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

Question for the group: Can the best luxury hairbrushes actually do more for your hair’s health, shine, and fullness than your run-of-the-mill brush could in the long run? According to experts, the answer is likely yes. As with hair tools like blow-dryer brushes and multi-stylers, the quality can vary, so it pays to be discerning. Designed to last a lifetime, these prestige tools lean into craftsmanship and thoughtful design, using premium materials like cellulose acetate (a chic, sustainable alternative to plastic), boar bristles, and Italian resin.

Another reason to splurge? Some of the very best luxury hairbrushes—hello, the legendary Mason Pearson—are manufactured by ateliers that have specialized in brush-making for generations. It’s tough work, but we’ve tested just about every luxury brush on the market to curate the tools that are actually worth the hefty price tags.

Our Top Luxury Hairbrushes

• Best Overall: Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush, $225
• Best for Dense Hair: Yves Durif Brush D'Or, $115
• Best Detangling: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush, $198
• Best for Shine: Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush, $100
• Best for Scalp: Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp and Care Hair Brush, $169
• Best for Styling: Balmain Hair All-Purpose Spa Brush, $102
• Best for Fine Hair: Crown Affair The Brush No. 002, $98
• Best for Long Hair: Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush, $125
• Best Customizable: Prose Handcrafted Boar Bristle Brush, $72

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of boar bristles?
• Do hairbrushes need to be replaced?
• What are the benefits of luxury hair brushes?
• Meet the Experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

Mason Pearson

Bristle and Nylon Brush

$225

Nordstrom

$225

Revolve

$225

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: The Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush is a legend in itself, and for good reason: There's a lot that goes into it. "I always make sure my Mason Pearson [brush] is in my kit and salon,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Ohio and New York. “The bristles are strong enough to detangle the hair, soft enough not toto not break it, and amazing at evenly distributing the natural oil from your scalp through your hair all at the same time.” She adds that this combo makes your hair shinier, healthier, and so gorgeous. This iconic brush, the one that first cemented hairbrushes as investment pieces, goes through 18 meticulous stages of production, starting with the ruby-red pneumatic cushion patented by founder Mason Pearson in the 19th century. Handcrafted, hand-polished, and built to last, it’s been a backstage staple at runway shows since the early 2000s—and with results like Santiago described, the hefty price tag suddenly feels 100% worth it.

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after using the Mason Pearson Bristle and Nylon Brush

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I honestly don’t know how I ever styled my hair without my Mason Pearson brush. It detangles effortlessly, distributes my natural oils perfectly, and leaves my hair looking polished and healthy in a way no other brush can. It’s truly a little luxury that makes every morning feel like a salon moment.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Materials: boar bristles, nylon tufts, cellulose acetate plastic
• Hair Type: all

Best for Dense Hair: Yves Durif Brush D'Or

Yves Durif

Brush D'Or

$115

Nordstrom

$115

Revolve

$115

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: The Yves Durif Brush is luxury in every sense of the word. Handmade in Italy from natural resin, it arrives packed in a sleek black pouch embossed with the gold Yves Durif logo and tied with a matching ribbon, so unwrapping it feels like Christmas morning. And, using the brush feels just as indulgent. The nylon ballpoint bristles (which, may I add, are coated in galvanized gold) gently massage the scalp to stimulate circulation and distribute natural oils, all while smoothing strands sans puff, frizz, or static. It glides effortlessly, leaving hair sleek and oh-so-touchable.

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Yves Durif Brush D’Or

Sarah Han

Han after using the Yves Durif Brush D’Or

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“One hairstylist after another has told me that, despite my hair being thin, I have a lot of it. (No wonder hairstylists often ask their assistants to double-team the blow-dry.) I’ve found that many boar-bristle brushes are too soft for my hair, whereas this Yves Durif brush really gets through everything and makes post-shower detangling a breeze. The sturdy bristles give my scalp a nice massage and help distribute the oils well, so my scalp doesn’t become an oily sop right away.” Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Materials: natural rubber resin, nylon
• Hair Type: all

Best Detangling: La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush

La Bonne Brosse

N.04 The Miracle Detangling Scalp Brush

$198

Revolve

$198

Goop

$198

La Bonne Brosse

Allure features director Dianna Singh after using the La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Massaging Detangling Hair Brush

Dianna Singh

Why it’s worth it: It can be hard to find a luxury detangling brush that can actually make its way through thick, curly hair. That’s where La Bonne Brosse N.04 The Miracle Detangling Scalp Brush stands out. Its gentle nylon bristles, which are grouped in various sizes, can glide through even the most stubborn tangles without frizz or poofiness. They also massage the scalp and stimulate circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen that keep hair follicles healthy. Safe for wet or dry hair, this brush is perfect for sensitive or thinning scalps, and the thoughtfully designed handle makes every detangling session feel effortlessly comfortable (and deeply satisfying!).

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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“Check out the small version of this brush! I've abandoned so-called travel hair brushes before because they weren't big enough to be effective or small enough to carry around. But La Bonne Brosse The Small N.04 is sized just right—and its nylon bristles detangle my fine hair with ease.”—Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Materials: cellulose acetate, nylon fibers, vegan rubber cushion
• Hair Type: all, especially tangly

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin brushing her hair with the La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Gentle Scalp Care Hair Brush

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after brushing her hair with the La Bonne Brosse N.03 The Gentle Scalp Care Hair Brush

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin (for N.03)

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“When you have a lot of hair (hi, hello), you need a do-it-all brush, and for me, that’s the N.03 from La Bonne Brosse. Although it’s a different model, the combination of nylon bristles (which have capped ends that make it nice and gentle on your scalp) and boar bristles is just as detangling and smoothing, it’s just a bit softer with the addition of boar. My hair is curly, and I often heat style it, so I’m constantly needing to detangle and brush out blowouts or curls, and it does a great job at sealing up the ends and making everything look overall more polished. I also use it to massage my scalp and distribute oils through my dry, damaged ends. It’s definitely pricey, but it can replace so many in your routine.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Best for Shine: Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush

Oribe

Italian Resin Flat Brush

$100

Amazon

$100

Nordstrom

$100

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: There's a time and a place for air-drying and finger-tousling, but it's not here and it's not now. With a blend of boar bristles and nylon pins, the Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush promotes a natural fullness while massaging your scalp and distributing natural oils for a shiny finish from root to tip. If you have dry or dull hair, Mandee Tauber, a New York-based hairstylist and Oribe Educator, recommends a brush like this one with a mix of boar and nylon bristles, as they help move those oils from the scalp down to create a beautiful sheen in the hair. And with the Flat Brush in particular, “the variation in bristle height also helps ensure the perfect grip—a must for a snatched ponytail,” she says, adding that these brushes are also amazing at offering anti-static benefits.

Allure content director Kara McGrath using the Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush

Kara McGrath

McGrath after using the Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush

Kara McGrath

Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath

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“I'd be tempted to give this beauty the title of My Favorite Brush on looks alone, but it's more than just a pretty face. The mix of nylon and boar bristles means this brush is equally good at gently undoing little tangles and distributing scalp oils in a way that makes my hair extremely shiny. Plus, it has a nice, sturdy weight to it—it's $100, yes, but I don't feel like it will ever break or lose bristles, so you'll never need to buy another brush again (or at least not for a very long time). —Kara McGrath, content director

Tester feedback from social media director Kassidy Silva

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“If you have ultralong hair that's prone to frizz, this is your new secret weapon. After blow-drying and curling my hair on wash days, I give my ends a few swipes with the Oribe Italian Resin Flat Brush to brush out my curls before hitting them with a finishing spray. Be careful to not tug too tight or your curls will morph into very loose waves. Between washes, I use it to help tame my flyaways by giving the bristles a spritz or two of a flexible hairspray and brushing just at my roots.”—Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Materials: Italian cellulose acetate resin, boar bristles, rounded nylon tips, 97% natural rubber cushion
• Hair Type: all, especially dull strands in need of a pick-me-up

Best for Scalp: Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp and Care Hair Brush

Guerlain

Abeille Royale Scalp and Care Hair Brush

$169

Nordstrom

$169

Guerlain

Contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Guerlain Abeille Royale Scalp and Care Hair Brush

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Embossed with Guerlain’s signature bee, the Abeille Royal Scalp and Care Hair Brush has exactly 376 nylon fibers at two different lengths and thicknesses to soothe a sensitive scalp and comb out frizz and tangles without any tugging. Inspired by Shiatsu massage techniques, it stimulates circulation to promote healthy hair growth and natural shine. Designed in partnership with Japanese haircare tool brand S.Heart.S, the brush pairs a lightweight, ergonomic handle with strong, flexible nylon bristles crafted in France, making every detangling session feel effortlessly indulgent.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I've had this brush for ages—it's a slightly fancier version of one that hairstylist Chris McMillan uses, who once told Allure that he uses it to create every kind of style. (See, I do my homework.),” says contributing editor Deanna Pai. “I personally use it for a head massage or when my very dry scalp needs a little exfoliation. Its extra-long bristles get through my dense hair, and I can focus the pressure at my roots without messing with my waves.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Materials: nylon fibers, waterproof resin, gold base
• Hair Type: all, especially those with a sensitive scalp

More luxury hairbrushes we like

Best for Styling: Balmain Hair All-Purpose Spa Brush

Balmain Hair

All Purpose Spa Brush

$102

Balmain Hair

Why it’s worth it: Inspired by the wizardry that takes place backstage during runway season, Balmain Hair’s Spa Brush can quickly tease out hot-styled waves and slick back updos without any spots left untamed. “If hair is in a bouncy blowout, I would use a boar bristle brush to softly brush the hair to remove tangles and distribute oils from roots to ends,” says celebrity hairstylist Mia Santiago. Best of all, it can be used on extensions, as well as medium to thick and long hair, since its bristle and nylon point tip blend detangles and spreads out oils, serving as your grease and frizz shield.

More to know

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• Materials: 100% boar bristles, nylon ball tips, black rubber base
• Hair Type: those with extensions or a blowout

Best for Fine Hair: Crown Affair The Brush No. 002

Crown Affair

The Brush No. 002

$98

Sephora

$98

Crown Affair

Why it’s worth it: Ideal for all hair textures, Crown Affair’s The Brush No. 002 is a hit among our editors, especially those with fine hair. This paddle brush dissolves pestering knots lingering around the inner sections of dry hair and reduces static (common for those with thinner hair). Its wooden bristles can help target product build-up on the scalp and strands, but, as a heads up, the brush itself isn’t meant to get wet since it has classic wooden pins as bristles. Therefore, we recommend using it before the shower to maintain its integrity.

More to know

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• Materials: wood pin bristles, natural beechwood
• Hair Type: all, especially those with finer hair

Best for Long Hair: Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush

Sisley-Paris

Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush

$125

Nordstrom

$125

Dermstore

$125

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: Paddle brushes just know how to grab a nice chunk of hair at a time when detangling and smoothing thin hair, curly hair types, and everything in between. This Sisley-Paris Hair Rituel The Radiance Brush targets dry under-layers of hair in need of a shine boost. It also offers extra slip, with the ability to comb stiff, tangled, or otherwise dense strands back to their silky state.

More to know

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• Materials: mix of boar and coated bristles, wood handle
• Hair Type: thick and long

Best Customizable: Prose Handcrafted Boar Bristle Brush

Prose

Handcrafted Boar Bristle Brush

$72

Prose

Why it’s worth it: In an age where beauty brands tap into algorithms and questionnaires to tailor their products to individual needs, Prose emerges as a leader in the space. You can even get your Prose brush monogrammed with your initials before you receive it in the mail—so cute.) The Prose Hair Brush collection features a Boar Bristle brush for fine and medium hair textures; a Boar & Nylon brush for medium to thick hair; and a Tipped-Metal Bristle brush for thick to curly hair. All untangle, style, and distribute your hair's natural oils without causing breakage or frizz.

More to know

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• Materials: naturally sourced rubber cushion, beechwood, boar bristles, wired bristles
• Hair Type: all

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of boar bristles?

Hairbrushes made with boar bristles can have an impact on breakage, frizz, and shine, according to Santiago. “Boar bristles do so many different things: You can use them to massage your scalp, which removes buildup and stimulates hair growth,” she says. “They lightly clean the hair by removing buildup throughout and evenly distributing oil from the scalp.” It’s no surprise that boar bristles continue to dominate the luxury hairbrush market, as they’re perfect for gently smoothing tangles on second-day blowouts or loose waves—without compromising the shape and bounce your style delivered the first time around.

Do hairbrushes need to be replaced?

No need to worry about having to toss the brush you paid a pretty penny for after a certain period of time. To ensure your luxury hairbrush remains fresh and like new, Santiago advises washing your hairbrush once a month. “Use a clarifying shampoo once a month to remove buildup left behind [on the brush],” she says. It's also best practice to remove the strands you shed onto your brush at least once a week, she adds. A nice (and $9) assist we look to in doing so is the Jenny Patinkin HBB Hair Brush Brush.

What are the benefits of luxury hairbrushes?

Brushing your hair regularly has plenty of benefits—like minimizing shedding—but pairing that habit with a thoughtfully crafted hairbrush can seriously elevate your styling routine. “These brushes are designed with varied bristle lengths to improve manageability,” says Tauber. “Plus, they often offer a higher level of comfort, from the handle all the way down to the pneumatic cushion that the bristles sit on.”

Meet the experts

• Mia Santiago, a hairstylist based in Ohio and New York
• Mandee Tauber, a hairstylist and educator for Oribe

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for any review, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While some can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and concerns, many are created with specific consumers and their needs in mind. When reviewing tools, we also take into account testers’ experience levels. For instance, an innovative new blow-dryer may feature industry-leading technology, but if the only people who find it intuitive to use are professional hairstylists, we have to consider this when determining whether it is worthy of a recommendation.

For our review of the best luxury hair brushes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists with a wide range of hair types, concerns, and desired outcomes. Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, and value. 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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All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.

This story contains spoilers for season two of Nobody Wants This.

If there’s one thing Nobody Wants This understands better than other current on-screen romances, it’s that we’re a society obsessed with love for all the wrong reasons. We’ve all been sold on the fantasy that finding “The One” will magically solve all our problems, but the complicated realities of being in a long-term relationship are often swept under the rug in romantic media. This series, however, exists solely to put those narratively inconvenient complexities on full display. The show’s new and second season explores what happens when two new lovers rush their way past the “honeymoon phase” and slowly start to realize that being with each other hasn’t had the fantastical effect they seemed to think it would.

Throughout the course of the season, Joanne (Kristen Bell) and Noah (Adam Brody) continually convince themselves they’re on track for marriage and babies while staring down several gaping cracks in the foundation of their relationship, primarily their differences in religious faith and some deep-seated intimacy and communication issues. While those problems rightfully sit front and center in the season’s dialogue, I saw another quieter and very relatable one lurking in several passing moments: Joanne’s self-image. If you’re anything like me—someone who watches everything through the lens of beauty and body image—you might have observed the same underlying message that I did while watching Nobody Wants This season two: That being in love doesn’t magically erase insecurities about looks that have always been there.

Joanne and Noah in his bed, where we watch Joanne jade roll her face and lather herself in hand cream.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

I think plenty of women, when we’re single and maybe a little bit immature and too entrenched in romcoms and fanfiction (hi, it’s me), convince ourselves that once we’re with the right person, we’ll finally stop obsessing over our weight or our wrinkles or the thickness of our hair—this persona loving you will make you so confident and secure that your self-esteem will go through the roof. I’d argue the writers of Nobody Wants This are aware of this unrealistic internal narrative and might be trying to put those clichéd notions to rest. In the process, they also end up highlighting the very real ways women turn to beauty in times of emotional crisis or confusion. Because, more disappointing news, falling in love doesn’t absolve you from the other inevitable stresses of life, whether they come from your family, your job, your living situation, or elsewhere.

Not even two minutes into the first episode of the season, for instance, Joanne does a literal beauty balancing act: Just as she’s settling into bed while staying at Noah’s, she precariously perches a bottle of Estée Lauder Night Repair Serum (fancy!) on top of a book that’s balanced on top a water carafe that sits on top of another book that covers the entirety of a tiny side table she’s forced to keep her things on because there’s no nightstand on her side of the bed. (Also among her things: Magnesium supplements, hand cream, her iPhone, and a rather luxurious-looking sleep mask.)

Then she slides into bed while Noah confirms some details of their first-ever co-hosting endeavor, a dinner party that would sound a lot more fun if their voices weren’t strained with the looming pressure they clearly feel to throw a perfect party and come off as the perfect couple to their friends. The entire time, Joanne is passing a jade roller back and forth across her jawline in such an absentminded way that I have to wonder why she’s going to the effort at all.

Joanne, just after embarking on a night of sheet masks and wine while waiting for an avoidant Noah to text back.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

There are several other fleeting beauty-centric moments throughout the season. Like when Joanne frowns while examining her neck in her selfie camera moments before meeting with Morgan to have a tense conversation about a fight they had (which revolved around—you guessed it—their respective boyfriends). In one episode, Noah becomes a little avoidant of Joanne, and there's a whole montage of her spending a night at home alone, putting on a sheet mask and drinking a glass of wine before sitting down to stare at her phone, waiting for him to respond to her texts.

These moments aren’t exclusive to Joanne, by the way. All season long, Esther questions her marriage and embarks on a bit of a self-rediscovery journey, which leads her to get bangs along the way. Morgan and Joanne are seen fixing each other’s hair or inspecting their faces in bathroom mirrors in several scenes, usually following socially awkward or tense moments like a disastrous double-date or a run-in with a frenemy.

Esther gets bangs as she quuestions her marriage and seeks to redefine herself.

Photo: Courtesy of Netflix

On the surface, these moments don’t read like anything meaningful. Taken out of context, they seem like simple reflections of real women’s lives: Yes, we do skin care before bed and touch up our makeup in public and sometimes catch a wrinkle in the mirror that we wish weren’t there. But when you consider the timing of all of these moments—specifically in times when a character’s emotional stability is under threat or things just aren't going as they'd planned—they read very differently. They illustrate that policing our own appearances is often our first reflex when things get stressful or we feel like we're losing control over our lives, which I couldn’t relate to more.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t count how many times I’ve dyed my hair or gotten a drastic haircut because I felt so stressed that I just wanted to start fresh (new look, new me, yadda yadda yadda). Or looked in the mirror at the end of a particularly bad day and subconsciously pinpointed a bunch of changes I’d like to make to my face or body. I’m years into the most loving and stable relationship I’ve ever had, by the way, and that instinct hasn’t faltered like I thought it would years ago, before I'd been in any relationship.

Contrary to the fantasy I'd bought into, falling in love didn’t magically turn me into a better version of myself. It didn’t cure me of any of my insecurities—physical or emotional—and it didn’t absolve me of the pressure all women face to look “perfect” at all times (though it’s helpful and healing to have a partner I can openly discuss those things with). But not even the purest of love can do that. Those are self-worth issues you have to face head-on and sometimes by yourself. I’m certainly still working on that, and I might always be. But maybe if Nobody Wants This had come out when I was younger, I might never have become convinced that love cures all to begin with.

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I've really been appreciating this influx of celebrity candidness about cosmetic procedures. Now more than ever, even though it's technically none of our business as total strangers and onlookers, famous folks like Megan Fox, Kylie Jenner, and her mom, Kris Jenner, are squashing speculation and stigma by letting us know the work they've had done. And while some celebrities stay quiet about what treatments they've tried (as is their right) and others deny procedures that may seem all but impossible to deny, I actually totally believed Hailey Bieber when she recently said she's still holding off on Botox.

Bieber is on the latest episode of the podcast In Your Dreams With Owen Thiele, and the two spent a few minutes of the nearly hour-long episode discussing skin care and treatments. (Not that long when you consider Bieber is the brains behind one of the most successful beauty brands around.) Thiele asked the Rhode founder to pretend she's not on a podcast and “be real” about what she does—to which she replies, “Why would I lie?” And then she happily starts listing treatments she's done.

“I'm just really diligent with my skincare, but there are treatments that I really do like,” she says, starting with PRP, aka platelet-rich plasma, with microneedling, which is often called a “vampire facial” and is also used for hair loss. “I love PRP, which is when they take your blood from your arms and they spin it.” The treatment has been shown to improve skin texture and tone by stimulating cell repair and boosting collagen.

Another blood-centric treatment she's into: platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), sometimes called EZ Gel. “I've done PRF, which is, they take your blood, but they—it's called EZ Gel—and basically they heat it, and then they cool it, and it kind of, like, makes your blood like a gel consistency,” she says. “And then you inject it. So I've done that, which I loved.”

She goes on to see she's used PRF to treat her nasolabial area and undereyes—areas commonly treated with hyaluronic acid-based filler. “But it's your own blood. And that's the thing, is I like to do things that I can trust is from your own body,” Bieber says. Dermatologists Allure has previously spoken to about PRF say the data about its effectiveness is limited and that they're skeptical that it can do what hyaluronic fillers can do.

“And I'm just consistent with things like that. Like, I do that a couple times a year,” Bieber continues. “I've done, like, light little lasers before. So that's it.”

But as for Botox? Other than treating her TMJ, she's not doing neuromodulators right now.

“I have no Botox in my face. I made a commitment to myself that I wasn't going to do any Botox until I was in my thirties,” says Bieber, who turns 29 next month. “When I get there, I'll see if I even want to do it. But, like, my mom has no Botox. My mom does nothing to her skin and she looks, like, insane.”

Will Bieber treat herself to some Botox between the brows on her 30th birthday next year? Who's to say? Actually, if it happens, she might say so herself.

Watch the episode here:

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands

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

Featured in this article

Anthropologie The 12 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarAnthropologie The 12 Days of Beauty Advent CalendarRead more$50

Anthropologie

Revolve Advent Calendar 2025Revolve 2025 Advent CalendarRead more$150

Revolve

Kiehl’s 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent CalendarKiehl’s Since 1851 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent CalendarRead more$152

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Raise your hand if the rollout of the best beauty advent calendars gets your heart racing every holiday season. Still with us? Good—because you’ll want to shop these sets before they sell out. Whether you’re treating yourself (as you should) or crossing people off your list, advent calendars should be high on your list of gift ideas. After all, why deliberate on the perfect singular gift when you can buy them a little bit of everything? On the receiving end, opening up a treasure chest of 25 mini- and full-size beauty products is a euphoric experience—so many makeup looks, scent spritzes, and blowouts to be had!

And before you hit us with the "buttt," we know. Advent calendars give us sticker shock, too. Think of it this way: When you add up the retail value for each product, it’s crystal clear just how much you're saving. The holidays are stressful as is, so we let these calendars do the math for us—and, trust us, it’s a winning formula.

If you're unsure of where to start, we’ve gone through the arduous task of online window shopping for you. (Spoiler: It was not arduous at all.) Without further ado, here are the best beauty advent calendars out right now—and worry not, we’ll be refreshing this story with newness as it rolls out. For now, have your credit card info ready and prepare to be crowned the best gift giver of all time.

But first, some unboxings for sneak peeks:

Allure editors unboxing the Revolve Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Allure

Allure editors unboxing the Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Allure

Allure editors unboxing the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love

Courtesy of Allure

Allure editors unboxing the Byredo Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Allure

• Anthropologie The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  1/18

  Anthropologie

  The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar

  $50

  Anthropologie

  Why we love it: If your best friend loves sampling all of the latest and greatest, Anthropologie's The 12 Days of Beauty Advent Calendar is a multi-brand stan's dream. Inside this beautifully illustrated box (dreamt up by artist Nephthys Foster) that could cheer up even the grumpiest of Grinches, your giftee will uncover over $130 worth of products spanning makeup, fragrance, skin care, hair care—oh my! Like the categories, the brands featured also have range: Longer-standing brands such as L’Occitane and Stila are nestled with contemporaries like Henry Rose and Vacation.

  The star product: With colder, drier weather…comes drier skin. Who knew? (Ha.) Luckily, L’Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil is here to save—and soothe—the day. Not only will you smell like freshly-baked cookies, this body oil helps lock in moisture all day, helps fade stretch marks with regular use, and leaves you looking utterly radiant from neck to toe.

• Revolve Advent Calendar 2025

  2/18

  Revolve

  2025 Advent Calendar

  $150

  Revolve

  Why we love it: If you weren't already clued in, Revolve has a gem of a beauty selection with tons of buzzy beauty brands (Tower 28, Summer Fridays, Pat McGrath Labs—the list goes on) we'd happily fill up our carts with any day. At the top of our shopping list right now? Revolve's annual Advent Calendar, obvi. The pink case is as cute as can be, but the minis are even cuter—plus, you get 10 full-size products to really make it worth your buck. Can't swing the $150 25-day calendar? Revolve has a $89 12-day calendar with your name all over it.

  The star product: For those air-dry-and-done wash days, it doesn't get much better (or more lightweight) than Color Wow's Money Mist. “A lot of leave-in conditioners are way too heavy for my fine 2C to 3A curls, but that’s not the case with Money Mist," contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai attested, adding that the mist itself is easy to portion out. “There’s no working this in or waiting for it to sink in. It just disappears, but still manages to do a bang-up job of smoothing any frizz and shaping my waves.” Music to our time-strapped ears? (You get the vibe.)

• Kiehl’s 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar

  3/18

  Kiehl’s Since 1851

  24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar

  $152

  Kiehl's Since 1851

  Why we love it: Hydrating. Calming. Rich textures. These are just some of the words that come to mind when we think of Kiehl’s—and, by extension, this 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar. Just like Kiehl’s usual full-size offerings, there’s a product for pretty much every skin concern in here. There are the classics, like the Ultra line for fuss-free hydration for dry types, as well as more powerful resurfacing products like the Clearly Corrective Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel and Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum (perfect for aging skin). You might be surprised to find a few hair-care goodies, too, like a travel-size shampoo and conditioner that might inspire your giftee to book their next trip. The possibilities are endless.

  The star product: Don’t forget to show the skin below your neck some major love. A (very) good starting point: the Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream. Having earned a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the Sensitive category, this cream treats all skin types—including eczema and rosacea—equally, thanks to a highly-moisturizing blend of squalane, pro-ceramides, and glycoproteins. “I’ve used a lot of body butters, some better than others, but what sets this apart is its whipped texture, which is nourishing enough to keep me from scratching, but sinks in immediately,” contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai attests.

• Tatcha 12 Days of Treasures Advent Calendar

  4/18

  Tatcha

  12 Days of Treasures Advent Calendar

  $220

  Amazon

  $220

  Ulta Beauty

  $220

  Tatcha

  Why we love it: The only way Tatcha could make us love it more would be, you guessed it, to create its first-ever skin-care advent calendar—beautifully illustrated by artist Kaori Watanabe and thoughtfully curated with 12 of its Japanese-inspired best sellers. Think: an elevated skin-care lineup of cleansers, serums, and creams that turns your everyday chores into a relaxing ritual. If you miss out on the calendar, there are plenty more gorgeous holiday sets to gift to your loved ones—or to treat yourself to!

  The star product: The Kissu Lip Mask is easily one of our favorite lip masks, thanks to a cushiony formula consisting of glycerin, fatty acids, squalane, vitamin E, and allantoin that replenishes dry lips and leaves a healthy glow. “This mask works fast, leaving my lips flake-free almost as instantly as the jelly-like product touches my lips,” managing editor Alessandra Foresto affirms. “I let it soak into my lips at night, but I also use it as a softening primer with my skin care in the mornings before applying gloss.”

• Belif 12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift Set

  5/18

  Belif

  12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift Set

  $70

  Amazon

  Why we love it: For the uninitiated, “chok chok” is a Korean term that roughly translates to extra dewy, bouncy skin—and that’s exactly what you’ll get after incorporating these Belif skin-care products into your routine. Chock-full of tried-and-true ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin C, this Holly Days advent calendar is the stuff of glass-skin dreams. And don’t get us started on the cute packaging—hello, cutie water droplet!

  The star product: We adore all things Aqua Bomb, so when we got our hands on the relatively newer Aqua Bomb Eye Gel, we snatched it up, tested it on our undereyes for months, and eventually gave it our highest honor: a 2025 Best of Beauty Award. “This lightweight eye gel does pretty much everything you want an eye treatment to do: brightens with vitamin C and niacinamide, tightens with caffeine, and cools like the old cucumber slice trick (no refrigeration or actual cucumber slices required),” says former deputy beauty director Liz Siegel.

  More from Allure

  • 7 Best Gray Hair Treatments to Soften Your Silver
  • The Best Korean Skin-Care Products for Glass Skin
  • 9 Best Hair Masks for Stronger, Smoother Strands in Minutes
  • 10 Best Leave-in Conditioners That Make Dry, Dull Hair Look Instantly Healthier

• Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar

  6/18

  Benefit Cosmetics

  Glam Cube Advent Calendar

  $149

  Nordstrom

  $149

  Ulta Beauty

  $149

  Revolve

  Why we love it: Benefit Cosmetics's Glam Cube Advent Calendar is the only kind of Rubik's Cube we want—that is, one we don't actually have to solve (though you'll have plenty of fun twisting and spinning each row) and that is stocked with beauty treats. To be exact, there are 25 Benefit makeup and skin-care products that you (or your giftee) will make very good use of throughout the holiday season, the new year, and beyond. Think fan-favorite mascaras (hey, Badgal Bang) to make your lashes flutter, brow gels to fluff up hairs, and bronzers to add instant dimension to your complexion. Benefit's even thrown in a few makeup removers and cleansers, so you never have an excuse to flop into bed with a caked-up face. Wins all around.

  The star product: Korean lip tints might be on the rise, but stateside, Benetint is undoubtedly one of the OGs. Whether you love the classic Rose—or one of the beloved additions, Raspberry and Dark Cherry—this lip and cheek tint never fails to deliver a buildable, my-lips-but-perkier wash of color. “My jaw was on the ground after my first use that it looked so natural,” Silva said. "It gives the ideal pop of pink on my lips without looking like I'm wearing lipstick, and it's completely weightless with no sticky residue."

• Bluemercury 31 Days of Dazzle 2025

  7/18

  Bluemercury

  31 Days of Dazzle 2025

  $300

  Bluemercury

  Why we love it: As if Bluemercury didn’t already have a gorgeous curation of beauty products, the 31 Days of Dazzle Advent Calendar is a testament to everything the prestige retailer has to offer. What’s inside? Glad you asked. La Mer, 111Skin, and Augustinus Bader, to name a few. But it’s not all skin care. You’ll also find Pat McGrath Labs and Parfums de Marly, and plenty more makeup and scent-forward goodies that offer ample opportunities to explore new and familiar brands alike.

  The star product: If it’s good enough for Taylor Swift, damn right it’s good enough for us. While it’s definitely bougier than most cleansers, Tata Harper's The Regenerating Cleanser does double-duty as a cleanser and gentle exfoliator, thanks to chemical (fruit enzymes) and physical (apricot seed powder) exfoliants. “This creamy formula has just the tiniest bit of grit to it—just enough to slough off dead skin without it being irritating,” Dall’Asen, who has redness-prone skin, says. Consider this a proper trial before investing in the full-size bottle.

• Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love

  8/18

  Charlotte Tilbury

  Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love

  $220

  Amazon

  $220

  Revolve

  $220

  Ulta Beauty

  Why we love it: Some advent calendar packaging is tossed without another thought, but Charlotte Tilbury never falls under that category. Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love is a golden sight to behold—so much so that your giftee will basically be obligated to keep the chest as trinket storage. But before that, they'll unearth lippies in the classic Pillow Talk and Walk of No Shame colorways, as well as three hydrating Magic skin-care products that'll make their skin feel baby-soft and smooth. Darlings, what are you waiting for?

  The star product: Yes, setting sprays aren't the most thrilling products, but trust us when we say the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray rises above the rest. Allow our content director, Kara McGrath, to elaborate: "The fine mist on this setting spray is simply unmatched: It seems to float through the air before landing gently on your skin. But despite the delicate feel, once the formula coats your face, I can guarantee your makeup is locked in." This travel-size bottle is perfect to stash in any makeup bag so you're never without all-day beauty insurance, so to speak.

• MAC 24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar

  9/18

  MAC Cosmetics

  24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar

  $245

  Nordstrom

  $245

  Mac

  Why we love it: What if an advent calendar doubled as a makeshift vanity? MAC heard (and answered) our wishes. Meet the 24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar, designed with a generously-sized mirror. All of these dazzling mini- and full-size products are your ticket to holiday glam—and will naturally extend into your 2026 looks. After all, MAC doesn’t go out of style: We’ll never give up our MAC lip pencils and setting sprays, and—would you look at that?—both classics are in this set!

  The star product: You can never wear too much glitz, in our humble opinion, and Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadow elevates any look in seconds. As senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen puts it: “This eye shadow provides high-impact sparkle in just a few swipes, no blending necessary, and just a little dry-down time."

• Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures Advent Calendar

  10/18

  Diptyque

  25 Scented Treasures Advent Calendar

  $495

  Nordstrom

  Why we love it: That fragrance lover in your life? Prepare to make their year with the Diptyque 25 Scented Treasures Advent Calendar. Year after year, we can always count on Diptyque to release thoughtfully-illustrated boxes. This iteration is gilded in gold and transports us to a Parisian bookshop, where we meet the shopkeeper and his literate feline companion, Archibald, as they weave their own enchanting holiday tale. Open up each book—I mean, drawer—to discover a new plot point with your nose as your guide. Indulge in each eau de parfum, candle, room spray, and hand wash for your own happily ever after.

  The star product: This one is tough, but can you blame us? While the Philosykos solid perfume isn’t in this gift, the scent is offered in its body lotion form, which is just as delectable and special. "I love anything fig, especially when it's complemented with green, earthy elements that tone down the sweetness,” commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann describes. Why wouldn’t you want to smell like a lush Mediterranean forest? Beats us—we’d bathe in a tub of it if we could.

• Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne Advent Calendar

  11/18

  Oak Essentials

  Advent Calendar

  $350

  Nordstrom

  $350

  Ulta Beauty

  $350

  Oak Essentials

  Why we love it: If you want your bathroom to smile like the most heavenly spa, we urge you to check out Oak Essentials, like, yesterday. Along with some cozy surprises, including a pair of cloud-like cashmere socks, the Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne Advent Calendar has all of the minimalist-chic skin-care and body-care products to soothe and moisturize your skin throughout the harsh winter season and beyond. Also crucial throughout this lineup? That’s right, essential oil blends that will relax your mind with one whiff.

  The star product: Not all body oils are made equal. Instead of leaving your skin feeling greasy, Oak Essentials’ Dew Body Oil dries down surprisingly quickly, so you can toss on your favorite plush robe and throw yourself onto the couch to watch your current reality show obsession, asap.

• Drybar House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

  12/18

  Drybar

  House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

  $99

  Ulta Beauty

  Why we love it: Drybar is also coming in hot (get it?) with its first advent calendar, aptly named House of Blowouts. Complete with all the styling products you could possibly need (detanglers, heat protectants, and finishing sprays—gang's all here), and then some, this gift is bound to make someone's year. And priced at just under $100, it's not too hard on the wallet either.

  The star product: We call the duo that is the Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner “glossy hair goals.” Despite the deeply moisturizing, frizz-minimizing abilities of vegan keratin, neroli oil, and murumuru butter, they never weigh down hair. Even better, they leave your hair smelling delicious, too, with gourmand notes of coconut, amber, and vanilla.

• Byredo Advent Calendar

  13/18

  Byredo

  Advent Calendar Set

  $955

  Nordstrom

  Why we love it: Three tiers of Byredo’s most iconic scents = a surefire hit. Outfitted with vibrant watercolor art, the fragrance house’s first-ever advent calendar is a statement in and of itself, and contains all of the mini candles (with a wick trimmer, no less), EDPs, hand creams, and body washes your giftee could ever wish for. As a good friend, you should warn them that they’ll be on the receiving end of many, many compliments.

  The star product: Bal d'Afrique in three forms: a L'Huile Parfum Oil Rollerball, hair perfume, and travel-size eau de parfum. This alluring citrus-woody-floral scent evokes happy, effervescent vibes that are sure to lift the wearer’s mood.

  More from Allure

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• Beekman 1802 The G.O.A.T. 2025 Advent Calendar

  14/18

  Beekman 1802

  The G.O.A.T. 2025 Advent Calendar

  $199

  Beekman 1802

  Why we love it: Beekman 1802 never fails to impress with its whimsical designs—case in point: last year's was modeled after an illustrated children's book—and The G.O.A.T. 2025 Advent Calendar might be the most darling one yet. Because…you can build your own winter village with each day's festival tin or box! We don't know about you, but this is the spark of joy we need as we round out this year. Oh, and trust us, Beekman's skin-care and body-care products are oh-so gentle and nourishing for everyone.

  The star product: You can't expect us not to boast about our 2025 Best of Beauty Award winners, right? Hot off the press: The Pure Fragrance Free Goat Milk Soap strikes the perfect balance of moisture and exfoliation, thanks to the lactic acid present in goat's milk, the brand's staple ingredient. “I love the silky lather that doesn’t dry out my skin,” visuals director Kathryne Hall said. (Spoiler: She was far from the only tester who sang the praises of this chic yet unassuming bar.)

• Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader

  15/18

  Augustinus Bader

  The 12 Days of Bader

  $675

  Nordstrom

  $675

  Bluemercury

  $675

  Augustinus Bader

  Why we love it: Your bougiest friends (or older sis, or mom) deserve a luxury advent calendar from Augustinus Bader. This 12 Days of Bader set means they get an entire skin-care routine handed to them—and one that's perfectly tailored to the season. Every single cream, serum, lip treatment, and face mask in this chic blue box deeply nourishes and plumps dull, dry skin for a complexion that'll glow all the way into 2026.

  The star product: Winter is coming, whether we like it or not—so you'll need a heavier-duty moisturizer that'll coddle and soften your skin, no matter how dry and chapped it gets. Chock-full of the brand's signature blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides (called TCF8), squalane, shea butter, and many other goodies, The Rich Cream is sure to become their skin's BFF.

• Glasshouse 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

  16/18

  Glasshouse

  24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

  $300

  Bluemercury

  $300

  Glasshouse

  Why we love it: If you have a fragrance fanatic in your life (or are one yourself), Glasshouse's 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar is the best gift (or self-indulgence). Ten scents across eau de parfums, candles, body washes, hand creams, and more that are guaranteed to garner compliments—what more could you want?

  The star product: We think the Glasshouse Perfume Pencils are especially cool. They're compact, practically weightless, and a concentrated and mess-free way to scent your pulse points. The calendar comes with two: Kyoto in Bloom (amber floral) and Midnight in Milan (saffron rose), which may become your signature scents. See what we did there?

• Yesstyle Starlight Diaries Beauty Advent Calendar

  17/18

  Yesstyle

  Starlight Diaries Beauty Advent Calendar

  $165

  Yesstyle

  Why we love it: If the timing gods are on your side—as in, there are drops throughout the holiday season—the YesStyle Starlight Diaries Beauty Advent Calendar is one of the most enticing boxes of the season. Whether they’re a Korean skin-care fanatic or a K-beauty newbie, they’ll tear into these diary-inspired collections stuffed with 25 full-size (yes, you read that right) makeup and skin-care products straight from Seoul. Virality doesn’t always mean high-quality and results-driven, but the hidden items from buzzy brands like Dr. Althea, Biodance, and Romn&d will prove that association wrong. Trust us.

  The star product: Bummed out by the FDA’s limitations on sunscreen filters? Same, times 100. While we patiently wait for the first new UV filter since 1990 to be approved, we’re on our feet jumping at the fact that, in this box, Beauty of Joseon’s original Relief Sun SPF is yours for the taking. This particular Korean sunscreen truly took Korean formulas global because it is unbelievably elegant to apply and wears so beautifully underneath makeup or alone. The dew is real.

• Kitsch North Pole Post 12 Day Advent Calendar

  18/18

  Kitsch

  North Pole Post 12 Day Advent Calendar

  $119

  Kitsch

  Why we love it: Kitsch has always been one of our go-to brands for hair accessories that don't break the bank, so the brand's first-ever advent calendar is extra exciting. Priced at $119, you get hair care (we spotted a rosemary-infused scalp oil) and accessories such as soft scrunchies and claw clips. No need to write Santa a letter—the North Pole (12 Day Advent Calendar) is coming to you or a lucky person in your life.

  The star product: Whether they're headed out to a party or want to look polished for the office, the Gold French Hair Pin ties their look together. Messy or sleek buns, or a cute half-updo, couldn't be easier to achieve.

Sarah Han is the commerce editor at Allure, where she has been covering the best in beauty for 5.5 years (and 9 years in total). Previously, she served as an associate editor at BuzzFeed, where she spearheaded coverage of beauty roundups and K-pop features. A native Illinoisan, upon graduating from … Read MoreCommerce Editor

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Keywordsshoppingadvent calendarsgift ideasgift guidesHolidayChristmasRead MoreShoppingThe 37 Best Luxury Beauty Gifts, Because You’re Fancy and You Know ItGo on, make someone's year.37 slidesNO RETURNS33 Best Practical Gifts That Are as Chic as They Are FunctionalThe best kind of present is one they'll actually use on the reg.33 slidesShopping42 Unique Gifts for People Who Have EverythingLet us help you do the (nearly) impossible.42 slidesNORDY KNOWSThe 23 Best Nordstrom Gifts of 2024, According to a Shopping EditorJust sayin'!23 slidesMAKE IT PERSONAL31 Best Personalized Gifts That Are Oh So ThoughtfulPrepare for "aww's" all around.31 slidesHair Treatments10 Best Leave-in Conditioners That Make Dry, Dull Hair Look Instantly HealthierFrom silky serums to milky sprays, these picks transform parched strands.LifestyleThe 12 Best Makeup, Skin Care, and Fashion Books to Read Now, According to Allure EditorsCourtesy of Allure editors. Hair7 Best Gray Hair Treatments to Soften Your SilverThey can improve pigmentation, hydration, and density.Hair Treatments9 Best Hair Masks for Stronger, Smoother Strands in MinutesThank us later.Skin9 Best Night Creams That Make Your Skin Dreams Come TrueYour bedtime just got a glow-up.Eyes7 Best Eye Shadow Sticks for Foolproof GlamThey make pro-level looks a total breeze.CelebrityAshley Tisdale’s 10-Minute Routine for a Minimalist Summer LookThe Frenshe founder shows how she likes to do her daily makeup–even when she only has 10 minutes to put it on! From prepping her skin to adding a pop of color with blush, Ashley takes you through the routine behind her Malibu-inspired look. Director: Noël Jean Director of Photography: Lucas Vilicich Editor: Grant Sponable Talent: Ashley Tisdale Producer: Sydney Malone Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi Production Coordinator: Rhyan Lark Talent Booker: Jenna Caldwell Sound Mixer: Gloria Marie Production Assistant: Lauren Boucher Post Production Supervisor: Jess Dunn Supervising Editor: Rob Lombardi Assistant Editor: Billy Ward Filmed on Location at Nobu Ryokan Malibu Senior Director, Creative Programming and Development: Natalie Campbell Associate Director of Programming and Development: Logan Tsugita

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If you're not dusting the best pressed setting powder over your makeup to lock it in place and reduce excess oil, you’re neglecting “one of the most important steps of your routine,” according to experts like New York City-based makeup artist Delina Medhin. Not only can the best setting powder ensure a long-lasting finish, it can also reduce shine and prevent flashback in photos—giving skin a soft-focus finish at all times (your fave setting spray can’t do this!). In particular, "pressed face powder is one of the true superheroes in my pro kit," says New York City-based makeup artist Sara Talias of the mess-free, travel-friendly formulas that give loose setting powder a run for its money. To determine which formulas deliver on their promises, Allure editors tested a bunch of the best pressed setting powders that make their makeup go the extra mile.

Our Top Pressed Setting Powders

• Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder, $49
• Best for Oily Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder, $42
• Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter, $15
• Best Shade Range: ​​Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder, $32
• Best for Large Pores: Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder, $54
• Best for Dry Skin: Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder, $38

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are the benefits of pressed powder?
• How do I apply pressed powder?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Charlotte Tilbury

Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

$49

Revolve

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder is a staple for Talias. She notes the powder's "unique formula," which she credits with hydrating and brightening the skin, thanks to vitamin E-rich almond oil and rose wax. "I especially love this product under the eyes for keeping creasing to a minimum," she says. Thanks to its pearlescent pigments, which diffuse light as it hits your face to keep skin luminescent, it still offers a nice lit-from-within glow. Because the formula is ultra-fine and lightweight, it’s great for people with oily skin who may find other powders too heavy. We do wish it came in more than just four shades, but we find that the available options are flexible enough to use across many different tones.

Han before applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Powder

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"I can't be bothered to deal with loose powders because of the inevitable mess (whether I'm at home or traveling, TBH). I love how natural of a finish this Charlotte Tilbury pressed powder provides—like a soft-blurring veil that doesn't totally negate my glow. (Thanks, light-reflecting particles!) To that point, it's not my pick for the mattest-of-matte powders, but I'm a-okay with that. I wear the shade 2 Medium, which I find complements my foundation and concealers perfectly without washing my East Asian skin tone out (as I presume Light would)." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: almond oil, rose wax, mica
• Available shades: 4

Best for Oily Skin: Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Nars

Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Deanna Pai

Why it’s worth it: Similar to its loose setting powder sibling, Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder locks in makeup in seconds, complete with a subtly dewy finish that keeps oil at bay without completely ditching the glow. This lightweight formula is enriched with moisturizing skin-care powerhouses like glycerin, squalane, and vitamin E, to create a diffused effect. While there are only four shades, our testers say the range is pretty flexible, especially Crystal, the very-light-to-light hue.

Pai before using the Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My naturally oily skin looks shiny by mid-morning, but I've never committed to setting powder, since I felt they made my skin look dusty, for lack of a better word. This is the only one I ever wear, since it feels like nothing (a must for the acne-prone!) and creates a soft-focus effect, rather than sapping all the life and dewiness from my skin. Even though it comes in four shades, the translucent version (meant for pale skin tones) still works just as well for my medium-tan skin.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: glycerin, squalane, vitamin E
• Available shades: 4

Best Drugstore: e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Halo Glow Powder Filter

$15

Amazon

$15

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: The Best of Beauty Award-winning e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter gives skin a soft-focus, lit-from-within glow, minus the luxury price tag. A blend of silica and skin-loving ingredients like squalane and sodium hyaluronate helps the weightless formula melt seamlessly into skin, blurring pores and fine lines without ever looking cakey. It even stands up to humidity, but if you do need a quick touch-up, the sleek compact, velour puff, and built-in mirror make on-the-go fixes effortless.

Wohlner before applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying the e.l.f. Cosmetics Halo Glow Powder Filter

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I have combination skin, which means I’m usually shiny by noon, no matter what I do. But when I use this powder at 8 a.m., my skin still looks fresh and controlled by lunchtime—and honestly, that’s more than I can say for some of my $100-plus powders. It can look a little cakey if you go overboard, so I use a light hand and a fluffy brush to sweep it over my T-zone. The result is smooth, natural-looking skin with just a hint of extra coverage for those not-so-great skin days.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: silica, squalane, sodium hyaluronate
• Available shades: 12

Best Shade Range: ​​Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

Rare Beauty

True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

$32

Sephora

$32

Kohl's

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

Ingrid Fowler

Why it’s worth it: With 16 shades to choose from (the most options on this list!), Rare Beauty’s True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder is suitable for everyone, and the formula itself is just as versatile. The moment it meets skin, it blurs, smooths, and softens shine (thanks, mica and rice bran wax), leaving behind a natural finish that still looks like you, just a little more flawless. It keeps that lit-from-within radiance intact, never veering into flat or powdery territory, and even plays nicely over heavier foundations without a hint of cakiness. Bonus points for the sleek half-moon compact that tucks neatly into any bag for easy touch-ups whenever you need a quick refresh.

Fowler before applying the Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

Ingrid Fowler

Fowler after applying the Rare Beauty True to Myself Tinted Pressed Finishing Powder

Ingrid Fowler

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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"This powder is absolutely weightless on my skin, and provides the exact amount of tint and matte finish that I'm looking for. I tend to brush it on my T-zone, and it blends seamlessly with whatever other makeup I'm wearing. Plus, the packaging is cute and I personally love that it's talc-free."—Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mica, silica, rice bran wax
• Available shades: 16

Best for Large Pores: Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder

Hourglass

Pressed Setting Powder

$54

Nordstrom

$54

Bluemercury

Allure associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry applying the Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder

Melanie Curry

Why we love it: Whether you’re wearing a more full-coverage foundation or something sheer, this Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder instantly cuts shine and leaves your skin looking smooth and soft, without any weight. Like the rest of Hourglass’s base lineup, it’s made with light-reflecting powders that blur the look of pores, fine lines, and texture. The formula is super finely-milled, so it feels like nothing and blends in without leaving behind any white cast. We’ve tried it with both a sponge and a brush, and either way, it sets makeup beautifully while keeping skin matte (but not flat) for hours.

Curry before applying the Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder

Melanie Curry

Curry after applying the Hourglass Pressed Setting Powder

Melanie Curry

Tester feedback from associate manager of audience development Melanie Curry

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“I’m usually a diehard loose setting powder fan, but I carry this little powerhouse everywhere. I sweat easily, so during summer touchups (which are…frequent), it’s my go-to for covering sweat marks and blemishes. It blends everything seamlessly and mattifies, keeping my makeup looking fresh—even after hours of wear.” —Melanie Curry, associate manager of audience development

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Silica, mica
• Available shades: 6

Best Finish: Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Kosas

Cloud Set Setting Powder

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Revolve

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it’s worth it: For a powder that sounds as airy and wispy as it feels, consider this formula. "The Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder provides a gorgeous sheer coverage, perfectly setting any look while keeping it fresh and natural," says Talias. Its talc-free, cruelty-free, and vegan formula—which contains nourishing glycerin, moisturizing jojoba seed oil, and fatty acid-laden sunflower seed oil—is just a bonus. The formula actually starts as a mousse, which is then baked to transform it into a supremely silky, super-lightweight powder. In our testing, we loved how it let our skin breathe—so your face still looks like real skin, not powdery, chalky, or, the worst offender…dry.

Lee before applying the Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Kosas Cloud Set Setting Powder

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I’ve avoided setting powders for years because I always worried they’d make my dry skin look flat or cakey—as a Korean, I’m all about chasing the glass glow. But the Kosas Cloud Set changed my bias about setting powders! This swept away excess shine without stealing my glow, and lately, when my foundation has been looking a little streaky, this powder helps blur and even everything out. The texture is so bouncy, and it feels weightless going on.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo stem extract, passionfruit leaf extract, peony extract
• Available shades: 10

More Setting Powders We Love

Best Blurring: Fenty Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

Fenty Beauty

Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder

$39

Ulta Beauty

$39

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Invisible, matte, instant, setting…we love a product name that makes its benefits obvious. Fenty’s Invisimatte Instant Setting + Blotting Powder is a translucent, no-flashback powder that mattifies shine on contact, whether you’re touching up at the office midday or performing at the Super Bowl. “This absorbs shine beautifully without making your makeup cakey or disturbing the makeup beneath,” says Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City. “I use this on my clients for big events and have seen how it doesn't budge all night.”Bonus: The universal shade takes the guesswork out of shade matching.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: squalane, mica, radish root extract, chia seed extract
• Available shades: 1

Best for Redness: Givenchy Prisme Libre Blurring & Color Correcting Matte Pressed Powder

Givenchy

Prisme Libre Blurring & Color-Correcting Matte Pressed Powder

$60

Nordstrom

$60

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Each Givenchy Prisme Libre Blurring & Color Correcting Matte Pressed Powder features a mosaic of four color-correcting tones to neutralize redness, brighten dullness, and balance uneven skin tone. To thank is peony root extract, which visibly improves dullness and uneven tone, and the powder’s color-correcting pigments. The silky, microfine texture sets makeup without looking flat or dry, giving your skin a naturally matte (but never lifeless) finish. “This pressed powder version of the beloved Prisme Libre loose powder has become a must-have in my kit,” says Spickard. Like its predecessor, it also includes kaolin, a shine-absorbing ingredient often found in pore-purifying face masks, to help control oil throughout the day so your makeup doesn’t slip and slide. “It really does blur and lock makeup in,” adds Spickard.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mica, kaolin, peony root extract
• Available shades: 6

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of pressed powder?

For one, they lend staying power to cream and liquid foundation formulas. What's more, explains New York City-based makeup artist Suzy Gerstein, pressed powders are more user-friendly than loose powders since "they're perfect for throwing in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups without the potential mess of loose powder particle spillage." The best pressed setting powders also work by absorbing excess oil (especially in the T-zone) to create a smoother, shine-free complexion.

Gerstein also notes that the best pressed setting powders on the market are "incredibly finely milled and featherlight," which makes them suitable for all skin types. These days, they also offer skin-care benefits—which, in some cases, can help "bind moisture to the skin," she says. This makes them an especially ideal choice for those with dry or mature skin, on whom traditional powders can look cakey.

How do I apply pressed powder?

Remember that less is more when it comes to pressed powder—after all, it's not bronzer or blush. "Place your brush in the powder, then tap it off until it looks like nothing is left on the brush, then keep applying until you get to your desired matte look," Medhin previously said. Similarly, Talias recommends using a small brush and "diffusing the product in certain areas of the face," such as the nose, chin, and forehead, which tend to collect the most shine.

Meet the experts

• Delina Medhin, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Kasey Spickard, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Sara Talias, a makeup artist based in New York City
• Suzy Gerstein, 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 pressed powders, 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 are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Collage: Briana Rengifo; Source images: Courtesy of subjects; GettySave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

You did it! You stuck with a rigorous hair-care routine, got regular trims, and didn't let the age-old myth that you can't grow long natural hair stop you. But now that you’ve reached your goal, you’re not sure how to style your curls. When your strands start to graze your shoulders, it's easy to become lazy about styling. After all, wearing it down is such a flex.

The beauty of long natural hair lies in its versatility. Having inches, as they say, allows you to experiment with a variety of hairstyles, usually without having to add any extensions. Loose braids, soft blowouts, flexi rod sets, and mini twists are all styles you can easily fashion your long strands into. Most of them require little to no heat, so you don’t have to worry about damaging the hair you worked so hard to grow.

But what exactly is considered long hair? It depends on the person, says Bea Carmichael, global educator for styling at Aveda. A person’s “typical length, style, and growth timeline all play a role in how the word is defined.” It’s also hard to determine the true length of curly hair unless it's in a stretched state. For this story, we’re defining “long” as at least shoulder length when stretched.

To maintain your length, you have to continue to get regular trims. Sounds counterintuitive, but Carmichael emphasizes that trimming helps “prevent split ends from traveling up the strand, helping you keep your length.”

As for styling, you’ll need a strong arsenal of products to help twist, braid, slick, and brush your hair into different styles, but experts say less is more when it comes to what you put on your hair. “A misconception is that heavy products equal [better] hydration. However, long natural hair thrives on balance,” says Carmichael, who recommends cleansing and detangling with hydrating products, moisturizing with lightweight leave-ins and lightweight oils, and always using a protectant when heat styling.

We’ve scoured the internet and studied stars like Tracee Ellis Ross and Yara Shahidi to compile a list of cute, stylish, and easy natural hairstyles every long-haired maven should try.

Hairstyles for Long Natural Hair

Half-up twistsCourtesy of @ashleymasseCurly low ponytailGetty ImagesHalf-up space bunsCourtesy of @4CchroniclesSky-high puffCourtesy of @ashleymasseFace-framing baby braidsCourtesy of @cachebisasorHigh puff with a hair wrapCourtesy of @itsdaelleBraided ponytailGetty ImagesMini twistsCourtesy of @curlcodeblackFluffy blowoutCourtesy of @marielamadaCourtesy of @rachealakuaMini braidsCourtesy of @tiana.myJumbo twistsCourtesy of @curlcodeblackFlexi rod setCourtesy of @goldynapsBraided updo with tendrilsCourtesy of @curlsidoadore_Sporty headbandCourtesy of @naturalblackgirliee_Side part ‘froCourtesy of @naturalhairbestie

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

There’s an art to flawless foundation—and the best foundation brushes can take your skills from beginner to pro. A high-quality tool makes all the difference between a streaky base and a seamless, blurred finish. Plus, with a little TLC (read: regular cleaning), a great brush can last for years. And, after finally finding that perfect shade match, you deserve a brush that blends it beautifully—not one that soaks up all your product or leaves lines behind.

So, what makes for a good foundation brush? According to Donni Davy, the head makeup artist on Euphoria and co-founder of Half Magic, "It totally depends on your method, but if you want to stamp-buff like I do, the buffing brush has to be super soft, dense, and preferably have a rounded or semi-round shape." To help you better understand your options and equip you on your journey toward makeup perfection, we've rounded up the best foundation brushes below.

Our Top Foundation Brushes

• Best Overall: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush, $49
• Best for Liquid Foundations: Saie The Base Foundation Brush, $30
• Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush, $7
• Best Kabuki: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush, $33
• Best Dual-Ended: Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush, $36
• Best Domed: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush, $46
• Best Buffing: MAC 130S Short Duo Fibre Brush, $46

Best Overall: Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Hourglass

Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

$49

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner using the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Lily Wohlner

Why it's worth it: In 2022, Allure awarded the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush the ultimate crown: the best foundation brush. And it’s held onto its title since. That’s because it’s designed to mimic the control of your fingertips for a natural finish, and the vegan fiber technology ensures your base never goes on streaky. The bristles have a slight angle so you can get into those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, like the undereyes and inner corners, for precise application that looks smooth as butter. Even when we forget to wash it regularly (guilty!), it still delivers solid results.

Wohlner before using the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after using the Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation Brush

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from Allure commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I was never a brush person for foundation or concealer (loyal makeup sponge girl over here), but that changed the second I tried this one. It’s small enough to get into every corner but still glides across your face effortlessly, unlike other tiny brushes that take forever. I use it for both foundation and concealer, so it kills two birds with one stone.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic
• Best for: liquids and creams

Best for Liquid Foundations: Saie The Base Foundation Brush

Saie

The Base Foundation Brush

$26

Sephora

$26

Saie

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Saie The Base Foundation Brush

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Saie’s The Base Foundation Brush gives you both flexibility and precision for flawless blending, especially in tricky spots like around the nose and under the eyes. The dome-shaped brush is packed with ultra-soft bristles that evenly diffuse liquid formulas without soaking them up (a rare feat, we know). We’ve even used it with cream bronzers, and it buffs color into the skin seamlessly—no streaks, no harsh lines, just an effortless, skin-like finish.

Pai before using the Saie The Base Foundation Brush

Deanna Pai

Pai after using the Saie The Base Foundation Brush

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic and vegan fibers
• Best for: liquids and creams

Best Drugstore: Real Techniques Expert Face Makeup Brush

Real Techniques

Expert Face Makeup Brush

$7

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Wohlner using the Real Techniques Expert Face Liquid and Cream Foundation Makeup Brush

Lily Wohlner

Why it’s worth it: Real Techniques has won Allure Best of Beauty Awards for their tools, which is proof that solid brushes don’t have to cost an arm and a leg. The ultra-soft, tightly packed bristles pick up just the right amount of product and buff it into skin, leaving behind a silky, seamless finish. No matter how many washes it goes through, the bristles always spring back without looking frayed or feeling dry. And because it moves so fluidly with your foundation (unlike denser kabuki brushes), it doubles beautifully as a brush for cream bronzer, blush, or even highlighter.

Wohlner before using the Real Techniques Expert Face Liquid and Cream Foundation Makeup Brush

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after using the Real Techniques Expert Face Liquid and Cream Foundation Makeup Brush

Lily Wohlner

Tester feedback from Wohlner

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“This is one of my all-time favorite foundation brushes—and that says a lot coming from someone who loves a full-coverage base. I use it to apply foundation, of course, but I also love it for buffing all my base products together. After layering bronzer, blush, and highlighter, I swipe the leftover foundation on this brush over everything to create that perfect your-skin-but-better finish I prefer over anything matte or cakey.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic
• Best for: liquids and creams

Best Kabuki: Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush

Danessa Myricks Beauty

Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush

$33

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush

Sarah Han

Why it’s worth it: For the uninitiated, a kabuki brush has dense, rounded bristles that expertly buff liquid, cream, and powder (yup!) products into skin for a seamless finish. Unlike most brushes, this one blends powder like a liquid, leaving skin smooth, never cakey. One standout we can’t stop raving about? The Danessa Myricks Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Brush. True to its name, this teardrop-shaped tool is designed to hug every curve and contour of your face (yes, even those tricky under-eye areas). Its ultra-soft, tightly packed bristles deliver an airbrushed, skin-like finish without guzzling up your foundation or concealer. And, for the lazy ones out there, this covers larger areas in just a few swoops for a flawlessly even base in record time.

Han before using the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush

Sarah Han

Han after using the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Face 2.0 Teardrop Kabuki Complexion Brush

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han

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“My brushes are usually all smushed into a plastic container so I love how much Danessa Myrick's stands out—literally, with its adorable stand. Thanks to its generously sized head, Yummy Face 2.0 helps cuts down my foundation application time, majorly. Personally, I like to dabble on my liquid foundation with my fingers first before buffing it all in with the brush. I get super smooth, even coverage in just a few swipes across the cheekbones, jawlines, and forehead.” —Sarah Han

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic
• Best for: liquid, creams, balms, and powders

Best Dual-Ended: Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

Makeup by Mario

F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

$36

Sephora

Allure social director Kassidy Silva using the Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

Kassidy Silva

Why it’s worth it: Once you get your hands on the Best of Beauty-winning Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush, there’s no going back. (Some of our editors even keep multiples on hand—it’s that good.) The magic lies in its dual sloped ends that glide seamlessly over every curve of your face, leaving behind a flawless, streak-free finish. Whether you’re working with cream, powder, or liquid formulas (foundation, blush, or bronzer—take your pick), the fluffier side is great for blending, buffing, and applying big sweeps of product, while the smaller side is nice for applying cream products (hi concealer, blush, or highlighter) to smaller areas like under the eyes or tops of the cheeks.

Silva before using the Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

Kassidy Silva

Silva after using the Makeup by Mario F4 Dual-Ended Foundation and Face Brush

Kassidy Silva

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“Spending over $30 on a foundation brush can feel a steep, but the F4 dual-ended brush from Makeup by Mario is the jack-of-all-trades brush in my makeup bag, making it worth every penny. One side has a large angular brush that can give me a smooth even coat of foundation in under a minute, and the other compact brush end is perfect for blending up against my hairline, since it has a more precise application and lets me get close without getting product in my hair. When I'm short on space or time, I'll use the compact end for contour, creamy bronzers, liquid blush, you name it. It has never failed me for a seamless application.” —Kassidy Silva, social director

Tester feedback from Allure beauty closet associate Edward Horgan

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“This brush is so versatile that it’s slowly replacing three different brushes in my collection. I use it for pretty much any cream or liquid base product, and it always gives me an effortless blend. The smaller side is more precise for a sharp contour or perfectly placed blush; the larger side smoothly diffuses foundation and bronzer into the skin with a few taps.” —Edward Horgan, beauty closet associate

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic and vegan fibers
• Best for: liquids, creams, and powders

Best Domed: Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation Brush

Laura Mercier

Real Flawless Foundation Brush

$46

Amazon

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Revolve

Why it's worth it: Laura Mercier's Real Flawless Foundation Brush has a teardrop shape we consider pretty genius: Use the domed surface to buff your favorite foundation into the skin, then use the tapered tip to reach the contours of the face, and finish with a stippling technique to get your desired coverage. The soft and gentle bristles buff away streaks or cakeyness around smaller bits of the face that tend to get forgotten, like the nose, jaw, and hairline. The handle is also super sturdy and comfortable to hold.

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic bristles
• Best for: liquids and creams

Best Buffing: MAC 130S Short Duo Fibre Brush

MAC

130S Short Duo Fibre Brush

$46

Nordstrom

$46

Macy's

Why it's worth it: Tobi Henney, a bi-coastal makeup artist, says her brush lineup wouldn’t be complete without the MAC 130 Short Duo Fibre Brush, which she calls a “true overachiever” in her kit. She swears by it for buffing liquid foundation to that perfectly natural, skin-but-better finish. The short, flat-top bristles make it ideal for swirling product seamlessly around tricky spots like the nose and mouth, and it doubles as a dream tool for creamy blushes or highlighters. Basically, it’s the multitasker you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.

More to know

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• Bristle type: synthetic bristles
• Best for: liquids and creams

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

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

Some gifts are nice; Chanel gifts are iconic. But we know that a tweed skirt, CC-adorned ballet flats, or a leather handbag isn’t always the most economical choice. Our version of the best Chanel gifts includes skin care and makeup Allure editors swear by, delightful gift sets, and luxe eau de parfums that are (relatively) less of a splurge, but just as fun to receive. We have a strong feeling you'll find something for almost everyone on your list here, whether you’re shopping for your mom, aunt, sister, BFF, or yourself. Browse our favorite Chanel presents below—then, check out the rest of Allure’s gift guides for even more holiday inspiration.

Our Top Chanel Gifts

• Lusher Lashes: Eyes to Impress Makeup Set, $127
• Glow-Getter: Effortless Allure Beauty Set, $244
• Fresh Face: No. 1 de Chanel Expert Revitalizing Serum Duo, $230
• Shimmer and Sparkle: Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Oil, $145
• Scent-Sational: No. 5 Eau de Parfum Purse Spray, $195
• Perfect Pout: Sublimage L’Extrait Huile Lèvres Ultimate Lip Oil, $360
• One-Swipe Wonder: Les 4 Ombres, $76
• Pro Tips: Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour, $33

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Our Favorite Chanel Makeup Gifts

Eyes to Impress Makeup Set

Chanel

Eyes to Impress Makeup Set

$127

Chanel

$127

Nordstrom

$127

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Le Volume de Chanel Mascara

Sarah Han

No falsies needed with Chanel’s Eyes to Impress Makeup Set, which includes everything they need to master simple (but elegant) eye looks—plus, a sparkly navy blue pouch that doubles as a chic clutch. There’s a dark brown waterproof eyeliner to define the eyes (with a built-in sharpener for drawing wings), along with La Base Mascara, a strengthening lash primer. The finishing touch: a volumizing mascara that won Allure commerce editor Sarah Han over. "My itty-bitty lashes always need ample help, and Chanel Le Volume delivers noticeable volume from the very first swipe—and, importantly, doesn't make my lashes look overly spidery,” she says.

The Lip Routine Beauty Set

Chanel

The Lip Routine Beauty Set

$122

Chanel

$122

Nordstrom

$122

Ulta Beauty

Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh using the Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Singh after using the the Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Your friend who’s never without a lip combo in her purse deserves The Lip Routine Beauty Set. Inside is the Hydra Beauty Micro Sérum Lèvres, made with hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-packed white camellia flower extract for soft, smooth lips. The thin formula is never gloopy or sticky, either. “I keep a tube on my nightstand for easy access before bed, but it's also been known to make an appearance in my vegetable drawer,” says Allure features director Dianna Singh. “The cold of the fridge makes it even more refreshing to apply.” Once lips are prepped, they’re ready for the Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick, inside a stunning black and gold case. The matte formula is surprisingly comfortable, thanks to jojoba and shea butter, and layers smoothly and evenly over bare lips or her go-to lip liner. The shade 58 Rouge Vie is a dusty red that’s bound to be her new signature lip.

Effortless Allure Beauty Set

Chanel

Effortless Allure Beauty Set

$244

Chanel

$244

Macy's

For your #1 on speed dial or your mom (ahem), there’s the Effortless Allure Beauty Set. The Hydro Beauty Micro Crème, infused with camellia oil extract, glycerin, and antioxidant-loaded blue ginger, creates a smooth, even base for the rest of their makeup routine. With it comes the Les Beiges Water-Fresh Blush, a lightweight serum that’s super-satisfying to apply, with little beads of pigment that burst as they’re rubbed into skin. But we’ve (possibly) saved the best for last: The Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette has five peachy-pink shades in both matte and shimmery finishes that look stunning alone or layered together. While this set is definitely an investment, you’ll save them hours of getting-ready time (and, if you ask us, that girl math definitely checks out).

Our Favorite Chanel Skin-Care Gifts

No. 1 de Chanel Expert Revitalizing Serum Duo

Chanel

No. 1 de Chanel Expert Revitalizing Serum Duo

$230

Chanel

If she’s all about skin care, she’ll love unwrapping the No. 1 de Chanel Expert Revitalizing Serum Duo, which comes in a compact red case that’ll stand out on her vanity. Two Revitalizing Serums (one for the eyes and the other for the face) contain powerhouse ingredients: red camellia extract to protect skin from environmental stressors and peptides to target fine lines and wrinkles. "The silky formula instantly seeps into the surface of my skin and makes it feel soft and pillowy," says one former Allure editor. Meanwhile, the Revitalizing Eye Serum comes with a cooling, rotating steel applicator for a spa treatment-like feel.

Le Lift Smooth Results Skincare Set

Chanel

Le Lift Smooth Results Skincare Set

$268

Chanel

$268

Bloomingdales

We’re so focused on building the right skin-care routine for our faces, but our hands deserve some love, too. Give them the best of both worlds with the Le Lift Smooth Results Skincare Set, which features a luxe hand cream and rich face moisturizer in a sparkly navy case. Both creams contain shea butter, an emollient that softens dry, cracked skin, and botanical alfalfa extract, a retinol alternative that delivers brighter, firmer-looking skin over time. As for product-specific ingredients, Le Lift Crème is made with hydrating glycerin and camellia seed oil to attract water into the skin to smooth rough, dry patches. Meanwhile, Le Lift La Crème Main has licorice extract to help fade sun spots and smooth the look of wrinkles.

Hydra Beauty Maximum Moisture Skincare Set

Chanel

Hydra Beauty Maximum Moisture Skincare Set

$187

Chanel

$187

Macy's

A moisturizer so good, you’ll want to gift it twice. In the Hydra Beauty Maximum Moisture Skincare Set, you’ll find the Hydro Beauty Micro Crème, made with antioxidant-rich blue ginger, alongside the Hydro Beauty Micro Crème Yeux, an eye cream with skin barrier-strengthening white camellia extract. Another key ingredient is algae extract, which depuffs and targets the appearance of dark circles, with the help of tiny pearlescent pigments that brighten the entire eye area. It’s the perfect present for the new mom in your life who’s always chasing an extra hour of sleep.

Our Favorite Chanel Fragrance Gifts

Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Oil

Chanel

Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Oil

$145

Chanel

$145

Ulta Beauty

Nothing completes an “everything shower” routine quite like some shimmer. The Coco Mademoiselle Pearly Body Oil leaves skin soft, smooth, and seriously glowing, thanks to sunflower and jojoba seed oils. Combined with Chanel’s signature Coco Mademoiselle scent, it’s a welcome addition to almost anyone’s self-care routine (and you know your BFF could always use an extra moment to herself).

Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense Purse Spray

Chanel

Coco Mademoiselle Eau de Parfum Intense Purse Spray

$195

Chanel

$195

Macy's

Coco Mademoiselle has long been one of our favorite perfumes for its light, fresh scent that’s easy to layer and never overpowering. With notes of orange, jasmine, rose, and patchouli, it’s equal parts fruity and floral (in other words, it’s a crowdpleaser). The refillable, pocket-size case makes it easy for them to reapply it on the go—they’ll think of you with every spritz.

Bleu de Chanel Limited-Edition Eau de Parfum Spray

Chanel

Bleu de Chanel Limited-Edition Eau de Parfum Spray

$165

Chanel

$165

Nordstrom

$165

Sephora

Even the pickiest guy can’t resist this time-tested scent, with notes of cedar, sandalwood, musk, and grapefruit. Warm, smoky, and citrusy, it’ll win over any hard-to-shop-for dads or brothers. Bonus: The bottle comes in a limited-edition sleeve that’s so shimmery and elegant, you technically don’t have to wrap it (just add a bow!).

More Chanel Gifts We Love

Sublimage L'Extrait Huile Lévres Ultimate Lip Oil

Chanel

Sublimage L'Extrait Huile Lévres Ultimate Lip Oil

$360

Chanel

$360

Nordstrom

Yes, this lip oil is pricey—but well worth it. Hear us out: The Sublimage L’Extrait Huile Lèvres Ultimate Lip Oil is an overnight treatment made with lip-plumping peptides and fine-line-smoothing vanilla planifolia extract. Together, these ingredients maximize skin’s natural repair process (which kicks in while you sleep) to boost volume and target texture. On the outside, we’re big fans of the sleek packaging, including a precise, cooling metal applicator and a leather case lined with classic white and gold Chanel tweed. It’s a gift your recipient might not otherwise treat themselves to and one they’ll use every day (the best combo, if you ask us).

Sublimage Le Masque

Chanel

Sublimage Le Masque

$316

Chanel

$316

Bloomingdales

Also from Chanel’s Sublimage line, the Le Masque Ultimate Mask contains the same vanilla planifolia, plus skin-smoothing ceramides, moisturizing jojoba seed oil, and shea butter. These lipids are biomimetic (meaning they’re modeled after the natural ones in your skin barrier), so they’re particularly good for dry, irritated skin. As they use the mask over time, they’ll notice their skin tone and texture look more even, and their barrier will become stronger over time, too. Like the lip oil, this face mask comes in clever packaging—the jar is refillable and the insert can be taken out, making the mask easier to pack in a carry-on or makeup bag.

Les 4 Ombres in 397 Nuit Astrale

Chanel

Les 4 Ombres in 397 Nuit Astrale

$76

Chanel

$76

Nordstrom

$76

Macy's

Pulling a Chanel compact out of your bag is a major power move—especially this holiday-exclusive one. The Les 4 Ombres Nuit Astrale palette includes four shimmery, dusty blue and purple shades that are compliment-worthy and easily wearable. To secure your gifting MVP status, pick up a Chanel eye shadow brush to go with it, so they’ll get the perfect blend every time.

Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Chanel

Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

$42

Chanel

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Macy's

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffman using the Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner

Sarah Hoffmann

For the friend whose look feels incomplete without a sharp cat eye, there’s the Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner. “You can do a lot with this eyeliner, which really helps justify the price tag,” says Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “Chanel's Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that's quite stiff compared to others I've tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean.” Even better, the tip won’t run out of color halfway through a wing, since it’s a true liquid (as opposed to an eyeliner pen). There’s black and brown for the minimalists, or deep burgundy, burnt orange, and bright red for the bolder crew.

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour in 127 Fugueuse

Chanel

Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

$33

Chanel

$33

Nordstrom

$33

Macy's

Allure senior shopping director Shipin wearing Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour

Shanna Shipin

Take it from us—this isn’t just any cute bottle. Chanel’s Le Vernis Longwear Nail Colour is a high-shine, high-performing polish that’ll stay chip-free for up to a week. "What first grabs you are the shade offerings. There are the legends, from the perfect nude-pink 'Ballerina' to the quintessential red 'Pirate,' but what keeps me coming back are the seasonal shades,” Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin says. “I've used these polishes with and without base or topcoats, and I've always been impressed by how long they last, even without any protective layers. They also happen to make the perfect presents.” One chic stocking stuffer, coming right up.

Les Signes de Chanel

Chanel

Les Signes de Chanel

$75

Chanel

$75

Bloomingdales

$75

Macy's

The mom who finally hit pan on her everyday blush will love upgrading to the Les Signes de Chanel Illuminating Powder Blush, an oh-so-buttery formula infused with emollients for a second-skin feel. True to its name, it’s a shimmery blush and highlighter combo that’ll give her skin a subtle sheen (no chunky glitter here).

Frequently Asked Questions

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 Chanel gifts, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors 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 are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.