Category: YOGA

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When what was once taut becomes looser, thinner, and a bit wrinkled, the best crepey skin treatments will give your skin a smoother, tighter appearance—with consistent use as directed by the brand, of course. As we age, our collagen and elastin levels decline, leading to textural concerns, including crepiness, as well as other issues like fine lines, dryness, and discoloration.

Once signs of skin aging begin to appear—or before, if you prefer to take a proactive route—these over-the-counter topical treatments are beloved by board-certified dermatologists for their ability to minimize the appearance of crepey skin, among other texture and tone concerns. (Keep in mind that only in-office treatments, like ultrasound and radiofrequency microneedling, can create a really visible and dramatic change in laxity.) Below, explore our favorite expert-approved body lotions, creams, and serums for plumping the look of thin, crepe-paper-like skin.

Our Top Crepey Skin Treatments

• Best Overall: Alastin TransForm Body Treatment, $220
• Best for Dry Skin: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body, $165
• Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream, $22
• Best for Dry Skin: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment, $79
• Best With Retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol, $62
• Best Lightweight: Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment, $32
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion, $18
• Best for Eczema: Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm, $38

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What causes crepey skin?
• How can I treat crepey skin at home?
• Are there any professional treatments for crepey skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Alastin TransForm Body Treatment

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Alastin Skincare

TransForm Body Treatment

$220

Amazon

$220

Alastin Skincare

Why it’s worth it: If there were such a thing as skin care that acts like shapewear, Alastin TransForm Body Treatment comes close. This lightweight, fragrance-free lotion “contains a host of peptides to help promote collagen and elastin production, as well as caffeine, which work in tandem to firm and smooth the look of skin instantly,” says Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Toronto. While peptides alone aren’t new to the skin-care world, “this product contains them in a patented delivery system, which is really unique, to reduce the appearance of crepey skin,” adds Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. It also hydrates and nourishes the skin with shea butter, squalane, and avocado extract, giving it a plumper, healthier appearance.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, peptides, dill extract, linseed extract, plantain leaf, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body

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SkinMedica

Firm & Tone Lotion for Body

$165

Amazon

$165

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: Just like your morning coffee perks you up, caffeine can give your skin a much-needed boost, too. SkinMedica Firm & Tone Lotion for Body combines caffeine and coffea arabica seed oil with collagen-supporting green microalgae and shiitake mushroom extracts to visibly firm and smooth sagging, crepey skin. “This product has a blend of botanical ingredients like lemon balm extract and parsley extract, and has been shown to help with crepey skin and to improve skin texture,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. It’s also deeply hydrating, thanks to emollients and moisture-boosting ingredients that help soften and plump dry, textured skin. “Crepey skin is often dry, which exacerbates its coarse appearance. Providing hydration and moisture to crepey skin can help dramatically improve its texture,” adds Dr. Yadav.

Still not convinced it’s worth the luxe price tag? “While luxury products are not necessary to see results, this one stands out for its elegant texture and its ability to make skin feel visibly smoother and more conditioned with consistent use,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati. “It’s particularly nice for mature skin that needs both comfort and long-term barrier support.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: green microalgae, shitake mushroom, lemon balm extract, coffea arabica seed oil, caffeine
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

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La Roche-Posay

Lipikar AP+ Triple Repair Moisturizing Cream

$22

Amazon

$23

Dermstore

$23

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Whenever we see a moisturizer come in a huge pump bottle, it gives us full permission to slather to our heart’s delight, and because La Roche-Posay’s Lipikar AP+M Triple Repair Body Moisturizer is accepted by the National Eczema Association, you can do it without fear of irritation. “Redness and crepey texture often coexist, especially in mature or reactive skin,” says Dr. Bowles. “This formula helps calm visible redness while deeply hydrating and strengthening the skin barrier.” The rich cream combines ceramides, shea butter, and glycerin for long-lasting moisture, plus niacinamide to soothe discoloration. La Roche-Posay’s prebiotic thermal spring water, naturally rich in selenium and trace minerals, helps support a healthier barrier over time. “With consistent use, skin looks smoother, more supple, and less fragile, all of which help improve the appearance of crepiness,” adds Dr. Bowles.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Murad Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment

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Murad

Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment

$79

Amazon

$79

Dermstore

$79

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: This body treatment gives your arms, thighs, and décolletage the same retinoid-level attention as your face. Murad’s Resurgence Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment uses retinal (a.k.a. retinaldehyde), the more potent cousin of retinol that works faster to deliver visible firming benefits. “The encapsulated retinal delivers more efficacy with less irritation to help lift, firm, and tighten skin, while shea butter, squalane, and avocado extract keep it deeply moisturized,” says Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The cream is slightly thicker to suit body skin, yet absorbs quickly, leaving it soft and moisturized without any greasy residue.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinal (percentage undisclosed), shea butter, squalane, urea, avocado fruit extract
• Fragrance-free: no

Best With Retinol: Nécessaire The Body Retinol

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Nécessaire

The Body Retinol

$62

Amazon

$62

Nordstrom

$62

Credo Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Retinol, the star of Nécessaire The Body Retinol, is one of the most recommended skin-care ingredients for mature skin, but especially for addressing elasticity. And according to bicoastal board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, there’s more that this formula has to offer beyond the active ingredients to boost the look and feel of your skin. It “combines retinol with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids to firm, tone, and reduce discoloration,” she says. As retinol promotes cell turnover and improves skin texture, a combination of glycolic and mandelic acids exfoliates the skin for a smoother texture. Beyond these key ingredients, the stacked formulation contains the works to transform the feel and clarity of your skin, including firming peptides, hydrating glycerin, and a tone-evening antioxidant duo of vitamin C and niacinamide.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol (0.1%), glycolic acid, mandelic acid, glycerin, peptides, vitamin C, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Lightweight: Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment

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Paula's Choice

Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment

$32

Amazon

$32

Dermstore

$32

Paula's Choice

Why it’s worth it: Though Paula’s Choice Skin-Smoothing Retinol Body Treatment is fueled by a hardworking blend of retinol, shea butter, and antioxidants, Dr. Murphy-Rose loves that it has a lightweight, nongreasy formula that can be slathered on before bedtime. “It has a deeply hydrating effect from shea butter, ceramides, and its antioxidant complex,” she says. “In combination with potent retinol, this formula defends against collagen breakdown and protects against signs of aging.”

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, antioxidant complex, shea butter, ceramides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Eczema: Eau Thermale Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

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Eau Thermale Avène

XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

$38

Amazon

$38

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: When crepey skin overlaps with eczema, Eau Thermale Avène’s XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm is one that comforts both. “For patients with crepey skin who also have sensitivity, eczema, or frequent irritation, barrier repair is essential,” says Dr. Bowles. “When the skin barrier is healthy, crepiness often becomes less noticeable because the skin can retain moisture more effectively.” The balm takes a barrier-first approach with glycerin and mineral oil to seal in hydration. It also features the brand’s signature Avène Thermal Spring Water, which is naturally rich in postbiotic compounds and trace minerals from its native microflora (Aquaphilus dolomiae), to help calm itch, redness, and inflammation. It’s accepted by the National Eczema Association, making it a standout for anyone who can’t tolerate retinoids or acids but still wants smoother texture and lasting nourishment.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Avène thermal spring water, glycerin, mineral oil
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Versed Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

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Versed

Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion

$18

Versed

Why it’s worth it: Trust us, when it comes to irritation-free formulas, Versed’s Press Restart Gentle Retinol Body Lotion truly lives up to its claims of mildness. “This is a great choice for those with more sensitive skin as it contains an encapsulated form of retinol alongside a retinol alternative, bakuchiol, to enhance skin quality and texture while firming,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. Vitamin E, squalane, and cocoa butter also make an appearance to soothe and moisturize.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: encapsulated retinol, cocoa butter, squalane, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes crepey skin?

Crepey skin, at its most basic, is just another sign of aging. “Simply put, crepiness is caused by a loss of collagen and elastin, as well as many other components,” says Jennifer Gordon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin. “There isn't a straightforward answer. It's a combination of things, such as genetics, sun damage, pollutants, skin care (or lack thereof), weight loss or gain."

Dr. Murphy-Rose notes that cumulative sun exposure can cause significant skin damage, which largely contributes to the signs of skin aging, including crepiness, laxity, and wrinkles. “Dehydrated skin lacks the plumping effect of hydration in skin cells and can further contribute to the appearance of crepey skin,” she adds.

How can I treat crepey skin at home?

Your biggest line of defense is sun protection, according to our experts. “Sun protection is crucial to keeping skin healthy and youthful,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “UV radiation causes DNA damage, increases free-radical production, and causes many signs of skin aging, laxity, and crepiness by triggering collagen breakdown and elastolysis.” The takeaway: Make sure you use sunscreen with a broad-spectrum SPF rating of 30 or more and wear protective clothing when you’re outside to maintain your overall skin health and keep your body’s largest organ in tip-top shape.

Our experts also note that properly hydrating yourself and your skin can keep crepiness at bay. “Hydration keeps skin more plump, improving its appearance,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Consume adequate fluids, limit intake of caffeine, alcohol, and other diuretics when possible, and apply a balanced, high-quality moisturizer that’s well-balanced for your skin every day.”

Along with daily habit changes, incorporating certain ingredients, such as retinol and vitamin C, into your body-care regimen will help diminish the look of crepiness. Vitamin A derivatives, like retinol and prescription-strength retinoids, increase production of collagen and elastin to prevent and reduce these signs of aging. Dr. Murphy-Rose adds that antioxidants like vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, resveratrol, and vitamin E neutralize free radicals and are essential for protecting your body’s natural supply of collagen and preventing wrinkles and laxity over time.

Are there any professional treatments for crepey skin?

If you want to take a more dramatic approach to treating your crepey skin, Dr. Gordon says that there are many treatment options to choose from at your trusted board-certified dermatologist’s office, but finding the right one for your skin is key. “There are many things that try to treat crepey skin, such as resurfacing procedures that incorporate certain lasers and microneedling, as well as skin-tightening procedures like smart liposuction, Ultherapy, and radiofrequency. However, there is no perfect concoction for many people. It is a very difficult issue to address,” she says.

Dr. Murphy-Rose says that one of the most popular crepey skin treatments she offers to her clients is Sofwave, “which uses high-frequency, high-intensity ultrasound technology to heat tissue just below the surface of the skin to powerfully stimulate collagen production,” she says. As a result, this procedure improves the overall quality of skin and prevents crepiness, laxity, fine lines, and wrinkles. “Another option is CO2 laser resurfacing, which improves crepiness by laser remodeling of collagen,” she says. “Non-ablative fractional resurfacing with Fraxel Dual is another great option with five to seven days of downtime, including redness, mild swelling, and roughness of the skin.”

Radiofrequency microneedling, another option Dr. Murphy-Rose recommends, uses tiny needles that penetrate the skin, causing microscopic wounds in the dermis. “Downtime after radiofrequency microneedling is approximately three to five days, and typically a series of treatments is recommended for the best results,” she explains.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Jennifer Gordon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology in Austin
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City and Newport Beach, California
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Radiant Dermatology Associates based in Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
• Geeta Yadav, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto

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 crepey skin treatments, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors, along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing process, read our complete review 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.

Source images: Courtesy of @b.by_you and @eve_nailSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

If you’re someone who gets your nails done often, it’s easy to fall into a rut. You’ve probably tried all the trendy designs, like frame nails and velvet aura nails. You have classics like French tips on rotation, and you’ve even gotten quite good at mixing and matching trends in one manicure. But if you’ve hit that wall where you don’t know what nail design to get next, allow us to put you on to a new trend: barcode nails.

Like many trendy nail looks, this design originated in South Korea and is now becoming mainstream in the United States. Barcode nails have a thin horizontal line (or multiple lines) that resembles the LED light that shows up when you scan a barcode.

Courtesy of @miatanails

The barcode design is yet another way to use magnetic polish to achieve a mesmerizing shimmer effect. Instead of the traditional vertical line in cat-eye nails, the barcode design features a horizontal stripe that shifts with movement and light—as you bend your finger, the line appears to move up and down.

Chloe Jeong, a nail artist in Arizona, says she started seeing barcode nail art on social media last spring. “While the design isn't something every client is asking for just yet, I’ve definitely seen a growing interest,” she says. Yoshiko Yamaguchi, a nail artist in New York City, echoes this, noting she’s been asked to do the trend on a client only once in the past year but predicts more people will be asking for it in 2026.

Courtesy of Chloe Jeong

Velvet nails were more popular than ever in 2025, so it’s no surprise that people are finding ways to remix the effect. Says Jeong, the look “feels modern, slightly edgy, without being overwhelming.”

In South Korea, barcode nails are being paired with maximalist nail adornments like rhinestones and decals, but “the clean, one-line look seems to be more popular stateside,” Jeong adds.

How to get barcode nails at home

Barcode nails are simple to create. First, apply a magnetic gel polish to the entire nail. We love the magnetic polishes from Kokoist and DND for their glossy finishes and durability. (For a non-gel option, try the magnetic nail polishes from Mooncat, which come in an array of mystical colors.) “Hold a rectangular magnet horizontally along the nail bed for about 30 seconds with the thin edge facing upward,” says Jeong. “As the magnet is held in place, the metallic particles within the gel are pulled into a fine, linear formation, creating that signature barcode effect.”

If you go the gel route, cure the art in place with an LED lamp. Repeat this process to create multiple barcode lines before sealing with a topcoat.

You can keep the design simple with a single line on each nail or get fancy with multiple stripes, a dash of glitter, chrome stickers, or rhinestones. “These details allow the design to range from ultra-minimal and understated to more dimensional and statement-making, while still maintaining the clean, refined feel that characterizes the trend,” says Jeong.

Below, discover barcode nail designs we’re saving for our next manicure appointment.

Silver stripe barcode nails

Courtesy of @nail_nid

Black cherry barcode nails

Courtesy of @b.by_you

Star-spangled barcode nails

Courtesy of @eve_nailCourtesy of @nail.nuha

Green and silver striped barcode nails

Courtesy of @b.by_you

Green and gold striped barcode nails

Courtesy of @_moodnail

Galaxy barcode nails

Courtesy of @beambeam.nails

Purple and black ombré barcode nails

Courtesy of @nailsbycindyxo

Photographed by CARLOS and ALYSE. Stylist: Fiona Green. Hair: Jenni Iva Wimmerstedt. Makeup: Andrew Colvin. Manicure: Elina Ogawa. Model: Brandi Quinones. Dress by Emilia Wickstead. Ear Cuff by Charlotte Chesnais.Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Like everything else on our faces, our lips naturally change as we age. The best lipsticks for older women—thanks to their moisturizing, feather-proof formulas—can help mitigate concerns we may have, like volume loss and fine lines. "As we mature, we tend to lose collagen production, which causes our skin to become thinner and results in volume reduction," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elaina Badro. "Mature skin also produces less oil, which leads to dryness."

The following makeup artist-approved lipsticks have one important aspect in common: They're all enriched with ingredients like hydrating hyaluronic acid and emollient shea butter to smooth and plump while providing rich, vibrant pigment. Learn more about the best lipsticks for mature skin to soften the effects of dryness, thinness, and accentuated fine lines.

Our Top Lipsticks for Older Women

• Best Overall: Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick, $45
• Best Satin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick, $26
• Best Glossy: YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick, $45
• Best Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick, $35
• Best Lip Primer: Sarah Creal Lip Grip Line Filler, $36
• Most Buildable: Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick, $75
• Best Long-wearing: Merit Signature Matte Lip, $26
• Best Shade Range: Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick, $21
• Best Plumping: Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm, $24
• Best Multiuse: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon, $35

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of lipstick for mature skin?
• What ingredients should I look for in lipstick for mature skin?
• How should I apply lipstick for mature skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick

SephoraSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Giorgio Armani

Armani Beauty Lip Power Long-Lasting Lipstick in Majestic

$45

Nordstrom

$45

Sephora

$45

Saks Fifth Avenue

Allure’s tester applying the Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick

Allure

Why it's worth it: Armani makes excellent lipsticks, we're not surprised the brand has a mature-lip-friendly option—and a long-lasting one, at that. "If you have a long day in the boardroom, a late night dinner followed by dancing, or just anytime you want your lip color to really last, this is the perfect formula," says Los Angeles-based makeup artist Robin Black. "It's intensely pigmented with a lightweight feel and a smooth satin finish that stays put for six to hours. I've even worn it through a client lunch, straight into a meeting without a touch-up in between!" The ultimate test of a long-wearing lipstick is how it wears through a meal, so consider us totally sold.

Allure’s tester before applying the Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick

Allure

Allure’s tester after applying the Armani Beauty Lip Power Longwear Satin Lipstick

Allure

More to know

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• Key ingredients: N/A
• Finish: satin
• Shades: 15

Best Glossy: YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

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YSL

Loveshine Lip Oil Stick

$45

Nordstrom

$45

Sephora

Why it's worth it: It looks like a lipstick, it’s buildable like a lipstick, but it nourishes and hydrates like an oil. It’s the beauty equivalent of a magic trick, and why YSL’s Loveshine Lip Oil Stick won a 2024 Best of Beauty Award. The formula blends six nourishing oils (including passionfruit seed and macadamia-derived emollients) for a glossy, cushiony finish. Fig pulp adds an instant surge of hydration and comes from YSL Beauty’s Ourika Community Garden in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains (a project that supports women’s economic independence while providing unique, carefully sourced raw materials for YSL’s beauty formulas). And while the brand keeps much of the tech behind that plush, light-catching shine and 24-hour hydration under wraps, one swipe is enough to make a believer out of you.

Allure’s tester applying YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick in Electric Love

Allure

Allure’s tester after applying YSL Loveshine Lip Oil Stick in Electric Love

Allure

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Despite my best efforts, my lips are no stranger to dryness and fine lines, so this formula works wonders and hugs my lips in a blanket of long-lasting moisture.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 60% YSL signature oil base (contents not disclosed, but the ingredient list includes passionfruit oil), fig pulp
• Finish: sheer/shiny
• Shades: 23

Best Satin: Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick

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Anastasia Beverly Hills

Satin Lipstick

$26

Amazon

$26

Dermstore

$26

Ulta Beauty

Allure’s tester applying the Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick

Allure

Why it's worth it: Anastasia Beverly Hills’ Satin Lipstick is a winner for anyone who doesn’t want the high-beam shine of a lip gloss, but also isn’t in the mood for a flat matte. The lipstick has just enough slip to glide on comfortably, thanks to emollients and microcrystalline waxes that help the color lay down evenly and stay put. It also includes vitamin E, which softens lips as you wear it, making them feel cushioned. Los Angeles–based makeup artist Chloe Majdipour says satin finishes naturally glide more than mattes, making them easier to apply, especially for mature lips prone to dryness.

Allure’s tester before applying the Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick

Allure

Allure’s tester after applying the Anastasia Beverly Hills Satin Lipstick

Allure

More to know

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• Key ingredients: emollients, vitamin E, microcrystalline wax
• Finish: satin
• Shades: 9

Best Matte: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Long Lasting Matte Lipstick

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Charlotte Tilbury

Matte Revolution Long Lasting Matte Lipstick

$37

Amazon

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Mattes have a reputation for being dry, flat, and unforgiving. But Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipstick features lipstick tree extract (yes, a real plant nicknamed for its pigment-rich seeds), which helps keep the formula soft and comfortable instead of chalky. Emollient esters (meaning they give it a silky glide), while vitamin E (tocopherol) provides antioxidant and conditioning benefits, creating a finish that feels plush rather than parched. New York City-based makeup artist Kat Dorn is a fan of both its comfort and wear: “It’s creamy and will stay exactly where you apply it without drying out the lips,” she says. She also calls the square tip a game-changer for shaping, and has a trick for even more longevity: “Apply, set with powder, and layer again for up to 10 hours of color.”

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Long Lasting Matte Lipstick in Cover Star

Lee after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Long Lasting Matte Lipstick in Cover Star

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ve been wronged by matte lipsticks in the past, and as I get older my lips only get drier, so a matte finish is a bit intimidating for me. Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution formula has zero drag and glides on with the same creamy ease as a gloss, but somehow sets down into this blurred, velvety finish that never cracks or flakes. And yes, Pillow Talk gets all the attention when it comes to the best nude lipsticks, but can we please give a moment this shade, Cover Star? I’m obsessed.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lipstick tree extract, tocopherol
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 21

Best Lip Primer: Sarah Creal Lip Grip Line Filler

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Sarah Creal

Lip Grip Line Filler

$36

Sephora

Allure’s tester applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Line Filler

Allure

Why it's worth it: In many cases, your lipstick is only as good as the condition of the lips beneath it all. Sarah Creal's Lip Grip Line Filler is "a must for more mature lips," according to Black. "It's a peptide priming treatment that smooths and blurs lip lines while keeping your lipstick in place for longer. Lactic acid gently exfoliates any texture, helping the other actives (like peptides) to penetrate more effectively. You can even dab some around your lips to soften any lines.

Allure’s tester before applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Line Filler

Allure

Allure’s tester after applying the Sarah Creal Lip Grip Line Filler

Allure

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, lactic acid, blurring optics
• Finish: hydrating, smoothing
• Shades: clear

Most Buildable: Sisley Paris Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick

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Sisley Paris

Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick

$75

Amazon

$75

Nordstrom

$70

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Sisley Paris’s Le Phyto-Rouge Lipstick has a gel-based texture that melts in like skin care, creating a thin, smoothing veil that you can blend out for a soft stain or layer into full, creamy color. The brand’s proprietary Hydrobooster complex, which features hyaluronic acid and konjac glucomannans, gives lips instant plushness, while camellia and jojoba seed oils add softness and suppleness to mature lips over time. “No matter if you wear it sheer or build it out to full color, this luxe formula always makes lips look smooth, hydrated, and refined,” says Renée Loiz, a makeup artist based in Los Angeles.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, konjac glucomannans
• Finish: silky
• Shades: 27

Best Long-wearing: Merit Signature Matte Lip

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Merit

Signature Matte Lip

$26

Sephora

$26

Merit

Why it's worth it: If we haven’t convinced you yet that people with fine lines around their mouths can wear lipsticks with a matte finish, Merit’s Signature Matte Lip will make the case. Consider this a modern matte—lightweight, buildable, and non-drying—so it feels like nothing on the lips and never settles into texture. Hyaluronic acid helps smooth and lock in moisture, while sesame seed extract keeps lips soft and comfortable throughout the day. One swipe gives a soft wash of color; two or three build easily to full pigment. When it comes to desert-island products, especially if you’re a true-red person, our tester swears by Vermillion.

Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable

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“This long-lasting lipstick is surprisingly very moisturizing while still managing to read matte, which is a feat. My favorite shade in the line is Vermillion, which is a true red. It's so good!" —Amber Venerable, creative director

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, sesame oil
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 8

Best Shade Range: Urban Decay Vice Hydrating Lipstick

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Urban Decay

Vice Hydrating Lipstick

$21

Amazon

$21

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Even though there’s a handy shade-picking tool on Urban Decay’s website, it can still be hard to know if you’ll actually like a shade based on an online swatch. To help with this, the brand anchored its Vice Hydrating Lipstick lineup to Los Angeles—each of the 35 shades nods to a neighborhood or mood—so picking a color feels more like choosing a vibe than decoding undertones. The formula comes in three finishes (matte, cream, and shine), but we’re especially partial to the cream for mature lips. “The super creamy formula is infused with aloe vera and avocado oil so the lips will feel nourished and hydrated,” says Majdipour, which keeps pigment from catching on texture.

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, avocado oil, sesame seed oil
• Finish: matte, cream, or shine
• Shades: 35 (13 cream, 15 matte, 6 high-shine finish)

Best Plumping: Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

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Paula's Choice

Pro Collagen Peptide Gloss Balm

$24

Amazon

$24

Dermstore

$24

Sephora

Why it's worth it: While it’s not a lipstick, we love Paula’s Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Plumping Gloss Balm for older women because it tackles the things that tend to show up with age: dryness, thinning, and fine lines around the mouth. The treatment leans on a trio of pro-collagen peptides to visibly reduce lines and add fullness, support natural collagen for better volume, and lock in hydration and prevent the look of thinning. The base feels glossy and soft, thanks to shea butter, castor oil, and emollients, giving you instant comfort. “I love wearing this nourishing formula alone or over lipstick for extra hydration and shine,” says Dorn.

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• Key ingredients: peptides, castor seed oil, shea butter
• Finish: shiny and sheer
• Shades: 11

Best Multiuse: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon

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Make Up For Ever

Artist Color Crayon

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Sephora

Why it's worth it: We love it when a lipstick can multitask, and Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon pulls triple duty on lips, cheeks, and eyes. The formula is surprisingly blendable thanks to emollients and sunflower seed wax, which help the pigment spread without dragging. “Crayon formulas are incredibly forgiving on mature lips, and this one glides, blends, and builds without ever feeling heavy or waxy,” says Loiz. “I love the control it gives, especially for adding definition without outlining lines too sharply, thanks to the wider tip,” she says. Just pay attention to the shade notes—some shimmery shades aren’t recommended to wear on lips, while others aren’t suitable for eyes.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: emollients, sunflower seed wax
• Finish: shimmer or matte
• Shades: 28 (9 shimmer, 19 matte)

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of lipstick for mature skin?

While moisturizing lip products like balms, oils, and masks deeply condition your lips, it's understandable if you don't want to sacrifice your favorite red lipstick in the name of hydration. Thankfully, you can achieve the pigmentation you desire and still reap the benefits of lip-loving, texture-blurring ingredients, thanks to the abundance of hydrating and conditioning oils. In case you aren't aware, moisture replenishment is especially important for diminishing the look of volume loss and fine lines, two key concerns that tend to pop up around the mouth as we get older. "As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier," Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. "Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable."

Cosmetic chemist Ginger King says taking this extra step to find a hydrating lipstick is worthwhile. "For mature women, the selection of lipstick is trickier because they tend to have thinner and drier lips." A safe bet, King says, is to "choose a more muted tone." Otherwise, springing a tinted lip balm may be more suitable than a fully pigmented lipstick.

What ingredients should I look for in lipstick for mature skin?

In case it wasn't evident, hyaluronic acid is a beneficial ingredient for all, but especially for older women. According to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Doris Day, MD, this hydrating humectant is "great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness." Los Angeles-based makeup artist Elaina Badro adds that hyaluronic acid's plumping properties help "fill in the cracks on the surface of the lips," creating a smoother look to your lips.

Other moisturizing heavy hitters are emollients like shea butter and cocoa butter, which soften dry cracks and blur the appearance of fine lines. These ingredients are also responsible for giving your lipstick formulas that easy-gliding feeling. As for what to avoid? Erin B. Guth, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist, generally recommends steering clear of matte lipsticks, as they tend to have drier finishes that may highlight fine lines.

How should I apply lipstick for mature skin?

Aside from seeking more nourishing ingredients for your maturing lips, your application technique plays a vital role in your finished look. To enhance the look of your lips, start with a clear lip balm to prime and prep the area. "Primers are a great way to ensure that the products stay in place and can prevent feathering, which can draw attention to fine lines," Guth says.

After lip primer, she recommends using a lip pencil one to two shades darker than your natural lip color to slightly overdraw and give the illusion of bigger lips. Fill in your lips with your lipstick of choice, pop a bit of a lighter shade to the middle of the lips to highlight, et voilà! Instantly plump-looking lips.

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Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

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Charlotte Tilbury

Lip Cheat Lip Liner

$28

Amazon

$26

Nordstrom

$26

Ulta Beauty

Meet the experts

• Elaina Badro, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
• Robin Black, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
• Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Kat Dorn, a makeup artist of LRN Beauty based in New York City
• Erin B. Guth, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Renée Loiz, a makeup artist and founder of Color May Vary based in Los Angeles
• Chloe Majdipour, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
• Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best lipsticks for mature skin, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, makeup artists, and cosmetic chemists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, demographics, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, efficacy, and hydration. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Goodbye, Barbie, and hello, Catherine Earnshaw! Margot Robbie has ditched the hot pink Barbie Land in favor of the windswept moors of Wuthering Heights, and her hair has too! As the star preps for the release of her latest film, Emerald Fennell's adaptation of the Emily Brönte novel, she's leaning all the way in to the romantic heroine vibes with long, flowing waves.

Press has begun for the movie, and if the press run is anything like Barbie's legendary lineup of looks, we're in for some truly amazing beauty details and outfits too. For an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Robbie and hairstylist Bryce Scarlett kicked things off with a bang—well, a wave, anyway. Robbie's beachy blonde hair was styled in loose mermaid waves, similar to those you'd get if you slept in damp French braids and unbraided your hair the next morning or styled your hair with a 3-barrel waving iron. The waves began right at her roots and flowed down to mid-back, with a portion pulled back near her ears for added romance—simple, but stunningly soft, undone, and pretty.

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I know I said we're leaving Barbie behind for the world of Wuthering Heights, but Robbie's waves did remind me of one of my favorite Barbie-era hairstyles: her homage to Earring Magic Barbie from 1992, a beloved doll who wore her hair in era-appropriate crimped waves.

We know that the 2026 of Wuthering Heights will be less "faithful adaptation” and more dreamy, steamy, and experimental, both in plotline and fashion. We also know that Robbie-as-Catherine wears her hair in a lot of updos and half-up styles onscreen, and that her press looks so far have been leaning into the “dark romance” vibe that has become synonymous with the 1847 gothic novel; she paired her waves with a sheer black lace Alexander McQueen dress, for example. But this is just the beginning of what is certain to be a swoon-worthy red carpet run.

Photo: Huy LuongSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

L. Mike Nayak, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in St. Louis, recently took to Instagram to caution patients under 40 about getting lip lifts—which surgically shorten the space between the base of the nose and the top lip—explaining that younger skin has a higher chance of healing poorly compared to older skin, which tends to produce less visible scars. (With a lip lift, those scars are smack-dab in the middle of the face.) Dr. Nayak also noted that lip lifts “generally are not indicated” for this age group and have the potential to “make people look very stylized.” He ends somewhat ominously: “I'm telling you right now, there's going to be an epidemic of young women in their 30s that are regretful of lip lift scars.”

After seeing that post, every chance I got, I started asking surgeons how they felt about lip lifts in younger patients. While some dismissed the idea of an age limit, many agreed with Dr. Nayak, saying they generally steer people away from lip lifts in the 20s and 30s, when the rewards tend to be minimal and the scars can be problematic. “Two decades ago, the scenario of a young patient having a lip lift was unheard of,” says Kameron Rezzadeh, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. “Now it’s happening with alarming frequency.”

Lip lifts were first performed in the ‘80s, typically alongside facelifts, back when facelifts were reserved for older people with clear signs of aging. In those cases, the surgery made sense: The upper cutaneous lip—that’s the flesh-toned skin under the nose—sags and stretches in unison with the rest of the face. As it elongates, the philtrum—the vertical groove above the Cupid’s bow—loses definition and can flatten out. At some point, the upper lip can start to look disproportionate, changing the smile. (At 48, I’m beginning to notice this phenomenon myself, mostly in pictures: When I smile, with teeth or without, my expression looks vaguely unfamiliar.) Since a facelift doesn’t address this area, surgeons may suggest a lip lift: The procedure removes a bullhorn-shaped wedge of tissue from below the nostrils in order to effectively lift the lip, keeping it in sync with its surroundings.

The lip lift flew under the radar until the late 2010s, when it took off on social media, giving us a new feature to fixate on. By promoting the procedure as not just a facelift add-on, but an alternative to lip filler, surgeons broadened its appeal, enticing younger generations who were growing tired of injections—the artificial aesthetic, the migration, the maintenance. Unlike filler, the lip lift doesn’t add volume, per se, but it can give the appearance of plumpness by subtly rolling up the top lip to show off more of the pink vermillion. Elevating the area can also sharpen the contours of the philtrum and reveal a sliver of incisors when the lips are gently parted. Doctors refer to this as “tooth show” and say it contributes to a youthful vibe.

As demand for lip lifts grew, more surgeons dusted off their medical textbooks to refamiliarize themselves with the technique. After “a very cursory review of the lip lift, people started offering it to patients without really understanding the nuances,” says Ben Talei, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills. The lip lift was overprescribed and misused—a common consequence of medical commoditization—and “there were a lot of fuck-ups: patients looking overdone, terrible, imbalanced,” Dr. Talei recalls. In response, lip lift education ramped up across the field, with specialists lecturing on it at meetings and teaching it in courses. But ultimately, “all this knowledge only helps if we have judgment alongside it,” says Dr. Rezzadeh. “And the judgement piece is incredibly challenging to teach.” Even now, he says, surgeons too often do lip lifts without pausing to consider if the procedure is a suitable solution for the issue at hand or if the patient is even a candidate.

The lip lift is the procedure that Dr. Rezzadeh says “no” to most often. “Because I’ve seen the disasters,” he says—not just prominent scars, but overshortened lips, distorted nostrils, and mouths that look odd in motion. Like Dr. Nayak, he is predicting a fallout in the future: “Just walking around Beverly Hills, you can tell a lot of people under 40 have had lip lifts, and frankly, I think we're going to be dealing with the ramifications of that in the coming years.”

Interestingly, Sean Alemi, MD, a double-board certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City, says that what he encounters far more frequently than “lip lifts gone sideways” are patients who’ve been scared away from the procedure by “fear-mongering” doctors, who insist that lip lifts unequivocally cause bad scars or a strange appearance. Conversely, on the West Coast, “there’s an astoundingly low level of fear associated with lip lifts,” according to Dr. Rezzadeh. Another paradox: While some surgeons say the fad-ification of the lip lift has led to an uptick in people requesting the procedure out of hand, without understanding its intent, others find that many patients resist the lip lift—even when it could actually benefit them—because they’ve seen such extreme examples of it online or out in the world.

So what’s the truth about lip lifts? It’s complicated. Here are nine things surgeons want you to know about the powerful procedure.

1. A lip lift does more than just shorten the upper lip. When planned and executed precisely, on the right patient, it can have a rejuvenative and beautifying effect.

Yes, the lip lift is a means of lessening the distance between the nose and the mouth—but to what end? Beyond simply perking up the top lip, the procedure can “restore the right balance to the lower face,” which, in women, tends to square off and look slightly more masculine with age, says Dr. Alemi. “By shortening the [nose-to-lip] distance sometimes just a few millimeters, the lip lift brings a soft femininity back to the mouth.” (When men request a lip lift—which my sources say is happening more frequently—“I specifically tell them that it’s a feminizing procedure,” notes Gary Linkov, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in New York City.) In most patients, Dr. Alemi is removing only one-and-a-half to four millimeters of skin. But that tiny adjustment can pay off big, he says, “making the whole face look prettier.”

The lip lift isn’t without limitations, however. For starters, “it’s really only lifting the central region of the upper lip,” says Dr. Linkov. Patients often fail to grasp this point, he says: “They think the lift is going to affect the entire lip, including the corners, and it just doesn’t happen that way.” (Look in the mirror and picture two lines extending down from the outer rims of your nostrils to your top lip. The portion in between those imaginary lines is what gets lifted.)

Surgeons can address the corners of the mouth by performing a separate procedure called a corner lip lift. Depending on the technique used, a corner lift can unfurl the outer edges of the top lip (to expose more red) or pick up the downturned corners of a mouth. Dr. Rezzadeh finds that, in select patients, tweaking the corners during a lip lift can lead to a more natural result: This way, “you’re addressing the full lip, so it doesn’t look like the central part has been brought up, but the corners are untouched and still looking aged,” he says. (In some cases, doing a basic lip lift without addressing the corners can create an overly arched look, where the line of the upper lip sort of resembles a bell curve.) Since the corner lip lift requires making incisions on the vermillion border—where there’s really no place to hide scars—surgeons tend to offer it less frequently. In Dr. Linkov’s office, “the percentage of people who end up truly benefiting [from a corner lip lift] is maybe 5% to less than 10%,” he says. In such cases, he prefers to wait and see how the upper lip lift settles and scars before addressing the corners. Other surgeons may opt to do the two procedures together.

2. The lip lift can be bundled with other procedures or done on its own.

Surgeons commonly perform lip lifts during facelifts to enhance overall harmony—about half of Dr. Alemi’s facelift patients choose to include a lip lift—but the procedure can also be done as a standalone under local anesthesia (meaning you’re numb but awake). This can be a good option for people who’ve already had a facelift, but for whatever reason, chose not to treat the lip at the same time. The solo lip lift might also appeal to those who aren’t ready for a bigger intervention. “I definitely see patients who are a little bit on the younger side, usually in their 40s, and they’re just starting to dip their toe into the aesthetic pond,” Dr. Alemi says. “A lot of them are choosing lip lifts as an entry point.”

The surgery is a relatively straightforward affair: After measuring and marking the upper lip, surgeons remove a bullhorn-shaped strip of skin and fat to reveal the SMAS layer, which is the connective tissue covering the muscle that encircles the mouth. Working along the lower edge of the incision, they separate a few millimeters of SMAS from the underlying muscle to create a small tissue flap, which allows them to move the lip freely and place sutures deep in the SMAS in order to avoid putting tension on the surface incision. (If you’re more of a visual learner—I get it—this is a great step-by-step video of the procedure.) Tension is the enemy, of course, because it leads to widened scars and also risks pulling down and distorting the base of the nose. “If the incision looks tension-free before the final layer of stitches goes in [to the skin], you’re most likely to get an inconspicuous scar,” explains Adam Kolker, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City.

While surgeons aim to hide the lip lift incision in the shadow of the nose, they say it’s imperative not to cut into the nostrils. “We don’t want to enter the nasal sill, which is the roll of skin where the nostril meets the upper lip,” says Dr. Alemi. “Violating that area can change the shape of the nostrils, making them look unnaturally round.”

3. With lip lifts, less is always more.

When teaching about lip lifts, Dr. Talei instructs surgeons to “ignore all the old literature that says the lip should be 11 to 14 millimeters long,” he says. There is no prescribed length that can be applied to every patient. Sometimes, though, the lip itself will tell surgeons where to cut. In certain—often older—patients, the upper lip will form a crease when they smile. “They’ll get this horizontal ‘line of declaration’ in the middle of their lip,” says Dr. Rezzadeh. “That tells us exactly where the excess skin is and what needs to be removed in order to restore their lip to its younger anatomy.”

In every case, the key to an undetectable lip lift is knowing how much skin to take, says Dr. Alemi, who calls himself “the most conservative lip lift surgeon on Park Avenue.” He tells me how he recently did a two-millimeter lip lift on a patient: “She was like, ‘Gosh, two millimeters? Is it even worth it?’ And I said, ‘This is a region where a millimeter can be a mile. If [the upper lip] is a millimeter too short, it doesn’t look quite right,” he says. Every surgeon I spoke to stressed the importance of erring on the conservative side. Sometimes patients will push to go shorter, says Dr. Linkov, but “it’s always better to have to go back and remove a little bit more, than to remove too much and then you’re stuck.”

4. The lip lift isn’t for everyone.

Unlike 10 years ago, when the suggestion of a lip lift left patients bewildered, says Dr. Kolker, “now people are coming in requesting a lip lift, but they have no idea what it means and they’re not even remotely candidates for it.” In the age of trending treatments, he adds, “everyone thinks they’re a candidate for everything.”

The success of a lip lift rests heavily on the patient being a good match for the procedure. The best candidates are those whose philtrums are congenitally long or have lengthened with age. (How long? “If I had to put a starting measurement on it, it would be at least 15 to 16 millimeters, at minimum,” says Dr. Linkov—but this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule.) In some cases, the philtrum is so long that the red of the lip has folded under, completely concealing the top teeth when the mouth is neutral or even when smiling. In addition to having a bothersome lack of tooth show, perfect candidates have “the potential to reveal at least a little bit of the upper teeth when the mouth is in repose,” Dr. Linkov explains. This isn’t a given for everyone: “Sometimes the teeth are so high up and hidden that we’d have to remove so much skin in order to see them and it just wouldn’t make sense.”

Beyond the basic anatomical indications for a lip lift, candidacy may also hinge on “how much the patient knows about the procedure and what they hope to achieve,” says Dr. Linkov. “I want patients who understand what they’re getting into. They’ve accepted that, yes, there will be a scar and that they may someday need procedures to improve the appearance of the scar.” In his experience, when patients focus more on the inevitable scar than on the benefits of the procedure, “it’s a setup for dissatisfaction.”

This probably goes without saying, but in the not-a-candidate category are people who already have short philtrums, those who naturally show a lot of teeth or have a gummy smile, and anyone with unrealistic goals or expectations.

5. Some skin types may be more prone to obvious scars.

Responsible surgeons will factor in a patient’s skin tone and age when determining if the lip lift is appropriate. It’s important to note, however, that regardless of color, the skin on the upper lip is universally thicker than that on other parts of the face—and its density influences how it heals. “The reason that blepharoplasty [eyelid lift] incisions heal so beautifully—even in the hands of mediocre surgeons—is because the upper eyelid is privileged skin,” Dr. Rezzadeh says. “It has the ability to heal in an essentially scarless fashion because of how thin it is. But the upper lip skin is the opposite—it’s much less forgiving.”

While “it’s impossible to predict with 100% certainty what the quality of the scar is going to be,” says Dr. Kolker, most surgeons agree that melanated skin is generally thicker than Caucasian skin and more likely to form raised or pigmented scars. But not all surgeons are aligned in thinking that younger skin will have a more exuberant scar response, or in ruling patients out based on age alone. In Dr. Linkov’s office, the majority of lip lift patients are in their 30s and 40s. “I do think that the scar can be a bit more obvious in younger patients,” he says, “but rarely is it truly problematic.” Allure contributor Taryn Brooke got a lip lift in 2023, at age 35, and recounted her experience; we followed up this year and she said that, though she’s “very happy” with the fullness she achieved through the procedure, “the scarring remains around my nose to this day. It's lessened over the years thanks to laser treatments but it's still there, albeit hidden.”

During surgery, if Dr. Linkov feels that a patient’s skin is thick relative to other cases he’s done—or if someone is genetically predisposed to raised scars—he’ll inject steroids at the end of the procedure to try to mitigate the risk of poor scarring. And if someone is under 40 and they have darker skin, “then we really have to ask if the juice is worth the squeeze, because the scar can become an eyesore,” says Dr. Rezzadeh. He can’t stress it enough: “We have to be really discerning when offering this procedure,” he adds. In the wrong patient, “it can be a setup for something that is life-altering and impossible to correct.”

Dr. Talei has designed an app called Cupid Lift, which allows users to upload a photo to “try on” a lip lift and find out if they qualify for one. “Even if you don’t come to us [for surgery], send a photo through the app, and then at least you have my eyes on it, and I can tell you if you’re a candidate.” He says “no” to roughly half of those who inquire about the procedure for a variety of reasons, including the possibility of poor scarring. “Most of the people we turn away are younger and they just don’t need it,” he says. “But that doesn’t mean there aren’t hundreds of people out there in their 30s who would benefit from the procedure.”

6. The lip lift isn’t a cure-all—sometimes filler is actually the answer.

While filler has received its share of bad press in recent years, it clearly still has a place in aesthetics: Nearly 1.5 million lip injections were performed in 2024, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. While lip filler (which volumizes the body of the lip) has a different purpose than a lip lift (which shortens the philtrum), sometimes surgeons will rush to cut when a perceived problem could’ve been better solved with an injection. “If your upper lip is already the perfect length, and what bothers you is your lip shape or size, then maybe filling the lip is the right answer,” says Dr. Rezzadeh.

That said, “the misdiagnosis can go both ways,” he notes. “There are people who’ve become filler dependent—they do have a long upper lip, and they are candidates for lip lifts, yet they’re constantly getting filler to try to improve the look of their lip when, given their anatomy, they should’ve had a lip lift to begin with.”

Sometimes the two treatments can go hand-in-hand. In certain patients, “their natural lip structure is just not amenable to filler,” Dr. Talei explains. “But then we do a lip lift, and the surgery makes them fantastic candidates for filler, because their lip is now more everted, so we can add a little bit of volume and hydration without making them duck out.”

7. Post-op care is critical.

Following a lip lift, swelling and bruising can last two to three weeks and the area may feel firm, tight, tingly, or numb for up to three months. In the first month after surgery, “there's all this fresh collagen that’s contracting, and so patients can feel tight,” Dr. Alemi explains. Then, around four weeks, as the collagen starts to mature, tissues typically feel softer and more pliable. However, the deep sutures that surgeons place can take eight to 12 weeks or more to fully dissolve. “And sometimes patients can feel the knot of a suture or some tightness associated with the sutures,” he says, but those sensations dissipate once stitches dissolve.

During the first two weeks post-op, Dr. Linkov encourages a constant state of “resting bitch face.” “It’s such a critical time when the wound is building up basic strength,” he says. “I really ask people to keep talking, smiling, laughing, and crying to a minimum.” Patients are not robots, he realizes, but staying straight-faced can improve scarring.

As for wound care, every surgeon has their own protocols, but most recommend avoiding sun exposure and keeping the incision coated with an antibiotic ointment or a salve like Aquaphor. Surgeons typically remove skin-level sutures after two to five days. They may then place Steri-Strips over the incision and have patients start applying a silicone-based scar gel once they fall off.

Some doctors routinely laser lip lift scars at three to four weeks to reduce pinkness and head off hyperpigmentation. “I watch these scars like a hawk,” says Dr. Rezzadeh. Not only are they in a highly mobile area that’s constantly under tension, but if something goes wrong, surgeons can’t just cut out the scar and start over as they might when revising, say, a facelift scar behind the ear. Lip lift “errors are much harder to address,” he adds, “because the real estate is very limited in the upper lip.”

Other surgeons take a wait-and-see approach with scars, finding that the percentage of patients who truly need scar therapy is very low—“probably on the order of five percent,” says Dr. Linkov. According to Dr. Alemi, “when patients do have an issue with a scar, it's either visible because of pigment, which we treat with intense pulsed light, or they may see a faint line, which we address with microneedling or CO2 laser.” If the scar is raised, doctors can flatten it with steroid injections, “but it can sometimes take four, five, or six sessions,” notes Dr. Linkov.

Overall, the healing time with a lip lift can be substantial. It usually takes about three weeks for the scar to be “disguisable,” says Dr. Talei, and three months to be “wedding- or photo-ready.”

8. Poor scarring isn’t the only risk of a lip lift.

Other risks include asymmetry, under- and over-correction, infections (very rare), and viral reactivation in those prone to herpes (a prophylactic dose of Valtrex can help prevent it). While some degree of temporary stiffness is normal, if too much skin is removed during surgery or if the orbicularis muscle is aggressively manipulated, the mouth may move awkwardly and the smile can be restricted for weeks to months or even permanently.

9. A botched lip lift can be impossible to fix.

“The lip lift is not a reversible procedure,” says Dr. Talei. “We can usually fix an asymmetry. We can maybe fix a scar. But we can’t reverse an overshortened lip—it’s just not possible and that’s where the danger comes in.” Occasionally, if the central lip was lifted a bit too high, surgeons can raise the corners slightly to make the lip look less arched and more balanced overall. In other cases, restoring form and function can require extreme measures. Dr. Talei tells me about two patients who came to him after having aggressive lip lifts elsewhere: One had to have all of her veneers “reduced tremendously” in order to be able to close her mouth. The other required surgery to move her jaw bone back so that her lip could sit in a better position. “These are situations you don’t want to get yourself into,” he says.

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With so much of the country being walloped by winter weather right now, any indication that spring is on the way is a welcome one. Unfortunately, atmospheric conditions aren't really cooperating, so it's up to us to get into the spring spirit in other ways. One of our favorite ways is with a not-quite-in-season manicure, and it seems Hailey Bieber may feel similarly.

The Rhode founder posted a selfie to her Instagram Stories on Monday, in which she's warmly wrapped up in a black fur-trim jacket that she's apparently borrowed from stylist Jamie Mizrahi—the caption suggests she's not planning to give it back. Her nails, on the other hand, say, I may be chilly, but my manicure is ready for those first signs of spring.

Bieber is holding a phone in an orange case (not a Rhode lip case, oddly enough), serving as a sunny backdrop to the prettiest pink upgrade to naked nails: a sweet rosewater chrome shade. Although opaque, there's an almost translucent, gumdrop-like vibe to them, giving them a juicy, casual, yet elegant feel.

ScreenshotPhoto: Hailey Bieber/Instagram

Sure, you could argue this falls under her signature glazed donut look—it does recall the strawberry glazed donut look of 2023. But it reads even more subtle, more low-key. That said, there's no mistaking this oval-shaped manicure has been painstakingly polished by a pro. And there's no doubt that this color is a perfect winter-to-spring transition shade—even if we're not quite there yet.

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

The best drugstore vitamin C serums prove that you don’t need to shell out all your cash to achieve brighter, smoother, and more even-toned skin. From light-as-air, fast-absorbing gels to richer, deeply hydrating formulas, these concentrated serums can help fade dark spots, refine texture, and protect against environmental stressors. And yes, they can be as effective as the pricey stuff, especially when used consistently. “Drugstore options offer great value for addressing concerns like dullness, uneven tone, and early signs of aging, particularly when paired with diligent sunscreen use,” says Alexandra Bowles, DO, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati. Some even combine vitamin C with hydrating or soothing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or peptides, so your skin looks bright and plump without ever feeling stripped, thirsty, or irritated.

Our Top Drugstore Vitamin C Serums

• Best Overall: e.l.f. Skin Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum, $17
• Best for Dry Skin: Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum, $23
• Best for Fine Lines: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum, $26
• Best for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum, $45
• Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum, $29
• Best High-Concentration: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA, $8

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What should you keep in mind when shopping for a drugstore vitamin C serum?
• Are there any downsides to drugstore vitamin C serums?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the top editor- and dermatologist-approved picks that actually work. Keep reading to discover the serums worth putting on your radar—and your shelf.

Best Overall: e.l.f. Skin Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

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e.l.f. skin

Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

$16

Amazon

$17

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: When SkinCeuticals’ patent for C E Ferulic finally expired in April 2025 (after 20 years), many brands seized the moment to recreate its powerful antioxidant blend— a task that isn’t as simple as copying the ingredient list. (Vitamin C 101: It needs to be stabilized to stay effective, or, in other words, it has to be chemically modified to be more resistant to degradation from air, light, and heat.)

E.l.f’s Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum gets it right with 15% 3-O-Ethyl ascorbic acid (EAA), a highly stable derivative of vitamin C, as well as opaque packaging and a pump cap to prevent oxidation, so it stays effective for longer. (A telltale sign of a serum gone bad is an orange-brown hue.) Paired with 1% vitamin E and 0.5% ferulic acid for further stabilization, the formula helps brighten, fade dark spots, and smooth uneven tone—all in a lightweight, non-greasy texture that feels like nothing on the skin.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the e.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the e.l.f. Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“This drugstore vitamin C serum was modeled after a dermatologist's favorite formula that is about nine times more expensive now that their patent is up. I've used that SkinCeuticals formula for years, but I have to say e.l.f’s formula comes really close. I love that it has a pump cap. Other vitamin C serums can turn orange due to oxidation after a few weeks, but I’ve been using this one for months and it is still as bright as ever because of the way the cap locks, keeping air out. There is an instant brightening effect once it glides on, and after months of using it, I can say it matches up to the more expensive version at keeping dark spots at bay.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid, 1% vitamin E, 0.5% ferulic acid
• Best for: all skin types, especially oily
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Dry Skin: Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum

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Prequel

Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum

$23

Prequel

Why we love it: Prequel’s Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum uses a combination of vitamin C with ferulic acid. According to New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Patricia Wexler, MD, the antioxidant helps keep vitamin C stable, but also provides extra protection against free-radical damage. The formula also includes niacinamide and inulin, a prebiotic that supports the skin microbiome, to enhance firmness, even out skin tone, smooth skin texture, and lock in moisture. Plus, there's ergothioneine (EGT), an amino acid that charges the vitamin C and increases the potency in the formula, so you get its full brightening effects. That's a load of actives, so this serum may not be the best for sensitive-skinned folks. If you want to give it a whirl, we recommend giving it a patch test on the back of your hand before applying it to the face.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Prequel Lucent-C Vitamin C Serum

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“If Prequel hasn't already been on your radar, it's definitely an affordable skin-care brand to watch. I certainly have, and when I realized I didn't have a regular vitamin C serum, I immediately became curious about Prequel's formula. For context, I don't have sensitive skin and I have rarely had reactions to vitamin C as a whole, so I don't necessarily shy away from higher doses, like this one's 15%. After I rinse my face with water, pat in a hydrating toner, I go in with a few pumps of this serum, and my complexion looks instantly brighter and more awake. I also like how watery this formula is because it layers so well with my other morning products and doesn't cause pilling. However, it does make me look a tad shiny at first, which is to say the formula takes longer to completely dry down, and might not be the best fit for particularly oily folks.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, niacinamide, inulin, ergotheanine
• Best for: dry skin, combination skin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 30 ml

Best for Fine Lines: Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum

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Neutrogena

Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum

$26 $18 (31% off)

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: The Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum is a fave among editors and dermatologists, and for good reason. “While vitamin C has been around forever, Neutrogena put an exfoliator in this formula, so the vitamin C penetrates better,” Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut, told Allure. Featuring the ulta-gentle 2% PHA (polyhydroxy acid), it exfoliates and hydrates simultaneously for smoother-looking skin. Plus, Neutrogena’s patented micro-peptide technology, which allows the peptides to penetrate more easily into the skin and better, boosts collagen and elastin production. The result is a formula that brightens, smooths, and plumps mature skin all at once.

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Vitamin C Serum

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“As a big Neutrogena fan, I was excited to get my hands on this vitamin C serum. It has a super-easy to use dropper, but the formula is what really shines through. It's very thin and lightweight, so it spreads in seconds. After I apply it, my skin feels slightly tacky, so I usually give it a few seconds to absorb before I go in with my moisturizer. As someone with oily skin, I appreciate that this serum doesn't make me look too shiny. But my skin definitely looks more awake—and that's always a plus first thing in the morning.”—Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 15% L-ascorbic acid, 2% PHA, peptides
• Best for: all skin types, especially mature skin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 0.5 oz.

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C12 Serum

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La Roche-Posay

Pure Vitamin C12 Serum

$45

Amazon

$45

Dermstore

$47

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Dr. Bowles calls La Roche-Posay's Pure Vitamin C12 Serum a standout because “it uses a pure form of vitamin C at a meaningful concentration and is paired with soothing ingredients that help reduce irritation, which is especially helpful for sensitive skin.” According to derms, most vitamin C serums fall in the 10% to 15% concentration range—and this one lands right in a sweet spot of 12%. The formula is also boosted with salicylic acid to refine the appearance of pores, neurosensine (a type of peptide) to calm skin, and hydrating staples like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture. As with all La Roche-Posay products, it’s also made with the brand’s antioxidant-rich thermal spring water to soothe irritation and defend skin from environmental stressors.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 12% L-absorbic acid, salicylic acid, neurosensine, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, thermal spring water
• Best for: all skin types, especially sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 1 oz.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: CeraVe Vitamin C Serum

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CeraVe

Vitamin C Serum

$29 $24 (17% off)

Amazon

$29

Dermstore

$29

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: According to Dr. Bowles, acne-prone skin can benefit from vitamin C serums—as long as they are non-comedogenic and paired with soothing or barrier-supportive ingredients like niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. CeraVe's Vitamin C Serum fits the bill, pairing vitamin C with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to help even tone while simultaneously hydrating. That ceramide boost is especially helpful for acne-prone skin, which can be more vulnerable to a compromised barrier and often has lower levels of linoleic acid—a key component of ceramides—leading to clogged pores and increased sensitivity, New York–based board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD, told Allure. With a modest 10% concentration of vitamin C, this serum is easy for sensitive, breakout-prone skin to tolerate, while vitamin B5 helps calm redness and irritation for smoother, more even-looking skin.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 10% L-ascorbic acid, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5
• Best for: all skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 1 oz.

Best High-Concentration: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA

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The Ordinary

Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA

$8

Amazon

$8

Nordstrom

$8

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: For anyone looking for a serious brightening boost who's comfortable with a stronger formula, Dr. Bowles recommends The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%. Because the vitamin C is in a powder form suspended within an oil-like base, it releases gradually into the skin, making a high concentration easier to tolerate—that’s also why the serum may feel a little grainy at first. The water-free formula makes it more stable on the shelf, keeping the vitamin C potent until you open and use it. And, while it has a slightly oily texture at first, it absorbs quickly, leaving skin smooth and glowing.

If you have more sensitive skin, you can dilute this serum with a cream to help the skin build tolerance over time, making it a versatile option for both sensitive and less reactive skin types.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 23% L-ascorbic acid, hyaluronic acid
• Best for: all skin types, besides super sensitive
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Size: 30 ml

Frequently Asked Questions

What should you keep in mind when shopping for a drugstore vitamin C serum?

First, consider the form of vitamin C. “Pure L-ascorbic acid is powerful but can be unstable and irritating at higher doses, while derivatives like magnesium ascorbyl phosphate or ascorbyl glucoside tend to be gentler,” Dr. Bowles says. Step two is looking at packaging. “Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to light and air, so an opaque, airtight container is ideal.” It’s also helpful when a vitamin C serum includes supportive ingredients like hyaluronic acid or antioxidants like vitamin E, to stabilize the formula and reduce potential irritation. “Lastly, think about your skin type—some formulas are better suited to dry or sensitive skin when combined with hydrating agents, whereas others may be more appropriate for oilier skin.”

Are there any downsides to drugstore vitamin C serums?

“The biggest differences between drugstore vitamin C serums and higher-end options typically come down to formulation sophistication and ingredient synergy,” says Dr. Bowles. More expensive serums may use patented blends, more stable or advanced derivatives of vitamin C, and additional antioxidants or peptides that enhance long-term benefits for aging or firming, she explains. Some “may also incorporate delivery technologies that improve absorption with less irritation.” Drugstore serums, on the other hand, tend to focus on well-studied, straightforward ingredients (such as L-ascorbic acid) that may not have those additional layers of technology or complementary actives, she notes.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati.
• Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hamden, Connecticut.
• Patricia Wexler, MD, is 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 drugstore vitamin C serums, 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.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands, Allure editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best drugstore shampoos have been a trending beauty topic since they blew up our For You pages last year, and we're still shopping these yesteryear favorites. You also may have clocked that sulfates and silicones—once ingredients to avoid, especially in the wake of the “clean beauty” movement—are now being revered for making hair extra shiny and suds extra sudsy. So, what’s the deal? And if you’re opting for budget hair care, what’s the best of the bunch? We spoke to editors and experts to get the lowdown on drugstore shampoos, how they compare to high-end options, and how to pick the right one for you.

Our Top Drugstore Shampoos

• Best Overall: Pantene Extreme Damage Care Regenerative Oil Blend Shampoo, $10
• Best for Dandruff: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo, $4
• Best for Oily Hair: Eva NYC Take Care Healthy Hair Shampoo, $14
• Best for Coily Hair: Camille Rose Curl Love Shampoo, $13
• Best for Fine Hair: Odele Volumizing Shampoo, $12
• Best for Kinky Hair: Creme of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo, $5
• Best for Damaged Hair: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo, $10
• Best for Sensitive Scalps: CeraVe Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo, $11
• Best for Frizzy Hair: Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo, $12
• Best for Color-Treated Hair: Biolage Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo, $26

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is there a difference between drugstore shampoo and higher-end shampoo?
• Are silicones bad for your hair?
• How should I choose a drugstore shampoo?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Pantene Extreme Damage Care Regenerative Oil Blend Shampoo

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Pantene

Extreme Damage Care Regenerative Oil Blend Shampoo

$10

Amazon

$10

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: If you have brittle, dry, or coarse hair, chances are it’s damaged—and that’s where Pantene Extreme Damage Care comes in to save the day (and your strands). It houses argan and jojoba oil to nourish strands and hydrate them from the inside out, for softer strands that scream “We just left the salon," not “I'm thirsty.” Plus, it’s sulfate-free, so you never have to worry about it shortening the shelf life of your color, keratin treatments, or whatever else is behind your damage.

Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor before using the Pantene Extreme Damage Care Regenerative Oil Blend Shampoo

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after using the Pantene Extreme Damage Care Regenerative Oil Blend Shampoo

Jesa Marie Calaor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“Between the cold winter weather and my weekly heat-styling, my hair has been feeling crispy. This shampoo is one of the few that doesn’t make my hair feel stripped of moisture. It creates a thick lather that thoroughly clears my scalp of buildup. When I rinse it out, my hair doesn’t feel weak or stringy. And after using the Extreme Damage Care conditioner and letting my hair air dry, it feels way softer and bouncier." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, jojoba oil
• Who it’s for: damaged hair types
• Size: 13.5 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Dandruff: Head & Shoulders Classic Clean

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Head & Shoulders

Classic Clean Dandruff Shampoo

$4

Walmart

$31

Amazon (Jumbo 2-Pack)

Why it's worth it: A longtime Allure drugstore favorite, Head & Shoulders’ Bare Pure Clean Shampoo is a household name for anyone who’s dealt with dandruff. This light, freshly-scented shampoo regulates flakiness without stripping or drying, thanks to zinc pyrithione (ZPT), a mild antifungal agent that curbs yeast production that leads to flakes and irritation. With regular use, the active helps keep dandruff at bay while soothing dryness with every wash. And yes, you can use this shampoo on a normal basis: Hadley King, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in NYC, told Allure that pyrithione zinc-infused formulations are gentle, making them great for regular use on sensitive scalps.

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen before using the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after using the Head & Shoulders Classic Clean

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“They say not to fix things that aren't broken, and this good old-fashioned Head and Shoulders dandruff shampoo is one of those things. I don't have much if any dandruff myself, but the fact that this formula is designed to treat it is what makes it the ultimate clarifying shampoo in my eyes. When my hair is drowning in product buildup (a common occurrence, given that I like to slick my hair back with tons of mousse and gel on the daily), I always double-wash with Classic Clean; once to degunk all that product, twice to target the oil and dirt at the scalp. Without fail, my hair turns out virtually weightless, shinier than before, and with a clean scalp that'll last me nearly a week if I'm careful not to overdo it on mousse again.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1% zinc pyrithione
• Who it’s for: those with a flaky or easily irritated scalp
• Size: 13.5 oz ounces
• Sulfate-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Eva NYC Take Care Healthy Hair Shampoo

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Eva NYC

Take Care Healthy Hair Shampoo

$14

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann after using the Eva NYC Take Care Healthy Hair Shampoo

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: A drugstore gem, Eva NYC makes an excellent shampoo (and conditioner) for those with oily hair who want a especially deep cleanse in one go. The Take Care Healthy Hair Wash strikes the perfect balance between bougie and budget (you'll find it at Ulta Beauty and CVS for easy access). Packed with nourishing amino acids and coconut-derived surfactants, it restores shine and hydration without stripping, delivering a weightless cleanse that leaves hair light, soft, and never weighed down. And fear not, blondes, brunettes, and every bun in between, it's safe for color-treated hair. As for the scent? A dreamy blend of ylang-ylang, bergamot, honeysuckle, lavender, and sandalwood transports you to an island escape.

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"With curly hair, it's often recommended to wash your hair less frequently to preserve moisture and prevent drying out your already fragile strands. I try my best to adhere to an every two- or three-day schedule, but when life calls for frequent washing, I reach for Eva NYC's Take Care Healthy Hair Shampoo. It's a no-frills formula in the best way—just a solid, gentle cleanse. My hair is pretty fine and easily weighed down, so I can't use hydrating or bonding formulas too often, and clarifying shampoos are too harsh for everyday use. This shampoo is an effective cleanser and adds a touch of softness and shine, a true Goldilocks product." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: amino acids, lactic acid
• Who it’s for: those with oily hair
• Size: 10 oz
• Sulfate-free: no

Best for Coily Hair: Camille Rose Curl Love Shampoo

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Camille Rose

Curl Love Shampoo

$13

Walmart

$13

Target

Why it’s worth it: Coily hair—with its tight corkscrew or S-shaped pattern—calls for a shampoo that sets the stage for the rest of your curl routine (because yes, it is a whole routine). Camille Rose Curl Love Shampoo gets hair truly clean without leading it into frizzy, dried-out territory. It purifies strands so they feel fresh and buildup-free, while still leaving behind the hydration coily hair craves.

To achieve this, the gently foaming, sulfate-free formula leans hard into moisture: Avocado oil helps reduce breakage, olive oil smooths frizz and softens even the thickest textures, and macadamia oil sinks into the hair shaft to balance oil levels and boost shine. For thicker textures, the brand recommends separating the hair before applying product to ensure every strand reaps the benefits. Then, massage with water until you have a deep suds and repeat if you want an extra squeaky clean feel.

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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“I love the Camille Rose Curl Love shampoo for its hydrating effects. My hair is very porous, so my cuticle absorbs water easily but is prone to dehydration. That’s why I need a moisturizing shampoo to lock in extra hydration, and this Camille Rose shampoo is it! It’s rich in avocado, olive, and macadamia oil, which provides extra hydration so my curls are replenished. Now I don’t use this shampoo for deep cleanses—I stick to a clarifying one for that—but this cleanser is the perfect weekly shampoo for us high porosity girls.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avocado oil, olive oil, macadamia oil
• Who it’s for: dry, curly hair
• Size: 12 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Fine Hair: Odele Volumizing Shampoo

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Odele

Volumizing Shampoo

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Pop open Odele’s Volumizing Shampoo and you’re hit with crisp notes of cucumber, oakmoss, and ylang-ylang. But it’s more than just a pretty-smelling shampoo: This lightweight formula adds volume and gently cleanses, lifting away buildup without stripping. Rice protein strengthens and plumps fine or flat strands, while caudatus seed extract delivers shine. Color-safe and sulfate-free, it leaves hair soft, full of body, and turns an everyday wash into a ritual you’ll actually look forward to.

Tester feedback from former content director Kara McGrath

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“Since I bleach my hair, I find a lot of volumizing shampoos don't work for me. Since the point of them is to lift your strands up, brands skip on any heavy moisturizing ingredients that might weigh them down instead. But I need that moisture for my poor, chemically fried blonde! With this shampoo, Odele seems to have found the perfect balance. When I use it alongside the conditioner, my hair looks shiny and healthy, but not flat.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice protein, amino acids
• Who it’s for: those lacking volume
• Size: 13 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Kinky Hair: Creme of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo

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Creme of Nature

Argan Oil from Morocco Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo

$5

Amazon

$5

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: If your hair has an angular, more zigzag pattern (that can be less defined than coils), you already know your curls crave maximum moisture without the sulfates. Enter the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Creme of Nature Argan Oil from Morocco Sulfate-Free Moisture & Shine Shampoo, a formula that skips the usual drying culprits (alcohol, mineral oil, and petrolatum included) and leans on, you guessed it, argan oil—one of the richest hydrators out there. That way, it ensures curls are cleansed without compromising their natural texture or bounce.

Tester feedback from creative director Amber Venerable

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“This shampoo lathers so well with the tiniest drop and cleanses gently without stripping my hair of necessary oils." —Amber Venerable, creative director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil
• Who it’s for: those with curly, coily hair
• Size: 12 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Damaged Hair: L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo

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L’Oréal Paris

Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo

$10 $8 (20% off)

Amazon

$8

Walmart

Why it’s worth it: Bouncy, hydrated hair that feels blowout-fresh isn’t easy to replicate at home—but the L’Oréal Paris Elvive Total Repair 5 Shampoo gets impressively close. “It targets dryness and damage to leave hair stronger, smoother, and healthier with regular use,” says New York City-based hairstylist Marc Ballance, who counts it as an affordable go-to. The formula blends sweet almond oil, lipids, and wheat protein to soften strands, boost shine, and help hair hold onto moisture, so even a few days post-wash, it still feels silky. Add in a rich lather and a fresh, garden-inspired scent, and wash day suddenly feels like a mini escape.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil
• Who it’s for: those with dry or damaged hair
• Size: 12 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Scalps: CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

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CeraVe

Gentle Hydrating Shampoo

$11 $9 (18% off)

Amazon

$11

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: If you’ve ever tried CeraVe’s Moisturizing Cream, you know it’s a drugstore MVP for delivering deep hydration without upsetting sensitive skin. The same goes for its the 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award–winning Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, which uses barrier-protecting ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and calming niacinamide to gently cleanse the scalp of buildup, while locking in essential moisture. Fragrance- and sulfate-free, it’s safe for color-treated hair and leaves strands soft, healthy, and never stripped.

Tester feedback from Calaor

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“My scalp is fussy in between seasons: As soon as the weather starts to shift, it gets incredibly itchy and I get showered in flakes. I used to use coal tar shampoos, but they inevitably leave my strands feeling like straw and smelling like chemicals. This shampoo helps treat my dandruff without the stink, leaving it looking smooth and not feeling like straw.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
• Who it’s for: those with dry, sensitive scalps
• Size: 12 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Frizzy Hair: Kristin Ess The One Signature Shampoo

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Kristin Ess

The One Signature Shampoo

$12

Amazon

$12

Walmart

Why it's worth it: Kristin Ess's The One Signature Shampoo is suds for the people—shine-boosting, moisturizing, and always super clean-feeling. It features Zip-Up Technology, the brand's strengthening complex designed to mend split ends, sealing and protecting the cuticle and preventing all signs of frizz. Plus, it’s also packed with pro-vitamin B5, algae extract, mango seed butter, avocado oil, and castor seed oil to deliver serious nourishment straight to the hair shaft. The fragrance is equally luxe, blending ambrette seed, pear water, sandalwood, and white amber.

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I have thick hair and use a lot of hair products, so any shampoo in my shower has to give me a seriously deep clean. This one from Kristin Ess gets the job done—it suds up nicely and removes dry shampoo and curl cream buildup without drying my hair out. This is key for me because I always shampoo twice before using my conditioner of choice, so it's important that my shampoo isn't too stripping. I'm also obsessed with the scent—it's light and clean, but lasts for hours after my shower. The matching conditioner is pretty great, too!” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pro-vitamin B5, algae extract, mango seed butter, avocado oil, and castor seed oil
• Who it’s for: those with dry, frizz-prone hair
• Size: 10 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Biolage Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo

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Biolage

Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Stretching the time between salon visits doesn’t have to be nerve-wracking. Another 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, Biolage's Professional Hair Spa Color Last Shampoo uses soybean oil and stearic acid to keep highlights bright, brunettes glossy, and reds vibrant long after your appointment. It doesn’t skimp on the salon experience, either—a clean, floral scent smells like a fresh blowout, while the formula leaves hair fresh, soft, and deeply cleansed. For blondes (and every shade in between) that fade too fast, consider this your new color insurance.

Tester feedback from senior director of commerce audience and analytics Lexi Herrick

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“This Biolage shampoo-and-conditioner combo has become one of my absolute staples. Its quality is unmatched, and every moment of applying this product screams salon luxury. It provides a thorough clean and deep-conditioning, smells amazing, and brightens my blonde almost instantly. As someone who has been actively trying to delay my highlights appointments, I can visibly see this product extending the life of my color over time.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience and analytics

More to know

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• Key ingredients: soybean oil and stearic acid
• Who it’s for: those with color-treated hair
• Size: 13.5 oz
• Sulfate-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a difference between drugstore shampoo and higher-end shampoo?

Drugstore shampoos and their higher-end salon counterparts share the same core goal—to clean your hair—but key differences explain the price gap.

AJ Addae, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist, told Allure that pricier shampoos—especially sulfate-free ones—often use higher-quality coconut oil-derived cleansing agents like cocamidopropyl betaine and sodium cocoyl isethionate. Cost also comes down to sensory elements like foam promoters, fragrance, and active ingredient delivery. "Lower-priced shampoos tend to either skip on fancy actives or utilize surfactants like sulfates, which are both a surfactant and a foam booster, to save on costs," Addae explained.

Chicago-based cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowsk adds that drugstore shampoos often prioritize instant results over long-term benefits like bond-building because quick gratification keeps customers coming back.

Are silicones bad for your hair?

According to Allure's previous reporting, silicones aren't the boogeyman they're often made out to be. On The Science of Beauty podcast, Romanowski explained that silicones create a film on strands but shouldn't be mistaken for a clogging, "occlusive sheath," noting that it’s " a huge exaggeration." Plus, silicones are already in many of your favorite hair oils—even the ones often perceived as "clean." "Most natural oils have the consistency of olive oil," Romanowski explained, adding that it's silicones that give these products the texture and styling benefits customers love.

How should I choose a drugstore shampoo?

You should choose a drugstore shampoo like you’d pick any other: based on your hair concerns and goals. While drugstore options may be less expensive and slightly less sophisticated, they still offer a variety of targeted formulas. Sensitive scalps should reach for gentle, soothing options; curly hair thrives with curl-specific formulas; dry strands need hydration-focused shampoos, etc. If your skin is particular about ingredients, check in with your board-certified dermatologist to determine what to prioritize and what to avoid.

Meet the experts

• AJ Addae, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic chemist and CEO of Sula Labs
• Marc Ballance, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Perry Romanowski, a Chicago-based cosmetic chemist

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn't want to pick up a purple shampoo that's only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that's never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of the best drugstore shampoos, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists—who have all kinds of hair and hair goals. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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