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Some may say that it's too early to start thinking about holiday shopping—but not us. (After all, who enjoys waiting until the last minute to secure gifts?) Luckily, Amazon’s Holiday Beauty Event is the perfect time to start checking off everyone on your list, transition your skin-care routine from warm to cold weather, or simply restock your year-round favorites. This two-week-long sale is happening now and runs through November 1, 2026, with up to 40% off makeup, skin care, fragrance, and more—including a few Allure Best of Beauty winners. (Bonus: Look out for 48-hour flash deals across every beauty category!)

Our Top Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Deals

• Holy Hydration: Biodance Day Glow Kit, $34 $20
• Pretty in Pink: CosRx Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch, $23 $20
• Cherry on Top: Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, $75 $60
• Getting Steamy: WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh, $79 $57
• Pucker Up: Charlotte Tilbury K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, $37 $26
• Major Perks: Amika x Ellis Brooklyn Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo, $29 $23
• Love You A Latte: Sol de Janeiro Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists, $26 $21

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• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals
• Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

So, whether you’re checking off stocking stuffers or simply need a restock of your go-tos, now is a good time to get shopping. To make sifting through the slew of discounts easier, we’ve curated a list of the best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event deals below. Happy saving!

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Gift Set Deals

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Biodance

Day Glow Kit

$34 $20 (41% off)

Amazon

This K-beauty lineup has everything you need to bring the bounce back to dry, dull skin in one convenient, travel-size kit. Take it home with you during the holidays—cleanser, toner pads, moisturizing cream, and the brand’s viral overnight masks, of course—so you can end the year on a high note with plump, glowy skin.

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Revolution Beauty

Makeup Sparkle Advent Calendar

$65 $27 (58% off)

Amazon

An advent calendar is literally the gift that keeps on giving. This 24-piece box is for the makeup lover in your life (yourself, included!) who’s always looking to try a new blush, eyeliner, or mascara to add to their glam routine. In fact, with everything from makeup essentials to tools, this has everything you need for a complete beauty routine makeover.

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Anua

Dewy Glow Holiday Amenity Kit

$37 $31 (16% off)

Amazon

PDRN has become one of the buzziest skin-care ingredients over the last few years for its supposed regenerative, skin-strengthening properties. This five-step kit—including a mist, serum, cream, lip serum, and face mask—combines the star active with10 types of hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and repair the skin at different levels.

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Medicube

Rosemary PDRN Glass Hair Set

$79 $59 (25% off)

Amazon

We’ve heard all about glass skin, but the smooth, glossy look of glass hair is equally as desirable. Each product in this bundle (shampoo, conditioner, scalp serum, and hair mask) is infused with rosemary PDRN, which helps to soothe and nourish the scalp and, in turn, potentially support healthier hair growth.

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Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask: Nourish, Hydrate, Vitamin C, Murumuru & Shea Butter, Antioxidants, Flaky, Dry Lips

$32 $24 (25% off)

Amazon

Laneige’s Sleeping Mask is not only a Best of Beauty Award winner, but it’s also a three-time Readers’ Choice winner for its softening, moisture-locking overnight formula. This shea butter-infused bundle includes the Sleeping Mask and the Lip Glowy Balm in the Berry and Vanilla flavors for a complete strawberry shortcake–inspired lip routine. Who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

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Sol De Janerio

Delicia Drench Vanilla Moisturizing Body Routine Gift Set

$74 $56 (24% off)

Amazon

A good shower routine doesn’t stop once you step out of the bathtub. This Sol de Janeiro gift set includes a shower oil, body butter, and perfume mist, each concocted with notes of velvet plum, amber, and sandalwood to make sure your skin smells and feels amazing long after you wash.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Skin-Care Deals

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Biodance

Collagen Peptides Jelly Serum Mist

$19 $15 (21% off)

Amazon

Jelly, serum, and mist aren’t three words that you’d usually see listed together, but unlike traditional water-based mists (this mist uses collagen water, which has a lower molecular weight that allows it to penetrate deeper into the skin) that quickly evaporate or oil-based mists that can leave the skin feeling greasy, this hydrogel mist delivers lasting hydration with a blend of 10 different peptides to plump the skin.

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Kiehl's Since 1851

Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

$34 $26 (24% off)

Amazon

With all of the scrolling involved in shopping for beauty steals, a heavy-duty, moisturizing hand cream should be top of mind. Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve is a classic formula infused with shea butter, avocado oil, and sesame seed oil to soften and deeply moisturize dry, rough hands.

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Cosrx

Pink Peptides Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch for Puffy Eyes

$23 $16 (30% off)

Amazon

If you are looking for the perfect gift for a beauty-loving teen, look no further than these Pink Peptide Collagen Eye Patches from CosRx. The adorable pink patches are packed with caffeine, niacinamide, collagen, and hyaluronic acid to depuff and hydrate dry undereyes and keep the skin looking fresh and radiant.

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Elemis

Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm

$75 $60 (20% off)

Amazon

Unless you live in a temperate state, the holiday season inevitably lends itself to cold, windy weather, and your drier skin will 100% need extra TLC. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm has a rich balm-to-oil-to-milk formula that removes makeup without stripping the skin. Hero ingredients like elderberry oil and starflower oil act as natural antioxidants to soothe skin and support your barrier.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Hair-Care Deals

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Amika x Ellis Brooklyn

Guava Granita Perk Up Dry Shampoo

$29 $23 (21% off)

Amazon

You may not have a vacation on the books until 2027, but this tropical-scented dry shampoo will make you feel like you’ve been transported to an island escape with each spritz. This limited-edition dry shampoo combines Amika’s oil-removing rice starch technology with the fruity notes of guava, mango blossom, and banana from Ellis Brooklyn’s Guava Granita scent to refresh and soften your strands while leaving behind a tropical aroma.

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Wavytalk

Steam Hair Straightener Steam Sesh

$79 $57 (28% off)

Amazon

Steam to straighten your hair? I know it sounds impossible, but the WavyTalk Steam Hair Straightener will make you suspend your disbelief. This tool uses Hydro-Infusion steam to turn water into a fine heated mist that hydrates the hair it straightens, meaning less frizz and silkier strands with fewer passes than needed with a traditional flatiron.

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Dyson

Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer in Strawberry Bronze and Blush Pink

$450 $372 (17% off)

Amazon

Pretty much all of our editors rave about this 2024 Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award winner. Why? Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology amplifies airflow by 3x for faster drying. This blowdryer also uses an exclusive Time in Flight sensor that measures the blowdryer's distance from your scalp and adjusts the heat temperature for comfortable styling. No more stinging your scalp in the name of a flawless blowout.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Makeup Deals

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Charlotte Tilbury

K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick

$37 $26 (30% off)

Amazon

In the nursery rhyme, first came love, and then came marriage. For Charlotte Tilbury’s K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick, first comes intense pigment and hydration, and then comes plump, kissable lips. Infused with lipstick tree oil, the aptly termed botanical extract derived from the achiote tree and known for its rich red pigments and hydrating properties, and crambe oil to soften the skin and lock in moisture, and light-diffusing pigments for more vibrant color payoff, this is essentially the lipstick of the holidays—and beyond.

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Stila

Glitter & Glow Liquid Glitter Eyeshadow

$25 $15 (40% off)

Amazon

This shimmering Best of Beauty-winning eye shadow combines pearls and glitter, leaving behind a luminous, multidimensional, and otherworldly shine. With a flat doe-foot applicator, the formula glides onto the eyelid with zero fallout—hello, smooth sailing.

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Urban Decay

All Nighter Setting Spray

$34 $27 (21% off)

Amazon

Last year, Urban Decay caused a stir with the re-release of its beloved All Nighter Setting Spray. The new formula, according to our tester, boasts similar all-day staying power, but with an improved spray nozzle and finer mist for more controlled application.

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Bobbi Brown

Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

$37 $30 (19% off)

Amazon

There are few makeup looks that defined the ‘90s quite like the grungy, smoky eye. Now, that same vibe has evolved into Charli XCX’s lived-in black Brat look, and this long-wearing Bobbi Brown gel liner is an easy way to replicate it. With the help of an angled brush, it glides on smoothly with easily buildable, bold pigment.

Best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event Fragrance Deals

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Sol De Janerio

Limited Edition Leite Perfume Mists

$26 $21 (19% off)

Amazon

Sol de Janeiro is taking the phrase “wake up and smell the coffee” literally. This limited-edition Leite Cafe mist blends mouth-watering notes of lychee, coconut milk, frothy vanilla, and latte accord for a creamy Brazilian cafezinho–inspired (a sweetened shot of coffee) scent.

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Hugo Boss

BOSS Ma Vie Eau de Parfum

$65 $52 (20% off)

Amazon

Who says fruity florals should be reserved for spring and summer? This fragrance opens with notes of cactus blossom and rose, which are then grounded with woodsy cedar notes that make a strong case for bringing this garden-like scent well into the holiday season.

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Clean

Warm Cotton

$78 $55 (29% off)

Amazon

If the winter season is about being all bundled up and cozy, what’s better than slipping into warm cotton sheets? This fragrance is inspired by the feeling and aroma of freshly dried linen with notes of verbena, floral cotton accord, and musk.

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Billie Eilish

No. 2 Perfume for Women

$82

Amazon

If the sculptural vessel alone isn’t enough to make you want to snag this perfume, the spicy-woody notes of Italian bergamot, black pepper, palo santo, and musk certainly are. Give Billie a round of applause!

Frequently Asked Questions

How we find the best Amazon Holiday Beauty Event deals

Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.

Why trust Allure?

No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

Looking to update your skin-care and makeup routines? We've got you:

• 8 Best Night Creams for Waking Up to Plumper, Bouncier Skin
• PSA: These Aren't the Toners You Used as a Teen
• 10 Best Concealers for Dry Skin That Cover Without Clinging
• 7 Fall Lip Combos Allure Editors Can’t Stop Wearing

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Megan Thee Stallion has been spending plenty of time in platinum territory lately—including at the Victoria's Secret fashion show—but for her new “Thin Ice” music video, she’s taken the color to an appropriately frigid extreme with not one but two icy platinum-blonde hairstyles.

“Thin Ice” officially revives her Tina Snow alter ego, marking the beginning of the Act III era. The new material comes after a difficult year personally, including an abrupt breakup in April—though that doesn't necessarily mean every lyric is a coded message. Fans are, of course, free to conduct their own forensic analysis of every bar. Meg’s hair, however, is considerably easier to interpret.

One of the video’s platinum looks features stick-straight hair cascading down her body, the color pushed to a cool, almost-white tone that looks particularly striking against her all-black outfit. The lengths—as well as the bangs—are sleek and glossy, creating an almost fluid quality around her as she dances. She makes the look unmistakably hers with a sparkling crystal “Tina Snow” embellishment—essentially a nameplate necklace for her head, which feels like an accurate level of extra for Megan.

She switches things up considerably with a shorter platinum style with glamorous, voluminous curls. Where the first look is sleek and almost intimidating, this one feels more bombshell—proof that changing the silhouette can make essentially the same hair color read like an entirely different character. The shade is still the star, but the curls give it a softer, more old-school glamour.

That said, the color gives both hairstyles an ice queen vibe, and honestly, if you’re going to make a music video for a song called “Thin Ice,” this is beauty tie-in exactly what I’d expect from Megan’s go-to hair genius, Kellon Deryck.

Watch the new video below:

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You can’t tell me 2026 hasn’t been the year of quiet silver. Whether it’s subtle streaks, uninhibited roots, or full-on salt-and-pepper, celebrities have been demonstrating that going gray doesn't have to mean choosing between dyeing over the evidence and going completely silver in a single salon sitting. And while there are plenty of famous faces (or scalps?) making a compelling case for silver blending, Olivia Colman has quickly and enviably emerged as the unofficial ambassador for the look.

At the Los Angeles premiere of Wicker on October 20, Colman wore a vivid red shirt tucked into a high-waisted, floor-length, gathered, burgundy skirt that extended into a dramatic train. But despite the colorful combination, her hair managed to steal the show. Colman's long, side-parted strands cascaded over one shoulder in loose, voluminous waves, with soft ribbons of silver and gray beautifully intermingled with her brunette base.

Photo: Getty Images

The transformation has been one of the most delightful parts of Colman's Wicker press tour (which is saying something, considering the cast is a joy in and of itself). As hairstylist Clayton Hawkins told Allure earlier this month, he exhibited Colman’s color with “big, sexy romantic curls” that really played up the variegation

That's precisely the appeal of quiet silver: It's about blending rather than battling your grays.  L'Oréal Professionnel's Jacob Habib Khan describes what some call French blending as a personalized way to create “a more natural look and seamless grow-out.” Colorist Farah Hurdle previously explained to Allure that her “gray-blending” approach uses highlights where silver is concentrated and lowlights in darker areas to limit demarcation and get a glow going between shades.

If you're considering your own quiet-silver era, start with a professional consultation rather than attempting an at-home transformation. And once you've got your blend, maintenance matters: Hawkins recommends using a purple shampoo to help keep silver strands bright. As he put it, “If you take care of gray hair and keep it silvery, there's nothing better.” And Colman is clearly proof of that.

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

Choosing the best gifts for teenage girls can feel like trying to keep up with TikTok trends—blink, and you're already behind. Between the latest beauty crazes, the influx of influencers on their screens, and teens having very specific opinions about what's cool, finding something they'll actually love (and use) is no small feat.

But don't panic: To help you navigate the ever-changing tastes of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, we've rounded up 37 fun, practical gifts that got the stamp of approval from actual teens we talked to. Think viral beauty favorites from Rhode, Summer Fridays, and Glow Recipe; makeup sets from Dior and Charlotte Tilbury; and in-demand accessories like Jellycat plushies (which, frankly, our editors want for themselves). We've also thrown in a few tech favorites, from colorful over-ear headphones to instant cameras, for teens whose wish lists go well beyond the beauty aisle.

Our Top Gifts For Teenage Girls

• Scent with Love: Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Anywhere Set, $49
• Mint to Be: Rhode Sugarmint Trio Limited Edition Skincare Set, $58
• Brushed with Greatness: L’ange Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer, $69
• The VIP Treatment: Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville, $168
• Handle With Care: Sincerely Yours P.S. Special Delivery, $42
• Think Pink: Rare Beauty Hope Faves, $54
• Glow From Head to Toe: Medicube Fresh Glow Body Kit, $25

• Rhode Sugarmint Trio Limited Edition Skincare Set

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  Rhode

  Sugarmint Trio Limited Edition Skincare Set

  $58

  Sephora

  Leave it to teens to make wearing undereye patches out of the house a fashion statement. Rhode's limited-edition Sugarmint Trio gives them everything they need to join the trend, starting with the brand's cooling Eye Prep patches for a quick dose of hydration (and a selfie opportunity, naturally). There's also Glazing Mist to refresh dry, winter-weary skin and Peptide Lip Boost to keep lips soft and glossy when temperatures drop. Consider it a pared-down cold-weather skin-care routine, Hailey Bieber-approved aesthetic included.

• L’ange Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer

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  L’Ange

  Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer

  $69 $49 (29% off)

  Amazon

  $69

  Shop

  First, can we acknowledge how unfair it is that teens today get to skip the awkward hair phase entirely? Tools like L’ange’s Le Volume 2-in-1 Titanium Brush Dryer make achieving a bouncy, salon-worthy blowout almost too easy, combining the power of a blow-dryer and round brush to smooth frizz and pump up the volume in one step. Choose the 60mm oval barrel for shoulder-length or shorter hair, or the 75mm version for longer lengths.

• DedCool X Emi Jay Gift Set In Mint Mochi Sky

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  DedCool X Emi Jay

  Gift Set In Mint Mochi Sky

  $59

  Sephora

  $59

  Dedcool

  "My teen niece has three Emi Jay claw clips already, but apparently there’s no such thing as too many of these hair accessories,” says Christa Joanna Lee, Allure contributing commerce writer. This limited-edition DedCool x Emi Jay collab pairs one of the brand's fan-favorite Big Effing Clips with a hair-and-body mist in Mochi Milk, a cozy, slightly sweet skin scent that smells like fluffy marshmallows, creamy vanilla, and warm musk. There's even a matching air freshener to make her bedroom—or future first car—smell just as good.

• Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Set

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  Charlotte Tilbury

  Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Set

  $390

  Amazon

  $390

  Nordstrom

  $390

  Revolve

  If you really want to score brownie points with the teen in your life, don't even bother wrapping Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk Dreams Come True set—it'll only slow them down. Packed with 16 full-size best-sellers, it's everything they need to recreate those TikTok makeup tutorials they've been saving—whether they're just starting their makeup collection or (more likely) adding to their already overflowing Charlotte Tilbury stash. Everything comes in the brand's signature Pillow Talk shade, a rosy beige that Allure former features director Dianna Singh says "is one of very (very) few hues that somehow suits everyone." We're talking lipsticks, lip liners, blushes, and plenty of opportunities to experiment with new looks (and show off their haul to the group chat).

• Benefit Cosmetics The Hotel Beneville

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  Benefit Cosmetics

  The Hotel Beneville

  $168

  Nordstrom

  $168

  Ulta Beauty

  $168

  Sephora

  The teen in your life probably already has Benefit Cosmetics' Hoola Powder Bronzer, Benetint Cheek & Lip Stain, or BADgal BANG! Mascara on their wish list. So why not make all their Benefit dreams come true with The Hotel Beneville, an advent calendar packed with the brand's makeup and beauty favorites? Shaped like an adorable little suitcase, it's begging to be ‘grammed before the unboxing begins. Technically, they're supposed to open one surprise a day, but good luck finding a teen with that kind of self-control when there's this much good makeup waiting inside.

  More from Allure

  • 9 Best Vanilla Perfumes for a Fresh Take on a Classic Note
  • 26 Best Amazon Gifts Under $50 That Feel Surprisingly Luxe
  • 6 Best Lip Masks to Soothe Dry, Flaky Lips on the Spot
  • 19 Best Beauty Advent Calendars We Want to Gift Ourselves

• MAC Signature Satin Lipstick Set

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  MAC

  Signature Satin Lipstick Set

  $79

  Nordstrom

  $79

  Ulta Beauty

  For the teen who's always experimenting with a new lip combo, five full-size MAC lipsticks are her love language. The Signature Satin Lipstick 5-Piece Set includes M·A·Cximal Sleek Satin Lipsticks in Brave Red, Rebel, Popstar Pink, Crème In Your Coffee, and Fleshpot, giving her plenty of options to go from barely-there nude to bold, statement-making color. Each delivers rich color with a creamy, satin finish that feels comfortable on lips—all in a sleek, glittery bag.

• Fenty Beauty Lip Vault

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  Fenty Beauty

  Lip Vault

  $160

  Ulta Beauty

  $160

  Sephora

  $160

  Shop

  Speaking of a lip wardrobe, if she's on Team Glossy, the Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Vault is about to become her entire personality. This limited-edition 10-piece set includes four Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizers, a plumping Hot Choclit Heat gloss, and a sparkly Carat Club lip oil for when she wants to dial up the shine. The set also includes two Gloss Bomb Stix and two Trace'd Out lip liners. With five new, exclusive shades in the mix, she'll have enough options to switch up her lip look practically every day of the week.

• Saie Best of Saie Mini Vanity Case Vault

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  Saie

  Best of Saie Mini Vanity Case Vault

  $155

  Sephora

  $155

  Shop

  Our editors can't get enough of the dewy, fresh-faced glow that Saie delivers, so when the brand packages its best-sellers in an adorable mini vanity case, we're sold. The Best of Saie Mini Vanity Case Vault includes six full-size products and two minis, with everything from blush to lip gloss to setting powder. One of the minis includes the 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Glowy Super Gel in Warmglow, which is what Allure art director Ingrid Fowler uses when she wants “a bronzy, glow-from-within look without doing a full face of makeup.

• Lululemon Everywhere Crossbody Bag

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  Lululemon

  Everywhere Crossbody Bag

  $78

  Lululemon

  Whether she's on the younger side and not quite ready for a full-on purse or an older teen who wants to keep her hands free, Lululemon's Everywhere Crossbody Bag is the perfect in-between. It's just roomy enough for the essentials—phone, lip gloss, wallet, and whatever else she insists she can't leave the house without. Plus, the removable crossbody strap lets her switch up how she carries it.

• Jellycat Amuseables Farfalle

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  Jellycat

  Amuseables Farfalle

  $25

  Nordstrom

  For the teen whose idea of fine dining is bow-tie pasta with butter, this ridiculously cute farfalle plush is made for her. "Every Christmas and birthday, my teen niece adds two or three Jellycats to her wish list," says Lee. Want to make it a pasta-tively perfect gift? Throw in the Jellycat Amuseables Parmesan, because even stuffed pasta is better with a little cheese.

• Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa Anywhere Set

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  Sol De Janerio

  Cheirosa Anywhere Set

  $49

  Amazon

  $49

  Ulta Beauty

  $49

  Shop

  When it comes to gifts for teen girls, Sol de Janeiro has always understood the assignment. The Cheirosa Anywhere Set includes two fragrance duos, each with a mini perfume mist and a swipe-on Jelly Perfume Balm: Cheirosa 62, a Readers’ Choice Award-winning pistachio, vanilla, and caramel gourmand blend, and Cheirosa 68, a fresh, fruity floral. For the teen who already has a collection of Sol de Janeiro mists lined up on her dresser, the solid perfumes are a fun new way to wear her favorites—or throw in her backpack without worrying about spills.

• Summer Fridays Marshmallow Minis

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  Summer Fridays

  Marshmallow Minis

  $36

  Sephora

  $36

  Revolve

  The teen in your life probably already has Summer Fridays' Jet Lag Mask in her skin-care rotation, so what's next on her wish list? The Marshmallow Minis set includes the brand's beloved Lip Butter Balm, plus a Body Butter Balm and Body Fragrance Mist, all in the sweet, cozy Toasted Marshmallow scent. Soft skin, buttery lips, and smelling like a toasted marshmallow? The gourmand girlies are going to eat this up (figuratively, of course).

• Sincerely Yours P.S. Special Delivery

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  Sincerely Yours

  P.S. Special Delivery

  $42

  Sephora

  $42

  Shop

  Do we really need to say anything more than "Sincerely Yours" to get a teen girl's attention? Co-founded by TikTok star Salish Matter, the skin-care brand is made for Gen Alphas that grew up watching her videos, with gentle formulas designed for their first real skin-care routines. The P.S. Special Delivery set includes four mini versions of the Kindly Clean Hydrating Cleanser, Clear Intentions Essential Toner, So Soft Daily Moisturizer, and Hit Refresh Soothing Serum Mist. “The serum face mist particularly helps replenish moisture and support the skin barrier with ceramides—a big plus for teens who are just starting to experiment with acne treatments that can leave skin dry and irritated," says Lee.

  More from Allure

  • 9 Best Vanilla Perfumes for a Fresh Take on a Classic Note
  • 6 Best Lip Masks to Soothe Dry, Flaky Lips on the Spot
  • 19 Best Beauty Advent Calendars We Want to Gift Ourselves
  • 26 Best Amazon Gifts Under $50 That Feel Surprisingly Luxe

• Rare Beauty Hope Faves

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  Rare Beauty

  Hope Faves

  $54

  Ulta Beauty

  $54

  Sephora

  $54

  Shop

  Rare Beauty obviously got the memo: Makeup is a lot more fun when you have an adorable little bag to stash it all in. The Hope Faves set features three products in the brand's fan-favorite Hope shade, a soft, rosy mauve that gives cheeks and lips that effortless, just-blushed look. There's a mini Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush, a full-size Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush (a Best of Beauty winner!) for a more diffused flush, and a full-size Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss for the finishing touch.

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

As your lips change with age, so should your makeup. That's where upgrading to the best lip liners for mature skin comes in: Paired with a good lipstick for older women, they can help restore definition, create the appearance of fuller lips, and keep color from feathering into fine lines around the mouth. “They’re the underrated MVP of the lip category,” says LA-based makeup artist Fiona Stiles. “They can help define your shape and maximize it while also giving your lip color more staying power.”

While many of us tend to focus on how our facial skin changes over time—leading to a newfound demand for targeted moisturizers and serums for aging skin—the lips get overlooked. But they have a naturally impaired skin barrier and few to no oil glands, so aging can be uniquely tough on them. “Structurally, the lips lose volume, and the border of the lips loses definition,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Not only that, but "the lips often become dry and the skin barrier becomes weaker as we get older,” he adds.

Our Top Lip Liners for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Liner, $28
• Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour, $13
• Best Longwear: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain, $25
• Best for Color Range: MAC Creamy Lip Liner, $25

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• How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?
• How do you keep lipstick from bleeding on older skin?
• Is lip liner good for mature lips?
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That means formulas that drag or settle into lines can make those changes more noticeable. Instead, look for a lip liner that glides on smoothly but has enough grip to keep color from migrating beyond the lip line. You want to choose one that has staying power, but also isn’t too drying,” says New York City–based celebrity makeup artist Kirin Bhatty.

Luckily, that no longer limits you to a classic pencil. Today’s options include nude lip liners that look like your lips but better, long-wearing stains, and chubby contour sticks that can softly bring back volume you’ve lost. Ahead, we found the best lip liners for mature lips, with expert-approved picks that make defining your shape a whole lot easier.

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

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Charlotte Tilbury

Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: There’s a reason this pencil has become a makeup bag staple. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat Long Lasting Waterproof Lip Liner nails the trifecta with a comfortable formula, impressive staying power and shade range that makes finding a natural-looking match refreshingly easy. The formula, which can glide onto skin without skipping, is especially helpful for mature lips. “The texture is beautiful,” says Bhatty. “It's not dry but not too creamy, so it wears really well.”

Hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil, which hydrate and moisturize, give the pencil that slip. Then comes polybutene, which is “a flexible film former that helps prevent feathering and smudging by locking pigments in place,” explains Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati. That means your color will stay in place even through multiple cups of iced coffee. We’re partial to the brand’s iconic Pillow Talk family, which includes four takes on the original rosy-nude shade.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, ceresin
• Shades: 19

Best Drugstore: L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour

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L'Oréal Paris

Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour

$13

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Lip shape can subtly change over time. “We lose not only volume in our lips as we age, but also the vermilion border, which is your visible lip line, tends to fade,” says Stiles. Enter L’Oréal Paris Blurfiller Blurring Lip Contour, a twist-up crayon that brings definition back into the picture without requiring a super-precise application (or your reading glasses).

The namesake blurring effect of this lip liner is especially forgiving with hydrated silica that "scatters and diffuses light to soften the appearance of fine lines and texture,” says Dobos. Combined with waxes, these ingredients create a soft-focus effect that makes lip contours appear naturally defined. The formula is effectively doing some of the blending for you, which is exactly why it appeals to Bhatty, who finds it so hydrating that she sometimes uses it all over the lips.

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• Key ingredients: dimethicone, hydrated silica, beeswax
• Shades: 8

Best Longwear: Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain

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Huda Beauty

Lip Contour Lip Stain for 12-Hour Wear

$25

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$25

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If your lipstick seems to vanish somewhere between your morning coffee and lunch, Huda Beauty Lip Contour Lip Stain offers a different strategy. It's powered by a polymer that creates a lightweight, flexible film on the lips. “That film helps anchor the colorants to the lip surface,” says Dobos, who adds that this contributes to the product's transfer-resistant and long-wearing properties. The staining effect, she explains, comes from water-soluble dyes that tint the outer layers of the lips rather than simply sitting on top like traditional solid pigments.

The felt-tip applicator glides without tugging or skipping, making it easy to trace your natural lip shape or subtly enhance it. One thing to note: Store the pen cap side down to help keep the formula from drying out. As for the payoff, “The stain lasts for hours and doesn’t fade when a gloss or balm is added into the mix as a wax-based liner can,” says Stiles, who especially loves the shade Rosewood. “It’s a perfect muted rose that feels like it’s enhancing my vermillion border."

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe, argan oil
• Shades: 11

Best Shade Range: MAC Cosmetics Creamy Lip Liner

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MAC

Creamy Lip Liner

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Whether you’ve been rocking lip liner for years or just started wearing it, one thing reigns true: MAC lip pencils are the GOAT when it comes to the shade range. With more than 28 shades spanning neutrals, pinks, reds, browns, and other statement-makers, MAC Cosmetics Creamy Lip Liner offers the kind of collection that allows you to match your liner to your lipstick, instead of trying to make one beige pencil do everything. “They are so saturated in color, and they have a beautiful opacity,” says Bhatty, who regularly restocks this classic in her kit. That intensity makes it especially useful when you're wearing a more dramatic lip and want the liner to pull its weight as part of the finished look.

The texture does run slightly drier than some of the other picks here, so give lips a little prep with a hydrating balm before application. For anyone who likes a true red lip, berry, plum, or any color that demands a precise match, the selection is unparalleled.

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• Key ingredients: C10-18 Triglycerides, japan fruit wax, vitamin e
• Shades: 36

Best Lip Liner Stain: Sacheu Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn

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Sacheu

Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn

$14

Shop

$14

Ulta Beauty

$14

Revolve

Why it’s worth it: Sacheu Peel-Off Lip Liner Stayn, which you apply and then peel off once it sets, made its way to TikTok virality—but it’s not just a gimmick. “They have good colors and the product stays on for ages,” says Stiles. While the peel-off application may feel like it was built for social media, it may have some functional benefit, too. “Because the film stays in place while the dyes are depositing, it can help create a more even stain and reduce the chance of immediate smudging or bleeding beyond the lips,” says Dobos.

There is a slight learning curve, though. You'll want to apply a generous, even layer and give it enough time—about five to seven minutes—to set before peeling it away. (Stiles recommends applying it at the beginning of your makeup routine so the stain has plenty of time to develop.) Once you peel it off, soften the resulting line with your finger or a brush for a more diffused finish. The result is a wash of color that can act as a subtle lip contour on its own or as a base underneath lipstick or gloss.

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Shades: 16

Best for Lip Lines : Refy Lip Blur Lip Liner

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Refy

Lip Blur Lip Liner

$24

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$24

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: When fine lines around the mouth are your biggest concern, a traditional pencil isn't necessarily the best way to go. Refy's Lip Blur takes a smarter approach by pairing a blurring formula with a rounded applicator that diffuses the edges, rather than creating the kind of sharp, precise line that can look severe on lips that have lost volume. While the applicator helps, it also uses a mix of polymers and silicones to create a soft-focus effect, according to Dobos. “They scatter light and help soften the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture,” she says.

The domed tip is equally important: “A traditional pencil is sharpened to a point, so the line you produce is very clean and sharp,” says Stiles. The rounded shape creates a softer edge, which can make lips look subtly fuller and more naturally contoured. It's an especially good choice when you want definition without drawing attention to your lip lines or areas where your lip line has become less defined.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: polymethylsilsesquioxane, vinyl dimethicone, silsesquioxane crosspolymer a
• Shades: 7

Frequently Asked Questions

How should you apply lip liner on mature lips?

Start with hydration. “Make sure you prep your lips before you get your pencil ready,” says Bhatty. She likes to prep with a thick, hydrating lip balm. Her favorite? Sisley. “It’s fancy but worth it.” She also recommends applying moisturizer around the mouth so the surrounding skin is smooth and plump. “I’ll apply eye cream to the lips and around the mouth because your lip skin is similar to the skin around your eyes. That will help the lip liner go on smoothly.”

Just be sure to remove excess product before reaching for your liner. “Tissue off the excess balm so it won’t slide, and I’ll use micellar water or a skin mist so it won’t be extra emollient,” says Bhatty. From there, she applies lip liner just outside the natural lip line to subtly maximize volume.

Rather than tracing one continuous line, use short strokes from the center of the mouth outward, stopping before you reach the corners. “Going to the edge can make the mouth look a little droopy as you get older,” says Bhatty. Finish by using a lip brush or your finger to gently diffuse any harsh edges.

How do you keep lipstick from bleeding?

Fine lines around the mouth can turn a precise lip into a smeared one surprisingly quickly. “If feathering is an issue, then I would lean more toward long-wearing formulas as they have better staying power,” says Stiles.

She also recommends using a clear lip liner slightly outside the natural lip line. “Those are made to function as a barrier and prevent feathering,” says Stiles. A clear liner can create a subtle boundary without introducing another color that might compete with your lipstick.

Overlining also requires a light touch. You can slightly exaggerate the Cupid's bow, but keep the liner close to your natural shape around the outer corners, where feathering can be more noticeable. A softly blended edge will generally look more natural than a sharply drawn line.

Is lip liner good for mature lips?

Absolutely, and it can be one of the most useful tools in your makeup routine as your lips change with age. A well-chosen liner can bring back definition as the natural lip border becomes less distinct, help keep lipstick from feathering, and subtly enhance the shape of your lips. The key is choosing a formula that works with drier lips rather than against them. Look for creamy, comfortable lip pencils and always give lips a quick hit of hydration first. A swipe of lip balm can make all the difference before you pick up your lip liner.

Meet our experts

• Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
• Kirin Bhatty is a New York City–based celebrity makeup artist.
• Fiona Stiles is a Los Angeles–based celebrity makeup artist.
• Kelly Dobos is a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati.

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best lip liners for mature lips, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Living with psoriasis doesn’t necessarily mean you have to overhaul your skin- or scalp-care routine. Psoriasis is caused by immune system dysfunction, not external irritants, so you can use many topical products safely as long as they don’t cause skin damage. However, anything with the potential to cause trauma to the skin—like a potent acid or strong surfactant—could spell trouble.

One reason topicals can lead to flare-ups is the Koebner phenomenon, which is when “local trauma stimulates the immune system to develop psoriasis in the traumatized skin,” says Shira Y. Wieder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City. When this happens new plaques appear in “healthy” areas of skin where there was previously no visible psoriasis.

The Koebner phenomenon does not affect everyone with psoriasis; frequently cited research estimates it occurs in about 25% to 30% of patients. “Not everyone with psoriasis has this response, but if you’ve ever watched a plaque appear at a cut, a scratch, or a sunburn, assume you’re someone who does,” says Omar Noor, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.

Even if you don’t experience Koebnerization, applying a potentially irritating product to an area with visible psoriasis could worsen an existing flare-up. “If you have sensitivity [to an ingredient], then, yes, that’s going to trigger irritation to your skin, which will result in a flare in your psoriasis,” says Divya Shokeen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute in California. That’s why it’s important to do a small patch test anytime you try a new product to see if it triggers a reaction.

Overall, there’s a pretty big risk difference for patients whose psoriasis is controlled with medication or other treatments and those whose psoriasis isn’t. “If you haven’t found a treatment that controls your psoriasis yet, your skin is already primed to react, and a product that causes even mild trauma can seed a new plaque at that spot,” Dr. Noor says. “If your psoriasis is controlled, especially on a systemic treatment like a biologic, that risk drops substantially, but not to zero.” The key is knowing what’s likely to irritate your skin during a flare and what may spark an issue day-to-day even when your skin is clear.

Dr. Noor says patients with psoriasis in general should prioritize hydration in their skin-care routine. This can help soften plaques, improving both their appearance and any discomfort they cause. If you want to experiment with other types of ingredients—or are eager for a new tattoo or hair color—here are some guidelines on what you should approach with caution.

Meet the experts:

• Tracy Evans, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in California.
• Omar Noor, MD, is a New York City–based board-certified dermatologist.
• Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of OSVI Dermatology and Surgical Institute in California.
• Shira Y. Wieder, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York City.

1. High Concentration Skin Care Acids

Every dermatologist we spoke to brought up alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs). This includes glycolic, lactic, mandelic, and L-ascorbic acids.

“Psoriasis typically [causes] thick, scaly plaques,” Dr. Noor says. “There’s this misconception that the skin is thicker, so therefore you need to use stronger products in order to improve your skin.” While some skin-care acids can help manage psoriasis (more on that in a moment), the doctors caution against any product with a formula that contains a high percentage of these ingredients.

“AHAs and BHAs work by breaking down the bonds that hold dead surface cells together,” Dr. Noor says. “At higher strengths, or on skin that’s already inflamed, they [can] reach deeper than intended and can cause genuine injury.” This can lead to Koebnerization or worsen an existing flare-up.

Although everyone’s tolerance is different, Dr. Noor says that for leave-on products, he generally recommends patients with psoriasis stick to formulas with 5% or less glycolic acid, about 8% or less lactic acid, or up to 10% mandelic acid. Dr. Shokeen also advises against using L-ascorbic acid (the purest and most potent form of vitamin C) at concentrations of 15% or higher, which she says can be very irritating.

One skin care acid of note that’s an exception to this rule is salicylic acid. The dermatologists Allure spoke to agree that it could actually help treat psoriasis symptoms—as long as it’s paired with moisturizing ingredients. “Salicylic acid can be very drying for some people, [but] it can also be great for psoriasis because it’ll get rid of all the scale,” Dr. Wieder says. “We use lots of moisturizers imbued with salicylic acid” for psoriasis patients, she adds.

Dr. Shokeen says careful use of salicylic acid can even improve the effectiveness of topical psoriasis treatments. “Our skin is very good at keeping things out,” she says. “Salicylic acid will allow for a gentle exfoliation of that top layer to allow better penetration of ingredients [found in commonly prescribed psoriasis treatments] like steroids, vitamin D, and analogues [such as] calcipotriene … that can help decrease that inflammatory response.” Like with other skin-care acids, stick to formulas with a low concentration of salicylic acid—Dr. Shokeen says 2% in over-the-counter products is generally safe for most patients.

2. Chemical peels

This caution about many skin-care acids extends to chemical peels, which are usually made from a combination of acids in high concentrations. “Anything that’s going to break the barrier of the skin could result in psoriasis flaring more,” says Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and the medical director of Pacific Skin and Cosmetic Dermatology in California. And that’s exactly what a peel does. “By definition a chemical peel [impairs the skin barrier],” Dr. Wieder says. “That’s the whole point of it. It’s a limited damage to the upper layers of the epidermis so that they exfoliate off.” Dr. Wieder says medium-depth and deep peels should raise red flags for psoriasis patients, although she notes she’d be less concerned about someone whose psoriasis is well-controlled with biologic medication opting for these treatments.

3. Physical exfoliants

Much like their chemical cousins, physical exfoliants are something you might assume would be helpful but can actually make things worse. “Psoriasis patients come in every day thinking they have to scrub off the scales,” Dr. Noor says. “They use walnut shells, apricot scrubs, and they’re just going to town with a loofah.”

While this approach could temporarily exfoliate away some scales, it might ultimately exacerbate your psoriasis or trigger new patches, as the scrubby bits can cause tiny cuts and scratches on the skin.

4. Abrasive in-office treatments

If exfoliating scrubs—which only remove the surface layer of skin—are risky for psoriasis, it makes sense that stronger in-office treatments like microneedling and certain lasers could also cause problems. “You can’t treat your skin with sandpaper,” Dr. Noor says. “You don’t want to sandblast your skin with all these exfoliants or some of these devices.”

Again, if your psoriasis is well-controlled, there’s less of a risk of a flare-up, but “if you feel like you are flaring, I would avoid the treatment altogether,” Dr. Evans says.

It’s worth noting that some laser treatments have been shown to successfully treat psoriasis when used with caution. “We have seen specifically that excimer treatments for redness can be very effective in psoriasis patients,” Dr. Noor says.

5. Strong surfactants

Since hydration should be one of the number one skin-care goal for psoriasis patients, using intense cleansers could lead to trouble. “You may want to be a little more cautious around harsh chemicals like surfactants that really strip the skin of oils,” Dr. Wieder says, noting that this impairs the skin barrier.

Dr. Noor specifically cautions against cleansers that “lather like dish soap,” which can signal that the product is heavy on surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Surfactants strip away the good lipids, ceramides, and moisturizing factors in our skin, he explains. “If your soap lathers like dish soap, it’s no good because you’re treating your skin like a dirty pan, which we don’t want,” Dr. Noor says. He recommends gentle cleansers with hydrating ingredients, such as Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, which provides hydration without stripping the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

6. Fragrance and unscented products

Fragrance can be a bit tricky for people with psoriasis. Some patients might be totally fine with scented products, while others may be sensitive to them. If you fall into the latter camp, a fragrance could trigger a flare-up, just like any other ingredient that sparks sensitivity, Dr. Shokeen says.

Perhaps a bit counterintuitively unscented products can also be a cause for concern. “Unscented usually means that the companies are using chemicals to hide the scents,” Dr. Noor says. “Those chemicals can make the products worse for you if you have psoriasis. What you want to look for is ‘fragrance-free.’”

7. Pure essential oils

While products with all-natural ingredients might seem better for sensitive skin, dermatologists typically warn against them for patients with psoriasis. “Botanical doesn’t always mean benign,” Dr. Noor says. “Poison ivy is 100% natural.”

Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, menthol, and witch hazel are four natural ingredients to watch out for. “These can be really inflammatory,” Dr. Shokeen says. “They can trigger an immune response on your skin, which can then flare your psoriasis.” She says patients sometimes apply cooling menthol creams to plaque flare-ups in an attempt to calm the area—but it might actually make things worse.

“People love the concept of the tingling sensation,” like the feeling you get when you apply a product that contains peppermint oil, Dr. Noor says. “Tingling is not good with psoriasis.”

8. Lightweight moisturizers

Any moisturizer is better than no moisturizer for someone with psoriasis, but some will be more effective than others. One way companies make creams thinner is by adding alcohol, Dr. Noor says. This might make for a nice, lightweight lotion, but it can also further dry out psoriatic skin.

Dr. Noor recommends looking for richer creams with multiple lipids. “Nothing that comes out of a pump,” he says. “You have to thin the lotions out to get it out of a pump.”

9. Hair dyes

Some patients can be allergic to certain hair-dye ingredients. Dr. Noor says para-phenylenediamine (PPD) is a common one that causes issues. For someone without psoriasis having a reaction to PPD could just mean a few days or weeks of irritation. “The problem is the allergic reaction in a psoriasis patient creates an inflammatory mess,” Dr. Noor says. “The immune system is already edgy when you have psoriasis.” Introducing an ingredient you’re allergic to can “cause more psoriasis, more misery, and really make things more difficult to keep under control,” he says.

10. Tattoos

While tattoo ink can also cause allergic reactions, it’s the physical act of tattooing—a needle poking into your skin over and over and over—that’s more likely to be an issue for a psoriasis patient who experiences Koebnerization, Dr. Noor says. “[That] environment creates microtrauma that can trigger more psoriasis,” he explains. “It’s a bummer.”

Dr. Wieder also advises patients with psoriasis to approach tattoos with caution. “I’ve seen people develop psoriasis in the shape of their tattoo,” she says.

However, that doesn’t mean everyone with psoriasis should steer clear of building a body-art collection. Dr. Noor says that there are many great injectable and oral medications that can significantly subdue psoriasis patients’ dysregulated immune system, therefore reducing the chance of an inflammatory response. These treatments “allow you to get tattoos … and not have to worry about developing psoriasis in the tattooed areas,” he says.

And that brings us back to the top skin-care takeaway for anyone with psoriasis: The first step in your routine is to get the condition under control. “When you have psoriasis you should see a dermatologist,” Dr. Evans says. The doctor will help you settle on a treatment plan that works and identify any ingredients you’re still sensitive to, regardless of how well-controlled your psoriasis is. Those trigger ingredients aside, Dr. Evans says, “once your disease is under control, you pretty much can use what you want.” Just make sure to do a patch test before you go all in.

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Morally complex and full of memorable performances, Netflix’s adaptation of East of Eden has quickly become one of the year’s biggest TV hits. The adaptation of John Steinbeck’s 1952 novel, created by Zoe Kazan (whose grandfather Elia Kazan directed the first onscreen interpretation of the book in 1955), centers Steinbeck’s multigenerational saga on the book’s most controversial character, Cathy Ames (Florence Pugh), exploring her agency and evil from a different perspective. Pugh’s performance is hands down the most memorable of the show, enhanced by her hair and makeup that serve as visual markers for the character’s shifting identity.

Creating beauty looks for a series that spans four decades offers a particular challenge for those working behind the scenes, like co-hair and makeup designers Nancy Hennah and Sarah Rubano. “East of Eden is set over 43 years, so our beauty vision changed with the characters and with what was in fashion during each time period,” says Hennah. The first episode places the audience in New England, right after the American Civil War, and introduces us to veteran Cyrus Trask and his sons, Adam and Charles. We watch as Adam and Charles grow from boys to teenagers to men before a bloodied Cathy arrives on their family farm and disrupts their world. By the end of the seven-part series, we’re in the 1910s as men are being sent off to fight in World War I.

Hennah and Rubano collaborated closely with the show’s art and costume departments when researching the time periods and gathering historically accurate references in order to root the characters in realism across each chapter of their lives. “We focused mainly on the script rather than the book for reference,” says Rubano. “And Zoe [Kazan] was very descriptive and had clear ideas for most characters.”

Pugh on set with her personal glam team for the series, hairstylist Jaime Leigh McIntosh and makeup artist Heba Thorisdottir.

Netflix / Geoffrey Short

Pugh’s personal on-set hair and makeup team—who worked alongside Hennah and Rubano—also challenged themselves to work as historically accurately as possible. For example, hairstylist Jaime Leigh McIntosh avoided using hot tools when styling Pugh’s wigs. Instead, she “wet set the hair to create texture.” Makeup artist Heba Thorisdottir, on the other hand, had to take into account that in the late 1800s, at the beginning of the series, cosmetics weren’t yet widely manufactured or commercially available. But as Cathy moves through life and eventually into her role as a brothel owner (when she is known as Kate), makeup becomes increasingly accessible, aligning with her character arc. “The cosmetic availability went perfectly with the storyline of Cathy transforming into Kate and wearing makeup,” says Thorisdottir.

In Kazan’s remake, Cathy craves power and freedom and manipulates the men in her life to achieve those goals. Her beauty is one tool she uses, and if you look closely, you’ll spot cosmetic clues that hint at Cathy’s motives and power plays. Below, McIntosh and Thorisdottir reveal the hair and makeup details you might have missed. And a warning: There are spoilers ahead!

McIntosh, Pugh, and Thorisdottir on set.

Netflix/Geoffrey ShortCathy plays the innocent

East of Eden follows Cathy through the many chapters of her life, so it was important for her hair to reflect those changing realities, says McIntosh. “I needed to figure out her starting point and her end point and then fill the space in between to work out how we get from A to B,” she says, adding that she was “very aware of the passage of time” when designing the styles that Pugh would wear over the more than 40-year timeline.

Pugh wore three wigs in the series, all created by wigmaker Samuel James. She wears the first while Cathy is in Boston with Mr. Edwards (a brothel owner she becomes romantically involved with), while on the Trask farm (where she shows up after being beaten by Mr. Edwards), and on the ranch in Salinas Valley, California (where she moves with Adam Trask, whom she marries and has twins with).

Wig number one is lighter, offering a natural development from Cathy’s adolescent blonde to a very realistic adult hue her hair would have naturally grown into, explains McIntosh. “We wanted the color to be a darker blonde than it was when she was a child, but still look incredibly natural with lighter ends, as if they were sun-kissed.”

Cathy arrives at the Trask farm with her arm in a sling, so her hair needed to be simply styled.

Netflix/Geoffrey Short

Leaving Cathy’s hair down during this period was intentional for a number of reasons. It made logical sense: When she arrives on the Trask Farm, she is healing from her injuries, including a broken wrist. “We figured the most she would be able to physically do herself is brush it, so we left it out and natural,” McIntosh explains. “As she begins to heal, we started pulling it back softly into a half-up style, but we kept it very practical, effortless, and soft.”

The entire hair team were also all big fans of fluff, wisps, and flyaways at this point in filming. The whimsical additions to Cathy’s hair play into the character's healing state. They also give Cathy a softness that helps her present herself to Adam as vulnerable in order to gain his trust and eventually become his wife.

Cathy’s hair accessories are also important clues to her character’s psyche and societal position: “When we see Cathy in Boston, she is young; she is presenting with beauty and innocence. We chose key moments to have an Alice in Wonderland-inspired blue ribbon in her hair,” McIntosh adds.

While on the farm, Cathy is wearing hand-me-down clothing from Mrs. Trask, and still a version of her innocent, helpless self. “I was using small pieces of fabric ripped into ribbons to tie her hair back,” says McIntosh. “I also created one of those out of the bloodied dress she [was wearing when she] arrived at the home. Just a bit of a secret for Florence and me that no one would notice unless pointed out.”

Cathy’s flushed cheeks comes courtesy of Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal.

NetflixThe guise of a youthful flush

In those early episodes, Cathy’s makeup had to mirror her hair’s equally nonthreatening appearance, so a fresh, skin-first look was important. “For her younger look, I sheered out the [Westman Atelier] stick foundation with Beau Domaine The Cream to add a wash of color,” says Thorisdottir. But what really sells Cathy’s faux-naïf act is her flushed cheeks and rosy lips, courtesy of Westman Atelier’s Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Petal and HydroBalm Tinted Lipstick in English Rose. Thorisdottir has since used English Rose on at least one actor on every job since East of Eden. “It is the perfect nude [for this skin tone].”

Pugh was also integral in shaping Cathy’s beauty looks. “Florence is very authentic in her approach to her acting, which sets the tone for my work,” says Thorisdottir. “She is just as comfortable in front of the camera with or without makeup on as long as it is right for the scene.” Along with always giving the makeup artist the freedom to create before the two discuss details of her character's looks. “If it makes sense, she is game.”

McIntosh and Pugh nicknamed this hairstyle her “kitten ears.”

Netflix/Geoffrey ShortKate’s dark side eclipses Cathy

Adam offers Cathy shelter and protection when she most needs it, but after giving birth to two boys, she feels her agency slipping away, tied down and forced to play the role of wife and mother. In a brutal attempt to reclaim her narrative, Cathy shoots Adam and abandons her sons, running away to a brothel in Salinas proper in hopes of reclaiming her prior profession as a sex worker for financial independence.

The brothel owner Faye (Martha Plimpton), takes Cathy in. “It’s not until we see Cathy at Faye’s that we see the first big change [in her hair],” says McIntosh. “When she meets Faye, she wears her signature blue ribbon, presenting herself as she did to Mr. Edwards. Then we slowly start to see her morph into Kate.”

Cathy’s first, lighter wig.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

McIntosh dyed the second wig slightly darker than the first.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Pugh wearing Cathy’s second wig.

Netflix/Geoffrey Short

A detail taken from the book helped determine what Cathy’s second wig would look like. After recognizing her from her portrait that hangs in Adam and her sons’ homes, the town sheriff and Cathy reach an agreement: She’ll create a new identity for herself, and the sheriff will honor her secret if she leaves her old family behind, unharmed. “Once the sheriff tells her to color her hair darker, she is presenting to the world as Kate and not Cathy anymore,” McIntosh explains. “This second wig was made identical to the first, but then I dyed it. I didn’t want it to be made with darker, naturally brown hair. I wanted to color it like Kate would have [in order] to have more control over the final result.”

Once settled in and working at Faye's brothel, we see Kate playing with different hairstyles and shapes. “I did a style one morning, which featured two peaks at the top of her head, that Florence was very drawn to,” McIntosh explains. “We ended up nicknaming [the look] ‘kitten ears,’ and throughout the rest of the series you see [the ears] continue and grow with Kate.”

Kate’s statement red lip is a combination of shades from MAC and Le Rouge Français.

NetflixMadame Kate becomes queen of her arena

By the time Kate becomes the owner of the brothel, time has again passed, and her final wig is closer to her natural hair color. Given that she spends less time in the daylight, this wig is darker and includes visible grays running through it. “Because she is running the brothel and not working [in it], she is presenting with intricate styles,” says McIntosh. “I am also keeping in mind where in the world this is taking place. She is not in Paris, London, or New York, so I never went too elaborate or perfect.”

As Kate blossoms into her most powerful self, “Florence beamed with delight at the idea of Kate wearing tiara-type hair accessories—for Kate to be queen of her arena, and to be in full control of her world,” McIntosh says. Along with costume designer Kirsty Cameron, McIntosh sourced a number of hairpins, crowns, and accessories, including some handmade by a local New Zealand artist, Daughters of July.

One of the crowns sourced for Kate.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Another tiara-like accessory sourced for Kate.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

As Cathy transitions into Madame Kate and embraces her newfound power and wealth, Thorisdottir imagined Kate would also be dabbling in the newly purchasable makeup of the early 1900s. “While makeup products might not have been readily available in Salinas, her clients would have likely traveled and traded, so she could have cosmetics before anyone else in that town.” Thorisdottir made her own cosmetics discovery while filming, a fact that impacted what she used on set. “I got introduced to Westman Atelier while I was in New Zealand, and I just loved it,” she says. “[Gucci Westman’s] foundations were the perfect fit for almost all the looks for Cathy from young to old.”

Pugh was thrilled at the idea of Kate wearing tiaras to show she was in full control of her world, says McIntosh.

Netflix

In episode six, “The Great Try,” we see Kate in the boldest red lipstick she wears in the show—a far cry from the innocent Cathy from past episodes and one of Thorisdottir’s favorites. “For the red lips, I mixed Le Rouge Français 010 and MAC Russian Red, a shade that’s been in my kit since I did Inglourious Basterds,” she says.

In the final episode, “Timshel,” Kate’s empire is falling apart, and her hair follows suit. “In her final hours, we wanted Kate [to look] a little unraveled,” says McIntosh. “We also wanted to keep those kitten ears, essentially keeping a crown of sorts on her head, but made of hair. The half-up style also mirrors the little Cathy we see her come face-to-face with at the very end.”

In the final episode, Thorisdottir wanted “the makeup to break down and move with [Pugh]."

Netflix / Kirsty Griffin

Unlike many other productions, where the goal of the makeup is to have it hold up on set through long hours and weather, Thorisdottir wanted “the makeup to break down and move with her.” Thorisdottir explains that she secretly loved Cathy’s look at the end of the series when, decked out in all her jewelry, she hugs her younger self. “She has yet another breathtaking costume on, her hair is long and messy with the ‘kitten ears' styling, and her makeup is all broken down. That scene is so epic. I was in awe watching it all happen in front of me.”