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/20

    Lip Stain: Pure Theory Love X Life Lip Tint 

    The shockingly bold pigments in Pure Theory Love X Life Lip Tint have serious longevity, while the airy texture seems to defy gravity.

    $16

  • NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/20

    Liquid Lipstick (Matte): Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment

    The slinkiest matte we've ever smoothed on, Nars Powermatte Lip Pigment adapts to our lips like a second-skin.

    $26

  • Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/20

    Liquid Lipstick (Glossy Finish): Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink

    Revlon ColorStay Satin Ink gives us crisp color with a luminous sheen.

    $11

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm20/20

    See more categories >

Keywordslip balmLip glossBest of Beautylip productslipsLipstickred lipstickliquid lipsticksliquid lipsticklip stainsmatte lip stainmetallic lipsticksAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 8, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types

Best Skin Care Products for Sensitive Skin in 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Jacq Harriet; Fashion stylist: Herin Choi; Hair: Eric R. Williams; Makeup: Mariko Herano; Models: Laura at Elite, Cory at New Pandemics, Aalyah at IMG

Love the skin you're in… even when it's finicky and reactive as hell. Whether eczema, air pollution, or stinging skin-care products are the cause of your irritated skin woes, our board-certified dermatologist friends have indulged us with countless tips and products over the years that will keep your skin looking healthy and happy.

Keep some general no-nos in mind, like fragrances, dyes, sulfates, and alcohol. (When in doubt, patch test.) Instead, douse skin in moisture-attracting buddies like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter, as well as lipid-replenishing ceramides and fatty acids. (Do you hear that? Your skin is breathing a deep sigh of relief.) This year's sensitive-skin-friendly Best of Beauty winners might not be the sexiest offerings on the market but that's entirely the point. Dependable and "boring" is the goal if it means you won't experience painful, angry flare-ups all over — trust us.

Lather yourself in Olay's Eczema Soothing Body Wash and let a soothing blend of oat extract and niacin nourish and soften your body while you rock out to Olivia Rodrigo in the shower. Itchiness? We don’t know her. And waterproof mascara doesn't stand a chance when it's up against Simple's Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water, which breaks down the toughest formulas without leaving skin feeling stripped or raw. We love this aptly-named product so much that this is the second year in a row (and third year overall) that we've awarded it a Best of Beauty honor. That's amore.

As always, consult your dermatologist for your specific skin-care concerns — you're a unique being, after all — but check out our favorite, carefully tested products below that'll appease sensitive skin day and night. And for the rest of your beauty needs and curiosities, read our full list of Best of Beauty 2021 winners. —Sarah Han

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Water on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/8

    Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water

    Containing purified water and the mildest micelles (tiny cleansers that attract dirt like magnets), Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water draws out impurities without scrubbing or rinsing.

    $5

  • Olay Body Wash for Eczema Prone Skin with B3 on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/8

    Olay Eczema Soothing Body Wash with Vitamin B3

    Olay Eczema Prone Skin Soothing Body Wash cushions skin in a healing layer of oat extract, calming redness and reversing tightness even before you step out of the shower.

    $12

  • Curel Daily Healing Original Lotion for Dry Skin on white skin

    Courtesy of brand3/8

    Curel Daily Healing Dry Skin Hand and Body Lotion

    Delivering ultra-intense hydration in a fast-absorbing formula, Curel Daily Healing Original Lotion for Dry Skin turns skin supple on the double, soothing dry limbs and rough hands without a hint of greasiness.

    $10

  • Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Body Balm on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/8

    Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Balm

    The most versatile of salves, Bloomeffects Tulip Nectar Skin Repair Body Balm rescues every parched part (ragged cuticles, chapped lips, rough elbows, even split ends) with nutrient-rich botanicals and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

    $47

  • Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Itch Relief Balm on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/8

    Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Itch Relief Balm

    Packed with skin soothers (oat, aloe) and humectants, Aveeno Restorative Skin Therapy Itch Relief Balm penetrates skin and locks moisture in place, quelling irritation right where it starts.

    $13

  • Eucerin Roughness Relief Spot Treatment on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/8

    Eucerin Roughness Relief Spot Treatment

    Using a two-pronged approach, Eucerin Roughness Relief Spot Treatment targets scaly patches with its precise nozzle and then dissolves them with urea, a potent emollient and gentle exfoliator.

    $10

  • La RochePosay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/8

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser

    La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser melts away makeup and restores your skin's moisture barrier with ceramides and niacinamide.

    $15

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm8/8

    See more categories >

Keywordssensitive skinfragrance-freemoisturizerskin-care productsAllure Best of BeautyBest of Beauty 2021

September 8, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Hair

44 Best Hair Products of 2021 Shampoo Conditioner and Styling Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino

In 2020, we let our hair grow out, learned how to do our own dye jobs, gave ourselves bangs, or decided to say eff it and buzz it all off. This year? Oh yeah, we still did all that. But this time we had a little bit more access to our hairstylists — and, thankfully, more opportunities to let others bask in the glory of how damn good we look.

And just because outside is open doesn't mean that we're abandoning the products that got us through all this time. No sir, we're doubling down and giving gold stars to the hair-care products that were our ride or dies. The shampoos that got our scalps in check, the volumizers that plumped our strands up to high heaven, and the dry shampoos that helped us oil-train our hair all deserve recognition — and we are pleased to give it. 

Below, get into the hair-care products that stayed by our sides through another year of lockdowns, reopenings, and weird, "Is-this-really-safe?" gatherings. We truly have nothing but gratitude for these products. 

And while you're at it, check out the rest of our 2021 Best of Beauty-winning products.

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Curly): Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo and Conditioner

    Pumped full of silk proteins, Nexxus Curl Define Shampoo and Conditioner reinforce your curls' natural structure, exaggerating the bounce you were born with.

    $18 at Shampoo$18 at Conditioner

  • The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/45

    Shampoo & Conditioner (Kinky Hair): The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo and Conditioner

    The Mane Choice Manetabolism Rejuvenation Solution Extra Healthy Shampoo and Conditioner coddles kinks, hydrating and reducing breakage to encourage softness and fullness all over.

    $16 at Shampoo$16 at Conditioner

  • Pantene SiliconeFree Fragrance Free Pure Clean Clarify Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Fine Hair): Pantene Silicone Free & Fragrance Free Pure Clean & Clarify Shampoo and Conditioner

    Never in all our flyaway days did we expect Pantene Silicone Free & Fragrance Free Pure Clean & Clarify Shampoo and Conditioner to deliver so much polish with so few ingredients. We've seen the light.

    $17 at Shampoo & Conditioner

  • SheaMoisture Papaya Neroli All Day Frizz Control Shampoo Conditioner on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Dry Hair): SheaMoisture Papaya & Neroli All Day Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner

    Parched hair takes to the tropical-smelling SheaMoisture Papaya & Neroli All Day Frizz Control Shampoo and Conditioner, which smooth rough patches and restore calm, like a toddler to a juice box.

    $21 at Shampoo & Conditioner

  • John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Color-Treated Hair): John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo and Conditioner

    The blue pigments in John Frieda Blue Crush for Brunettes Blue Shampoo and Conditioner neutralize the brassy and rusty tones that dull dark hair.

    $12 at Shampoo$12 at ConditionerMore from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips
  • MATRIX Total Results So Silver Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Color-Treated Hair): Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo

    Matrix Total Results So Silver Shampoo rids cool blondes of unwanted warmth.

    $17 at Shampoo$17 at Conditioner

  • OLAPLEX No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/45

    Shampoo and Conditioner (Damaged Hair): Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

    The hair-care system of the future, Olaplex No. 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and No. 5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner contain a novel set of molecules that buffer against breakage, making damage a thing of the past.

    $28 at Shampoo$28 at Conditioner

  • Head Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/45

    Shampoo (Dandruff): Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo

    Infused with cooling menthol and a hefty dose of selenium sulfide, Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff Defense Intensive Itch Relief Shampoo banishes flakes and soothes itchiness after one wash.

    $11

  • Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight WaterToFoam Shampoo with Rose Water on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/45

    Clarifying Shampoo: Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo With Rose Water

    The mild surfactants in Carol's Daughter Wash Day Delight Water-to-Foam Shampoo with Rose Water behave like mini magnets, attracting buildup without stripping hair.

    $11

  • Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl CoWash on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/45

    Co-Wash: Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash

    Consider Kristin Ess Ultra Hydrating Curl Co-Wash the smartphone of co-washes: It automatically locks moisture in and impurities out, so curls practically style themselves.

    $14

  • OUAI Scalp Body Scrub on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/45

    Scalp Treatment (Scrub): Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub

    Remember the most luxurious scalp massage you ever received? Here it is, in a jar. A dreamy concoction of sugar and coconut oil, Ouai Scalp & Body Scrub boosts circulation and enhances calm.

    $38

  • Aveda Invati Advanced Intensive Hair and Scalp Masque with the red 2021 Allure Best of Beauty seal on white background

    Courtesy of brand / Allure12/45

    Scalp Treatment (Mask): Aveda Invati Advanced Intensive Hair & Scalp Masque

    The plant-based polymers in Aveda Invati Advanced Intensive Hair & Scalp Masque plump and fortify individual strands, adding renewed body and fullness.

    $45

  • Royal Oils Nighttime Scalp Tonic Lotion on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/45

    Scalp Treatment (Tonic): Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Nighttime Scalp Tonic Lotion

    The tingly blend of zinc and peppermint oil in Royal Oils by Head & Shoulders Nighttime Scalp Tonic Lotion relieves dryness and lifts away buildup to prolong the life of protective styles.

    $15More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
  • Pantene Miracle Rescue Multitasking 10in1 Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/45

    Leave-In Conditioner: Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking Spray

    The holy grail of detangling, Pantene Miracle Rescue 10-in-1 Multitasking Spray bestows a staggering list of shine-boosting, frizz-busting benefits. Let us spray.

    $9

  • TPH Mask On Conditioning Mask on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/45

    Mask: TPH by Taraji Mask On

    For kinks and curls, TPH by Taraji Mask On delivers softness without compromising springiness.

    $18

  • Color Wow x Chris Appleton Money Masque on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/45

    Mask: ColorWow x Chris Appleton Money Masque

    And even those with fine hair will find ColorWow x Chris Appleton Money Masque richly rewarding; the decadent formula rinses clean, leaving behind nothing but shine.

    $45

  • Mielle Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/45

    Styling Product (Curl Milk): Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk

    Mielle Organics Avocado Moisturizing Hair Milk cushions curls and locks in luster with a rich cocktail of omegas, proteins, and plant extracts.

    $13

  • Tube of Intelligent IN Bellcurve Curl Cream on white background with Best of Beauty award seal

    Courtesy of brand18/45

    Styling Product (Curl Definer): Intelligent I-N Bell-Curve Curl Cream

    Intelligent I-N Bell-Curve Curl Cream provides weightless hold and lasting definition.

    $37

  • The Doux Big Poppa Define Gel on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/45

    Styling Product (Curl Definer): The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel

    The Doux Big Poppa Defining Gel makes curls pop without a bit of stiffness.

    $16

  • Mizani CoCo Dew Curl PreStyling and ReStyling Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/45

    Styling Product (Curl Refresher): Mizani CoCo Dew Pre-Styling and Restyling Spray

    Did you know your curls have a memory? Mizani CoCo Dew Pre-Styling and Restyling Spray revives their shape and perfects their pattern with coconut extract. They won't forget to thank you.

    $22

  • Joico RiseUp Powder Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/45

    Styling Product (Volumizer): Joico Rise Up Powder Spray

    An ultrafine powder that vanishes on contact, Joico Rise Up Powder Spray gives roots a substantial boost.

    $22More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips
  • Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/45

    Styling Product (Volumizer): Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray

    Verb Volume Dry Texture Spray adds the sort of tousled, piecey texture that used to require a curling iron — or surfing lessons — to achieve.

    $18

  • Living Proof Curl Enhancer on white background

    Courtesy of brand23/45

    Styling Product (Wave Enhancer): Living Proof Curl Enhancer

    The moisture-repelling molecules in Living Proof Curl Enhancer form a sleeve of sleekness around your waves, producing languid bends with a glossy sheen.

    $34

  • Naturall Avocado Curl Custard on white background

    Courtesy of brand24/45

    Styling Product (Defrizzer): NaturAll Club Avocado Curl Custard

    Unlike heavy formulas that kill volume along with frizz, NaturAll Club Avocado Curl Custard keeps tight kinks intact.

    $14

  • Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil on white background

    Courtesy of brand25/45

    Styling Product (Defrizzer): Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil

    For looser spirals, Living Proof Curl Moisturizing Shine Oil disappears into hair, deflating puff while preserving curves.

    $30

  • FEKKAI Shea Butter Intense Oil on white background

    Courtesy of brand26/45

    Styling Product (Finishing Oil): Fekkai Shea Butter Intense Oil

    Packing the moisture-rich goodness of shea butter into a lightweight elixir, Fekkai Shea Butter Intense Oil glazes over flyaways and disguises split ends without dragging hair down.

    $28

  • Calm SexyHair Wetfix Chill AllStyle Dry Crme on white background

    Courtesy of brand27/45

    Styling Product (Blowout Cream): Calm SexyHair Wetflix & Chill All Style Dry Crème

    Laced with fatty acids and CBD, Calm SexyHair Wetflix & Chill All Style Dry Crème is essentially a dispensary of fullness and shine.

    $23

  • IGK Big Time Volume and Thickening Mousse on white background

    Courtesy of brand28/45

    Styling Product (Mousse): IGK Big Time Volume and Thickening Mousse

    IGK Big Time Volume and Thickening Mousse delivers full-on girth in an airy fluff.

    $31

  • Rucker Roots Texture Styling Mousse on white background

    Courtesy of brand29/45

    Styling Product (Mousse): Rucker Roots Texture Styling Mousse

    Rucker Roots Texture Styling Mousse provides just enough moisture and hold to give your styling tools a major assist.

    $14More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips
  • TPH BY TARAJI Twist and Set on white background

    Courtesy of brand30/45

    Styling Product (Twisting Cream): TPH by Taraji Twist and Set

    It took a whole lot of testing to find a formula capable of sculpting elongated spirals. TPH by Taraji Twist and Set gave us standout twist-outs every time.

    $17

  • White tub of African Pride Styling Wax with gold top with red Allure Best of Beauty seal in right corner on white background

    Courtesy of brand31/45

    Styling Product (Edge Tamer): African Pride Moisture Miracle Edge Styling Wax

    They may be wispy-fine, but baby hairs are essential to our style. African Pride Moisture Miracle Edge Styling Wax gives them the respect they deserve with aloe (to condition) and coconut water (to strengthen).

    $5

  • Jillian Dempsey Roadie Hair Pomade on white background

    Courtesy of brand32/45

    Styling Product (Pomade): Jillian Dempsey Roadie Hair Pomade

    The artfully faded denim of stylers, Jillian Dempsey Roadie Hair Pomade provides offhand texture with a cool, semimatte finish.

    $28

  • RCo BLEU Featherlight Hairspray on white background

    Courtesy of brand33/45

    Styling Product (Hairspray): R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray

    Either R+Co Bleu Featherlight Hairspray is made from the wings of Pegasus, or someone discovered a molecular complex that provides hold and promotes swingy-ness. Yeah, we're going with Pegasus.

    $56

  • LOral Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo on white background

    Courtesy of brand34/45

    Styling Product (Dry Shampoo): L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo

    A blast of L'Oréal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Air Volume Dry Shampoo delivers immaculate roots. And a silky finish. And impressive volume. And a delicious scent. Other than that, it's totally undetectable.

    $7

  • Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit on white background

    Courtesy of brand35/45

    Hair Color (Permanent Color): Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit

    Madison Reed Radiant Hair Color Kit arrives at your door with all the stuff you need for multidimensional color, and none of the stuff you don't (ammonia, PPD, phthalates).

    $22

  • eSalon Custom Hair Color Set on white background

    Courtesy of brand36/45

    Hair Color (Permanent Color): eSalon Custom Hair Color Set

    You have to fill out a lengthy questionnaire before the pros at eSalon formulate a Custom Hair Color Set for you, but the results really do approximate a salon visit — minus the visit.

    $15

  • LOral Paris Le Color Gloss on white background

    Courtesy of brand37/45

    Hair Color (Gloss): L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss

    Apply L'Oréal Paris Le Color Gloss straight from the tube to enhance color and shine through at least five shampoos.

    $13More from Allure

    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
  • Color Wow Root Cover Up on white background

    Courtesy of brand38/45

    Hair Color (Root Coverage): ColorWow Root Cover Up

    The tiny, tinted zinc particles in ColorWow Root Cover Up cling to wiry grays and won't let go until we shampoo.

    $35

  • dpHUE Root TouchUp on white background

    Courtesy of brand39/45

    Hair Color (Root Coverage): dpHue Root Touch Up Kit

    And dpHue Root Touch Up Kit is totally intuitive. After mixing, paint the formula directly on roots for seamless, goof-proof color.

    $32

  • Good Dye Young I'm Bored Hair Makeup on white background

    Courtesy of brand40/45

    Hair Color (Rainbow): Good Dye Young I'm Bored Hair Makeup

    In shades like Add to Cart (powder blue) and Binge Watch (retro red), Good Dye Young I'm Bored Hair Makeup offers a temporary break from the ennui of everyday hair color.

    $12

  • The Volo Quick Dry Hero Towel on white background

    Courtesy of brand41/45

    Hair Towel: Volo Hero Towel

    Volo Hero Towel hugs our hairline without tugging on baby hairs and absorbs dampness without ruffling cuticles, cutting drying time— and damage—in half.

    $39

  • Glow By Daye Satin Bonnet on white background

    Courtesy of brand42/45

    Turban/Bonnet: Glow By Daye Premium Satin Bonnet

    Designed with two layers of satin and a sleek perimeter to protect edges, Glow By Daye Premium Satin Bonnet reduces friction and moisture loss. Bonus: The drawstring ensures a snug fit, whether we're turning over in bed or going about our day.

    $20

  • OUAI Fur Bebe on white background

    Courtesy of brand43/45

    For Furry Friends: Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo

    Those who confuse Ouai Fur Bébé Pet Shampoo with a human shampoo aren't exactly barking up the wrong tree. Packed with aloe vera, the hydrating formula leaves hair and coats of every breed soft and shiny.

    $32

  • Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Hair Brush on white background

    Courtesy of brand44/45

    For Furry Friends: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush

    When you're done, the bendy bristles of the Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Hairbrush gently glide through long coats, reducing stress for your pet and tumbleweeds on your floor.

    $14

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm45/45

    See more categories >

    More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman's lips with pink and red lipstick on Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Lips

KeywordsBest of Beautyhair productshair careconditionerdry shampooshampoocurly haircolor-treated Hairboxed hair dyefrizz-fighting productsleave in treatmentVolumizercurl creamdeep conditionerhair fixesAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 2, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean

The Best Clean Beauty Products of 2021 Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Jacq Harriet; Fashion stylist: Herin Choi; Hair: Eric R. Williams; Makeup: Mariko Herano; Models: Laura at Elite, Cory at New Pandemics, Aalyah at IMG

Cleanliness is subjective. Just ask any kid under 10 who pronounces their room tidy after leaving their dirty socks next to the hamper or shoving a years' worth of homework into a single desk drawer.

And "clean" beauty is no exception. Though the buzzword has been floating around the industry for years, there's still no universally agreed-upon criteria for what makes a product "clean," "green," "natural," or "eco-friendly." (And yes, the quotation marks around all those terms are very much intentional.)

For us at Allure, it's about what's not on the ingredient list: Products that meet our definition of "clean" do not contain parabens, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate, cyclic silicones, polyethylene or polypropylene (microbeads), aluminum salts, formaldehyde, hydroquinone, PEGs, triclosan, talc, mineral oil, petrolatum, formaldehyde, or toluene. (If you're curious, you can always read more about how we landed on the Allure Clean Standard.)

Sure, scanning ingredient lists until your eyes bug out isn't exactly the sexiest part of the job, but it was worth it to yield this list of high-performing products you, dear reader, can feel extra good about. This year, our Best of Beauty "Clean" winners include a tinted balm that looks equally ethereal on cheeks, lips, and lids, a no-budge mascara, and a body scrub that will turn your shower into a spa.

Thanks to months upon months of testing, we know there's not a dud among the 22 products you're about to scroll through. And we think you'll be just as impressed with each and every one of our 2021 Best of Beauty winners — so be sure to check out the full list when you're done. —Dianna Mazzone

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Blue packaging on Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty Shampoo and Conditioner Bar on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/23

    Hair: Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner Bar

    A heart-shaped bar that pumps coconut water into our hair, the one-step formula that is the Love Beauty and Planet Volume and Bounty 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner Bar makes cleansing and conditioning an actual piece of cake.

    $6

  • Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/23

    Body: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream

    The pale pink pump of Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream puts the "treat" in "treatment." Scented with watermelon extract and packed with skin-brightening AHAs, the weightless lotion leaves every inch supple and luminous.

    $28

  • Ceremonia Guava LeaveIn Conditioner on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/23

    Hair: Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner

    The addition of guava in the Ceremonia Guava Leave-In Conditioner gives our hair heavy-duty antioxidant protection; the delicate texture won't weigh down the finest of strands (says one editor with the finest of strands).

    $20

  • Briogeo Don't Despair Repair Super Moisture Conditioner on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/23

    Hair: Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner

    Brimming with amino acid-packed marine algae extract, the silky Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Super Moisture Conditioner delivers all the moisture our dry, damaged hair craves.

    $36

  • Uhai Intensive Deep Conditioner on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/23

    Hair: Uhai Intensive Deep Conditioner

    Intensely hydrating with a whipped, almost fluffy texture, the omega-rich Uhai Intensive Deep Conditioner buoys curls while boosting softness and shine.

    $15More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • St. Tropez, Tangle Teezer, and BareMinerals products on a blue backgroundThe Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Famers That Keep Winning Awards
  • adwoa beauty baomint protect shine oil blend on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/23

    Hair: Adwoa Beauty Protect + Shine Oil Blend

    Infused with essential oils and spearmint, the lupine cocktail in Adwoa Beauty Protect + Shine Oil Blend calms the scalp and adds luster to kinks, coils, and curls.

    $20

  • KINSHIP SELF REFLECT Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32 on white background with red Allure Best of...

    Courtesy of brand7/23

    Skin: Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32

    Good, clean sunscreen — the mineral-based Kinship Self Reflect Probiotic Moisturizing Sunscreen Zinc Oxide SPF 32 has a pearly tint that helps it adapt to your skin tone, blending into an invisible sheen.

    $42

  • Green bottle of Humanrace Skincare Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator with red Allure Clean Best of Beauty seal on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/23

    Skin: Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator

    Pharrell knows how to create a winning track — and, as it turns out, winning skin care. Glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, and ultrafine rice particles work in concert in the Humanrace Lotus Enzyme Exfoliator to dissolve roughness and slough away dullness, revealing noticeably smoother, brighter skin.

    $46

  • KORA Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/23

    Skin: Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer

    Balm-thick and banana-yellow, the pigmented mix of turmeric and rosehip oil in Kora Organics Turmeric Glow Moisturizer transforms skin into glowing perfection. The refillable glass jar transforms our bathroom into #shelfie material.

    $58

  • Eminence Organics Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/23

    Skin: Éminence Organic Skin Care Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer

    Éminence Organic Skin Care Mangosteen Gel Moisturizer, a gel-cream hybrid, keeps skin dewy and pliant while it perfects, blurring pores with a soft matte finish.

    $64

  • Pai Skincare Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/23

    Skin: Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil

    A superhero trio of oils (olive, sunflower, castor) in Pai Light Work Rosehip Cleansing Oil clings to the natural sebum produced by your pores, whisking away dirt and makeup without relying on surfactants that strip skin dry.

    $49

  • Indie Lee Restorative Eye Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/23

    Skin: Indie Lee Restorative Eye Cream

    The antioxidant equivalent of eight hours of sleep, the soothing Indie Lee Restorative Eye Cream tightens and brightens undereyes with a potent blend of plant extracts and licorice root.

    $68

  • White tub of Honest Beauty Calm Heal Melting Balm with green and black text on white background with red Allure Best of...

    Courtesy of brand13/23

    Skin: Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm

    The comforting Honest Beauty Calm & Heal Melting Balm delivers salvation to chapped, cracked skin with allantoin (a skin protectant) and anti-inflammatory ingredients, like rice bran.

    $33More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
    • St. Tropez, Tangle Teezer, and BareMinerals products on a blue backgroundThe Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Famers That Keep Winning Awards
  • Tower 28 BeachPlease Luminous Tinted Balm on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/23

    Makeup: Tower 28 Beachplease Luminous Tinted Balm

    The only acceptable way to achieve natural color (in our book) is with Tower 28 Beachplease Luminous Tinted Balm, a plant-based balm (it comes in six shades), bathes cheeks and lips in shimmer-free, sun-kissed warmth.

    $20

  • JONES ROAD The Best Pencil on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/23

    Makeup: Jones Road The Best Pencil

    Drawn precisely along the lash line or smudged into a smoky haze, the ultra-dense, ultra-intense pigment of Jones Road The Best Pencil adds seamless definition.

    $22

  • ILIA Beauty Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/23

    Makeup: Ilia Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint

    The water-based formula of Ilia Liquid Powder Chromatic Eye Tint bestows a wash of gleamy color that won't sink into creases or fade into oblivion.

    $28

  • MERIT Clean Lash on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/23

    Makeup: Merit Clean Lash

    Ideal for everyday use, the carbon-black Merit Clean Lash mascara lifts and defines lashes while leaving their ends elegantly clump-free.

    $26

  • Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/23

    Makeup: Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight

    Sleek and weighted, the palm-size Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight compact has the polished feel of a river stone. Blended onto cheekbones, the luminous cream seems to transform the landscape of our face.

    $75

  • Saie Slip Tint on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/23

    Makeup: Saie Slip Tint

    The tinted fluid of Saie Slip Tint feels like nothing on your skin but does everything you could want: evens out discoloration, eliminates dryness, and undoes dullness with brightening ingredients, like licorice root.

    $32

  • Beautycounter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/23

    Makeup: Beautycounter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer

    Suspended in avocado butter, the rich pigments of Beautycounter Skin Twin Creamy Concealer seem to float over fine lines, diffusing shadows while erasing crepiness.

    $31

  • The Right To Shower Joy Bar Soap on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/23

    Body: Right to Shower Bar Soap

    A soap that raises the bar in every respect: Proceeds from the wholesome Right to Shower Bar Soap support an initiative that brings mobile showers to our fellow humans living on the streets.

    $8More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman and man wearing colorful eyeshadow with their hair pulled back in front of a treeBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Steals
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • St. Tropez, Tangle Teezer, and BareMinerals products on a blue backgroundThe Allure Best of Beauty Hall of Famers That Keep Winning Awards
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a blue corset with braids and a pink lip in front of a red backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Best Splurges
  • Henry Rose Windows Down on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/23

    Body: Henry Rose Windows Down

    Henry Rose Windows Down is the fragrance version of driving off into the sunset: Notes of Earl Grey and orange flower are invigorating out of the gate; musk and amber settle into a smooth, dusky trail.

    $120

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm23/23

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautyclean beautyshampoosconditionersnatural producthighlighter makeupingredientsskin ingredientscosmetic chemistAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guideBest of Beauty 2021

September 1, 2021 by SPORT 0

Best of Beauty Awards 2021: Body

Best Body Care Products 2021 Lotions Scrubs and Washes Allure Best of Beauty Awards

Photographer: Elliot & Erick Jimenez; Stylist: Rachael Wang; Hair: Nikki Nelms; Makeup: Frankie Boyd; Manicure: Eri Handa; Set designer: Jenny Correa; Producer: Marcos Fecchino

With so much attention focused on finding the best face serum to fade hyperpigmentation or a rich moisturizer that packs a punch of hydration, our body care can be left to fend for itself. But skin care is a full-body agenda.

That's why we took testing the Allure Best of Beauty: Body category very seriously. Our editors were tasked with testing the latest body washes, scrubs, razors, and bath products, giving us an excuse to upgrade our normal bathing routine — and handpick this year's winners.

The standouts from this year's Best of Beauty Award-winning body products cover all the bases, from head to toe, including body washes that will leave you feeling cleansed and refreshed, sunscreens to apply all day, every day, and a full-body bronzer that gives off an oh-so-supple glow.

Below are the beauty products that came through and delivered a total reset to our body-care routines. Once you've taken a look through, be sure to check out our full list of 2021 Best of Beauty winners here. —Michella Ore

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

  • Dove 0 Aluminum Refillable Deodorant on white background

    Courtesy of brand1/26

    Deodorant: Dove 0% Aluminum Refillable Deodorant

    With its stainless-steel case and compact size, Dove 0% Aluminum Refillable Deodorant feels like a small piece of sculpture in our hand — and puts a generous dent in our carbon footprint.

    $18

  • Secret DERMA Fragrance Free Antiperspirant on white background

    Courtesy of brand2/26

    Antiperspirant: Secret Derma+ Fragrance Free Antiperspirant 

    An invisible gel in a squeezable tube, Secret Derma+ Fragrance Free Antiperspirant goes on clear and keeps skin bone-dry for up to 48 hours.

    $10

  • Dove Care and Protect Antibacterial Body Wash on white background

    Courtesy of brand3/26

    Body Wash (Liquid): Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash

    By eliminating 99 percent of bacteria and reducing dryness, Dove Care & Protect Antibacterial Body Wash is as close as we're ever going to get to living in our own little bubble.

    $7

  • TypeA Brands Moisturizing Probiotic Bar Soap in The Darling on white background

    Courtesy of brand4/26

    Body Bar (Every Day): Type:A Moisturizing Bar Soap in The Darling

    For persnickety skin, Type:A Moisturizing Bar Soap in The Darling unleashes a heap of lather that's coddling enough for everyday use.

    $8

  • Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar on white background

    Courtesy of brand5/26

    Body Bar (Exfoliating): Glossier Exfoliating Body Bar

    The bamboo-powder buffers in Glossier Body Hero Exfoliating Bar tackle dullness (with a supple assist from sunflower seed oil).

    $14More from Allure

    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • Three side by side images of a woman looking down, over the camera wearing a pink and white shirt with pink lipstick onBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
  • True Botanicals Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub on white background

    Courtesy of brand6/26

    Body Scrub: True Botanicals Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub

    True Botanicals Pure Radiance Sugar Scrub is like an all-inclusive retreat for your skin. Organic sugar, sandalwood powder, and kaolin clay work in concert to polish rough spots and detox pores, while an invigorating orange scent helps circulation get its groove back.

    $38

  • Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion on white background

    Courtesy of brand7/26

    Body Lotion (Light): Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion

    Silky and coconutty, Summer Fridays Summer Skin Nourishing Body Lotion disappears into skin, delivering a powdery finish that feels more liberating than a long weekend.

    $26

  • Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream on white background

    Courtesy of brand8/26

    Body Lotion (Rich): Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream

    Fenty Skin Butta Drop Whipped Oil Body Cream is exactly what it sounds like: a decadent, buttery emulsion. The lightweight finish, however, defies explanation.

    $39

  • Cetaphil Rough Bump Daily Smoothing Moisturizer on white background

    Courtesy of brand9/26

    Body Lotion (Exfoliating): Cetaphil Daily Smoothing Moisturizer Rough & Bumpy Skin

    In lieu of alpha hydroxy acids that can irritate sensitive skin, Cetaphil Daily Smoothing Moisturizer Rough & Bumpy Skin gently dissolves dry patches with urea, a moisture-boosting emollient.

    $16

  • Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil on white background

    Courtesy of brand10/26

    Body Oil: Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil 

    A drizzle of Keys Soulcare Sacred Body Oil turns moisturizing into a ritual. Scented with sage and rich with fatty acids, the delicate elixir soothes skin, calms the senses, and bestows an outer glow to match those beautiful souls.

    $25

  • Olay Rinse Off Body Conditioner on white background

    Courtesy of brand11/26

    Body Lotion (Rinse Off): Olay Rinse-Off Body Conditioner + Shea Butter

    Olay Rinse-Off Body Conditioner + Shea Butter cocoons skin in shea butter while you're still in the shower, stopping dryness and tightness before they start.

    $8

  • Megababe Thigh Rescue on white background

    Courtesy of brand12/26

    Spot Treatment: Megababe Thigh Rescue

    Because "feeling the burn" shouldn't apply to the skin on our thighs, Megababe Thigh Rescue glides on to prevent chafing.

    $14

  • Vaseline Cocoa Shimmer Jelly Stick on white background

    Courtesy of brand13/26

    Spot Treatment: Vaseline Jelly Stick

    Vaseline Jelly Stick attacks chap wherever it occurs (lips, cuticles, knees) — and it now also comes in cooling menthol (Refreshing) and a beachy glow (Cocoa Shimmer).

    $7More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
    • Three side by side images of a woman looking down, over the camera wearing a pink and white shirt with pink lipstick onBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
  • Blue Lizard Sheer Body Lotion SPF50 on white background

    Courtesy of brand14/26

    Body Sunscreen (Mineral): Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sheer Lotion SPF 50

    If we didn't have to reapply sunscreen every two hours, we'd forget all about Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sheer Lotion SPF 50. The zinc sunscreen goes on without a trace (said testers with all different skin tones).

    $20

  • Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 on white background

    Courtesy of brand15/26

    Body Sunscreen (Chemical): Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

    We honestly can't tell if Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Lotion
    SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen parading as a weightless moisturizer or a weightless moisturizer parading as a broad-spectrum sunscreen. The antioxidant-rich formula is that light and comfortable.

    $13

  • St. Tropez Ultimate Glow Kit on white background

    Courtesy of brand16/26

    Self-Tanner (Traditional): St. Tropez x Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Kit

    You can't botch St. Tropez x Ashley Graham Ultimate Glow Kit, even if you tried (and, believe us, we tried). The velvety mitt distributes the airy foam for an immediate, uniform glow that dries on contact and continues to deepen over eight hours (rinse off earlier if you want less color).

    $55

  • Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion on white background

    Courtesy of brand17/26

    Self-Tanner (Gradual): Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion

    A gradual bronzer with the soul of a moisturizer, Bondi Sands Pure Gradual Tanning Lotion transforms skin into dewy, glowy perfection with hyaluronic acid and a subtle tint.

    $22

  • Elaluz Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu on white background

    Courtesy of brand18/26

    Body Bronzer: Elaluz Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu

    Packed with fine shimmer and natural oils, Elaluz Stick Bronzer with Camu Camu produces a luminous sheen that warms our skin — and has never stained our clothes.

    $29

  • Kneipp Goodbye Stress Water Mint Rosemary Mineral Bath Salt on white background

    Courtesy of brand19/26

    Bath Product: Kneipp Goodbye Stress Water Mint & Rosemary Mineral Bath Salt

    The satisfyingly coarse crystals in Kneipp Goodbye Stress Water Mint & Rosemary Mineral Bath Salt release essential oils and a herbaceous scent as they dissolve, making our skin feel smoother and our breathing feel deeper

    $20

  • Skintimate Bloom Shave Gel on white background

    Courtesy of brand20/26

    Hair Removal (Shaving Cream): Skintimate Bloom Shave Gel

    Skintimate Bloom Shave Gel lathers up into a luxurious, floral-scented whip that feels so darn good, you'll actually look forward to de-fuzzing (no, really).

    $4

  • Gillette Venus Extra Smooth Sensitive on white background

    Courtesy of brand21/26

    Hair Removal (Razor): Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Razor

    The five tightly spaced blades of Gillette Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Razor glide over skin and slice through stubble with minimal pressure, resulting in a nick-free shave.

    $18More from Allure

    • Three side by side images of a woman wearing a fuzzy green shirt with her hair up in a bun and dangly earringsBest of Beauty 2021: Sensitive Types
    • Three side by side images of a woman looking down, over the camera wearing a pink and white shirt with pink lipstick onBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Clean
    • allure beauty box limited edition best of beauty box with allure best of beauty seal on pink and blue background Get Six of Our All-Time Favorite Best of Beauty Winners in this Special Allure Beauty Box
    • A man and a women behind a yellow table resting their heads on their hand in front of a blue backgroundBest of Beauty Awards 2021: Skin
  • SmoothSkin Pure on white background

    Courtesy of brand22/26

    Hair Removal (Laser): SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Laser

    Using the same technology wielded by dermatologists, SmoothSkin Pure IPL Hair Removal Laser permanently reduces unwanted growth by targeting the pigment in your hair follicles and disabling the root. The device automatically adapts to your skin tone, producing results that last a lifetime.

    $379

  • AVYA Skincare Nourishing Hand Treatment on white background

    Courtesy of brand23/26

    Hand Cream: AVYA Skincare Nourishing Hand Treatment

    The orange-derived stem cells in AVYA Skincare Nourishing Hand Treatment boost collagen and fade dark spots over time. The greaseless formula absorbs in half a snap.

    $26

  • Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer in Deep Moisture on white background

    Courtesy of brand24/26

    Hand Sanitizer: Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer in Deep Moisture

    Dove Nourishing Hand Sanitizer in Deep Moisture is so hydrating, you'd never guess the gel also obliterates over 99 percent of common germs with over 60 percent ethyl alcohol (the CDC-recommended amount).

    $5

  • Crest Whitening Emulsions with Wand Applicator on white background

    Courtesy of brand25/26

    Teeth Whitener: Crest Whitening Emulsions with Wand Applicator

    Whitening treatments used to require fooling with sticky strips and laying low for at least 30 minutes. Crest Whitening Emulsions with Wand Applicator makes all of that seem like ancient history. The minty gel-like formula contains a potent form of hydrogen peroxide that absorbs in seconds, removing stains while you do… whatever it is you want to do.

    $50

  • Photographed by Elliot & Erick Jimenez / Clip by Ingrid Frahm26/26

    See more categories >

KeywordsBest of Beautyskin-care productsskin caremoisturizersbody lotionhair removalexfoliatorsbody washbath soapbody bronzerdeodorantAllure Best of Beautyrepackageshoppingshopping guidebody scrubsHair Removal Product or Toolteeth whitenerBest of Beauty 2021

August 26, 2021 by SPORT 0

Recent Comments

No comments to show.