Category: STRETCHING

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

Let’s get one thing out of the way: You do not need to retire your pink gloss for the year just because the calendar says it’s fall. Makeup has no season—if bright coral is part of your year-round signature lip combo and it makes you happy in November, please proceed. That said, there’s something about the first crisp day of the year that makes our editors instinctively reach for the moodier shades that have been hiding at the bottom of our makeup bags for months on end.

And this season, lips are getting plenty of attention. The buzziest fall 2026 makeup trends include everything from berry tints to bold lipstick worn against an otherwise minimal face—proof that a great lip can be the whole look. Makeup artists are seeing these darker colors but with a softer take this season. “Wine, blackberry, burgundy, rosewood, brown-red, and deeper browns are all there, but the application feels softer,” says Christian Briceno, a New York City-based makeup artist. “Instead of automatically making those colors completely opaque, I’m seeing more stains, blurred edges, satin finishes, and transparent layers where some of the natural lip can still come through.”

Our Favorite Fall Lip Combos

• Perfect Plum: Chanel Lip Liner in Berry, $37 + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze, $24
• Chocolate Cherry: M.ph liner in Sizzle, $25 + Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Chocolat, $30
• Toasty Nude: Victoria Beckham Lip Liner in Shade 02, $35 + Refy Blur Liner Crayon in Opal, $24 + Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Sweet Apple, $20
• Glossy Brownie: Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance, $24 + Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food, $45
• Moody Mauve: Bobbi Brown Lip Tint Liner in Rosewood, $28 and Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn, $9
• Very Berry: Makeup For Ever Lip Pencil in Boundless Berry, $26 + Summer Fridays Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige, $24

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the best lip colors for fall?
• What are some trending lip combos?
• How do I pick a lip combo?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Of course, half the fun is figuring out what to pair together. A brown liner can add dimension to a berry stain, a pink liner can completely change the look of a nude lip gloss, and the list goes on. “One of the strongest combinations is a softly diffused brown or rosewood liner with a sheer tinted balm,” says Tim Quinn, a Palm Beach, Florida-based makeup artist. “I am also seeing monochromatic rosewood, deep berry or oxblood tapped onto the lips with a finger, and velvet color finished with just a touch of gloss in the center.” The bottom line: It’s all about creating a look that you love, no matter the season. Ahead, Allure editors share the lip combinations we’ll be wearing on repeat this fall—consider them inspiration, not rules.

Perfect Plum: Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze

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Chanel

Le Crayon Lèvres in Berry

$37

Chanel

$37

Ulta Beauty

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Eadem

Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

“It's well-known by now that I can't live without my Eadem Le Chouchou lip balms. These Best of Beauty-winning formulas strike the perfect balance between lip care and lip color, providing both softening and exfoliating benefits and a punch of color. Bissap Glaze, a warm berry, has always been my go-to but I really like Fig Sauce, a cool mauve, for a more low-key look, and I'm eyeing Boba Bounce, a richer brown, to experiment with. (I'm not well versed in brown lippies, but I'll try anything once!)” The Chanel lip liner is newer to my rotation but I love how creamy and buildable it is, depending on how much pressure I apply. It also comes in the perfect berry to complement Bissap Glaze, while also adding some dimension to my lips.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo

Sarah Han

Han before applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Chanel Lip Liner in Berry + Eadem Le Chouchou in Bissap Glaze Combo

Sarah Han

Toasty Nude: Victoria Beckham Lip Liner in Shade 02 + Refy Blur Liner Crayon in Opal + Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Sweet Apple

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Victoria Beckham

Lip Liner

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Shop

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Refy

Blur Liner Crayon

$24

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$24

Sephora

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Rhode

Peptide Lip Tint

$20

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$20

Sephora

“There are few things I love in this world more than a really great lip combo. Yes, that might sound dramatic, but when it all clicks, it truly makes me feel more confident in my look and gives my day a little boost. The Victoria Beckham Lip Definer shade 02 is a stunning nude, and its slightly stiffer formula is exactly what I look for in step one of my lip combo. It stays in place and lasts for hours, even when eating and drinking. The Refy Blur Liner Crayon is creamier, so I use it to blend the Lip Definer into the rest of my lips. These two are stunning on their own and can be topped with any gloss to achieve different looks, but to really bring in the fall vibes, I have been loving Sweet Apple from Rhode. If you haven’t tried their Peptide Lip Tints yet, this may be your sign. They are creamy, non-sticky, and moisturizing, and I love them because I can toss them on with no makeup on (or, in this case, as the cherry on top of a full face to bring some shimmer into the look). This shade brings a warm fall vibe, and as the lip wears, you see more of those pink tones from the liners peeking through.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the Victoria Beckham Lip Liner + Refy Blur Liner Crayon + Rhode Peptide Lip Tint Combo

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman before applying the Victoria Beckham Lip Liner + Refy Blur Liner Crayon + Rhode Peptide Lip Tint Combo

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman after applying the Victoria Beckham Lip Liner + Refy Blur Liner Crayon + Rhode Peptide Lip Tint Combo

Katie Gunderman

Chocolate Cherry: M.ph liner in Sizzle + Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Chocolat

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m.ph by Mary Phillips

Liner in Sizzle

$25

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$25

Sephora

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Violette_FR

Bisou Balm in Chocolat

$30

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$30

Sephora

"I count down the minutes until fall hits, and it's time to whip out my moody brown lipsticks. Violette_FR's Bisou Balm Sheer Matte Lipstick in shade Chocolat is easily my color of the season that I pair with m.ph's The Overliner Lip Liner Pencil in Sizzle. I tend to be a bit heavy-handed with my products, so I've been leaning towards more sheer, buildable shades, and these deliver. Violette_FR's newest shade is so creamy, smooth, and light that I can easily blend it out with a few swipes of my fingertip, and it melts seamlessly into my liner." —Kassidy Silva, social media director

Allure director of social media Kassidy Silva applying the M.ph liner in Sizzle + Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Chocolat Combo

Kassidy Silva

Silva before applying the M.ph liner in Sizzle + Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Chocolat Combo

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the M.ph liner in Sizzle + Violette_Fr Bisou Balm in Chocolat Combo

Kassidy Silva

Very Berry: Makeup For Ever Lip Pencil in Boundless Berry + Summer Fridays Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

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Make Up For Ever

Lip Pencil in Boundless Berry

$26

Sephora

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Summer Fridays

Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

“There are few beauty categories I refuse to replace, my lip combo being one of them. Make Up For Ever's Artist Color Pencil in Boundless Berry is everything you'd want in a lip liner: It's oh-so-pigmented, glides on with ease, and is effortlessly flattering. It's one of my go-to berries for fall because it's just a few shades deeper than my natural lip without looking too overdone. Paired with the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige, a true semi-sheer beige that keeps my dry lips comfortable all year long, the two creare the perfect just-bitten wash of color that's rich, polished, and romantic–all of the things that remind me of the season.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel applying the MakeUp For Ever Lip Pencil in Boundless Berry + Summer Fridays Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

Madison San Miguel

San Miguel after applying the MakeUp For Ever Lip Pencil in Boundless Berry + Summer Fridays Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

Madison San Miguel

Glossy Brownie: Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance + Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food

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Rhode

Peptide Lip Shape Contouring Lip Shaper

$24

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$24

Sephora

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Anfisa

Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food

$45

Dermstore

$45

Revolve

“My day-to-day makeup is usually pretty minimal, so I like to keep my lip combo simple to match. I’m not even a big lip liner person for everyday, but Rhode’s Peptide Lip Shape changed that for me. I love all of the shades, but my most-used (especially in the fall) is Balance. It’s the perfect 90s-esque brown that delivers dimension but still looks natural, and if I ever feel like it’s a little too intense for me, it easily smudges out for a more diffused look. I pair my Lip Shape with several tinted lip balms, but the one I keep coming back to is the Anfisa Skin ÂN-GLOSS Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food. Not only does it keep my very dry lips very cushioned and very happy, but it also delivers just the right amount of sheer pink shimmer to give a bit of color and life back to my pout. And yes, it tastes exactly like angel food cake. I love the brown and subtle pink for fall—it matches with everything and feels like the perfect autumnal color palette.” —Catharine Malzahn, contributor

Allure contributor Catharine Malzahn before applying the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance + Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food

Catharine Malzahn

Malzahn after applying the Rhode Peptide Lip Shape in Balance + Anfisa Skin Ân-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food

Catharine Malzahn

Moody Mauve: Bobbi Brown Lip Tint Liner in Rosewood 54 and Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

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Bobbi Brown

Lip Tint Liner & Sheer Lip Stain in Rosewood 54

$28

Ulta Beauty

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Nyx Professional Makeup

Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

“My shaky hands don’t exactly love to see a lip liner coming, but Bobbi Brown's Lip Stain Tint in Rosewood makes defining my lips surprisingly foolproof. The perfectly pointy felt-tip applicator has a tiny ball tip that glides over my lips without skipping, and the marker-like application feels much more forgiving when you don’t have the steadiest hand. Mauvy nude is about as dark as I’ll ever go, and Rosewood takes my usual lip look up a notch. I paired it with the NYX Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn, which is actually a year-round color for me. It’s a balm, but it’s matte—yet somehow not drying… a beautiful oxymoron in every way. The two shades are almost a perfect match, but Rosewood runs a shade or two deeper, giving the edges a little more definition and making the whole combo feel crisper and just moody enough for fall.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Bobbi Brown Lip Tint Liner & Sheer Lip Stain in Rosewood 54 + Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee before applying the Bobbi Brown Lip Tint Liner & Sheer Lip Stain in Rosewood 54 + Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Bobbi Brown Lip Tint Liner & Sheer Lip Stain in Rosewood 54 + Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best lip colors for fall?

Remember, there are no “best” lip colors at all—it’s all about what draws you in. That being said, if you need some ideas to get you going, you’ve got options. When fall comes around, it may feel like you’re required to bring out the darker, vampy shades, but that’s not a must-follow rule.

Case in point: One of Briceno’s go-to fall shades, rosewood, is a dusty rose color. “Rosewood is one of my favorites because you have both rose and brown,” he says.

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Charlotte Tilbury

Lip Cheat in Foxy Brown

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

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Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution in Super Fabulous

$37

Nordstrom

$37

Ulta Beauty

$37

Sephora

You can also reach for a brown-red, which “has warmth and depth without becoming a straight brown,” he adds. Classic fall shades in the red family like burgundy and cranberry take you in a “moodier direction,” he says.

If you like a quieter, more subtle lip color, “I like cocoa or a deeper beige-rose,” says Briceno. On the other end of the spectrum, “For more drama, I’ll move toward wine, plum, or blackberry,” he says.

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Westman Atelier

Lip Shape in Lou Lou

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Sephora

$34

Credo Beauty

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Westman Atelier

HydroBalm in Glögg

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

$50

Credo Beauty

What are some trending lip combos?

Each year, fall makeup trends change and evolve, but some things never change (as in, we’re always going to want to reach for those warmer, richer shades this time of year).

However, application and how you pair them together is what stands out this fall. (Spoiler alert: There’s a lot of brown lip liner ahead.) Many of the trending combos right now complement each other and make the lips look more naturally sculpted. “A deeper brown liner with a softer rosewood or nude center still looks very current, but I like the transition diffused,” says Briceno, who’s noticing that diffused look more often lately than a “perfect dark ring around the mouth.”

Another option: “I also like a brown or burgundy liner with a berry, wine, or black-cherry center,” he says. “Sometimes I’ll concentrate a little more color through the middle of the mouth and let it soften toward the edges. You don’t always need the same amount of pigment everywhere.”

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Lancôme

Lip Idôle Lip Shaper in Morning Espresso

$25

Nordstrom

$25

Ulta Beauty

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Hung Vanngo

Beauty Glossy Lip Hue in From The Heart

$26

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$26

Sephora

Rather than a monochromatic red lip for fall, “a deeper brown or wine pencil can shift the red,” says Briceno. “It can make a classic color feel a little less expected.”

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MAC

Lip Pencil in Chestnut

$25

Ulta Beauty

$25

Sephora

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Hung Vanngo

Beauty Creamy Matte Lipstick in New York Red

$29

Shop

$29

Sephora

How do I pick a lip combo?

Picking a lip combo may feel daunting at first, especially when it comes to wearing lip liner for the first time. Here’s an easy guide: “Start with your natural lip color,” says Briceno. “If your lips are naturally pink, mauve, brown, or deeply pigmented, that color will mix with whatever you put on top.” It’s best to look at your lip color when you’re first picking out your product, because “a hand swatch can give you an idea, but it cannot tell you exactly what the color will look like on your mouth,” he adds.

With olive complexions, Briceno tries to avoid shades with a lot of gray or beige “because they can sometimes make the skin look dull.” Instead, he likes to add rose or red to deliver warmth. “On deeper complexions, I pay attention to whether the color has enough pigment to register on the mouth,” he says. “A nude can still be soft without disappearing.” When it comes to cool undertones, they “tend to come alive with blue reds, cranberry, plum, mauve and cooler rosewoods,” says Quinn. “Warm undertones often look beautiful in brick, terracotta, cinnamon, caramel and warm nude shades. Neutral undertones can usually move between the two, particularly with balanced reds and rosewoods.” Both experts agree that your skin’s undertone can be a helpful guide, but it doesn’t have to be a rigid rule.

If you want to keep things as simple and straightforward as possible, choose a liner that “defines the natural lip color,” says Quinn. Then, “soften it inward with a brush or fingertip, and then add the lipstick, balm or gloss,” he adds. A pro tip: “Step into daylight before deciding,” he says, as your makeup can look completely different once you’re in natural lighting.

One thing worth thinking about: In the fall, your lips could feel drier as the air cools down. Regardless of which color palette you choose for your lip combo, consider looking for lipsticks, lip oils, and lip balms that hydrate. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and shea butter are common ones you’ll see in lip products, and those will keep your pout protected no matter the weather.

Meet the experts

• Christian Briceno, a makeup artist in New York City
• Tim Quinn, a makeup artist and cofounder of Halo42 Skincare in Palm Beach, Florida

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 fall lip combos, 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 information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

$38 at UltaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A multitasking serum that smooths and brightens with every application
• What it does: Gives skin an instant glow while targeting dullness and uneven tone over time
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants brighter-looking skin now and later

We’ll admit it: we’ve tested enough skin care to be skeptical when a serum promises an “instant glow.” Instant should be, well, instant. Impactful. Noticeable. Instant should mean our coworkers pull us aside after a meeting and ask what we have on.

And we’re happy to report that Belif Super Drops Niacinamide Vitamin C Glow Serum delivers just that. From the first application, the difference was obvious—but not so much that we’re walking around like a glittering disco ball. Just a nice, dewy, and more luminous finish.

That immediate payoff comes from light-catching gold pearls that melt into your skin, but what really makes us love it is that there’s more to this formula than a convincing optical illusion. Niacinamide and vitamin C work on dullness and uneven skin over time, while exfoliating PHA (polyhydroxy acid) helps smooth skin.

To use, pat a few drops into freshly cleansed skin, then follow it up with your favorite moisturizer and, most importantly, sunscreen.

We love a product that plays the long game—and doesn’t ask us to choose between immediate gratification and time-earned results. We’ll take both.

Belif Super Drops Niacinamide Vitamin C Glow Serum is in the October Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Belif Super Drops Niacinamide Vitamin C Glow Serum

$38 at Ulta$38 at Ulta

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To say we’re having a vanilla moment is an understatement. Vanilla is everywhere, and so are the best vanilla perfumes: standing next to you on the subway, walking past you in a crowded restaurant, and on the best-seller shelves at your local Sephora and Ulta Beauty. The fragrance world has embraced vanilla in a massive way over the past few years, as evidenced by our trend reports; it’s sweet, cozy, and comforting, no matter the season, and who doesn’t want to smell downright delicious?

TL;DR: Our top vanilla pick is Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum for its all-year-round wearability. If you're looking for an atypical vanilla that leans woody/green, Byredo Future Memories will attract lots of curiosity (and compliments). Looking for an affordable pick? Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve is a grown-up vanilla that also happens to easily slip into any purse or bag.

Our Top Vanilla Perfumes

• Best for Everyday Wear: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum, $150
• Best Cozy-Hug Vanilla: Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum, $185
• Best for the Office: Byredo Future Memories, $235
• Best Dessert-Like Vanilla: Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum, $170
• Most Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21, $660
• Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum, $350
• Best for Anytime, Anywhere Touch-Ups: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve, $24

Before you dismiss the popularity and hype: Vanilla scents are so much more than just one-note, sugary-sweet fragrances. Part of its charm is the nostalgia factor; for many people, vanilla conjures up happy memories and feelings of joy and contentment. "It’s strongly linked to our memories and a signal for pleasure—it’s hard not to feel happy when you smell it," Meabh McCurtin, a perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances, simply put it.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?
• How to layer vanilla perfume with other scents
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Vanilla is also super versatile and plays just as well with florals as it does with musky or spicy scents. It pops up in gourmand-forward body sprays and eau de toilettes for a light, fluffy hint of sweetness; sophisticated, grown-up takes on the classic vanilla; smoky and woody interpretations; and so much more. Thanks to spicy kicks of pink pepper or bright bursts of orange zest, many of our favorite vanillas offer more than meets the…sweet tooth. Keep reading to find mouth-watering scents that are sure to become your new signatures.

Best for Everyday Wear: Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

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Octavia Morgan Los Angeles

Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

$150

Ulta Beauty

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Octavia Morgan Los Angeles Vanillin Supreme Eau de Parfum

Bianca Richards

Why we love it: Octavia Morgan’s Vanillin Supreme is a vanilla fragrance that’s anything but staid—it’s made for those who want a scent that is elegant yet impactful, and not to mention, long-lasting. Top notes of spicy rum, sweet vanilla, and earthy sandalwood create an unforgettably rich, sweet-meets-woody opening that calms as it fades, transforming into a blend of jasmine, rose, and cocoa. As it settles onto your skin, you’ll notice hints of bright orange and elemi, which is often described as lemony, in the drydown. Vanillin Supreme has quickly become one of our favorite vanilla fragrances—it's a 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner, after all—simply because it’s so versatile; it’s an obvious choice for the colder months, but the floral and citrus notes make it work just as well in the heat.

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“While gourmands often lean overtly sweet, Octavia Morgan's Vanillin Supreme stood out for its refined interpretation of vanilla. The addition of rum and orange notes gives the fragrance a warm, citrusy depth that expands my understanding of what a vanilla-forward scent can be. Plus, it's incredibly sensual. For me, it took some getting used to at first, but there's so much beauty throughout the scent journey over the course of the day because it sends out those soft vanilla/jasmine notes, but the wear appears more rich and warm on the skin over time, which gives it that sensual feel." —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key notes: rum, vanilla, sandalwood, jasmine, rose, cocoa, elemi, orange
• Sizes: 50 ml

Best Cozy-Hug Vanilla: Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum

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Eauso Vert

Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum

$185

Shop

$185

Eauso Vert

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the Eauso Vert Vanilla Embers Eau de Parfum

Sophia Panych

Why we love it: With a name like Vanilla Embers, it’s no surprise this scent absolutely glows with incandescent warmth. It kicks off with a combo of aquaflora—a green, floral note reminiscent of lily of the valley—and orange flower, but the golden, ember-like heat comes from peppery-yet-sweet cardamom and sandalwood blended with vanilla. As the weather gets cooler and days get shorter, Vanilla Embers begs you to take the night off and bask in its cozy embrace.

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“I love how vanilla smells and tastes in the kitchen. (Give me a simple sugar cookie, and I'm a happy camper.) However, I find that I don't really enjoy smelling like vanilla. Every vanilla-heavy fragrance I've tried, I've wanted to wash it off my skin minutes later. That's not been the case with Eauso Vert's Vanilla Embers. The founders created the scent for people who ‘don't do vanilla,’ which I guess is me in theory. To do this, the perfumer cut vanilla bean with orange flower absolute and jasmine, white floral notes that enhance the comforting warmth of vanilla versus its sugary sweetness. Sandalwood grounds the scent further, while a sprinkle of cardamom and turmeric elicits a subtle smokiness (hence the "embers" in the name). If you're used to powerful, in-your-face vanilla fragrances, Vanilla Embers is not that, which is exactly why I love it. Instead, vanilla's cozy familiarity feels instantly calming (the first time I sprayed it on my wrists, I closed my eyes and just breathed deeply) and stays close to your skin, fizzling softly like a slow-burning fire.” —Sophia Paynch, content director

More to know

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• Key notes: cardamom, aquaflora, orange flower, sandalwood, vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz

Best for the Office: Byredo Future Memories

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Byredo

Future Memories

$235

Byredo

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Byredo Future Memories

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Vanilla doesn’t have to be soft, powdery, or pillowy. It can get a little weird too! Byredo’s Future Memories opens with a bold—and divisive!—galbanum note; the resin has a bitter, sharp, earthy scent that you either find intriguing or off-putting. But stick with it, because Future Memories smooths and settles down, transitioning from a unique combo of bubbly aldehydes and creamy blackcurrant to a comforting base of iris, amber, and decadent vanilla. You never really know where things are going with this green, earthy scent, which is part of the fun.

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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“There's a lot of perfume spritzing happening in the Allure office on any given day, so it's rare that multiple people would notice one fragrance in the same day. Yet, that's exactly what happened when I wore Future Memories to the office for the first time. I had the pleasure of experiencing multiple people swiveling their desk chairs around and going, "Someone smells so good, what perfume is that?" If you're vanilla-curious but err on the side of the woody and green, this fragrance strikes the perfect balance. The vanilla fades into something earthier after a bit, but it's a crowd pleaser the entire time.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key notes: galbanum, blackcurrant, aldehydes, iris, amber, musks, vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Dessert-Like Vanilla: Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum

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Giardini di Toscana

Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum

$170

Nordstrom

$160

Revolve

Allure contributor Kara McGrath applying the Giardini Di Toscana Bianco Latte Eau de Parfum

Kara McGrath

Why we love it: Go ahead, order dessert first! Or in this case, spritz it. This viral gourmand scent is absolutely delicious, reminiscent of a post-dinner affogato or indulgent coffee drink. Here, luscious vanilla notes are heightened by equally rich caramel and honey that settle and relax into a milky base of tonka and musk. It’s equal parts soft and strong: a scent to snuggle with, with sillage that encourages those around you to come a little bit closer.

Tester feedback from contributor Kara McGrath

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“I got really into milky fragrances at the end of last year, and Bianco Latte was my gateway. It combines notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and, as the name implies, milk into a perfectly creamy blend that, by some olfactory magic, isn't overly sweet. This is the type of comforting scent that makes people go back in for another hug. It also truly lasts for at least 24 hours: I wake up smelling like yesterday's Bianco Latte every time I wear it.” —Kara McGrath, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: vanilla, honey, caramel, musk, tonka
• Sizes: 3.4 oz

Most Longest-Lasting: Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

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Guerlain

Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

$660

Guerlain

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Guerlain Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Here's a fun fact: The “21” in Guerlain's Vanille Planifolia Extrait 21 refers to the number of days the vanilla planifolia is cold-soaked in alcohol in order to transform into a luxurious, potent tincture. It's vanilla in one of its purest forms: comforting, luxurious, intimate, with a tinge of gentle sweetness. Quick fragrance lesson: Extraits are the most concentrated, reaching upwards of 22% to 30% fragrance oils. (By comparison, eau de toilettes typically fall in the 7 to 12% range and eau de parfums land around 15 to 20%.) Add musk to the mix, and you've got yourself a long-lasting perfume that some say even lingers post-shower.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This is the perfume that made me go, ‘Oh, ok, so maybe I do like some vanilla scents. It’s intense and concentrated, but not in an overbearing way. It feels like a hug from someone you love, probably due to the musk and amber of it all. I bet my boyfriend would like wearing it, and the intersection of scents we both like is almost nonexistent. I get why it's making the rounds on the internet, and if it didn't cost so much, I'd recommend it to everyone. If you have the funds, I can vouch that this stuff lasts. I can still smell a bit the next day!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key notes: vanilla, spices, amber, opoponax (sweet myrrh), musk
• Sizes: 50 ml

Best Woody Vanilla: La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

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Dior

La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

$350

Dior

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the La Collection Privée Christian Dior Bois Talisman Eau de Parfum

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: According to the house of Dior, founder Christian Dior slipped a lucky piece of wood into the lining of his outfit for the day. Bois Talisman is inspired by that daily ritual, with an additional nod to Dior perfumer Francis Kurkdijan’s own personal lucky charm, a sugar cube in his jacket pocket. Thus, the fragrance is a lush, rich blend of cedarwood, sugar, and yep, you guessed it—vanilla! (Three types of vanilla, to be exact.) While we believe that all perfumes are unisex and anyone can wear whatever they want, Bois Talisman is a great way for people who wear traditionally "masculine" scents to dip their toes—or is it their nose?—into the wonderful world of vanilla perfume. Like all of the Dior Collection Privée scents, Bois Talisman is dramatic, bold, and long-lasting.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“If you want a brooding, moody fragrance, this could be it. There are vanilla notes, yes, but any sweetness is enrobed in a heavy smoky and woodiness that makes this the most unisex (or masculine) fragrance in my wardrobe. One spritz lasts all day—I kid you not!—so dispense mindfully. It's far less honeyed than your typical vanilla, but very warm; in the vein of By the Fireplace but more powerful.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key notes: ​​vanilla, cedar
• Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml, 200 ml

Best for People Who Don't Like Vanilla: Matiere Premiere Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum

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Matiere Premiere

Vanilla Powder Eau de Parfum

$320

Nordstrom

Why we love it: Created by expert perfumer Aurélien Guichard, the Matiere Premiere line is all about using raw, natural materials to their fullest potential, and its scents are known for their intense sillage and projection. Vanilla Powder is one such scent: a powerful blast of rich, dark vanilla and coconut tempered by grounding, woody palo santo. It’s ideal for anyone looking for a muskier, spicier spin on the trending fragrance note.

Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig

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“I admit it: I’m a vanilla hater. I’m really burned out on the gourmand trend and can’t handle anything overly sweet or syrupy. But Vanilla Powder is the antithesis of those cotton candy gourmands; instead, it’s an incensey, smoky vanilla paired with a generous dose of palo santo and musk. Despite its more robust, spicier profile and infamous beast mode performance—I can still smell it after a full day of wear, if not longer—Vanilla Powder still feels, well, like a soft powder. It’s definitely too strong for warm-weather wear, but it’s absolutely delightful in the fall and winter. I’m officially addicted.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: vanilla, palo santo, coconut, white musk
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best for Anytime, Anywhere Touch-Ups: Cyklar Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve

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Cyklar

Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: For something that stays closer to the skin than a traditional eau de toilette or eau de parfum spray, try a fragrance oil. Cyklar’s Perfume Oil in Vanilla Verve is a lush blend that lingers for hours. Fresh bergamot and green cardamom keep it crisp, while tonka bean, amber, and musk melt into lingering notes of vanilla, heliotrope, and ambrette seed. Some of our editors even treat it as a base for perfume cocktailing. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention that Vanilla Verve won a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for Best Perfume Oil, so you know it’s legit. (You can also scoop up the scent in various body-care products.)

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“Cyklar's oil in Vanilla Verve goes everywhere with me. The compact, sturdy bottle is perfect for tossing into any bag, and with its rollerball dispenser, I never have to worry about spillage. But enough about the (great) packaging: As a proud gourmand girl, I absolutely adore this fragrance. It’s a grown-up vanilla that's equal parts mysterious and comforting, with some green notes to keep things fresh.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, green cardamom, vanilla, heliotrope, ambrette seed, amber, musk
• Sizes: 15 ml

Best Vanilla Fragrance Mist: Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

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Phlur

Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Revolve

Allure global senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Phlur Vanilla Skin Hair & Body Fragrance Mist

Lexi Herrick

Why we love it: Shocker: The standout note of Phlur’s Vanilla Skin is vanilla, but what makes this 2024 Best of Beauty-winning hair and body mist interesting are the additions that elevate its sweet, warm base. Hints of pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine petals, sandalwood, and cashmere wood peek through for intrigue. “It's not for the faint of heart,” Chriselle Lim, founder of Phlur, previously said of the original Vanilla Skin EDP. “We wanted to make sure that it was paired with some unexpected notes to add more depth to a universally loved scent.” The body mist is slightly toned down, as you can imagine, so it depends on your intensity preferences.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“Phlur's Vanilla Skin is nearly good enough to eat. The creamy blend of vanilla, pink pepper, and sandalwood notes makes this fragrance truly delectable and a staple to wear through any season.” —Kassidy Silva, social media director

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• Notes: vanilla, sandalwood, pink pepper, pink apple, lily, jasmine, cashmere wood
• Sizes: 88 ml, 237 ml

Best Spicy Vanilla: YSL Babycat Reno Eau de Parfum

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YSL Beauty

Babycat Eau de Parfum

$330

Nordstrom

$230

Sephora

Why we love it: If your vanilla vibe is more rock star than pretty princess, try YSL’s viral (and Best of Beauty-winning) Babycat, a spicy, glamorously bold bourbon vanilla. According to the brand, the evocatively named fragrance was inspired by Yves Saint Laurent’s love of leopard print, and that makes total sense; it’s a vanilla with claws. While the bourbon vanilla base definitely grabs your attention, pink and black pepper, saffron, and cedarwood are swirled in to give it a palpable kick. Babycat is a “big night out” kind of fragrance, one you spritz on after piling on the black eyeliner and slipping into your highest heels.

Tester feedback from director of programming & development Logan Tsugita

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"YSL Beauty Babycat Reno surprised me at first. It's very bold, and after my first test spritz, I kept going back to the bottle for little whiffs throughout the day. That intoxicating It factor has made it one of my favorite fragrances for a night out. The balance of vanilla and spice with a woody base dries down nicely on the skin and lasts all day." —Logan Tsugita, director, programming & development

More to know

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• Key notes: ​​pink pepper, black pepper, elemi, olibanum, saffron, cedarwood, vanilla, suede
• Sizes: 50 ml, 100 ml

Best Refreshing Vanilla: Armani Power of You Eau de Parfum

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Armani Beauty

Power of You Eau de Parfum

$138

Amazon

$138

Nordstrom

$138

Sephora

Why we love it: Passionfruit may be the key note in Armani’s viral hit Power of You, but it doesn’t claim the only starring role. In fact, Power of You shines because it’s a dreamy duo of both tart, juicy passionfruit and plush, soft vanilla notes. It’s definitely more fruity than gourmand, with lots of brightness up top and a shampoo-y clean, fresh opening that fizzes and sparkles. Later, however, Power of You relaxes into warm vanilla base notes, which help the passionfruit notes radiate without overpowering them.

Tester feedback from Nesvig

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“I’m not the world’s biggest vanilla fan at the moment; I’m a little bored by the vanilla obsession, to be frank, but there’s something about this hilariously named burgundy juice that I can’t get enough of. It’s just so happy! I spray it on and instantly feel more cheerful thanks to that bold passionfruit opening, and the vanilla is sweet but not cloying, with a nice creaminess that works well in the summertime. If you’re looking for an EDP that doesn’t feel heavy or sticky in the humidity, I think you’ll have a lot of fun with Power of You.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: passionfruit, vanilla
• Sizes: 10 ml, 50 ml, 90 ml

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?

It's not just vanilla that smells different on everyone. “Depending on one's own scent, natural skin oils, and pH, perfume notes can be brought out differently because everyone's skin composition is unique," says Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance.

“Vanilla, for example, can often smell much sweeter on some people's skin; for others, it might come across as warmer and richer,” Jelk notes. Why? “If your skin is more acidic, vanilla can become sharper or spicier.” While we typically associate gourmand notes with colder weather, vanilla certainly can shine in warmer months, too. “Body temperature can also play a role, as warmer skin can intensify certain base notes, vanilla and amber being two examples,” Jelk explains. No wonder vanilla is a year-round scent for many editors.

How do you layer vanilla perfume with other scents?

As Jelk puts it, “there are no rules with fragrance,” but she says she personally likes to mix vanilla with iris and/or musks. She also prefers the term “fragrance wardrobing” over layering because it “allows you to personalize your trail rather than adding a perfume directly on top of another.” Her tip? One scent for your wrists, another for your neck, and perhaps a third for your clothes. “Create your own olfactive look, just like you would a fashion outfit,” Jelk says.

Meet the experts

• Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Sadly, MTV's seminal music video countdown show TRL is no longer on the air, but ask any millennial and they'll eagerly tell you how they ran home after school to see which stars would pop by to help Carson Daly and company ring in the top ten videos. If it were, Chappell Roan and her videos would be a mainstay, but we can pretend the show is still on the air with her latest hairstyle, which feels like pure time travel in the best way.

Roan joined fellow musicians Christina Aguilera and Tinashe at the National PrEP Day gathering at Los Angeles's legendary the Abbey and looked like she stepped right out of the chunky highlights decade. Her trademark curls were nowhere to be seen, instead replaced by a pin-straight style in a vivid shade of crimson red, crafted by hairstylist Virginie Pineda. Chunky strawberry-blonde highlights were placed throughout the red base, similar to the trending hair color aesthetic of the early- to mid-2000s. (Paging Kelly Clarkson!) We've noticed a subtle return to chunkier highlights this year, with stars like Jennifer Lopez and Gabrielle Union experimenting with higher-contrast color.

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Roan's straightened style was reminiscent of those I spent hours struggling to recreate with my bulky flat iron, mimicking straight-haired celebs like Aguilera and Avril Lavigne, though hers was paired with a set of choppy baby bangs that ended an inch or so above her skinny, sculpted brows. (The baby bang is also having a moment, with co-signs from celebs including Florence Pugh.) The Grammy winner's makeup, by makeup artist Dee, was a fun, colorful mix of hues, including cerulean blue, daffodil yellow, and orchid pink, with a brighter pink applied high up on her cheekbones and buffed out to her temples.

Roan did DJ duty at the party—her first time ever—though she wrote on Instagram that “I did literally nothing but vibe and b [sic] cute.” And serve up beauty inspiration, of course!

Fun beauty news to know:

• We're Ready to Wear Dramatic Lipstick Again
• Zara Larsson's Hello Kitty Glam Is Your 2026 Makeup-Only Halloween Costume
• We’re in a Sparkle Revival

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I’ve always been a lipstick girl. I vividly remember standing before the bathroom mirror at age four painting my lips ruby red with my mom’s Victoria Jackson compact. I still own the very first Clinique lipstick I ever bought (although it sits locked in a keepsake box these days).

Red lipstick was my trademark for years, but during the pandemic, I quit wearing it, mostly because my lips were hidden behind a mask. Then I had a baby, and you can’t kiss chubby cheeks 24/7 with your lips covered in Ruby Woo. Like many others, I swapped my matte lipsticks in favor of tinted balms and glosses, but a few days ago, a certain celebrity had me reaching for my bullet lipstick again—and now I'm noticing bold, color-drenched lips all over the red carpet and runway.

My first inkling that dramatic lips may be inching toward a comeback came courtesy Florence Pugh at the premiere of her new Netflix series, East of Eden. Her makeup artist, Alex Babsky, matched her lips exactly to her ruby necklace with the most gorgeous cranberry-colored lipstick I’ve seen in awhile. Because, like me, celebs have been skipping traditional bold lipstick for glossy finishes or blotted, barely-there stains. After seeing Pugh’s lip—paired with a flush of blush and a strong brow—I went on an archeological expedition in my lipstick drawer to dig out a similar shade.

Florence Pugh and director Zoe Kazan in matching bold lips.

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A few days later, Dakota Johnson popped up in Taylor Swift’s “Patient Zero” music video, where both stars apply dark, bold lipstick onscreen to represent their mirrored experience. Several days after that, Johnson posed on the red carpet wearing a stunning crimson hue for the Verity press run.

Celebrities aside, it appears I’m not alone in my newly reignited interest in bold, bright, look-at-me lipstick shades. Commenters on both Babsky and Johnson's makeup artist Georgie Eisdel’s Instagram posts begged the artists to share shade details. (Spoiler alert: They're custom hues made from a handful of different products and colors.) But the desire remains, leading me to wonder if lipstick “back,” per se.

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Lipstick never really leaves the trend cycle. There will always be people who prefer a traditional lipstick over a gloss or whatever gloss-balm-stain fusion is trending. (Swift, like me, made red lipstick part of her brand and has been wearing it faithfully for years.) That being said, it feels like we may have reached peak barely there tint and are craving something stronger. Makeup fans have been longing for a return to “2016 makeup,” which was all about ultra-matte, bold lips, often sculpted to perfection with liner and liquid lipstick. According to data from the Spate Popularity Index, which combines insights from Google, TikTok, and Instagram in the United States, searches for “matte lipstick,” “red lipstick,” and “bold lipstick” are all up; matte lipstick in particular grew nearly 19% from September 2025 to August 2026. And in their 2026 Beauty Trend Report, Pinterest noted that maximalist makeup is due for a comeback; in particular, searches for “bold lip combo” have gone up a dramatic 121% on the photo-inspo platform. In addition to that very compelling data, makeup artists told Allure that a bare face with a bold lip was one of their favorite trends for the 2026 fall and winter season.

Curious about a potential comeback, I reached out to a few beauty-world experts for their thoughts.

Teny Kureghian, global head of product development at MAC Cosmetics—who has been hard at work with the relaunch of several MAC lipstick franchises—says that she thinks people are ready for “more personality” in their makeup. “Glosses, balms, and stains have made perfect sense for the way people have been wearing makeup,” she says. "They’re effortless, comfortable, and low commitment as you get color, texture, and shine without having to think too much about it. But beauty always moves in cycles, and I think we’re starting to crave intention again."

Hannah Murray, global artistic director for Bobbi Brown, says that we've seen this back-and-forth trend shift “many times” before. “The neutral earthy tones of the '70s gave way to the full glamour of the '80s; the minimal '90s evolved into the glossy, pearlescent lips of the 2000s, followed by the matte revolution of 2010s,” she says. “Each swing reflects the cultural shifts of its era, and makeup evolves with them.”

It appears that we're ready for the next wave of lip trends. According to Alexis Androulakis, a product developer and one-half of the Lipstick Lesbians, we've “exhausted the life cycle” of the high-shine finish of a watery stain or glossy balm. She points to a few spring 2027 runways—including Simone Rocha, Marc Jacobs, and Chanel—as early signals that we're going back to bold, more opaque, longer-wearing lip products.

But what makes this generation of bold lips different from, say, the 2010s YouTube era of Kylie Lip Kits? “We have a lot more lip liner activity than we've ever had before,” Androulakis says, noting that the market has changed quite a bit since then, with many, many, many more products designed to make layering and custom combinations easy, like long-wear lip stain liners. Androulakis thinks the bold lip of 2026 will be less flat and more “nuanced,” drawing from the blurred trend that originated in K-beauty, with a velvety texture that makes it much more fun to wear than the super-matte, ultra-drying formulas of the past. Victoria Beckham just dropped a Rouge Victoria line of six demi-matte red lipsticks ranging from vibrant poppy to deep crimson, and MAC Cosmetics is gearing up to relaunch the Frost lipstick line, which includes shimmery, statement-making shades like rich plum and silvery-black.

And no matter how you slice it—or in this case, swipe it?—there's something inherently powerful about wearing a bold lip. “Lipstick can be polished, rebellious, glamorous, strange, sexy, or completely unexpected,” Kureghian says. “After a period where everything has been about looking effortless, that sense of transformation suddenly feels exciting again." Makeup artist and educator Kisha Augustine praises the “unspoken ritual” of applying lipstick. “It was always more than just what it looked like. It was how it made you feel."

Babsky says that while he typically likes to plan a red carpet makeup look in advance, Pugh's bold cranberry lip came together more organically. “I originally envisaged a softer, stained lip, but as the glam came together in the makeup chair, I could see that the makeup needed a more definite focal point, so I made the original stained lip deeper in color,” he explains. “Then, when Florence finally put on the fabulous Bulgari choker, I could immediately see that I needed to make the lip even deeper and more defined.”

Babsky doesn't follow trends. When a look calls for a more dramatic lip, he's going there whether it's popping up on your For You Page or not—but I have a feeling Pugh's cranberry lip is about to inspire a whole bunch of online tutorials, especially as we head into holiday party season. “The bolder the lip, the more confident you need to feel in wearing it,” Babsky says. “A statement lip’s not for the faint-hearted, but it has the potential to look absolutely show-stopping.”

Augustine agrees. “A bold lip now is uncensored. It’s intentional and authentic. It can be eclectic, yet minimal at the same time,” she says. “Beauty trends are definitely making their way back around—it’s the people that make it feel and look different.”

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I first tried the iconic Crème de la Mer when I was a 22-year-old beauty intern, blessed with the sort of nearly perfect skin that is, frankly, wasted on 22-year-olds. Its proprietary Miracle Broth—a blend of fermented sea kelp, minerals, and what I can only assume is a little sorcery—was far more than my youthful complexion knew what to do with. So I promptly handed the jar over to my mom, who seemed much better equipped to appreciate the powers of such a luxurious face cream.

Fast-forward nearly two decades, two kids, and considerably more dryness, fine lines, and dark spots later, and suddenly words like firming and plumping have my full attention. So when La Mer’s newest $450 moisturizer, The Rejuvenating Night Cream—a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner—landed on my desk, the timing felt almost suspiciously perfect.

La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

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La Mer

The Rejuvenating Night Cream

$450

La Mer

Despite the French name, La Mer is actually an American brand, founded by aerospace physicist Max Huber, who began experimenting with skin care after suffering burns in a lab accident. According to the brand, it took him 12 years and 6,000 attempts to develop the fermentation process behind its now-famous Miracle Broth, which is still found in each of their products today—including the night cream now sitting on my vanity. This time around, I’m more than ready for my rendezvous with La Mer. Here’s what happened when I put The Rejuvenating Night Cream to the test.

My Skin Concerns, at a Glance

I have dry, sensitive skin, and it’s precisely this time of year—when temperatures are constantly bouncing around—that it tends to freak out the most. First comes the tightness and dullness, then the flaky patches around my cheeks. As I close in on 40, I’m also noticing a little more sagging around my jawline, wrinkles around my eyes, some hollowness underneath them, and ongoing redness compounded by melasma.

La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream on Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee’s vanity.

Christa Joanna Lee

Despite all this, I’m also terribly lazy about my nighttime routine. (See above: two kids.) The fewer bottles I have to open before collapsing into bed, the better. My dream night cream, therefore, has a fairly demanding job description: I want deep, nourishing hydration that lasts until morning, but I’d also love something that makes my skin look plumper, smoother, and more bouncy. If one jar can tackle several of those concerns at once, even better.

My First Impressions

At first, The Rejuvenating Night Cream seems intimidatingly rich. It looks buttery and thick in the jar—you could hold the container upside down without it budging. But the moment I scoop some out and work it into my skin, it melts surprisingly easily. That silky slip matters because you don’t need much; a little pea-size amount covers my entire face.

Lee applying the La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Like the original Crème de la Mer, it has a noticeable but subtle scent. That’s worth flagging for anyone who is sensitive to fragrance: In addition to perfume, it contains eucalyptus oil and several fragrance components, including limonene and linalool. So although the formula contains plenty of barrier-friendly ingredients, someone with “eczema, rosacea, reactive skin, or a known fragrance sensitivity may be more likely to experience irritation,” says Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, Florida, who’s not affiliated with the brand. My own reactive skin tolerated it without an issue, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s will.

What’s Inside La Mer’s The Rejuvenating Night Cream?

So, what exactly merits this hefty price tag? The headline ingredient is MRA-3, which La Mer calls its “marine retinol alternative.” The brand says that this proprietary technology is designed to “enhance density, complement natural support polymers and speed cell renewal” without the irritation associated with retinol. (“Skin density refers to the structural integrity of skin, mainly composed of collagen and elastic fibers,” explains Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, who’s not affiliated with the brand. If an ingredient can stimulate new collagen production, he says, it could in turn help improve skin density.)

Here's the catch: La Mer doesn’t disclose exactly what makes up MRA-3, so you can’t look at the ingredient list and neatly point to one ingredient as the marine retinol alternative. Without knowing exactly what’s in MRA-3, “it’s likely more accurate to think of it as being intended to provide some of the cosmetic benefits we associate with retinol—smoother, firmer, more youthful-looking skin—rather than assuming that it works through the same biological mechanisms as a retinoid,” says Dr. Queller. That sets it apart from other retinol alternatives like bakuchiol.

Lee holding the La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati, did some digging and points to Crithmum maritimum extract and Crithmum maritimum callus culture filtrate—both derived from coastal plants—as two marine ingredients of particular interest in the formula. “There are studies that show potential benefits for collagen and skin renewal, but those experiments were conducted on cells or reconstructed skin rather than people,” says Dobos. To be fair, La Mer does have some numbers to back up its claims. In a study of 31 people, the brand found that the finished Rejuvenating Night Cream improved eight signs of aging, including fine lines, plumpness, firmness, smoothness, texture, and wrinkles. However, the testing was small and done on the cream as a whole, so there’s no way to tease out how much of those results came from MRA-3 versus everything else packed into the formula.

Then there’s La Mer’s other big signature: Miracle Broth, the proprietary blend found throughout the brand’s lineup. It starts with sustainably harvested Giant Sea Kelp, which is fermented with other ingredients for about four months to create a broth the brand says helps soothe irritation, support the skin barrier, and encourage a healthier, more resilient complexion. Here’s the cool part: A few drops from the previous batch are added to every new one, creating a sort of continuous lineage of Miracle Broth.

Not everything in the jar is as mysterious as MRA-3 and Miracle Broth, though. In fact, some of the more familiar ingredients may actually be responsible for a lot of the instant gratification I noticed. Shea butter, glycerin, dimethicone, jojoba oil, mango butter, and sodium hyaluronate form a seriously moisturizing lineup. “Humectants such as glycerin attract and retain water, while the emollients and occlusives smooth skin and help curb moisture loss,” says Dobos. That could also explain why my fine lines looked noticeably blurred right away. But the immediate effect “is likely due to the hydrating elements of the formula rather than longer-term changes in the skin,” says Dr. Son.

La Mer’s the Rejuvenating Night Cream in Lee’s bathroom

Christa Joanna Lee

Other ingredients are geared toward longer-term changes. There are four peptides: palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, and acetyl hexapeptide-8. “The first two make up Matrixyl 3000, a popular peptide duo designed to support collagen and, over time, help skin look firmer,” says Dr. Son. These peptides act as signaling molecules, and “different peptides can target different pathways associated with collagen, inflammation, elasticity, and expression lines,” says Dobos. Combining several of them is essentially a multitasking approach to addressing aging skin.

There’s also magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, which is “a vitamin C derivative that’s generally more stable and potentially less irritating than pure L-ascorbic acid,” says Dr. Queller. In other words, you can still get some of vitamin C’s glow-boosting perks—Dr. Son points specifically to its “brightening potential”—in a form that may be more tolerable on sensitive skin. For my dry, easily annoyed complexion, I’ll happily take the gentler route in something I’m slathering on every night.

Put it all together, and it becomes a little easier to see where the price tag comes from: The formula essentially combines the jobs of a vitamin C serum, peptide serum, barrier cream, and retinol alternative in one very fancy jar.

How It Fits Into My Routine

Despite “night” being right there in the name, “there isn’t anything inherently ‘night-specific’ about most of the ingredients in this cream,” says Dr. Queller. That’s worth noting given the retinoid comparison: True retinol is generally best used at night because it can make skin sensitive to the sun, but because MRA-3 is positioned as a retinol alternative rather than retinol itself, La Mer doesn’t indicate that it can cause the same photosensitivity.

Instead, its rich, emollient texture is what makes the cream particularly well suited to overnight use, when you don’t have to worry about layering makeup or sunscreen on top.

Lee before applying the La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Naturally, in the name of journalism, I had to put that theory to the test and wear it during the day. My skin looked wonderfully dewy, but my foundation pilled on top. The cream left too much slip, so my base didn't sit the way I wanted, and back to my nightstand it went.

My already minimalist nighttime routine has actually gotten further pared down since I started testing it. I previously used toner, serum, and moisturizer, but this cream feels so plush and hydrating that most nights I've been skipping serum altogether. After toner, I massage a small amount over my face and neck. And because it's so spreadable, a little really does go a long way. After three weeks of nightly use, I've barely made a dent in my two-ounce jar, so by girl-math rules, the cost per use is already working in my favor.

My Final Thoughts

The most definitive change is also the one I hoped for most: Nary a dry patch is in sight. My skin doesn't feel tight and parched when I wake up, and it has regained some of the bounce I’ve lost over the past few years. The fine lines around my eyes and upper cheeks also look a little more filled in—not erased like a bona fide filler would, but softened in the way they tend to when my skin is exceptionally well hydrated.

Would I have fully appreciated this jar with my fresh-out-of-college, baby-soft skin? Absolutely not. These days, though, this cream feels much better suited to my needs. Sorry, Mom, this time you’re on your own.

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La Mer

The Rejuvenating Night Cream

$450

La Mer

Meet the experts

• Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey
• Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist based in Cincinnati
• Jenna Queller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks based in Boca Raton, Florida

Like what you see from Allure's Best of Beauty Awards?Shop All 2026 Splurge Winners

• Discover more 2026 Best of Beauty Winners:
• Allure Best of Beauty 2026: Skin Winners
• Allure Best of Beauty 2026: Body Winners
• Allure Best of Beauty 2026: Breakthrough Winners

Sarah HanSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

I have a confession: I haven't worn a traditional bra in years. Ever since the pandemic upended our lives, I've been all about that comfy life, paring down my lingerie drawer to soft, unlined bralettes, and for anything that's not compatible with bralettes (spoiler: a surprising amount of my wardrobe), adhesive nipple covers. I've tried my fair share of brands and thought I had found my favorites—that is, until Cakes Body came to my attention. In fact, I purchased my first pair of Cakes nipple covers from a TikTok ad, but I soon learned the non-sticky ones aren't my cup of tea. (I like the added assurance that my covers won't slip.)

My criteria for nipple covers are pretty straightforward: They must be thick enough to provide full coverage and not let the girlies peek through, look undetectable under thinner and thicker fabrics alike, and peel off easily without causing any discomfort. When I was introduced to Cakes Body nipple covers—the Sticky Cakes Circles, Sticky Cakes Triangles, and now Cakes Lift—I had a feeling that they would enter my daily rotation. But inklings don't matter if the product in question doesn't pass the test. So, did they? Let's get sticky.

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Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Circles

$33

Cakes Body

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Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Triangles

$33

Cakes Body

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Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Lift

$38

Cakes Body

My First Impressions

Ok, why aren't all nipple covers designed with a little dip in the middle (this is a patent-pending Nip-Nook, as I've learned) so your nips are spared from the sticky parts? It seems like a no-brainer. Mine aren't even particularly sensitive, but nonetheless, I very much appreciate the design consideration because the removal process is much more seamless because of it.

On the other hand, Shanna Shipin, Allure's senior commerce director, is in the camp of sensitive nips. “For the longest time, after having two kids who ripped my nipples to shreds (yes, I mean that literally), I had the worst experiences with nipple covers. The adhesive would rip off my nipples, cause eczema breakouts, and just slowly and sadly slide off of my mosquito bite boobs," Shipin says. "Cakes Body creates truly groundbreaking nipple covers that have a non-adhesive center, so your nips are covered, but not in any kind of tacky film. (I also love the Grippy Cakes, which have no adhesive at all; I love the Stickies when I don't want deer-in-headlight nips and to add shape to my misshaped boobs.) These stay in place all day long and don't budge; though you have to wash them after every use, or else they will start to peel on you. The color range is great, but I could see some in-between shades to cover more skin tones. Overall, these are my most trusted—and most comfortable—covers.”

I do agree about the color range: Although I chose Honey, which works well, I would've loved a shade in between Honey and Caramel. (There are three colors in total: Honey, Caramel, and Cocoa.) Picking out my size was simple, too. For Sticky Cakes Circles, there are three sizes: Itty-Bitty (3" by 3" covers that fit AA-B cups), OG (4" by 4" covers that fit B to DD cups), and Plus (5" by 5" covers that fit DDD and above). I've oscillated between a B and C cup over the years, so the OG cups were a pretty sure bet. If you're unsure about your size, you can always use a handy online measuring tool like this one—and, if you're in between sizes, Cakes Body recommends sizing up because it's always safer to go the route of more coverage. (I couldn't agree more!)

How I Wear my Cakes

Sticky Cakes Lift

A front view of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han wearing the Sticky Cakes Lift

Sarah Han

A back view of Han wearing the Sticky Cakes Lift

Sarah Han

One small downside about nipple covers is that I sometimes worry—ahem—the girls might look a little droopy. I've never been a regular wearer of push-up bras, for example, but it's nice having one as an option for certain occasions. Enter: Sticky Cakes Lift. I won't lie: The first time I wore these, I was a bit overwhelmed sensorially by the extra material and ripped them off immediately. But the second time, I got used to the feeling within 10 minutes. After a full wear, it's practically undetectable. Lift is what I'd reach for when I'm going to a special occasion, or the rare occasion I go out to dance—which simply means a lot of jumping around, versus actual dancing.

Lift is ideal for non-low-cut tops, so the tab doesn't peek out—though I had one such occasion and my friend said she couldn't notice unless I pointed it out. Here, I'm wearing the best-case scenario: a low-back dress (no straps, ma!) with a high neckline. I could definitely notice a difference versus wearing the dress with the normal Circles underneath. Though, of course, Lift isn't quite comparable to the support of an actual bra, I appreciate the extra help—and feeling less self-conscious about the girlies—and will absolutely be incorporating them into my outfits going forth.

Sticky Cakes Circles

A front view of Han wearing Cakes Sticky Cakes Circles

Sarah Han

A side view of Han wearing Cakes Sticky Cakes Circles

Sarah Han

Oh, the possibilities are endless, aren't they? Unless I'm wearing something looser like a sweater or sweatshirt, I'm pulling out my Cakes. In my time-crunched experience, it's not worth the try-ons to see if a bra will look seamless when I know a pair of Cakes will keep me covered without anything I don't want to show, well, showing. The Sticky Cakes Circles don't budge, and the edges aren't noticeable throughout entire days, even when you're looking from the side (as you can see above). I've worn too-thin, too-flimsy covers that barely conceal my nipples, but not with Cakes—they have the ideal, Goldilocks-level thickness.

Sticky Cakes Triangles

Han wearing a pair of Cakes Body Sticky Cakes Triangles

Courtesy of Lawrence Li

I'm not sure why I haven't tried non-circular nipple covers until now, but there's a very solid case for them. While I don't have a ton of low-cut tops, the ones I do have are tricky to style with undergarments—I usually opt for a lacy bralette that does peek out but doesn't look too out of place. The Sticky Cakes Triangles are perfect for lower necklines (including V-cut), where the top of the circles would definitely poke out. Now? Problem solved. And, just like the Nip-Nook-designed Circles, the Triangles spare my nipples from any painful experiences. I will note that I don't reach for these as much as the other styles—I do think they're a

My Final Thoughts

The Sticky Cakes have quickly become my go-to nipple covers, ousting a different brand (which, to be fair, is still good) from the top spot, and the nip dip—as I've personally started calling it—is the main contributing factor. While I don't have sensitive nips, you can't really err on the side of too cautious. (And if/when I have kids, when I deal with breastfeeding, Cakes Body will be top of mind.) Another non-negotiable: I haven't experienced my covers slipping, nor have the edges looked obvious. (I do think the triangles are a tad more noticeable, but it's not to a degree where I'd stop using them.)

Cakes Body says that its nipple covers last at least 10 uses, but I've definitely been wearing mine for longer. You're supposed to rinse them after every wear, but I will admit in a flash that I'm not as consistent as I'm supposed to be. When I do, I rinse them in warm water, as the brand recommends, and give myself a little high-five. Unless I'm consistently sweating and/or working out in these, I personally don't think I need to wash these after every use. (But please ask me during the dog days of summer, and I may say otherwise.)

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Circles

$33

Cakes Body

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Triangles

$33

Cakes Body

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Lift

$38

Cakes Body

If you're in the same boat as me—in that you'd rather avoid traditional bras at pretty much all costs and want versatile undergarments that work with your outfits, rather than against—I wholly recommend checking out Cakes Body. Go ahead, shop the Sticky Cakes Circles and Sticky Cakes Triangles for $33 a pair, or Sticky Cakes Lift for $38 a pair.

Collage: Allure; source images: So.Shell, MVKSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

These days, your choice of treatments at the nail salon extends beyond the traditional polish versus gel, French tips versus seasonally-inspired nail art. We now have newer nail systems, like BIAB (or Builder in a Bottle), special effects like cat-eye polish, and more widespread availability of services from around the world like the Ukrainian manicure.

Techniques popular in Ukraine and surrounding countries have steadily filtered into the rest of Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States, with salons all over the world now offering Ukrainian-style manicures. These meticulous services have a reputation for yielding flawless-looking nails that last for weeks, converting people all over the globe. Maybe you've seen the service advertised at a salon in your area. Maybe you've scrolled past one on Instagram. Maybe you want to learn more. Well, here’s what you need to know about what’s driving this rise in popularity of the Ukrainian manicure, and what these services actually entail.

In this story:AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Why are manicures in Ukraine such a big deal?
• What is a Ukrainian manicure and why is it special?
• Why are Ukrainian manicures becoming more popular globally?

Why are manicures in Ukraine such a big deal?

“From a young age, women [in Ukraine] grow up watching and learning from one another how to take care of themselves—from nails and hair to skin care,” says Vlada Klym, founder of the Browchuk salon in London. “There has always been a strong desire to look and feel your best.”

This philosophy very much extends to the hands. “You can recognize a Ukrainian woman by her immaculate cuticles, as funny as that sounds,” says Alyona Ponomarenko, beauty editor in chief of Vogue Ukraine. “Finding a woman with neglected hands here is surprisingly difficult. In big cities and small villages, across professions and social backgrounds, whatever her workload and however many children she has, a Ukrainian woman will almost invariably have perfectly groomed nails.”

This love of well-groomed nails is evident all over Ukraine. Ponomarenko goes on to describe a relative who works in a drone factory wearing a cat-eye manicure, the DIY store cashier sporting extra-long tips adorned with a sophisticated design, and the market florist who relies on her gel manicure to ensure her nails look beautiful even when she is working the soil. “Even elderly women living on the margins of society are surprisingly likely to have a pearlescent finish on their toenails,” she says.

Viktoria Kolodii, founder and creative director of the MVK salon group, which started in Kyiv, says that while having color on their nails matters to Ukrainian women, the thing they care about most is the care and the manicure itself. (In Ukraine, “manicure” refers to the prep, not the polish part.) “Women want their hands to look groomed: clean cuticles, everything neat and even,” she tells Allure. “I’d say it’s a part of our culture now, to have nice neat nails and take that time for yourself—a rare self-care moment we get being so busy with everything that is going on around us.”

This sobering point is important. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, and amid the ongoing war, manicures have become an area in which Ukrainians can maintain consistency in a time of intense uncertainty (something we reported on back in 2024). “Nails are one of those tiny aspects of life we can actually control at a time when the air-raid alarm may sound 14 times a day, and at night we sleep in underground parking garages or metro stations to protect ourselves from Russian missile attacks,” Ponomarenko explains. Manicures, she says, remain one of the most in-demand beauty services in Ukraine, regardless of the surrounding circumstances.

The weeks and months that followed Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 were an incredible testament to the resilience and adaptability of the country’s beauty industry—and that remains true today as the war continues. Beauty treatments were carried out in boarded-up salons and in bunkers. “Images of Ukrainian nail technicians doing manicures by headlamp during missile attacks and blackouts have made headlines around the world,” says Ponomarenko. “There is no exaggeration here—this is simply our reality: when faced with any unclear situation, a Ukrainian woman gets a manicure.”

“When the full-scale invasion began, we had 250 to 270 people working in Kyiv," Lera Borodina, founder of salon chain G.Bar, previously told Allure. "We had G.Bars all along the front line, and we had to make decisions on what to do.” Staff were then relocated from eastern Ukraine to salons in the west of the country, or the business’s locations in Poland, Georgia, and Cyprus. Meanwhile in western Ukraine, Ponomarenko told Allure that in Ivano-Frankivsk, where she and her family evacuated, salons reopened within a week.

This wasn’t only about a sustained demand for beauty services. These were businesses with staff who needed to work and earn a living to support themselves and their families, not to mention the Ukrainian economy; salon owners felt a sense of responsibility to both. Decisions to reopen were ones of bravery, solidarity, and patriotism.

Today, headlamps are no longer needed, according to Ponomarenko. “Salons across the country have installed inverters and generators so they can operate independently of power cuts,” she continues. “This kind of energy independence, even at the level of a single salon, means being able to run an autoclave to sterilize instruments, as well as keeping the lights on and powering the lamps and electric nail equipment.” In other words, salons have evolved to be able to continue functioning in the aftermath of an attack.

What is a Ukrainian manicure and why is it special?

As is the case globally, the go-to manicure techniques in Ukraine have evolved over the years. “[In Ukraine] we used to do the classic manicure with [manual] cutting tools,” Kolodii says of the early days of using emory boards and metal cuticle trimmers. “The electric file (e-file) technique existed too, but at first it was not well-known or popular. Clients didn't understand it, and most people just wore regular polish.”

The arrival of hard gel and colored gel polishes changed things. “The longer you wear gel, the harder it is to remove, and it takes time. So technicians started using e-files to remove it. After that, people stopped doing the wet manicure—soaking the nails in water during the treatment—and moved to combined techniques.” (Combined techniques generally refer to those that use both manual tools, like nail file and cuticle trimmers, and electric ones, like an e-file.)

Today, there isn’t one rigid definition of a Ukrainian manicure. Services may differ slightly depending on the salon, but there are a few key characteristics that are usually present. What you will always notice, though, is precision and attention to detail.

Writer Lucy Abbertseen documented her recent Ukrainian manicure at Browchuk London. This is after her old gels were removed.

Lucy Abbersteen

Abbersteen’s nails mid-manicure and polish.

Lucy Abbersteen

The finished product.

Lucy Abbersteen

In a Ukrainian manicure, much focus is on the nail and cuticle prep. Manicurists use both manual and electric tools to meticulously trim and tidy the cuticles—leaving them as neat as humanly possible—and to prepare and shape your natural nails. This takes up a significant portion of the appointment; any time I’ve had a Ukrainian manicure, around 40 minutes is dedicated to the careful removal of old polish and meticulous cuticle and nail work. The aforementioned attention to detail is always noticeable.

When it comes to gel manicures, rubberized or builder gel formulas are often used to provide extra strength to the natural nails. Ukrainian salons will use both big-name brands and popular Ukrainian ones. In the US, MVK uses OPI and Luxio. These brands also feature at Browchuk London, alongside Ukrainian companies like Touch, Gémely, LunaMoon, Dark by Rior, and Trendy Nails, while London chain So.Shell uses LunaMoon and Komilfo.

Your base coat is applied and cured first, followed by your chosen color, which is carefully painted on and sculpted with a fine detailing brush. During a recent appointment at Browchuk, each of my nails was flipped upside down before curing to ensure an even, curved apex (the shape of your nail when you look at it side-on). This method is common in Ukrainian salons; technicians take a similar approach at So.Shell in London and MVK in New York City.

Once your nails are cured and your technician has refined the shape with a nail file, the services are almost always finished off with oil and cream. Depending on nail length, on average the whole process takes between 75 and 105 minutes.

You can then expect your nails to last for weeks. “One of the key advantages of a properly executed Ukrainian manicure is its longevity,” says Klym. The appointment time may be longer than for other gel manicures—and in many cases more expensive—but that laser focus on cleaning up the cuticles, prepping the nails, and carefully applying the polish is what helps it to last. “The manicure can stay looking fresh and neat for up to five weeks, making it both beautiful and incredibly practical,” Indeed, more than two weeks after my manicure at Browchuk in London, where I’m based, my nails were still beautifully shiny and chip-free. I was able to get at least another week out of them. After an appointment at MVK in New York City, Allure social media manager Katie Gunderman says her manicure lasted “four weeks without chipping…although it obviously started to grow out.” Similarly, Allure content director Sophia Panych remembers a manicure she got at Say No Mo salon in Kyiv that lasted a full three. “I could have probably gone another week, but I was getting married…so I got another Ukrainian manicure in London that lasted another three or four weeks.”

Allure content director, Sophia Panych, says the manicure she got at Say No Mo salon in Kyiv is “the best manicure I’ve ever had.”"

Sophia PanychWhy are Ukrainian manicures becoming more popular globally?

The increase in the availability of Ukrainian manicures across Europe and America is in no small part because of the ongoing war. Following the full-scale invasion, many Ukrainians fled their homes and became refugees in other European countries as well as the United Kingdom and the US. Some were already beauty industry professionals who began offering nail services abroad, says Ponomarenko, while others trained in their new homes. Then there were Ukrainian women who became clients of local salons. “Demanding clients, at that,” Ponomarenko notes.

Initially after expanding outside of Ukraine, Kolodii and her team found that the manicure itself—i.e., the cuticle and nail work—wasn’t a big priority in other European countries, and clients tended to only care about the color or design. “Often [the nail prep] didn't matter much, and the focus was on color as a form of self-expression,” she says.

As the manicure (nail prep) is an additional charge, clients often weren’t prepared to make the extra financial investment, and nail technicians had to work to change their minds. “In Germany, for example, people spend more on pedicures than on manicures, which was a very interesting insight for us,” Kolodii says. “Encouraging them to get a manicure was real work, because it is an extra cost in their budget.”

It’s taken time, but the standards Ukrainian women expect appear to be influencing the expectations of locals. “Initially, the demand [for a Ukrainian-style manicure] came primarily from Ukrainian women who had left the country and were looking for the level of service they were accustomed to,” Ponomarenko explains. “It soon became clear, however, that impeccable quality had plenty of appeal for local clients, too.”

Local clients are intrigued by Ukrainian manicures, which they’ve often read about online or spotted on social media, and want to see for themselves what has made them so popular. “People notice the cleanness, the standards, and the precision,” Kolodii says. “Many clients come to us after seeing the Ukrainian manicure online and want to understand what makes it different. What usually surprises them is how much time goes into the preparation and the care, not just the color, and how long the results last. Once they try it, they come back.”

When Ponomarenko’s goddaughter, Kateryna Bondarenko, opened her salon, Perle, in Vienna, Austria, the team worked from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week, for the first few weeks—because the demand among locals was so high.

Ukrainian nail artists pride themselves on their attention to detail. At MVK Salon in New York City, a manicurist inspects her client’s cuticles.

MVK Salon

In London, Ukrainian salon chains like So.Shell and Pied-de-Poule have expanded since 2022, now with multiple locations across the capital. So.Shell opened its first salon in December 2022, just off Carnaby Street, staffed by several Ukrainian refugees. Today, according to cofounder Masha Sharova, 95% of the So.Shell team is from Ukraine, with more than 100 members having come to the UK after the start of the war. “We also run our own academy, where we train people in the Ukrainian manicure technique and beyond,” says Sharova. “And it's not just Ukrainians we train, but local British nail technicians, too.”

Ukrainian salons and manicure services have been growing in the US recently, too. G.Bar opened its Los Angeles salon in 2020, while MVK opened its first salon outside of Europe this year, in New York City. Kolodii says this was MVK’s most challenging opening to date. “I won’t sugarcoat it, this whole experience has been very hard,” she says, citing differences between Europe and America and in finding the right talent. “We made many mistakes and learned from them, but it was a real educational moment for us.”

So.Shell was one of the first Ukrainian salons to open in London after the full-scale invasion in February 2022. There are now six locations, including the salon off of Carnaby Street, shown here.

So.Shell

In the US, there were noticeable differences in terminology and definitions. "In Ukraine, a regular manicure means a bare manicure—just cuticle work and shaping—with no color,” Kolodii continues. “In the US, people understand it as a manicure with color included. We were often talking about different things without realizing it.” The Ukrainian team was also used to charging separately for each element—care, cuticle work, nail coatings, etc.—while in the US, this is usually counted as one service.

Despite the challenges, Ukrainian salon owners and manicurists in the US are optimistic. “I think we will see more Ukrainian salons [in the US in future], but what is also important is that [American] salons are learning our techniques,” says Viktoriia Voloshyna, award-winning nail educator and founder of Tory Pro Nails in Beverly Hills, California. “The level of the nail industry here has been developing very fast in the last few years. Nail techs are learning new techniques and improving the quality of their services, and I think this will continue to grow.”

“For me, that’s probably the coolest part,” says Valeriia Telemaniuk, nail artist, educator, and founder of Altera Nails in San Diego. "I learned this approach in Ukraine, brought it with me to the US, and now I get to teach it to nail professionals across the country. It feels like we’re at the beginning of a new era in the American nail industry, and I’m very happy to have a front-row seat.”

Looking back on any nail appointments I’ve had over the past couple of years, I can’t remember the last time I had a non-Ukrainian manicure. I keep booking them for the durability, flawless apexes, and attention to detail. To quote Allure’s content director, Sophia Panych, who is of Ukrainian heritage: “Ukrainian women know nails.”

Ponomarenko also sums it up well: “Who could resist a manicure so glossy you can practically use it as a mirror? One that wears flawlessly for three weeks, makes your hands look beautiful and instantly lifts your mood? I have a feeling Ukrainian manicures have a very big future ahead of them.”

$32 at Color WowSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: An aerosol dry shampoo that refreshes hair in between washes
• What it does: It soaks up oil and grime without leaving behind a white cast or gritty buildup
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants to get one more day of wear before their next washday

We don’t hand out Allure Best of Beauty Awards just because something smells nice or comes in a pretty bottle. A product has to seriously impress our editors—and Color Wow’s Insta-Wow Advanced Dry Shampoo did exactly that, earning itself a 2026 Best of Beauty Award.

The reason? This isn’t just another aerosol mist that soaks up enough oil to get us through one more day. I mean, sure, yes, it does do that, but it does so without leaving a trace behind. The microcrystalline rice starch in the formula does the absorbing, while olive leaf extract levels out sebum production.

Every time we use it—by shaking the can and spraying into roots six inches away—our hair always looks shockingly close to actually being washed. Just a few spritzes and a quick zhuzh buys us extra time without spending another day wondering if everyone else can tell.

Color Wow Insta-Wow Advanced Dry Shampoo is in the October Allure Beauty Box.

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Color Wow Insta-Wow Advanced Dry Shampoo

$32 at Color Wow$32 at Color Wow

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Men’s asses are having a moment. Sure, all those steamy nude scenes in Heated Rivalry certainly played a role, but it can also be traced back to the rise of the manosphere, which has allowed red pill language to successfully and unfortunately integrate itself into the zeitgeist: Mewing, mogging, and looksmaxxing being the best examples. The latter has inspired a slew of other -maxxing terms related to boosting one’s physical attractiveness, including eyemaxxing, tanmaxxing, and the increasingly popular glutemaxxing, a practice that aims to maximize the size, strength, and aesthetic appeal of one’s posterior.

Men are at the forefront of the sculpted butt movement—numerous outlets have reported that this is partly thanks to the growing conversation around longevity (strong glutes support mobility, prevent injuries, and can reduce knee and back pain). It’s also become a hot topic on social media, with many tracking their progress or doling out advice to achieving juicier glutes. A majority of these dudes wanting to grow their gluteus maximus (and the medias and minimus, of course) are heading to the gym. They may also be heading to the plastic surgeon’s office.

“We've noticed more men asking about the buttock area lately, and many of them bring up social media directly,” says Dr. Luis Macias, MD, double-board certified plastic surgeon in Los Angeles. “What they're asking for is more projection, a fuller, more athletic shape, and better definition, not the feminine look associated with BBLs.”

A Brazilian Butt Lift is usually performed with liposuction of the abdomen, back, and flanks, says Dr. Johnny Franco, MD, board-certified surgeon in Austin. The fat is then processed and transferred to the buttocks and hips, resulting in more of an hourglass shape. “That combination allows us to sculpt the waist and reshape the surrounding areas while adding volume where patients want it,” he says. “It’s about creating an overall silhouette.”

Instead of BBLs, Dr. Macias says men are mostly requesting fat grafting and Alloclae, an injectable that’s derived from donated cadaver fat. (After more than a year on the market, there have been scattered reports of Alloclae complications, like lumps and cysts, but mostly in patients who have it injected in the breasts.) He says the donor fat option is “appealing for lean, athletic men who don't have much fat of their own to transfer.” Since the donor fat comes ready to use, surgeons don’t need to harvest fat through liposuction, resulting in less downtime and possible reshaping of the body. Other companies create donor-fat injectables, like Britecyte, which is slowly gaining momentum as an alternative for face and body injections, due to how it’s processed. As with Alloclae, there’s limited clinical human data on its usage.

Dr. Franco has also seen more men in general who are inquiring about glute procedures. He says weight loss from GLP-1s and the current “wellness wave” is a big part of that. “Patients are dealing with Ozempic butt, that loss of volume after weight loss, and it affects both men and women,” he says. “Butt treatments have really taken off.”

Like Dr. Macias, Dr. Franco says more men are interested in Alloclae injections because they’re less invasive and offer more targeted enhancement with less downtime. “Being able to improve their shape with a less invasive treatment has opened the door for men who might never have considered a butt treatment before,” he says. “In our practice, the conversation is more and more about restoring shape and getting that fit, athletic look."

More invasive procedures aren't the first choice, but the stats are looking pretty peachy there, too. A new report on cosmetic trends from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) says BBLs for men are a small-but-growing procedure, having increased 48% from 2024 to 2025. That still pales in comparison to the amount of BBLs women got in 2025 (over 25,000, while men only got 550), although neither figure includes injectables like Alloclae. Regardless of which route men are exploring, they aren't ones to talk about it—most videos under the glutemaxxing hashtag tend to show more squats and lunges than trips to the surgeon’s office.

Dr. Andrew Cohen, MD, a board-certified surgeon in Encino, says he hasn’t seen any significant uptick in men coming in for a more bulbous bum. Dr. Melissa Doft, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, says she hasn’t either, although she notes there are more men looking to get work done on other areas of their body. They’re mostly entering her practice asking how they can highlight their jaws and flatten their chests, and also are inquiring about rhinoplasties and otoplasties (also known as ear-pinning).

It’s similar for Dr. Sean Doherty, MD, FACS, board-certified surgeon in Boston. While he admits he’s seen an increase in male patients asking about gluteal enhancement, he’s cautious to equate the rise of glutemaxxing with an increase in men actually going under the knife. “In my opinion, a much smaller amount of male patients actually go through with these surgeries,” he says.

Although a big draw to the glutemaxxing trend is to look athletic, most men are using it to feel athletic—something more easily achieved in the gym than the surgeon's table.