Category: STRETCHING

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When you think about potential fall lipstick colors, hot pink probably isn't at the top of your list. Bright bubblegum-adjacent hues often feel relegated to the sunny months, like April through August. That's exactly what made Julianne Moore's bold magenta lip at the premiere of her movie The Debut feel so fresh—and why you should definitely “think pink” for fall.

We've been noticing an uptick in celebs opting for more saturated lip shades after a few years of subtle tints and glossy nude or “my lips but better” tints on the red carpet, including Dakota Johnson's dramatic red lip at the Verity premiere. Moore's fits right in with this emerging trend (or is it comeback?), but her choice of color sets it apart. Whereas many of us reach for moody mulberry, rich brown, or dark wine lipstick come fall, Moore and makeup artist Romy Soleimani chose a vibrant cool pink with a cool undertone and a soft matte finish—something I'd wear 24/7 in the summer, but would probably stash away come fall and winter in favor of something darker. Depending on the light, the color shifted from a true magenta to a brighter, poppier pink, and both bring an effervescent, sparkling energy to Moore's otherwise subtle glam: peachy cheeks, a few swipes of mascara, and a teeny bit of shadow and liner on her lids to define her eyes.

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Of course, it goes without saying that this is 2026 and there are no actual makeup “rules,” but that doesn't mean you don't naturally gravitate to specific colors and finishes as the seasons change. Makeup pros told us that a bold lip and minimal makeup would be huge this fall, so Moore's magical magenta pick comes right on time. Why not swap out your go-to berry, brown, or rosewood lip for a hot, hot, hot pink? For a similar shade, try Lisa Eldridge's True Velvet Matte Lipstick in Velvet Carnival, Gucci's Velvet Matte Lipstick in Love Before Breakfast, or Violette_Fr's Petal Bouche Liquid Lipstick in Coeur Infidèle.

More celebrity beauty news:

• Nicole Kidman's Long Bangs Look So Good Obscuring Her Field of Vision
• Meow! Megan Thee Stallion's Platinum Cat-Ear Updo Couldn't Be Cuter
• Gigi Hadid Wore Your Favorite Y2K Headband at Paris Fashion Week

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

[LAST UPDATED AT 5:37 P.M. ET ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026] The best Amazon Prime Day mature beauty deals are officially in their final hours, so put up your Slack away message, catch the early train home, and give the kids pizza for dinner. Priorities! You only have a few hours left to shop, check out, and pat yourself on the back for scoring these savings. To help you out, we just updated our list with even more finds from some of beauty’s fanciest names—Estée Lauder, Lancôme, Shani Darden, Oribe, Clinique, and more—whether you’re looking to graduate to a richer moisturizer as temperatures dip or finally commit to that retinol you’ve been eyeing.

Best Amazon Prime Day Mature Beauty Deals

• Cool Idea: Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask, $350 $299
• Great Lengths: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara, $28 $17
• Total Pro: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, $150 $90
• Cica to the Rescue: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5, $33 $25
• Mirror, Mirror: Oribe Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment, $64 $51
• Bonding Experience: Olaplex N°0 Bond Building Hair Treatment, $30 $21
• All Lined Up: Clinique Long Lasting Quickliner Lip Liner, $25 $19

And the markdowns go well beyond your skin-care routine. The deals extend to hair and makeup, with discounts on everything from gentle shampoos to serums for thinning hair to creamy lip liners, volumizing mascaras, and complexion products that are especially friendly to aging skin. Prime Day wraps up tonight, so get that cart in order—you don’t want to wake up tomorrow haunted by the serum that got away.

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• Best Prime Day Mature Skin-Care Deals
• Best Prime Day Mature Hair-Care Deals
• Best Prime Day Mature Makeup Deals

Best Prime Day Mature Skin-Care Deals

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Isntree

Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

When it comes to hyaluronic acid, Isntree clearly believes you can’t have too much of a good thing. The Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner packs in a whopping 14 types of HA, combining high- and ultra-low-molecular-weight forms with mineral-rich deep seawater sourced from Ulleung Island in Korea. “The ultra-low molecular weight HA can penetrate more deeply into the skin, while larger HA molecules help support hydration closer to the surface, which helps to balance skin sensitivity,” says Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Skin looks plumper, bouncier, and smoother, which can make fine lines appear a little less obvious.

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Shark

CryoGlow LED Face Mask

$350 $299 (15% off)

Amazon

We love a beauty treatment that harnesses the magic of multitasking, especially one you can use without getting off the couch. The Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask combines cooling undereye plates that chill down to 59°F to temporarily depuff and soothe, while red LED light supports collagen production for firmer, smoother-looking skin the more you use it. And because hormonal shifts as we age can bring on the occasional surprise breakout, there’s also blue LED light to target blemish-causing bacteria. Just strap it on and squeeze in a mess-free skin-care treatment while watching your fave show.

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Alastin

Restorative Eye Complex

$128

Amazon

When you want an "eye cream to do it all"—depuff, smooth texture, and brighten—turn to Alastin’s Restorative Eye Treatment, says commerce editor Sarah Han. “It targets discoloration and dullness with retinol, peptides, and antioxidants and smooths fine lines while making the skin look more radiant and refreshed,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Green tea extract helps make dark circles look less noticeable, while the brand’s peptide- and botanical-based TriHex Technology helps skin make more collagen, which can leave the undereye area looking smoother and firmer over time. Even derms keep this one in rotation: “I often use this in the morning for a subtle brightening effect that layers nicely under makeup,” Dr. Spearman adds.

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StriVectin

Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream

$59

Amazon

There’s dry skin, and then there’s that crinkly, crepey texture that calls for more than your everyday body moisturizer. StriVectin’s Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream features “the brand’s patented NIA-114 technology, which strengthens your skin barrier, and peptides to improve firmness and elasticity,” says Dr. Camp. Rich shea, murumuru, and cupuaçu butters tackle the serious dryness that can make crepiness look even more pronounced, all in a surprisingly fast-absorbing texture.

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Anua

Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream

$35 $28 (20% off)

Amazon

Part face cream, part sculpting tool, Anua’s Collagen Retinol Refining Gua Sha Cream turns using a Korean retinol into a mini at-home facial. Retinol tackles fine lines and uneven texture, while a nourishing blend of squalane, cholesterol, panthenol, macadamia seed oil, and hydrolyzed collagen keep skin moisturized. Then, there’s the application: “I love that it multitasks with the built-in gua sha,” says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee. “There’s a slight learning curve when it comes to squeezing out the right amount, but once I got the hang of it, it felt genuinely relaxing and helped take down puffiness as I massaged.”

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First Aid Beauty

Brighten & Glow Facial Radiance Pads

$39

Amazon

’Tis the season for dull skin, courtesy of the cold winter air that can sap moisture from (already dry) mature skin. First Aid Beauty’s Brighten & Glow Facial Radiance Pads pair glycolic and lactic acids to gently sweep away dead skin cells and smooth uneven texture, while hyaluronic acid, glycerin, aloe, and cucumber replenish moisture. A few swipes leave skin soft, refreshed, and instantly brighter.

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RevitaLash Cosmetics

Revitalash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner

$100

Amazon

A repeat Best of Beauty winner, Revitalash’s Advanced Eyelash Conditioner is an editor favorite for fuller, healthier lashes—no prescription needed. This eyelash serum “makes lashes thicker and curls them with peptides and botanicals,” says Anil Shah, MD, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Chicago. He adds that stronger lashes are less likely to break and more likely to grow long.

P.S. Its Best of Beauty Hall of Famer sibling, RevitaBrow Advanced Eyebrow Conditioner, is also on sale for $84 (originally $111).

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Tatcha

The Rice Wash

$40

Amazon

Inspired by centuries-old geisha rituals, all of Tatcha’s products are ideal for dry or mature skin to restore a healthy glow. “Tatcha The Rice Wash is one of those cleansers that actually makes you look forward to washing your face,” says contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee. “When you first start lathering it up, there’s a teeny bit of grittiness from the rice powder doing its gentle exfoliating thing—but then it instantly melts into the softest, creamiest foam.”

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Beauty of Joseon

Revive Eye Serum

$17

Amazon

Few eye creams have captured the K-beauty crowd quite like Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Cream Ginseng + Retinal. The ginseng soothes puffiness, while liposome-encapsulated retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde, a stronger, single-step form of vitamin A) targets fine lines and dullness with impressive gentleness. “The custardy formula absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look refreshed and slightly brighter,” says commerce editor Sarah Han.

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Sol De Janerio

Bum Bum Firmeza Body Oil

$52

Amazon

Sol de Janeiro’s Bum Bum Firmeza Body Oil smells just as delicious as the viral Bum Bum Cream and delivers similar skin-firming benefits. Its Guaraná Caffeine+ Complex combines caffeine-rich guaraná with microalgae extract and antioxidant-packed jaboticaba to help skin look tighter. Since dry skin can make crepiness look even more noticeable, this formula doesn’t skimp on moisture. Açaí, sunflower, olive, macadamia, jojoba, and coconut oils team up with squalane to leave skin soft, supple, and nourished—never greasy.

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Isdin

Melatonik

$175

Amazon

If traditional retinoids have left your skin unhappy, Isdin’s Melatonik Recovery Night Serum offers a gentler approach with bakuchiol. This plant-derived retinol alternative smooths and firms skin with less risk of irritation, according to New York City board-certified dermatologist Robert Finney, MD. The lightweight formula also contains vitamin C to brighten and support collagen production. "It’s slightly thicker than your typical watery serum, but once it sinks in, there’s zero greasy residue—just cushy, nourished skin," says Lee.

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Nécessaire

The Body Retinol

$65

Amazon

For starters, Nécessaire’s chic, minimalist packaging doesn’t exactly scream “body-tightening treatment,” so you can proudly display it on your bathroom shelf—and, more importantly, actually remember to use it. Inside, The Body Retinol pairs 0.1% encapsulated retinol with mandelic and glycolic acids and vitamin C to target fine lines, crepiness, uneven texture, and hyperpigmentation, plus peptides, “which strengthen the skin’s structure by aiding in collagen repair,” says Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, Ohio. The active-heavy scent can be a little polarizing, but it fades within a minute or so.

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Medik8

Crystal Retinal 3

$66

Amazon

New to the world of retinoids? Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 3 is the beginner-friendly level of the brand’s derm-loved retinal line, delivering faster, more effective results than traditional retinol because retinal only needs one conversion step in the skin (versus the two needed with retinol). “You start with level 1 (sensitive) or 3 (beginner), then graduate to higher concentrations once your skin can tolerate them. I haven’t experienced any irritation with level 3, a rarity for my sensitive skin,” says Allure former content director Kara McGrath. Plus, its creamy, glycerin- and hyaluronic acid-boosted formula helps buffer any potential dryness.

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Elemis

Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30

$150 $128 (15% off)

Amazon

No matter your skin type, hydration is a must, and Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30 is here to quench, replenish, and protect with broad-spectrum SPF 30. So, what puts the “marine” in Marine Cream? A trio of algae—including moisture-boosting Padina pavonica, firming chlorella, and barrier-supporting red microalgae—teams up with glycerin and shea butter to keep skin hydrated, smooth, and plump. Despite all that hydration, the gel-cream texture feels lightweight enough for this in-between weather.

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Revision Skincare

Nectifirm Advanced

$164

Amazon

Your screen-time report isn’t the only reminder that you spend way too much time looking down at your phone—hello, tech neck. Revision Skincare’s Nectifirm Advanced targets the resulting lines and crepey, lax-looking neck skin with a peptide-packed formula: “It includes eight different peptides and botanical extracts like red microalgae that help strengthen the dermal matrix and improve skin elasticity,” says Brendan Camp, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist in the Tri-State Area. Diglucosyl gallic acid helps support the skin’s microbiome for a brighter, more even tone (since the neck is one of those spots we tend to miss with sunscreen) while antioxidant-rich lingonberry extract helps defend against environmental stressors that can contribute to visible aging.

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Clinique

Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator

$31

Amazon

When your skin is mature, dry, and sensitive, sometimes what’s missing from a moisturizer matters just as much as what’s in it. Clinique’s Moisture Surge 100H Auto-Replenishing Hydrator skips fragrance and many common allergens, while loading up on moisture magnets like glycerin and two molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to help plump skin and make fine lines look less noticeable. The brand’s aloe bioferment—made by concentrating aloe more than 500(!) times before putting it through a multi-day fermentation process—helps skin hold onto moisture, while vitamins C and E provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors.

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Sunday Riley

Lactic Acid Treatment

$85

Amazon

Sunday Riley’s Good Genes is a Best of Beauty Award winner because it’s one of the best lactic acid treatments out there, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin. Lactic acid is generally considered one of the gentler alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) for a couple of reasons. Its molecules are larger than glycolic acid molecules, so they don’t penetrate skin as quickly or deeply, which can mean less stinging and irritation. “I’ve used this every day for years on my dry, sensitive skin, and I can always tell when I’ve taken a break from it,” says Lee.

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Paula's Choice

1% Retinol Treatment

$65 $49 (25% off)

Amazon

One more time for the people in the back: Retinol is one of the few ingredients that can take on dark spots, dullness, fine lines, and uneven texture all at once. Paula’s Choice 1% Retinol Treatment makes the multitasker work even harder by pairing it with brightening vitamin C and collagen-supporting peptides, while the 1% retinol helps smooth texture and soften the look of wrinkles.

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Kiehl's Since 1851

Ultra Facial Cream Daily Moisturizer

$39

Amazon

If you’re already stocking up on winter skin care, Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream has some serious cold-weather cred: Explorers used it to help protect their skin from the frigid, dry, windy conditions while climbing Greenland’s icy peaks, so chances are it can handle whatever winter throws at your skin down at sea level. Its hydration-heavy formula combines squalane to keep skin soft and moisturized, glacial glycoprotein to help it hold onto water, and pro-ceramides to strengthen the moisture barrier so hydration doesn’t escape as easily.

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Murad

Retinol Youth Renewal Serum

$92

Amazon

For “tell me your skin-care routine” levels of compliments, Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum is a pretty good place to start. Its four-part retinoid complex includes classic retinol, hydroxypinacolone retinoate (a fast-acting retinoid), retinyl linoleate (a gentler retinol ester paired with omega-6), and an algae-derived bio-retinoid that mimics retinol’s smoothing benefits while helping keep irritation in check. Four types of hyaluronic acid plump skin and counteract potential dryness, while collagen amino acids and antioxidants help protect skin’s natural collagen for a firmer, smoother look.

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Rejuran

Turnover Ampoule

$52

Amazon

If serums are your everyday staples, ampoules are basically boosters—typically more tightly concentrated with actives and designed to kick your results up a notch. This PDRN-packed formula comes from the makers of Korea’s buzzy Rejuran injectable (which, FYI, is not FDA-approved stateside), so while it won’t mimic the exact results you’d get in-office, Rejuran’s Turnover Ampoule offers a much more approachable (and needle-free) way to tap into the ingredient. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and licorice root join PDRN to “improve hydration and barrier resilience, especially alongside stronger actives [like retinoids],” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It may aid in dry skin feeling more comfortable and help with post-irritation recovery,” she says, adding that she tends to apply it on non-retinoid nights or under moisturizer.

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Isntree

Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

When it comes to hyaluronic acid, Isntree clearly believes you can’t have too much of a good thing. The Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner packs in a whopping 14 types of HA, combining high- and ultra-low-molecular-weight forms with mineral-rich deep seawater sourced from Ulleung Island in Korea. “The ultra-low molecular weight HA can penetrate more deeply into the skin, while larger HA molecules help support hydration closer to the surface, which helps to balance skin sensitivity,” says Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Skin looks plumper, bouncier, and smoother, which can make fine lines appear a little less obvious.

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Shani Darden

Intensive Eye Renewal Cream

$69

Amazon

Finding an eye cream that feels nourishing without feeling heavy on your skin can be a tall order. Shani Darden’s Intensive Eye Renewal Cream strikes that balance with a silky texture that sinks in fast (and, bonus, plays nicely under makeup). “This formula relies on peptides, silk tree extract, niacinamide, and ceramides to help support elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines, and maintain barrier integrity,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

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Lancôme

Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

$36

Amazon

If removing your makeup feels like more work than putting it on, you probably haven’t tried Lancôme’s Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. The bi-phase formula combines an oil-like silicone phase that dissolves stubborn waterproof mascara, liner, and shadow with a water-based phase that sweeps everything away, so you never have to rub or tug around the delicate eye area. “I’ve never had eye makeup disappear so effortlessly,” says Lee. “In almost two decades of testing makeup removers, nothing else has quite lived up to it.”

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Sulwhasoo

Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream

$120

Amazon

The little gold spoon applicator makes Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Rejuvenating Eye Cream feel fancy before it even reaches your undereyes—but the formula backs up the fanfare. New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, recommends its deeply hydrating mix of squalane and glycerin, alongside brightening licorice and the brand’s ginseng-derived retinol to smooth the look of fine lines.

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DRMTLGY

Needle-less Growth Factor Serum

$69

Amazon

If you haven’t heard much about growth factors yet, they “are proteins that play an important role in stimulating cell growth, regeneration, and healing,” says Mina Amin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles. Think of them as little messengers that tell your skin when it’s time to repair and renew itself. DRMTLGY’s Needle-less Growth Factor Serum uses five lab-made growth-factor peptides designed to mimic those natural signals, helping support the collagen and elastin that keep skin looking firm, smooth, and bouncy. Sodium hyaluronate adds plumping moisture, while ceramides reinforce the skin barrier.

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Murad

Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment

$109

Amazon

When your skin is starting to look (and feel) a little at the mercy of gravity, Murad’s Retinal ReSculpt Overnight Treatment is made for the areas that tend to show it first—namely, the neck and jawline, as skin here is thinner, drier, and naturally lower in elasticity than the face. The formula uses encapsulated retinal to help smooth and support collagen over time, paired with kangaroo paw flower extract, a plant ingredient known for helping improve the look of elasticity and firmness. Olive, oat, and alpha-glucan help keep skin hydrated and comfortable, which matters when you’re using retinal on more delicate skin.

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Tata Harper

Regenerating Cleanser

$88

Amazon

As skin matures, the goal isn’t to scrub harder to find your glow—it’s to use an exfoliator that leaves your complexion brighter and smoother without sacrificing moisture. Tata Harper’s Regenerating Cleanser pairs gentle physical exfoliants with willow bark and pink clay to whisk away dead skin cells, excess oil, and buildup that can make skin look dull. Aloe vera and sunflower seed oil cushion the formula with hydration, leaving skin brighter and smoother after every cleanse.

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Estée Lauder

Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Cream

$80

Amazon

There aren’t any retinoids in this that would make skin more sun-sensitive, but Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Night Power Bounce Cream still feels very much like a night cream, thanks to its plush, buttery texture. Shea butter, fatty alcohols, and emollients give it that rich feel, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate help pull in moisture. On the treatment side, acetyl hexapeptide-8 helps soften the look of lines associated with collagen loss, hibiscus extract supports firmer-looking skin, and vitamin E provides antioxidant protection.

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Shiseido

Ultimune Power Infusing Serum

$80

Amazon

When you’re just starting to notice those first few signs of aging, Shiseido’s Ultimune Power Infusing Serum is here to bring reinforcements. Its Power Fermented Camellia+ complex combines multiple camellia extracts to support elasticity, soothe skin, and strengthen the barrier. “The camellia flower’s regenerative properties deliver potent amino acids that help rejuvenate and strengthen the skin,” says Jaimie Glick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Water and glycerin top the ingredient list, giving the serum its lightweight, silky slip and an extra dose of hydration.

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La Roche-Posay

Cicaplast Balm B5

$33

Amazon

Ask anyone on the Allure team and they’ll tell you La Roche-Posay is one of the best brands for sensitive skin—and an irritated skin barrier practically breathes a sigh of relief when you whip out the brand’s beloved Cicaplast Balm B5. “This balm is rich in panthenol and madecassoside (a derivative of cica), which soothe, repair, and protect the skin’s barrier,” New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, previously told Allure. Despite the thicker, shea butter-packed formula, it quickly melts in and settles into a matte, velvety finish.

Best Prime Day Hair-Care Deals for Mature Skin

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Arey

To The Root Leave-In Scalp Serum

$160

Amazon

What if you could do more than just cover your grays? Arey’s To The Root Serum takes a scalp-first approach with Mela-9, the brand’s proprietary blend of antioxidants, peptides, and plant extracts. “There’s emerging research around certain peptides like Mela-9 and ingredients like acetyl tyrosine potentially supporting melanin production,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, though he notes that definitive proof is still limited. Caffeine, ginseng, and biotin, meanwhile, are more about supporting scalp health and hair quality than pigment, and Arey recommends starting early—ideally when you have 30% gray hair or less.

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Vegamour

Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum

$78

Amazon

For anyone noticing more scalp peeking through than they’d like, Vegamour’s Gro+ Advanced Hair Serum takes the brand’s original formula up a notch. Red clover and mung bean extracts join peptides, caffeine, turmeric, and chlorella to help support healthier-looking, fuller hair and reduce the appearance of shedding. The game plan is refreshingly simple: Apply the serum directly to your scalp once a day and massage it in—no rinsing required. Just remember: Consistency is key with hair-growth serums, so stick with it.

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AGEBeautiful

Permanent Hair Color Cream

$12

Amazon

If you’re masking grays, making it to the salon every few weeks can start to feel like a part-time job. Age Beautiful’s Permanent Hair Color Cream is made specifically for aging hair, delivering complete gray coverage while addressing other changes that can come with age, like dryness, dullness, and a wirier texture. Biotin, keratin peptides, and silk proteins help hair look fuller and shinier while leaving it feeling softer and more manageable. The permanent color is also designed to resist fading, buying you more time before the next root touch-up.

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Nécessaire

The Conditioner

$32

Amazon

If the conditioner you’ve used forever suddenly isn’t cutting it, your hair—and scalp—may simply need a little more TLC. Nécessaire’s The Conditioner pairs hyaluronic acid, vitamins B3 and B5, and avocado oil to soften and detangle dry strands, while celery seed-derived ApiScalp helps soothe dryness and keep the scalp feeling balanced. And if your scalp is easily irritated, good news: It’s fragrance-free and has earned the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, so you can condition without piling on potential irritants.

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Oribe

Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment

$64

Amazon

Got a minute? That’s all it takes for Oribe’s Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment to give dry, dull hair a noticeably glossier finish. Lightweight silicones and conditioning ingredients smooth without weighing hair down, while glycerin helps hold onto moisture. “This is the in-shower treatment that’s my personal go-to for giving my natural hair the prettiest gloss,” says Kelley Alvarez, a hairstylist based in Oak Brook, Illinois. “It’s so moisturizing, too—I’ve even used it when I’ve run out of conditioner since it gives hair a lightweight slip,” says Lee.

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COLOR WOW

Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner

$30

Amazon

Hair often becomes drier and more fragile with age, and that’s exactly where Color Wow Money Mist Leave-In Conditioner earns its devoted following. Its amino-acid complex helps smooth and strengthen strands from the inside out, while amaranth extract reinforces fragile hair and baobab extract helps improve elasticity and bounce. The lightweight mist also detangles and conditions without the weight of a traditional cream leave-in. “It provides enough frizz control for my fine 2C hair, but doesn’t impact my hair’s volume once it dries, either,” says contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai.

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Virtue

Healing Oil

$46

Amazon

Almost any hair oil can boost shine and zap frizz, but what sets Virtue’s Healing Oil apart is that it repairs damage, too. It’s the only hair oil formulated with a human hair-identical protein (Alpha Keratin 60ku) that fills in cracks along the hair cuticle to reinforce weakened strands. "Lately, I’ve been getting a few wiry grays, and it’s generally hard for my hair to hold onto moisture,” says Lee. “This oil, which feels more lightweight like a serum, is one my strands love to drink up.”

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Olaplex

N°.0 Bond Building Hair Treatment

$30

Amazon

“Bond repair” gets thrown around a lot in hair-care marketing, but there’s some actual chemistry behind it: Think of the hair’s inner cortex like a ladder, with keratin proteins forming the sides and chemical bonds acting as the rungs that help hold everything together. Olaplex’s N°0 Bond Building Hair Treatment zeroes in on those damaged “rungs” with the brand’s signature bis-aminopropyl diglycol dimaleate, which “works by reconnecting broken bonds on a molecular level, essentially inserting a synthetic patch where a natural disulfide bond used to be,” says Sherry Backman, a cosmetic chemist based in Brattleboro, Vermont. That helps reinforce hair’s internal structure so strands are stronger and less prone to breakage—and beyond that, the four-ingredient formula is no-frills.

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Moroccanoil

Weightless Hydrating Hair Mask

$70

Amazon

As hair matures, it can become drier and more fragile—but a heavy-duty mask can be too much if your strands are also getting finer. Moroccanoil’s Weightless Hydrating Mask strikes the right balance: “It has a bouncy, gel-cream texture that reminds me of some of my favorite face moisturizers, absorbs quickly, and leaves my lengths soft and hydrated without zapping all the volume after I blow-dry,” says Lee. Argan oil and shea butter soften thirsty strands, while hydrolyzed vegetable protein aims to improve elasticity and strengthen damaged hair.

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Bumble and Bumble

Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

$108 $102 (6% off)

Amazon

Admittedly, some beauty buys (hello, hair perfume) are just for funsies, but shampoo is going to end up in your cart eventually—so a sale is prime stock-up territory. Bumble and Bumble’s Gentle Hydrating Shampoo is a solid pick for mature hair, which can become drier and more fragile over time, thanks to avocado oil and glycerin for moisture, plus conditioning agents that help smooth and soften strands as you wash

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K18

Damage Shield Protective Conditioner

$39

Amazon

Mature, fine hair can be especially vulnerable to everyday damage, which is where K18 Damage Shield Protective Conditioner comes in. The formula uses the brand’s signature K18Peptide to help replenish proteins, while ceramides smooth the cuticle and reinforce weak spots, and a biotech-derived polysaccharide shields strands from environmental stressors. And despite all that damage-control duty, lightweight sweet almond and jojoba oils soften and detangle without weighing fine hair down.

Best Prime Day Makeup Deals for Mature Skin

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Tarte

Tartelette Tubing Mascara

$28

Amazon

Tubing mascaras have one major perk: They slip off with warm water, so there’s no tugging, scrubbing, or accidentally taking a few precious lashes off during removal. Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara lifts and lengthens with shea butter, castor oil, and carnauba wax that keeps lashes feeling soft and fluttery. The tubes stay put without smudging or flaking throughout the day, then slide right off when you’re ready to call it a night.

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Laura Geller

Sculpt-n-Stay 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pencil & Gel

$26

Amazon

Salt-and-pepper hair can make its way south to your brows, too. On one end, Laura Geller’s Sculpt-n-Stay 2-in-1 Eyebrow Pencil & Gel has a precision-tip pencil for filling in sparse spots with natural-looking strokes; flip it around, and a tinted gel adds the look of fullness while coaxing wiry hairs into place. Shades like Taupe and Soft Black complement graying hair, making it easier to find a natural-looking match.

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Tatcha

Liquid Silk Canvas

$55

Amazon

When you have mature skin, helping makeup last is great, but a good primer should also smooth things over so your foundation doesn’t settle into fine lines or cling to dry patches.

Tatcha’s Liquid Silk Canvas Makeup Primer uses silk powder to blur uneven texture, while silk extracts hydrate and support the moisture barrier. The brand’s proprietary Hadasei-3 complex (double-fermented Akita rice, Uji green tea, and Okinawa algae and yeast extract) adds even more barrier support, so skin feels comfortable and makeup has a smoother canvas to sit on.

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IT Cosmetics

Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream SPF 50+

$39

Amazon

Mature skin and heavy, cakey foundation aren’t exactly a dream team. That’s why a lightweight feel is part of what makes IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream a three-time Readers’ Choice Award winner. It delivers complexion-evening coverage without skimping on moisture, thanks to hyaluronic acid, peptides, and collagen, while antioxidants and SPF 50 add extra skin-care benefits.

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Ilia

Fullest Volumizing Mascara

$29

Amazon

When lashes become finer or sparser with age, the goal isn’t always falsies-level drama—sometimes you just want what you naturally have to look a whole lot fuller. Ilia’s Fullest Volumizing Mascara uses beeswax and carnauba wax to build volume while glycerin, panthenol, and arginine help keep lashes conditioned. “The best part is that I only need one coat to get the full, volumizing, and pitch-black effect,” says Han, who also loves how well it separates lashes without clumping.

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Anastasia Beverly Hills

Essential Palette

$48

Amazon

We get it: Shimmer might make you nervous if you’re worried about emphasizing fine lines or texture, but there’s no chunky glitter hiding in the Anastasia Beverly Hills Essential Palette. Its 14 wearable neutrals span nine ultra-mattes and five smooth, high-shine metallics in warm and cool tones, giving mature lids plenty of options for adding definition, brightness, or a little extra dimension.

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Estée Lauder

Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation Makeup

$52

Amazon

Long-wear foundation can be tricky on mature skin, since heavy formulas tend to settle into fine lines and emphasize texture, but Estée Lauder’s newly reformulated (and 2026 Best of Beauty winner!) Double Wear Stay-in-Place Foundation feels lighter and more fluid than its predecessor. “It gives you tremendous control and dependable wear,” says New Jersey-based makeup artist Lauren D’Amelio Ventre, who recommends starting with a thin layer and building coverage only where you need it.

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Saie

Slip Tint Tinted Sunscreen

$38

Amazon

Daily sunscreen is nonnegotiable at any age, but Saie’s Slip Tint Tinted Sunscreen sweetens the deal with a dewy tint that might convince you to skip foundation altogether. Its 15% zinc oxide provides mineral sun protection, while grape-seed, argan, and jojoba oils keep mature skin feeling soft and comfortable, and hyaluronic acid and glycerin add hydration. It comes in 14 sheer, flexible shades that even things out without masking your skin or settling into fine lines.

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Sulwhasoo

Perfecting Lip Color Rose

$38

Amazon

Tinted lip balms hit that very useful middle ground: They’re more exciting than clear balm, less fussy than many lipsticks, and nowhere near as sticky as most glosses. Sulwhasoo’s Perfecting Lip Color Rose comes in six buildable shades and pairs its sheer color with 5% plant-derived glycerin, jojoba, and the brand’s signature ginseng extract to keep lips looking smooth and feeling moisturized. It’s an easy swipe of color that gives dry lips some much-needed TLC in the process.

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Clinique

Long Lasting Quickliner Lip Liner

$25

Amazon

“Long-lasting” lip liner can sometimes feel like code for “drying,” but Clinique’s Long Lasting Quickliner Lip Liner proves the two don’t have to go hand in hand. That easy glide is a big plus for mature lips, since it doesn’t tug at skin or call extra attention to texture, and once it sets, it helps keep lipstick from wandering outside the lines.

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Lancôme

Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer

$32

Amazon

The more coverage you want from a concealer, the harder it can be to keep it from settling into fine lines—but Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear All Over Full Coverage Concealer manages to do both. “This concealer is packed with pigment, yet it doesn’t crease,” says Beverly Hills-based makeup artist Michelle Radow. Lightweight silicones and emollients help it stay put, while glycerin and sunflower seed oil add moisture so the finish doesn’t look dry or cakey.

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IT Cosmetics

Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil

$26

Amazon

Thinner. Patchier. Lighter. Such is the reality of aging brows. But a great brow pencil can make a big difference. IT Cosmetics’ Brow Power Eyebrow Pencil features an oval-shaped tip that mimics hairs and provides fuller definition without looking overly drawn on. Bonus: It’s infused with biotin, saw palmetto, and antioxidants, all ingredients that condition both brow hairs and the skin beneath them while you shape and define.

Frequently Asked Questions

How We Find the Best Prime Day Mature Beauty Deals

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

Why Trust Allure?

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

$13 at AmazonSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

TL;DR:

• What it is: A K-beauty lip stain that goes on gold and transforms into the prettiest rosy pink
• What it does: Hydrates lips while leaving behind long-lasting color
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants their lip stain to be as fun to apply as it is to wear

As beauty editors, we love having fun with our makeup. But what’s even better is when the product is genuinely fun to use, and the results are good enough that we find ourselves reaching for it again and again. The Aprilskin Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain checks all the boxes.

Let’s start with the fun part: it goes on *gold*. Yes, really. Whether you’re lining your lips or swiping it on for all-over color, the gilded gloss goes on with a high-shine finish that then wipes away (with a damp cloth) to reveal the prettiest rosy-pink stain underneath.

But what makes this lip stain the one we keep going back to is that it lasts, like through multiple sips of coffee, lunch, and even an afternoon Diet Coke. The transfer-proof formula keeps pigment in place all day, while hydrating ingredients (hyaluronic acid and jojoba seed oil) keep our lips looking full and feeling comfortable.

Turns out, this lip stain is worth its weight in gold.

Aprilskin Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain is in the October Allure Beauty Box.

GET THE BOX

Aprilskin Hero All Day Plumping Lip Stain

$13 at Amazon$13 at Amazon

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Halloween is sneaking up frighteningly fast, which means the window for coming up with a genuinely clever costume is closing at an alarming rate. If you keep putting it off, you may soon find yourself sitting listlessly with your makeup bag in your lap, trying to determine whether “I put on extra eyeliner” counts as a costume. If it does come down to a makeup-only Halloween situation, however, Zara Larsson has just handed you a very strong, very adorable option.

For one of Larsson’s shows in Tokyo, makeup artist Sophia Sinot transformed the Allure cover star into a sparkling interpretation of Hello Kitty. The centerpiece—or, in this case, off-centerpiece—is a small but unmistakable bow placed above Larsson’s right eyebrow, filled in with red crystals and outlined in black ones to mimic the Sanrio superstar’s signature accessory in pop-star style.

Sinot gave Larsson’s eyes a wash of frosty white shimmer, extending the pale shadow all the way up to the brows and enveloping the inner corners to serve as a canvas for more crystals. She added three short, black, sparkling whiskers to each cheek, and topped off the tip of Larsson’s nose with a vibrant yet diffused yellow circle.

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Her cheeks are flushed with a vivid, shimmering, nearly hot-pink blush that eases up a bit over the bridge of her nose. And considering that Hello Kitty doesn’t have lips, it was dealer’s choice for Sinot, who gave Larsson a glossy, tawny brown look with lots of liner.

The inspiration is particularly fitting for Larsson’s Tokyo shows as Hello Kitty originated in Japan, of course. And there’s something especially fun about Sinot translating such an iconic character into one of her now highly anticipated concert makeup looks—one you can copy for Halloween and actually look like you planned it instead of procrastinating.

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About six months into her last relationship, Sarah*, a 23-year-old from Australia, noticed her body was changing. She mysteriously—and rapidly—shed 11 pounds and regularly awoke with nausea or acid reflux. “My hair was thin and dry; you wouldn’t have known I had curly hair because the texture completely changed, and I had the most frustrating bumps and pimples all over my forehead,” she says.

When the relationship ended two years later, Sarah redirected her energy to self-care, which had a remarkable effect. “I would take my time washing my face or my hair, and it was like I was in a flow state. All the pimples completely disappeared a month after the breakup, my curls are back, and now I’ve never looked better or felt more confident,” she says.

It’s well documented that a souring relationship can increase your chances of anxiety, eating disorders, and emotional issues. But, like Sarah, a growing chorus of women on social media think it can make you ugly, too.

Case in point, Popular creator Snarly Carly shared a video explaining this phenomenon in TikTok parlance. (The comments speak for themselves.) Another creator, @heyitsmekmac shared the experience of her own “glow-down,” saying that, “The wrong men make you ugly. My face was broken out, the cortisol levels were high, water weight was through the roof… If he’s stressing you out, he [sic] gotta go.”

A handful of women voicing their experiences on Instagram and Reddit separately told Allure their male partner had a deleterious effect on their appearance, a notion supported by preexisting research into psychology, health and relationships. In heterosexual relationships, women who receive appearance-related criticism from their partner experience diminished self-worth and reduced relationship satisfaction, and experts point to a few different factors.

Women often process relationship stress differently than men. Psychotherapist Laurel Steinberg, PhD, says this could be due to an unequal mental and emotional load women are expected to carry in heterosexual relationships. In situations where partners live together, society often expects women to shoulder the burdens of home life and, as a result, “When the culture at home is strained, women can feel more guilt and shame than their partners, leading them to experience chronic stress and poorer health markers.” This inequity not only impacts women psychologically, but physically.

Research indicates that stress can be a key driver in cosmetic issues like acne and hair loss. Once these physical issues arise, the toll goes further than skin deep. For example, researchers found that the psychosocial impact of thinning hair is significant, provoking anxiety that is disproportionate to its “objective severity.” In other words, even if the physical impacts aren’t immediately obvious to others, women can become distressed by these changes. Generally, once the stressor (in these specific cases, the male partner) is removed, women start to feel like themselves again.

The post-breakup glow-up is very real. According to Lara Devgan, MD, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon in New York City, “A toxic partner can keep you in a near-constant stress response… Sometimes the most powerful beauty intervention is removing the thing that is exhausting you, whether it is a bad boyfriend or something else.”

In addition to a reduction in stress, Dr. Devgan says that people often experience positive physical changes after a breakup because they reinvest time in themselves, leading to better sleep, nutrition, and a more consistent skincare routine. As Keira Barr, MD, board certified dermatologist and founder of Center for Mind Skin Medicine in Bend, Ore., explains, “When a woman begins treating herself gently again after a relationship that didn’t feel gentle, she is giving her body very different sensory and relational information. That post-breakup glow may be what it looks like when a body that has spent months or years organized around protection finally has more room for repair, restoration and connection.”

While there’s anecdotal evidence that the wrong boyfriend can affect your appearance, Dr. Barr explains there can be physiological underpinning to the argument. “Heightened cortisol levels and inflammatory signaling can send the skin down a path of breakouts, sensitivity, dehydration, dullness, slower healing, and a generally less rested appearance,” she says.

A study between Howard University, the University of Montréal and Montréal’s Mental Health University Institute published in 2023 looked into the effects of long-term relationships in heterosexual couples. Across over 2,000 couples and after four years, women’s allostatic load markers (which measure the burden of stress on the body) were more strongly associated with their male partners’ than vice versa, suggesting a greater physiological impact on women, with the association persisting in happy and unhappy relationships alike.

Some social media users claim that their boyfriend’s bad habits resulted in everything from cavities to recurring bacterial vaginosis. A particularly vivid example comes from Ava*, who says that she “used to get UTIs like crazy” with a previous boyfriend. She would always experience a flare-up a day or two after having sex but couldn’t figure out the cause until she caught him coming out of the bathroom. “He didn’t wash his hands. I jokingly said something about it, and he just turns to me and said, 'Yeah, I never really wash my hands.'” They broke up shortly thereafter, and the UTIs never returned, even with different partners.

Los Angeles-based clinical psychologist and couples therapist Molly Burrets, PhD, confirmed a similar theory that the body can reject a relationship before our psyches catch up. “I think it’s not just possible, it’s typical,” she says. Dr. Burrets explains that stress isn’t immediately processed through our conscious mind but through interoception—our ambient sense of what’s going on around us and in our bodies—and neuroception, an internal system that scans for cues of safety or threat in tone of voice, facial expressions or energy in a room.

These primitive instincts are highly attuned to potential danger and are often triggered before our conscious mind registers that something isn’t right. As Dr. Burrets says, “When we're in a relationship that feels unsafe, unpredictable, or emotionally depleting, our nervous system reads that as a threat, even if no one's raising a voice. A nervous system that's perceiving a threat doesn't know the difference between ‘my partner is criticizing me’ and ‘I'm being chased by a predator.’ It just mobilizes.”

Several of Dr. Burrets’s clients suffered physically during their stressful relationships. While there can be other contributing factors beyond relationships, some of the regular symptoms she encounters are: chronic fatigue that doesn’t resolve with sleep, miscellaneous gut issues, body tension (she half-jokes that she can map someone’s attachment history by where they hold their stress), sleep disruption, regular illness due to immune dysfunction and a racing heart or shallow breathing around specific triggers. On the appearance side, she’s seen chronic stress manifest as sudden hair thinning or shedding, skin breaking out or going dull, dark circles that don’t budge no matter how much sleep someone got, and noticeable weight loss or gain.

Dr. Burrets says that it is possible to get your glow back once a problematic relationship ends: “I almost universally hear some version of ‘I have so much more energy’ — not because their life got easier, but because their nervous system isn't spending all day, every day, scanning for threat. That vigilance is exhausting, even when you're not consciously aware you're doing it,” she says.

Maybe those social media cries from women whose “boyfriends made them ugly” is not just an empty online trend. Bad behavior in a relationship can make one suffer on physical, emotional, and aesthetic levels. So, maybe if you have an unsupportive boyfriend, you can add your acne to your list of reasons for dumping him.

*Indicates a pseudonym used for privacy.

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Do you remember a world before Byredo perfumes took over our vanities and beauty routines? Founded in 2006 by Ben Gorham, Byredo quickly became one of the most instantly recognizable fragrance lines of the 2010s, popping up in magazines, blogs, and countless styled Instagram flatlays, and wafting through the air in the world’s most fashionable cities. The bottles were sleek, chic, and minimalist; the scents were light, fresh, and unique; and they seemed to be the fashion crowd’s new obsession. Naturally, the world wanted in. Since then, Byredo has become an icon of the fragrance world alongside 2010s peers like Le Labo.

The Best Byredo Perfumes

• Best for Everyday Wear: Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum, $235
• Best Unconventional Gourmand: Future Memories Eau de Parfum, $235
• Best for Cozy Season: Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum, $235
• Best for the Office: Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum, $235
• Best Leather: Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum, $235

While Byredo was acquired by Puig in 2022 and eventually expanded into color cosmetics, the scents are what keep us coming back. Mojave Ghost, Rose of No Man’s Land, and Gypsy Water are practically legendary, and Byredo’s candles are just as beloved as its perfumes. Byredo’s fragrance line has grown to encompass nearly every genre, including woody and leather scents, coconut and vanilla gourmands, and unique florals, all with the signature cool edge that is so distinctly Byredo. Ahead, discover the best Byredo perfumes to adorn your vanity and elevate your perfume rotation.

Best for Everyday Wear: Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Mojave Ghost Eau de Parfum

Sarah Kinonen

Why it's worth it: One of the brand’s most popular scents is the woody-floral Mojave Ghost, inspired by the persistent blooms of the famous Mojave Desert. Instead of a lush, creamy floral, Mojave Ghost is crisp and dry: It opens with the unique tang of magnolia, which is softened by sweet, powdery violet and a base of musks and woods. I often call scents like this “shampoo florals,” which is a total compliment! They smell clean and fresh, like you washed your hair with an expensive shampoo and the scent followed you around all day.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“An icon in my fragrance wardrobe! I've been wearing Mojave Ghost for years, and the warm, woody scent never gets old. It opens with sandalwood and cedarwood, with magnolia and violet flowers poking through, and then dries down to the coziest musks. Compared to the fruity and floral perfumes in my collection, this wood-forward eau de parfum is definitely an enigma—and that's why I love it so much.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

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• Key notes: ambrette, magnolia, violet, cedarwood
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 6.8 oz

Best Unconventional Gourmand: Future Memories Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Future Memories

$235

Byredo

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Byredo Future Memories Eau de Parfum

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: Fragrance is deeply tied to memory; simply smell your high school perfume and chances are it’ll send you right back to algebra class or junior prom. Byredo’s Future Memories wants to be part of your nostalgic scent journey for this chapter of your life, and it’s certainly memorable, with a unique, almost bitter green opening of galbanum—a resin with a sharp, earthy scent—soapy aldehydes, and blackcurrant. Future Memories relaxes with wear, sinking into a warm, cozy heart of iris, amber, and plush, pillowy vanilla. If syrupy gourmands aren’t exactly your thing but you like the idea of a vanilla scent and prefer something a little more down to earth, this green, ambery vanilla is probably right up your aromatic alley.

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 for Cozy Season: Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Eyes Closed Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin spritzing the Eyes Closed eau de parfum

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Eyes Closed is instantly comforting, like slipping into the embrace of someone you hold very dear to your heart. It captures the peaceful feeling of being fully enveloped in love and softness, breathing in the moment with your eyes closed to savor every second. Cinnamon and cardamom blend with carrot—which perfumers often use to create the illusion of warm skin or ease—and orris, another popular skin-scent note. Wear it for your next romantic getaway or one of those stay-in-bed weekends.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This is the fragrance that stops people in their tracks when I wear it—particularly when it's pitch-perfect in fall. If you read reviews, you might think that you’ll smell like a walking carrot cake, but there’s so much elegance and depth balancing out the just-baked vibes. Eyes Closed walks the gourmand-spice line so deftly that it’s not a saccharine or cloying scent at all. I think that’s thanks to the woody notes and moody patchouli. I recommend it for anyone looking for a late summer, early fall, or all-winter fragrance. Oh so cozy.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

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• Key notes: cardamom, cinnamon, carrot, orris, patchouli, papyrus
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best for the Office: Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Allure manager of consumer revenue Hannah Brower applying the Gypsy Water Eau de Parfum

Hannah Brower

Why it's worth it: Gypsy Water was Byredo’s breakout hit; I remember seeing it everywhere after it launched in 2008. And while I initially eschewed the scent for being too popular, I now see the error of my ways. Gypsy Water is an era-defining scent: a spicy, sparkling, peppery citrus perfume with a woody warmth. Bergamot and lemon radiate on the skin straight out of the bottle, with the incense and pepper combo adding depth and intrigue and a base of amber, woods, and vanilla singing backup. Gypsy Water is a timeless scent that would’ve been a hit in the swinging ‘60s and groovy ‘70s, but feels just as relevant today.

Tester feedback from manager of consumer revenue Hannah Brower

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“Clean girls who want a little edge, this one’s for you. Gypsy Water is like a jack of all trades—bright, cozy, and genderless. It blends fresh citrus with the spice of pepper and the warmth of sandalwood and amber. I typically don’t gravitate toward citrus fragrances, but this one has an unexpected depth and a little mystery that keeps me coming back. Somehow, it works year-round.” —Hannah Brower, manager of consumer revenue

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, lemon, pepper, incense, amber, woods, vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz

Best Beachy: Alto Astral Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Alto Astral Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Alto Astral Eau de Parfum

Jesa Marie Calaor

Why it's worth it: According to the brand, Alto Astral was named for “a vibrant Brazilian Portuguese expression that evokes an elevated state of mind.” The joyful, beachy scent is an ode to Brazilian culture, opening with an intriguing combination of coconut and aldehydes (notes that make a fragrance “sparkle” or feel soapy and light), balanced by jasmine, incense, woods, and musk. It’s the kind of elixir you spray on in the dead of winter to cheer you up, or apply before one of those hot, humid nights on vacation.

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“During the day, I gravitate toward lightweight, fresh floral scents. This one is for a date night out—it’s a memorable, full-bodied jasmine scent that’s milky, musky, and bright all at once.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior editor

More to know

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• Key notes: coconut, jasmine, incense, musk, sandalwood, amber
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best for Date Night: Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Rose of No Man’s Land Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Allure contributor Kara Nesvig applying the Byredo Rose of No Man’s Land

Kara Nesvig

Why it's worth it: Rose is the main character of this popular floral fragrance. To be specific, it’s damask rose (also known as rosa damascena), a flower with a warmer, spicier, and almost honeyed fragrance versus the light, soft rose scent you notice from grocery store or bodega flowers. The star note imparts a gorgeous richness that is then uplifted by the sparkle of pink pepper and a generous squeeze of juicy raspberry. Rose of No Man’s Land is one of Byredo’s bestselling scents because it encapsulates the brand’s ethos: taking familiar notes and elements and bringing them to life in a new way.

Tester feedback from contributor Kara Nesvig

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I love rose. I love pink pepper. Thus, I love Rose of No Man’s Land! I’ll try pretty much any rose-centric fragrance, but the scents that stick around tend to have something special about them. In this case, it’s the pink pepper and raspberry combo, which takes rose from sweet garden flower to pop star cool. If you, like me, are a rose lover, don’t miss Rose Noir, which is like Rose of No Man’s Land’s slightly edgier, punk cousin.” —Kara Nesvig, contributor

More to know

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• Key notes: rose, pink pepper, raspberry, amber
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz

Best Leather: Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Bibliothèque Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Why it's worth it: Bibliothèque actually debuted as a candle, and fans were quick to beg Byredo to make it a personal fragrance. They listened and created this leathery, woody scent inspired by antique leather-bound books in an historic library—the kind with shelves carved from rich mahogany and long, sweeping tables where generations have studied and fallen for the written word. But you won’t smell musty or dusty while wearing Bibliothèque; plum and violet warm up to the heavier leather and patchouli notes for a bookish blend that begs to be paired with a soft sweater and your TBR stack this fall.

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• Key notes: plum, leather, violet, patchouli
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best Viral Favorite: Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Bal d’Afrique Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Why it's worth it: Bal d’Afrique comes with a lot of hype from PerfumeTok, but we’re happy to say it lives up to those enthusiastic kudos. The warm floral scent has a lush, creamy sweetness that makes it feel almost addictive, driven by blackcurrant, jasmine, musk, and tonka. As it wears, however, it shapeshifts into something woodier and more complex with a base of vetiver and cedarwood; the cedar notes are particularly prominent here. Because of this wide-ranging mix of fruity, floral, and woody elements, Bal d’Afrique is the kind of scent that appeals to a vast variety of fragrance lovers and would also be a great entry point into the world of Byredo. It’s easy to wear and easy to love. (And so is the Absolu version, just FYI.)

More to know

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• Key notes: bergamot, violet, blackcurrant, jasmine, musk, tonka, vetiver
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz

Best Vanilla: Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum

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Byredo

Vanille Antique Extrait de Parfum

$465

Byredo

Why it's worth it: Vanilla people really love vanilla and want to wear it 24/7. If that’s you, may we present Vanille Antique? It’s an extrait de parfum versus an EDT or EDP, which means it has a higher concentration of fragrance oil for greater projection and longevity—in other words, more vanilla goodness to sink your teeth into. Madagascar vanilla, which has a rich, intensely creamy scent, is the star of the show, framed by a fruity-floral mix of freesia and plum up top and a complex base of amber, woods, and cistus, a resin with a warm, ambery fragrance profile.

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• Key notes: freesia, plum, amber, woods, vanilla
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz

Best for a Wedding: Blanche Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

Blanche Eau de Parfum

$235

Byredo

Why it's worth it: You simply cannot have a roundup of the best Byredo perfumes without Ms. Blanche! Its name, which translates to “white,” conveys clean sheets, fresh skin, quiet moments, and bar soap—and the fragrance does, too. As you might expect, Blanche is an aldehydic scent with a powdery soapiness enhanced by squeaky-clean rose and violet notes, set atop a cashmere-soft musk base. Pair it with a white linen dress or a crisp dress shirt when you crave a reset or fresh start—or wear it as your wedding-day fragrance for a very literal interpretation of the whole “white dress” thing.

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• Key notes: aldehyde, rose, peony, violet, musk
• Sizes: 1.7 oz, 3.4 oz, 8.4 oz

Best Out-All-Night Party Scent: 1996 Eau de Parfum

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Byredo

1996 Eau de Parfum

$330

Byredo

Why it's worth it: Ahh, leather jacket weather! This iconic Byredo scent, inspired by a photo taken by legendary fashion photographers Inez & Vinoodh, is the fragrance equivalent of your favorite worn-in, slouchy leather moto jacket—the one you splurged on years ago and still reach for year after year. It’s spicy, smoky, and sexy, the kind of scent you want to get very, very close to, especially in cooler weather. Despite its peppery leather opening, 1996 is actually more snuggly than standoffish, thanks to a heart of powdery violet, woody patchouli, and luxurious amber.

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• Key notes: pepper, leather, violet, amber, patchouli
• Sizes: 3.4 oz

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Byredo 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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Three women sit in front of me, each one occupying a salon chair in a tiny room with a single shampoo bowl, and one window that faces a bare, enclosed courtyard with yellowing grass. They’re smiling, chatting, and eating pizza as they wait for their hair to set and process. We could be in any hair salon in New York City, albeit a small one, except for a few caveats: These women couldn’t enter this room until they had been scanned by a handheld metal detector and patted down. There are also armed guards right outside the door. And the mirrors aren’t really mirrors. In fact, they aren’t made of glass at all; they’re made of polycarbonate, a plastic material that mimics the look of a wonky funhouse reflector, to prevent people from shattering the surface and using broken shards as weapons. After the women’s glam session is done, they won’t be going to an event or returning to their families or children, their jobs, or even their homes. They’ll stay here, at the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island, to finish out their court-ordered sentences.

The main entrance of the Rose M. Singer Center on Rikers Island.

Rosie’s, the center’s nickname, is the only facility that houses women and gender-expansive people in the notorious Bronx jail complex—the same one that’s been called the “most infamous jail in the US” due to its high rates of violence and disorder. To get into the salon at Rosie’s, first I had to check in through a trailer at the foot of the Francis R. Buono Memorial Bridge, the only way to get on and off the island. Then, after going through TSA-like security, I was escorted through three separate checkpoints where I needed to hold up a numbered badge that identified me as a visitor. Although I had gotten special permission to bring my laptop and recorder inside, I did have to leave my phone behind.

The salon is located in Rosie’s recreation area, where vocational programs like culinary lessons and cosmetology take place, as well as high school and college classes. It looks more like a school than a jail: Inspirational posters line the walls with sayings like, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,” and many of these emphasize the importance of attending class and making it to graduation day.

Before meeting the three women, volunteers with the Beauty Beyond Bars program were warned by guards and administrators to hide scissors or sharp objects and to monitor every product that was visible in the room. “This will go missing,” one Rikers staff member warns, pointing to a row of Redken hair products neatly laid out on a small table. “It’s happened right in front of my face. The women are slicker than the men.”

Daesha Holloman, 31, before her consultation.

I made the journey here for a one-day pilot program put on by Beauty Beyond Bars, a nonprofit organization founded by 21-year-old criminal justice reform advocate Lea Nepomuceno, which seeks to deliver essential beauty and hygiene products to incarcerated people. The group has partnered with Citryne Rose, a hair salon in Manhattan, founded by hairstylist Julie Dastine, to give the three soon-to-be-released women hair transformations before they head home and re-enter society. New York-based makeup artist Maricela Saucedo is also here to help the women with their glam.

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Today’s program is explicitly for women who have an impending release date, are okay with speaking to the press, and willing to be on camera for Beauty Beyond Bars’ and Allure’s social channels. According to the New York City Council, as of June 13, 2026, around 84% of the inmates on Rikers Island have not yet been convicted of a crime—they’re either held on bail or remanded to custody as they await trial. The rest, including the women in today’s program, have been convicted and are serving short sentences, typically under one year. After they were patted down, the women timidly entered the small space, sitting side-by-side in salon chairs to wait for Dastine and her two assistants to assess their hair.

Adia Charles, 28, getting her hair washed by hairstylist Shinda Pratt at the center’s only shampoo bowl.

Although Nepomuceno and Dastine had introductory Zoom calls with nine potential women to discuss what they’d like to get done, the three in the salon today didn’t know they were chosen for the program until right before they were escorted into the room. “They didn’t tell us this was happening,” Daesha Holloman, 31, tells me. She’ll be released from Rikers in November.

Dastine stands behind Holloman and slowly unfurls her hijab—she’s been wearing one on-and-off for six years—revealing a knotty mass. “The only thing I have access to is shampoo and grease, and a comb that’s thinner than this,” Holloman says, pointing to an already tiny brush in front of her. There’s not much she can do to care for her hair behind bars. Dastine and her associates decide the best course of action is to give her a silk press and a trim, which results in a long bob.

Lizette Lugo, 47, had two main requests: blonde hair and false eyelashes.

Adia Charles, 28, is next; she’s worn her hair in locs for almost five years, and hasn’t been able to properly care for it since she’s been here. The locs have been dyed half red, half blonde, and Dastine decides to give Charles’s color new life today, along with a twist out.

“I’m getting out Tuesday,” says Lizette Lugo, 47, who is waiting to get her hair washed in the shampoo bowl. “I’m excited but I’m also nervous. It’s a new start.” She’s been serving time at Rosie’s for the past six months. “They see me as a house mom,” she adds. She has asked Dastine to make her blonde to cover up the grays that have grown in since she’s been here.

Charles, Holloman, and Lugo begin their makeovers.

Each woman is wearing a microphone and being filmed for social content. (Part of Beauty Beyond Bars' goal with the program is to interview the women during the services and share their stories on social media.) Although they were aware of this beforehand, they are still (understandably) tense and nervous in front of the camera at first. But as the day unfolds, Holloman, Charles, and Lugo start to open up about their lives on Rikers Island. Corrections officers near the door supervise, and Latima Johnson, press officer at the New York City Department of Correction, and Nadely Tavarez, executive director of facility program for the Rose M. Singer Center, listen in. Naturally, given the setting, the conversation turns to the inmates’ inadequate access to hygiene and beauty products.

The first step to Lugo’s hair transformation is to lift her grown-in grays.

“Right now, I can’t really do much,” says Charles. “I just shampoo and condition my hair. The water is pretty hot here, so it dries out my hair.” There aren’t any oils available for her locs, only hair grease, which she says is heavy and weighs down her hair. This is something that has bothered her during the four months she’s been incarcerated: “I like to be neat, I like to keep myself together. I make sure my T-shirts are nice and white and I wash my clothes,” she says. The inmates have to do that washing by hand with homemade laundry detergent composed of deodorant and grease, but Charles thinks it’s worth the effort. “When you look good, you feel good,” she adds. “I can’t wait to get out of here and go to the nail salon and get a facial.”

Hairstylist Shonelle Lamothe bleaching Lugo’s hair.

Sometimes these desires prompt ideas and action—there are plenty of ways the women of Rikers, and in jails and prisons nationwide, hack the system to make themselves feel beautiful. Some of these practices have been reported on before, such as rubbing deodorant against colored pages from magazines to make eye shadow. “They melt down the bars of Corcraft [soap] and it becomes a thick gel consistency,” Charles says. “They use that for edge control or gel.” [Editor’s note: Corcraft is a program that employs incarcerated people in correctional facilities across New York to make products such as hand sanitizer, street signs, furniture, and more, for around $0.65 an hour.]

There are also women who have picked up beauty-related skills, like threading eyebrows with tampon strings. Lugo has gotten that done a few times since being here: “Sometimes you have to give [the threader] commissary, and sometimes they do it to pass the time,” she says. “Or you make friends and they do it for you, just for one another so we look good.”

There aren’t any oils available to keep Charles’ locs hydrated at Rosie’s—only hair grease, which she says is heavy and weighs down her hair.

Lugo regularly wears makeup—she works as a suicide-prevention aide in her housing unit and uses the money she earns from that job to buy products from the commissary—but not every day. “I’ll take, like, two days and I won't put makeup on. I'll let my face breathe a little bit,” she says. “Foundation is like $11.” She also buys CoverGirl and L’Oreal eye shadow, mascara, and eyeliner. “They sell ChapStick and Wet n Wild lipstick,” she adds.

When it comes to hair care, though, Lugo has found her options lacking. She doesn’t wash her hair often because, she says, the shampoo available in the commissary burns her scalp. Getting her hair washed today, she adds, is a luxury. She’s also excited for a makeup artist to glam her face—she’s only ever gotten her makeup done at mall kiosks and is especially eager to put on Ardell fake lashes.

Julie Dastine adding layers to Lugo’s freshly dyed hair.

Holloman and Charles are on the other end of the makeup spectrum from Lugo: Charles doesn’t generally wear much makeup, in or out of Rikers; and Holloman doesn’t think spending her commissary money on lipstick is worth it. “The foundation is not the best quality, and we use sponges that you clean with, not sponges you’re supposed to use for your face,” Holloman says, as Saucedo blends Dior foundation on her face near the only window. “So I don’t know how I would feel doing makeup here. It’s not the same as having concealer and access to regular things.”

The women’s anxieties, while still palpable, seem to wane as they’re taken care of by Saucedo and Dastine and her staff. During a pizza break, the conversation ebbs and flows—one minute the women are talking about what their fellow inmates' reactions to their new looks will be, and the next they’re dreaming about their lives after Rikers Island. Charles aspires to become a barber, and she and Holloman want to start a podcast together about incarcerated women. “That’s my best friend, I'm not gonna lie,” Charles says. “We really love each other and care about each other in here.”

Having a mic doesn’t appeal to Lugo—she just wants to see her family and ride a Jet Ski. “I have a window view and all I see is people riding Jet Skis back and forth [on the East River],” she explains. “They’re a lot of fun.”

With her makeup done, the final styling touches are put on Holloman’s bob.

Holloman yearns to see her daughter, who was just four months old when she was sent to Rikers Island. She’s determined to not be defined by her past mistakes. Being chosen to participate in today's beauty transformation has inspired her. “You take programs like this, opportunities like this, and you run with them and you give the best version of yourself,” she says. “I’m bigger than being incarcerated, and there’s people who actually believe in me. I feel like if they didn’t, I wouldn’t have been considered [for this program].”

But Holloman hasn’t always felt this spark of positivity. “The Department of Corrections can [make] you lose yourself, for a lack of better words,” she says. “You have to be strong enough to not fall into the dehumanizing situation…. You have to look at the end of the tunnel. It’s hard. I have my days where I forget I am going home.”

The only glass mirror available to the inmates is a small handheld one brought in (just for the day) by Dastine from Citryne Rose.

The shift in energy seems to draw members of the jail staff toward Rosie’s salon. They gather outside, pulling up chairs and trying to glimpse the women as they are outwardly—and, it seems, inwardly—transformed. Each time a woman’s hair or makeup is finished, they cheer, clap, and yell words of encouragement. They erupt into the chorus of Eve’s “Who’s That Girl” when Holloman “activates” her bob (a.k.a. swings it side to side). Some have tears in their eyes, and it’s hard not to cry along with them.

“The feeling that I have right now, I never knew I would feel like this,” Holloman says, turning toward Charles as they both get emotional. “To see you with your hair almost done and everything, it’s seeing another side of each other,” she continues. “We have real beauty. Like natural, actual beauty.”

Lea Nepomuceno, Dastine, and makeup artist Maricela Saucedo revealing Lugo’s new look.

After changing out of their uniforms and into more professional-looking clothing from Rosie’s “boutique,” which is a small closet of donated attire, Polaroid “headshots” are taken of each woman. They’ll be mailed to each woman’s family when the day is over. “I’m not telling my son my picture’s coming in the mail, I’ll let it be a surprise,” Lugo says. “I wonder if he’ll know it’s me, because I look totally different [from my mugshot].” That difference is not only because of her hair and makeup transformation, though; Lugo also received a set of dentures from Rikers’ basic dental services when she arrived. “I’ve been without teeth for three years,” she says.

Although today’s program paints a rather, well, rosy picture of life on Rikers Island, there’s been a constant stream of disturbing and violent incidents throughout Rosie’s near hundred-year history: Inmates and staff members have reported unsanitary and unsafe conditions; and in 2024, 719 sexual assault lawsuits were filed under the Adult Survivors Act against the Department of Correction by female inmates, whose claims extend from 1976 up to 2023, according to Gothamist. This act temporarily lifted the statutes of limitations, allowing survivors to sue their abusers regardless of when the harm occurred.

Lugo picking out a new outfit from Rosie’s boutique.

In 2019, the New York City Council voted to close the island's facilities and replace them with four smaller jails throughout the five boroughs by August 2027. However, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s office, the city will no longer be able to meet that deadline due to construction delays from the COVID-19 pandemic; the proposed new deadline is 2032.

With the pilot program successfully completed, Beauty Beyond Bars hopes to be approved to bring similar events back to Rikers twice a month. “Our long-term goal is to build an inside-out re-entry model,” Nepomuceno says. “Programming and career training inside correctional facilities, paired with salons on the outside that employ graduates of our programs. Ultimately, we hope to scale this model to cities across the country.”

She says further, “Getting a program like this off the ground is incredibly challenging, but the Rikers staff, especially Nadely Tavarez, has been amazing in helping us navigate the process. We’re the first to do this kind of work at Rikers, so it requires a tremendous amount of logistics and flexibility within the correctional environment. But seeing the physical and spiritual transformations of the women during our pilot reminded me exactly why it’s worth it.” Right now, Nepomuceno notes, the biggest challenge for Beauty Beyond Bars is “long-term fundraising to support our staff and materials.”

The Polaroid “headshots” taken of their transformations will be mailed to each woman’s family when the day is over.

At press time, no concrete plans have been made for the next program, although Dastine, Saucedo, and Tavarez have all expressed, too, that they’d like today’s program to come back to Rosie’s. “I try to teach my child that hygiene is everything, but it’s not just to look nice,” Tavarez points out. “It’s because people will treat you a certain way. I feel that these women can gain confidence [in this program] after going through such a traumatic time in their lives.”

But a fresh silk press and a set of lashes can’t erase the long-lasting trauma of life behind bars or end mass incarceration. People serving time in correctional facilities disproportionately experience mental health problems, substance abuse, infectious diseases, and chronic conditions compared with the general public. They often experience these hardships before incarceration, and often they aren’t addressed after they re-enter society.

“I’m not telling my son my picture’s coming in the mail, I’ll let it be a surprise,” Lugo says. “I wonder if he’ll know it’s me."

Almost one third of formerly incarcerated people return to prison within three years, according to the Council of State Governments Justice Center. Formerly incarcerated people also face an unemployment rate of over 27% due to social stigma and discriminatory policies, including occupational license bans that exclude formerly incarcerated people. “Having an arrest on your record or being in jail creates a stigma that makes life difficult for people that are already facing challenges and difficulties,” says Deborah Koetzle, PhD, director of the Corrections Lab and a professor of criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

Still, taking care of incarcerated women, even for one day, might just revitalize a sense of self-worth. “Providing this type of service on one day to just a few women, I don't know if it's going to make a dent in changing carceral policy,” says Lauren Brinkley-Rubinstein, PhD, a professor in the Department of Population Health Sciences at Duke University whose research examines the health effects of the criminal legal system. “But we also know that individual differences can be made with the smallest adjustments or kindness. Any program that allows for women's humanity to be restored in these deeply humiliating and dehumanizing settings is a good thing, and will have both immediate and long-term benefits.”

“I really want to hit the ground running when I leave here," Holloman says.

Dr. Koetzle shares that opinion, adding that there’s more work to be done: “If this program is continuing to work with women so that when they come home, they're being provided access to clothing and support around employment and childcare and connections to services, then that becomes more holistic and, I think, much more meaningful. But I'm not sure that a headshot alone, for example, or hair products alone is going to have a long-term impact given the number of challenges that people face.” Instead, Dr. Koetzle says, providing meaningful programming and career training prior to release, as well as linking people with opportunities for employment, may have a more significant impact.

All three women who take part in the pilot program tell Allure the same thing as they say their goodbyes: They feel beautiful, their self-esteem has been boosted, and they’re ready to make a positive change in their lives after they’re released from Rosie’s. “Being in here can really bring you down,” Charles says. “I feel different walking out. I feel more confident. I feel like myself again, you know?”

By the time you read this, Charles and Lugo will have left Rikers Island; Holloman is still serving the rest of her sentence. “I’m excited. I’m anxious,” she says. “I really want to hit the ground running when I leave here. And I could never come back here ever again.”

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TL;DR:

• What it is: A buildable cheek-and-lip balm
• What it does: Adds a sheer, berry flush to lips and cheeks
• Who it’s for: Anyone who wants their cheeks and lips to look freshly flushed, not overly done

There’s dewy skin—and then there’s looking like our makeup is melting off our face, which we generally tend to avoid. Luckily, Kaja Beauty Dewy Bar in Berry Sparkler lands decidedly in the former category, depositing a juicy-looking, just-pinched-cheeks rosiness with a little gleam when the light hits.

We recommend applying a few taps onto the apples of your cheeks and then using your fingers to blend it out, just until any hard lines or edges disappear. If you’re worried that Berry Sparkler looks bright in the tube, trust us, it melts into this beautiful, fresh-from-a-walk flush that you can build up for pigment—and it looks great on multiple skin tones.

You can also swipe it onto your lips for a cohesive look—and have one multipurpose, on-the-go, throw-it-in-your-bag, go-to product that’s doing double-duty. If you’re going to do dewy skin, do it like this.

Kaja Beauty Dewy Bar in Berry Sparker is in the October Allure Beauty Box.

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Kaja Beauty Dewy Bar in Berry Sparkler

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