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Here comes the (reported) bride! Zendaya, who may or may not have tied the knot with longtime love Tom Holland, plays a newlywed in the upcoming A24 movie The Drama, and she's leaning all the way into themed dressing with her latest red carpet look—and a manicure to match!

While it goes without saying that wedding-day nails can be whatever you want them to be, depending on your personal style and the vibe of your big day—I wore red nail polish to mine—there's something about a delicate, romantic neutral nail that just feels so bridal. For the Los Angeles premiere of The Drama, Zendaya kept it simple and classic with short, lightly squared-off nails in a milky blush pink shade—a bridal go-to if there ever was one, not to mention a red carpet mainstay for its sheer (pun intended) versatility.

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Let's examine them from a closer angle, shall we? Simple, shiny, softly romantic: check, check, and check! They're timeless and neutral enough not take attention away from the dress or her jewelry, and they look as good with a white gown and diamonds as they would with jeans and a hoodie.

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The nails weren't the only bridal element of Zendaya's look, and we're not talking about her diamond engagement ring and slim gold band combo. (Though we are noticing it!) Her dress was “something old”—a.k.a. a Vivienne Westwood gown she wore to the Oscars in 2015, once again proving how flawlessly she and stylist Law Roach incorporate Method dressing into every project. The rest of her glam also felt so perfect for the red carpet and the long walk to the altar; hairstylist Ursula Stephen styled Zendaya's new bixie with a deep side part and ‘20s vibe, and makeup artist Ernesto Casillas took “blushing bride” literally with flushed cheeks and a similar rose-toned lipstick. With such beautiful details like these, you don't even need a wedding beauty Pinterest board for your own big day; the inspiration is all right here!

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With winged liner as sharp as her wit and contour as lethal as her comebacks, Maura Higgins has long been a beauty inspiration to the Irish and the Brits following her stint on Love Island. Now, after her recent turn on The Traitors, the Irish reality star’s hair and makeup is attracting the attention of fans here in the US. And what have we noticed? During her post-Traitors press run, she's started to switch things up in the blush department in the most interesting way.

We spotted it when Higgins hosted the red carpet for the premiere of A24’s latest film, The Drama, starring Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. Her blush is significantly higher and seems to be placed underneath her eyes, creating an especially snatched look (as if Higgins needed any more snatching). When we dug a little deeper, we noticed it’s something she’s been playing with a lot recently, working with makeup artist Patrick Ta who is long known for his love of blush and his unconventional application approach.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 17: Maura Higgins arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of A24’s "The Drama" at DGA Theater Complex on March 17, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)

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Under eye blush, which starts (you guessed it) under the eyes and extends to high points of the face, isn’t a new technique. When used under the eye and swept out towards the temples, it “sculpts and accentuates the highest points of the mid-face,” says makeup artist Andrew Denton. “The proximity to the eye adds width to the upper cheek due to the high placement, and that connection between the outer eye and the highest part of the cheekbone creates a lot of lift,” he adds.

Not only that, it can counteract darkness under the eyes, too. "If you’ve used color-correcting concealer, adding a pink-y powder blush on top will not only help set the concealer, but will also help neutralize any blue tones your concealer is struggling to tackle,” Denton says. This technique has inspired many brands to develop pink-toned setting powders, including the One Size Ultimate Blurring Setting Powder, Kosas Cloud Set Baked Setting & Smoothing Powder, and the Catrice Bright and Blur Setting Powder, all of which are Allure editor love and use.

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In a recent GRWM video, Ta demonstrated his layered blush approach on Higgins—and we took notes. He begins with a liquid blush in a bubblegum-pink shade (perhaps a new launch for Patrick Ta Beauty?), placing it directly on the middle of her under eyes and blending out with a fluffy brush. He follows this with liquid concealer applied along the inner and mid under-eye areas, avoiding the outer area to allow the blush underneath to peek through (he used his Major Skin Soft Blur Brightening Concealer, but we also love the Armani Beauty Perfect Glow Concealer, which won a Best of Beauty Award last year) . Next, Ta uses translucent loose powder to set the liquids and creams, which he then tops with his Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duos in She's Seductive and She's a Doll.

“I used here is my Transition Blush Technique, which is all about creating a seamless gradient so the blush melts into the skin rather than sitting on top of the makeup,” Ta explains. “It’s perfect for anyone who feels like their blush can look patchy or disconnected from the rest of the face.”

It’s a look that can be easily adapted for everyday wear. Denton notes that it's a helpful technique for days when you feel tired and “want to appear lifted, bright, and energized.” He recommends sticking to a blush shade you’re confident with, keeping placement lifted and high on the face, and never covering your entire under-eye area with blush, as this can draw the eye down when incorrectly placed.

As for Higgins, after experimenting with Ta, she appears to be a convert. The star has worn under-eye blush four or five times since, so it seems that she's staying 100% faithful to this clever little blush hack … for now.

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As someone who has been obsessed with Korean skin care for a decade, I’m here to tell you: The best Korean makeup rivals anything you can find stateside. And, no, it's not limited to lip tints (even though they are some of the best out there, K-beauty or otherwise). For example, Korean blushes are quickly claiming top spots in my rotation, along with shimmery eye shadows and glitter liners that add just the right amount of everyday sparkle.

Our Top Korean Makeup

• Best Glossy Lip Tint: Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint, $17
• Best Lip Gloss: Hera Sensual Nude Gloss, $40
• Best Sparkly Eye Shadow Palette: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette, $18
• Best Radiant-Finish Cushion Foundation: Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, $32
• Best Semi-Matte Cushion Foundation: Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original, $25
• Best Cream Blush: AOU Soft Cream Blush, $17
• Best Setting Spray: TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer, $15

As with skin care, Korean makeup products are often formulated with hydrating ingredients (such as hyaluronic acid, mango seed butter, and more) for a healthy, lit-from-within glow. K-beauty puts emphasis on lightweight, softly-blurring textures and sheer, buildable coverage that lets your natural skin peek through, instead of completely masking it.

Interest piqued? Along with sharing my top recs from a rapidly growing collection, I tapped my fellow Allure editors to share their favorite Korean beauty products. Think viral hits like Laneige and TirTir, industry staples like Jung Saem Mool and Clio, and indie darlings like AOU. Consider it your insider look at the Korean makeup trending in Seoul right now—and a little inspiration for your next look.

Jump ahead to:

• Best Korean Lip Makeup
• Best Korean Face Makeup
• Best Korean Eye Makeup

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is Korean makeup known for?
• What are the top 2026 Korean makeup trends?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Korean Lip Makeup

Best Glossy Lip Tint: Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint

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Rom&nd

The Juicy Lasting Tint

$17 $14 (18% off)

Amazon

$15

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: If you haven’t tried a Korean lip tint yet and love a glossy, high-shine finish, let this be your sign to pick up Rom&nd’s Juicy Lasting Tint. (You may’ve seen them pop up on your TikTok FYP if you’re on BeautyTok.) Every shade is inspired by a fruit, such as Jujube, Bare Grape, and Papaya Jam, and the formulas smell as good as they sound. The lightweight, barely-there formula dries pretty quickly, and there’s absolutely no sticky finish. You still get enough playtime to blur the edges for that soft, popsicle-stain effect, too. One swipe gives you plenty of coverage, but it layers beautifully—two coats, in our experience, give you that sweet spot of maximum color payoff without tipping into gloopy.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Rom&nd The Juicy Lasting Tint in Plum Coke

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Rom&ndThe Juicy Lasting Tint in Plum Coke

Sarah Han

As you can probably guess by now, most Korean lip tints are infused with skin-care ingredients that lend that plump, fine-line-blurring effect. Key players include hyaluronic acid (or derivatives such as sodium hyaluronate, featured in this Rom&nd) and fruit-derived oils. While it might not be the most long-lasting lip tint we’ve ever tried, it leaves behind a pretty stain as it wears down—and we clearly don’t mind reapplying every few hours. The hype is well-deserved and Allure-approved.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Rom&nd Juicy Lasting Tint

Jessica Curel

Cruel after applying the Romn&d Juicy Lasting Tint

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This is my most-worn lip tint by far, and I don't see that changing anytime soon. The finish is perfectly balanced: dewy but not too dewy. It's also so lightweight, even after two layers. The color range also hits, whether I'm in the mood for a pinky, MLBB moment, or a deep berry that pops against my light skin.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"I wholeheartedly believe that no one does lip stains better than Korea. When I travel to Seoul, I do a haul in Olive & Young. This one has been a favorite. I love a red lip and this is a subtle stain that lasts through multiple meetings. You can build the watery texture from just bitten flush to a deeper red. It dries down to feel like absolutely nothing on the lips." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Notable ingredients: plum oil, mango seed butter, raspberry seed oil, sodium hyaluronate
• Shades available: 23

Best Matte Lip Tint: Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

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Peripera

Ink Velvet Lip Tint

$10

Amazon

$10

Olive Young

Han applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Affordability is one of K-beauty’s biggest draws, and at just $10, Peripera still manages to land impressively on the lower end of the spectrum. The Ink Velvet Lip Tint not only picked up an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2024, but it’s just as popular in South Korea. "The love for this lip tint begins in the teenage years,” Allure Korea digital editor Song Yein shared. “Most young girls keep it stocked in their cosmetic pouches, and the appeal doesn’t fade. It’s a mega hit in Korea, beloved for its staying power and smooth, velvety finish." The color range is extensive—ranging from light peachy nudes to rich-berry fuchsias—and the whipped, mousse-like texture gives your lips a soft-focus, blurred look that lasts for hours on end.

Han before applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Peripera Ink Velvet Lip Tint

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I reach for glossy tints most days, but Peripera's Ink The Velvet Lip Tint has been one of my favorite matte, soft-blurred formulas for so many years, and it's an Allure Best of Beauty Award winner–the ultimate flex. The applicator holds a lot of product and the triangular tip is perfect for lining my outer corners and defining the Cupid's bow. I like to go pretty hard with the shading, but you can concentrate your application on the middle of the lips and blur out the edges with your finger for a subtle gradient effect.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Notable ingredients: jojoba oil, marine collagen, hyaluronic acid
• Shades available: 31

Best Lip Gloss: Hera Sensual Nude Gloss

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Hera

Sensual Nude Gloss

$40

Amazon

$42

Olive Young

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Kiss those sticky glosses in your makeup storage collecting dust goodbye, because Hera’s Sensual Nude Gloss—which frequently tops Hwahae’s lip gloss ranking, including at the time of writing—is going to replace them all. (If you’re not familiar, Hwahae is basically Korea’s go-to beauty app, where real users rate and review products.) Hera sits in that luxury K-beauty lane, but compared to Western brands, the price point feels surprisingly reasonable (K-beauty for the win, once again!) The shade curation is tighter than other lip products, but it does capture the essence of MLBB (my lips but better). So, if you’re the type of person who loves a subtle lip color—that’s also very moisturizing and barrier-friendly—this one’s for you. And if you like a little insider detail: Felix (of Stray Kids) is the brand’s ambassador, and his pick is #415 Brownie Boy.

Lee before applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Hera Sensual Nude Gloss

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m not really a lip girl, but when I do wear one, I always go for a gloss. The lightweight formula is so comfortable I almost forget I’m wearing it, and the menthol gives this refreshing, cooling sensation that feels invigorating. Plus, all the shades are super wearable, making it easy to swipe and go.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Notable ingredients: evening primrose oil, phytosterol
• Shades available: 8

Best Korean Face Makeup

Best Radiant-Finish Cushion Foundation: Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

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Jung Saem Mool

Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

Han applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Since launching her career in 1991, Jung Saem Mool has become—and remains— one of Korea’s most iconic celebrity makeup artists. (Fun fact: She’s widely credited with popularizing the whole “glass skin” phenomenon.) In 2015, she introduced her namesake brand, and her hero product, the Essential Skin Nuder Cushion, has been topping Olive Young charts and picking up awards year after year.

It’s all about creating an effortless, lit-from-within glow—like you’ve gotten eight hours of sleep, worked out, and drank six glasses of water. As the brand expands globally, the shade range has grown to 30, with more on the way. What’s particularly special about the packaging is that there’s a textured “mix and touch” area tucked under the lid that lets you sheer out the product before it hits your sponge, which means no accidental over-application. The key is to start with less and build up as needed for the most natural finish.

Han before applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Jung Saem Mool Essential Skin Nuder Cushion

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“This was the first very cushion foundation I ever tried when I first visited South Korea in 2018, but honestly, the habit of applying cushion foundation never stuck with me once I returned home. That, and I found most shade ranges to be too light—even though I’m pretty close to Korea’s demographics as a Chinese woman! (Pale skin is considered a beauty standard in eastern Asia, and that’s never been my vibe, personally.) Someone on Jung Saem Mool’s team actually shade-matched me and I’m obsessed with the match. (I’m wearing 22C Petal Light, which is shocking, because I always go for neutral undertones.) It really meshes with my natural tone (I really don’t like going brighter or darker)—and while I can tell that I have something on, it doesn’t feel like I have anything on at all.

If I’ve learned anything about cushion foundation, it’s all about sheer layers and building up, and also taking the time to pat the foundation in for a super seamless finish. Because I’m really pressing the formula into my skin, wearing a very lightweight sunscreen (usually a Korean sunscreen…surprise!) underneath is important to avoid pilling. Not only are cushion foundations compact and easy for on-the-go touchups, but I don’t need any other tools or the back of my hand (where I apply skin tints or foundations first to warm up with my fingers). Big wins! I’m officially back on the cushion foundation hype train.

P.S. The blue casing I have isn’t the original one it comes in—I just popped the compact into the blue one (which I was also gifted) because I loved the color. Yet another fun element of K-beauty products!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Shades available: 30
• Notable ingredients: glycerin, adensosine

Best Semi-Matte Cushion Foundation: Clio Kill Cover Founwear Mesh Glow Cushion

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Clio

Kill Cover Founwear Cushion

$25

Amazon

$34

Olive Young

Lee applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Newsflash: Just because you have combination or oily skin, doesn’t mean you have to skip the glow. Clio’s Kill Cover Founwear Mesh Glow Cushion strikes that in-between balance, giving skin a fresh, healthy radiance while still keeping excess shine in check. The formula is impressively airy, with a hit of skin-care benefits (hi, niacinamide) baked in. And the packaging isn’t just for looks. The square compact is easier to grip, and the tapered edges of the puff make it surprisingly good at getting into all those tricky spots—around the nose, under the eyes—without the usual awkward maneuvering you get with round cushions.

Lee before applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion The Original

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“I usually find foundation just ‘sits’ on my skin, but Clio’s Kill Cover Founwear Cushion blends in seamlessly and feels like a second skin. I especially love the Mesh Glow version—it has a sheer, radiant finish and feels even lighter, though its shade range is more limited compared to the original. No matter if I’m in the mood for the glow or the semi-matte original, I keep reaching for both because they feel so comfortable and weightless.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Shades available: 20
• Notable ingredients: niacinamide, glycerin, adenosine

Best Matte-Finish Cushion Foundation: Banila Co. Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion

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Banila Co

Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion

$25

Amazon

$38

Olive Young

$32

Yesstyle

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: Hydrating cushion foundations aren’t always kind to combination and oily skin, but Banila Co’s Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion somehow pulls it off—mattifying shine and keeping it in check all day long. Your complexion doesn’t look flat as a result, either, thanks to skin-care ingredients like radiance-boosting white truffle. A blend of eight white flowers helps keep skin calm, too, which is especially nice if you’re dealing with the occasional breakout. If you’ve written off cushion foundations for not delivering enough coverage, this one might change your mind. It gives you that sweet spot: medium coverage, blurred pores, and a satin-matte finish that still looks like skin.

Pai before applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Banila Co Covericious Ultimate Cover Cushion

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"Off the bat, I loved that it was pretty easy to determine my shade—a big feat, since I have medium-tan skin with neutral undertones (which doesn't seem to be super-common, based on what I've swatched in the past). But I also adore the feel of the foundation, which gives my skin medium coverage with a second-skin finish. The compact has made it convenient for travel, and it's so good at oil control that my skin looks matte even by the end of the day." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Shades available: 20
• Notable ingredients: white truffle, white flowers (jasmine, lotus, and edelweiss)

Best Cream Blush: AOU Soft Cream Blush

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AOU

Soft Cream Blush

$17

Amazon

$20

Olive Young

$20

Yesstyle

Why we love it: AOU may have gone viral for its Glowy Tint Balm, but we think the Soft Cream Blush is being slept on. Short for “Always for Our Use,” the brand was founded by a makeup artist and centers around that glass-skin-inspired makeup that’s easy to use on a daily basis. (Think: K-pop idol makeup, just more approachable.) This blush leans extra creamy, with buildable pigment that melts into the skin for a dewy, diffused finish—the kind that makes it look like your glow is coming from you, not sitting on top. Not sure what shade to start with? We love 02 Pinky Cheeks—it’s that just-right cool pink that instantly brightens everything up.

Han applying AOU Soft Cream Blush in 02 Pinky Cheeks

Sarah Han

Han after applying AOU Soft Cream Blush in 02 Pinky Cheeks

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“AOU has been on my radar for quite some time because, hello, when a makeup artist (Cho Eun Bee) who works with top K-pop stars like AESPA's Karina and Winter, as well as IVE's Wonyoung launches a brand, you pay attention. Anyway, as I was perusing Hemeko (an indie K-beauty store in Seoul), these heart-shaped blushes caught my eye right away. I can’t overstate just how creamy these formulas are. I like taking a slightly denser brush to pick up the pigment (with gentle taps!) and tap/buff it into my cheeks, though fingers work well in a pinch.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Best Setting Powder: Laneige Neo Blurring Powder

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Laneige

Neo Blurring Powder

$25

Amazon

$25

Sephora

$25

Olive Young

Han applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder

Sarah Han

Why we love it: If you’ve ever caught your reflection in a flash photo and immediately zeroed in on that telltale T-zone shine, you get it. Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder solves this issue and goes a step further with innovative packaging. Instead of shaking loose powder into a cap (and inevitably wasting half of it), everything stays contained in the compact. Press down on the mesh, pick up just enough product with the (surprisingly plush) puff, and tap it on. No wonder this once Korea-exclusive has become so popular stateside—everything about it just makes sense. As for what’s inside, you’ve got oil-absorbing silica paired with soothing extras like matricaria flower extract, hydrating hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and a hint of wild mint for a subtly refreshing feel.

Han before applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Laneige Neo Blurring Powder

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“What I love most about the Laneige's Neo Blurring Powder is how compact, mess-free, and lightweight it is—it’s a no-brainer travel pick, and I even drop it into my purse if I’m going to have a busy day out in the city. It nixes any shine in my T-zone just like that without making my complexion look downright flat, and I never feel like I’m wasting product and making a mess. The mirror is a nice bonus, too, for on-the-go touch-ups. I haven’t used this in super hot weather yet, but I’m confident this will help me survive the dog days of NYC summer.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Notable ingredients: silica, matricaria flower extract, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, wild mint extract
• Size: 0.24 oz.

Best Setting Spray: TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer

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Tirtir

Mask Fit Make Up Fixer

$15 $13 (13% off)

Amazon

$15

Ulta Beauty

$15

Olive Young

Han applying the TirTir Mask Fit Make Up Fixer

Sarah Han

Why we love it: While TirTir has made a name for itself with standout skin care (like the ceramide-infused Milk Skin Toner), the makeup deserves just as much attention. Case in point: The Mask Fit Make Up Fixer, which claimed the title of best dewy setting spray in our 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Awards. “Dewy” doesn’t mean it’s off-limits for oily skin, though. The formula includes green apple polyphenols to help keep excess sebum in check, even if the finish leans more glow-boosting than your average setting spray. On no-makeup days, we even reach for it as a refreshing face mist. Whether you’re locking everything in place or just giving your skin a quick pick-me-up, it leaves behind that fresh, healthy-looking sheen that tends to earn a few compliments.

P.S. It is water- and sweat-resistant, but if you’re after something fully waterproof, Mask Fit Waterproof Setting Spray (with a more semi-matte finish) is the one to reach for.

Tester feedback from Han

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“I usually use a powder to set my troublesome T-zone and then spray all over once I’m done with my entire face. With a few spritzes of this TirTir mist, my skin looks glowy but balanced (a.k.a. not a greasy mess by mid-afternoon). I can’t stand a mist that doesn’t feel like it’s actually landing on my face—I like to drench my face in setting spray, and TirTir’s (though still quite fine and gentle) helps me achieve that in just three spritzes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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"This setting spray mastered the art of a fine mist without the typical chemical scent found in many competitors. It locks makeup in with a soft, long-lasting finish and is genuinely enjoyable to use." —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate

More to know

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• Notable ingredients: green apple polyphenols, Centella asiatica extract (cica)
• Size: 2.7 fl oz.

Best Korean Eye Makeup

Best Sparkly Eye Shadow Palette: Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette

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Unleashia

Glitterpedia Eye Palette

$18

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

$25

Soko Glam

Why we love it: Some say “put a pep in your step,” but we’re more in the “sprinkle some glitter on it" camp. Unleashia’s Glitterpedia Eye Palettes may be compact (and very travel-friendly) with just six shades, but they flex their worth. Each one mixes mattes, shimmers, and glitters in different textures and sparkle levels, so you can go subtle or a little extra without overthinking it.

What makes them feel especially approachable is how easy they are to use. Pick a shimmer, swipe it across your lids, and suddenly it looks like you spent way more time on your makeup than you actually did. In fact, the brand recommends using your fingers versus a brush for the best payoff. (Our editors can attest this is the best method.) Who says glitter has to be saved for special occasions? Surely not us.

Han applying the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in No.1 All of Glitter

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in No.1 All of Glitter

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“One thing about me is that I looooove shimmery eye shadow. There’s a 90% chance that if I’m wearing eye shadow on any given day, it’s a shimmer or glitter swept across my lids. I like how they brighten and emphasize my eyes without creating shadows. And there’s very little (if any!) blending required, unlike with mattes, I find. (An art form, honestly.) This Unleashia palette is one of the rare ones that I find myself wanting to dig into every shade, instead of purely sticking to one or two. The compactness of it also helps, because I’m definitely going to throw it into my work bag or carry-on over my many bulky palettes. The shades are just so fun to use—what more can I say? Eye shadow isn’t something I wear too often, but when I do, I want it to speak for itself.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Colorways available: 8

Best Matte Eye Shadow Palette: Clio Pro Eye Palette Air

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Clio

Pro Eye Palette Air

$28

Amazon

$35

Olive Young

Why we love it: Olive Young’s annual awards are pretty much Seoul’s beauty Olympics, and closing out 2025 at the #3 spot was none other than Clio’s Pro Eye Palette Air. If you’re a matte eye shadow person, 08 Latte Senior is especially easy to love—this 12-shade palette is filled with those everyday shades you actually reach for: soft beiges, peaches, nudes, and deeper browns, plus a touch of gold and rose-gold shimmer for a little dimension. The end result is that kind of eye look that feels almost suspiciously effortless—and it’s genuinely hard to overdo. The powders are so finely-milled that you can buff your chosen colors in very light layers and build up to your desired intensity. Our testers especially like using the lighter shades to brighten inner corners and along the crease. We won’t lie: The stickers that these palettes come with (for optional adornment) are an extra cute touch.

Han applying the Clio Pro Eye Palette Air in Latte Senior

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Clio Pro Eye Palette Air in Latte Senior

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“If you’ve ever met me or seen a photo of me, it’s pretty clear that mattes are not my thing—but makeup is all about experimentation, and I don’t ever want to be stuck doing things just one way. I was browsing Hwahae, one of the most popular Korean beauty review sites and multiple Clio Pro Eye Palettes top the list, so I knew I had to give them a shot. While the colorways like Peach Mate Apple, which have a more balanced blend of shimmers and mattes, are more my usual style, I can definitely see myself using Latte Senior on a regular basis when I want a more low-key look. It’s a very thoughtful curation of neutrals, which are a staple in any makeup kit—even as a self-proclaimed shimmer obsessive. I love how soft the powders are themselves; they feel like nothing on the skin and leave a very true-to-Korean-beauty, blurred finish.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Colorways available: Latte Senior, Rose Connect, Lavender Staff, Crystal Paw, Peach Mate Apple, Shopping Cheese

Best Liquid Eye Shadow: Colorgram Milk Bling Shadow

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Colorgram

Milk Bling Shadow

$15

Amazon

$12

Olive Young

Why we love it: The easiest way to add a touch of sparkle to any look is with these Colorgram Milk Bling Shadows. There’s no need to blend them, since these liquid eye shadows dry pretty much as soon as they touch skin. You do have to be a bit intentional with placement—and yes, a good cleansing oil is your friend when it’s time to take them off—but once they’re on, they stay put. Sweep one over your lids as a topper for full-on shimmer, or tap a bit into the inner corners for a quick pop. It’s less about precision and more about those little flashes of sparkle that pull everything together.

Tester feedback from Han

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"I always get compliments and questions when I wear this glittery liner-shadow hybrid on my lower lash line for an extra pop. Colorgram's Milk Bling Shadow isn't heavy or chunky at all, and it dries quickly, so there's no fallout or residue. It's the easiest trick in my book to elevate a simple eye look." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Shades available: 4

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Everyone has a hairstyle that they loved back in the day and never thought would come back in style. Mine is pick-and-drop braids, a style that involves micro base braids at the crown of the end that hang three inches and then cascade into loose waves or bouncy curls. It-Girls at the time, like Beyoncé and Brandy, popularized the style, while stars such as Chase Infiniti and Jordyn Woods keep the style in the spotlight—with a modern twist, of course.

Much like pick-and-drop braids of the past, the 2026 version starts with a base of braids. The length, however, is even longer and the braids blended more seamlessly into the loose hair at the ends. They're also more frequently created using human hair, which can be "more versatile and less harsh for this style," says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Larry Sims. In the '90s, braiders primarily used synthetic hair, mainly because that’s what was widely available, but which came with its fair share of knotting and matting.

Those aren't the only updates that make boho braids feel fresh and more covetable than ever. Some hairstylists place traditional sew-in or tape-in extensions at the back of the head to create a fuller look, and add knotless micro braids along the hairline using braiding hair, which is what hairstylist Coree Moreno did to create Chase Infiniti's gorgeous boho braid style for the 2026 Oscars.

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There's also a popular new method for creating boho braids, called miracle knots, that makes achieving the style easier than before. The technique involves swapping the traditional knotless feed-in technique for a crochet method. TikTok video after TikTok video of this hack show people effortlessly transforming mini braids into soft, cascading curls without stepping foot into the salon.

It's often hard to pinpoint when we all started obsessing over boho braids again, but many stylists point to Zoë Kravitz as inspiration—some even refer to the effortless-looking style “Zoe Kravitz braids.”

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Bicoastal travel braider Shanna St. Cyr says boho braids are her most requested style lately, in both New York and Los Angeles. The reason she thinks it's so popular among her clients: "You can get a weave look without an actual weave install." That cuts down on cost and allows you to experiment with various hairstyles that would be otherwise difficult to wear with a weave. Below, discover more on how the style has evolved and what to know if you plan on trying boho braids for yourself.

Meet the Experts:

• Larry Sims is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and the co-founder of Flawless by Gabrielle Union
• Jacinta Rutana is London-based hairstylist and braider
• Shanna St. Cyr of Tropix Braids is a travel braider who works in Los Angeles and New York City

How Boho Braids Are Different From Pick-and-Drop Braids

Boho braids take the foundation of pick-and-drop braids and elevate the style. The biggest change: the length of the base braids. Pick-and-drop braids were usually about three inches long, with loose waves or curls at the ends of the braids. The idea was to have the braids hidden at the crown of the head, creating the illusion that the hair was growing out of the scalp. Boho braids, on the other hand, put more emphasis on the braids rather than trying to hide them. The loose curls are incorporated throughout the braids at different lengths, which makes for an even blend of braids and tendrils.

Boho braids also mainly use human hair whereas pick-and-drop featured synthetic hair (that's that was primarily available in the '90s). These braids are one of the most popular ways to get flowing hair extensions that look natural.

Human hair extensions help create a more natural look and make boho braids more versatile, letting you use heat—there is also less matting, says Sims. If you're partial to synthetic hair, Jacinta Rutana, a London-based hairstylist and braider says you can still use it, but it works best in just the braids, and not the loose hair.

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What to Know Before You Get Boho Braids

Rutana explains that the look requires a high skill level: "I use a knotless technique, so it's easy on your natural hair to ensure there’s not as much breakage," she explains, which isn't easy to do on yourself. Working with human hair (which is recommended for this style) "can be challenging due to the softer texture of the hair which makes it hard to grip," says Rutana. TikTok hacks, like miracle knots (which use the more user-friendly crochet method), make this look more accessible and easier to achieve at home—though if you're a novice when it comes to braiding, the salon is still your best bet.

It's best to consult with your stylist to establish if they will provide the hair or if you need to source it ahead of your appointment. Many salons don't provide hair extensions, so oftentimes, you'll need to visit your local beauty supply store ahead of time. Stylists can usually advise on what hair to buy. Moreno used Bellami Clip-Ins on Chase Infiniti's boho braids for the Oscars, while St. Cyr recommends YWigs Loose Human Braiding Hair.

Plan to arrive at your appointment with washed and blow-dried hair. Some stylists offer this service but if it's unavailable, a simple shampoo to cleanse your hair and scalp, followed by a conditioning treatment to moisturize, and a thorough blow dry is all you need.

How to Maintain Boho Braids

The loose strands in boho braids are prone to get tangled so properly maintaining the hair will prolong it's wear. First, spray the braids with a mixture of water and leave-in conditioner in a spray bottle at least once a week and brush the hair to refresh the curls.

“The secret to flawless boho braids is the right brush,” says Moreno, a hairstylist in Los Angeles who created elegant boho braids on actor Chase Infiniti for the 2026 Oscars. Moreno used the Arachne Smooth Boost brush to “add volume and smooth out imperfections without snagging the braid base,” he shared on Instagram.

You can also brush the hair daily without misting it, instead using a lightweight oil or serum to keep frizz at bay. I love using the Sheamoisture Coconut Hibiscus Smooth and Shine Oil when I have boho braids. The silk texture tames any flyaways without weighing the hair down. Plus, it adds a slight sheen that make the braids look good as new.

Additionally, it’s important to wrap your hair with a scarf and sleep in a bonnet to preserve the style. To keep the style looking its best, Runata recommends a touch-up after four weeks.

The Average Cost of Boho Braids

The overall cost ranges from $300 to $600, on average. There are three main factors: the location of your salon, the price of the hair extensions, and how long and thick you want the braids. To give you an idea, St. Cyr charges $695 for small boho braids with hair included and $485 for the same style in medium width. Most salons and braiders have a standard length (usually falling right above the tailbone), so if you want braids any longer than that, chances are you’ll be paying extra.

The price is steep, but the braids do last when they are done well. Runtata says her clients keep the style in for about six to eight weeks depending on their hair type and if the extensions are reusable.

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No matter what time of year it is, beach waves never really go out of style. That's why the best hair wavers are such a handy tool to have around, especially when you don’t have the patience (or wrist strength) to wrap tiny sections of hair around a curling iron for half an hour. Instead, these double- or triple-barrel tools do the heavy lifting for you, pressing hair into soft, uniform S-shaped waves with just a few clamps down the length of your hair. Whether you're going for loose, mermaid-like bends, a nostalgic ‘90s supermodel crimp, or bold waves that look like you just stepped off the beach (minus the salt and sand), we've got you. Our editors have tested tons of tools—alongside expert recommendations—to find the hair wavers that make getting glossy, tousled texture almost too easy.

Our Top Hair Wavers

• Best Overall: GHD Wave, $199
• Best for Beginners: Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver, $79
• Best for Frizzy Hair: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X, $89
• Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil, $59

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What’s the difference between a hair waver and a hair curler?
• How do you use a hair waver?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: GHD Wave

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GHD

Wave

$199

Amazon

$199

Nordstrom

$199

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor using the GHD Wave

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why we love it: Three-barrel hot tools can look a little intimidating—and sometimes feel top-heavy enough to make you worry about bumping your forehead mid-style. The GHD Wave, a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner, proves that a chunky tool doesn’t have to be awkward to use. Despite its size, it’s surprisingly lightweight (just 1.24 pounds), and the curved edges help keep it balanced in your hand, making it easier to maneuver than it looks.

During testing, editors found that the three 1.25” barrels help move through longer hair quickly, creating glossy, mermaid-like waves across the entire head in about 15 minutes or less. Like other GHD hair tools, the Wave is designed with numerous tiny sensors embedded throughout its ceramic plates that constantly monitor the temperature to ensure it never exceeds 365°F, which is the brand’s signature styling sweet spot. “So many beach wavers and curlers claim no damage but don't get the hair hot enough, so the curls don't last,” says Rob Milner, GHD’s head of research and development. “GHD has proven in our research that 365°F is the optimal temperature for styling hair—hot enough so the curl holds, cool enough so it doesn't damage the hair strand.”

Calaor before using the GHD Wave

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after using the GHD Wave

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“This waver looks like a giant crimper from the early 2000s, creating extra-cool S-waves without the smell of burnt hair. It’s also lightweight compared to other wavers and easy to maneuver close to the scalp." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Barrel width: 1.25”
• Heat settings: 1
• Attachments: none
• Weight: 1.25 lbs
• Wattage: N/A
• Automatic shutoff: yes
• Best for: all hair types, especially medium and long hair

Best Adjustable: L’ange VersaWaver

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L'Ange

VersaWaver

$79

Amazon

$99

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the L’ange VersaWaver

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: Some days you want loose, shiny waves; other days you’re in the mood for a little more texture. That’s where the L’ange VersaWaver shows its versatility. With a quick twist of the barrel’s tip (it stays cool for easy handling), you can toggle between 0.75” waves for tight, defined texture or 1.25” deep waves for soft, bouncier volume, so you can change your look without needing a second hot tool.

The titanium plates heat evenly to help waves hold their shape and offer four heat settings (290°F to 410°F) so you can tailor the temperature to your hair type. Bonus points for the thoughtful extras: a heat-resistant glove and mat to keep both your hands and your countertop safe.

Lee before using the L’ange VersaWave

Christa Joanna Le

Lee after using the L’ange VersaWave

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I always assumed the only way to get those loose, bendy waves—the kind that look like you slept in braids overnight—was, uh, actually sleeping in braids for eight hours. The L’ange VersaWaver couldn’t be easier to use (and a lot faster to create a full look). I have a lot of hair, and it’s pretty long, so styling my entire head still took about 25 minutes. I stuck with the third-highest heat setting since my hair is thick, and the waves held up really well. There was a tiny bit of frizz, but nothing a drop of my favorite hair oil couldn’t smooth out. The cool-tip barrel makes switching sizes easy, though I still used the included glove to flip it to the larger side (better safe than sorry!). I also appreciate the heat-resistant mat, which cleverly doubles as a carrying case, so you don’t have to wait for the tool to cool completely before packing it away.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Barrel widths: 0.75” and 1.25”
• Heat settings: 4
• Attachments: none
• Weight: 1.14 lbs
• Wattage: N/A
• Automatic shutoff: yes
• Best for: all hair types

Best for Frizzy Hair: Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X

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Trademark Beauty

Babe Waves X

$89 $74 (17% off)

Amazon

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X

Lily Wohlner

Why we love it: Hot tools can sometimes leave hair looking a little frizzy—the combination of high temperatures and dry strands can cause the cuticle (the outer layer of the hair) to lift, making it easier for humidity to sneak in. The Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, helps keep that in check while still delivering the textured waves it’s known for.

This styler has two barrels, making it especially great for short- to medium-length hair. The closer-set barrels create a slightly tighter, more crimped wave—think breezy, tousled texture rather than loose mermaid bends. This one also has multiple temperature settings, so you can dial things up or down to help you customize your waves depending on your hair texture: 320°F to 350°F works well for fine or color-treated hair, around 390°F for medium to thick textures, and up to 430°F for coarse or hard-to-wave strands.

And thanks to even heat distribution across both barrels, every section comes out with uniform waves. What really helps keep frizz in check, though, is the tourmaline ceramic barrels and ionic technology. As it heats up, it releases negative ions that help smooth strands and boost shine as you style, keeping flyaways and frizz under control.

Wohlner before using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after using the Trademark Beauty Babe Waves X

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’d never used a hair waver before this Trademark Beauty one, but I’m officially a convert. It gives me super natural waves that don’t look like I forced them with a heat styler—I’m a total sucker for that ‘I didn’t even try’ tousled vibe. It took all of five minutes to style my whole head, starting from bed head and ending with long, lightly crimped waves that lasted all day without any touch-ups. Plus, my hair looked silky and felt soft afterward, which doesn’t always happen with a traditional curling iron.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Barrel width: 4.75” (two 1.25” barrels)
• Heat settings: 4
• Attachments: none
• Weight: 1.7 lbs
• Wattage: 103–110W
• Automatic shutoff: no
• Best for: all hair types, especially short to medium hair

Best for Short Hair: Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil

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Wavytalk

Cool Curl Pencil

$59 $48 (19% off)

Amazon

$59

Wavytalk

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil

Sarah Felbin

Why we love it: While it’s technically more of a curling iron than a traditional waver, Wavytalk's Cool Curl Pencil is one of the few tools that actually gave our tester with a bob the waves she wanted. Most wavers are simply too bulky to get close enough to shorter lengths, but this lightweight, slim styler makes adding texture to a cropped cut surprisingly easy. The 0.65” barrel is narrow enough that styling your whole head doesn’t feel like wrestling with a giant hot tool, and the flat interior plates mean you can straighten sections, too—making it a multitasker for curling, waving, or smoothing. It also has five heat settings (the most of any tool on this list), which is especially helpful if you have fine hair or bangs, like our tester, who kept things on a lower temp for those delicate pieces.

What really sets it apart, though, is its cooling system: 104 tiny air vents release 360-degree airflow in three adjustable settings to help set your style and limit heat exposure. Sure, you’ll need to do a little wrist work to create waves since there aren’t built-in barrels—but when one tool can curl, wave, and straighten, we’re not complaining.

Felbin before using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after using the Wavytalk Cool Curl Pencil

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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"Finally, a hot tool that's designed for bobs and pixie cuts! I used to constantly burn my hands trying to style my bob with wide flat irons. But the Cool Curl Pencil has tiny plates that make it easy to tame my bangs or flip my ends. And if I'm trying to switch my (usually straight) look up, I can use it to curl my whole head for waves that take only a few minutes. Bonus: Cool air comes out the sides of the iron to set your style as you go (no hairspray required). And, while the barrel doesn't get too hot to hold, a heat-blocking glove is also included for safety." —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Barrel width: 0.65”
• Heat settings: 5
• Attachments: none
• Weight: 0.95 lbs
• Wattage: 46W
• Automatic shutoff: no
• Best for: all hair types, especially short

Best for Beginners: Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver

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Mermade

1.25” Original Pro Waver

$79

Nordstrom

$79

Revolve

Why we love it: While most hair wavers are fairly intuitive and beginner-friendly, the Mermade 1.25” Original Pro Waver stands out for being especially easy to handle. New York City-based hairstylist Vanessa Ocando calls it her favorite hair waver because “it’s incredibly easy for the everyday person to use and it works beautifully on every hair texture.”

Even though it’s one of the heavier tools on this list (2.2 pounds), the design helps offset that by providing multiple grip points. You can hold it by the handle or steady it from the top, which makes it easier to maneuver and gives you more control as you clamp down each section. It also features anti-scald plates that heat up on the inside but stay cool on the outside, so you’re extra in the clear.

If you’re a beginner, it’s also refreshingly quick to style with, as you only need to clamp each section for three to five seconds to create defined waves. Plus, the barrels are made from ionic ceramic plates that help eliminate frizz and boost shine. The original waver has 1.25” barrels, but there’s also a 1” option if you prefer tighter waves.

More to know

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• Barrel width: 1.25”
• Heat settings: 4
• Attachments: none
• Weight: 2.2 lbs
• Wattage: N/A
• Automatic shutoff: yes
• Best for: all hair types, especially long

Best Interchangeable: DryBar The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron

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Drybar

The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron

$199 $169 (15% off)

Amazon

$199

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: If your hair mood changes as often as your outfit, DryBar’s The Mixologist Interchangeable Styling Iron makes it easy to switch things up without having to round up a small army of hot tools. It comes with three interchangeable attachments that snap easily into the handle: a triple-barrel waver for loose bends, a curling wand for softer spirals, and a classic curling iron for more polished curls. In other words, you can go from beachy waves to bouncy curls without reaching for a different tool. Each attachment features infrared technology that evenly distributes heat, warming hair from the inside out for less damage and more silky shine. The ceramic barrel and ionic technology keep strands frizz-free, so your finished style looks glossy. If you can’t make it to one of Drybar’s blowout bars, consider this the next best thing.

More to know

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• Barrel width: 0.75” (three-barrel waver), 1” (curling wand), 1.25” (curling iron)
• Heat settings: customizable up to 450°F
• Attachments: 3 (three-barrel waver, curling wand, curling iron with a clamp)
• Weight: N/A
• Wattage: N/A
• Automatic shutoff: yes
• Best for: all hair types

Best for Definition: BaByliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver

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BabylissPRO

Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver

$80

Amazon

$80

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: If you’re after a more natural-looking, defined wave, New York City-based hairstylist Marc Ballance recommends the Babyliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Triple Barrel Waver. The unique barrel design features two larger 1” barrels with a slightly smaller 0.75” barrel in the center, which helps create deeper, more sculpted waves. The variation in barrel sizes adds dimension to the pattern, while the deep wave shape presses a more pronounced bend into the hair, so the style holds its structure without looking stiff or overly uniform.

The tool also offers 25 heat settings up to 430°F, so you can dial in exactly what your hair needs (lower heat for finer hair or higher heat for coarser textures). The porcelain ceramic barrels distribute heat evenly to minimize hot spots while smoothing the cuticle for shinier, more consistent waves from root to ends.

More to know

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• Barrel widths: two 1” barrels, one 0.75” barrel
• Heat settings: 25
• Attachments: 1
• Weight: 1.79 lbs
• Wattage: N/A
• Automatic shutoff: no
• Best for: all hair types

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between a hair waver and a hair curler?

Ocando says that a curler has a single barrel (you know, your classic one-inch curling iron) and a waver has multiple barrels to create an “S” wave pattern instead of ringlets or a traditional curl. Ballance adds that wavers are better if you want your hairstyle to look beachy and intentionally undone.

How do you use a hair waver?

Always start with a heat protectant, no matter what hair look you’re going for. Once your hair is prepped, Ballance says it’s all about the clamping technique. “Take a small section of hair and clamp the waver down, so the barrels can shape the hair shaft into an 'S' wave,” he says. From there, work your way down from root to ends, overlapping slightly as you go, so the waves connect seamlessly.

Ocando advises looking for a waver with adjustable temperature settings, ceramic or ionic barrels, and a grip on the top of the tool, which gives you better control while styling. A bonus is that it stays cool on the outside during use, which makes the experience safer and more comfortable.

Meet the experts

• Marc Ballance is a New York City-based hairstylist.
• Vanessa Ocando is a New York City-based hairstylist and certified trichologist.

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our review of the best hair wavers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different hair concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want shinier hair), and whether one product was tested across multiple hair types (i.e., straight, wavy, and curly hair). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser hair dryer 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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If there's anyone who exercises her prerogative to change her mind—specifically about changing her hair—it's Gabrielle Union. She loves to hop from long braids to an asymmetrical bob and back again, often with a few other style stops in between. But despite how many looks we've seen her go-to hairstylist, Larry Sims, create for her, I can't remember the last time she went with a style that feels so nostalgic in so many ways.

Union and hubby Dwyane Wade attended the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, where the Academy Awards beauty bounty overflowed into even more enviable fashion and aspirational hair, makeup, and nail looks. She was among the most memorable, wearing a deeply plunging, silver Celia Kritharioti gown with an unimaginably exquisite starfish-like diamond and emerald Tiffany & Co. necklace.

A glamorous fit calls for glamorous hair, and Sims delivered, of course, giving Union 1990s supermodel vibes with a metric ton of volume. Her deeply side-parted hair was blown out and flawlessly curled to create big, bouncy swoops with smooth shine and softness you can feel through your screen.

Photo: Getty Images

But it wasn't just '90s glam that Union reached into the past for. Her hair was topped off with some seriously chunky highlights that take an early-2000s look and give it a sophisticated spin without compromising on bold contrast. The coppery, medium-brown streaks stood out against her otherwise dark brown waves, adding awesome dimension to an already outstanding style.

Photo: Getty Images

Makeup artist Joanna Simkin kept Union's makeup so soft, using the YSL Beauty Couture Mini Clutch eye shadow palette in Captivating Dunes for smoky, shimmery bedroom eyes topped off with lashes as lush as her hair.

If this moment helps usher back in some of my favorite hair trends from my youth, you'll find no objection from me. But I wouldn't mind a visit from Larry Sims to help me get the look.

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The Food & Drug Administration is scrapping a proposed rule that would ban American teenagers under 18 from using tanning beds. The rule, which was first proposed in 2015, aimed to restrict indoor tanning for minors for one very obvious reason: The UV light that these beds emit in high doses has been long-proven to cause skin cancer.

A spokesperson for the FDA told Allure in a statement that the agency withdrew the proposal “in order to reconsider the best means for addressing the issues covered by the Proposed Rule and related issues regarding access to sunlamp products.” Its decision came after the agency received more than 8,100 comments on the proposal—comments that they say ranged from “the dangers of UV radiation from sunlamp products” and the “vulnerability of young people to the risks of sunlamp products” to “support for personal choice and parental decision-making; availability” and “compliance burdens on small businesses.”

The notice of the withdrawal was signed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is known to frequent indoor tanning salons himself. (When asked by The Atlantic a few months ago how he squares his tanning and nicotine habits with his day job, Kennedy replied, “I’m not telling people that they should do anything that I do. I just say ‘Get in shape.’”)

In its statement, the FDA acknowledges the scientific link between tanning beds and skin cancer. “Withdrawal of the proposed restrictions does not mean that exposure to UV radiation does not cause skin cancer. It is well established that exposure to UV radiation (including through sunlamp products) can lead to skin cancer,” the statement reads. Despite this, they encourage “users of sunlamp products to discuss the potential risks with their physician before using sunlamp products”—a statement that ignores the fact that the risks are not potential. They’re confirmed by science.

Tanning beds—like tobacco, formaldehyde, and asbestos—are classified as a group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). And that's a message that many, many board-certified dermatologists have hammered home for Allure and our readers over the last three decades: Using tanning beds dramatically ups the likelihood of a skin cancer diagnosis. Full stop. These same dermatologists and health professionals now worry that the FDA's withdrawal of this proposed tanning bed restriction sends a confusing message to minors and their parents. Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, and president of the American Academy of Dermatology, released a statement this week saying that the organization was “disappointed.”

“Exposure to UV radiation from indoor tanning devices is associated with an increased risk of melanoma, as well as non-melanoma skin cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma,” says Dr. Taylor. Part of what makes tanning beds so dangerous is that “they emit mostly UVA radiation and filter out the UVB that will burn you more readily—[tanning salons] don't want you to burn, they want you to come back,” says Dendy Engleman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “But UVA radiation ages you more readily, breaks down collagen more readily, and it's more oncogenic, meaning cancer-causing.”

And late last year, new research from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco, revealed that tanning bed usage is in fact even more dangerous than we knew. Before then, it was thought that indoor tanners were about 75% more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors, and that just one session in a tanning bed could increase the risk by 20%. But this latest research found that tanning bed usage actually triples the risk of skin cancer—that's a 200% increase. Not only that, through comparing 182 skin biopsies, the researchers showed the UV emitted from tanning beds caused unique DNA mutations, more damaging than previously known. “The takeaway is simple: Tanning beds don’t just age your skin, they biologically shift your cells toward cancer,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, told Allure at the time.

“The same way we do not want our teens to smoke, we do not want them to go to a tanning bed.”

This gap between irrefutable scientific proof and government policy can lead to widespread confusion, something Kavita Mariwalla, MD, double board-certified dermatologist in Long Island, New York, is very concerned about. “When the FDA, the organization tasked with determining the safety of medications and devices for the United States, backs off this proposal, it gives two signals,” she says. “The first is that it’s not an important issue and the second is that tanning isn’t dangerous enough for the FDA to get involved—both could not be farther from the truth.”

Currently, there is no federal ban on people under 18 using tanning beds; however, a number of individual states—including California, New York, Virginia, Illinois, and Texas—have bans in place for minors. Some states, such as Alabama, Washington, and Oregon, are considered to have bans but allow exceptions with a doctor’s prescription. Others—like Idaho, Michigan, and Utah—require a parent’s consent or supervision. But those rules are not always enforced. “In a lot of states, high schoolers can just go tanning on the way home from school and their parents don’t even know,” says Dr. Engelman, who is originally from South Carolina, a state where tanning bed operators are supposed to ask customers under 18 for written consent from a parent or legal guardian. “In my experience, in the South at least, tanning salons that should be asking for IDs and parental consent often aren’t.”

“Teen skin is particularly susceptible to ultraviolet damage.”

And even when parents have the opportunity to stop their teens from tanning, “​​it's hard to parent in 2026, and sometimes on the list of things you’re willing to go to battle on, tanning beds fall at the bottom,” says Dr. Mariwalla, a mother of three who sees young patients and their parents in her clinic daily.

Dr. Engelman, also a mother, agrees: “It’s like parents having to regulate smartphones and social media on our own. It’s on us to sign Wait Til 8th pledges and protect our kids. We know that it only takes one young person to make everyone else fall, everyone will crowd around that phone,” she says. Or follow that friend to a tanning salon. “It would be great to have bans on the things we know for a fact are particularly dangerous for young people, to have a governing body with an emphasis on health helping us to keep our kids safe.”

The stakes here are high. “Skin cancer has reached epidemic rates in the United States,” says Dr. Mariwalla, noting that despite dermatologists’ best efforts to educate the public and scientific advancements in treatment, the rate of melanoma deaths has not changed in years. The American Cancer Society estimates that new melanoma cases in 2026 will be 10.6% higher than in 2025. And before the age of 18, exposure to UVA-heavy radiation severely impacts your risk of being diagnosed with skin cancer, especially deadly melanoma, as an adult. “Teen skin is particularly susceptible to ultraviolet damage,” says Dr. Mariwalla, explaining that skin structure is more sensitive.

“Skin cancer has reached epidemic rates in the United States.”

Yet, despite overwhelming evidence that tanning is a dangerous habit, many people—particularly young people—continue to believe pervasive myths about it. Stimulating vitamin D production and providing a healthy “base tan” prior to vacation are two of the most common. According to a 2025 AAD survey, “Younger adults may not fully grasp the dangers—especially with the influence of social media trends that promote tanning.” With misinformation proliferating online, clear guidance and action on tanning dangers from the FDA is more important than ever.

“The [FDA’s] decision sends the wrong message—especially to young people—that tanning beds are safe, when they’re not,” Dr. Mariwalla says. “The same way we do not want our teens to smoke, we do not want them to go to a tanning bed.”