Author: sjwukz

Courtesy of @ashhearts.nails @overglowedit, @nailartbyqueenieSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Summer is filled with opportunities for cute nailfies (aka nail selfies). Tropical vacations, beachside reading, and pool hangs all present aesthetic backdrops to show off your latest set. And if you haven’t mapped out your summer manicure lineup yet, top nail artists have predictions for the season’s top trends to spark inspiration: Experts say this summer’s nail trends will lean heavily into designs that evoke movement and texture. The demand for more dynamic nail art is prompting artists to dust off their blooming gel kits for the first time in nearly three years.

“People are interested in designs with soft, abstract effects, shifting color, and a more fluid look,” says Maryna Slynko, a nail artist and founder of Slynko Beauty Bloom Studio in Leawood, Kansas, who says blooming gel is one of the easiest ways to achieve these high-demand looks.

For those who don’t remember the blooming gel boom of 2023, here’s a refresher: The look is created with “a special polish that allows colors to diffuse and blend beautifully on the nail’s surface,” says Svitlana Motyl, a nail artist and cofounder of Art Me Nails Studio in Chicago. “It creates artistic designs with very little effort,” she says.

This summer, the trend is back with a few refinements. According to Spate, the beauty trend forecasting platform, searches for “blooming gel nails” across Google, TikTok, and Instagram have grown by 39.2% in the last year. This time around, the technique is being paired with more modern, sophisticated designs. Nail artists are using blooming gel to mimic textures found in nature, especially those associated with summertime. It’s less “lava lamp” and more realistic, tropical flowers and detailed butterfly wings.

Earlier versions of the trend had a brighter, more maximalist tone. “A few years ago, [blooming gel] was mostly used for very literal and recognizable effects, like tortoiseshell, snake print, high-contrast marble, tie-dye, abstract flowers, and bold aura nails,” says Olha Shtanhei, a nail artist in Charlotte, North Carolina. “The looks were beautiful, but they often felt very loud, trend-driven, and more focused on the effect itself rather than the design.”

In 2026, you’ll find more minimal designs instead of the vibrant color combinations that dominated a few years ago. “Compared to 2023, blooming gel designs have become softer and more controlled,” says Slynko.

Courtesy of @ashearts.nails

Shtanhei says the palette for blooming gel nails has evolved as well and reflects the nail polish colors experts predict will be popular this summer. In 2023, the look was often associated with highly saturated hues, neon shades, and strong contrasts. “Now,” she says, “I see more muted, earthy tones, translucent jellies, milky bases, soft browns, dusty pastels, sheer pinks, smoky blues, and metallic inks.”

Vibrant colors aren’t completely out of the picture (it’s still summer, after all!), but the placement is more intentional. Instead of neon dots scattered all over, we’re seeing fuchsia petals with faded edges blooming off the corner of the nail and French croc-print tips in electric chrome shades—still eye-catching, but not overwhelming. “I’m using it more as a subtle accent rather than the main focus of the entire manicure,” adds Slynko.

Courtesy of @plasterbeauty

All of the nail artists we spoke to noted that the technique and blooming gel formulas haven’t changed much, nor are there any new tools involved. “Dotting tools and fan brushes are still my go-to tools for blooming gel designs,” says Natalia Mercedes, a nail artist in New York City. Dotting tools help create controlled patterns like florals, animal prints, and abstract shapes, while fan brushes are perfect for creating softer, blended effects and movement within the design.

The update lies mainly in how the polish is being used. Artists are working with thinner layers, combining blooming gel with trendy finishes like chrome and cat-eye, and “paying more attention to the placement of the design on the nail rather than the blooming effect,” says Slynko.

Ahead, discover 11 fresh, blooming gel nail ideas that add a modern, layered, and dimensional element to summer’s most popular designs.

Blooming gel nail designs for summer 2026

Blooming gel butterfly nailsCourtesy of @paintedbylozCourtesy of @nails_by_3llieCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieCourtesy of @ameliasnailroomBlooming gel floral nailsCourtesy of @_thejadeaestheticCourtesy of @ashearts.nailsCourtesy of @glamnailsbykaylaBlooming gel croc-print nailsCourtesy of @overgloweditCourtesy of @nails_by_3llieCourtesy of @lucys.geminailsCourtesy of @plasterbeauty

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My jaw ate my chin.

At least, that’s what it looked like to me. Every time I looked in the mirror from the side, all I could see was the general lack of structure along my jawline to my chin. “You have a mildly recessed chin,” says Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. I’ve been a patient of Dr. Levin’s for roughly eight years. She knows my face up close and personal and can attest to the fact that my jaw did not, in fact, eat my chin. Still, my lack of chin had made me feel self-conscious for a long time.

There’s nothing “wrong” with my chin. It’s a chin! It does its chin job. But I wanted more balanced facial features without undergoing a permanent procedure, such as an implant. I wasn’t looking to dramatically change my chin, but over the years, Dr. Levin and I had talked about the option of filler to give it more structure, and the idea stuck with me.

In this story:

• What is chin filler?
• Making the decision to get chin filler
• Prepping for filler
• The injection process
• Post-injection guidelines
• Overall thoughts

What is chin filler?

“Filler generally refers to any substance that can help lift or angle tissue; it’s most commonly composed of hyaluronic acid,” says Dhaval G. Bhanusali, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Fillers tend to be good options for those who have volume deficits.” With chin filler, specifically, “we look to see if there is an imbalance, with chin protrusion appearing disproportionate with the rest of the face,” he explains. Colloquially speaking, you might call this a “weak chin.”

Determining what type of filler a “weak chin” would need is a little more nuanced because not all fillers are created equal. What works for the lips or other parts of the face may not work for the chin and vice versa. That's why dermal fillers are categorized by their stiffness, a.k.a. their G-prime level. “When we are looking at the chin, generally, we use a pretty firm, high G-prime filler, and that's because it helps mimic the bone,” Dr. Levin explains. “Something that's going to give a lift.”

There are a number of high G-prime filler options on the market—Allergan's Juvéderm Volux and Juvéderm Voluma XC (both are best used for structuring the chin and jawline), Merz Aesthetics' Radiesse (best for smoothing deep wrinkles and adding volume to the lower face), and Galderma's Restylane Lyft (best for adding volume to the cheeks and midface)—but deciding what is right for your face is a decision between the provider and patient. For my face, Dr. Levin determined Volux would be best. (More on that later.)

Making the decision to get chin filler

Rewind to two years ago, during an ordinary neurotoxin appointment, when, on a whim, I asked Dr. Levin for filler. She obliged.

As scary as this may sound, “on a whim” is typically how I describe my decision-making process, especially when it comes to in-office procedures. This has also applied to neurotoxin treatments, radio-frequency microneedling, and lasers. As a beauty editor, I’m a little less fearful of treatments because of the reporting and extensive research I’ve done over the span of my career. Still, I have to admit, suddenly deciding to get facial filler after years of insecurity felt a bit radical.

Beauty director Sarah Kinonen before and then immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

But as I said, Dr. Levin knows me and my face very well, and from her perspective, this decision, although it was unexpected, made sense anatomically. And because I was an ideal candidate for filler, she immediately approved.

“You have great skin: thick, healthy, robust skin,” she says. “You don't have any underlying skin laxity. You really fit the profile of what makes for a good candidate.” That’s also because I was 33 at the time. People in their early 20s are less likely to be appropriate candidates for filler because facial features change as we age. (As we get older, volume and bone loss occur, as well as general sagging.) Plus, I don’t smoke, and I do have realistic expectations when it comes to results.

“Patients should have an understanding of what fillers can and cannot achieve,” says Dr. Levin. “They can enhance, but they don't offer the same type of dramatic results that surgical interventions can. The role of filler is more subtle, natural-looking improvements rather than dramatic changes, [though] they may feel dramatic to you.”

Prepping for filler

After it was decided I would get filler right then and there during my 2024 appointment, Dr. Levin and her team started to prep. This included cleaning the injection sites (chin and jawline), slathering on a hefty amount of numbing cream, walking me through the procedure, and, most importantly, ensuring I knew the possible side effects of facial filler.

Common side effects include bruising, swelling, and potential allergic reactions. “With any cosmetic procedure, there are always risks,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “Even in the most experienced hands, there is always a risk of occlusion (injecting filler into a vessel), which can lead to compromised tissue, blindness, and other issues.” That’s why it’s important to always see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon for these types of in-office procedures.

Dr. Levin also needed to confirm that I didn’t have any alcohol in my system (no problem—I don’t drink); hadn’t gotten a dental procedure in the last two weeks or have one scheduled (this can weaken the immune system); and that I hadn’t taken aspirin or ibuprofen within the last day or two (this can cause bruising).

The injection process

As I was waiting for the numbing cream to kick in (I couldn't feel anything from the bottom lip down), Dr. Levin decided which filler I’d be getting. Here’s the thing about filler: It’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment. There are many (and I mean many) different types of injectable hyaluronic acid on the market, and the kind I got during my procedure was right for my face and body. It’s important to note that what is right for me may not be right for everyone; that decision should be made by the patient and dermatologist together.

There are different types of filler available for use on the chin, says Dr. Levin, but for my 2024 appointment, she chose Juvéderm’s Volux, which is FDA-approved for jawline enhancement. “Volux is a filler that we use more for structural enhancement,” she says. “We inject it onto the bone to help with that anatomical recession of your chin.” Volux made the most sense in my case because she would be building out my chin and jawline—and this filler is FDA-approved to do just that.

Kinonen before and then immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

Because you can’t just inject one area of the face to create anatomical symmetry, especially in my case, Dr. Levin also used another filler, Juvéderm Vollure, to give me “some periorial support” in the area right above my chin but below my lips. With Vollure, she used a cannula, a blunt-ended tube, to do the injection. This was “to minimize the risk of [the filler] moving [around after it is injected/while it is injected], but also to help minimize the risk of filler getting into arteries and veins,” Dr. Levin explains, “so we can be a bit more safe in an area that has more arteries and more vessels.”

She adds, “There is no perfect way to inject. There's no recipe that says, ‘This is exactly how you do it.’ It's more like cooking intuitively.”

And to cook up my results, Dr. Levin used “two syringes of Volux and half a syringe of Vollure” on my chin and jawline. I should note that the cost of filler varies and typically depends on what type is used, how many syringes are needed, where in the country you’re getting treatment, and who is doing the injecting. In my case, the procedure would likely range from $800 to a few thousand dollars, but because I would be writing about my experience, the treatment was performed gratis.

After the filler was injected, Dr. Levin sculpted it into place. Imagine crafting a figurine out of clay—she was literally molding the hyaluronic acid injected under my skin into a shape and position that best suited my facial anatomy. This was the most interesting and hands-on aspect of the entire procedure to me, but it’s not always necessary, according to Dr. Levin.

Once injected, she sculpted the filler into place, literally molding the hyaluronic acid that was under my skin, like crafting a figurine out of clay.

“There are certain places where sculpting helps with achieving the desired outcome when we're using fillers. Every face is unique, and fillers are obviously placed strategically and sculpted to complement the patient's natural contour,” she points out. “For me, sculpting helps fine-tune the placement, and it also ensures that the filler integrates well with the surrounding tissue to enhance the facial structure. I will sculpt typically on the chin, maybe a little bit on the jawline, for a sharper angle or a softer transition, depending on what I'm trying to achieve.”

This may sound painful, but because I was numb from the bottom lip down, all I felt was pressure. The actual injections didn’t hurt, and the pottery work didn’t either. What did hurt, though, was my chin, about an hour post-procedure—but more on that in a minute.

Post-injection guidelines

As someone who had never gotten any kind of facial filler before, I wasn’t sure what to expect post-injection. And when Dr. Levin said, “We don't want you to eat a ton of salty foods because it can increase the risk of swelling,” I audibly gulped. I certainly wasn’t expecting that directive, and it couldn’t have come at a more inopportune time: The next morning, I would be hopping in a rental car for a six-hour road trip during which fast food would be the only thing on the menu. Spoiler: I did end up eating McDonald’s hashbrowns despite my doctor’s advice. (I’m sorry, Dr. Levin, I couldn’t resist!)

Diet aside, I was also told to take it easy on the workouts for the next couple of days. Again, this wasn’t ideal: I was in the midst of training for a marathon! Dr. Levin did mention that a jog here and there wouldn't hurt—“It’s not going to mess up or move the filler,” she explained, but I wasn’t about to chance losing my fancy new chin just to log a few lakeside miles.

Kinonen immediately before and immediately after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2024.

Courtesy of Dr. Melissa Kanchanapoomi Levin

Plus, my face (well, the lower half) was really tender. Dr. Levin said it would feel like “someone punched me in the chin,” and she wasn’t wrong. It also felt like my face had just been injected with a foreign object….Hmm, weird. I tried my best not to touch the area (or let my dog accidentally touch it—she’s a jumper) and slept on my back for the next two weeks. (The joke’s on me because, apparently, my preferred side-sleeping position would have been just fine after the first 24 hours.)

“Sleeping on your face is fine,” Dr. Levin reassured me when I went back for my two-week checkup. “But filler migration is 100% real. For a long time, the aesthetic industry treated migration like a myth or a rare complication. That's not true. We have ultrasound MRIs of the face that have conclusively proven that dermal fillers can, and they do, move away from your original injection site." Migration can occur for a number of reasons, such as overfilling, using the wrong type of filler, or being treated by an unskilled injector (which is why it's so important to see a board-certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon).

When this happens, there is a fix. “The good thing is that migrated filler is made up of hyaluronic acid,” Dr. Levin says. "If we see filler migration, we use hyaluronidase, which is an enzyme that basically dissolves the product.” Luckily, I didn't have movement after either of my appointments, but it is still a real fear of mine, hence the sleeping on my back.

Bruising and swelling typically go down after five to seven days, and that was definitely true for me. It took a full week for the faded bruising to clear, but during that time, no one seemed to notice my blue and purple spots and lack of concealer to cover it up. As I said, I didn’t want to touch the area, so I went sans makeup for as long as I could during the healing process.

Overall thoughts

Two weeks after my first appointment

After my initial two-week checkup, when Dr. Levin inspected her work (and complimented me to no end), I couldn’t be happier with the results. The outcome is subtle but noticeably beneficial to my overall facial balance, at least as I see it. “You have incredibly beautiful bone structure in your mid-face,” says Dr. Levin. “You have a beautiful jawline. Your enhancement is actually quite mild.”

Mild or not, the procedure has changed my life (not to sound dramatic). It changed my outlook on filler as a whole and gave me a big ol' boost of confidence. I have a chin! I have a jawline! And I can see both in photos—from every angle!—for the first time. It’s a beautiful feeling.

Even more beautiful? The fact that I don’t need to get a re-up every few months. “Filler can last between 8 and 12 months, and sometimes longer, depending on the patient,” says Dr. Bhanusali. “So start slow and remember, you can always add more; it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” As someone who has run a marathon, I get it.

Kinonen before and then two weeks after filler and neurotoxin injections in 2026.

Courtesy of Entière DermatologyTwo years after my first appointment

It's now been two years since my first marathon and initial filler appointment, and while I've halted my racing career, my filler journey is just getting started. The filler has been slowly dissolving over the last 24 months, so I was due for a refill.

For my first appointment, Dr. Levin used almost two syringes of Volux, but for my second round this year, she pivoted to Voluma, a high-G-prime filler, and used only one syringe. “You still had a bit of support there, so I felt like we didn't need to use something so hardy,” she explains. “This year, I actually did even more jawline support (last time, we did it at the angle of the jaw all the way, like in front of your ear), but this time, I did the entire angle of the jawline. We actually filled the dips behind the jowl—we call it a post-jowl sulcus, so that you can straighten a wavy jawline.”

She did this with the use of a cannula, which I'm not a big fan of. Sure, it doesn't pinch like a needle would, but it does feel…weird. Imagine a long, thin tube under your skin, pumping in filler—it's an odd sensation (more pressure, less pain) that doesn't bring me much joy. “We made a little entry site behind your jowl, so that we can thread the filler in the subcutaneous plane," she says. “It's like a smooth ribbon of filler.”

And just like my first filler experience, Dr. Levin also built up the area around my mouth (filling in my marionette lines) with Juvéderm Vollure to give a bit more support to my chin. “It's a lot softer and is very flexible, so I like it for areas that need a lot of mobility,” she says, adding that Vollure can last up to 18 months.

Kinonen, two weeks after her filler appointment in early 2026.

Courtesy of subject

The results—a chin that falls directly under my mouth (as opposed to its previously receding position) and a sharper jawline with structure—speak for themselves. I have a chin and a jawline. And both are (temporarily) anatomically pronounced. Because of that last bit, I've been asking myself, Is this something I want to continue to do for the rest of my life? And dermatologically speaking, can I?

“Yes, long story short, you can definitely continue getting dermal fillers, but is it going to be exactly the same every time? No,” says Dr. Levin. “The aging needs of when you're 60 are going to be really different when you're 35.” She says doing the same thing for every appointment can eventually look overfilled or distorted. “Sometimes you can't just keep on mimicking and giving high G-prime filler in the same way,” she adds.

For now, though, I'm only 35, and I've got a few more decent filler appointments up my sleeve. Based on the results of my first two sessions, I will absolutely continue down the filler road. So, see you back here in two years for my next update?

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Megan Thee Stallion must have known I needed a boost this morning, because her neon green updo is even more energizing than an iced Americano—and so bright I can see it shining all the way from Miami to Minnesota!

The rapper, who just debuted her second Hot Girl Summer swimwear line at Miami Swim Week, celebrated the successful show with some friends in a wig so electric, it almost goes beyond the definition of neon. She wore her hair parted to one side and pulled up in a twist with a portion left loose to brush over one eye and slightly curled at the end. The twist is lovely, of course, but the vivid neon color takes center stage—especially since it's been awhile since we've seen Megan rocking a super-colorful hair color. You could call this shade slime green, highlighter green, lime green, day-glow green, or fluorescent green and you'd be right no matter which adjective you chose. In addition to its complete neon-ness, it also has a cool Y2K-futuristic vibe, or maybe an anime edge given Megan's well-known love of anime.

Instagram content

Like I said above, it's been a bit since we got a neon Stallion moment—she's been all about black, ginger red, and blonde recently—but bright shades have always been part of her hair color repertoire. Now that summer is here, we're craving vibrancy: sultry days, delicious cocktails or mocktails at happy hour, sweeping sunsets, and maybe a hair color to match, like hot pink or sunshine orange, both of which we've seen on Thee Stallion? If you're not quite ready to change up your hair color, you could always add a streak of swimming-pool turquoise eyeliner like Florence Pugh just did, and don't forget the body glitter for even more summertime sparkle! Summer 2026 is gonna be a hot one.

More celeb beauty news to know:

• Rosie O'Donnell Opens Up About Getting a Facelift
• Jennifer Lopez Goes Goth With Her Barely-There Brows
• Teyana Taylor Just Invented the Formalwear Mullet

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Rosie O'Donnell got a facelift—and she has some thoughts to share.

The comedian and actor revealed this week that she had a lower deep-plane facelift in January, sharing her complicated feelings on Substack in her now-signature poetic style. In the post, titled “decisions,” O'Donnell wrote that she had always sworn she'd never go under the knife. After losing 50 pounds, she changed her mind.

“I used to feel very strongly about facelifts,” O'Donnell wrote. “Not casually—morally. I had assigned myself as head of all women who would never ever.” She went on to say that getting a facelift felt like a “betrayal” of feminism and aging, even of “our team of women worldwide.” But after her weight loss, O'Donnell said her face changed to a point that “I'd look in the mirror and think – this isn't aging, this is melting with intention.” She tried to accept it, and couldn't: “There's a point where acceptance starts to feel like lying.”

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O'Donnell's 13-year-old child, Clay, found out that she was contemplating a facelift and had their their own thoughts, saying O'Donnell “earned” her wrinkles and that young women look up to her. What kind of message would she be sending about aging and acceptance if she got plastic surgery? And then this: “‘I wouldn’t be able to respect you if you did it.’” (“That's a big statement from someone who still needs you to open jars.”) According to O'Donnell, Clay sounded “exactly like me. Like my younger, more certain, more morally rigid self had somehow moved into my house and was now judging my face.”

O'Donnell sat for a few months with the idea of getting a facelift, then realized that not doing would also send her child a message. “If I’m teaching Clay anything, it can’t be that my body belongs to an idea either,” she wrote. “Even a good idea. Even feminism. Because that’s still not freedom—that’s just a different authority telling you what you’re allowed to do with your own face.” Her words echo those of Allure contributor Joan Kron, who said of her three facelifts: “The feminist line is, 'We've earned these wrinkles. We don't want to erase them.' Well, I’m a feminist, but I don’t believe in telling people what to do with their bodies.”

About five months ago, O'Donnell had the surgery, choosing a doctor who had worked on some of her friends, “who all still looked like themselves, just like they had recently been told good news.” Her goal: “to still be me, just…less haunted. And I do look like me…a slightly more well-rested, emotionally stable version of me.” So what was the response to the results, after all that self-reflection and “a full existential feminist crisis”? O'Donnell says no one has even noticed she had work done, “not one person. Not a friend, not a stranger, not even people who owe me compliments / My teenager has not said a word.”

But O'Donnell is pleased with that. “I didn’t disappear, I didn’t become someone else. I just stopped arguing with the mirror. And maybe that’s enough. Or at the very least…it’s what a lower, deep plane face lift [sic] looks like when it minds its own business.” A day after the Substack post went live, she shared before and after photos on her Instagram.

O'Donnell joins the ranks of celebrities who have been open about their work recently. Denise Richards told Allure all about her recent facelift and even shared the actual, clinical before-and-after pics. A day after O'Donnell's post went live, Glamour published an interview with TV personality Keltie Knight in which she shared details about her own facelift. Then there's Ricki Lake, and Kathy Griffin, and of course Kris Jenner.

O'Donnell ended her post by saying that while she knows she doesn't owe anyone an explanation for her decision to have plastic surgery, she doesn't like secrets. “Part of my desire to show myself…is to come clean,” she wrote. “But who do I owe that truth to? Is it mine to keep?” She writes of feeling “almost shameful” of her “privileged place” in the world, noting that the surgery cost “more money than I have ever paid for a car.” But at 64, O'Donnell says that despite her still-conflicted feelings, she and her “new lower face and neck” are “just happy to be alive…able to feel and choose and use my voice whenever I feel called to…as we carry on in act 3.”

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So far, 2026 has been a year of long-awaited comebacks. Hillary Duff hits the stage after 18 years; Ariana Grande after seven. Fans waited five years for Euphoria season three to air on HBO and two decades for The Devil Wears Prada 2 to arrive in theaters this month. And for makeup lovers, it has felt like ages waiting for the return of Marc Jacobs Beauty, the fashion designer’s beloved makeup brand that shuttered unexpectedly in 2021.

News broke of the reboot last year, but it’s been a slow crawl to launch day. I’m not sure about you, but for us beauty editors, the press rollout has felt like 84 years of blind items, occasional red-carpet and runway spottings, and teasers of teasers of teasers.

They say patience is a virtue, and with Marc Jacobs Beauty finally arriving at Sephora on June 1, (and today on MarcJacobs.com), I'm feeling particularly virtuous—and eager to dig into how these products look, feel, and perform. For many beauty editors at Allure, we remember the initial launch fondly, some of us holding onto our Highliners and bottles of Dew Drops despite being fully aware of how expiration dates work.

Now, it’s important to note that Coty, the brand’s parent company, has been very adamant that this new Marc Jacobs Beauty has nothing to do with the original. As Allure contributor Marci Robin noted last week, the press release “would have you believe that the Marc Jacobs Beauty you're about to meet is the first installment.” That being said, at the launch event in New York City, Jacobs admitted that “we looked at, obviously, what Marc Jacobs Beauty was before” when rethinking this new iteration.

For those of us who coveted the brand in the 2010s, part of our excitement for the launch is powered by nostalgia—in my case, for the gel liner and the Omega Bronzer—and we couldn’t help but feel curious about how they compare. So, in the name of beauty journalism, I asked my fellow Allure editors, regular contributors, and makeup artists who were fans of the OG Marc Jacobs Beauty—all who still own original items—to try the new range and share their thoughts. But first, a little more about the collection in general.

Is the New Marc Jacobs Beauty the Same as the Original?

No. And I should reiterate that Coty—the same company that creates Marc Jacobs fragrances—is promoting this as an entirely new line, completely separate from the original (which was owned by LVMH's Kendo). “This is not a reissue of the original line; everything has been reimagined: the formulas, the textures, the performance,” a representative of the brand specified via email. And while the product names have a similar cheekiness to them (Gagged, Heart & Fast, Money Shot, to name a few), you won't see reformulations of the old formulas. The packaging also looks completely different.

One similarity? A heavy focus on eye makeup, which seems to come directly from Jacobs' personal preferences. When Allure interviewed him about the first Marc Jacobs Beauty launch in 2013, he told us, “I’ve always been very drawn to the eyes,” and it seems that still holds. “It's the eyes for me,” he told preview guests earlier this month. “I think it's the place where there's the most opportunity for experimentation, for expression. It's what I look at first when I see someone. So, I think the eyes just have all that possibility.”

What Products Are in the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Collection?

The initial June 1 drop introduces seven products, including the Flashes Mascara, available in black, brown, and blue; Drawn This Way Eyeliner, a waterproof gel formula that's as creamy as a kajal and comes in 21 colors and four finishes: matte, metallic, and “magical” (the latter includes glitter and duochromes); Born Star Eyeshadow, 14 individual powder shadows also broken up into matte, metallic, and magical textures; Joystick Blush Stick, multiuse balms for lips and cheeks that come in 10 shades; Legally Bronze Bronzer, a buildable powder bronzer in nine shades that range from fair to deep; Money Shot Highlighter Gel, which comes in just one hue with pink and blue reflects; and finally, the Heart On Lipstick, a hybrid lipstick balm in 15 neutral, pink, red, purple, and “trendy” hues, like electric purple and Barbie pink.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Flashes Mascara

$29

Sephora

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Born Star Eyeshadow

$29

Sephora

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Joystick Blush Stick

$35

Sephora

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Legally Bronze Bronzer

$42

Sephora

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Money Shot Highlighter Gel

$29

Sephora

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Heart On Lipstick

$34

Sephora

Why Did the Marc Jacobs Beauty Packaging Change?

At the press preview, Jacobs explained that back in 2013, he felt strongly that the packaging should be black. “I did feel that it should be simple,” he explained, noting that it seemed more in line with how he felt sophisticated beauty brands were packaged at the time.

For Marc Jacobs Beauty 2.0, the aesthetic couldn't be further from simple. “I remember the conversations being, ‘We want to do something that’s more disruptive and different,'” he said. Presented with loads of options (including penis-shaped lipstick tubes), Jacobs went home and started sketching ideas. He landed on three shapes: stars, to represent the eyes; daisies, the innocence of which reminded him of skin; and hearts, which look like lips. Eventually, he came up with the idea of giving the shapes a party balloon-like quality, adding an element of fun and playfulness that the designer wanted to convey.

How Do the New Marc Jacobs Beauty Products Compare to the Originals?

This is where I got help from my fellow MJ Beauty fans, including Allure editors, contributors, and professional makeup artists. It's hard to offer a true comparison because many of the products we own from the original line have either dried up or gone in the trash after Marie Kondo-esque clean-outs. (I recently tossed the most perfect red-brown metallic Omega Gel-Powder Eyeshadow during a type-A cleaning rage.) In any case, we did our best.

Keep scrolling to see how Allure editors tested Marc Jacobs Beauty.

Legally Bronze Pressed Powder Bronzer ($42)Tester: Content director Sophia Panych

Sophie with the new Legally Bronzer Pressed Powder Bronzer.

Courtesy of subject

Sophie applying the new Legally Bronzer Pressed Powder Bronzer.

Courtesy of subject

How I loved the original Omega Bronzer. It's been a long time since I've used or seen one in real life, but I remember the texture being silky smooth and super blendable. Upon first glance, the new Legally Bronze Bronzer is nothing like the original. For one, the size. The Omega Bronzer compact was comically large (makeup artist Dick Page once joked to me that it was big enough to bronze a horse), but the idea was that you could also use it over your body (which, I'll admit, I never did). Second, is the smell. The original powder had a tropical, coconutty scent that you'd get a whiff of with every swipe. The Legally Bronze Bronzer is a normal size and has no discernible smell.

The Omega Bronzer was top tier in 2014, but probably wouldn't hold up in 2026, most notably because it came only in one shade (boo). Legally Bronze Bronzer comes in nine (I'm Light Medium Plus), and in general, I'm really impressed by the formula. I prefer cream bronzers these days, but Legally Bronze buffs on just as seamlessly. Blending with a fluffy brush—I use the Smith 118 Powder Brush—takes little to no effort.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Legally Bronze Bronzer

$42

Sephora

Drawn This Way Eyeliner ($26)Tester: Acting features director Kara McGrath

Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Up?

Courtesy of subject

Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Up?

Courtesy of subject

Sadly, the original MJB liners in my makeup archive have long dried up, but this new formula definitely lives up to my memory of them. They are so creamy and pigmented, I actually gasped when I tried them for the first time. If you want to use the liner for a smoky look, you'll have to smudge it out quickly because the pigment sets almost immediately—and then stays set. I applied You Up? at 3 p.m. on a Friday, then went to dinner and dancing after. When I got home around 11 p.m., my base makeup had totally melted off, but the liner was almost perfectly intact.

Kara wearing the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Wish.

Courtesy of subject

Kara applying the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in You Wish.

Courtesy of subjectTester: Makeup artist Cass Raimundi

Marc Jacobs Beauty was a powerhouse from the beginning! Their original lineup was unlike any other "fashion" brand I had experienced at the time, where beautiful skin was at the center, and the colors and textures of the shadows, liners, and glosses felt sleek and sexy. The new lineup feels like a more playful, bold, and youthful story. It's so exciting to see an array of colorful eye shadows and eyeliners, especially since the OG MJB liners were my absolute favorite ever! Despite their differences, both the original and current launches inspire you to play up your natural beauty with an unexpected twist.

Cass wearing the new Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow.

Courtesy of subject

Cass wearing the new Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow.

Courtesy of subject

I put Drawn This Way Long-Wear Waterproof Gel Eyeliner and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow to the ultimate test. There is no better feeling than creating a high-impact look with minimal effort; the liner and eye shadow do just that! I was already infatuated with the stellar new packaging, but the quality did not disappoint with the intense color, buttery glide, and flawless blendability. I've missed my Marc Jacobs Beauty eyeliner for years, and I'm happy to say… She is new, improved, and ready to play! I can't wait to try the rest of the lineup and experiment with all of the beautiful colors and textures.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Born Star Eyeshadow

$29

Sephora

Born Star Eye Shadow ($29)Tester: Acting features director Kara McGrath

Kara holding the new Bold Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

Courtesy of subject

Kara wearing the new Bold Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

Courtesy of subject

While I'm completely in love with the new MJB eyeliners, I wasn't quite as smitten with the eye shadows, beyond the very cute packaging. The new ones feel similar to the old versions: They're very silky and soft to the touch. This could have been specific to the shade I tested—Mood Swing, a very pretty blue-purple duochrome—but I found the formula to be quite messy, and without enough payoff or staying power to make the cleanup worth it. I'd definitely recommend applying with just your fingers; the formula glided on a bit better when I went that route.

Kara applying the Born Star Eye Shadow in Mood Swing.

Courtesy of subject

It's also not an office-to-dinner option: I first applied the shadow around 1:30 p.m., and by the time I finished work at 6:30, the shadow seemed to have slid from my eyelids to my temples and cheeks.

Tester: Makeup artist Cass Raimundi

Cass creating a look with some of her favorite products from the original Marc Jacobs Beauty collection.

Courtesy of subject

Cass creating a look using the new Drawn This Way Eyeliner in No Cap and Born Star Cream-to-Powder Eyeshadow in Zero Chill.

Courtesy of subject

After 12 hours on an 84-degree day with no eye shadow primer, I can truly say this liner-and-shadow combo is long-wearing and waterproof! Initially, I applied using only my fingers, and was impressed by how easily I was able to blend. There's about a minute of playtime before it fully sets. I have quite greasy lids, and after 12 hours, I still had no creasing, even through the sweat and heat! These will definitely be going into my personal beauty rotation and professional makeup kit.

Joystick Blush Stick ($35)Tester: Contributing writer Sable Yong

Sable wearing the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush.

Courtesy of subject

Sable applying the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush.

Courtesy of subject

I’ve had the Flesh & Fantasy Airblush since… 2017? Maybe earlier. I think these came out around the time the draping trend was coming back, so I’d see people applying them dramatically, all the way up the temples. I love how the powder has a gradient of pigment and highlight shades that, when mixed together, give me a diffused finish—semi-matte but with a luster. The overall effect is quite soft and, as the name implies, airy. It’s very pigmented, a little goes a long way, and it stays on my face all day.

Sable wearing the new Joystick Blush in Self-Centered.

Courtesy of subject

Sable wearing both blushes—one on each cheek.

Courtesy of subject

The new Joystick Blush (shade Self-Centered) is a totally different format—a cream cheek-and-lip formula. It packs on pigment and has a nice tack to it, sinking into my skin in a way that looks almost like a stain. This is a really easy color to blend and build (I hate when cream blushes feel greasy and kind of smear around in streaks). It’s a much more user-friendly formula than other options, in my opinion, but for staunch powder blush loyalists, probably not a suitable replacement. I have dry/dehydrated skin, so this doesn’t look quite as vibrant by the end of the day on me, but it’s still there. (The cute packaging might make up for it, though.)

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Joystick Blush Stick

$35

Sephora

Heart On Lipstick ($34)Tester: Contributing editor Marci Robin

Marci wearing the old Le Marc Lip Crème in Infamous.

Courtesy of subject

Marci wearing the new Heart On Lipstick in Love Muscle.

Courtesy of subject

I held on to a mini of Le Marc Lip Crème in the shade Infamous, a warm pink, for nearly a decade. I never used it because, first of all, I’m not a pink-lipstick kinda gal; secondly, I wanted it as a souvenir of the time—as if I knew the first version of Marc Jacobs Beauty wasn’t meant to last. Now that I’ve finally tried it along with the second coming’s Heart On lipstick, I can confidently say that I won’t be using the old one again. Maybe it didn’t age well (despite my storing it meticulously), but the classic, creamy formula is nowhere near as pleasant to apply and wear as Heart On.

Marci wearing the new Heart On Lipstick in On Red.

Marci applying the new Heart On Lipstick in On Red.

Courtesy of subject

I tried Love Muscle—perhaps my least favorite lipstick name ever—and On Red, and both knocked my socks off. The formula feels like a balm, but still delivers intense color. It may not be as opaque as its predecessor, but it’s still pigmented as all get-out. Love Muscle is the closest thing I’ve ever gotten to a YLBB shade, and On Red is the perfect cool red without the dreaded pink-leaning tones. They last as long as you don’t eat, drink, or kiss; but I implore you, please don’t avoid any of the above for its benefit, as you’ll get the good fortune of the reapplication experience, which is truly a pleasure.

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Marc Jacobs Beauty

Heart On Lipstick

$34

Sephora

Shop the new Marc Jacobs Beauty collection at MarcJacobs.com starting today and on Sephora.com on June 1.

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

Here in the States, Korean giant LG is best known for appliances like refrigerators and TVs—but the best LG Beauty products prove that the brand is a force in the K-beauty universe, too. Over the years, the Korean beauty giant has built an impressive portfolio of brands that have shaped routines long before double-cleansing and glass skin entered the mainstream. A few editor favorites? Belif is beloved for its herbal-inspired hydration and bouncy gel moisturizers, Dr. Groot approaches scalp care with the same mindset used for your face, and The Face Shop built a loyal following with formulas inspired by classic Korean beauty staples like rice water.

While each brand has its own personality, they’re all connected by a shared K-beauty values: gentle ingredients, innovative formulas, and a focus on helping skin, hair, and even smiles look healthier over the long run. Ahead, the LG Beauty products that have earned a forever spot on our vanities.

Our Top LG Beauty Products

Rice and ShineThe Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming CleanserJump to review$17

Amazon

Caught a ChillBelif Aqua Bomb Frozen CreamJump to review$26

Amazon

Boost from the RootsDr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in SerumJump to review$37

Sephora

Brushed with GreatnessEuthymol Purple Toning ToothpasteJump to review$28

Amazon

Soothe thy ScalpDr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and ConditionerJump to review$66 $60 (9% off)

Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)

Juiced-Up LipsCNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip BalmJump to review$18 $16 (11% off)

Amazon

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• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Rice and Shine: The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

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The Face Shop

Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

$17

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

$13

LG Beauty

Why it's worth it: Korean beauty rituals have been using rice water for centuries as a skin-softening staple. And while back then you could DIY pantry rice water in pursuit of glow, today’s formulas are a lot more sophisticated (and significantly less sticky). The Face Shop’s Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser updates the tradition with rice water—rich in vitamins, minerals, and ceramides—alongside nourishing rice bran oil and soapwort extract, a botanical ingredient naturally packed with cleansing compounds called saponins (basically nature’s original soap). Together, the rice-derived ingredients support a softer, brighter complexion, while soapwort whisks away excess oil, makeup, and buildup.

The creamy formula lathers into a rich, cushiony foam that makes it especially great for combination or oily skin—particularly those prone to congestion or clogged pores—who want that deeply cleansed, fresh-faced feeling without being stripped.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Sarah Han

Han after applying The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This is one of those classic K-beauty cleansers I've known from the very start of my long K-beauty journey—I recently ‘rediscovered’ it and I'm wondering why I hadn't sooner. It's the perfect deep cleanse for my combination skin and leaves my skin looking more radiant and less congested, but most importantly, not super tight. The ingredients are super appealing to me too—natural rice water, rice bran oil, and soapwort extract (a surfactant). On days I don't wear makeup, I find that just this cleanser is enough. (And I normally always double-cleanse.) And it's $13 for a huge tube that'll probably last me six months? Yup, no notes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice water, rice bran oil, soapwort extract
• Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types with congested pores
• Fragrance-free: no

Moisture Bomb: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

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Belif

The True Cream Aqua Bomb

$24 $20 (17% off)

Amazon

$27

Ulta Beauty

$22

LG Beauty

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Annie Blay-Tettey

Why it's worth it: While “cream” is right there in the name, Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is actually much closer to a bouncy gel moisturizer—but it still practically melts into skin. The lightweight formula combines hyaluronic acid to quench thirsty skin, niacinamide to smooth and brighten, and the brand’s signature herbal blend—featuring ingredients like oat, calendula, and chickweed—to keep skin feeling fresh and comfortably hydrated. It’s especially great for combo or oily skin types (or anyone ready to retire heavy moisturizers as summer temperatures creep up), and thanks to its juicy texture, our testers say it wears nicely under makeup without pilling.

Blay-Tettey before applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey after applying the Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Annie Blay-Tettey

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I love how cooling and hydrating this gel cream is—and the texture truly lives up to the name. This formula achieves the perfect hybrid between a lightweight gel and a moisturizing gel. It leaves my skin supple and glowing all day and layers well under makeup and SPF.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, oat, calendula, and chickweed
• Who it’s best for: combination or oily skin types
• Fragrance-free: yes

Caught a Chill: Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

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Belif

Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

$26

LG Beauty

Why it’s worth it: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream acts like a cold splash of water if your skin’s feeling flushed and overheated—minus the trip to the sink. The lightweight gel-cream uses the brand’s Pro Frozen Capsules, which burst on contact to deliver an instant cooling sensation while helping lock in moisture and reduce heat stress. Hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration, squalane supports the skin barrier, and niacinamide smooths and refines the look of pores. “It’s formulated to deliver intense hydration without heaviness,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City.

Fermented ingredients like Lactobacillus and soybean give the formula extra smoothing and depuffing powers. A foundational part of K-beauty, fermentation has long been used to help transform ingredients into smaller, more skin-friendly compounds that may be easier for skin to absorb. The result: boosted hydration, a calmer-looking complexion, and skin that appears smoother and more refreshed.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Frozen Cream

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I found that the gel doesn’t immediately sink in, which actually works in its favor—it sits on skin just long enough (a minute or so!) to add to the cooling effect. You can feel the tiny capsules at first, but they pop within seconds as you massage the formula in. The cooling sensation is genuinely noticeable, and whenever my skin feels a little hot, irritated, or puffy, this is the kind of formula that instantly makes it feel calmer and more comfortable.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane, niacinamide, Lactobacillus ferment, soybean ferment
• Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with dry or sensitive skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Wake-Up Call: Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

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Belif

Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

$32

Amazon

$32

Ulta Beauty

$32

LG Beauty

Allure senior director of commerce audience & analytics Lexi Herrick applying the Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

Lexi Herrick

Why it's worth it: You can drink all the coffee in the world, but if you’re hoping it’ll magically erase tired undereyes, your latte can only do so much—and for some people, consuming too much caffeine can even contribute to dehydration, which can leave skin looking a little less plump. Applied topically, though, caffeine plays a different game: Belif’s Aqua Bomb Eye Gel uses it to temporarily constrict blood vessels so undereyes appear less puffy, swollen, and shadowy.

The 2025 Best of Beauty winner also pairs hyaluronic acid for a surge of hydration with niacinamide to smooth and brighten, while the brand’s signature blend of herbal and fermented ingredients—like refreshing rosemary and eucalyptus leaf extracts alongside Lactobacillus ferment—adds an extra calming, soothing touch. The ceramic tip applicator helps the cooling texture sink in quickly, making it especially nice for early mornings when your eyes are broadcasting exactly how little sleep you got.

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

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“The applicator for this eye cream is incredibly smooth and easy to use. This is one of my favorite products to bring with me when traveling or on the go. It's so gentle and hydrating, instantly adding moisture to my undereyes. I also have very sensitive skin under my eyes, and this has never given me an ounce of irritation.” —Lexi Herrick, senior director of commerce audience & analytics

More to know

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• Key ingredients: caffeine, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, rosemary, eucalyptus leaf, Lactobacillus ferment
• Who it’s best for: people with dark undereye circles or dry skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Return to Your Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

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Dr. Groot

Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner

$66 $60 (9% off)

Amazon (Shampoo + Conditioner)

$33

Sephora (Shampoo)

$33

Sephora (Conditioner)

Why it's worth it: K-beauty has long treated the scalp the same way it treats skin. Why spend hundreds on serums for your face if you’re ignoring the skin underneath your hair? Dr. Groot’s Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner take that skin-care-for-your-scalp mission seriously, loading the formulas with ingredients you’d just as easily spot in facial products. Ingredients like Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments support the scalp environment, while caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and salicylic acid refresh buildup-prone roots and keep scalps feeling balanced.

There’s also a lineup of classic K-beauty botanicals—including ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, and Centella asiatica—to soothe and comfort the scalp. You’ll get that deeply clean, cool, menthol-y feeling that makes your roots feel reset, especially if you’re dealing with excess oil or buildup. Unlike many Western formulas, even the conditioner is designed to be worked into the scalp, but it won’t leave hair feeling heavy or weighed down.

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann before using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after using the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Shampoo and Conditioner

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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“I'm blessed with a pretty unproblematic scalp, but I've always had an issue with frizz, dryness, shine—pretty much every other hair complaint in the book. I used to just accept that silkiness wasn't in the cards for me, but this Dr. Groot duo made me eat my words. Even without blow-drying, my air-dried curls just behave differently when I use this shampoo and conditioner. Paired with a quick pass of my Dyson (and no post-shower products, mind you), I'm living out my flippy, shinny blowout dreams.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Bifida and Lactobacillus ferments, caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, salicylic acid, ginseng, rosemary, heartleaf, green tea, Centella asiatica
• Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
• Fragrance-free: no

Boost from the Roots: Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

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Dr. Groot

Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

$37

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Another example of K-beauty’s skin-care-first approach to hair growth, Dr. Groot’s Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum Leave-In Treatment focuses on creating a healthier scalp environment where stronger-looking hair can thrive. Biotin supports keratin—the protein that makes up hair—while rosemary oil takes center stage. “Rosemary oil has been shown to encourage hair growth, with results similar to those of 2% minoxidil,” says Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Chicago, previously told Allure. The formula also packs in microbiome-friendly ferments like Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces extracts, alongside a nourishing blend of rosemary, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, and soybean oils to support both scalp health and softer, silkier strands. Amino acids, caffeine, and niacinamide round out the formula to keep the scalp feeling balanced and healthy.

Despite the oil-in-serum name, it feels surprisingly lightweight, delivering a refreshing minty-cool sensation. Plus, the pretty gradient packaging looks much more vanity-worthy than your typical clinical-looking hair-growth treatment.

Han applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Barrier Boost Oil in Serum

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“My scalp is chronically dry and itchy so a leave-in that targets that specific area is crucial. As soon as I'm out of the shower and rough-dry my hair, I put a few droppers of this oil-in-serum into different sections of my scalp and really give it a thorough massage. It has a slight cooling tinge to it, thanks to the rosemary oil, and keeps my scalp soothed until my next wash—which, admittedly, happens anywhere from three to six days. The texture, as you can tell by the tiny suspended beads, is super cool. Despite having ‘oil’ in the name, I don't find this formula heavy or greasy at all.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotin, rosemary oil, amino acids, caffeine, niacinamide, peppermint, argan, castor, moringa, rosehip, jojoba, soybean oils, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Bifida, Saccharomyces ferments
• Who it’s best for: people looking for healthier, stronger hair growth
• Fragrance-free: yes

Stay Clear Headed: Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

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Dr. Groot

Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

$33

Sephora

$33

LG Beauty

Why it's worth it: Dr. Groot’s Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water is a pre-shampoo treatment that starts clearing away excess sebum and buildup in about the time it takes to scroll a short TikTok. The formula relies on a trio of exfoliating acids—beta hydroxy acid (salicylic acid), polyhydroxy acid (gluconolactone), and lipohydroxy acid (a gentler salicylic acid derivative)—to gently loosen dead skin, decongest pores, and smooth the scalp. Rosemary oil invigorates the scalp for healthier, thicker, stronger-looking hair, while menthol delivers a deeply satisfying, icy-cool sensation that instantly refreshes the roots. Panthenol and niacinamide replenish moisture and support keratin, while K-beauty staples like Lactobacillus, Bifida, and Saccharomyces ferments help maintain a balanced, happy scalp environment.

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the Dr. Groot Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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"Whether I'm styling my natural curls or looking for my dreamy voluminous blowout, I like to add product to my scalp for added volume—so I tend to experience a lot of buildup in my scalp. A scalp rinse is always in my rotation, and the Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution is one of the very few products that work effectively to gently cleanse away buildup and prep my hair for a perfect restart. Because I have a lot of hair to sort through, I like to work the product in sections, applying it from my hairline back towards my crown. I'll sometimes use my fingers to massage the product in; however, I find that using a scalp massager works best and gives it a more soothing experience. I really love how it lathers once the product is massaged thoroughly into the scalp, unlike most rinses that have more of a watery consistency, and it can be tricky to determine if the product is actually being used to the best of its ability. As someone who also has scalp psoriasis along my hairline, it's gentle enough to use!" —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: gluconolactone, salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, rosemary oil, menthol, panthenol, niacinamide, Lactobacillus, Bifida, Saccharomyces
• Who it’s best for: people with excess scalp oil, an itchy scalp, or buildup
• Fragrance-free: no

Ready for This Jelly: The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

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The Crème Shop

Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

$13

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

$13

LG Beauty

Lee applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Hello Kitty called, and she wants you to show your lips a little more TLC. The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze serves up a juicy wash of color and that glassy, jelly-like shine, but there’s a surprising amount of skin care tucked beneath the adorable packaging. Shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E keep lips soft, cushioned, and hydrated, while a lineup of peptides supports smoother, fuller-looking lips. Consider it equal parts lip treatment, gloss, and tiny serotonin boost you can easily slip into your pocket. Even cuter: There are additional shades inspired by Hello Kitty’s friends, so your lip color can match your favorite Sanrio character energy.

Lee before applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the The Crème Shop Hello Kitty and Friends Gloss Jelly Tinted Peptide Lip Glaze

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from Lee

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“Well, I’m an easy sell when it comes to anything Hello Kitty—and the adorable macaron-shaped packaging had me before I even twisted off the cap. I’ll admit, at first glance, I was bracing myself for a stick-to-your-lips situation, but the second I applied it, it completely melted in with a cushiony, jelly-balm feel. If you’re looking for bold color payoff, you’ll want to layer this over your usual color—this is more of a soft tint than a statement lip. But when it comes to lasting hydration, it’s next level. My lips stayed ridiculously comfortable for hours, and I’d be shocked if you found yourself reaching to reapply throughout the day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: copper tripeptide, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, shea butter, glycerin, vitamin E
• Who it’s best for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Believe the Buzz: CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

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CNP

Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

$18 $16 (11% off)

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

$18

LG Beauty

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Why it's worth it: Honey, your lips deserve better than a basic waxy balm. CNP’s Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm treats dry, flaky lips with propolis—a protective substance bees create for their hives that’s prized for its soothing properties—with deeply nourishing New Zealand manuka honey. A barrier-supporting trio of ceramides, cholesterol, and squalane lock in moisture, while madecassoside and beta-glucan calm irritation and roughness. There are even peptides in the mix to help lips look smoother and softer over time, and the subtle honey scent makes reapplying feel less like maintenance and more like a little treat. The texture starts rich and thick, but it melts into lips instead of sitting on top—and once it’s on, it really sticks around, making it especially satisfying for anyone tired of constantly reapplying.

Kinonen before applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“Aside from sunscreen, I never leave the house without a tube of lip balm. Doesn’t matter what the brand is; I just need to have something on hand to touch up during the day. But at night, that’s a different story. I need a lip mask that’s going to coat my lips and still be there come morning. Lately, I’ve been obsessed with the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm. It’s a thick consistency, thanks to the propolis (a.k.a. ‘bee glue,’ which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), but it instantly melts onto lips like butter—and lasts. I usually apply two coats, making sure it’s extra goopy, and then crawl into bed. When I wake up, my lips feel super soft, smooth, and hydrated. I’ve now gone through two tubes!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propolis, manuka honey, ceramides, cholesterol, squalane, peptides
• Who it’s best for: people with dry lips
• Fragrance-free: no

Amp Up Your Glow: CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

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CNP

Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

$25

Amazon

$25

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you’re new to ampoules, they’re typically designed to deliver a targeted boost of actives when your skin needs extra support. CNP’s Derma+ Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule centers around a 1:1 ratio of S-PDRN and Expecial Solution (Lactobacillus ferment extract). Unlike traditional PDRN, S-PDRN (sodium DNA-derived PDRN) is a lab-designed version intended to support skin barrier health and enhance the appearance of firmness and density. Niacinamide brightens and balances, while collagen, squalane, and adenosine work together to contribute to a hydrated, bouncier-looking complexion. While it’s concentrated, this isn’t the kind of formula making dramatic overnight promises—because, as with most skin care, consistency is where the magic really happens. Instead, it leans into K-beauty’s “slow-aging” approach: small, steady steps that keep skin looking healthier the more you use it.

Han applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

Sarah Han

Han after applying the CNP Derma Answer Active Boost 1:1 Ampule

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I picked up this CNP serum or ampoule in Olive Young at the recommendation of a corporate staffer. I clearly don't need much convincing, but I also noticed the Glowpick and Hwahae badges (two of Korea's most popular beauty review/ranking platforms) on the packaging. That's how I could tell it was a legit local favorite, which is what I'm obviously seeking when I'm all the way in Seoul. The formula is silky and has some slip (so there's no rubbing or tugging the skin!), which is exactly the type of serum I prefer. Aside from the lovely feel, I love all of the tried-and-true ingredients: niacinamide, adenosine, collagen, squalane, and cica. I know the jury's still out on PDRN, but I've found all of the PDRN serums I've tried to be very hydrating, which is what's most important to me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sodium PDRN, Lactobacillus ferment, niacinamide, collagen, squalane, adenosine
• Who it’s best for: everyone, especially people with mature skin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Brushed with Greatness: Euthymol Purple Toning Toothpaste

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Euthymol

Purple Toning Toothpaste

$28

Amazon

$15

LG Beauty

Why it's worth it: We interrupt your regularly scheduled skin-care programming for something slightly unexpected: purple toothpaste. Euthymol’s Purple Toning Toothpaste comes from Euthymol, a British oral-care brand dating back to 1898 that now sits under the LG umbrella, and it borrows a trick straight from the color-correction playbook (similar to how purple shampoos tone brassiness). Its violet hue neutralizes yellow tones, making teeth appear visibly brighter. It also uses whitening particles to lift surface stains and defend against new ones, while strengthening enamel and delivering the brand’s signature bold minty freshness. Consider it the oral-care equivalent of a color-correcting primer—just for your smile.

Tester feedback from Han

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“As I get older, elevated versions of everyday products (nice hand soap, etc.) bring me lots of joy—and this Euthymol toothpaste very much falls under that bucket. I love how solid and luxe the packaging is, and that it's not too big, so I don't have to worry about whether or not it might get confiscated by TSA. I drink at least one latte every day so that's a lot of staining caffeine—but, despite how insecure I am about my not-so-white teeth, I'm not willing to curb my consumption! I haven't used the toothpaste for long enough to really tell if it has whitened my teeth considerably but I do think the purple, yellow-canceling of it all has been working, even if the difference is subtle. Moreover, I like that the flavor is more toned down—I historically have found most mint toothpastes to be too strong and uncomfortable.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.243% sodium fluoride, hydrated silica, eucalyptus extract, vitamin E, glycerin, SLS
• Who it’s best for: people who want whiter teeth

Let’s Get Physio: Physiogel Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream

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Physiogel

Calming Relief Redness Relieving Facial Cream

$16

Amazon

$16

LG Beauty

Why it's worth it: If there’s one thing you can associate K-beauty with, it’s a deep appreciation for keeping easily irritated skin happy. Physiogel’s Calming Relief Redness Cream strips things back to the essentials with a short ingredient list focused on calming redness and supporting a stressed-out barrier. The star here is palmitamide MEA, a soothing lipid compound that helps reduce irritation caused by dryness, while squalane replenishes moisture, and hydrogenated lecithin helps reinforce the skin barrier and soften flaky patches.

It’s also earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, where products undergo ingredient review and screening to ensure they’re less likely to trigger irritation in eczema-prone, highly reactive skin. If you’re new to the brand, consider it the skin-care equivalent of if CeraVe and Vanicream had a baby: straightforward, sensitive-skin-friendly, and all about barrier support without extra bells and whistles.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: palmitamide MEA, squalane, hydrogenated lecithin
• Who it’s best for: people with sensitive, dry skin prone to redness
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Omer Ibrahim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Salmalita Cosmetics, based in Chicago
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon 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 LG Beauty products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. 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.

Photo: Faye BrowneSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Summer may not officially start for another few weeks, but we all know the summer vibes really begin in late May—early June at the latest. And there's no better proof of that than the way people's appearances start to subtly shift: more open-toed shoes, more breezy attire, beachier waves, and a heavier hand with the bronzer. And this summer, it seems one of the most prevalent ways to celebrate the season is with bold, pool-blue eye makeup, as recently and gorgeously demonstrated by Florence Pugh.

Hairstylist Faye Browne and makeup artist Lauren Buckley posted a collaborative Instagram carousel giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how they dolled up Pugh for Harris Reed's Ibiza birthday party. Browne gave her waves some summery, salty texture with Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray by Sam McKnight and topped it off with a vibrant, turquoise Pucci scarf worn as a headband.

Photo: Faye Browne

That scarf seems to have served as the color inspiration for how Buckley approached the acclaimed actor's eye makeup. After applying a matte, neutral base from the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette all over her lids and the tragically discontinued MAC Reflects in Transparent Teal in the inner corners, she applied a substantial swipe of Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick in Baby Blue Matte.

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Sephora Collection

Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick

$15

Sephora

And the look feels especially Ibiza-esque thanks to her bronzed skin. That warmth comes from Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer, a blurring powder formula that comes in four shades.

Photo: Faye Browne

The Gloss Angeles podcast called it: Blue eye makeup is having such a moment right now, and makeup artist Ash K. Holm's recent Ocean Eyes tutorial is even more evidence. She used a similar matte blue shade, Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Oasis, all over her lid, followed by a shimmery inner corner.

Clearly, this is a thing. Even if you won't find yourself poolside any time soon, that doesn't mean you can't channel that tropical, chlorinated blue through your makeup. It'll signal to everyone who sees you that you are definitely already in the summer mindset.

More makeup news:

• Marc Jacobs Beauty Isn't Back
• Why TikTok Can’t Stop Fighting About “Transitional Blush”
• E.L.F. Cosmetics Is Lowering Prices After Tariff-Induced Increases