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Face toners have come a long way from their alcohol-laden past. The best toners for mature skin are less about stripping away oil and more about supporting your skin, a shift that becomes even more important as you age. Over time, skin cell turnover slows, collagen production declines, and the skin's ability to retain moisture decreases, leading to everything from dryness and dullness to fine lines, discoloration, and uneven texture. Fun, right?

While all of this is completely normal, there are skin-care products that can help your complexion look and feel its best. Case in point: toner. Today's formulas are packed with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, and gentle exfoliants that can target specific skin concerns, like dark spots, while offering a baseline of hydration. While they’re not a must-have for everyone, the right formula can replenish lost moisture, remove impurities, and boost your skin barrier, as well as prime your skin for the rest of your products, says New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD. Think of them as an extra layer of care tailored to your skin's evolving needs.

Our Top Toners for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Medik8 Press and Glow Toner, $35
• Best for Redness: Aestura A-Cica365 Cooling Relief Toner Pads pH4.5, $28
• Best for Large Pores: SkinCeuticals LHA Toner, $44
• Best for Dullness: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner, $32

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Should I use toner on mature skin?
• What is the best toner for a 50-year-old woman?
• Who should not use toner?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Medik8 Press and Glow Toner

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Medik8

Press and Glow Toner

$35

Amazon

$35

Shop

Why it’s worth it: The last thing your skin needs is an exfoliating toner that leaves it feeling tight and dry. That's why we like Medik8's Press & Glow Exfoliating PHA Tonic, which contains glycerin to keep skin moisturized. “It's one of my favorite humectants to keep the skin looking fresh and bouncy,” says Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. As for its exfoliating powers, “it's formulated with 5.5% gluconolactone, a type of polyhydroxy acid that gently removes dead skin cells while helping skin hold onto moisture,” says Mamina Turegano, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Orleans. The toner also includes soothing ingredients like aloe vera, acai, and prickly pear extracts to keep irritation in check.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“It’s only recently that I’ve become a toner convert, and this one finally convinced me that toners aren’t the stingy, drying formulas of the past. It feels as gentle as water (don’t worry—it’s definitely not just water) on my dry, sensitive skin. The mild exfoliating acids are cushioned with aloe vera, leaving my skin soft, calm, and refreshingly clean.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5.5% gluconolactone, glycerin, aloe vera, acai, prickly pear extracts
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: Aestura A-Cica365 Cooling Relief Toner Pads pH4.5

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Aestura

A-Cica365 Cooling Relief Toner Pads pH4.5

$28

Amazon

$28

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: You probably don't think much about your skin's pH, but it can affect how your skin looks and feels. Skin is naturally slightly acidic (around 4.5 to 5.5), which keeps its protective barrier healthy. As we age, though, that pH can creep up, leaving skin more prone to dryness, irritation, and redness. Aestura's toner pads have a pH of 4.5 to restore balance, plus a blend of Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) and zinc to soothe irritation and calm visible redness, and PHA to gently remove dead skin cells without going overboard. “Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated, while niacinamide works on uneven tone and brightens skin,” says Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. The pads also feel slightly cooling on contact, making them especially refreshing when your skin needs a little pick-me-up. “I also love how they stay moist for a very long time,” says Dr. Chang, so you can leave them on for a few minutes as a quick mini mask.

Tester feedback from former features director Dianna Singh

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“My super-fair skin has always leaned a little bit pink, but lately, I've been dealing with genuine redness. (I blame pregnancy, cold temperatures, and Best of Beauty testing.) These toning pads have an instant soothing effect and help reduce some of the rosiness on my cheeks in just about 10 minutes of wear.” —Dianna Singh, former features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pH4.5 Cica complex (Centella asiatica, zinc, PHA), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Uneven Texture: Biologique Recherche Lotion P50V

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Biologique Recherche

Lotion P50V

$100

Shop

Why it’s worth it: The “50” in Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50V refers to the roughly 50 days it takes for skin to go through two renewal cycles—which is also how long the brand suggests giving the formula to improve skin texture and tone. "Biologique's P50 philosophy emphasizes maintaining an acidic skin environment, which helps keep its protective barrier functioning properly," says Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. To smooth things out, the formula uses a mix of exfoliating acids, including lactic, salicylic, and phytic acids, along with gluconolactone to loosen and remove dead skin cells.

Also FYI, P50 comes in several versions: While P50V is geared toward mature skin, P50W is designed for sensitive skin, and P50 PIGM 400 targets dark spots. Fair warning: While it has no added fragrance, the botanical extracts, vinegar, and sulfur give it a noticeable scent.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lactic, salicylic, and phytic acids, gluconolactone, vinegar, sulfur
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Isntree Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

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Isntree

Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

$21

Shop

Why it’s worth it: It wasn't until we discovered Isntree’s Ultra-Low Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Toner that we even knew 14 different types of hyaluronic acid existed. This K-beauty skin-care favorite combines an impressive blend of high- and ultra-low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acids with mineral-rich deep seawater sourced from Ulleung Island in Korea, creating a formula that's all about serious hydration. “The ultra-low molecular weight HA can penetrate more deeply into the skin, while larger HA molecules help support hydration closer to the surface, which helps to balance skin sensitivity and provides deeper hydrating support,” says Dr. Haskin. Each swipe leaves your skin looking plumper, bouncier, and smoother, with fine lines appearing less pronounced.

Beyond the HA complex, humectants like glycerin and betaine draw moisture into the skin, while panthenol and allantoin soothe and support a compromised skin barrier. Best of all, “because the formula skips exfoliating ingredients altogether, it layers beautifully alongside other active ingredients in your routine,” which means it’s especially welcome if your skin is feeling dry from retinoids or exfoliating acids, says Dr. Haskin.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, glycerin, betaine, panthenol, allantoin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Large Pores: SkinCeuticals LHA Toner

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SkinCeuticals

LHA Toner

$44

SkinCeuticals

$44

Dermstore

$44

Bluemercury

Why it’s worth it: A toner for skin cell turnover? Yep, we found one. LHA—or lipo-hydroxy acid, the main ingredient in SkinCeuticals' LHA Toner—is a salicylic acid derivative that's ideal for improving skin tone, clogged pores, and wrinkles. It's expert-approved, too: “This is a low-pH toner [meaning it’s closer to your skin’s natural pH] for a gentler experience, and helps remove dead skin cells and decongest pores,” San Diego-based board-certified dermatologist Saami Khalifian, MD, previously told Allure. “It’s perfect for aging skin prone to breakouts.” And LHA isn't working alone: The formula also contains salicylic acid to help tackle excess oil and clogged pores, plus glycolic acid to smooth rough texture and uneven tone.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: lipohydroxy acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dullness: Paula’s Choice Enriched Calming Toner

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Paula's Choice

Enriched Calming Toner

$32

Amazon

$29

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: Paula's Choice has no shortage of toners—nine, to be exact—and the brand's color-coded collections make it easy to find the right one for your skin concerns. If mature skin is your focus, look for the deep pink bottle. The Enriched Calming Toner is "a one-stop shop for many skin needs as we mature," thanks to a lineup of barrier-supporting, glow-boosting ingredients, says

It combines vitamin E and vitamin B5 (panthenol), which he calls "a good combo for antioxidant protection and barrier repair," while glycerin and sodium hyaluronate create a dewy, skin-plumping effect. Evening primrose oil and borage seed oil replenish moisture and calm redness, making the formula appealing for mature skin that's become drier or more reactive over time. Niacinamide helps brighten uneven tone, while Dr. Vieira is a fan of the allantoin in the formula because it "simultaneously draws in water while also having a very mild exfoliating effect to combat dull-appearing skin." Gentle enough for everyday use, this silky, lotion-like toner delivers hydration, soothing barrier support, redness relief, and a healthy glow in a single step.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E, vitamin B5, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, evening primrose oil, borage seed oil, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer

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Laneige

Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer

$36 $30 (17% off)

Amazon

$36

Shop

$36

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: If your skin seems to drink up moisturizer only to feel dry again an hour later, Laneige’s Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturizer may be the hydration boost you're missing. Dr. Vieira calls it "a great option for those looking to optimize hydration," thanks to a trio of humectants—butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin—that work together to draw water into the skin and keep it there. The two-time Best of Beauty winner (2026 and 2024!) also features a ceramide and peptide complex that supports healthy barrier function and firmer-looking skin, while white leaf tea provides soothing amino acids to comfort stressed or sensitive complexions. Despite its deeply moisturizing benefits, the milky formula feels remarkably lightweight, says Dr. Vieira.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I love this product both in traditional toner and mist form! Whether I'm applying a few dollops in the a.m. to wake up my skin or misting throughout the day to, well, reawaken my skin, I get an instant boost of moisture that my skin drinks up. Hello, plumpness! The milky, lightweight texture is great for all year round; I'll just add additional layers when it's a little colder and drier out, or stick to one when it's hotter and muggier.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: butylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramide, peptides, white leaf tea
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use toner on mature skin?

While facial toners aren't always necessary, mature skin can benefit from a formula that supports the skin barrier while addressing concerns that come with aging, explains Dr. Rambhia. “Look for toners containing hydrating ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain moisture levels as skin's natural retention decreases with age,” she says, adding that other ingredients to look for include niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidants. Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona, and Dr. Rambhia both agree to avoid any formula that contains alcohol, as it will cause and exacerbate dryness.

What is the best toner for a 50-year-old woman?

“Remember, at this age, less is more,” says Dr. Rambhia, who adds that you want to focus on nurturing your skin rather than aggressive exfoliation. Collagen, the key protein responsible for skin’s firmness, elasticity, and moisture retention, begins to decline at 20. Studies show that women lose 30% of their collagen during the first five years of menopause, with levels continuing to drop gradually afterward. Because of this, Dr. Rambhia says someone in their fifties should look for a toner that replenishes and supports their skin with hydrating glycerin and hyaluronic acid, barrier-strengthening ceramides, collagen-boosting peptides, and antioxidants to combat environmental damage.

Who should not use toner?

There may be no age limit on glowing skin, but toner isn't necessarily a must-have for everyone. Dr. Lal says there's no age at which you're "too old" to use one, though if you're already using a great cleanser and your skin feels balanced, you may not need it. Evaluate your skin: “If it’s healthy and balanced without a toner, there's no need to introduce one into your routine,” says Dr. Rambhia, adding that some people's skin simply functions better with a minimalist approach.

Meet the experts

• Alessandra Haskin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Weiser Skin MD based in New York City
• Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Saami Khalifian, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of SOM Aesthetics in San Diego
• Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Phoenix and Scottsdale, Arizona
• Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm based in New York City
• Carlos Vieira, a board-certified dermatologist at The Dermatology Specialists based in Philadelphia

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best toners for mature skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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There’s a reason Dove has earned a permanent spot on our top shelves—and it’s not just the brand’s beloved beauty bar. From creamy body washes to hard-working antiperspirants, the best Dove products keep skin hydrated and fresh from head to toe, which is why so many of its offerings have taken home tons of Best of Beauty Awards over the years. One has earned a place in the Best of Beauty Hall of Famers—with six awards to its name—while others have become routine regulars among editors solely for the brand's range of clean, comforting scents.

Because we’ve put just about every Dove body product to the test, we can say with our full chest which classics and award-winning formulas deserve a rightful spot in your daily regimen. Whether you’re looking for all day freshness or to make your everyday shower ritual smell—and feel—just a bit more luxurious, these tried-and-true picks always deliver.

Our Top Dove Body Products

• Rinse It Right: Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash, $13
• Hall of Fame Freshness: Advance Care Dry Spray Antipersirant, 3-pack, $24
• No Dryness, No Problem: Deep Moisture Body Wash, $13
• Hands-Down Favorite: Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash, 4-pack, $20
• Retinol Results: Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum, $10
• Sweat Check: Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick, $11

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

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

Rinse It Right: Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash

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Dove

Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash

$13 $11 (15% off)

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Traditional foaming body washes can often leave skin feeling tight or stripped. Dove’s Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash does the opposite: The 2026 Best of Beauty-winning cleanser puts glycerin front and center, making up 50% of the formula to lock in hydration and keep skin comfortable long after you rinse—making it a great pick for anyone with mature skin, according to Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It’s also packed with nourishing plant oils, including jojoba and monoi flowers, to soothe dryness and help protect the skin barrier.

While the cleanser has a serum-like texture (as its name suggests), it lathers into a rich, foamy mousse that leaves skin impressively soft and rinses without any residue. Not to mention, the bottle is generously sized, so for roughly the price of that fancy desk salad, you get plenty of product to work into your daily routine.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Madison San Miguel

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“This is one of the best body washes I’ve ever tried, full stop. My skin is notoriously dry, and this leaves it squeaky clean minus the feeling (no tightness!). The bottle is impressively large, and lasted me a good four months before hitting pan (trust: I shower every day). You get all of the skin care benefits without needing to add extra steps to your body care—my skin always feels so smooth and hydrated even after rinsing.”—Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, jojoba seed oil, monoi flower
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 1

Hall of Fame Freshness: Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

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Dove

Advanced Care Cool Essentials Dry Spray Antiperspirant Deodorant

$24

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: You’ll need more than one hand to count how many Best of Beauty Awards the Advance Care Dry Spray Antiperspirant has won. (Hint: It’s six!) That track record has earned it a spot among Allure’s Best of Beauty Hall of Famers. Year after year, our editors have praised its reliable odor and sweat protection, thanks to 20% aluminum chlorohydrate and a crisp cucumber scent (hello, Cool Essentials).

Beyond keeping sweat in check, the aerosol formula helps leave underarms feeling soft and comfortable with sunflower seed oil. It’s also made without alcohol, a common ingredient in deodorant sprays that can irritate sensitive skin, so you can spritz it without sacrificing comfort. And don’t worry about getting lost in a dust cloud of deodorant: The fine mist goes on evenly and dries down in a flash.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“After a decade of fighting off sweat and stink with aluminum-free deodorant, I’m officially back on my antiperspirant grind. While I love a swipe of stick in the morning, a quick spritz or two of this Dove dry mist, which cools on contact, dries instantly, and smells sweetly like candied cucumber, is the perfect amount of product to keep me from flooding the treadmill during a grueling Barry’s workout. I always keep a can in my gym bag!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

Tester feedback from San Miguel

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“As a certified sweaty girl (trust: I have had hyperhidrosis since I was a teen), there are few antiperspirants that I have swiped—or in this case, sprayed—more than once—Dove’s Advance Care Dry Spray is one of them. I’m typically wary of sprays because I have more confidence in visually seeing the application than not, but this, however, convinced me to take a chance. After seeing it finely spray without a trace, its wicked-fast dry down time, and impressive sweat control, who knew you didn’t have to endure the pesky deodorant marks to get reliable protection?” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aluminum chlorohydrate 20.2%, sunflower seed oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 3 (Cool Essentials, Fresh, Revive)

No Dryness, No Problem: Deep Moisture Body Wash

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Dove

Deep Moisture Body Wash

$13

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Body lotion doesn't always cut it when your skin is extra-dry. Start your hydration routine in the shower with the Best of Beauty-winning Deep Moisture Body Wash, which gives skin a head start with glycerin and plant-based moisturizers that help replenish moisture and prevent moisture loss. Better yet, they're delivered through MicroMoisture droplets, which are tiny capsules designed to deposit the formula onto the skin as you cleanse, giving you longer-lasting comfort.

Thanks to this lineup, “the formula helps maintain the moisture barrier and supports a healthy skin microbiome, leaving skin soft and hydrated instead of tight or dry,” Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained. The texture is just as satisfying: It creates a creamy lather that leaves skin so soft and smooth, it feels like we’ve already slathered on our favorite moisturizer.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I have some of the thirstiest, driest skin imaginable from the neck down, especially on my KP-prone arms. Dove’s Deep Moisture Body Wash has become one of my go-tos when my skin is screaming for help. It feels more like an in-shower lotion than a traditional body wash, with a rich, creamy texture. Since it’s sulfate-free, you won’t get any of that bubbly lather you might be used to with body washes, but that’s a big part of what helps my skin not feeling stripped. I’m also notorious for forgetting to apply body lotion after showering, so I appreciate that this feels like a cleanser and moisturizer in one. The fragrance is similar to the classic Dove Beauty Bar (soft and powdery) and while it doesn’t linger post-shower, I’d be very interested in a fragrance-free version.”—Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“In this economy, I’ve learned to be strategic with my beauty buys. While I love a good splurge on a body wash, you really can’t go wrong with a classic that checks all the boxes. The Dove Deep Moisture Body Wash is perfect for everyday use. It lathers beautifully (I love a sudsy wash), smells superfresh, and leaves my skin feeling thoroughly cleansed, especially when used with a net sponge.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, soy bean oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 1

Hands-Down Favorite: Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash

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Dove

Advanced Care Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla Hand Wash

$20 $19 (5% off)

Amazon (4-Pack)

Why it’s worth it: We ask a lot from our hands—frequent hand washing, doing the dishes, the list goes on—that can sap moisture. So, the best hand washes shouldn’t just clean hands; they also ought to hydrate and keep the skin soft and supple. Dove's Advanced Care Hand Wash checks all the boxes, with a nourishing blend of glycerin and shea butter that helps replenish moisture while you rinse.

Plant-based surfactants whip up a soft, foamy lather that lifts away dirt and grime, leaving hands feeling clean and soft. Add in the warm vanilla notes, and every wash feels (and smells) like a little treat. But if you prefer to switch up your scents, the formula is available in seven other scents, including Lavender and Aloe & Eucalyptus, that smell just as incredible as they feel.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 8 (Shea Butter & Vanilla, Aloe & Eucalyptus)

Retinol Results: Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum

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Dove

Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum

$10 $9 (10% off)

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Retinol has earned its gold-standard status for a reason: It helps address a host of concerns, from lingering post-acne marks to fine lines. The Pro-Retinol Body Cream Serum extends those benefits below the neck, thanks to retinyl propionate, a gentle retinol derivative that boosts cellular turnover and collagen production.

This formula pairs the retinoid with firming collagen peptides and niacinamide to offset potential irritation and improve elasticity. Antioxidant-rich ascorbyl phosphate, a vitamin C derivative, and rosehip oil round out the formula, helping brighten tone and smooth texture. The velvety texture melts into skin without any sticky residue, making it easy to work into your morning or nighttime routine wherever your skin could use the TLC.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, collagen peptides, niacinamide, ascorbyl phosphate, rosehip oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 1

Sweat Check: Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick

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Dove

Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick

$11 $8 (27% off)

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: If your morning workout comes with a serious side of sweat, bring out the heavy-duty stuff with Dove’s Clinical + Care Antiperspirant Stick. The formula contains 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, an aluminum-based active that can stand up to (and reduce) excessive sweating, including that stemming from hyperhidrosis.

The deodorant also gives dry, irritated pits some extra love, with barrier-supporting sunflower seed oil that helps soften and moisturize skin. Its soft-solid texture glides on smoothly and dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about marks on your clothes. And with two fresh scents—Clean and Cool Essentials—it’s a formula you’ll look forward to swiping.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 20% aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, sunflower seed oil
• Fragrance-free: no
• Scents: 2 (Clean and Cool Essentials)

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Brianna Olamiju, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Dara Spearman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Fort Wayne, Indiana

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best body washes for dry skin, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance (or lack thereof), texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Apparently, 28 seasons of a reality show hasn’t shown us enough of Kim Kardashian’s backstory. The celebrity mogul is the subject of a new biography, Citizen Kim: The Woman Who Created the Future, penned by journalist-cum-confidant Jonathan Van Meter, who interviewed Kardashian as well as friends, family, business partners, and ex-boyfriends over the course of five years. The book contains never-before-heard stories of Kardashian’s short-lived ecstasy phase, the Paris robbery, and the ins and outs of her first relationship with TJ Jackson, Michael Jackson’s nephew. It also touches on the dissolution of her three marriages, her mother’s affair, the O.J. Simpson trial, and the so-called “Kardashian Curse.” But it leaves out a significant part of what keeps the Kardashian machine running: beauty.

Of course, Kardashian’s natural beauty is often referenced—early on it's mentioned how, in 1991, the family’s nanny wrote in her journal that Kardashian was gorgeous: “Even as a ten-year-old child, she is stunning.” Her late father, Robert Kardashian, warned her in a letter not to let men take advantage of her because she’s “got a curvy body and people are going to think you’re older than you are.” But not once in the 340-page book is there a mention or analysis of Kardashian’s impact on societal beauty standards, a clearly influential part of her life that seems strange to ignore, let alone the did-she-or-didn’t-she speculation on cosmetic procedures and plastic surgeries that has surrounded the family for years.

Is this on purpose? Or is it because Kardashian isn’t all that interested in exploring her impact on the system at large? In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Van Meter is asked by the interviewer—who happens to be a friend of his—how Kardashian deals with the contradiction that her family helped expand beauty standards but also makes them continuously unattainable. “I’m not sure she does. She doesn’t dwell on it,” he told the outlet. As for the procedures, “I didn’t write about this because it became so weird and complicated, but Kim has never had invasive plastic surgery. Her butt and boobs and nose—those are all her own.” (During her 2022 Allure cover interview, Kardashian admitted to getting Botox injections but nothing else.)

Part of Kardashian’s notoriety in the early days of her fame was in part due to her exaggerated curves. The very first episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians in 2007 opens up with the size of her ass being pointed out by her mother, Kris Jenner. Its volume became such a point of contention in the tabloids that in 2011 there was an episode devoted to Kardashian attempting to prove that the junk in her trunk was, indeed, real. The show documented her getting an X-ray of her butt to once and for all declare that there were not any silicone implants lodged inside. (For what it’s worth, an X-ray cannot easily detect fat transfers or fat grafting, the techniques used in Brazilian Butt Lifts.) The book declines to mention plastic surgery speculation around its subject entirely—the only augmentation mentioned is her mother’s boob job, referenced at the beginning of a chapter that dives into the matriarch’s divorce from Kardashian’s father.

Kardashian’s consistent denial of being surgically enhanced continued over the next 28 seasons of E!’s Keeping Up With the Kardashians and Hulu’s The Kardashians, all the while she and her sisters hawked waist trainers, detox teas, supplements, and shapewear, tools to achieve whatever fantasy body they were selling at the time. And still, for the past 20 years, we’ve witnessed Kardashian, along with the rest of her family, transform while seldom acknowledging it. Each sister has magically been bestowed tighter skin, smaller waists, bigger boobs, plumper lips, and longer extensions, among other things. They’ve long been accused of promoting unrealistic body standards for women around the world, and yet can’t seem to intellectualize it themselves, whether it’s because of privacy concerns or what it means for their commercial interests.

The closest the Kardashian sisters have come to grasping the point is a discussion about society’s beauty standards in season three of The Kardashians, when Kylie Jenner brought the topic up to Khloé Kardashian and Kourtney Kardashian. “I just think we have huge influence. And what are we doing with our power?” she asks. It’s the only introspective question posed in the scene. The three women continued to discuss how societal pressure has impacted them—not how they’ve had a heavy hand in shaping it. (A 2022 study conducted by Toronto’s York University found that women who were inundated with images of “slim-thick” bodies—Kim and Kylie are both used as examples—experience more body dissatisfaction than seeing images of other body types.)

It’s not like the Kardashians invented plastic surgery culture or unattainable body image. In Kris Jenner’s memoir, Kris Jenner… and All Things Kardashian, published in 2011, she writes about her first breast augmentation in 1988, the year Kim turned eight, and her hopes of leaving the operating table with “those high, perky, fabulous boobs that you see on Playboy bunnies.” In many ways, the Kar-Jenners have been victims of it, too—which just makes Van Meter’s account feel even more incomplete.

It’s hard to say whether or not that strategy is to protect their financial interests in selling products that ultimately make us all look more Kardashian. Who could be swayed to buy shapewear to look like Kim if we knew she had a BBL, or would buy a $630, nine-step SKKN by Kim routine if she, say, got a facelift? Isn’t the point to try to look more Kardashian-esque? To Kylie Jenner’s credit, she was the first one to say she had gotten lip filler in 2015, and was also quick to say when she dissolved much of it on an episode of The Kardashians in 2024. Interestingly, that didn’t seem to impact her business negatively. In 2019, she sold 51% of Kylie Cosmetics (the range born out of her lip-lining techniques) to Coty for a reported $600 million. And the company is said to still be going strong. Transparency isn’t necessarily bad for business.

Historically, each of the Kardashian women has outright denied or refused to discuss cosmetic surgery; they seem to have recently softened on the subject. In the same episode of The Kardashians in 2023, Kylie Jenner revealed that she had her first breast augmentation at 19. Two years later, she shared the exact details of her surgery (445 cc, moderate profile, half under the muscle) and the surgeon’s name in a TikTok comment section. Khloé Kardashian revealed she “had one nose job” in 2021 and again confirmed the rhinoplasty in a recent Instagram comment, and Kris Jenner’s recent facelift led to a tsunami of photos and hot takes.

So, yes, what stood out about Citizen Kim isn’t a denial of plastic surgery or a more positive stance—it’s the choice to ignore it altogether. We do get, at best, a flattering acknowledgment of what Kardashian chooses to share and why. On page 123, Van Meter seemingly tries to understand why Kardashian refuses to be introspective by comparing her to Andy Warhol, “another enigmatic figure who obsessively documented his life but was not comfortable discussing its meaning.” It’s a paradox we never see reconciled in the book. But if we had to infer, chatter is also a key sales driver of the Kardashian empire. And here we are, asking the same questions of Kardashian that we have for nearly two decades. Regardless of what she has or hasn’t done to her body, we’re all still talking about it.

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Sophie Turner is a hair color chameleon. When we first met the star as Sansa Stark in HBO's Game of Thrones, she had dark, auburn red hair. In the years since, Turner has ping-ponged between shades, effortlessly changing it up from blonde to red to brunette and back again. And while she's definitely been a part of Team Brunette in the past, Turner is currently sporting the darkest, deepest shade she's ever worn.

Turner doesn't often attend red carpet events, so it was fun to see her at the 70th Ballon D'Or Ceremony in London. The first thing we noticed, of course, was her hair color: an ultra-rich, shiny, nearly black brunette, landing somewhere on the spectrum between espresso and ink. Ribbons of a lighter whiskey brown were woven through the mid-lengths to break up the dark base and give it extra dimension, and the finish was so shiny you could practically see your reflection in it. Her hair, which is also the longest we've seen it in quite awhile, was styled in easy waves to enhance the highlights.

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I'm pretty sure Turner has never worn her hair this dark before, but she has been firmly in the brunette world for awhile. In early 2026, she debuted a warm reddish-brown hue, or “truffle brunette,” and a few weeks ago, she attended the Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week with a fresh new chocolate brown color. But it appears that color has evolved a bit since then; it's a few levels darker, and the highlights look new too!

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Turner's next big role is Lara Croft in an updated version of Tomb Raider, but it's TBD if this color is for the movie, since we've seen a glimpse of the actor in character already—and her hair color in the photo is more Sansa Stark red than 2000s Angelina Jolie espresso. Consider us intrigued by this foray to the dark side.

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Facials are one of my not-so-guilty pleasures, and whenever I spot Elemis on a spa's treatment menu, I know I'm in for a treat. I've long loved the British skin-care brand for its buttery cleansing balms, smoothing face oils, and rich face creams, all of which make their way into the brand's indulgent (and may I mention, wonderfully scented) spa treatments. So when I heard that the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads had won a 2026 Allure Best of Beauty Award, I wondered if this little tub of pre-soaked pads would give me a fraction of that post-facial satisfaction at home.

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Elemis

Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

$69

Amazon

My skin certainly had plenty to gain. It's dry, sensitive, and still sporting the hyperpigmentation and melasma I picked up during my pregnancies. Seven years later, those dark patches are showing absolutely no signs of packing their bags. I'm always trying to get my skin a little smoother and more even-toned, but there's a catch: I already use prescription tretinoin, and my skin doesn't exactly appreciate it when I get overzealous with active ingredients.

That said, I'm not nearly as consistent with my retinoid as I'd like to be. Mine has to be refrigerated (for some reason), and some nights, the thought of walking downstairs to retrieve it is asking way too much from this tired mom. That's partly why these pads appealed to me: They're already soaked, require little brainpower, and seemed like an easy way to work a little exfoliation into my routine on nights when I’m not using a retinoid. But would they actually make a difference? A few fellow Allure editors and I gave them a try to see for ourselves.

In This StoryAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What Makes Elemis’ Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads Different?
• My Experience Using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
• The Results I Got From the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
• What Allure Editors Really Thought of These Pads
• Meet the experts

What Makes Elemis’ Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads Different?

Exfoliating pads aren't a new concept, so it really comes down to what's in the formula. And Elemis has a few interesting things going on here. For starters, there's the brand's patented tri-enzyme technology (a fancy name for a blend of papain, protease, and subtilisin), which works alongside lactic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA), to sweep away dead skin cells.

Enzymes work similarly to acids, but there’s still an important difference. “In an exfoliant, these enzymes break down the proteins that hold dead skin cells together, allowing them to shed more easily,” says Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan. Lactic acid, on the other hand, simply uses its acidity to loosen those bonds. Why use both? "Using two mechanisms could improve exfoliation without requiring a high concentration of either ingredient," says Dr. Riyaz. "That could give you smoother skin with less reliance on a strong acid."

As someone with very reactive skin, the idea of doubling up on exfoliants initially gave me pause. But lactic acid is gentle and actually one of the more sensitive skin-friendly AHAs out there, according to Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey. That's partly because its “molecules are larger than those of glycolic acid, so they don't penetrate as quickly or deeply,” he says. In other words, it takes a more gradual approach to exfoliation. And here's something I especially appreciate: Lactic acid doesn't just exfoliate. "It is also a humectant, meaning it can help support skin hydration even while exfoliating,” adds Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee’s jar of Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Christa Joanna Lee

Lactic acid is only part of the hydration story. The pads also contain "glycerin and betaine (a humectant derived from sugar beets) to help retain water,” says Dr. Riyaz. “Butylene glycol and methyl gluceth-20 also contribute to hydration.” Essentially, they're all there to help keep skin from feeling parched. On top of that, “shea butter and fatty alcohols, including behenyl and stearyl alcohol, lend a hand by softening skin and helping prevent moisture loss, too” he says. (Before the word “alcohol” raises any red flags, don’t worry: These aren't the same as drying alcohols like ethanol.) There's also Lactococcus ferment lysate, a postbiotic that may help support skin renewal and a healthy skin barrier. Dr. Queen notes that it's more of a supporting player than a star ingredient, since research into its benefits is still emerging.

One thing worth mentioning: These pads do contain added fragrance. My skin is sensitive to plenty of things, but fragrance, oddly enough, has never been one of its major triggers. If yours tends to react to scented products, though, that's something to keep in mind, especially since you're already dealing with exfoliating ingredients.

My Experience Using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Here's where these pads really won me over: They're just so easy to use. No pouring toner onto a separate cotton round, no guessing how much to apply, and definitely no hovering over the sink waiting to rinse something off. I use tretinoin at night, so I save these pads for the morning. I just swipe one over clean skin, then move on to the rest of my routine: a moisturizing sunscreen and, usually, a skin tint.

The pads are built with some physical exfoliation, too. One side is textured and the other is smooth, so you're getting a little physical exfoliation on top of what the enzymes and lactic acid are already doing. But this is not an invitation to scrub your face like you're trying to remove a stubborn stain. "The pad vehicle is mainly about convenience and dosing," says Dr. Queen. "One pad is designed to be enough for the full face, which removes the question of how many to use." She also cautions against applying too much pressure, since all that exfoliating action can irritate skin if you get carried away. A few gentle swipes will do the job. (Sometimes I’d pat it in rather than swipe to avoid harshly scrubbing).

Lee demonstrating the texture of the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Christa Joanna Lee

As Dr. Queen points out, combining enzymes with an AHA can make exfoliation more effective, but “it also raises the possibility of dryness and irritation.” Elemis recommends using it both morning and night, so the standard 60-count tub should last you about a month. If your skin is similarly reactive, however, I'd start with just one pad a day like I did (or even a few times a week) and see how your skin handles it before working up to twice-daily use. And if you're already using tretinoin or other exfoliating products, you'll want to be especially careful about overdoing it.

Of course, convenience only gets a product so far. What I really wanted to know was whether these pads could smooth my skin without leaving it feeling stripped, especially since dryness is already a daily battle for me. I did notice a little redness right after swiping one on, but it faded within minutes, and my skin felt comfortable and balanced afterward. And apparently, my skin wasn't the only one that got along with these pads. Allure commerce editor Madison San Miguel, who also has very dry skin, usually steers clear of exfoliating pads because they've left her face feeling tight or, worse, like it's burning. These were a different story. She found them “surprisingly soothing and hydrating,” and after using them just twice a week, she noticed her skin looked glowier the following mornings.

The Results I Got From the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

I was especially interested in what these pads could do for discoloration. "Regular exfoliation can absolutely help fade existing hyperpigmentation," says Dr. Queen, particularly more superficial marks left behind by breakouts or sun exposure. Melasma, unfortunately, is a little more stubborn. "Conditions like melasma are more difficult to treat through exfoliation alone, as the pigment can exist at different depths in the skin and multiple factors contribute to the condition," she explains.

Lee using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Christa Joanna Lee

As for my own melasma, I kept my expectations realistic. After three weeks of using the pads, my skin definitely felt smoother, and I noticed a slight improvement in my overall tone, though I can't say for sure how much of that was thanks to the pads versus my prescription retinoid. I'm certainly not tossing my tretinoin aside, but I can see myself reaching for these whenever my skin starts looking dull or feeling a little rough. The brand says the formula can help improve skin's natural turnover over 28 days, so I'm curious to see whether those subtle improvements become more noticeable with continued use. For now, I'm happy with the smoother texture, even if my dark spots aren’t budging just yet.

What Allure Editors Really Thought of These Pads

I wasn't about to let my skin have the final say, so I recruited a few fellow Allure editors to try the pads, too. Between us, we've got just about every skin concern covered: dryness, oiliness, sensitivity, and dark spots that seem determined to stick around. Here's how the pads worked for everyone else:

Managing editor Alessandra Foresto

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Alessandra Foresto

“I'm new to using exfoliating pads, but lately my eczema breakouts are leaving hyperpigmentation behind almost immediately, so I'm in need of a little more regular exfoliation. I had tried a few different exfoliating toners but hadn't seen a significant change until I started using these. My facialist commented on how much better my dark spots looked after a month of use. They don't sting, smell strongly, or leave my face feeling dry.” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

Senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Elizabeth Gulino

Gulino after using the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads

Elizabeth Gulino

“I have combination skin, and my biggest concerns at the moment are dullness and uneven texture, so I’m always looking for something that can help with both. These pads leave my skin feeling noticeably softer and smoother right after I swipe them on, though I do experience some tightness afterward. It’s nothing that particularly bothers me, especially since I usually follow up with a moisturizer or hydrating serum.

I also get a little redness for about 15 minutes after using them, but that’s pretty standard for me. My skin is on the sensitive side, and pretty much any exfoliating product makes it temporarily red. The good news? About an hour later, my skin looks surprisingly smooth and bright, with no redness in sight.

I don’t use these every day, but after seeing TikTok creators use them to prep their skin before makeup, I’ve started doing the same on weekends.” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

Commerce editor Sarah Han

“No matter what time of the year it is, my combination skin needs consistent exfoliation to look its best—or, at the very least, brighter and more even-toned. By far, the easiest way to decongest my pores is whipping out one of the Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads and giving my T-zone a very proper run-through. Lactic acid is super effective at buffing away dead skin and uneven texture, and I swear my skin is noticeably softer and brighter with each use." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

Commerce editor Madison San Miguel

“I usually stay clear of exfoliating pads because most formulas can feel harsh on my dry to very dry skin. This is one of very few formulas that didn’t make my skin feel ‘tight’ or burned immediately after. Instead, it surprisingly felt soothing and hydrating, likely from the addition of glycerin and shea butter in the formula, even when I’ve used it repeatedly in a row. Though it suggests twice daily, my skin has found it comfortable enough to swipe the pads twice a week during my evening routine—so far, I have enjoyed the glowing results in the AM.” —Madison San Miguel, commerce editor

Meet the experts

• Dawn Queen, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Park Ave Derm based in New York City
• Farhaad Riyaz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Plymouth, Michigan
• Chang Son, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey

Like what you see from Allure's Best of Beauty Awards?Shop All 2026 Skin Winners

Discover more 2026 Best of Beauty Winners:

• Best of Beauty 2026: Lips Winners
• Best of Beauty 2026: Base Winners
• Best of Beauty 2026: Hair Winners

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Think of your cleanser as the best supporting actor in your skin-care routine: It may not get all the glory, but it does more than simply wash your face. The best moisturizing face washes are proof: They rinse away makeup, sunscreen, and grime all while delivering hydration, replenishing your skin barrier, and even addressing concerns like redness and acne, according to Kseniya Kobets, MD, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist.

But what does that look like in practice? Look for creamy, lotion-like formulas, hydrating ingredients (such as humectants like glycerin and hyaluronic acid), and barrier-supporting actives like ceramides and squalane. After all, “the goal is clean skin, not ‘squeaky-clean’ skin,” says Dr. Kobets. These can also make cleansers a good bet for those with mature skin and sensitive skin alike.

Our Top Moisturizing Face Washes

• Best Overall: Prequel Gleanser, $18
• Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser, $19
• Best for Redness: Avène Tolérance Extremely Gentle Cleanser, $20
• Best for Makeup Removal: Elemis Nourishing Omega Rich Cleansing Oil, $56

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing face wash?
• How often should you wash your face with dry skin?
• Can a facial cleanser actually moisturize your skin?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Also worth keeping in mind: While people with dry skin can benefit from a moisturizing cleanser (no surprise here), these formulas can be especially helpful during the colder months, when dry air and lower humidity can leave skin more prone to dryness and irritation. Ahead, we found the best moisturizing face washes, from luxurious picks to drugstore heroes, that leave skin clean and comfortable.

Best Overall: Prequel Gleanser

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Prequel

Gleanser

$18

Shop

$36

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: Consider “gleanser” (a mash-up of glycerin and cleanser) a pretty accurate name: Glycerin makes up a whopping 50% of the Prequel Gleanser Glycerin Body and Face Cleanser, giving this 2026 Best of Beauty Award winner plenty of reason to live up to its hydrating reputation. “Glycerin gets underestimated, but it’s an excellent humectant, meaning it attracts water and helps the skin hold onto it,” says Dr. Kobets.

It’s earned its spot on the shelf for the creamy feel and the way it leaves skin comfortable rather than dry or squeaky. The formula also gets a boost from oat extract and aloe for an extra dose of soothing TLC, making it a particularly nice pick when your skin is feeling sensitive or irritated. One caveat: If you live for a big lather, this isn't your cleanser—its low-key texture doesn't produce much foam.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“I'm super-adamant about showering twice a day—once before work, and then again before bed. I live in New York City—it's gross here! And with multiple showers a day, I need a full-body cleanser that gets me clean quickly without drying me out. Enter, Prequel Gleanser. It's packed with moisture-loving glycerin, lathers well on washcloths (my preferred delivery method), and is fragrance-free, which is a must for my sensitive-leaning skin. Everything below my neck is easily irritated by scent, so I try to stay far from it—and my seasonal eczema is grateful.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, oat extract, aloe
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Best for: all skin types, especially sensitive skin

Best Drugstore: CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

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CeraVe

Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser

$16 $12 (25% off)

Amazon

Why it’s worth it: CeraVe’s Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser is proof that a good face wash doesn’t require a hefty price tag. This thoughtful formula “includes ceramides to help support the skin barrier as well as humectants to help pull hydration into the skin,” says Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania.

But what really sets this cleanser apart is its shape-shifting texture: It starts rich and creamy, then transforms into a soft foam as you work it into your skin. Dr. Kobets calls it “the best of both worlds,” thanks to the cushy comfort of a cream cleanser and the more thorough rinse of a foam. It’s almost like a double-cleanse in one.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid, ceramides
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Best for: normal to dry skin

Best for Redness: Avène Tolérance Foaming Facial Cleanser

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Avène

Tolérance Foaming Facial Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: When your skin is reactive—if it feels tight, itchy, or looks noticeably red after you use a certain product— your cleanser should be more of a wallflower in your routine than a showoff. To that end, Dr. Kobets recommends keeping things simple. “With redness, I prioritize fragrance-free formulas and barrier preservation rather than trying to ‘deep clean’ the skin,” she says.

One of her favorites for just that is Avène Tolérance Foaming Facial Cleanser, which takes that minimalist approach with a short list of skin-comforting ingredients, including thermal spring water, niacinamide, and glycerin. Thermal spring water is rich in skin-soothing minerals, while niacinamide “can help support the skin barrier and calm irritation,” says Dr. Kobets. Glycerin, for its part, keeps skin hydrated, an especially welcome touch when it’s out of sorts. The soap-free formula also lifts away traces of makeup and sunscreen without making sensitive skin feel like it’s been put through the wringer.

More to Know

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• Key ingredients: thermal spring water, niacinamide, and glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Best for: redness, sensitive skin

Best for Makeup Removal: Elemis Nourishing Omega Rich Cleansing Oil

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Elemis

Nourishing Omega Rich Cleansing Oil

$56

Amazon

$56

Nordstrom

Why it’s worth it: Long-wearing foundation and waterproof mascara can be MVPs in your makeup routine, but getting them off at the end of the day? Less enticing. If you’re still seeing streaks on your towel after cleansing, the Elemis Nourishing Omega Rich Cleansing Oil might just change your luck. This oil cleanser is made with a blend of pomegranate, winter rose, and chia seed oils, which glides over skin and melts away stubborn formulas without aggressive scrubbing. It rinses away easily, leaving skin soft and comfortable rather than stripped. “The omega-rich oils contain fatty acids that support the skin barrier and leave the skin feeling softer and more comfortable,” says Dr. Saedi. Plus, the uplifting TK scent turns makeup removal into a surprisingly luxurious ritual for your p.m. routine.

Tester feedback from contributor Sheryl George

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“As someone with perpetually dry skin, I love a cleanser that can take off a full face of makeup and sunscreen without leaving my skin feeling stripped. This silky cleansing oil does exactly that. I massage it onto dry skin, then add water to transform it into a milky emulsion that rinses away easily, taking the day's makeup and grime with it. My skin feels soft and nourished afterward, without that heavy, greasy film some cleansing oils leave behind.” —Sheryl George, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pomegranate, winter rose, chia seed oils
• Fragrance-free: no
• Best for: those who love a good makeup beat

Best for Sensitive Skin: La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

$20

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: For skin that needs extra coddling, it doesn’t get much better than La Roche-Posay Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Cleanser, which is especially “excellent for allergy-prone or sensitive skin types,” according to Dr. Saedi. The 2026 Best of Beauty winner has a milky texture that glides over skin and a nine-ingredient formula that keeps things uncomplicated. Mineral-rich thermal spring water calms skin, while glycerin boosts hydration and supports the skin barrier—a big deal, since an impaired barrier leaves skin more vulnerable to moisture loss and irritation.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"La Roche-Posay is one of the few skin-care brands I recommend to just about anyone, especially those with dry and/or sensitive skin. While I don't fall into either category (I have combination skin), I like to keep my cleansers simple and non-stripping. This Toleriane Moisturizing Milky Facial Cleanser does exactly that and respects my skin barrier, thanks to a very minimal ingredient list featuring thermal spring water and glycerin. It always leaves my skin feeling baby-soft, which is important since it's the second step of my double-cleansing routine. The giant bottle is a huge plus, too—more than enough to last me and my boyfriend many months, and even more convenient for families with kiddos." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: thermal spring water, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Best for: sensitive skin, reactive skin

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Skinfix Balancing Soft-Foam Clay Cleanser

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Skinfix

Balancing Soft-Foam Clay Cleanser

$30

Shop

$30

Ulta Beauty

$30

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: A moisturizing cleanser for acne-prone skin? You read that right. Those of us with breakouts still need moisture, especially if your skin-care routine includes acne-fighting actives like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid—which can often leave skin dry and flaky. Skinfix’s Balancing Soft-Foam Clay Cleanser takes a softer approach, pairing 1% betaine, a humectant that helps attract and retain water, with 4% kaolin clay to absorb excess oil. The result is a creamy mousse that helps lift away excess oil and acne-causing buildup without making hydration an afterthought.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I might have acne-prone skin, but it's also really dry on the cheeks—and as I get older, that dryness just gets more noticeable. That's why I've been obsessed with this cleanser, which foams to the most satisfying lather and doesn't leave my skin feeling squeaky-dry. It's made a difference in controlling my breakouts on the chin and jawline, and even the pores on my nose look a little smaller after consistently washing with this. It's not meant for eye makeup removal so I usually use it first thing in the morning in the shower, or—if I really need more acne control—after going in with an oil cleaner to remove my makeup. It's not just the moisture, but the texture that sets it apart: As soon as I felt the mousse, I was hooked.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: betaine, kaolin clay, coconut cleansers
• Fragrance-free: no
• Best for: combination skin, acne-prone skin

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in a moisturizing face wash?

If you’re in the market for a moisturizing face wash, look for hydrating ingredients like “glycerin, and hyaluronic acid; they’re humectants that attract water and hydration into the skin,” says Dr. Saedi. These ingredients can help counteract the drying effects of cleansing, leaving skin more comfortable rather than stripped.

That doesn’t mean you have to swear off exfoliating cleansers altogether, but acids and physical scrubs may be too much if your skin tends to run dry. “Ultimately, you still have to see how the cleanser feels on your own skin,” says Dr. Kobets. If your skin is also sensitive, she recommends looking for a daily cleanser with soothing ingredients such as Centella asiatica (commonly known as cica), oat, allantoin, or panthenol. Also, prioritize a fragrance-free formula, since fragrance is a common irritant for some people.

How often should you wash your face with dry skin?

Washing your face twice a day, once in the morning and again at night, is a good rule of thumb. A morning cleanse removes sweat, oil, and the residue from your nighttime skin-care products, while an evening wash clears away sunscreen, makeup, pollution, and the day’s accumulated oil and debris. It also gives your morning and nighttime skin-care routines a clean slate so that your subsequent skin-care products can perform their best.

There is one exception: If your skin is extremely dry, actively irritated, or experiencing an eczema flare, a morning cleanse may be more irritating than helpful. In that case, Dr. Saedi recommends simply rinsing with water in the morning and saving your gentle cleanser for nighttime. You should also cleanse after significant sweating, but resist the urge to overwash or scrub repeatedly, which can compromise the skin barrier, cautions Dr. Kobets.

Can a facial cleanser actually moisturize your skin?

Yes, but only to a certain extent. “Cleansers are not a replacement for your moisturizer,” says Dr. Saedi. Even the most hydrating face wash doesn’t get you off the hook for the rest of your routine. That said, a moisturizing cleanser sets the foundation for skin that is balanced. “A well-formulated cleanser can minimize the loss of natural moisturizing factors and lipids while depositing humectants or emollients that leave the skin softer and more comfortable,” says Dr. Kobets.

Meet the experts

• Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Elmsford, New York, and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care
• Nazanin Saedi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania

How we test and review products

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

For our list of the best moisturizing face washes, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, protection, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors — along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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In 2026, luxury doesn’t shout; it whispers. It’s not expensive brands and private jets. It’s taking the time to make your omelette with crème fraîche and maybe gifting yourself some cashmere loungewear. It’s buying the good butter at the grocery store. And winter’s biggest fragrance trends are an ode to those everyday luxuries.

We’re looking for ways to treat ourselves and self-soothe this season. The American Psychiatric Association's annual mental health poll revealed that we’re all dealing with anxiety—current events, bills and expenses, and loneliness are among the top stressors.

“I think (there’s) a broader desire for comfort and reassurance,” says Delphine Jelk, a Paris-based perfumer and creative director of fragrance for Guerlain. “We live in an incredibly fast-paced world, and fragrance can offer a small moment of intimacy. Something warm and almost cocooning that you can wrap yourself in.”

But not just any comfort. Luxury perfume is seeing a 123.7% increase in popularity year-over-year, according to data from Spate, a market research platform. But a recent EY survey revealed that while 62% of respondents ranked quality among their purchase drivers, only 26% look for logo presence. We want the experience of luxury, but quiet luxury. Fulfillment, not wealth-signaling.

“There is a real desire for sophisticated simplicity,” Jelk says. “A return to what is essential, but always with elegance. I think fragrance reflects the same desire: creations that feel more essential and immediately understandable, but still have sophistication, depth, and emotion.”

That means finding healing moments that feel elevated. Think: Gourmands that go the extra mile to feel truly gourmet (not homemade brownies but flaky, buttery, croissant accords that you’d find in an upscale bakery). Smoky incense is still a source of meditative calm and comfort, but it’s made more transparent and wearable this season by pairing it with florals or creamier woods—more like a sunrise yoga class than an old-school church. Nature-inspired notes balance the crisp smell of wintry greens with the warmth of aged woods. Musks imitate the feeling of a luxe fabric, soft and skin-like, as a fresh set of Frette bedsheets. And pink pepper notes give heavier scents a little energy to keep us going through the dark days of winter.

There’s never been a better time to treat yourself. Ahead, the experts break down the biggest winter fragrance trends.

Winter forest notes

Every season, we inch a little closer to off-the-grid-living. Call it tech fatigue or simply a forest-inspired “wilderkind” trend taking off, but retreating to a Frank Lloyd Wright house in the woods where you can spend your mornings quietly meandering through nature and your evenings on an Adirondack chair under the stars would almost certainly heal us all.

It’s for our own good to get a breath of fresh air. Several recent studies have revealed the tremendous health benefits of being exposed to the scents of nature. The smell of forest fir and mushroom is tied to an increase in mental and physical relaxation and therefore lower cortisol, along with lower blood pressure. Mother Nature has always had our back.

An increased interest in touching grass has extended to fragrance. Online searches for petrichor fragrances have surged by 94.4% since last year, and there’s been a 243.8% year-over-year increase in searches for “woody perfume,” according to Spate. “People are worn out by the digital world, surveillance, and chaos of the present day,” says Chicago-based perfumer and founder of Pearfat Parfum, Alie Kiral. “These kinds of smells are a reminder that ultimately, we’re just floating on a big rock in space.”

Of course, come winter, the great outdoors smells a little different. Instead of budding greens, wild berries, and sunny solar notes, a winter forest has a crispness to it. “Aromatic woods and greens,” says New York City–based Jon Bresler, founder of LAFCO, a perfume and home fragrance brand. “Think cedar, pine, fir, cypress, eucalyptus, rosemary, juniper, and moss. These materials can be used to create the sensation of being outdoors in winter; the coolness of the air.”

Richard Saint-Ford, a Los Angeles–based perfumer and founder of Iggywoo, also anticipates seeing a demand for fragrances that mimic a winter landscape. “I think people are starting to understand that winter fragrance doesn't automatically have to mean warm, heavy, or sweet. There's something incredibly beautiful about amplifying the environment you're already in,” he says. “Embracing the cold rather than trying to fight it with sweetness.”

Mineral or airy accords can create that feeling of cold air hitting your skin, Saint-Ford says. Guerlain’s L’Heure Bleue and Liis’s Forest Sounds both feature ozonic accords to create that fresh, cold air effect.

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L’Heure Bleue

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Forest Sounds

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Pine, fir, eucalyptus, and rosemary—what Bresler refers to as “cold greens”—add a sharp note to fragrance that helps firmly place it in winter. He points to FFern Winter 26’s use of eucalyptus, basil, fir, moss, cedar, and vetiver—sharpened by lemon and peppermint—as a combination that creates “a sense of a cold landscape rather than a traditional holiday fragrance.”

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Ffern

Winter 26

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Byronic Hero

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Finding a fragrance that balances winter greens with deeper notes like moss, aromatic herbs, or aged woods like sandalwood, oud, and patchouli is key to evoking “winter forest” instead of “Christmas tree.” Serviette’s Byronic Hero features a fir balsam note at the heart, deepened by oud and patchouli. LAFCO’s Fireside Light opens with fir balsam before settling into a smokier patchouli and guaiacwood base, and Dirty Hinoki by Heretic opens with wintry pine, thyme, and nutmeg notes, offset by rich cedar and resinous frankincense.

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Fireside Light

$98

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Dirty Hinoki

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Micodelirio

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Winter foraging can also be a touchstone to deepen colder notes. Kiral recommends Nassomato Micodeliro, which features a strong mushroom accord with spearmint as an invigorating wintry top note.

Bakery gourmands

Imagine, if you will, a winter in Paris. You’d have your morning café crème in your pied-à-terre, then bundle up before hitting your neighborhood bakery for a pastry. When you open the shop door, a waft of that warm, cozy air would smell less like a Dunkin’ (no disrespect) and more high-end, artisanal, and textural.

“This is the season's most literal comfort language: bready, buttery, faintly toasted accords,” says Arnaud Guggenbuhl, global head of marketing, insights, and image for Givaudan, a fragrance ingredient manufacturer. Gourmands aren’t sugary sweet this season; they’re rich. “Winter turns a dial back toward warmth, but a smarter warmth.”

Look for toasted or honey elements that enrich otherwise ordinary bakery ingredients, like the roasted macadamia in Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Intense or honeyed orange flower beneath pistachio, cardamom, and praline in Clean Reserve Pistachio Addiction. Jeniece Trizzino, vice president of innovation and product at Scentbird and Drift, also likes a chewy, milky note in her bakery-inspired gourmands, like the mochi in DedCool Mochi Milk or Nette Mochi Banane.

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Cheirosa 62 Intense

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Pistachio Addiction

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Mochi Milk

$90

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Mochi Banane

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Creamy, milky fragrances can also evoke that warm, high-end bakery environment. Traditionally created with vanilla or tonka, nuttier milks and creams elevate a Nilla wafer to a fresh madeleine. Anti Kleopatra features a smooth almond milk top note laced with cinnamon and jasmine. And airy chantilly and almond flower notes (as opposed to heavy buttercream frosting of seasons past) make Oscar de la Renta New York Rendezvous smell like a fresh financier.

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Kleopatra

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New York Rendezvous

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Transparent incense

Incense has never been a wallflower. You know when it enters the room. Despite its cultural use as a meditative or spiritual aid, the deep, smoky scent can be a polarizing party guest. But as we seek softer comforts and yearn to be closer to our witchier, more spiritual selves, an incense that whispers is in order. We want the comfort, but with a much softer touch.

And perfumers are seeing a move to quieter scents. “The mood has shifted from ‘notice me across the room’ to ‘recognize me up close,’” says Guggenbuhl. “A fragrance you wear to say, quite simply: ‘I'm here, come closer.’”

Andreas Wilhelm, a Zurich-based perfumer, agrees that the pendulum has swung to lighter tastes that caress instead of punch. “After years of powerful projection that could sometimes feel almost intrusive, people seem to be rediscovering the appeal of a more personal scent,” he says.

That, combined with a cultural desire for better mental health and well-being, has brought incense, in particular, forward this winter. “There’s a broader interest in ritual and decompression,” Bresler says. A 2025 report by McKinsey revealed that 42% of Gen Z and millennial respondents in the US are prioritizing mindfulness, and a recent Scientific Reports study revealed that practicing meditation has increased steadily over the last 20 years and shows no signs of slowing.

So while mindfulness and meditation are appealing concepts right now, a heavier, darker scent to aid your spiritual transcendence might not be. Instead, winter’s incense notes are “lighter and more modern,” Bresler says. “It doesn’t have to be dense or overtly religious” to still inspire a sense of calm.

“Incense is moving somewhere interesting,” Saint-Ford agrees. “We've traditionally made incense fragrances very dark, smoky, and ceremonial. I'm more interested in incense being used almost transparently—frankincense, elemi and resins with air, citrus, florals or pale woods around them.” The goal is warmth and atmosphere without creating a cloud around yourself. “For winter, that's really compelling because it feels intimate rather than oppressive.”

Fulton & Roark Cathedral of Ruins opens with a floral rose and fresh green cypress before settling into a smoldering frankincense, and Amouage Overture 41 softens its deep blend of frankincense, benzoin, and patchouli with geranium, cinnamon, rose, and warm sandalwood. Both Kiral and Wilhelm recommend Maya Njie Aethi Opum, which uses thiouraye, a sweeter resin, in concert with vanilla, coffee, and papyrus.

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Cathedral of Ruins

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Overture 41

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Aethi Opum

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An even lighter interpretation, Perfumehead 1360, layers grapefruit, pepper, and vetiver on top of a base of gurjum, a quieter resin than frankincense or myrrh. Victoria Beckham Hotel Portofino buries an incense base note in basil, bergamot, and fig, so that it simply deepens those brighter notes, like you lightly toasted them in your Mediterranean kitchen. And Ormonde Jayne Tolu lifts frankincense and amber with juniper berry, orange blossom, and tonka top notes.

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1360

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Hotel Portofino

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Tolu

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Cozy fabrics

There’s sitting by the fire, and then there’s sitting by the fire in your Aspen ski chalet under a cashmere blanket. And while our budgets may be restrictive, a fragrance that emulates the luxury of the softest, coziest fabrics is the next best thing this winter. “Cashmere, suede, velvet, cotton, and skin musks are increasingly shaping fragrance language, mirroring the broader fashion shift toward tactility and second-skin textures,” Guggenbuhl says.

The appeal isn’t just comfort and warmth—although that’s certainly part of it—but also sheerness and closeness. “Winter 2026 reframes luxury as emotional precision. This year, warmth is built through intimacy instead,” Guggenbuhl says. It’s quiet luxury, but for fragrance. Not in-your-face logos and couture runways, just the pleasures of real, quality linen sheets, a sleek, buttery leather tote, or high-end woolen gloves. Pinterest searches have reflected this shift: They’re seeing an uptick in sheer, cozy fragrance for winter, with more than a 287% increase in “skin scent” searches, a note often used to evoke cashmere or cotton.

“Perfumers are becoming increasingly interested in reconstructing sensations and materials rather than just flowers, fruits, and foods,” Saint-Ford says, so expect to see notes and accords that mimic quality fabrics like cashmere, wool, and linen.

But what exactly do these fabrics smell like? Trizzino points to a molecule called cashmeran, a note used to mimic wool and cashmere that was developed in the 1970s by International Flavors and Fragrance, an ingredient manufacturer. “It does not smell like cashmere so much as it smells like the feeling of cashmere, which is a strange and useful thing for a material to do.”

“Cashmeran gives you that cashmere and worn-fabric feeling, so you are essentially wearing texture and then styling a fragrance on top of it,” she adds. So the surrounding notes greatly affect the time and place of the cashmere. Almond, cream, and vanilla give the cashmere top note in Phlur Cashmere Skin an almost gourmand touch—like you were wearing a cashmere sweater while baking banana bread at your home in the Berkshires. Bath & Body Works Cashmere Amber pairs cashmere musk with amber to give a deep, warm, sitting-by-the-fire feeling. And, if you’re longing for spring, Memo Paris Odeon Rosebud tinges its cashmeran base with fresh rose, peony, and freesia accord.

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Cashmere Skin

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Cashmere Amber

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Odeon Rosebud

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Linen, on the other hand, has a cleaner touch. The addition of mineral musks (those transparent skin scents we’re seeing trend on Pinterest) can help steer a fragrance toward a fresh linen feeling, adds Bresler.

“Linen is a different construction and a much more established one,” says Trizzino. “Perfumers call it a fantasy accord because there is no linen extract. You build it from white musks for the softness, light aldehydes for the air-dried brightness, and a transparent ozonic note for the sense of outdoors.” She recommends Maison Margiela Replica Lazy Sunday Morning, which uses clean-smelling aldehydes as an approximation of linen, and settles into white musk and iris, “which is itself the most textile-like natural in perfumery, powdery and dry, like fabric.” Guggenbuhl likes Carolina Herrera Cedar Chic, which features a similar top profile, with a creamy cedarwood finish.

L’Epoque Parfums Inner Child and Baruti Hot Cotton both open with more literal interpretations (linen accord and a hot iron accord, respectively) before moving from fresh-pressed laundry to second-skin musk.

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Replica Lazy Sunday Morning

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Cedar Chic

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Inner Child

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Hot Cotton

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Pink pepper

With daylight getting harder and harder to come by, we fight the urge to hibernate until March. But we have jobs and chores and other responsibilities (things grizzly bears do not concern themselves with), so an olfactory pick-me-up will have to keep us energized.

If you feel like you’re seeing more pink pepper in fragrance this season, it’s likely been added very strategically. “It gives an impact at first smell, and nowadays, with such a crowded market, it is important that fragrances impress consumers right from the first spray,” explains Emma, the perfumer student behind the social media account @perfumerism. Usually a top note, pink pepper is “spicy and peppery, sparkling, with slight tea-like or floral notes.”

Pink pepper “is a dried berry, similar in profile to black pepper but with more floral undertones,” Emma says. “Where black pepper is aromatic and dusty, pink pepper is more citrusy, sparkling, and fruity. It is versatile, light, and bright.” And actually, not at all the same plant as a black peppercorn.

“I usually have a vial of pink pepper and Timur pepper absolutes on my worktable and smell it most days for an immediate lift,” says Linda Pilkington, London-based perfumer and founder of Ormonde Jayne. “It’s unexpected, with a citrus grapefruit-like quality, completely different from a pepper that you would cook with.”

It’s perfect to help lighten heavier winter ingredients (like incense, vanilla, or rich spices). “It is not a spice that adds weight; it is a spice that adds light,” says Trizzino, like in Nishane Hold Me Closer, where it lifts notes of resinous frankincense and opoponax (a variety of myrrh), or in Ex Nihilo Bois D’Hiver, in counterpoint to woody notes like cedarwood, sandalwood, and patchouli. Pink peppercorn in Byredo Havana Tonka softens a more serious profile; rum and tobacco are more wearable with the sparkly topper. It can also keep vanilla from skewing too rich and dessert-like: Cirqadian’s Brain Stems uses pink pepper in concert with citrusy bergamot to brighten an amber and vanilla base.

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Hold Me Closer

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Bois D’Hiver

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Havana Tonka

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Brain Stems

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“The citrus facets in pink pepper also play well with soft, musky fragrances,” Emma says. Contrapposto’s Musc Petille combines pink pepper with bitter orange to complement a sheer musk base and warm, musky ambrette seeds. And Studio Particulier What We Do Is Secret’s newest fragrance, layers pink pepper berries on top of powdery orris, deep suede, and soft skin musk.

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Musc Petille

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Studio Particulier

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Meet the experts

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• Jon Bresler is a New York City–based perfumer and founder of LAFCO.
• Emma is the perfumer student behind the account @perfumerism.
• Arnaud Guggenbuhl is the global head of marketing, insights, and image for Givaudan.
• Delphine Jelk is a Paris-based perfumer and creative director of fragrance for Guerlain.
• Alie Kiral is a perfumer in Chicago and founder of Pearfat Parfum.
• Linda Pilkington is a London-based perfumer and founder of Ormonde Jayne.
• Richard Saint-Ford is a perfumer in Los Angeles and founder of Iggywoo.
• Jeniece Trizzino is vice president of innovation and product for Scentbird and Drift.
• Andreas Wilhelm is a Zurich-based perfumer.

Read more about the latest trends:

• The Top Winter Hair Trends of 2026 Are Major Power Moves
• Fragrance Is All About Escapism in 2026
• Peony Perfumes Aren't Just for Spring Anymore

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When it comes to eye makeup, Oscar-winning actor Charlize Theron typically keeps things pretty minimal, preferring a statement hairstyle or colorful lip instead of bold eye shadow. But that doesn't mean she always sticks to a beauty uniform, either! For an amFAR gala in Dallas, Texas, the star took flight with a sculpted, winged-out bronze smoky eye.

Theron, who has been working with amFAR for decades and accepted the Award of Inspiration at the gala, looked equal parts pretty and punk on the red carpet. Makeup artist Kate Lee, who is part of Theron's “hair and makeup family of champions,” brushed on a rich bronze shadow all over the star's lids and outward, creating a graphic wing shape that extended all the way to the tip of Theron's brow. The shadow was the perfect balance of cool and warm tones with a satiny finish, making Theron's green eyes stand out so dramatically, they're practically all you can focus on. (Lee works with Chanel, so for a similar shade, try the brand's Ombre Première Lacque liquid shadow in Desert Wind.) The shadow did most of the heavy lifting, with only a touch of liner and mascara to further accentuate Theron's eyes. Slim, defined brows, peach blush, and a soft nude lip served as the foundation for her gala glam.

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Hairstylist Adir Abergel kept the cool, punky-chic vibes going with an effortlessly cool updo, leaving a few strands free and giving them a waved, wet-look texture that paired beautifully with the winged-out shadow and Theron's black-and-red Givenchy jumpsuit.

The actor's makeup is right on trend; a handful of makeup pros spotlighted mineral-y, shimmery shadow finishes like her bronzy color and its smoky—but not intensely smoky—finish as big looks to try this fall and winter. And with holiday parties right around the corner, there's never been a better time to break out your makeup brushes!

More celebrity beauty news:

• Olivia Colman Is the Indisputable New Queen of Quiet Silver
• Zara Larsson's Sparkly, Frosted Eye Shadow Is Positively Angelic
• Megan Thee Stallion Serves Up Two White-Blonde Looks in Her “Thin Ice” Video