Category: RECIPES

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Maybe it’s the colder weather (a.k.a. cuffing season) or the nonstop stream of Hallmark holiday movies, but winter inspires us to settle in with our favorite romantic movies. And this winter’s biggest hair trends are straight out of a Nancy Meyers film: soft and romantic with an emphasis on easy, natural colors and textures.

There’s a look for every type of cinephile: Cheeky copper and shaggy ’80s bobs are for fans of Sixteen Candles and Pretty in Pink. The warm cinnamon and cozy mid-length layers of Something’s Gotta Give are an annual winter rewatch. Or refined and delicately styled pixies and crispy clean blondes, if you prefer a ’60s spy romance, or maybe French New Wave is more your speed.

From every era of the silver screen, these winter hair trends are as sweeping and romantic as our favorite movie night love stories. Below, the experts share the styles that will be everywhere this season and how to get the looks.

Glossy espresso

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Picture this: You’ve entered a coffee shop in a New England town (Boston or Providence). The street outside is cobblestone (duh) and dusted with snow, and the most beautiful woman you’ve ever seen is sitting at a table sipping a latte and reading Descartes. Or Virginia Woolf? You totally forget because suddenly she flips her glossy espresso-colored hair over her shoulder (which smells great, by the way) and you’re in love.

This romantic lead goes low-maintenance but high-impact. You’d cast Marion Cotillard, Minnie Driver, or Anne Hathaway. Espresso is a deep but cozy color for winter weather and is universally flattering. But the healthy shine is what makes heads turn. “Glossy hair reads as luxury,” says Dallas-based hairstylist Deisy Alfaro.

A single-process color should do the trick. “Ask for a rich brunette with a cool espresso base,” Alfaro says, along with a demi-permanent gloss to seal in shine and give it that reflective quality.

Copper rose

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Copper rose is the embodiment of rose-colored glasses in a hair color—an ’80s movie heroine with optimism and softness. “There’s a cultural appetite for vintage references that don’t feel costume-y,” says Lena Ott, a New York City-based colorist. This color scratches that itch: It’s Robyn Lively in Teen Witch, reimagined for 2025.

This color is “something between a classic redhead and a rose-blonde with shine that feels fresh, not brassy,” says Ott. Ask for copper with a soft pink overlay. “The base is lifted to a bright copper, then toned with a diluted pink or peach glaze. Glossing is key to keeping it luminous, not flat.”

Cinnamon toast

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Our cravings have turned sweeter of late—an eggnog at night and cinnamon toast for breakfast helps keep the chill at bay. And so a warm hair color craving follows suit: A toasted blonde with swirls of cinnamon is sweet and spicy all at once.

“It’s a softer take on summer’s bright blondes,” says Alfaro. “Perfect for clients who don’t want to fully transition into brunette.” Alfaro notes that it’s especially stunning on medium skin tones or those with naturally light hair who want some depth. Ask for a neutral blonde balayage or teasy lights blended with cinnamon lowlights.

Crisp blonde

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A crisp, bright blonde conjures up images of Hollywood past: Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Veronica Lake. Now, she’s a Gwyneth Paltrow, a Michelle Williams, or a Sabrina Carpenter.

The difference? Today’s towheaded starlets don’t have time to maintain a true platinum (they have Marvel movies and album tours to worry about), so they opt for a slightly softer and more wearable hue, like Redken 10GI Tahitian Sand, with some slight root shadow for depth (and an easier grow-out). “The clean blonde flatters fair to medium skin tones,” says Ott. “Especially when the soft root shadow prevents the color from washing someone out.”

“The color reads as platinum under red carpet lights, but it’s just a clean, double-process blonde,” she adds. Ask for it followed by a sand-beige toner and some root shadow, so the look is “grounded, not icy.”

Natural highlights

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This protagonist seems not to even have to try. Bluebirds flit around her when she leaves her home in the morning, she’s volunteering at animal shelters and retirement homes, and her hair just happens to have a gorgeous, natural, soft dimension à la Jennifer Lawrence or Daisy Edgar-Jones.

We can’t help you with the bluebirds (try birdseed?), but natural highlights are within reach for just about anyone. “Blondes, redheads, and brunettes can all achieve this look,” says New York City-based colorist Kirsten Stuke. “Soft pops of brighter pieces give a lived-in look without the harsh growth line of demarcation.” Which means you can focus on planning the town square holiday party (where you will bump into the love of your life!) and not need to find time for a salon visit. “Ask for a more toned-down, natural, rooty highlight that will grow out effortlessly,” says Stuke.

Refined pixie

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A romance with a dangerous French stranger or a ride on the back of a Vespa calls for something pretty and refined (we’re in Europe for this movie, after all), but something that also says, “I’m not afraid to get on the back of this man’s motorbike without a helmet.”

Celebrities like Carrie Coon and Brie Larson have resurrected this delicate crop lately, and it's an easy, elegant look this season (and it doesn’t lose its charm after wearing a winter hat or, ahem, a helmet). “The cut is close and sculpted with precision scissor work around the ears and nape, left slightly longer at the crown for softness,” says Travis Speck, a New York City-based hairstylist.

“Short cuts like these can work on many people; it’s more about attitude and tweaking the details,” adds Los Angeles-based hairstylist Michael Duenas, but straight and slightly wavy hair types will have an easier time achieving that iconic, young Mia Farrow look.

Curly wolf cut

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There’s something soft and Shakespearean about long, gentle curls. Tracee Ellis Ross and Grace Bowers capture that vibe and balance it with a shaggy, wolf cut length to keep the style cool and modern: Rosalind in 2025. Juliet with an iPhone and Ray-Ban aviators.

Those with naturally curly or wavy hair can get the look by asking for “a layered cut that focuses on face-framing curls and crown volume,” says Alfaro, who sculpts this look with both wet and dry cutting to customize for curl patterns and maintain bouncy volume.

Full, blunt bangs

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Full bangs are a cool, down-to-earth leading lady. The one who runs the ranch back at home, looks great in every pair of jeans, and teases you for becoming too “big city” and forgetting your small town roots (even though she definitely looks like she has a Fifth Avenue blowout and her nails have never seen a day of manual labor). Cast Taylor Swift or Dakota Johnson in the role.

Chicago-based hairstylist Raven Hurtado expects to be cutting a lot of these full, blunt bangs this winter, thanks largely to how dramatically they can change a look without having to lose major length or do a 180 from blonde to raven. Plus, the fullness of this season's fringe makes it a little more wind-proof (fluttery curtain bangs tend to blow back in winter weather, and they aren’t terribly suited for hats).

’80s shag bob

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For the lovers of quirky, coming-of-age romcoms, a bouncy haircut is as necessary as a good tape deck. Somewhere between a shag and a bob lies Molly Ringwald’s iconic feathery style—“a chin-to-cheekbone length cut with layered, rounded edges,” says Ott. “It’s a direct nod to Molly Ringwald’s 1980s silhouette, but the modern versions are more fluid.” Today, you’ll spot it on the likes of Pamela Anderson, Tina Leung, and the runways in Milan and Paris.

“It brings your hair’s natural texture to the forefront,” says New York City-based hairstylist Devin Toth, which is why it’s a particularly great cut for thick, curly, or wavy hair. “Make sure the shorter curls on top of the crown are styled forward into your bangs area,” he says. The face-framing pieces give it a cool, tousled, I’m-not-afraid-of-after-school-detention look.

Mid-length butterfly layers

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Early aughts movies were defined by a few things. A high-stress job at a fictional magazine, an “opposites attract” love story, and mid-length hair with fluttery layers. Kate Hudson in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days or Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30. It’s a look that practically begs you to root for it. It’s universally flattering and an ideal in-between or transitional style while growing your hair out, offering movement without looking too “styled,” says Alfaro.

It’s important that the layers stay delicate and not too heavy, adds Chicago-based hairstylist Sanda Petrut. “[Your stylist] can use slide cutting or point cutting for softer ends,” she says.

Meet the experts

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• Deisy Alfaro is a hairstylist specializing in curly hair and the owner of Pixie Glam Studio in Fort Worth, Texas.
• Lena Ott is a New York City-based colorist and the founder and creative director of Suite Caroline salon.
• Kirsten Stuke is a New York City-based colorist at Suite Caroline.
• Travis Speck is a New York City-based hairstylist at Suite Caroline.
• Michael Dueñas is a Los Angeles-based hairstylist and co-founder of Arove haircare.
• Raven Hurtado is a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon.
• Sanda Petrut is a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon.

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Who's in the headlines today? Chappell Roan—and her nails—that's who! The Grammy-winning musician paid homage to one of her personal icons, Cyndi Lauper, with a head-to-toe look inspired by the iconic pop star, and in true Roan fashion, absolutely no detail went unnoticed.

Roan, who inducted Lauper into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, channeled the star in an outfit inspired by two separate scenes from the “True Colors" music video, including a newspaper skirt made of long, fluttering strips of newsprint by Efrain Nava and an enormous, showgirl-esque bedazzled headpiece. She mimicked the newsprint pattern on her nails, with teeny strips of newsprint applied to each nail in varying patterns.

Roan's manicure was the work of nail artist Rachel Sun, also known as All Hail Thy Nail, who shaped Roan's nails into long, square tips and painted them a pearly, milky white shade to serve as a neutral backdrop for the ornate nail art. Each nail featured a unique newspaper motif, including a full newsprint pattern on her ring and pointer fingers. On Roan's pinkies and thumbs, Sun applied the newspaper print like a French manicure, then covered the tip in pearls and hung a skinny string of pearls from the tips for a pierced effect. Roan's middle fingers were the most detailed of them all; Sun crafted an oversized floral bow from the same newspaper strips and applied it to the center of Roan's nails for an extra touch of whimsy, again adding pearls to the center.

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Roan gave a heartfelt speech about Lauper's impact on her career during the ceremony and continued shouting out the star on Instagram after the show. “She has played an instrumental role in my artistry, fashion, glam, voice, movement, all of it,” Roan wrote of Lauper. “I look up to her so very much. I sang 'True Colors; in a talent show when I was 14 and I ended up winning first place for first time!! It was the first moment I thought maybe singing could be a thing for me. Thank you… for laying the groundwork for artists like me to thrive."

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Using the best OSEA products is like taking a trip to Malibu’s coast without ever leaving your bathroom. Pronounced oh-SEE-uh, the brand’s name stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth, and Atmosphere, a nod to its holistic approach to wellness, nature, and skin care. OSEA’s story actually starts long before it became a skin-care line, when the founder’s grandmother recovered from an injury through daily sea swims and seaweed treatments. The family became convinced that the ocean wasn’t just a way to relax—it was restorative. That idea became the backbone of OSEA, with undaria algae (a mineral-rich seaweed rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and firming benefits) appearing in so many of its formulations.

The marine-based ingredients are the reason why their body oil became a viral bestseller, why their exfoliators leave skin insanely smooth, and why the body butter gives skin that just-got-back-from-the-beach glow—no matter where you live. Ahead, we rounded up our favorite OSEA face and body products that leave skin feeling soft, radiant, and a little more California cool.

Our Top OSEA Picks

• Sea the Glow: Undaria Algae Body Oil, $52
• Dive Into Deep Moisture: Undaria Algae Body Butter, $54
• Coast is Clear: Dream Night Cream, $68
• Go with the Flow: Dream Night Serum, $88
• Let’s Dew This: Hyaluronic Body Serum, $48
• A Shore Thing: Undaria Algae Body Wash, $32
• Roll with the Tide: Ocean Eyes, $58
• Smooth Sailing: Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub, $58
• Make a Splash: Hyaluronic Lip Booster Oil, $28

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• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Sea the Glow: Undaria Algae Body Oil

Osea

Undaria Algae Body Oil

$52

Osea

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: If you want an all-over glow year-round (even if your skin is currently hiding under a chunky sweater—you still know it’s there), this 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner is the body oil to beat. Undaria Algae Body Oil’s star ingredient, undaria seaweed, is packed with antioxidants and minerals that help visibly firm and smooth skin over time. It’s blended with moisture-locking sunflower seed oil, white lupin flower extract to improve elasticity, and passionfruit oil for a hit of lightweight, never-greasy nourishment. The silky texture melts fast, leaving behind a hydrated, subtle sheen and a fresh, citrusy scent. One pump really does go a long way, thanks to its concentrated formula.

Allure contributing commerce writer Jailynn Taylor applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

Jailynn Tayler

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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“I’m officially on my third bottle of OSEA’s Undaria Algae Body Oil, and yes, it’s that good. What I love most is the shine it offers from head to toe. It’s not greasy or glittery, just this subtle, healthy, natural-looking glow. The scent is super light and fresh, so it never competes with my perfume. And it absorbs fast, which is a nonnegotiable for me. I use it post-shower, and my skin feels baby soft and stays hydrated all day.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I'm not a diehard body-oil user, but when I'm pregnant, it becomes a must-have. I've been slathering this stuff on my belly, and it's just as good as everyone says. It's rich and viscous in a satisfying way—unlike, say, a dry oil—but sinks in so fast that it has yet to stain any of my clothes. And the scent is a little fruity, a little herbal, but all-around uplifting, making it perfect for slathering on before I start my day.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sunflower seed oil, undaria seaweed, lupin flower, passionfruit oil
• Who it's for: people with dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Dive Into Deep Moisture: Undaria Algae Body Butter

Osea

Undaria Algae Body Butter

$54

Osea

$54

Amazon

$54

Nordstrom

Allure creative producer Sydney Malone applying the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Butter

Sydney Malone

Why it’s worth it: If this jar looks familiar, it’s because we recently crowned it our favorite body butter of all time. Undaria Algae Body Butter is the richer, whipped version of the brand’s fan-favorite body oil, delivering long-lasting moisture without feeling greasy or heavy. The formula includes nourishing “ingredients like shea butter and ceramides, which help repair the skin’s moisture barrier,” Michael H. Gold, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Nashville, previously told Allure. If you’re dealing with signs of aging, the blend of undaria seaweed extract and caffeine helps visibly firm and refine texture over time, while oat extract and aloe step in to calm dryness and irritation (so, a win for sensitive skin, too). But no matter where you fall on the skin-type spectrum, the hydration payoff is the same: plush, moisturized skin that stays soft for up to 72 hours.

Tester feedback from creative producer Sydney Malone

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“This body butter smells absolutely divine—it's got a mild enough scent as to not overwhelm, but rather to make you feel luxurious and moisturized. I appreciate how thick this cream is because with just one application, I feel like I wouldn't need to use body lotion again until tomorrow! Perfect for dry or winter weather, especially for us dry skin girlies.” —Sydney Malone, creative producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: undaria seaweed, shea butter, ceramides,
• Who it's for: people with dry skin or signs of aging (crepiness, loss of firmness)
• Fragrance-free: no

Coast is Clear: Dream Night Cream

Osea

Dream Night Cream

$68

Osea

$68

Amazon

$68

Nordstrom

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the OSEA Dream Night Cream

Ingrid Fowler

Why it's worth it: Retinol may be the gold standard in skin-care products for smoothing fine lines, clearing up acne, and fading dark spots, but not everyone’s skin can handle the side effects. So it tracks that a brand built on sea-healing and skin wellness would dream up a night cream that delivers similar results without the sting. The Dream Night Cream pairs an algae-derived bio-retinol alternative (think: same line-smoothing perks as traditional retinol, but gentler) with rich, cushiony hydrators like shea butter, squalane, macadamia seed oil, and safflower seed oil to deeply moisturize while you sleep. A blend of calming botanicals (oat kernel flour, lavender, rosemary, and rice bran helps soothe stressed-out skin, while plant-based peptides and blue-green algae extract result in a more even texture by morning.

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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“This silky night cream is just thick enough to really lock in moisture, but not too thick. (You're not left with the heavy feeling of too much product.) It absorbs nicely and leaves my skin feeling super moisturized into the next day!” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bio-retinol, king of bitters, lavender oil, shea butter
• Who it's for: people with mature or dry skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Go With the Flow: Dream Night Serum

Osea

Dream Night Serum

$88

Osea

$88

Amazon

$88

Nordstrom

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the OSEA Dream Night Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: If you love the benefits of retinol but prefer a silky serum over a richer cream, the Dream Night Serum is your speed (and yes, you can layer it under the Dream Night Cream if you’re feeling extra). It uses the same bio-retinol alternative as the moisturizer, plus firming peptides to help smooth fine lines and improve skin texture while you sleep. In addition to being one of our favorite retinol-style treatments, it also doubles as a hyaluronic acid serum thanks to multiple forms of HA that pull in moisture, so skin looks more bouncy by the a.m. A blend of cucumber water, watermelon and apple extracts, plus red and green algae, helps hydrate, while lavender adds a soft, calming touch to your skin-care routine.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m a little obsessed with lavender—I use a lavender pillow spray every night—so this serum’s scent feels instantly comforting. The texture is slightly thicker than most serums I’ve tried (a plus, since it doesn’t slip right out of the dropper), and it sinks in within seconds. Even with bio-retinol in the mix—the brand doesn’t disclose the percentage—I had zero irritation on my sensitive skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, bio-retinol (extracted from green microalgae), red seaweed, peptides
• Who it's for: people with loss of skin firmness and elasticity
• Fragrance-free: no

Let’s Dew This: Hyaluronic Body Serum

Osea

Hyaluronic Body Serum

$48

Osea

$48

Amazon

$48

Nordstrom

Allure senior commerce editor Shanna Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Body Serum on her arm

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: We don’t know exactly how a brand measures skin hydration increasing by 161%, but in Allure editor speak, it means your skin goes from “desert dry” to “dewy dumpling” pretty fast. That’s thanks to the five molecular weights of hyaluronic acid inside this 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner, which hydrate on multiple levels instead of just sitting on top of skin like a basic lotion. It’s also National Eczema Association-accepted, making it a high-performance body treatment that’s gentle enough for sensitive, reactive skin. Niacinamide helps soothe redness and strengthen the skin barrier, green microalgae brings antioxidant support, vegan peptides help improve firmness and texture over time, and aloe adds lightweight, calming hydration.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Whenever possible, I moisturize my body like my face: With a hyaluronic acid serum—and this one from OSEA is my all-time favorite. I'll admit that part of what I love is the packaging. The serene green, the fogged glass, and the pump top that actually works. (By the way, it lets just enough serum out of the bottle without getting clogged—a feat for a thin formula like this!). This serum is so hydrating that you could just as well leave it without a more occlusive buttery layer, especially when it's irritatingly hot or humid. Still, I do like to follow up with an actual lotion afterward. You know what works beautifully over this? The brand's body butter; why not just go full-out seaweed wrap? Back to the formula: There are peptides to plump the skin, along with the brand's signature blue-green algae, which is touted as a kind of nourishing superfood. And for fellow sensitive-skin people out there, the serum is fragrance-free! I was able to use it on my non-preggo, preggo, and postpartum body without irritating my easily inflamed skin.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, green microalgae, vegan peptides, aloe
• Who it's for: people with dry, sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

A Shore Thing: Undaria Algae Body Wash

Osea

Undaria Algae Body Wash

$32

Osea

$32

Amazon

$32

Nordstrom

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the OSEA Undaria Algae Body Wash

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If we could have a whole ocean of this algae body wash, we’d happily swim in it, but for now, we’ll settle for lathering it on in the shower. Undaria Algae Body Wash uses the brand's signature antioxidant-rich seaweed from the beloved body oil, turning it into a silky gel cleanser that hydrates as it cleans. The formula uses gentle, plant- and coconut-based surfactants (read: no stripping suds), plus essential oils (including jojoba, grapefruit, and avocado) to leave skin soft and moisture locked in long after you’ve towel-dried. (P.S. For the purposes of an easier, mess-free demo, we used our hands.)

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I won't lie: The scent is the selling point for me. The grapefruit and lime notes feel like a gentle wake-up call and boost my mood every time I use it. The formula itself is so silky and has the perfect amount of slip, and of course, it's filled with moisturizing powerhouses, like the brand's signature undaria seaweed, aloe, glycerin, and jojoba oil that leave my skin feeling as soft as a baby's bum. Once I'm out of the shower and dried off, I follow up with the Hyaluronic Body Serum because it's one of the few nonsticky body-care products my impatient self tolerates. It's the perfect recipe for long-lasting hydration.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: undaria seaweed, aloe, glycerin, jojoba oil
• Who it's for: everyone, especially if you have dry, rough skin
• Fragrance-free: no

Roll with the Tide: Ocean Eyes Serum

Osea

Ocean Eyes

$58

Osea

$58

Amazon

$58

Nordstrom

Shipin applying the OSEA Ocean Eyes Serum

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: If the Billie Eilish song starts playing in your head every time you reach for this serum, consider it part of the experience. A 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner, Ocean Eyes is a cooling rollerball gel that instantly wakes up tired undereyes. The formula pairs two types of seaweed (undaria and red algae) with caffeine to help depuff and firm, while hyaluronic acid draws in moisture for a smoother, plumper look. Peptides and quinoa seed extract target fine lines and dark circles over time, and albizia bark extract helps visibly counter any signs you stayed up late doom-scrolling.

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I am convinced that every eye treatment should include a cooling rollerball, thanks to this product. I love that this is a truly weightless formula that still packs a punch and works magic to make my undereyes instantly appear bouncier. I chalk it up to the combination of peptides and the metal applicator, which work together to tighten and plump up the skin. It's such fun to use (and who isn't up for injecting some levity into a hard-working skin-care routine?!) and very travel-friendly. Hey, it's nice that you can count on bouncy undereyes even when you're running on nothing but jet lag fumes!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: undaria seaweed, red algae, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, peptides
• Who it's for: people with crow’s feet, undereye puffiness, or dark circles
• Fragrance-free: yes

Smooth Sailing: Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub

Osea

Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub

$58

Osea

$58

Amazon

$58

Nordstrom

Fowler applying the OSEA Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub

Ingrid Fowler

Why it's worth it: You know how your feet somehow feel baby-smooth after a day at the beach, like the sand secretly gave you a free exfoliation? The Seaglow Resurfacing Scrub is that same idea—just far more refined, and meant for your face. The formula uses a blend of physical exfoliants (volcanic sand, finely milled rice powder, bentonite, and sea silt) to buff away dullness without feeling scratchy, while glycerin and cloudberry seed oil keep skin cushioned and soft. A blend of hibiscus flower extract, turmeric, and spirulina adds antioxidant support, caffeine helps energize the skin, and fruit enzymes from kiwi and grapefruit give an extra glow boost. Use this a couple of times a week for smoother, brighter skin (without getting sunburnt and sand in awkward places).

Tester feedback from Fowler

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“This scrub makes my skin feel super smooth. It exfoliates very well but is gentle enough that my skin doesn't feel stripped. I love that it doesn't dissolve too quickly, so you can really get a good scrub. Sometimes scrubs can leave a filmy feeling after use, and this doesn't at all — it lathers nicely, so my face feels very fresh and cleansed after use.” —Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice, clay powder, bentonite, volcanic sand, sea silt algae, cloudberry seed oil
• Who it's for: people with rough, dull, and uneven skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Make a Splash: Hyaluronic Lip Booster Oil

Osea

Hyaluronic Lip Booster Oil

$28

Osea

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Ulta Beauty

Shipin applying the OSEA Hyaluronic Lip Booster Oil

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Why is it that the second temperatures dip below 70, all the moisture seems to vanish from our lips? The brand’s Hyaluronic Lip Booster Oil is part oil, part treatment, and all hydration. This cushiony formula uses sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) to pull in moisture and plump the lips, while castor seed and meadowfoam oils create a smooth, glossy shine. Rice bran and rosemary extracts deliver antioxidant protection, while sunflower and lupin seed oils target dryness from another angle—deeply nourishing to leave lips soft, conditioned, and visibly healthier.

Tester feedback from Shipin

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"I know this may look, and be billed as, a kind of lip gloss—but it is so much more than that. It's this lovely balm-like product that actually enrobes your lips in lasting nourishment and hydration. Honestly, I'm talking hours of a supple pout that smells faintly citrus-y. It doesn't have a tint or anything, but because the Booster is so nourishing, it brings out your lips' natural color. You can't talk about this product (or any OSEA product, really) without also speaking to the packaging. The formula is a lovely honey color and looks so luxe in its frosted glass case, and the doe-foot applicator is so special. I've tried many applicators in my time as a beauty editor, and this is a high-quality one that is firm, plush, and draws just enough of the ‘booster’ out of the bottle and onto your lips—no potential for the product to flick onto your shirt." — Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sea fern, hyaluronic acid, castor seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
• Who it's for: people with dry lips
• Fragrance-free: no

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 list of the best OSEA products, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Courtesy of @nailsbyalsn, @m.o.n.a.j, and Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Winter is famously packed with stuff: We gift and get stuff for the holidays, plan to do stuff with our loved ones, look for stuff covered in snow. Yes, I am showing you even more stuff here (sorry, it’s my job), but I’m also making my best effort not to overwhelm you. That’s why this article highlights only six winter polish color trends, recommended by some of the top nail artists in the industry.

In a (chest)nutshell, this winter’s nail trends are the antithesis of this summer’s. While the warmer months were all about going light on the layers—jelly and milky textures reigned supreme—this winter is all about opaque, full-bodied polishes. Some of these hues were in rotation last winter (and the winter before that… and the winter before that…), while others have been newly spotted on runways, red carpets, and celebrities.

Read on to discover the top nail colors experts predict will be everywhere this winter. As the wise Sabrina Carpenter might say, we’re ending this year with a bang.

Rich Violet

Courtesy of @melanated.maniCourtesy of @matejanovaCourtesy of @m.o.n.a

The dirty plums of fall have cooled down for winter. Deep, rich violets exude confidence, says Sarah Chue, a Los Angeles-based nail artist who’s recently painted the shade on clients and noticed it popping up more on her Pinterest feed: “The coolness of the purple matches winter’s dark vibe.”

Her polish picks include The Gel Bottle in Dark Dimension and Aprés Gel Polish in Mariana Trench, two durable, high-shine gel formulas. If you prefer traditional polish, try OPI Nail Lacquer in Havin' a Candy Ol' Time

The Gelbottle

Dark Dimension

$19

Beyond Polish

$19

The Gelbottle

Aprés

Gel Polish in Mariana Trench

$15

Beyond Polish

$15

Aprés

OPI

Nail Lacquer in Havin' a Candy Ol' Time

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Cool Red

Courtesy of @matejanovaCourtesy of @avrnailswatchesCourtesy of @avrnailswatchesGetty Images

Red is a holiday staple, but one with blue undertones has just a little more oomph. These shades are already trending as the weather cools down, Chue says, likely because “they’re elegant” and tend to pop against your skin tone more than the orange-based reds of summer.

She recommends Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in It’s Raining Men and Nailberry Nail Polish in Rouge. I’m partial to Chanel Le Vernis in Pirate, which I consider a power suit for my nails, and Holo Taco Nail Polish in Cardinal Sins, which is extra-festive with glitter flecks that have a silver shift.

Deborah Lippmann

Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in It’s Raining Men

$20

Amazon

Nailberry

Nail Polish in Rouge

$21

Nailberry

Chanel

Le Vernis in Pirate

$33

Chanel

$33

Nordstrom

Holo Taco

Nail Polish in Cardinal Sins

$15

Ulta Beauty

Mushroom Taupe

Courtesy of @manucuristCourtesy of @revibe.beautystudioCourtesy of @jessicawhitenailartis

According to Chue, this opaque look tends to make an appearance more in the winter. “Finished with a glossy topcoat, its fresh, clean finish is what keeps people hooked,” she says, adding that it has the same feel as “winter knits, cozy blankets, home linens and décor, and all things fashion.”

A simple image search of this color might scare you, especially if you have a warm, slightly olive skin tone like mine. (Some of those hues can make me look ashy and gray.) To avoid a polish that washes out your complexion, opt for a shade that’s lighter than your skin, with a coolish neutral or green undertone if you’re shopping online. My go-to is the Manucurist Green Natural Nail polish in Quartz, which leans more brown than gray.

Manucurist

Manucurist Green Natural Nail Polish in Quartz

$14

Manucurist

Decadent Chocolate

Getty ImagesCourtesy of @manucuristCourtesy of @m.o.n.a.jCourtesy of @nailsby.prachi

Chronically online girls like me might tell you this warm brown color is huge now because of the spring-summer ’26 runway shows, Bella Hadid and Hailey Bieber’s recent-ish manicures, or even Bieber’s Schiaparelli look at this year’s Academy Museum Gala. While that may all be true, it’s also worth mentioning that this color comes back every winter; it’s a mainstay of the season because of how cozy and versatile it is. (Here’s proof from 2024 and 2023.)

“I love a chocolate brown with a magnetic cat-eye finish or iridescent chrome,” says Miss Pop, who sent chrome powder-dusted brown nails down Theophilio’s New York Fashion Week runway last fall. She recommends Essie Fall Boho Rodeo in Fringes and Saddle, and we love Manucurist’s Green Nail Polish in Mocha, which is cooler-toned but just as rich.

Essie

Fall Boho Rodeo in Fringes and Saddle

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Manucurist

Green Nail Polish in Mocha

$14

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Forest Green

Courtesy of @melanated.maniCourtesy of @nailsbyalsn

Another color that flies across feeds every winter is forest green. “It’s hard to ignore the darkness and greenery that comes with wintertime,” says Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist. “We see deep greens in trees, wreaths, and garlands everywhere we look, and nails will be no exception.”

She recommends Essie Nail Polish in Off Tropic, while I reach for OPI’s RaiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Fir Surely Fast. Glamnetic’s winter collection features Cutie Pine, a set of press-ons in a forest green that also has a hint of shimmer.

Adds Jarjour, this color is flattering on a wide range of skin tones and finishes: “It looks great glossy, but can also be finished with a matte topcoat for a soft velvety look.”

Essie

Nail Polish in Off Tropic

$10

Ulta Beauty

$10

Walmart

OPI

RaiDry Quick-Dry Nail Polish in Fir Surely Fast

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Glamnetic

Cutie Pine Press-On Nails

$18

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

Warm Nudes

Getty ImagesCourtesy of @nailbarbieeeCourtesy of @dovenailsbysharon

This manicure trend goes by many names—clean girl, soap, naked—and nude nails are more popular than ever now. But what does “nude” actually mean for you? “It should reflect your skin color when you’re nude,” says Eunice Park, brand development and education director at Aprés Nail, which means there is no single nude nail color for me to recommend here. “Nudes can range from soft pinks to darker browns. Wearing nudes should give you that my-nails-but-better vibe.”

Park says she’s seen a rise in sales for Aprés Nail’s Light & Shadow Gel Couleur, a line of sheer neutral shades. “It’s our best-selling collection,” she says. As a product developer for the brand, she recommends it for getting this look, obviously, but I second that. I’ve tried the collection and love its shine and longevity, but I did have to break out my LED curing lamp for it.

Allure content director Kara McGrath is a huge fan of Olive & June’s new nude-centric Builder Gel polish collection, which ranges from a barely there blush to a deep terra-cotta. For those who’d prefer to skip the gel rigamarole (totally get it), check out our recommendations for regular polish here.

Aprés

Nail’s Light & Shadow Gel Couleur

$15

Beyond Polish

$15

Aprés

Olive & June

Blush Bounce

$12

Olive & June

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As the popularity of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro has boomed in the past couple of years, my inbox has runneth over with emails from plastic surgeons’ and dermatologists’ publicists offering solutions to the aesthetic side effects these drugs may cause. While most of the pitches relate to the rapid loss of facial volume that has been not-so-affectionately coined “Ozempic face,” I’ve seen subject lines about plenty of other body parts that are apparently impacted by the speedy weight loss that is often the result of taking these medications:

• “Ozempic Butt and Beyond”
• “Mounjaro Hair Loss—Expert Explains Why and Tips to Prevent It”
• “Ozempic’s Hidden Side Effect: Tooth Damage”

As both a beauty writer and someone who's been on weight-management injections for two years, I can’t take them all at face value. Some concerns about GLP-1 side effects are valid and have the research to back them up, but others can be blatant plays for press attention inspired by little more than one expert’s imagination and some anecdotal correlation. So when several Allure editors got a press release with the term “Ozempic earlobes” in the subject line last week, my curiosity was piqued.

Earlobes, apparently, are top of mind among GLP-1 patients at the moment, if the release is anything to go by. It purports that rapid weight loss is causing a growing number of patients to have sagging lobes—but thankfully, there’s an in-demand, low-downtime surgery that can restore patients’ earlobes to their original shape and size. (This press release, if you haven’t caught on yet, was sent by a representative for a plastic surgeon who performs earlobe correction surgery.)

After reading this email, I immediately examined my own earlobes in the mirror. Even after losing 60 pounds in less than a year, I can confidently say they look the same as they did before. (I cannot say the same for my now comically flat ass, but c'est la vie.) I know my experiences aren’t the same as every other GLP-1 patient’s, but I still had to wonder if the concept of “Ozempic ears” is a stretch—or literally a lack thereof.

Based on what the experts tell me, some GLP-1 patients are bound to lose volume in their earlobes, but probably not solely due to the drug or the weight loss it causes. According to New York City board-certified plastic surgeon Steven J. Pearlman, MD, earlobes do contain fat, so “extreme fat loss” (as in 30 pounds or more) might cause them to thin out to some extent in some patients. That said, Palm Beach-based, board-certified plastic surgeon Mark Murphy, MD, widely attributes earlobe changes to other factors. “While significant weight loss can affect the appearance of the ears to some extent, the aging process and heavy earrings tend to have a more significant impact, particularly in older individuals,” Dr. Murphy explains. “Each patient’s unique anatomy and the extent of weight loss will ultimately determine the degree of change seen in the ears.”

In other words, “Ozempic ears” is not an issue anyone can reasonably, exclusively assign to the weight loss drug itself. And considering that the average GLP-1 recipient is only in their 40s, like me, I think it’s safe to say that earlobe sagging is not an inevitability for every single patient.

I can’t help but be a little vexed by yet another catchy, scapegoating term for something that may not, in many cases, be directly caused by GLP-1 use. When thrown around without caution, terms like these can wind up making patients like me—who’ve already been made to feel dissatisfied with how we look and feel it to the point of seeking medical treatment—feel less than. When I see Ozempic-related headlines in the media and similar subject lines in my inbox, I feel like I’m reading through a list of allegedly unattractive new things about my body that I hadn’t even noticed or cared about before. Sure, some of us (myself included) have pondered post-GLP-1 procedures; it’s nice to know our options. But it’s easy to forget that they are just options, not urgent obligations.

If you happen to be someone who has, in fact, experienced bothersome earlobe changes—whether related to weight loss or not—I’ll never judge you for seeking cosmetic solutions, of which there are a couple. “Earlobe correction surgery is a very straightforward procedure that takes about 45 minutes and is performed in the office under local anesthesia to numb the area,” Dr. Murphy says. “Excess tissue is removed, and the ear is sutured to form a more aesthetically pleasing shape.” Sutures are removed about 10 days later, and patients can pierce or re-pierce their ears within a couple of months if they like.

Dr. Pearlman says filler injections are a less invasive fix, though, like facial filler, it may need to be re-upped every now and then (some people need more filler than others, so that’s a conversation to have with your doctor). “I tell patients that adding filler to their earlobes can look like their diamond studs are half a carat larger since [their lobes] are perked up,” he says.

Personally, I’d rather treat myself to a nice pair of lab-grown diamond earrings than turn to cosmetic intervention. Not too big, of course. I don’t want to tempt fate and find myself needing a major earlobe makeover when I’m older. And I use “needing” very loosely. Just like I’m not rushing to do something about my butt, I’m reminding myself that I don’t have to “fix” every cleverly coined post-GLP-1 “problem.”

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Millie Bobbie Brown recently—and justifiably—spoke out against critics who've had nothing nice to say about her beauty choices. Wanting to remind other young women that they're allowed to experiment with hair and makeup, she told British Vogue, “It’s, like, get off my f***ing case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.” And she's walking the walk, continuing her recent propensity for switching up her look by debuting a vibrant new cranberry red hair color.

Brown joined her fellow Stranger Things stars at the show's season 5 premiere in Los Angeles on Thursday, November 6. She wore a black, lace custom Rodarte gown with dramatic, feathery trim—a memorable moment in goth elegance. The glamour continued with her classic twist updo with middle-parted tendrils to frame her face.

Photo: Getty Images

At first glance, it may seem like Brown's hair is just darker than the last time we saw her. But when the light hits it just right, it becomes apparent that it's undergone a vibrant makeover. Her hair is definitely a '90s Manic Panic cranberry red.

And to really make that clear, it seems, Brown even changed into a matching corset and shorts set in that same burgundy hue. Even her husband, Jake Bongiovi, wore a deep red suit.

Photo: Getty Images

And if you think for even one second that there's any competition between Brown and the cast's other gorgeous ginger, Sadie Sink, think again. There's definitely room for two redheads here—especially with such dramatically different shades.

Photo: Getty Images

We definitely can't wait to see what this new hair color looks like outside of the updo—maybe even more so than we're looking forward to Stranger Things' final season.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Face oils get a bad rap for being greasy, pore-clogging, or only useful if you’re chasing a temporary glow, but the best face oils have come a long way. “A face oil primarily helps seal in hydration and reinforce your skin’s natural moisture barrier,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. Because they’re made of lipids (not water), they lock in moisture rather than delivering active, water-based ingredients like serums do.

That’s also why facial oils are almost always the final step in your routine, “since they’re formulated to sit on top of the skin,” adds Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Birmingham, AL, which helps seal in everything underneath and prevent moisture loss—key for anyone dealing with dryness and flaking. And here’s the surprising part: They’re far more versatile than people think. Even oily, acne-prone, or combination skin types can use face oils, says Dr. Hartman. Just stick to non-comedogenic options like squalane or jojoba and apply only a few drops as your last step.

Our Top Face Oils

• Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil, $55
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil, $69
• Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil, $150
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil, $26
• Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, $58
• Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate, $84
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil, $55
• Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil, $19

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Will face oils make me break out?
• Can face oils be anti-aging?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, we rounded up the best face oils for every skin type and concern, from lightweight, non-comedogenic oils for breakout-prone skin to deeply nourishing blends that bring dull, mature skin back to life.

Best Overall: Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Summer Fridays

Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

$55

Amazon

$55

Revolve

$55

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Some face oils are just about surface-level sheen, but Summer Fridays’ Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil does more than give that coveted glow. It pairs it with real skin benefits (think moisture retention, barrier support, and a subtle plumping effect) thanks to a blend of 16 oils, including sunflower, meadowfoam, pomegranate, sacha inchi, prickly pear, and hemp seed. Together, they “offer deep hydration and a more radiant, even-toned complexion,” says Dr. Hartman. We chose it as our overall pick because it feels luxe but still plays well with every skin type (yes, even oily and acne-prone), thanks to its non-comedogenic formula and surprisingly fast absorption.

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Summer Fridays Heavenly Sixteen All-In-One Face Oil

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I was super-skeptical of face oils before I tried this one. My skin is naturally pretty oily, so I wasn't sure if an oil would add anything to my skin-care routine, but this one from Summer Fridays changed the game for me. It's thin and lightweight, but also incredibly moisturizing. It doesn't feel too thick or sticky and gives my skin a healthy glow without making me look greasy. I love that I can use it alone on top of my skin care or mix a drop into my moisturizer—both methods have helped heal the always-dry patches around my nose.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: prickly pear seed oil, sacha inchi seed oil, pomegranate seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Elemis

Superfood Face Oil

$72

Elemis

Why it's worth it: It’s fitting that a brand with deep spa roots would create a face oil that basically works like a green smoothie for your skin. Elemis Superfood Facial Oil—a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—takes that “daily dose of greens” idea literally, packing in a blend of nourishing plant oils that feed, cushion, and revive dry or lackluster skin. The formula leans on flaxseed oil, which is “rich in omega-3 fatty acids that strengthen the skin barrier and keep it hydrated,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago. Sweet almond oil “locks in moisture and supports repair thanks to its naturally high vitamin E content,” while daikon radish and broccoli seed oil bring lightweight slip and a silky, fast-absorbing finish, so you get glow without grease, says Dr. Ibrahim.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Elemis Superfood Face Oil

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“After a few weeks of using this oil once or twice daily, some of my dullness had faded, my complexion looked brighter and more even, and those pesky dry patches around my nose and chin finally calmed down. The biggest change, though, is waking up with plump, bouncy skin that has that just-had-a-facial glow. Elemis’s Superfood Hydrating Nourishing Facial Oil has quickly become one of those rare finds that does it all: It feels luxe, smells fresh, and offers easy results. If you’ve avoided face oils because of the grease factor, this one’s the perfect entry point.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sweet almond oil, flaxseed oil, daikon radish, broccoli seed oil, squalane
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Luxe: La Mer The Renewal Oil

La Mer

The Renewal Oil

$295

Nordstrom

$295

Bluemercury

$295

Sephora

Why it's worth it: It’s hard to talk about La Mer without talking about the Miracle Broth—the legendary fermented blend of sea kelp, vitamins, and minerals that began as a healing experiment by an aerospace physicist and went on to power one of the most famous face creams in the world. If you love the story (and the results) but want something silkier and even more hydrating than the cream, try a few drops of The Renewal Oil. It’s formulated with that same iconic broth in a lightweight, skin-soaking oil that nourishes, softens, and smooths mature or seriously parched skin. Along with Miracle Broth, the oil features the brand’s Infinity Oil Complex—a cushiony mix of meadowfoam seed, sweet almond, and jojoba oils for deep, long-lasting suppleness—plus peptides to help support firmness over time. Since it’s a dual-phase formula, give the bottle a quick shake first to blend the oils, so you get the full benefits from each drop.

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil

Kassidy Silva

Silva after applying the La Mer The Renewal Oil

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“The La Mer Renewal Oil is the 60 seconds of luxury that every mom deserves in their skin-care routine. My skin looks instantly brighter after just three drops. I apply it in the mornings when I wake up exceptionally dry in the winter months, or anytime my skin needs a luminous boost.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Miracle Broth (sea kelp, vitamins, minerals), Infinity Oil Complex (including meadowfoam seed oil, sweet almond oil, jojoba seed oil), peptides
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Skin Renewing Gel Oil

CeraVe

Skin Renewing Gel Oil

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you love the idea of a face oil but hate the greasy, slippery feeling most of them leave behind, CeraVe’s Skin Renewing Gel Oil is the happy middle ground. Its gel-to-oil texture feels weightless when applied, but still delivers the comforting, cushiony hydration you expect from an oil. The formula blends skin-softening glycerin for moisture with five ceramides, cholesterol, and hyaluronic acid crosspolymer to help strengthen the skin barrier. You’ll also find antioxidant-rich sunflower extract, rosemary leaf extract, and rice bran extract for extra soothing support. “People don’t realize there’s a prescription-only product with similar ceramide levels. CeraVe offers the same benefits at a way more affordable price point,” says Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Santa Monica.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, sunflower extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil

Ole Henriksen

HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil

$58

Ulta Beauty

$58

Revolve

$58

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Oh, you thought having oily skin meant face oils were off-limits? Plot twist: Excess sebum is often due to dehydrated skin trying to make up for the lack of moisture—so the right oil can actually rebalance things instead of making you shinier. That’s where Ole Henriksen HydraBarrier Nourishing Peptide Face Oil, a 2023 Best of Beauty Award winner, comes in, as a lightweight formula that works for all skin types, even the slick ones. Its foundation is a trio of oil-soluble peptides, “which improve skin function and support elasticity,” says Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westlake Village, CA. They’re paired with Scandinavian berry oils (cloudberry, lingonberry, and elderberry), packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids for deep moisture without the heaviness. Ceramides help skin hold onto hydration, while “squalane and vitamin E further soften the skin,” adds Dr. Park.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, cloudberry oil, lingonberry oil, elderberry oil, ceramides, squalane, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Mature Skin: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate

Kiehl's

Midnight Recovery Concentrate

$140

Amazon

$140

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate doesn’t contain retinol or other actives that make your skin sun-sensitive, but you’ll still look forward to using this specifically as part of your p.m. routine. The lightweight lavender scent gives it a built-in wind-down moment, and the formula works in sync with your skin’s natural overnight repair cycle. A blend of nourishing, non-greasy oils, including evening primrose and rosehip, helps soften fine lines and replenish lost moisture while you sleep. By morning, skin feels smoother and looks more refreshed, with a little extra bounce, especially if you’re dealing with dryness or visible signs of aging.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lavender oil, evening primrose oil, rose oil, squalane, jojoba seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil

Sunday Riley

Luna Sleeping Retinoid Night Oil

$105

Amazon

$105

Nordstrom

$105

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Now, if you’re looking for a retinol-based product to tackle everything from breakouts to signs of aging, there’s a reason nearly every Allure editor has had this signature blue bottle of Sunday Riley Luna Retinol Sleeping Oil on their vanity at some point. Luna uses a retinoid ester (a gentler, oil-soluble form of retinoid) to help smooth fine lines, even tone, and—our favorite benefit—keep acne-prone skin in check by regulating oil production and speeding up cell turnover. “Retinol is a must for anyone with blemish-prone skin, and this lightweight oil makes it easy to apply without irritation,” says Dr. Hartman. It’s also buffered with blue tansy and chamomile to calm redness and chia and blackberry seed oils to soften skin overnight.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinoid ester, blue tansy, chamomile, chia seed oil, blackberry seed oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Barrier Repair: Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil

Byoma

Hydrating Recovery Oil

$19 $18 (5% off)

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If your skin ever feels tight, flaky, or reactive, that’s usually a sign your skin barrier needs a little repair work. Byoma Hydrating Recovery Oil. It uses a proprietary Barrier Lipid Complex to replenish the fats your skin naturally loses, while squalane teams up with eight antioxidant-rich botanical oils (including jojoba, rosehip, sunflower, and sea buckthorn) to restore moisture and balance without leaving a greasy film.“I love this oil because it’s lightweight yet incredibly nourishing. It strengthens and hydrates the skin while giving that dewy, healthy look,” says Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, jojoba oil, seabuckthorn oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Will face oils make me break out?

Contrary to what people believe, the best oils don’t automatically cause breakouts. “There are non-comedogenic face oils that use oils that do not clog pores, and if you have acne-prone skin, I only recommend using those,” says Dr. Hartman. If your skin is oily or breakout-prone, Dr. Hartman suggests easing in slowly: “Start with applying a face oil once a week and increase if desired.” And if you’re already dealing with active acne, check with your dermatologist, who can help assess the right way to use face oil in your routine.

Can people with mature skin use face oils?

“Many face oils are rich in antioxidants, fatty acids, and vitamins that help support collagen and protect against environmental damage,” says Dr. Hovenic. She recommends looking for oils like rosehip (packed with vitamins A and C), argan (a great source of vitamin E), and marula or sea buckthorn (loaded with omega fatty acids), all of which can help smooth fine lines, boost elasticity, and give mature skin a healthier, more radiant glow. Face oils also work well alongside traditional anti-aging actives: “They pair well with ingredients like retinol by providing hydration and helping avoid irritation that can happen with retinol use,” she adds.

Meet the experts

• Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology, based in Birmingham, AL
• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago
• Tanya Kormeili, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Derm & Rejuvenation Institute, based in Santa Monica
• Justine H. Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist of the Skin & Beauty Center based in Westlake Village, CA

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 oils, 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 of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Millie Bobby Brown is over the constant conversation and criticism around her hair and makeup choices.

In early 2025, headlines blared that the Stranger Things star looked “old” and had possibly had plastic surgery, and the 21-year-old actor responded to all the conversation by calling the publications and writers out by name. “I started in this industry when I was 10 years old," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me,” she said her post. “Instead, they act like … I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things season one. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”

Now, Brown is revisiting that conversation in a new interview with British Vogue. The star knows that being perceived is part of the job, but bristles at some of the coverage given to a young woman who is having fun with beauty and figuring out who she is. "I understand that there’s paparazzi, even though it’s invasive, even though it feels like sh*t to me–I know that’s your job,” she shared. "But don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it.”

According to Brown, the headlines regarding her ‘90s-inspired blonde hair and glam from the The Electric State press tour really hurt her feelings. “I was depressed for three, four days. I was crying every day,” she told British Vogue, adding that she was crying in the glam chair before presenting an award to Sabrina Carpenter at the Brit Awards. (Carpenter gave her a hug and told her to “F**k ’em!")

But today, she's feeling much more confident in her beauty experimentation and isn't afraid to call people out. “If me being blonde or wearing more make-up really bothers you, I’m going to address it—not just for myself, but for every other girl who wants to try a new hairstyle or wear a red lip,” Brown shared. “It’s, like, get off my f***ing case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.”