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An Ode to the OG Beauty YouTubers Who Taught Me How to Speak English

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I started learning English right before I turned 10, at school, a natural feature of a publicly funded education in France. On top of this, and around the same time, a wave of language learning swept through my household.

My dad, who would have been in his forties by then, had also recently started taking English lessons. Two things struck him: how hard it was to learn a foreign language as an adult, and, despite these difficulties, how much bigger his world suddenly grew. He was able to pursue opportunities, learn skills, and consume art in ways he had never imagined before. He wanted the same thing for his children. And so, dear reader, my father became a—how you say?—hardass about learning English.

There were books on tape. There were English versions of classic children’s books I’d previously consumed in French. There were immersion stays in the UK, wherein a group of kids from all corners of the world would descend upon an empty boarding school in the summer and… converse. You want to make friends? Speak to your crush? Have any fun at all over the next two weeks? Well, then, I hate to break it to you, Kid, but you’re going to have to speak English.

Eventually, it became a truth universally acknowledged in my household that the best way to learn a language was to do things with that language that were fun—and preferably not openly educational. This might seem like an obvious statement now, but back then, at a time when you still had to visit specialized stores to access any media in a foreign language, it felt novel.

What was my version of fun? Makeup tutorials on YouTube, of course. There was a time in my life when I spent hours watching them. I don’t remember what that first video was. What I do remember was that I became hooked. If you were online back then, you’ll remember those videos. Those were the days when Michelle Phan transformed herself into a version of Lady Gaga in the Bad Romance music video—a clip that, 15 years later, has been watched 56 million times. It was the era of “get ready with me”s and “what’s in my bag”s. The era of Urban Decay Primer Potion, of the Naked Eyeshadow palette, of MAC foundation, and China Glaze nail polish.

Watching those videos, I didn’t actually retain much about building a beauty routine—though I did learn how to curl my hair with a straightening iron, a skill I utilize to this day. But the creators of the 2010s gave me something else. Something certainly more profound, and maybe more useful—but I had no way to know it at the time. They taught me how to speak English.

When I speak English, I don’t sound like a stereotypical French person. I know the difference between “beach” and “b****h.” I know how to pronounce my “r”s with the back of my throat. Sometimes, I “pass” as a native American speaker. Other times, people think I’m… Canadian, maybe? Sometimes, my French accent makes a small comeback, especially if I’m tired, sick, really nervous, or tipsy (I don’t think I’ve ever been all four at once, but there’s still time). If people know I’m French, the way I speak often prompts questions about where, when, and how I learned English.

At the time, I didn’t realize that watching these young women with their Christmas hauls, sparkly eyeshadow, and clattering collections of nail polish would help me become confident enough to moderate a conversation on stage with multiple native English speakers. All I knew was that they captivated me—Ingrid Nilsen (then known as Missglamorazzi) and her beauty hauls, Blair Fowler (juicystar07) and her room tours, her sister Elle (AllThatGlitters21)’s everyday makeup tutorials.

I didn’t even buy that many products—though I’m not sure I would have tried (and loved) Clinique’s three-step system if not for Blair’s video on the topic. I did splurge on the Naked eyeshadow palette and still use it to this day—yes, the same one I bought back in the 2010s, and which has endured long enough for that specific model to be discontinued, then relaunched. The eyeshadow in it has technically expired, but I’m French, and we don’t believe in expiration dates. If you’ve seen me at a book event, just know I was wearing eyeshadow dating back to Barack Obama’s presidency—the first one.

Beware the things—and the people—you don’t take seriously. Back in the 2010s, if you were not living in an English-speaking country, and if you weren’t friends with or related to a native speaker, then YouTube videos were pretty much your only source of spontaneous, contemporary, “normal” English speech, not written or edited for a given purpose.

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I love movies, and god knows I love television, but—much to my chagrin—no one actually speaks like that. People aren’t that funny, or that fast, or that quippy, or that emotional, and they don’t wield metaphors that adroitly, either. The same goes for books. As an author, I’ve found that the key to making dialogue sound natural is to omit all the tiny garnishes of everyday language—the hellos and how are yous and the likes and the ums.

A language isn’t just vocabulary and grammar. It’s turns of phrases. It’s common malapropisms. It’s facial expressions and gestures and it’s what people do with their hands while they speak. It’s exclamations of joy, surprise, and pain. All those things lived on YouTube. I gobbled them up at the same time as I gobbled up those videos.

Unbeknownst to me, the YouTube videos also served as a training ground for a part of my life I had no idea was coming: just a few years later, I moved to New York City for what was supposed to be a year but has turned into more than ten. I went through a couple of green cards and became a US citizen three years ago. I’ve worked as a journalist in English for a decade, and I’ve become a bestselling author of novels written in my second language.

And to think it all began—in earnest—with tutorials on how to achieve the perfect smokey eye and bold red lip. I would say it again: beware of the things you don’t take seriously, but who am I kidding? This was always pretty serious business to me.

Cleménce Michallon is the author of The Quiet Tenant, an international bestseller. Her second thriller, Our Last Resort, is out now.

July 30, 2025

Our Favorite Korean Moisturizers Are Like Tall Glasses of Water for Our Skin

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

The best Korean moisturizers are the crème de la crème of Korean skin care, thanks to their advanced, effective, and surprisingly gentle formulas. Unlike many Western creams, K-beauty moisturizers often feature unique ingredients that set them apart—think rice water to tone, mugwort to calm inflammation, Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) to soothe, PDRN (a regenerative compound derived from salmon DNA), and hydrating yuzu. The result? Creams that deliver serious hydration without ever feeling heavy, leaving glass skin glassy and dewy skin dewy. Even better: Most of these top-tier picks come in under $40. That budget-friendly price point allows for more consistent use, which can make a world of difference in your skin, whether you're dealing with breakouts or dryness.

Our Top Korean Moisturizers

Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream, $32
Best for Dry Skin: Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream, $16
Best for Dull Skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream, $22
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream, $52
Best for Oily Skin: Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream, $23
Best Cooling: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb, $38

To make finding your perfect match easy, we chatted with editors and experts to round up our favorite Korean moisturizers for your slathering pleasure all year round.

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36 Halloween Nail Art Ideas That Are Equal Parts Eerie and Cute

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Source Images: Courtesy of @thuybnguyen, @nailartbyjen, and @nailslpc.xo

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Halloween costumes come with various levels of commitment: We've got the planners who know a whole 11 months before the day what their theme is, the creative crafters who get to work two months ahead of time, and the 10-minutes-before-leaving-the-house crew. Did you know there's yet another group that's filled with Halloween spirit? They are your nail-obsessed friends. You might think a costume takes more planning than Halloween nails, but once you see this collection of intricate and beautiful designs, you'll realize they are total works of art in their own right.

Countless nail artists are just as enthusiastic as you are about the eerie magic of October 31, with some already serving spiderweb French tips, sleek orange-and-black designs, and candy corn stripes on their grids. These fun manicure ideas can stand on their own if you're not dressing up or serve as an awesome enhancement to a festive Halloween costume and/or makeup look. Here are the coolest ways to wear your excitement for Halloween 2025 on your fingertips.

Cute chrome mummies

chrome mummy nail art for halloween by nailartbyjen Courtesy of @nailartbyjen

This adorable manicure by California-based nail art content creator Jeanette Flores is simultaneously subtle and fully committed to the bit. From a distance it might seem like a regular white-chrome manicure with a little texture, but up close, you can tell there's a mummy peeking at you from every nail. We love how Flores used Daily Charme Chrome Effect Gel to create the look of three-dimensional bandages.

Negative-space spookiness

bat nail art for halloween by witchofbunnywoods Courtesy of @witchofbunnywoods

Take the edgy simplicity of a black French manicure and turn up the Halloween spirit with this negative-space concept by UK nail art creator Alana Lawson. The black tips fully border the almond shape, leaving an open area for little illustrations, like a Jack-o'-lantern, bats, and spiderwebs, also painted in black for a sleek presentation.

We all scream for ice cream

halloween nail art by jbepolished Courtesy of @jbepolished

Can’t let go of summer? Try this “summerween” manicure. You can feel the SoCal vibes in California nail artist Jazmine's spine-tingling yet mouth-watering manicure, which features Halloween-inspired ice cream treats in vibrant colors atop a multicolor chrome base. The idea requires a pretty ample canvas, so it's no surprise she opted for Apres Nails Gel-X Long Stiletto tips.

Iridescent ghosts

Pink iridescent nails with cute ghosts and lettering. Courtesy of @nailnymphs

Who knew ghosts could be so adorable? Bust out a chrome powder (like Daily Charme’s Magic White Chrome Powder, which has a true silvery shift) and pink gel polish (like CND’s long-lasting Shellac Strawberry Smoothie) to re-create this set by Gabi De la Cruz. The creepy-but-cute ghosts wearing witch hats might take some artistry, but they’re totally drawable using a fine-tip nail art brush.

Spooky soulmates

Pink nails with ghost skeleton and spider nail art. Courtesy of @caval.studio

For lovers of both Halloween and Valentine’s Day, we have this hauntingly romantic manicure by Charlotte Bradwell of Caval Studio in Sheffield, UK. Bradwell swept on a sheer pink base (Essie Nail Lacquer in Vanity Fairest is perfect for this) before meticulously painting tiny, lovestruck creatures above it.

Cosmic creamsicle

Orange cream and black Halloween nail art. Courtesy of @nail.brat

Sure, this manicure uses cream-colored polish, but it doesn’t make the look any less eerie. Its snakes, evil eyes, and crescent moons make for a sinister set that skips the dark hues. For a similar cream-and-orange combo, try OPI Nail Lacquer in My Vampire Is Buff and China Glaze Nail Lacquer in Orange Knockout.

Muted mischief

Coffee colored nails Halloween design Courtesy of @baileebailsnails

When Halloween and minimalism intersect, the result is this look by Bailee Tabag. Its matte topcoat and autumnal colors give the Jack-o’-lanterns, spiderwebs, and ghosts style and finesse. For a spooky mani with a similar finish, reach for Nailtopia Go Matte Top Coat.

Velvet slime

Green chrome nails Courtesy of @mabelandrowe

If hand-painted icons or nail decals aren’t your thing but you still want a special set for the holiday, this velvet green look is for you. Ask your nail artist for a cat-eye manicure, which involves moving the iron particles in a special nail polish with a magnet to create the illusion of texture.

Eerie oozing

Colorchanging paint drips nail art Courtesy of @amyle.nails

The first step to creating this mesmerizing gel mani by Los Angeles-based manicurist Amy Le is carefully forming the drip effect using black nail polish, a dotting tool, and a nail art brush. Next, smear chrome powder over the top of each nail to create this oil-slick effect. Finally, add some small, cute spiders to give it a Halloween-esque finish and seal the look with a high-shine topcoat.

A little bit bloody

Chic blood drips nail art Courtsy of @lolo.nailedit

California-based content creator Lauren proved that blood drips can make a heck of a stylish manicure. She combined a milky base (like Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Sheer Happiness) with an accent nail featuring delicately placed blood drips (we love a deep, dark red like Zoya Professional Lacquer in Courtney for this step). It’s a Halloween-themed manicure without going over the top, if that isn’t your vibe.

Tiny skeleton bones

Tiny skeletons nail art Courtesy of @kuypernailart

You don’t need to dress as a skeleton to get into the Halloween spirit. Designs that look as good as this one by content creator Kristin Kuyper allow you to wear the theme on your nails instead.

This look requires some patience and a steady hand. To re-create it, start with a jet-black all-over nail color. Then, carefully paint the bones in a white polish. (For a stark contrast, KBShimmer Nail Polish in White Here White Now over Jinsoon Nail Lacquer in Absolute Black.) If you aren’t a keen nail artist, take this inspiration to the salon with you.

Not-so-frightening French tips

Spooky chic french manicure nail art Courtesy of @overglowedit

We honestly didn’t know a themed Halloween manicure could get as chic as this one created by content creator Melanie. This is a look to try at home with nail stickers. For this design, Melanie used Deco Beauty nail art stickers and carefully placed them over the top of her black-and-white French tips.

Slime and stripes

Slime and stripes nail art Courtesy of @nails_by_syd

If you want to partake in the spooky season festivities without it being completely obvious, take this design as inspiration. The matte black hues, monochrome stripes, and lime green slime scream Halloween (but only to those who are looking close enough). For a green that looks as chic as it does slimy, reach for Habit Nail Polish in Let’s Call It a Chartreuse.

Witchy negative-space tips

Negative space french tip nail art Courtesy of @thuybnguyen

These negative-space tips with a starry night pattern—created by LA-based manicurist Thuy Nguyen—are the witch glam we didn’t know we needed. For this look, head to the salon and ask for a reverse French manicure with clear, free-edge tips, a true black base, and some delicate black stars to embellish the set.

Pumpkin French tips

Pumpkin french tip nail art Courtsy of @chicaartistanails

Bet you never thought you could love pumpkins on a set of nails so much. To try this design at home, start with a neutral-toned base and then choose five other autumnal hues that will form your pumpkin, like the gorgeous shades in Olive & June’s Fall Set.

Begin creating a rounded tip (where your classic French tip would go) with those shades, making sure to create a small indent to form that pumpkin shape. Then, using a detailing brush, go in with a black polish and outline those pumpkins, adding personality with stalks.

Matte black bats

Matte black bat nail art Courtesy of @nails_by_syd

Playing around with matte and shiny topcoats on a black nail polish shade is a supercool way to spook-ify a traditional Halloween symbol. Take this set by Minnesota-based nail artist Sydney, who painted high-shine spooky bat designs atop a matte black base.

Ghosts in the dark

Matte black and white ghosts Courtesy of @nailslpc.xo

Possibly the cutest ghosts we’ve ever seen belong to this set of nails. Playing with contrasting shades and finishes gives even the simplest designs an extra-special something.

Jelly spiderweb

Jelly spiderweb nail art Courtesy of @pinkaliennailz

Jazz up a spiderweb design by painting on a purple jelly nail base, like nail artist Gabbi did for this set. If you’ve got a steady hand and a jelly nail polish (like the Cirque Colors Ube Jelly), this is one look you might want to try re-creating at home.

Itsy-bitsy spiders

Itsy bitsy spiders nail art Courtesy of @nailslpc.xo

Have you ever seen a French manicure made of cobwebs? Neither have we. But you can ask your nail tech to swap out the regular French tip for a spiderweb design before adding teeny spiders, then finish the look with a matte topcoat.

Chrome green wet look

Green chrome nail art Courtesy of @califreenails

This chrome green set created by LA-based Michelle Won is both simple and bold, and proves that not all epic Halloween manicures need to be intricate to be incredible. Sometimes you just need a long canvas to work on, an epic chrome power, and some super-realistic water droplets.

Shimmery Halloween scene

Cat eye halloween nail art Courtesy of @heygreatnails

Level up any Halloween manicure with a shimmering cat-eye base like the one in this design by content creator Aistė Plechaviciute. We cannot get enough of this velvet look with orange accents to create a night-sky scene with tiny bats and stars for a magical Halloween look.

Spotty sorcery

Pointy orange ombre nails with black potion and snake graphics and white dots Courtesy of @spellboundxnails

Orange-and-black manicures are quintessential for Halloween, but you can add so much more personality to the colors with graphics like those in this look by UK-based nail artist Aimee White. The flawless orange ombré is topped with witchy illustrations in matte black and white, including a snake, a moon, and potions. Little dots and stars keep it looking more cute than creepy.

Petrified pastels

Pastel multicolored manicure with knife and ghost face graphics Courtesy of @ceirrasnails

From a distance, this pastel masterpiece by Orlando-area nail artist Ceirra Carlini-Smith looks like a sweet, springtime, tie-dye-inspired manicure. Look a little closer, however, and you realize the graphics are straight out of the movie Scream—but with a bit of a flower-child twist. We love this as a a super cute way to wear your enthusiasm for Halloween without in-your-face obviousness.

Black-and-white bats

Sheer pink nails with black and white cloud and bat graphics Courtesy of @nailss.by.gracie

At first glance, this manicure by Welsh nail artist Grace Andrew looks like bubbly, abstract shapes on a sheer pink base. Upon closer inspection, though, you'll find that it features a spooky scene: a bat flying against the clouds on a starry night.

Neon necromancy

Purple to black ombre nails with neon green witchcraft graphics Courtesy of @clutchcityclaws

The use of a metallic purple to black ombré on this super long, pointy manicure evokes the gothic mood of Halloween, but Houston nail artist Christie Schobel takes the look to another level with neon green graphics. Fluorescent moons, spiderwebs, snakes, smile drips, and more pop out with incredible contrast against the moody base color.

Bony beauties

Long sheer red nails with white bone graphics Courtesy of @ghost.nails

Anatomically speaking, these nails by Minnesota nail artist Zoe are…not correct. Nonetheless, they are creepy and perfect for Halloween. Zoe painted opaque, white bone over sheer, jelly-like, blood red nails, the length of which is not for the timid.

Ghoulish galaxy

LAvender nails with black witchy graphics Courtesy of @sassynailsss

This mystical manicure by California nail artist Sabrina Fagundes is a whimsically witchy way to celebrate Halloween. And it proves that any color you're in the mood for—like this dusty periwinkle—can work for a spooky manicure when you enhance it with details like eyes, snakes, and a starry sky.

Cherry skulls

Halloween nail art ideas for cherry skulls Courtesy of @thecosmostudio

Chances are you've seen plenty of iterations of this French-tipped manicure featuring tiny cherry details. An artist at Cosmo Studio in Los Angeles brings an original Halloween twist to this deep French look by replacing the cherries with itty-bitty black skulls.

Glow-in-the-dark ghost nails

glow in the dark halloween ghost nail art idea for 2020 Courtesy of @rawrrgina

This glow-in-the-dark ghost look is cuter than it is scary. You can use Mooncat's Green Eyed Monster to get this look—or find some fun, glowing ghost stickers for a similar feel. Simply place the stickers on top of whatever black polish you have in your collection, and you'll be good to go.

Haunted hands

Halloween nail art ideas for 2020 green zombie hands Courtesy of @nailsandstuff_here

There are few moments in horror movies more chilling than when the hands of the undead start emerging from the ground. Nail artist Amy captured the spooky scene in nail art using a stamping plate, multiple green nail polish shades (we like Lights Lacquer Swamp Girl and Tranquila y Tropical for a fun clash), and one black polish.

Blood drips

Halloween nail art ideas for 2020 red blood drips on a white background Courtesy of @asideofnails

Dripping nail art is always a cool look, but it takes a creepier, Halloween-ready tone when that look is emerging from your cuticles. (Eek!) This take by nail artist Brittany Nefcy captures the holiday’s scary spirit with bloody accents on a white base.

Glam glitter and ghosts

Halloween nail art ideas for 2020 orange glitter with bats and ghosts Courtesy of @nailbruja

Miami-based nail technician Laysa found another genius way to incorporate the ghost motif into a manicure. These nails were made with hand-sculpted acrylic, which she infused with a chunky orange glitter base. If you look closely, you'll see a few teeny ghost- and bat-shaped glitter pieces in there too.

Shimmery spiderweb

Halloween 2020 nail art ideas spiderwebs on purple french tips Courtesy of Instagram/@nailsbyyeya

Combine the classic cuteness of a French manicure with a Halloween motif like spiderwebs for something that's equally eerie and elegant. California-based nail artist Mireya amps up the creep factor with color-shifting purple and gunmetal gray base shades.

Orange-and-black spiders

halloween nail art idea for 2020 featuring orange nails with black spiderwebs Courtesy of Madeline Poole

This Halloween-themed creation by Madeline Poole couldn't be easier to do. Poole used a gorgeous bright orange polish for the base. (We love Londontown Lakur Enhanced Colour in Camden Chic for this.) She then used a dotting tool to create the spiders. "Paint a random assortment of dots with a smaller dot and a slightly larger dot connected, which will be the body of your spider," Poole says. See? It couldn't be simpler.

Itty-bitty eyeballs

Eyeball manicure for halloween nail art ideas for 2020 Courtesy of Betina Goldstein

Eyes as part of someone's face? Pretty. Eyeballs anywhere else? Pretty creepy. Betina Goldstein used Essie nail polishes to paint bloodshot blue eyes at the base of nearly nude nails: Blushing Bride for the base, Blanc for the eyeballs, Strut Your Stuff for the irises, Licorice for the pupils, and Geranium for the veins.

Orange-and-black marble

Orange and black marble nails by Ira P. for halloween nail art ideas for 2020 Courtesy of @chocolatewitch_

A marble effect isn't limited to shades of white and gray. Use a black and orange pair of polishes like Finnish nail artist Ira P. did to create a sophisticated yet spirited manicure featuring traditional Halloween colors.

June 30, 2025

Periorbital Veins Are The Sign of Eye Aging I Didn’t See Coming

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I’m so vain… that this whole story is about me. My veins, that is. For the past several years I’ve been increasingly bothered by the very-visible veins near my eyelids: two large, dark, webs that sit above my lids—right near my brow bones—on both sides. Once I hit my mid-30s and the skin around my eyes grew thinner, it got to a point where I felt I needed heavy concealer to hide them.

I had decided to live with them—and resign myself to a lifetime of using concealer—until it occurred to me, a beauty writer, that surely there was a way to treat these highly-visible veins with one of the array of lasers, peels, or products currently on the market. The good news is that I was right: they’re treatable. The bad news: sometimes they can return after treatment. In any case, I also learned there’s a name for them: periorbital veins.

Whether yours are visible or not (perhaps one day they might be, younger readers), is strictly a cosmetic issue. Since having mine zapped, I’ve felt a sense of renewed confidence: My eyes appear lifted and more awake.

Image may contain Baby Person Head Face Art Collage and Contact Lens Courtesy of subject

First of all, what exactly are periorbital veins?

Periorbital is the technical name for the area around the eye socket. Periorbital veins—or periorbital reticular veins as they’re medically referred to—are “are a network of superficial veins that surround the eyes,” explains Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. It’s completely normal—in fact, healthy—to have these veins; it’s their job to “bring deoxygenated blood away from the cells and then back, ultimately, to the heart,” says Daniel Belkin, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist.

Though we have reticular veins all over our bodies—you’ve probably seen them on your legs before—they’re more noticeable on the face, especially around the eyes, because the skin in that area is so delicate and thin. “While they’re anatomically small to moderate, reticular veins can appear prominent and cosmetically concerning in individuals with thin skin or minimal subcutaneous fat in the periorbital region,” says Dr. Rambhia. “As we age, we lose subcutaneous fat [in that area], which normally provides cushioning that helps to camouflage these vessels.”

Dr. Belkin explains that it’s possible to have visible periorbital veins on your upper eye area, as I do, but “most people have them on the lower lateral orbit, more on the under eye area, which is why a lot of people will find that they enhance the appearance of their dark circles.”

Whether or not yours appear—and where—can also depend on your skin tone (those with darker skin may not notice their periorbital veins becoming more prominent until much later in life, if at all) and unique underlying vascular anatomy. “In some cases, periorbital reticular veins may appear as subtle shadowing, while in others they present as distinct linear markings,” says Dr. Rambhia.

Another factor: chronic sun exposure, “which contributes by accelerating collagen breakdown and skin thinning, making periorbital veins appear more prominent,” says Dr. Rambhia. Hormones, untreated allergies (and in turn, frequent eye rubbing), smoking, drinking, and poor sleep can all play a role as well, she adds.

Though there are also certain medical conditions that can contribute to the visibility of periorbital veins—including thyroid disorders that impact circulation, and sleep disorders leading to fluid retention—it’s very rare that they indicate an underlying health concern, says Dr. Rambhia. But if prominent periorbital veins seem to appear overnight “accompanied by swelling, pain, or vision changes” you should seek medical attention immediately, she says.

Periorbital veins aren’t the only aesthetically pesky vessels on the face. “You can have what we call telangiectasias, which are little, tiny, visible red veins often around the nose or cheek,” says Dr. Belkin. “We also see what we call diffuse erythema, which is kind of like flushing that often happens in areas where people get rosacea, such as the middle cheek, nose, and sometimes between the brows and chin.”

You can also have reticular veins on the forehead. “That’s the one that people hate, the central vein on their forehead,” says Dr. Belkin. But unlike the aforementioned others, “that’s a functional vein that you need” and therefore it cannot be removed, he says. (Though strategic placement of neurotoxin can soften the muscle on the forehead and make the vein less visible.)

Can you make periorbital veins look less prominent?

As we’ve established, veins are vitally important to the health and function of our bodies. But we don’t need all of them to keep our blood flowing: When one vein closes, the blood reroutes to another one nearby, says Dr. Belkin.

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The most common and safest option for treatment is a laser, he says, specifically a long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser. This type of laser uses a 1064 nanometer wavelength light that penetrates deeper into the skin to target blood vessels while minimizing damage to any surrounding tissues. A laser at this wavelength, Dr. Belkin says, can target hemoglobin, a protein that gives blood its red color. “The longer the wavelength, the deeper into the skin it goes,” he says. “And because veins are under the dermis and in the fat layer, [that’s what you want in this case].” The laser heats up the blood in the vein until it bursts and is eventually absorbed by the body, says Dr. Rambhia.

Depending upon individual anatomy, you may need two to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart to minimize or completely erase the appearance of your veins. (The average cost is about $1,500 per session, which will vary based on geographic location and provider.) “Patients may experience mild swelling and temporary darkening of treated vessels before they fade,” says Dr. Rambhia.

Despite the safety of the laser treatment, not all reticular veins on the face are created equal—and some, like temple and forehead veins, may retaliate if you attempt to remove them. That’s because when you remove a vein, your body makes new ones, explains Dr. Belkin. “During my fellowship training, we did not touch reticular veins in the temples; my mentor noticed that when he was treating temple veins, people would get veins popping up elsewhere, like their cheeks,” says Dr. Belkin. “At the end of the day you do need some veins and when you get rid of some, you may get others. Which is why I don’t like to treat temple veins. However, the reticular veins around the eye are suitable to treat because they’re small, and you just don’t need them as much.”

Another, less commonly-used (for good reason) option is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting sclerosin, a chemical solution, into the vein, which in turn causes it to close off and collapse. “That’s what we inject to treat spider and varicose veins in the legs, but the problem with using it on the face is that the veins in the face connect with the veins in the brain,” says Dr. Belkin. “So if you were to propagate a clot from doing sclerotherapy, you could cause a clot to enter the sinus of the brain, which would be a huge problem.”

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The most invasive means of getting rid of periorbital veins is surgery. Surgical removal of veins is called microphlebectomy and requires removing the vein through a tiny incision to “ligate the vein or tie it off,” says Dr. Belkin. It carries a high risk of scarring, infection, and potential damage to surrounding structures of the delicate eye area, says Dr. Rambhia.

Another option: dermal fillers, which may be used to address hollowing and thicken the skin, therefore minimizing the visibility of veins. Topical treatments like retinol may also be recommended to help build collagen and improve skin thickness over time as part of a multi-pronged treatment approach.

Tracy Evans, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, uses hyaluronic acid-based filler “to add a layer of thickness to the thin tissue underneath the eyes to camouflage the veins.” She also injects platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), derived from patients’ own blood, to help support tissue rejuvenation—which in turn adds more softness underneath the eyes so that veins cannot be seen.

My experience with periorbital vein removal

After months of daily poking, prodding, and lifting my brows in the mirror, I was ready to have the prominent purple veins on my brow bone treated, opting for laser removal with Dr. Belkin, who performed the treatment gratis for me as a member of the media. While I had been dreaming about the results, I was still nervous about a powerful laser being that close to my eyes, and having to wear metal ocular eyeshields on my eyeballs. But I knew I was in good hands with Dr. Belkin. He explained how important it was for me to wear these shields because of the wavelength of the laser and the depths it can travel.

Dr. Belkin numbed my eyeballs using tetracaine eye drops, which would allow him to place the metal ocular shields (coated with lubricant) into my eyes. Before he began, I wiped my eyes with a cotton pad soaked in micellar water to make sure the area was completely clear of makeup and mascara to prevent anything from scratching my eye. Afterwards, he placed the numbing drops in both my eyes, which worked almost immediately. Having your eyes numbed is a very weird, almost inexplicable feeling. I didn’t fully grasp the sensation or lack thereof until he placed the metal ocular shields over my eyes—it was only then that I realized that I didn’t feel a thing.

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Then, Dr. Belkin turned to the Excel V laser. Starting with my right eye, Dr. Belkin applied a gel and used an attachment on the laser that helps to cool the skin; this was used to both protect my skin and help the laser to glide more easily. As he began to fire the laser, it felt like a heated rubber band snapping against my brow bone. I’m not going to sugar coat this, it was painful—I needed to take a breather once or twice. Because he was using a near infrared laser, which is heat-based, he could only do one pass at time. “You can only do it once, so if the setting is not quite right, you have to wait until the next time because if you double pulse it or hit it twice, you risk heating the skin too much and causing an ulceration,” he told me.

What is weirdly cool about the treatment is that as you fire the laser, it heats up the blood and the doctor can actually see the vein being destroyed. “You can see the vein fry. You can see it coagulate under the skin and turn gray,” he said. He finished the pass with the laser and repeated the same thing on my left side. Despite the discomfort, the treatment itself was very quick, taking less than five minutes.

Once he removed the ocular shields, I had to rinse my eyes because they were blurry from the lubricant. My eyes went back to normal after about two hours and my upper eyelids were only slightly red and swollen after the laser. I could immediately see a difference in the appearance of the veins: They looked smaller and much less pronounced. I was already happy, but told me we’d know if the treatment was successful after four weeks—and if not, we’d do it again.

My periorbital vein removal results

I ultimately went through the treatment twice, spaced about four weeks apart. Though the first treatment was successful for the large vein on my right brow bone, the one on the left stood its ground and was not giving up so easily. It was a little bit smaller than before but must have reestablished a little bit of a flow, as Dr. Belkin described it.

Today, my periorbital veins are still not completely gone—but the difference is significant. My eyes look more refreshed, even-toned, and brighter. Dr. Belkin cautioned that the treated veins could come back to some extent or my body could be agreeable and they would be gone for good. “Treated veins themselves typically do not return once successfully closed by laser therapy. However, new veins can develop in the same area over time due to the body's natural ability to form collateral circulation and new blood vessels,” says Dr. Rambhia.

And while I’m not eager to put on those ocular shields again any time soon, “many patients benefit from periodic maintenance treatments to address new vessel formation before it becomes cosmetically bothersome,” says Dr. Rambhia. For now, I’m going to enjoy the results I did get—and keep my concealer nearby, just in case.

June 14, 2025

Uoma Beauty Founder Sharon Chuter Has Died at 38

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Sharon Chuter, the founder and former CEO of Uoma Beauty, has died at the age of 38. According to a report from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Chuter passed away on August 14. The cause of death is still under investigation. In her newsletter Ahead of the Kirb, Kirbie Johnson reported that a source with knowledge of the situation said that a former Uoma executive had first shared the news with former colleagues last week.

Chuter was the founder of makeup brand Uoma Beauty and its sister brand Uoma Beauty By Sharon C, which launched in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Uoma was celebrated for its inclusive shade ranges and its mission to champion underrepresented voices, especially the voices of Black women, in the beauty industry.

Chuter often referred to Uoma as a brand that sought to champion inclusivity through its products and social messaging. "I'm here to start a movement [and] to encourage people and make them know that they have a voice," Chuter told Allure in 2020. This was seen through products like the Best of Beauty-winning Say What!? Foundation, which launched with 51 shades. It was heralded at the time for being one of the few foundations that rivaled Fenty Beauty’s then-groundbreaking 40 shades. (Uoma also won a Best of Beauty Award for its Black Magic lipsticks.)

Uoma’s mission was also reflected in projects such as Pull Up For Change, an online initiative Chuter started in 2020 that challenged big companies, especially those in the beauty industry, to be transparent about the racial makeup of their employee bases and leadership teams.

In May 2023, Chuter announced via an Instagram post that she had stepped down from her role as Uoma’s CEO and resigned from its board of directors. A couple of months after her departure, the brand ceased operations and went silent on social media until it was later acquired by The MacArthur Companies, an offshoot of a venture capital brand, in December 2023. Uoma relaunched under its new ownership in December of 2024; the following February, Chuter filed a lawsuit against MacArthur and other involved parties for alleged fraudulent transfer of assets, among other allegations. The lawsuit was ongoing at the time of her death.

Even after Chuter left the brand, Uoma still bears her legacy. The founder’s Nigerian heritage was central to the brand’s identity—the name “Uoma” itself translates to "beautiful" in Igbo. Last December, the brand’s current owners told us that they plan to carry on Chuter’s intentions: “Our mission is to create a space by our community, for our community, where everyone feels valued and represented,” Uoma’s then-CEO Tony Bash said at the time.

Leaders and creatives across the beauty industry are sharing their condolences and sentiments on social media following the announcement of Chuter’s death. “Rest Well. Thank you for your courage and strength,” Melissa Butler, CEO and founder of The Lip Bar, wrote in the comment section of one Chuter’s last Instagram posts. Makeup artist and brand founder Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks wrote under the same post, “Thank you for your championship fight for diversity, equity, and to be valued as Black brand founders. Sad your light ended so soon.” Cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson also reflected on the luminosity that Chuter brought to her work: “You were such a bright light that broke so many barriers.”

Several remembrances of Chuter described her as a “force”—strong in her convictions and clear in her vision for a more inclusive beauty industry. It’s a vision that will hopefully live on.

May 26, 2025

11 Best Volumizing Shampoos for Bouncy Hair That’s Full of Life

Image contains Allure editors and a collage of volumizing shampoos Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Finding the best volumizing shampoo can feel like a Goldilocks mission: too heavy, and you end up with flat, weighed-down hair. Too clarifying? You’ve got a dry scalp to deal with (cue the scalp treatment). Volumizing shampoos, however, can hit that sweet spot, delivering bounce, body, and nourishment without adding time to wash day.

At first glance, volumizing shampoos sound straightforward: “Volumizing shampoos offer the temporary effect of boosting lift and creating more volume,” says Jennifer Nast, a senior stylist at Sharon Dorram at Sally Hershberger Salon in New York City. But there’s actually a whole science behind giving your roots that perfect lift.

It’s not just about making hair look fuller—it’s about striking the right balance in the formula: They need to be lightweight enough to add volume, but also moisturizing enough to keep hair shiny; they should clarify your scalp of buildup, but also leave enough natural oils to maintain a healthy balance. On top of that, they have to avoid a whole host of ingredients like “sulfates and alcohol that can cause dryness and buildup, which make fine hair feel greasy,” according to Fabrice Gili, stylist and founder of Maison 77 in New York City.

Our Top Volumizing Shampoos

Best Overall: Crown Affair The Volumizing Shampoo, $38
Best Splurge: Oribe Shampoo for Magnificent Volume, $49
Best for Color-Treated Hair: Living Proof Full Shampoo, $34
Best for Textured Hair: Chéribé Hydrating Shampoo, $11
Best for Thinning Hair: Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo, $46
Best Long-Lasting: Matrix High Amplify Volumizing Shampoo, $21
Best for Oily Hair: R+Co Ingenious Thickening Shampoo, $49
Best for Beachy Waves: Sachajuan Ocean Mist Volume Shampoo, $33
Best for Frizz: Virtue Full Shampoo, $44
Best for Curls: Davines Volu Shampoo, $37
Best Scent: Ouai Fine Hair Shampoo, $32

That said, some volumizing formulas do include sulfates—because they’re excellent cleansers and can give that squeaky-clean lift at the roots. For those with very oily scalps or heavy product buildup, sulfates can help remove residue more effectively and prevent hair from falling flat. The trade-off is that they can be too harsh for dry or color-treated hair, which is why finding the right formula for your hair type is key. That makes it hard, but fortunately not impossible. Scroll ahead for our favorites.

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9 Best Face Masks for Mature Skin That Derms Swear By

Image contains a collage of face masks for mature skin

Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

When fine lines, sun spots, and sagging begin to set in, the best face masks for mature skin can provide the plumping moisture your skin might have lost over time. Sure, there are so many serums, creams, and at-home treatments developed for aging skin, but masks have a major advantage in that their ultra-concentrated formulations have been specifically crafted to address signs of aging at a much more intensive rate than the rest of the products in your routine.

“Generally speaking, masks are used intermittently to help give your skin a boost when it needs it," David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, previously told Allure. So, if you find your skin needs a nourishing, sag-reducing pick-me-up, you’ve come to the right place. We asked board-certified dermatologists for their favorite line-defying face masks—check out their picks, below.

Our Top Face Masks for Mature Skin

Best Overall: Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask, $215
Best Eye Mask: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Mask, $50 (6-Pack)
Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque, $70
Best for Dry Skin: Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare Mineral Mask, $45
Best Plumping: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask, $84
Best Firming: Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, $96
Best Brightening: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask, $56
Best Sheet Mask: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask, $200 (6-Pack)
Best Overnight Mask: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask, $45

Best Overall: Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask tube component with white cap on light gray background

Sisley-Paris

Black Rose Cream Mask

$210

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Stop and smell the roses—and let them nourish your skin, too. Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask delivers an instant boost of hydration and radiance. “This mask combines black rose extract, vitamin E, and shea butter to deeply hydrate, smooth fine lines, and restore volume to mature skin,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut. Its dense texture sits for 10 to 15 minutes, creating a barrier that helps the ingredients absorb more effectively. “It’s incredibly calming and an excellent choice for complexions that are parched or irritated. I even use it on early morning flights to the West Coast to counteract the skin-parching airplane air, so I can step off the plane and head straight into meetings looking refreshed,” she says.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Sisley Paris’s Black Rose Cream Mask

Christa Joanna Lee Christa Joanna Lee after using Sisley Paris's Black Rose Cream Mask

Lee after using Sisley Paris’s Black Rose Cream Mask

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee, 38

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"I have sensitive skin, and this mask felt incredibly gentle and soothing from the moment I applied it. I love a good sheet mask, but sometimes I don’t want to scare my kids! This one goes on like a soft cream, with a subtle rose scent that’s calming instead of overpowering. You leave it on for 15 minutes, then sweep away whatever hasn’t sunk in with a cotton pad, though most of it melts right in. Honestly, my skin could handle this every single day, especially in the drier months, for an instant comfort boost for my skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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Key ingredients: black rose, shea butter, squalane, grape extract, jojoba seed oil
Who it's for: anyone with dry skin, fine lines, or wrinkles
Fragrance-free: yes (no added synthetic fragrance; scented with natural rose oils)

Best Eye Mask: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks

Image may contain: Napkin, and Bag

SkinMedica

Instant Bright Eye Mask (Pack of 6)

$50 $38 (24% off)

Amazon

$50

Dermstore

$50

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks deliver hydration, brightness, and a cooling refresh to the undereye area in just 15 minutes. “This can be used alone or in combination with the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream or your own eye cream. I like eye masks to help improve penetration of active ingredients,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. In addition to making your eye creams work more effectively, the formula includes antioxidant-rich golden root extract to defend against free radical damage, baker’s yeast to help brighten and even tone, and golden herb extract to soothe and calm delicate skin. “As skin ages, the most common changes around the eyes are fine lines, wrinkles, undereye bags, dark circles, and dry or crepey skin. This undereye mask can help hydrate and plump dry skin, while the cooling effect of the hydrogel can also help reduce puffiness,” she says.

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying SkinMedica’s Instant Bright Eye Masks

Deanna Pai Deanna Pai after using SkinMedica's Instant Bright Eye Masks

Pai after using SkinMedica’s Instant Bright Eye Masks

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai, 36

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"I usually find undereye masks to be slimy and generally annoying—and without enough payoff to balance out the drawbacks. Enter these, which actually feel luxurious—with a comfortable grip and smooth outer side, which makes them much easier to apply—and brightened my eyes in under 10 minutes. My entire eye looked more refreshed, which is why they've become my go-to before things like weddings and the rare night out." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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Key ingredients: golden root extract, baker’s yeast, golden herb extract
Who it's for: people with undereye puffiness
Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Image may contain: Bottle, Tape, Face, Head, Person, Cosmetics, and Aftershave

SkinCeuticals

Phyto Corrective Mask

$70

SkinCeuticals

$70

Dermstore

$70

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: When mature skin is feeling overworked, whether from a cosmetic treatment, environmental stress, or just daily lifestyle habits, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is a great reset. “It is very soothing, so I find it beneficial for sensitive, post-procedure skin, but also in general to rehydrate and soothe red or irritated skin. I also love that it is fragrance-free because many masks have fragrance and can be overpowering for people who are sensitive to fragrance,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. The bouncy gel formula blends thyme, cucumber, and olive leaf extracts with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and bring comfort to skin.

Visuals director Kathryne Hall after applying SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Image may contain Adult Person Face Head Photography Portrait Accessories Jewelry Ring Body Part Finger and Hand

Hall after applying SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Tester feedback from visuals director Kathryne Hall, 49

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“While I need more time to see if really reduces my redness, I really like this mask. I was expecting something that hardens but it feels like a lightweight moisturizer. I had to remind myself to rinse it off because I forgot I had it on. My skin feels great so far.” —Kathryne Hall, visuals director

More to know

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Key ingredients: cucumber, thyme, olive extract, hyaluronic acid
Who it's for: anyone with sensitive or reactive skin
Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare Mineral Mask

facial mask in branded light blue tube with black cap on light gray background with red and white 2024 allure best of beauty seal

Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare

Mineral Mask

$45

Amazon

$45

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: If your skin feels especially dry and flaky, try slathering on Blue Lagoon’s Skincare Mineral Mask, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Its blend of jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera, and thermal water sourced from Iceland delivers an intense surge of hydration while soothing sensitive skin, leaving you with your bounciest, softest complexion yet.

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly, 48

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"I keep this blue tube next to my bed and when my skin is feeling parched, I never forget to make it the last step to my evening skin-care routine. Testament to its hydrating powers: Last year I put it on at the beginning of a 20-hour flight to Singapore and I swear my skin was glowier when I landed than it was at takeoff." —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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Key ingredients: thermal water, jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera
Who it's for: anyone with dry skin
Fragrance-free: no

Best Plumping: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask in branded tub component on a light gray background

PCA Skin

Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

$84 $67 (20% off)

Amazon

$84

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: The game-changer in this face mask is its hyaluronic acid base, which hydrates the surface layer of skin rather than coating it with a veil of goopy moisture. “PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask contains moisturizing and soothing ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol—to hydrate and rejuvenate skin overnight,” explains Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who says applying it as the last step in your nighttime routine will lead to waking up with plumper, glowing skin.

More to know

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Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
Who it's for: anyone with dry skin
Fragrance-free: no

Best Firming: Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

Fresh Black Tea Peptide Firming Overnight Mask in branded tub component on a light gray background

Fresh

Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

$96

Ulta Beauty

$96

Sephora

Why it's worth it: When your night cream just isn’t cutting it, Fresh’s Black Tea Peptide Firming Overnight Mask can be used every evening in its place. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, is a fan of its hyaluronic acid- and peptide-powered formula because these ingredients, along with antioxidant-rich black tea extract, can help tighten, firm, and hydrate all at once. “The black tea complex improves skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid heightens moisture,” he says.

More to know

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Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, black tea extract
Who it's for: anyone who wants a firming, moisturizing mask that feels as much like a treat as it does a treatment
Fragrance-free: no

Best Brightening: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask

EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask in branded tub component on a light gray background

EltaMD

Skin Recovery Night Mask

$56 $45 (20% off)

Amazon

$56

Dermstore

$56

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: Snooze your way to calmer, plumper skin with this plush overnight mask. “EltaMD's Skin Recovery Night Mask is a hydrating mask that can repair a damaged skin barrier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. The impressive tech behind the mask is due to the brand’s AAComplex and Chronobiology Technology, which work in sync with your skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle to replenish essential amino acids, strengthen the barrier, and reduce visible signs of irritation. A healthier skin barrier means better moisture retention, improved resilience against environmental stressors, and skin that wakes up softer, smoother, and glowing.

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Key ingredients: amino acids, vitamin E, aloe, turmeric
Who it's for: anyone with normal-to-dry or sensitive skin
Fragrance-free: yes

Best Sheet Mask: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask

La Mer

Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask (Pack of 6)

$200

Nordstrom

$195

Saks Fifth Avenue

Why it's worth it: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask takes the beloved classic Treatment Lotion formula and transforms it into an ultra-luxurious sheet mask experience. Each silky mask is drenched in the radiance-boosting essence, powered by La Mer’s iconic Miracle Broth (a nutrient-rich blend of sea kelp, minerals, and antioxidants), along with glycerin and algae extracts to deeply replenish moisture and soften the look of fine lines. “The sheet format creates a gentle occlusive barrier, helping these ingredients absorb more effectively, while delivering an immediate plumping and soothing effect,” says Dr. Mraz, who recommends it for people with mature or dry skin who need a quick radiance boost, especially after travel or a day spent in the sun.

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Key ingredients: Miracle Broth, algae extract, sesame seed oil, eucalyptus, urea
Who it's for: anyone with dry or dull skin
Fragrance-free: no

Best Overnight Mask: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask white jar without a lid on light gray background

Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Face Mask

$45

Amazon

$45

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Although Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask has “overnight” right in the name, Dr. Camp says this mask can also be used as a targeted 15-minute treatment. However you use this Allure Beauty of Beauty Award winner, expect your skin to feel smooth and supple after applying this squalane-powered mask. “A sugarcane-derived lipid, squalane helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier to improve hydration,” he says of the star ingredient.

More to know

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Key ingredients: squalane, glacial glycoprotein, salicylic acid
Who it's for: anyone with dry skin
Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a face mask?

Skin’s characteristics change over the years in both obvious and not-so-apparent ways, so even if you’ve maintained an elaborate, diligent skin-care routine, you’ll likely experience a decrease in elasticity (the quality and quantity of our collagen plummets) and an increase in discoloration.

More than anything else, mature skin typically looks and feels much drier than it did in younger years—hence the need for moisturizing intervention through a hydrating, skin-plumping mask. “As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable.” So while you might have collected oil-absorbing, acne-clearing masks in your twenties, your now-seasoned skin’s needs demand a shift in priorities. And by “priorities,” we mean ingredients.

Which ingredients should my face mask have?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, dry skin and fine lines can be immediately improved with humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin to “bring more water to the surface and help plump the skin.”, She also notes that adding ingredients like shea butter and colloidal oatmeal will also help with rejuvenation by deeply moisturizing and soothing dry skin.

In addition to moisturizing ingredients, those with mature skin should look for antioxidants when shopping for masks, says Dr. Camp. “Free radicals can damage cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins, which can contribute to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,” he tells Allure. Exfoliation and cell turnover are especially important in helping mature skin look and feel its best, so he also recommends masks with retinol and alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs).

Meet the experts

Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
Michele Farber, MD, a Philadelphia-based board-certified dermatologist
David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City
Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

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 face masks for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, 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 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.

March 20, 2025

6 Best Foot Scrubs to Buff Away Dead Skin

A collage of Osea Dr. Teal's and Beauty Pie foot scrubs on a deep pink background Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

Annoying as they are, calluses and dryness are an inevitable part of having feet, so we're extra grateful that the best foot scrubs exist. Usually sugar or salt-based (with the occasional plot twist of a walnut powder base), these exfoliating formulas physically buff away rough spots on the feet, offering much-needed relief, all while nourishing and conditioning. These scrubs come in an array of spa-worthy aromas with moisturizing ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and aloe. We scoured the internet for foot scrubs that stood apart from the rest and spoke with podiatrists to get the lowdown on their favorite formulas. Below, take a gander at the very best formulas that'll provide sweet, skin-smoothing relief.

Our Top Foot Scrubs

Best Overall: Beautypie Super Tonic Leg and Foot Scrub, $40
Best Drugstore: Palmer's Foot Magic Scrub, $5
Best Smelling: Londontown Foot Scrub, $26
Best Sugar-Based: Tree Hut Sugar Scrub, $11
Best Salt-Based: Osea Salts of the Earth Body Scrub, $48
Best Conditioning: Dr. Teal's Exfoliate & Renew Lavender Epsom Salt Body Scrub, $9

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8 Best Peptide Creams to Smooth the Look of Fine Lines

peptide moisturizers on a background with cream swatches Collage: Gabrielle Langdon; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

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Most people invest in the best peptide creams for one simple reason: their ability to soften the appearance of fine lines. They offer a non-invasive, topical way to—dare we say—mimic some of the smoothing effects of injectables. Peptides, otherwise known as versatile chains of amino acids naturally found in the body, work overtime in these creams: strengthening your skin’s protective barrier, boosting collagen and elastin, speeding up healing, and more.

And for people with sensitive skin, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist David Kim, MD, says peptides are a gentler alternative to retinoids, which can be less tolerated on certain skin types. (However, one option on this list has peptides blended with retinols to lighten their harsher effects—talk about a two-in-one!) Keep reading for eight of the very best peptide moisturizers, as suggested by dermatologists and our staffers.

Our Top Peptide Creams

Best Overall: Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturizer, $20
Best for Neck: SkinCeuticals Tri-Peptide Neck Cream, $136
Best for Oily Skin: SkinFix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream, $54
Best for Dry Skin: Erly Night Moisturizer, $42
Best for Combination Skin: Shani Darden Hydration Peptide Cream, $60
Best Lightweight: Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Moisturizer, $49
Best Budget: Prequel AM/PM Modern Moisturizer, $18
Best for Expression Lines: BeautyStat Peptide Wrinkle Relaxing Moisturizer, $68

Frequently Asked Questions

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Our Top Retinol Serums

Best Overall: Iope Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Retinol Super Bounce Serum

Best for Sensitive Skin: Wildfleur Pure Retinol 0.3% + Bakuchiol Renewing Serum

Pure Retinol 0.3% + Bakuchiol Renewing Serum

Best for Beginners: Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3

Crystal Retinal 3

Best Fast-Release: Kiehl's Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle Reducing Night Serum

Retinol Fast-Release Wrinkle Reducing Night Serum

Best Exfoliating: Shani Darden Retinol Reform

Retinol Reform

Best for Mature Skin: Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum

Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum

Best Mid-Strength: The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Best Advanced Strength: Isdin Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced

Isdinceutics Retinal Advanced

Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Serum

Best for Dry Skin: Senté Bio Complete Serum

Bio Complete Serum

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common types of retinol found in skin-care products?

What concentrations do you recommend for patients just starting out with retinoids?

What active ingredients should be avoided when using retinol?

How often should you be using a retinol serum?

Does retinol help with acne?

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How we test and review products

Our staff and testers

Our Top Korean Moisturizers

Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

Atobarrier 365 Cream

Best for Dry Skin: Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Best for Dull Skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream

Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream

Best for Oily Skin: Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

Best Cooling: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Red Bean Water Gel

Best for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

More Korean moisturizers we love:

Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Best for Face and Body: Atopalm MLE Eczema Cream

MLE Eczema Cream

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Korean moisturizers and other moisturizers?

How should I choose a Korean moisturizer?

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

Our staff and testers

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