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There's nothing comfortable (or fun) about flaky, peeling, or dry lips, which is why we stay well-stocked with the best lip balms for chapped lips. You can trust we've tried every beauty product under the sun: medicated balms, do-it-all salves, SPF-spiked formulas, exfoliating scrubs—we've even slapped on overnight masks made just for your pout.

If your current lip balm isn't doing it for you anymore, it's time to make a switch—most likely to something simpler. Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, has previously compared lip balms to quenching your thirst with a can of soda. "You drink something that appeals to the senses with no nutritional value, and shortly thereafter, you are still thirsty," she explains. "The same thing goes for balms loaded with flavor, fragrance, and menthol." That doesn't mean you have to completely avoid tasty or tingly balms; in fact, there are a few we really love on this list. Just be sure to pay attention to what is and isn't working for you. Below, we're sharing the best lip-care products we've tried to date, including Best of Beauty winners (hey, Nécessaire and Summer Fridays). Happy swiping!

Our Top Lip Balms for Dry Lips

• Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $26
• Best Multipurpose: Glossier Balm Dot Com, $16
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Lip Balm, $28
• Best for Peeling Lips: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm, $24
• Best Pigmented: Chanel Coco Rouge Baume, $50
• Best Under-$10: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm, $9

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Can you “overuse” lip balm?
• Why do lips feel drier after using some lip balms?
• What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating lip balm?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

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Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: When you want the deep hydration of an overnight mask but the lightweight feel of a lip gloss, reach for Summer Fridays’ Lip Butter Balm—a 2023 and 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner and a TikTok staple. This buttery balm started with a single Vanilla flavor and has since expanded to 10 shades and scents, including cozy Brown Sugar, juicy Cherry, and shimmery Birthday Cake. The formula packs emollients like shea and murumuru seed butters to condition dry lips, as well as vegan waxes that smooth uneven texture and lock in moisture for hours. It delivers a glossy, plush finish that feels less like makeup and more like skin care.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“If I ever don't have at least one of these Summer Friday Lip Butter Balms on hand or in my bag, something's off. Not only do they keep coming out with scrumptious flavors—hello, Iced Coffee!—but they also smooth over my dry, textured lips with just one swipe. Even though I usually layer up, it never feels heavy or greasy. My lips look absolutely glistening, which is a far cry from their usual pale, flaky state. I love a punch of color and rarely wear untinted lip balms, so Summer Fridays' tint offerings (which do include a clear shade) really speak to me. For a true my-lips-but-better look, I reach for Pink Guava (what I'm wearing here), but if I'm in the mood for something bolder, Cherry is my girl.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffman

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“Thick, shiny, and yummy. That’s all you really need to know about Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm, which comes in 11 mouthwatering flavors. The new scent and shade options keep me coming back tube after tube.” —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, murumuru seed butter
• Shades: 11 (including clear)

Best Multipurpose: Glossier Balm Dot Com

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Glossier

Balm Dotcom

$16

Amazon

$16

Sephora

$16

Glossier

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: When Glossier first debuted, it did so with just four products—and one of them quickly became the now-iconic Balm Dotcom. The multipurpose salve became an instant classic for its glossy finish, long-lasting moisture, and minimalist packaging. While it was reformulated in 2023, Glossier’s loyal community (which has always been central to the brand) demanded the original back, and the brand listened. The OG formula returns with castor seed oil to deeply nourish, beeswax to seal in hydration, and lanolin to soften and protect dry, cracked skin. And while it’s made for lips, Glossier encourages using it anywhere you need extra moisture (think cuticles, elbows, or any dry patch that needs a little TLC).

Lee before applying the Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Glossier Balm Dotcom in Peppermint Bark

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m so picky about lip balm texture—too thin and it disappears instantly, too thick and it leaves that weird waxy film. Glossier’s Balm Dotcom nails the perfect in-between: cushy, hydrating, and more about deep moisture than shine (which, TBH, is way more important to me). I’ve been loving the new Peppermint Bark flavor—it’s not aggressively minty, just gives the perfect little zing.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor seed oil, beeswax, lanolin, sunflower extract
• Shades: 11 (including clear/fragrance-free)

Best for Sensitive Skin: Nécessaire The Lip Balm

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Nécessaire

The Lip Balm

$28

Amazon

$28

Nordstrom

$28

Sephora

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Necessaire The Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Why it’s worth it: Hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, and approved by the National Eczema Association—if you have sensitive skin, those phrases are music to your ears. Nécessaire The Lip Balm, a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, checks all those boxes and then some. The formula blends niacinamide, essential ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Centella asiatica extract into a base of luxe shea butter to restore and strengthen the lips’ delicate skin. “It’s made without synthetic fragrances and uses only skin-beneficial ingredients that hydrate, smooth, and protect,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, based in Miami. “Its clear, semi-gloss finish delivers immediate relief for dry, chapped lips.” A hint of pure mint oil adds freshness with every swipe, while the cooling metal tip soothes on contact.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“The way I screamed when I received this during testing…I’ve been waiting for a Nécessaire lip balm, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! I love that it’s slippery like a gloss and minty like a balm, but glides on like my favorite eye cream with its cooling-to-the-touch metal applicator.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“In middle school, I used to slather this super tingly mint lip balm that I'd buy at the mall all over my mouth basically 24/7, and I'm pretty sure it was so fragranced and menthol-heavy that it actually wound up making me more chapped (ah, the vicious lip balm cycle). Necessaire's Lip Balm is the skin-friendly adult version of my old favorite. It's got a slightly sweet minty flavor, and I still get the cooling effect from its metal applicator. But this formula, unlike its predecessor, is ceramide-packed, which means it actually repairs and plumps the skin of the lips. It's effective enough that I only need to apply it every now and then—and that's exactly how you want a lip balm to perform, if my tween experiences have taught me anything.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica extract
• Shades: 1 (clear)

Best for Peeling Lips: Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

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Eadem

Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Eadem's Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm has taken over our social feeds, and we're here to confirm the buzz surrounding this jelly-like balm is well-deserved. The biggest star factor comes from the gentle exfoliating ingredients, hibiscus enzymes, and lactic acid, which elevate this from a regular lip balm to one that actually helps treat chapped lips and leaves your lips looking smoother than ever. “Anyone with dry, peeling lips or anyone looking for exfoliation would like this formula, which has alpha hydroxy acids and peptides that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and plump the skin in the lips,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Alabama, previously explained. The cooling metal applicator adds an extra soothing touch, as well as softening Brazilian açaí and African mongongo butters, formula-wise.

The shade range is another standout: nine richly pigmented hues—unique ones at that, like Boba Bounce (rich soft brown) and Fig Sauce (cool mauve)—that adorn your lips with a deliciously glossy finish.

Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze

Sarah Han

Han applying the Eadem Le Chouchou Lip Softening Balm in Bissap Glaze

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“It took me long enough to try this beloved lip balm, but I fully support the hype around it. Le Chouchou is thicker and more cushiony than your average balm, so it feels extra conditioning—perfect for my perpetually chapped lips. The fact that there are chemical exfoliants baked into the formula takes them straight to S-tier lip balms. My lips flake pretty easily but now I can treat them during the daytime, instead of only relying on a lip mask at night. My lips feel instantly smooth and the color range is chef's kiss, too. I'm a sucker for berry hues like Bissap Glaze but will definitely be reaching for Guava Fresca on minimal makeup days.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hibiscus enzymes, Brazilian açaí and African mongongo butters, collagen-boosting peptide
• Shades: 9 (including clear)

Best Pigmented: Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm

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Chanel

Rouge Coco Baume Satin

$50

Chanel

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Ulta Beauty

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Listed under “everyday luxury” in our proverbial beauty dictionary, you'll find Chanel's Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm. We love how classic the shade range is, from barely-there neutrals to richer berry tones: Each hue starts sheer but is very buildable, so you can customize your finish. Not sure where to start? One editor called 914 Natural Charm her perfect nude lipstick. The satin, your-lips-but-better finish is supported by ingredients such as squalane, olive fruit oil/leaves, and shea butter, which keep lips feeling soft and comfortable all day long.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone

Shanna Shipin

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin after applying the Chanel Rouge Coco Baume Satin Lip Balm in Anemone

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“It's no wonder Sophia Richie Grainge wore this lip product on her wedding day—it's the one. Just the right amount of sheer, buildable color, and an ultra-comfy wear that will have you forget that you even applied any lip product at all. It glides over the lips—yes, even my craggly-scraggly and dry, peeling pout—without a skip. It makes your lips appear fuller and juicier—and the shade range is beautiful. There are classic rosey hues, beautiful peach and corals, and really wearable nudes. While I love the 914 Natural Charm for everyday wear, Anemone is a limited-edition summer shade that I can't get enough of; it's a joyful red-orange that brightens my whole face up.”—Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, olive fruit oil, olive leaf extract, shea butter, vitamin E
• Available shades: 9 (including clear)

Best Under-$10: Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm

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Nyx Professional Makeup

Smushy Matte Lip Balm

$8

Amazon

$9

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: A matte lip balm? We get it—it sounds like an oxymoron. But Nyx Professional Makeup’s Smushy Matte Lip Balm somehow makes it make sense. This is your classic balm feel, reimagined with a plush, blurred, and soft-matte finish. The texture lives up to the name—pillowy and cushiony, thanks to a silicone-rich base that glides on seamlessly and wraps lips in comfort without ever feeling dry. Mochi-inspired rice powder gives a diffused effect, while sugar ceramides and shea butter lock in moisture, keeping lips smooth and hydrated. The smushy applicator (truly, no better word for it) and subtly sweet scents make the whole experience feel a little more fun and playful. According to our tester, it’s the definition of low-effort, high impact.

Lee before applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Nyx Professional Makeup Smushy Matte Lip Balm in Snuggle Szn

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’m not—repeat, not—a lip person. I have chronically dry lips, and I usually can’t stand the feel of gloss or most balms. So the fact that I’m fully hooked on this says everything. It gives me that comfortable, hydrated feel without any of the shine I usually avoid, and the soft-matte finish just makes my lips look better with zero effort. The shade Snuggle Szn is my ideal blushy nude. I loved it so much I bought four, just to make sure I’m never without one.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ceramides, shea butter, rice powder, silicones
• Shades: 12 (including clear)

Best for Discoloration: S'able Labs Moringa Lip Salve

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S'Able Labs

Moringa Lip Salve

$23

Amazon

$23

S’Able Labs

Allure content director Sophia Panych applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve

Sophie Panych

Why it’s worth it: Far from just another celebrity beauty brand, S’able Labs’ Moringa Lip Salve makes lip care feel personal. Created by actors Sabrina and Idris Elba, the brand is designed for melanated skin, specifically addressing concerns like uneven lip tone and discoloration that are often overlooked. The Lip Salve draws on Sabrina’s Somali heritage, spotlighting African ingredients like moringa seed oil—the so-called “miracle tree”—paired with ultra-nourishing castor oil, antioxidant-rich marula oil, and prickly pear seed oil for a formula that feels equal parts treatment and indulgence. There’s also the addition of licorice root extract, known for reducing discoloration over time. The base provides a cushiony, gloss-like slip, while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate keep lips soft and hydrated.

It comes in a clear version for your low-maintenance days, but the tinted shades are where things get fun—think Jollof, a warm, culture-celebrating nod to the iconic West African dish, and Sister Wife, a cheeky wink to how Sabrina jokingly refers to Idris’ many admirers.

Panych before applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve

Sophie Panych

Panych after applying the S’able Labs Moringa Lip Salve

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“A tube of this lip balm has been at my makeup table ever since I tried it for the first time. I apply it before I start my makeup every morning and before I get into bed every night. What I love is that it’s thick enough to feel ridiculously hydrating but without feeling or looking goopy—in fact, it leaves a really pretty glossy finish that makes lips look fuller.  I think what makes this formula especially effective is that the moisture and comfort it leaves behind lasts for hours and hours, which means one tube goes a long way. I also appreciate that it has zero taste, which I personally find very off-putting in a gloss.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: moringa, marula oil, castor oil, prickly pear seed oil, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, licorice root extract
• Shades: 3 (including clear)

Best Plumping: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

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Ole Henriksen

Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

$23

Sephora

$23

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it's worth it: If you haven't already gathered, peptides are an excellent ingredient for those who want plumper lips instantly—without any sting. (Basically, all of us!) Ole Henricksen’s Pout Preserve Lip Treatment has been an editor-favorite for years now, even picking up a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award for best daytime balm. This cushiony formula features not one, but two peptides (palmitoyl hexapeptide-12 and palmitoyl tripeptide-1) to lend lips a fuller look, while a nourishing blend of kokum butter, mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil provides additional softening, moisture-boosting benefits. And don't get us started on the yummy scents: Crème Brûlèe, Strawberry Sorbet, and Vanilla Bonbon (as well as occasional limited-edition colors) have us hooked.

P.S. The Pout Preserve Lip Treatments are so popular that Ole Henriksen has since expanded the collection to include Glimmers (shimmer-speckled) and Chillers (cooling sensation).

Hoffmann before applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from Hoffmann

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“The thick, glossy texture of this lip balm is perfection to me. It sits on your lips like a mask, which is so soothing when I'm really dry. I was years late to this product—my fellow editors were onto it way before I was—so when I finally got to try it I knew it was going to be good. What I didn't know I was that I was going to go through my first tube so quickly that I had to restock much sooner than I anticipated. If you spot me out with a glossy lip, there's a 75% change it's Cocoa Crème over faded lipstick, like I'm wearing here.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“Fun fact: Suni Lee first introduced me to this hydrating lip product when she was asked what her lip combo was at the last Olympics, and she delivered a TikTok with the details. Since then, this lip treatment has become one of my go-to lip products. It's hydrating but doesn’t feel sticky. The shades are very flattering (I have not yet met one I don't love, but my tube of Cocoa Crème is almost out, so I definitely gravitate to that one the most) and buildable. I use a lip liner with it to make the color last all day and my lips feel soft and smooth at the end of the day!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: palmitoyl hexapeptide-12, palmitoyl tripeptide-1, kokum and mango seed butters, Scandinavian cloudberry oil, acai sterols
• Available shades: 7 (including a clear-ish shade, Vanilla Bonbon)

Best K-Beauty: Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm

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Unleashia

Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm

$16

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

$17

Yesstyle

Why it’s worth it: The popular K-beauty brand Unleashia may be better known for their viral Glitterpedia Eye Palettes packed with sparkle, but don’t worry—there’s no glitter in the Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm. And yet, it still shines. Instead of shimmer, you’re getting that signature K-beauty high-gloss, glassy finish thanks to a plush blend of emollients that melt into lips with a cushiony, almost lacquer-like slip. What gives it that K-beauty edge is the makeup-meets-treatment approach: Peptides, vitamin C (ascorbic acid), and yuzu extract smooth, soften, and add antioxidant support.

For a brand built on self-expression without limits (its name blending “unleash” and “utopia”), even the shade names feel like an escape—think Ibiza, Amalfi, and Bondi Beach—so every swipe doubles as a mini vacation.

Han applying the Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm in No.3 Ibiza

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Unleashia Sunset Dazzle Gloss Balm in No.3 Ibiza

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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“I never really fancied myself a glossy girl, but these hi-shine Unleashia gloss balms make my lips too juicy for words! The shades are extra pretty and vibrant as far as tinted lip balms go—my favorite shades, Ibiza and Bora Bora, pack a real punch of color. I'm obsessed and will continue collecting them all. This says a lot because I have an excess of tinted lip balms (I don't really ever wear clear ones), and most just gather dust on my vanity, whereas at least one Unleashia balm is on me at all times. Yes, they don't last very long, but reapplication is so fun with that cute, squishy, and donut-like top, so who cares? Unleashia is definitely a Korean makeup brand to watch out for!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides (acetyl hexapeptide-8, palmitoyl pentapeptide-4), vitamin C (ascorbic acid), yuzu
• Shades: 7 (including clear)

Best with SPF: Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm

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Supergoop!

Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm

$22

Amazon

$22

Nordstrom

$22

Revolve

Kinonen applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Why it’s worth it: Lips are one of the easiest places to forget SPF, but they’re also one of the most vulnerable, thanks to thinner skin and minimal natural protection from UV rays. Supergoop’s Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm makes daily lip protection feel like a treat. "Using lip balms with sunscreen can also help prevent cold sores, as sun exposure can cause these spots to appear," Sejal Shah, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, told Allure. This glossy balm uses a blend of chemical filters (and yes, formulas like these are designed with the expectation that a small amount will be ingested throughout the day) to deliver high-level, broad-spectrum protection while leaving lips with a high-shine finish. Beyond SPF, it’s all about lip care with a mix of coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil to soften and smooth, plus vitamin E and bisabolol for antioxidant and soothing support. There’s even a peptide (palmitoyl tripeptide-38) in the mix to nourish lips further.

Kinonen before applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF 40 Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from Kinonen

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“I’ve tried a lot of lip products with SPF, and while I absolutely love the concept, many (if not most) of them left a lot to be desired. Textures were goopy and chunky, flavors were chemical-y, and the pigment just wasn’t there. But then I tried the Supergoop Glow Gloss SPF—and it changed my mind about sunscreen-spiked lip products of the past. This balm is shiny (not sticky), comes in a lot of pretty shades (my favorite is Pink Peppermint), and is long-lasting—even when sweating in the Brooklyn heat. I wore it for a recent tennis lesson (why didn’t anyone tell me tennis was so fun?!), and it stayed put throughout the hour-long class and during my many, many water breaks.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 3% avobenzone, 5% homosalate, 4% octisalate, 4.5% octocrylene, peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-38), vitamin E, bisabolol, coconut oil, shea butter, jojoba oil
• Shades: 3

Best Balm-Meets-Gloss: Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm

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Polite Society

Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm

$21

Ulta Beauty

Shipin applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in French Caramel

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Sure, a viral product might grab our attention, but it takes a lot more to keep us hooked. At first swipe, Polite Society’s Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm delivers that juicy, high-shine finish you want from a gloss, but the real draw is how comfortable and non-sticky it feels. Credit a nourishing blend of sunflower, jojoba, hazelnut, and soybean oils, which soften and condition lips, plus vitamin E for antioxidant support. The shades (and flavors) make it even more fun to swipe on—whether you go for French Caramel, Bumbleberry, Cinnamon Churro, Jelly Bean, or Peach Bellini (which has a hint of shimmer), there’s really no wrong choice.

Shipin before applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Polite Society Polite Pout Glossy Lip Balm in French Caramel

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I am addicted to these Polite Society lip balms! Every single flavor has been so deliciously fragrant and fun (where else can you find a purple “Bumbleberry” lip balm?!). The corresponding color is so lovely on the lips and enhances your natural pigment; my ultimate favorite is the French Caramel. This has to be among the most comfortable lip balms I've ever tested—I hardly realize I'm wearing it after applying, even with its higher-than-usual gloss factor. It's such fun, which is so welcome in the category of utilitarian beauty products.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: sugar, castor seed oil, jojoba seed oil, beeswax, grapeseed oil
• Shades: 13 (including clear)

Best for Barrier Support: Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm

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Personal Day

Emotional Support Lip Balm

$24

Ulta Beauty

$24

Revolve

$24

Personal Day

Allure associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear

Sarah Kinonen

Why it’s worth it: Founded by actress Lili Reinhart, Personal Day was born from her own struggles with sensitive skin and her mission to create skin care that’s as gentle as it is effective. Enter the Emotional Support Lip Balm, a.k.a. your lip’s comfort companion. It gives lips that just-right mix of high shine and moisture that actually lasts, thanks to hyaluronic acid (which pulls in hydration like a magnet) and squalane (which locks it in, even if a little bit swipes off with your morning coffee). Aloe vera instantly soothes dryness, while jojoba, camellia, and almond oils keep your lips plush and soft all day.

Kinonen before applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm in Original Clear

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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"In my adult life, there are three beauty items I never leave the house without: hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and lip balm. The latter is a "if-I-forgot-it-my-day-is-ruined" kind of pick because I'm extremely prone to cold sores and have perpetually chapped lips—and if you've experienced either, you know they are both very uncomfortable. The Personal Day Emotional Support Lip Balm doesn't just have a cute name, it works! And it's really long-lasting. One swipe of the goopy-in-the-best-way balm with the curved applicator usually lasts me a few hours (if I don't eat in between). I've already gone through two tubes of this stuff—I love it so much!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, squalane oil, aloe vera, jojoba seed oil
• Shades: 3 (including clear)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you “overuse” lip balm?

You can overuse lip balm, “but it’s not necessarily harmful to be ‘addicted’ to moisturizing your lips,” says Dr. Chacon. What can happen, however, is that you become hyper-aware of even the tiniest bit of dryness. “Overuse can make it so that even the slightest hint of dryness is more noticeable,” she explains. That being said, if your lip balm has actives, ”like exfoliating acids or menthol, that can cause irritation if used too often," she says.

Why do lips feel drier after using some lip balms?

If your lips feel drier after applying lip balm, it could be due to the ingredients in the formula. “Certain ingredients can be harsh on delicate lip tissue, causing dryness, flaking, and peeling. Menthol, for example, has a tingly, cooling effect on lips and is often used in lip balms for that very feature. However, in a lot of cases, it’s too strong an ingredient, and in conjunction with sun exposure, menthol can damage the thin tissues of the lips," Dr. Chacon says.

What ingredients should I look for in a hydrating lip balm?

When shopping for a hydrating lip balm, focus on nourishing, emollient ingredients rather than those that create a temporary tingle. “I would avoid menthol, but for hydration, there are a lot of great options. Shea butter and cocoa butter are thick and great ingredients that generally can’t be overused. The same goes for the lighter options like jojoba oil or castor oil—both are ultra-hydrating ingredients that are great for moisturizing lips and beyond," says Dr. Chacon.

Meet the experts

• Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut, and associate clinical professor at Yale University
• Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best lip balms for dry lips, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

The best volumizing hair products can be lifesavers for second-day styling, deflated blowouts, and flatness-prone strands. Mousses, sprays, and powders (oh, my!) add dimension and texture to hair that needs a boost, using ingredients like polymers, copolymers, and resins to restore your long-lost zhuzh. Still, you don't need fine or flat hair to benefit from a volumizing hair product. Even people with naturally fuller hair can use these formulas to amp up volume and bounce for that just-left-the-salon look that lasts for days. Interest piqued? Keep scrolling to discover our favorite hair volumizing products to give that crown some well-deserved lift.

Our Top Volumizing Hair Products

• Best Overall: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse, $36
• Best for Roots: Rōz Root Lift Spray, $42
• Best Brush: Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush, $30
• Best Diffuser: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer, $169
• Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse, $27
• Best for Second-Day Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray, $30
• Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, $32

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What does a volumizing hair product do?
• How do I choose a volumizing hair product?
• What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

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Chris McMillan

The Hair Mousse

$36

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Chris McMillan’s The Hair Mousse is designed to help you recreate the stylist’s signature lift—no salon appointment required. Lightweight and airy, it’s made with wavy and curly hair in mind, giving coils instant volume and bounce while providing heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for diffuser days. The result? A soft, tousled texture with long-lasting hold—no crunch, no touch-ups, just effortless body that lasts. Infused with pine cone and mushroom extracts, the mousse also soothes the scalp and helps repair split ends, giving your curls a much-needed reset.

Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Hello, one and done! This product is your gel, your curl cream, your finishing product…all in one. It's truly been a game-changer for me, replacing all my products! I shake it up, then release a larger-than-a-golfball size amount and apply it all over. I tend to use it while my hair is slightly towel-dried, then again in the middle of my diffusing session, when it is about 40% dry.

I love that it truly delivers on its promise of volumized, bouncy curls—full stop. It tames a bit of frizz, it defines my coils, and adds some necessary lift at my roots and mid-section. I've never received so many compliments on my hair. A little goes a long way, and if you do overdo it (like any mousse), you may get a little crunch. Just work it out with an oil to finish off styling and it'll soften up immediately. I think this works perfectly for my 3a hair, and I can imagine it working well for waves, too. The $36 price may seem steep, but this mousse and a diffuser are all I need!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mushroom extract, pine cone extract, polymers
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Roots: Rōz Root Lift Spray

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RŌZ

Root Lift Spray

$42

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray and blow-drying her hair

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Bouncy ends are great—but if your hair is still falling flat at the root, put down the teasing comb and pick up the Rōz Root Lift Spray instead. “This lightweight, buildable mist adds airy volume, touchable texture, and flexible hold without any crunch. It’s infused with ingredients like rice protein and mushroom root extract to strengthen strands and support scalp health—especially helpful if you're not washing daily,” New York City-based hair colorist Lauren Paglionico told Allure. For maximum volume, the brand recommends spritzing this mist on damp roots before using a blow-dryer. You can also use it to refresh day two or three hair—just make sure to hit your strands with the dryer again to get the best, most lifted results.

Paglionico not only recommends the Root Lift Spray to her clients—she even uses it herself. “It delivers impressive volume without weighing the hair down and works beautifully on both fine and medium textures. The mist is ultra-light and never sticky, which makes it easy to layer. I also love the scent—it’s fresh with a subtle floral note that’s never overpowering,” she says.

Han before washing her hair, applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray, and blow-drying

Sarah Han

Han after washing her hair, applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray, and blow-drying

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I have fine hair, but a lot of it, which is the perfect recipe for…zero volume. I'm also downright terrible at styling my hair but I find that the Roz Root Lift Spray is super easy to incorporate into my washday routine. All I have to do is dispense a few hearty spritzes throughout my roots and rough-dry my hair, and voila, instant volume. I appreciate that I don't need any extra products or tools to give my hair a little zhuzh. It's also an excellent refresher for day two (and day three) hair, because your girl does not wash her hair very often, as well as a blowout extender, since my hair doesn't hold styles for long.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice water, mushroom extract
• Who it's good for: fine to medium hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Brush: Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

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Bounce Curl

Volume EdgeLift Brush

$30

Amazon

$30

Sephora

Shipin using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Finding the right brush is just as important as finding a solid mousse or spray when it comes to achieving bouncy, fuller-looking hair. For those with curls and waves, Bounce Curl's Volume EdgeLift Brush checks every box. The flexible bristles (including vegan boar bristles) quickly detangle as they reduce frizz, while the unique edges gently separate your strands for added definition. The larger teeth on top are perfect for tackling bangs or shorter hair. For longer curls and coils, use the thinner teeth on each side. Even the handle is designed to help section your hair, so there's no need for a separate comb. It's the smarter paddle brush you'll wonder how you ever lived without.

Shipin before using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I don't tend to get any volume at my roots naturally, and usually have to find products and techniques (and hair cuts, for that matter!) that help architect the lift I crave—and the Edgelift brush from Bouncecurl delivers. I get right up to the scalp and turn the brush up, then down, to add what feels like a solid inch of lift at my roots. It's amazing! I also much prefer it to the regular Bouncecurl brush, which is effective at creating larger, more defined clumps (especially since these brushes use synthetic boar bristles to smooth the hair).

I’m going for an Olivia Dean type of volume, and love a little more frizz and life to a perfectly coiffed ‘do, so I love that this brush encourages smaller clumps. When you pair that with smaller sections while defining, it can literally take you hair to new heights.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: N/A
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: N/A

Best Diffuser: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

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Bellissima

Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

$169

Amazon

Shipin using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: No more fussing with a pile of loose attachments—Bellissima's Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer has a built-in diffuser with a large bowl that dries curls and coils in a snap (while adding plenty of volume). Multiple heat and speed settings allow you to find the right combination for your strands, whether they're bleached, heat damaged, or frizzy. Plus, there's a temperature control mechanism inside that measures the device's heat 50 times per second, so you're never using more heat than you have to. And, our tester can confirm that the easy-to-hold handle and lightweight, 1.4-pound design won't tire your arms out too quickly. Bouncy, defined, frizz-free curls, here you come.

Shipin before using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“"Holy life-changing product! This diffuser gives me the juiciest, most volumized, and simply snatched curls of my life. Yes, it must be used in conjunction with a bang-on styling product (and nothing comes close to Chris McMillan's The Mousse for me), but this diffuser sends your flat, lifeless curls into the stratosphere. Talk about volume! It's lightweight and very easy to hold; that curved shape is nice and ergonomic, which is important if your hair takes a long time to dry. The large bowl is so necessary for anyone with shoulder-length or longer hair—no more second-thought attachments with too-small bowls! It's great for travel, as it's a streamlined, diffuser-only blow dryer that's easier to store than standard L-shaped dryers. It also comes with a pretty little carrying bag to keep things tidy.

This product is a simple, straightforward hair-drying device, which eschews the cumbersome body of a typical blow-dryer and just has a diffuser head—so it's just for curly girls! There are a handful of settings you can choose from to get the head and air speed just right for your curls; there's even an ultra-gentle setting with low heat for those who have severely damaged hair (that's me!). I tend to use the lowest heat and the higher hair drying speed; that results in a somewhat frizzy look, but I'm into that effortless and somewhat undone look right now. I do turn it up to high heat and speed when I'm in a hurry and, man, does it dry fast.

This product is on the pricey side for people who don't always wear their hair curly, but if you're even a once-a-week curly girl, I'd recommend it!"” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: N/A
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: N/A

Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

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Hours

Full-Time Plumping Mousse

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: The lightweight, foamy, and soft-but-mighty Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and 2024 for its all-day staying power. The formula leans on fatty acids derived from castor oil to help hydrate the scalp and reinforce each strand, creating a good foundation for volume. Once dispensed, the airy propellants in the formula expand and then evaporate, giving the roots a subtle lift as your hair dries. That expansion acts almost like scaffolding, encouraging strands to stand taller. Then, humectants like propylene glycol and butylene glycol draw in moisture, plumping the hair shaft so it looks and feels thicker.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"Listen, mousse was a dirty word to me for the majority of my life—I did my time in the crunchy curl trenches in middle school—but I've done a full 180 since discovering Hours Plumping Mousse. My hair retains a ton of water post-shower and gets weighed down super easily, but adding two pumps of this to wet hair inflates my hair like a freakin' balloon. It's also responsible for the longest-lasting blowout I've ever had—it's literally a miracle product to me." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propylene glycol, castor oil, sodium polyitaconate
• Who it's good for: those with flat, fine hair that gets weighed down easily
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Second-Day (or Third-Day) Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

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Dae

Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

$30

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: Dae’s Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray absorbs oil at the roots, making it a great pick for hair that hasn’t been washed in…a few days. But, unlike a dry shampoo, it also adds lift at your roots and bounce throughout the entire hair shaft with zeolite, a volcanic material known to add volume and cleanse the scalp. One spray gives hair a light refresh, while three-plus sprays offer more volume and zhuzh. It features yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, moringa leaf extract, and glycerin, all of which protect hair from environmental damage, improve softness and manageability, reduce breakage, and add shine.

Foresto before applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I've been using this spray on day two and three after a wash to give my hair a boost of volume and soak up some oil from my roots. I'm seriously impressed by how much volume a few spritzes of this spray creates. After having my hair in a bun overnight, I like to spray it and tousle my hair and roots to make my waves even bigger. Other times, I spray it on my flatiron-made curls and I find they get a nice beachy look.

The spray bottle is powerful and a little bit goes a long way to give your hair serious lift and texture. It also adds grip to hair so my lackluster French pinning abilities can be more easily hidden. Unlike other texturizing sprays, I find that results last all day and my hair does not fall flat after a few hours. The spray features Dae's nice signature citrus scent too!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, and moringa leaf extract, glycerin
• Who it's good for: oily, flat hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

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Olaplex

Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

$32

Ulta

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Why it's worth it: No bouncy blowout is complete without a good heat protectant, like Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. This 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner safeguards your strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while wrapping them in a barely-there veil of defense. Bamboo extract lipopeptides form a weightless, protective film that helps fortify the hair fiber. Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz. The finish is touchably soft and completely invisible, for hair that looks naturally sky-high.

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"That any product could create volume on my superfine, color-treated hair is a damn miracle, which means Olaplex's Volumizing Blow Dry Mist is basically a religious deity in my eyes. With a few hearty spritzes of this lightweight spray along my hairline and in my roots—plus some elbow grease with a round brush, of course—I can at last achieve a style that makes me look like I have more hair than I actually do." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo extract, pea peptides, radish root ferment
• Who it's good for: people who style with heat regularly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Why it’s worth it: Powered by the brand’s biotech-backed peptide complex called K18peptide, which mimics the natural structure of keratin, the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray does more than just add volume. A few spritzes boost fullness while repairing damage and reducing breakage. According to Eddie M. Parra, a hairstylist in New York City, it delivers a conditioning effect (thanks, red algae) without sacrificing lift. And, it has two-day hair memory, so the volume lasts for up to 48 hours whether you apply it on damp or dry hair (it goes on completely invisible either way).

Singh before applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Singh after applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"I've tried a lot of volumizers in my day, and I've found a handful that deliver oomph immediately—but very few that add volume that lasts. This spray is one of those rare gems: I apply it in damp hair, blow-dry, and then enjoy the extra bounce well into the following day." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red algae, arginine, K18peptide, polymers
• Who it's good for: flat, damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Oribe

Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Allure content director Sophia Paynch applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Why it's worth it: So, you got a blowout yesterday—but this morning's Pilates class did a number on your hair. Before you panic, Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray is here to save the day. Yes, it adds volume and definition, but it also absorbs oil—think of it as a dry shampoo and a texturizing spray in one (very chic) bottle. The formula relies on zeolite crystallines, which add rough texture to your lengths while absorbing oil at the root. The spray also features Oribe’s Signature Complex, a brand hallmark that includes watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower to defend hair from drying and damaging oxidative stress. Pro tip: “Hit [hair] with the dryer again after spraying for volume at the root that lasts for days,” says Kate Johnson, hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team. And, like all products in the Oribe lineup, it’s finished with the brand’s classic Côte d'Azur scent, which has notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.

Paynch before applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Paynch after applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Paynch

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“My relationship with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray has lasted longer than all of my romantic ones—even counting my husband (we've been together for almost nine years, and I've owned a can of this stuff for almost 15 years). Any professional hairstylist will agree that it's just one of those products that's good to always have handy when you want a little volume, a little texture, or just a little zhuzh in general. I spray it into my hair after it's been rough-dried, air-dried, or nicely blow-dried. It works all the same. I usually blast each side for about five seconds, making sure to get the under layers of my hair. Then, I'll flip my head upside down and spray it in that way, too. It's light as air, smells amazing, and is truly multi-purpose.

It lifts roots like a dry shampoo, adds light hold like a flexible hairspray, and adds texture like a beach spray. It makes fine hair like mine look and feel five times thicker, and while it does make your hair feel a bit dry to the touch, it never looks that way.” —Sophia Paynch, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zeolite crystallines, ginger root extract, kiwi extract
• Who it's good for: people who work out or sweat a lot
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé

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Davines

OI Soufflé

$50

Amazon

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Made with antioxidant-rich roucou oil and softening chicory root extract, Davines’ OI Souffle is a hair-plumping mousse that delivers serious shine and volume, with none of the crunch. It also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great prep step before blow-drying for an extra full, bouncy finish. Once you apply it, you’ll notice how much silkier and smoother your hair feels, and when it’s dry, there won’t be any frizz left behind. Whether you’re defining curls or adding lift to straight strands, this is a solid pick—especially if your hair tends to puff up the second you step outside.

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“Humidity is my curly hair’s worst enemy, so when I’m rockin’ my natural waves, I always know Davines’ OI Mousse has my back in times of need. After showering, I scrunch it into my hair and I feel confident walking out the door on a rainy day or a scorcher, knowing my curls will stay right where I left them. Oh, and I have to mention the floral and clean scent of the entire OI line—I literally get compliments on it whenever I use it, with people asking me what perfume I’m wearing.” —Lily Wohlner, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: roucou oil, chicory root extract
• Who it's good for: those with frizzy hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Softness: R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

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R+Co

Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: R+Co’s Rodeo Star Thickening Foam delivers non-sticky volume with a soft feel, says Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta. It incorporates skin-care ingredients, like vitamin E to deeply condition, kiwi fruit extract to help retain moisture, and aloe vera leaf extract to minimize breakage and add shine. Yes, it gives hair that fuller, bouncier look—but it also leaves strands feeling so soft, you’ll want to run your fingers through them all day long.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E, kiwi fruit extract, aloe leaf extract
• Who it’s good for: frizzy, dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Extending Styles: Redken Stay High Mousse

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Redken

Stay High Mousse

$31

Amazon

$31

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: “Redken’s Stay High Mousse is thick and has a lot of stiff texture to it, so it holds fine hair up in a way that a lot of volumizing products don’t,” says Johnson. She adds that the volume stays put all day long, whether you apply it only at the roots or throughout your hair shaft.“ Just make sure to use a small amount and run it through wet hair section by section before blow-drying,” she advises. It immediately melts into hair, never feels sticky, and hydrates and strengthens with help from castor oil. A win-win-win, in our book.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, polymers
• Who it's good for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Air Drying: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

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Crown Affair

The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

$38

Sephora

$38

Violet Grey

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Why it’s worth it: Don’t let the word “mousse” scare you away—Crown Affair’s The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse always leaves strands feeling flexible and soft, which is partly why it won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award. Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours. “It's perfect for enhancing curls, giving you good volume and a strong hold that will last,” Katelyn Ellsworth, a hairstylist based in San Diego, CA, told Allure. It’s our go-to for days when we skip heat styling, but still want natural movement and airy volume. When it’s time to re-style your hair the next day, you can brush right through your strands without worrying about any leftover stickiness or residue.

Richards before applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I love how seamlessly the Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse fits into my low-maintenance, low-effort haircare routine, and it leaves my hair looking the best I've ever felt in my natural state. It’s a super low-lift way to achieve that effortless, undone look. Unlike other mousses, it doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy—which is the best part!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tsbukai meadow oil, pink salt, plant protein blend (kale, carrot, lemon)
• Who it's good for: those who like to air-dry their hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. "Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair," he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure, "It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo." Hurtado explains, "You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue."

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure, "Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)" can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it's essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. "If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice," she adds. If you're just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since "not all oils or silicones are created equal." She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don't need to be a scientist to determine which is which. "If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair," King advises.

Meet the experts

• Mia Santiago, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Lauren Paglionico, a New York City-based hair colorist
• Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Kate Johnson, a hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team
• Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta, Georgia

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 certain 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 volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. 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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It's not the Met Gala until Rihanna arrives! Last year, the musician and Fenty Beauty founder revealed her third pregnancy on the carpet, and this year, she turned the Met Gala into the Metallic Gala in a shiny, shimmery makeup look—and an outfit to match.

Getty Images

The musician and Fenty Beauty founder wore a very cool metallic Maison Margiela gown with a dramatically jeweled, mock-neck bodice and crinkled circle cape with a slim-fitting skirt. She and makeup artist Hector Espinal carried the shiny texture and golden hue of her outfit through to her makeup with a true gold eye shadow across her lids, enhanced by a bronze tone in the crease and a light, pearly white under her slim, arched brows. Liner with just the subtlest hint of a wing and fluttery lashes anchored the fantastical gold shadow. Her skin gleamed, as did her lips, which were topped with an equally shiny golden gloss that caught the camera flashbulbs beautifully.

Espinal used a brand-new Fenty Beauty bronzer, the Sun Stalk'r Soufflé Pressed Mousse Cream Bronzer, on the star. (It launches May 15!) In addition, he applied the brand's Killawat Freestyle Highlighter for all that gorgeous glow, and shaped Rihanna's lips with the Trace'd Out Pencil Lip Liner in the cool taupe shade Amber Rose.

And that wasn't all! Rihanna leaned all the way in to red carpet maximalism with bold face gems, including a cluster in a starry shape near the outer corners of her eyes and smaller gems placed like teardrops below the inner corners. She also wore gems in her hair; a portion of her hair was slicked down with a series of gold wire curlicues from Jennifer Behr—40 in total!—pinned atop it, each one accented with a golden or black stone. The lengths were left loose, tucked into the drape of her oversized collar-slash-cape.

Summer events are just around the corner, and nothing says “Let's get fancy” like the warm glow of golden tones on your lids and lips. If Rihanna says we're wearing metallic makeup this summer, you better believe we're ready to frost ourselves!

Courtesy of Juan Avelar for DND Nails, @tombachik, Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Sure, the Met Gala is a night for fashion, but this year we saw more major nail-art moments from celebrity attendees than ever before.

It’s not entirely unsurprising. The “Fashion Is Art” theme—which highlighted the intersection of fashion, art, and the human body—felt both vague and oddly specific, resulting in a large range of outfit choices, from the snoozy to the downright strange. What the stars seemed most confident doing, however, was using their nails as tiny little canvases on which to push this idea that fashion, and by association beauty, as an art form.

The nail art of the night reflected all of our favorite trends right now, from gems and French manicures to flowers and 3-dimensional designs. And our favorite looks of the night often reflected actual pieces of art. Take, for example, Naomi Watts’s set, created by Iram Shelton, featuring 30 3D flowers. The design served as an extension of Watts’s detailed Dior gown, which was inspired by “A Vase of Flowers” by Margareta Haverman.

Other guests tapped into the idea of the body as a painter’s canvas, like Emma Chamberlain’s brush-stroke designs (by Tom Bachik), and Ashley Graham and Tessa Thompson’s spray-painted finger tips. And while these manicures could be seen from the top of the Met’s staircase, some of the coolest designs of the night were made to be admired up close. Sabrina Carpenter’s French tips by Zola Ganzorigt are the perfect example. Instead of polish, Ganzorigt used film strips from the 1954 film Sabrina for the tips of the nails—the same strips that made up her custom Dior gown by Jonathan Anderson.

Luckily, there’s no need to squint, zoom, or turn up the brightness of your phone, because we rounded up the best Met Gala 2026 nail-art moments in one place—and close-up so you can admire every little amazing detail. Because if we learn one thing during the first Monday in May year after year, it’s that nails are never an afterthought for celebrities and their glam teams.

Sabrina Carpenter's Film Strip French TipsGetty Images

Made up of actual strips of film from the movie, Carpenter's Dior by Jonathon Anderson dress paid homage to Audrey Hepburn's 1954 film Sabrina. But the reference didn't stop there. Carpenter's French manicure, dreamed up by Zola Ganzorigt, mirrored the colors and glossy finish of the dress material. To mimic the film's perforated edies, Ganzorigt painted tiny vertical lines on black tips, then topping the entire set off with OPI’s nearly released Chrome Powder in the shade Tin Man Can Glaze for that high-shine effect.

Naomi Watt's 3D Flower NailsGetty Images

Naomi Watts’s 3D flower nails were as breathtaking as her Dior gown, which was inspired by an 18th century painting by Dutch artist Margareta Haverman called "A Vase of Flowers." Created by London-based nail artist Iram Shelton, Watts' manicure featured a base of OPI Nail Lacquer in Lady in Black and various other OPI shades for the 30 bite-size blooms. The bouquet of colorful flowers took Shelton five hours to complete, using molding gel and gradients of color to create realistic-looking petals.

Emma Chamberlain's Brush-Stroke 2026 Met Gala Nails@tombachik

Bachik turned Chamberlain's nails into 10 teeny-tiny pantings for the night. His aim? For the manicure to be a continuum of her hand-painted custom Mugler by Miguel Castro Freitas gown.

Just as the dress features a mixed color palette, so did the nails with Bachik using Aprés Nail shades in Forever Marigold, Glassea Eyed, Brickhouse, You’re Pretty Grape, Aquarius Rising, and Monstera Ball. Eight of her fingers got the Pollock-like brushstrokes. On the remaining two fingers, Bachik mirrored the white floral swirls of Chamberlain’s neck and chest bodice.

Lisa's Icy 2026 Met Gala NailsGetty Images

The Blackpink singer gave her manicure the same attention and detail as the rest of her incredible Robert Wun-designed gown. She also added the same amount of bling as her 50-carat oval cabochon sapphire Bulgari necklace. “I wanted the nails to feel like an accessory as well as an extension of the costume,” New York City-based nail artist Juan Alvear says. “We took the classic idea of bejeweling the nails and gave them a frostbitten twist,” Alvear added.

To create the icy set, Alvear used KISS Embellished Press On Nails, layering on diamond and sapphire flat-back jewels. After applying each crystal, Alvear “glazed over [each nail] with a building gel and top coat.” The layers of jewels were complete with frosted tips, giving the set a chilly finish. Alvear applied these “fine particles in layers and sealed them into the nail, giving it that frozen-over effect.” Finally, the team added iridescent flecks over her fingers and hands to create the effect of crushed ice.

Tyla’s Feathered Manicure at the 2026 Met GalaCourtesy of Coca Michelle/OPI

Complementing Tyla's ornate Met Gala gown, nail artist Coco Michelle created one of the most impressive manicures of the year. Using bridge stiletto extensions, Michelle added feather details along the nails by cutting into the nail on both side . She used the OPI shade Alpine Snow for the white base and Baby Tee-L for the teal coloring, finishing off with a centerpiece of rhinestone appliqués. Then, Michelle used the OPI shade Strawberry Margarita along the underside of each nail. The result was a colorful, peacock-like effect that we're still not over.

Naomi Osaka’s Crimson Extensions at the 2026 Met GalaCourtesy of Juan Avlear for DND Gel

Osaka's XL extensions and sheer crimson gloves serves as a continuation of the beautiful curves of her Robert Wun gown. "We built the design onto gloves to extend her silhouette down to the fingertips,” explains nail artist Juan Avlear. The design was created using long stiletto tips, with DND’s 9D Cateye Glassball in Feisty Paws as the base and the DND Cateye Magnet to pull the pigment into a center flame shape. Next, Avlear uses DND Black Gel Art Liner to refine the flame detailing before applying Red Chrome Powder in gradients on top to add depth and dimension. A high-shine top coat sealed the fiery design in place.

Ashley Graham's Chrome Digits at the 2026 Met GalaGetty Images

Why stop at the nails for a night like the Met? Graham’s manicure was a collaboration between manicurist Dawn Sterling and makeup artist Kabuki. Sterling started by adding a bold chrome metallic effect to each nail, before Kabuki carefully painted each of Graham’s fingers silver, brushing upwards to achieve a gradient, spray-painted effect. Finally, Sterling went back onto each nail and painted a little more of the metallic silver to blend the finger and nail together seamlessly.

Janelle Monáe’s Kitchen-Sink Manicure at the 2026 Met GalaJanelle Monáe attends the 2026 Met Gala celebrating "Costume Art" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 04, 2026.Getty Images

For Janelle Monae, nail artist Angie Aguirre created the kind of manicure that every time you look at it, you notice more elements. Teaming up with Christian Siriano, Monáe’s Met Gala dress featured animatronic butterflies and electric cables nestled among moss, flowers, and pieces of circuit boards, and Aguirre made sure Monae's nails had a similar everything-but-the-kitchen-sink feel.

A metallic base color runs throughout the set, on top of which sat various 3D features like flowers, bits of moss, an SD card, and metallic cords emulating the electric cables. The animatronic butterflies were even mirrored in the manicure in the form of an itty-bitty fidget spinner on one of the nails.

Tessa Thompson’s Dripping Cobalt 2026 Met Gala NailsGetty Images

Another manicure that was an actual piece of art, was Tessa Thompson’s drip manicure designed nail artist extraordinaire Mei Kawajiri. To mirror Thompson's custom cobalt Valentino gown, the manicurist broke out almond-shaped press-ons and covered them in Chillhouse’s Forever Wear in Cobalt Klein, then using sculpting gel to create the effect of dripping paint. “It's an abstract, almost surreal take on nail art that nods to this year’s theme while adding a sculptural edge to [Thompson’s] overall look,” Chillhouse said in a statement. Once the fake nails had been placed on each finger, Thompson’s hand was dipped into a cobalt blue latex paint to create the exceptionally effective final result.

Doechii's Crystal Cluster 2026 Met Gala NailsCourtesy of Rachel Sun

“Naturally forming crystal cluster nails” was how nail artist Rachel Sun explained Doechii’s manicure for this year’s Met Gala. Using Aprés Nail products, Sun applied one coat of Pour Decisions, a sheer terracotta-rose hue, followed by two coats of Ruby Slippers, using the ruby red to create an ombré effect starting from the tips of the nails. Over the top, Sun applied clusters of crystals over the entire nail, many overlapping each other, as naturally-formed crystals do in nature. The quartz-like design didn't stop at the fingertips, either. Doechii wore a matching pedicure, too.

Tate McRae’s Antique Frame 2026 Met Gala ManicureCourtesy of OPI

Nail artist Analysse Hernandez took eye-catching to the next level with Tate McRae’s Met manicure, that also happened to be one of the most translatable in real life.

For McRae, designer Ludovic De Saint Serin, and the team, it was a toss-up between her usual classic nude, gold, or lace-inspired manicure. “But as soon as I saw her look, I knew we needed dimension and texture, while not adding too much distraction to the final look,” explains Hernandez. The base featured McRae’s classic neutral shades mixed together: OPI Bubble Bath and Put it in Neutral with a light shimmer of OPI Throw Me a Kiss over the top for dimension. Finally, she used OPI Infinite Shine in 24/7 Carat to add the flashes of gold and to "replicate a frame-like design,” Hernandez adds.

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The best cream blushes are your cheat code for a fresh, healthy-looking glow in an instant—just dab, blend, and go. Unlike most powders, these buttery cheek tints add a radiant sheen to skin that mimics the effects of an hour-long jog on the beach or a luxurious facial. On top of their dewy finishes, cream blushes tend to be more buildable (read: forgiving) than powder or liquid variations—so, if you suffer from blush blindness, a cream-based option is your key to a more natural effect. Curious to know which ones made the Allure cut? Keep scrolling to shop the cream blushes that have stolen our hearts (and our shelf space).

Our Top Cream Blushes

• Best Overall: Rhode Pocket Blush, $25
• Best Sheer Finish: Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm, $26
• Best Semi-Matte: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, $27
• Best Multipurpose: Tower 28 Beach Please Cream Blush, $20
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick, $6

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is cream blush better than powder blush?
• How should I apply cream blush?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Rhode Pocket Blush

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Rhode

Pocket Blush

$25

Sephora

$25

Rhode

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: Is it any surprise that Rhode Pocket Blush is an Allure Readers' Choice Award winner for most viral product? Besides being perfectly portable for travel and on-the-go use, this top-tier blush stick is super easy to blend out without a brush—whether you're just tinting your cheeks or spreading the love to your eyelids and lips for a cute monochrome moment. “I love to apply this with my fingertips—it leaves you with just enough of a sheer glow,” Jordon Tiller, a makeup artist based in NYC, attests. The result is a true satin finish, thanks to moisture-boosting glycerin, plumping peptides, and diffusing kaolin, a.k.a. a very well-balanced ingredient lineup.

The shade range keeps growing, too, so there's truly something for everyone's skin tone and preferences. (For the record, we think Toasted Teddy, Date Cake, and Candy Apple look especially beautiful on brown skin.)

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey after applying the Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Annie Blay-Tettey

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Beyond how uber cute these blushes are, they're so buttery and easy to blend out. I actually like to use my fingers to dab the product in before using a brush to diffuse any harsh lines—but, in a pinch, just fingers also do the trick. If I want to build up the pigment (which I usually do), I'll go in with a second layer by picking up some product directly with my brush and lightly tapping it in. Extra buildable? Heck yeah. They also come in the prettiest colors. I'd normally never reach for a bronze terracotta (I lean heavily into pinks) but Toasted Teddy just has that ‘je ne sais’ quoi factor I can't get enough of. Leave it to Bieber to convince me to stray from my usual palette!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“I love a no-makeup makeup look, and when I need just a touch of color to bring my complexion to life, I reach for the Rhode Pocket Blush in the shade Toasted Teddy. I love how the dark terracotta shade complements my skin tone and gives me a pretty, sun-flushed look. Plus, the creamy texture is easy to blend out, and the pocket-size stick makes it great for on-the-go application.” —Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: kaolin, glycerin, calophyllum inophyllum (tamanu) seed oil, peptides
• Finish: satin
• Shades: 13

Best Sheer Finish: Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

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Summer Fridays

Blush Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$26

Sephora

$26

Summer Fridays

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: The Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm’s creamy formula is a dream on dry skin, as it leaves your complexion looking and feeling hydrated. How? It’s loaded with skin care-forward ingredients like plumping peptides, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and moisturizing shea butter. It imparts a fresh, dewy glow, like you spent just the right amount of time in the sun (whatever that might look like for you). Thanks to its flexible formula, you can build it up or sheer it out easily. And, as with many cream blushes on this list, this one looks just as good on the lips if you're into the monochromatic look.

Shipin before applying the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"It is so rare for me to hit the pan for a blush, but I SCRAPE the beautiful bits of this blush when I get down to the end. I use this for everything and everywhere—of course as a subtle flush or wow-worthy pop of color on the cheeks, over the nose for a cute sunkissed look, and on the eyes for some pigment. One thing that may be underrated for this blush is that it is so, so great on the lips as well. I use a liner and the blush, and I'm set; it's multipurpose in the best way. I have eczema-laden skin, and it hasn't flared up over many months of use; it also doesn't accentuate any dry spots, and instead leaves the skin with a healthy, bouncy-looking finish.

This formula melts into the fingers and onto the skin, so you don't need to tug to get it to blend. It's simultaneously buildable and forgivable if you add too much. The shade range is great (Terracotta is my all-time favorite for my medium skin), and while you can use your fingers, I highly recommend the corresponding dual-ended brush—it is so versatile and even blends skin tint foundations like a dream." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peptides, hyaluronic acid, shea butter
• Finish: dewy
• Shades: 6

Best Semi-Matte: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush

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Best Cream Blush

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush

$27

Sephora

Allure former content director Kara McGrath applying the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Happy

Why it’s worth it: Hello, award winner. Rare Beauty took home best cream blush in our 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Awards with the cream-to-powder Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush. If you love a soft-focus, blurred finish over a dewier one, this formula is the one. And trust, it's on the airier side of matte finishes—thanks to plumping cacao seed and moisturizing fruit oils—so it won't feel heavy, settle into fine lines by the end of the day, or worse yet, disappear when exposed to humidity and sweat. Whether you tap the product on with your fingers (the putty-like texture is so fun to play with!) or buff it on with your favorite brush, you achieve a romantic flush of color that truly looks like you're blushing from within.

McGrath before applying the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush

McGrath after applying the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush

Tester feedback from Allure former content director Kara McGrath

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“When I saw it in the pan, I was worried that the shade Happy—a cool-toned peony pink—would be too intense for my complexion, but it goes on sheer and melts into the skin. If you’re looking for a brighter pop of color, adding a second or third layer ups the saturation without taking you into clown territory.” —Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: cacao seed, pomegranate, papaya seed, and rosehip oils
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 7

Best Matte Finish: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

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Charlotte Tilbury

Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

$44

Amazon

$44

Nordstrom

$44

Ulta Beauty

McGrath applying the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

Kara McGrath

Why it's worth it: If there's one blush that's taken over just about every Allure editor's cheeks, it's the TikTok-viral Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand. Unlike many of the ultra-dewy blushes on the market, this one has a mattifying finish and a formula that's spiked with radiance-boosting silica spheres for a skin-like effect.

Tilbury told us that you should apply it to the tops of your cheekbones to lift the face. "Never start too low," she said. “It pulls your cheeks down.” During testing, we were struck by how much punch this formula packs in just one tap. The cushion-tip applicator is a standout—it delivers the perfect dose of pigment exactly where you want it, so there’s no guesswork. You can dot on a single tap for a soft wash of color or build it up with a few more for extra brightness. Then simply blend it out with a brush or your fingers.

McGrath before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

Kara McGrath

McGrath after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Matte Beauty Blush Wand

Kara McGrath

Tester feedback from McGrath

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"When I want a blush that’s going to melt right onto my skin, I reach for the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Beauty Blush Wand in Pillow Talk Pink Pop. Although it’s a matte formula, it plays well with creamy base products, blending easily to give me a pink-peachy glow."—Kara McGrath, former content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: silica spheres
• Finish: matte
• Shades: 4

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick

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E.L.F. Cosmetics

Monochromatic Multi Stick

$6

Amazon

$6

Walmart

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick in Glimmering Guava

Sarah Felbin

Why it’s worth it: What better representation of a brand name (e.l.f. Cosmetics) that stands for eyes, lips, and face, than the Monochromatic Multi Stick? Ringing in at just $6—and available at your local drugstore for the ultimate convenience—this blush stick is a dreamy deal. And with seven shades, you won't feel the least guilty grabbing two. (Besides, how fun is it to mix and match different shades across your lids, cheeks, and lips?) This cream-to-powder formula gives you plenty of time to blend and build to your desired intensity before it sets into a natural finish.

Felbin before applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick in Glimmering Guava

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Monochromatic Multi Stick in Glimmering Guava

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I'm usually not a fan of stick blushes—they tend to go patchy on me. But e.l.f.'s pocket-size stick is super soft and creamy—it glides right onto my cheeks and lips and blends out in seconds. Plus, it's pretty pigmented (I was pleasantly surprised the first time I tried it—you don't need a ton of swipes to get great color payoff) and has the slightest bit of shimmer that gives me a nice glow. I love that it's bright enough that I can wear it on its own or layer a powder blush on top for more staying power. Here, I'm using Glimmering Guava, but I'm already on the hunt for another shade or two to add to my collection.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, vitamin E
• Finish: natural
• Shades: 7

Best Blurring: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

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Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

$27

Sephora

$27

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Han applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Danessa Myricks Beauty is no stranger to Best of Beauty Awards. The Best of Beauty-winning Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed is a follow-up to a Breakthroughs winner (our highest honor, due to this category's high standards around innovation), the balm-to-powder foundation, so it's a given that we'd love this blush at first swipe. Just like its predecessor, this formula applies like a creamy balm and dries down to a powder-like matte texture—thanks a balanced combo of upsalite and olive-derived squalane—allowing for a more natural-looking flush. (We found that it works best applied with a brush instead of your fingertips; however, since it dries down pretty quickly.) The 11 shades also deserve a shoutout for their vibrant pigments, which can be blended out for subtlety or layered for a more dramatic effect.

Han before applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Sarah Han

Blay-Tettey before applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Annie Blay-Tettey

Blay-Tettey after applying the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed

Tester feedback from Han

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“Like all Danessa Myricks products, this blush does not come to play when it comes to pigment payoff. My favorite shade (that I'm wearing above) is Primadonna, a hot pink shade that makes me feel extra cute and confident. All I need are a few taps to achieve a ‘wow’ factor—it's one of those rare blushes that I don't find myself always going in with a second layer. My combo skin also appreciates the brand's signature upsalite, which helps absorb excess sebum that forms throughout the day and lends my skin a soft-blurred focus. We love!!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Tester feedback from Blay-Tettey

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"I was wowed at the amount of pigment I got from just a few taps in the blush pan and how it played with my foundation and concealer to create a seamless blend. Also, as pigmented as the blush is, it's not overwhelming. You can build it up for a bold flush of color or just add a subtle tinge of rosiness to the cheeks, which is what I like to do. Sometimes I’ll apply it as a finishing touch to reinforce my initial cream blush. Other times I’ll use it as my sole blush, applying it once after concealer as a cream blush, and then again when my face is near complete as a powder blush."—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: upsalite, squalane, hyaluronic acid
• Finish: satin
• Shades: 11

Best Multipurpose: Tower 28 Beach Please Cream Blush

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Tower 28

Beach Please Cream Blush

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Revolve

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Tower 28 Beach Please Cream Blush in Golden Hour

Bianca Richards

Why it's worth it: Tower 28’s Best of Beauty-winning BeachPlease Cream Blush is basically summer in a compact—perfect for when you’re desperate for a little color in the dead of winter (or in general). The creamy formula comes in 10 shades that blend so effortlessly, you can tap them in with your fingers—no brush needed. It’s the kind of foolproof flush we stash in our work bags for touch-ups on the fly. Like all the best multitaskers, this blush works on cheeks, eyes, and lips, and has a satisfying slip and sheen, thanks to nourishing ingredients like shea butter, castor oil, and jojoba oil.

Where it really shines, though, is in the sensitive-skin–friendly formula—hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, and clinically tested to be non-irritating—so that even those with reactive skin and eyes can swipe it across their lids without a second thought. The result is a sun-kissed glow that lasts all day.

Richards before applying Tower 28 Beach Please Cream Blush in Golden Hour

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying Tower 28 Beach Please Cream Blush in Golden Hour

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from Allure social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I’ve hit pan on this cream blush more times than I can count (as you can see)—and for good reason! The color payoff from Tower28’s cream blush is unmatched. The shade Golden Hour gives the perfect sun-kissed glow that’s radiant and beautifully complements my skin tone.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil, jojoba oil
• Finish: dewy
• Shades: 10

Best for Mature Skin: Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

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Westman Atelier

Baby Cheeks Blush Stick

$48

Nordstrom

$48

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush in Bichette

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Some makeup can accentuate fine lines and wrinkles—but not Westman Atelier's Baby Cheeks Blush Stick. It has a creamy, satin finish that sits beautifully on top of the skin without settling into texture. How? It contains moisture-replenishing ingredients like jojoba seed oil, grape extract, and raspberry seed extract to firm and condition skin. They melt into skin on contact for a smooth, supple finish that’s never chalky or heavy.

Pai before applying the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Cream Blush

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Cream Blush

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“While I'm a powder blush stan, there's nothing like this cream formula to give my skin the most natural-looking pop of color ever. The velvety texture melts into my skin and feels like nothing, and I love that I can dab a little on my nose and chin to make my skin look almost sun-kissed—like I just got back from a long walk. Plus, a tiny bit goes a long way, so this stick will last me forever.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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• Key ingredients: jojoba seed oil, grape extract, raspberry seed extract
• Finish: satin
• Shades: 8

Best Natural Finish: Nars the Multiple

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Nars

The Multiple

$40

Nordstrom

$40

Sephora

$40

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Nars The Multiple

Sarah Hoffmann

Why it’s worth it: Nars The Multiple is proof that you don't always need to buy the latest and greatest. Well, almost—let us explain. First launched in 1996, this icon has been slightly revamped (similarly to its powder blush sibling) with an even more skin-loving formula powered by nourishing peach kernel oil, antioxidant-rich rhubarb fruit extract, and soft-focus blurring powders.

And, loyalists, do not be alarmed: The new iteration is clearly up to par with the original, as evidenced by its 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner seal. The finish is silky, slightly blurred, and all-around pretty close to perfection, and all 12 shades are super wearable—even the purple- and red-leaning hues.

Hoffmann before applying Nars The Multiple

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying Nars The Multiple

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“A Nars Multiple is one of the first beauty products I ever bought back when I invented being a Sephora teen in 2010. It cost at least a few evenings of babysitting and I was so excited about it I kept the box for months—I'm not kidding. The recent reformulation is everything a nostalgic shopper like me could want. It's the same buttery texture I remember, but now it's even more blendable, silkier, and glowier. I'm not sure how it manages to be the perfect texture and shade for both lips and cheeks, but the cosmetic chemists at Nars cooked up something truly special here.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peach kernel oil, rhubarb fruit extract, silica, and mica (blurring powders)
• Finish: natural
• Shades: 12

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cream blush better than powder blush?

It's up to you, as cream and powder blush formulas both have their time and place. That said, cream blushes usually contain conditioning oils, making them more moisturizing than their powdery counterparts (take note, dry skin types). They also won't highlight textured areas of the skin or crease in wrinkles like powder blushes can, making them great for mature skin types. While liquid blushes provide similar effects, creams are more buildable, with sheer-to-medium coverage that isn’t as dramatically pigmented as liquids often are.

How should I apply cream blush?

First, finding a complementary shade to your skin tone is key for a natural-looking finish. As a rule of thumb, Los Angeles-based makeup artist Carissa Ferreri previously told Allure that she recommends using a cream blush (or gel) formula in rosy tones. Once you find your shade, it's time to dab it on. "Focus the blush a bit higher on the cheeks, like right under the eyes, and then diffuse any harsh lines," she explained. Joseph Carrillo, a makeup artist based in New York City, also suggests "smiling and applying the color in the center of the apples" before gently fading the edges.

While some come in stick form and others in pots, it's the same deal: Simply apply straight from the bullet and blend the product out with your fingers, a beauty sponge, or a stippling blush brush for more precision. Whatever you do, it's hard to mess up, especially considering most cream blushes are on the sheerer (but buildable) side. If you've gone overboard with the intensity, you can always use your brush or sponge to diffuse the color.

Meet the experts

• Allison Kaye, a Florida-based makeup artist
• Carissa Ferreri, a Los Angeles-based makeup artist
• Joseph Carrillo, a makeup artist 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 cream blushes, 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: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Remember that prolific meme from a decade ago with the close-up crop of a model's face, iridescent star-shaped glitter packed generously under her eyes, the bold, all-caps text reading, “HOW TO COVER YOUR DARK EYE CIRCLES”? It was simultaneously relatable and whimsical, a comment on the pressure to hide any evidence of supposedly unflattering shadows and a call to playfully draw attention to the area instead of covering it up.

While no one went as far as to encrust their tear troughs in glitter at this year's Met Gala (hey, if there was ever a place to try it…), we did see a number of celebrity guests leaning into undereye emphasis. Instead of depending on concealer to create the illusion of being impossibly well-rested and age-defying, several stars drew attention to the area with their makeup, in some cases even accentuating the look of shadows.

The Met Gala's dark circle celebration took a few different forms, the most obvious of which being the use of eye shadow well below the lower lash line. For some, like early arriver Emma Chamberlain, it involved diffusing metallic mauve all around the eye and in such a way that looks like intentional fallout in her natural contours. (Makeup artist Lilly Keys used the Makeup by Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette to get the look.) Meanwhile, Ejae's eye shadow, a look created by makeup artist Min Kim with the Diorshow 5 Couleurs palette in Grand Bal, is smudged beyond the usual borders of smoky-eye territory.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Some gala guests fully filled their tear troughs with color that dared people to notice an area often camouflaged into invisibility. In the case of Hudson Williams's Rufio-reminiscent mismatched look, Aika Flores used Chanel Les 9 Ombres High Intensity Eyeshadow Palette in The Space Traveler and The Daring Muse “for a striking look with buildable intensity that evolved with every blend,” well down beside his nose. Amelia Hamlin, on the other hand, brightened up the area, not with concealer but with iridescent, silvery lavender shimmer. And singer Yseult, whose lids were given a graphic combination of black and gold shadow, had bold, metallic blue occupying her undereye area.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

As she often does, Alysa Liu wore her favorite version of emphasized undereye shadows, aegyo sal, the K-beauty makeup technique that intentionally plays up undereye fat. The Olympic champ recently showed Allure how she does it herself, but for the Met Gala, makeup artist Tami El Sombati used a deep, warm burgundy to create the subtle shadow.

Photo: Getty Images

And then there were the celebrities who basically just said, “Fuck it—deal with seeing my dark circles”—and you can't say we didn't see this coming. Both Charli XCX and model Devyn Garcia let their natural shadows show, and instead of heavy concealer, Gracie Abrams's makeup artist, Emily Cheng, opted for Chanel's upcoming launch, Serum Concealer Natural Healthy Glow, for a much more no-makeup makeup undereye.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Celebrity or not, we're all tired. We're all aging. We're all at the mercy of how lighting hits that ever-so-thin skin. Why fight it? These Met Gala moments prove a bright, perfectly even undereye isn't a requirement for leaving the house, let alone the biggest fashion function of the year. Play with color, play with smudging that kajal pencil farther down, play with… nothing. Skip concealer and watch as the world not only doesn't end, but you also potentially come to actually love the look of dark circles.

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It's been a few days, but we're still thinking about SZA's makeup from the 2026 Met Gala!

The Grammy winner teamed up with makeup artist Sophia Sinot for her Met Gala glam, a radiant combination of marigold yellow, rose, and orchid tones that mimicked the bright golden hue of custom-made Bode gown—a gown that just so happened to be made with upcycled fabric sourced from eBay—and her floral headpiece.

According to Sinot, the inspiration began with a “feeling of radiance" given the “incredible sunlight energy” of the dress. “It felt like she was embodying light, so I wanted the makeup to harmonize with that,” Sinot tells Allure. “There were many different ideas for makeup, so it became about refining everything down to what felt the most cohesive and true to the overall vision.” She collaborated with SZA's hairstylist Devonte Turnbull and stylist Briana Andalore to ensure everything worked beautifully together.

Yellow was a key color for the entire look. “It was a soft focal point, almost like an inner glow, with fresh skin and touches of pink to bring warmth,” Sinot explains. "It was definitely the headpiece and the color of the gown that inspired me the most. I loved how the beading fell onto her face; it added this organic, almost sacred framing and perfectly aligned with the yellow halo makeup.”

Sophia Sinot

To start, Sinot prepped SZA's skin with classic Vaseline Original Healing Jelly; she used it “strategically as a primer” for a “smooth, luminous base" that gave SZA a “healthy, lit-from-within glow that lasts all night on the red carpet.” Once her skin was prepped to perfection, Sinot applied Huda Beauty foundation and concealer, Made by Mitchell cream and powder blush and bronzer, and One/Size powder as the base of SZA's look.

To craft the yellow “halo," Sinot combined Make Up For Ever Flash Color Case and Ben Nye yellow eye shadow. She defined SZA's eyes with Caia Cosmetics Snatched Eyeliner and stacked two pairs of Lilly Lashes (Milan and Miami) for extra drama.

“For me, the look never stops at the face,” Sinot adds. “I always make sure the décolletage, arms, and legs feel just as hydrated and radiant.” For this, she combined Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion with Vaseline Glazed & Glisten Gel Oil in Golden Hour Glow for a “soft, luxurious sheen” that "delivers a beautiful glow without feeling sticky or greasy, and it won’t transfer onto clothing.”

The finished look beautifully represented the Grammy-winning singer. “SZA’s style has this balance of grounded energy and something otherworldly, while also still being a glam girl at heart,” Sinot shares. "I love the duality of that—still glam, but with something slightly 'different.' Her love for nature was also something I kept in mind, with this yellow halo representing light and warmth.”

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“Fifty-three years.” That’s how long Bad Bunny joked his old-age transformation took for the 2026 Met Gala. In reality, says his prosthetics designer Mike Marino, the day-of process took three hours—plus a half-hour of makeup removal at the end of the night (micellar water, in this instance, would not cut it). Then there were the six weeks of prep: the scanning, designing, sculpting, and sewing until the multiple, hyperrealistic prosthetic pieces were complete.

Never one to follow the crowd, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio chose to tap into a section of the Costume Art exhibition that focused on bodies often overlooked in fashion and art, including pregnant and aging figures. Committed to exploring aging as an art, the singer’s team reached out to Marino, whose award-winning prosthetic designs you can spot in films like The Batman and The Irishman, and series like The Penguin and True Detective, not to mention Heidi Klum every Halloween since 2011.

Eric Rojas

Marino is no stranger to aging people (The Weeknd for his Dawn FM cover, for example) or transforming them completely (hours before he began working on Bad Bunny on Monday night, he was morphing Klum into a marble statue). But for the singer’s Met Gala appearance, Marino felt he needed a more realistic, almost regal approach to a travel through time. “The fact that he's distinguished and well-groomed is on purpose,” says Marino, who thought making Bad Bunny look weary and hunched would not have felt right for fashion’s most glamorous night of the year.

Marino was also continuing a long tradition in art history of presenting idealized representations of people and the human body. “If you think about famous portrait painters like [John Singer] Sargent and [Diego] Velázquez, they were often painting an idealized image of the subject, manipulating how they look to make them look more beautiful, or more colorful, more powerful in that portrait,” he says, referencing Velázquez’s painting of King Philip IV and the many propaganda paintings of Napoleon I. “I thought it was cool that, with his grooming, [Bad Bunny] had this distinguished look that was as if a Velázquez or Sargent portrait came to life."

Eric Rojas

For ideas on how to most realistically age the singer, Marino looked at octogenarian Puerto Ricans, as well as the singer's facial structure and skin texture. Turns out, designing prosthetics requires the same understanding of facial structure as a plastic surgeon. However, instead of minimizing the signs of aging, they enhance them. “I look at how he might age—that's how I approach makeup,” Marino says of his process. “I look at signals. For instance, I might see a little line [on the face] and then exploit that line, or I think, Maybe this eye bag will develop this way if he maintains his healthy lifestyle. I’m like someone’s worst nightmare,” he says, laughing.

Creating Bad Bunny's prosthetics—including a piece for the neck, cheeks and eye bags, forehead and eyelids, as well as earlobes and hands—was a multistep process that started with Marino taking skin color samples and a 3D-laser scan of his face and head. Those digital scans were then used to create a 3D-printed model of the singer’s head onto which Marino sculpted clay into the shapes that he wanted. “I sculpt every line, every crease, every pore into the clay and that’s what you’ll see on the prosthetics,” Marino explains.

“I might see a little line and then exploit that line or think, Maybe this eye bag will develop this way. I’m like someone’s worst nightmare.”

The next steps are a little complicated, but those miniature clay sculptures are then used to create molds and eventually cast pieces out of supersoft, superthin silicone, which are the prosthetics that get glued onto the face. “Because Benito had never worn prosthetics before, the pieces were very thin,” explains Marino. “I thought it would probably be easier if they were very soft, thin pieces so that you could still feel somewhat normal [wearing them].”

Eric Rojas

Once the silicone prosthetic pieces were cast, Marino then airbrushed every little freckle, pore, blood vessel, dark circle, and liver spot he wanted to age the skin. For Bad Bunny's hands, he used the airbrush machine to accentuate the tendons and veins and knuckles, “maybe to look a little more arthritic,” he says. (We're very confident in saying this is the first time a red-carpet makeup artist has tried to make a client look “more arthritic.”)

Eric Rojas

Also key to Old Bunny’s look were his stark white curls, brows, mustache, and beard, all of which had to be hand-knotted onto fine lace nets, a process that took Marino and his team—which included wigmaker Diana Choi and hairstylist Carla Farmer—weeks to complete. When it came to the wig, Marino mimicked the texture and pattern of Bad Bunny’s hair exactly, just in a white-gray color. “We took 360-degree photographs from above and below to determine his hair texture and pattern, and then made a white-haired version of that so that once his bald cap was on, it went right on top," Marino says of the process. “And he had eyebrows, too.”

“There’s a beauty to aging, and Benito put that on display… ‘This is what it will be like, and see how good I look.’”

Getting Bad Bunny ready on the day started with flattening down his hair and slipping on a bald cap, followed by gluing the prosthetics with a strong, medical-grade adhesive. “Every centimeter of it was glued on, so when he moved, the pieces moved with him,” says Marino. On top of that, Marino glued down the brows, beard pieces, and mustache, followed by the wig.

Eric Rojas

Marino’s work elicited a massive—and very positive—response the minute Bad Bunny stepped onto the Met Gala steps. And it was not lost on Allure contributor Valerie Monroe that when it comes to actual old people, society is not nearly as kind or accepting. “I think it’s fun that Bad Bunny showed up in an old-age costume… but I’d love for him to keep his costume on for a week, so I could watch his response to the inevitable ageism, the slights small and large, likely to confound him as he traveled in his older (young) body,” she wrote in an op-ed this week. “The most fun thing about his costume? He can take it off.”

That hypocrisy isn’t lost on Marino, who notes the pressures on people—especially people in Hollywood—to keep looking as young as possible. “It’s hard for a celebrity to look in the mirror and see flaws, because in today’s world, that’s exploited and [certain types of media] can be mean-spirited and write articles showing them at their worst.” That's why he found his work with Bad Bunny at this year’s Met Gala so meaningful. “There’s a beauty to aging, and Benito put that on display. He was trying to show people, ‘This is what it will be like, and see how good I look.’ And I think that’s a very cool thing.”