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The best mandelic acid serums are proof that exfoliation doesn’t have to come with a side of irritation. “Mandelic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) derived from bitter almonds,” says Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Beverly Hills. What makes it unique is its larger molecular size—it sinks in more slowly, resulting in a gentler experience overall (especially if your skin is sensitive).

Still, don’t confuse gentle with ineffective. “It can improve skin texture, tone, and clarity,” she says, thanks to its ability to exfoliate away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover. Brighter, smoother skin without any drama? We’re sold.

Our Top Mandelic Acid Serums

• Best Overall: Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%, $20
• Best for Oily Skin: Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum, $54
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant, $37
• Best for Mature Skin: Allies of Skin Mandelic Advanced Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum, $105

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is mandelic acid more gentle than glycolic acid or lactic acid?
• How often should you use mandelic acid serum?
• Can mandelic acid be used with retinol or vitamin C?
• Is mandelic acid safe for deeper skin tones?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Mandelic acid pulls its weight when breakouts are in the mix, too. “I also appreciate its antibacterial properties, which make it especially beneficial for acne-prone or easily irritated skin,” adds Whitney Hovenic, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Reno, Nevada. In other words, it’s covering more ground than you’d expect from something so low-key.

Best Overall: Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%

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Naturium

Mandelic Topical Acid 12%

$20

Amazon

$20

Ulta Beauty

$20

Naturium

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: There’s something refreshing about Naturium’s naming approach—you don’t have to play guessing games. Mandelic Topical Acid 12% tells you exactly what you’re getting, and yes, it’s the highest concentration on this list. As we learned, mandelic acid’s larger molecular size (i.e., it absorbs more slowly and works more gently) keeps this fragrance-free formula especially friendly for sensitive skin. “It’s a solid pick for clearer, more even-looking skin, especially when post-acne marks are lingering,” says Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Portland.

The other key ingredients in the formula are all about making sure your glowy skin sticks around. Dr. Moy notes that “niacinamide adds extra brightening powers,” while sodium hyaluronate and tocopherol keep skin comfortably hydrated. A blend of fruit-derived AHAs—like bilberry and sugarcane—further gently sloughs off dead skin. “It’s a creamy, nourishing texture without that tight or over-exfoliated feeling,” says Dr. Hovenic—one of several experts we spoke with who’s a fan of the formula.

Pai before applying the Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Naturium Mandelic Topical Acid 12%

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I really liked having the option of mandelic acid during pregnancy, during which salicylic acid is usually a no-go. (I'm not too precious about topical ingredients, but thought it was a nice perk.) This served as my primary exfoliator and seemed to brighten some of the dullness, although I'm awaiting any fading in dark spots—time will tell. But it's done well to keep bumps and uneven texture under control, didn't have a noticeable scent, and absorbed immediately—so I could move onto my serum step quickly.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 12%
• Other key ingredients: niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate, tocopherol, bilberry, sugar cane
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Skin: Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

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Sofie Pavitt Face

Mandelic Clearing Serum

$54

Sephora

Why it's worth it: If your skin runs oily, it’s tempting to exfoliate it into oblivion and call it a day, but that usually backfires. Sofie Pavitt’s Face Mandelic Clearing Serum gently exfoliates to clear out pore-clogging buildup with 8% mandelic acid (meaning, fewer surprise breakouts) while staying mild enough to use consistently, says Dr. Kanwal. And because oily skin is often just dehydrated skin in disguise, the formula doesn’t skip the cushioning. You’ve got both hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate (a smaller, broken-down form that can sink in a bit deeper) for layered hydration that works on multiple levels. Add panthenol to soothe and support the barrier, helping skin stay comfortable and balanced. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the brand’s founder—a New York-based licensed esthetician often dubbed the “acne whisperer.”

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Sofie Pavitt Face Mandelic Clearing Serum

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"I used to be a splash of cold water, SPF, and go type of morning skin care person, but this serum made me completely change my tune. The difference it makes in how my skin looks throughout the day (and how my makeup wears) is astounding. My skin is prone to looking either very oily or very dull about eight hours into the day—how'd I get both issues? Just lucky I guess—and I give this serum total credit for keeping my skin looking actually nice after a long day of commuting in NYC's less-than-perfect air, sitting in a high-rise office for eight hours, then getting up to who knows what after work. I feel like I can see the antioxidant protection in action when I use this. It keeps my skin looking like I freshly applied my skin care, which is such a feat." —Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 8%
• Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Versed Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

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Versed

Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

$18

Amazon

$18

Versed

Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Versed Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

Sarah Felbin

Why it's worth it: Versed doesn’t disclose the exact percentage of mandelic acid, but it sits third on the ingredient list—just behind water and glycerin—so you’re likely getting a meaningful dose, especially with other exfoliants in the mix. This $18 Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum pairs mandelic acid with salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid that dives into pores to clear out oil and buildup) and lactic acid (a gentle alpha hydroxy acid that smooths and brightens on the surface), making it a strong pick for acne-prone skin dealing with both congestion and uneven tone. What keeps it from feeling like too much: Glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea, and sodium PCA maintain moisture, while oat extract calms visible redness, so you can treat breakouts without looking like you’ve been treating them.

Felbin before applying the Versed Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Versed Skin Refine Gentle Pore Clearing Serum

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“My sensitive, acne-prone skin doesn't always love a strong acid—but Versed's mandelic acid serum busts breakouts without upsetting my skin barrier. It's a super-lightweight serum that sinks in in seconds and never pills underneath the rest of my skin care. After I started using it, I noticed less acne popping up in my perpetually oily T-zone, and the pores on my nose looked less clogged. Gentle and effective is my favorite skin care combo, and this serum nails it.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: undisclosed
• Other key ingredients: salicylic acid, willow bark extract, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant

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Paula's Choice

6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant

$37

Amazon

$37

Dermstore

$37

Sephora

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant

Bianca Richards

Why it's worth it: If you have very sensitive skin, the words “liquid exfoliant” can send a small shudder down your spine. And if the brand’s viral 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant felt like it was pushing your reactive skin a little too far, this is where Paula’s Choice’s 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant steps in. It doesn’t go digging deep into pores; instead, it stays surface-level, where mandelic acid—paired with lactic acid, one of the most sensitive-skin-friendly AHAs—gently smooths texture while retaining moisture. The fragrance-free formula is backed by yarrow extract to support a compromised barrier, plus fermented ingredients like Lactobacillus ferment lysate to maintain hydration.

Richards before applying the Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant

Bianca Richards

Richards after using he Paula’s Choice 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant for one month

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“Mandelic acid is often considered the go-to gentle exfoliant for sensitive skin, though it’s rare to find a mandelic acid serum on the market, let alone one that’s both effective and truly non-irritating. After using it for about a month now, it's done absolute WONDERS to my skin. Over time, using this gentle exfoliant ever other day has given me such a flawless, radiant complexion, so much so I feel confident without wearing makeup to the office. My rule of thumb is always to pair an exfoliating treatment with an intensely hydrating cream or mask because after exfoliation, my skin benefits most from a deep, replenishing boost of hydration. This may be biased, but I’ve come to trust that Paula’s Choice delivers the results I’m looking for, so once I finish my bottle, I will need to re-up ASAP!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 6%
• Other key ingredients: 2% lactic acid, yarrow extract, Lactobacillus ferment lysate
• Fragrance-free: yes

More mandelic acid serums we like

Best for Dry Skin: Good Molecules Mandelic Acid Serum

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Good Molecules

Mandelic Acid Serum

$10

Amazon

$10

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Well-hydrated skin is smooth, bouncy, and has that healthy glow. Doesn’t sound like yours? Then try Good Molecules’ Mandelic Acid Serum, which pairs 10% mandelic acid with phytic acid and gluconolactone (polyhydroxy acids, or PHAs) to gently smooth away dry, uneven patches without pushing skin too far. As Dr. Kanwal notes, “It combines these already gentle exfoliators with two forms of hyaluronic acid (HA), so it can smooth dry patches without feeling stripping.” Those two sizes of HA pull in moisture at different levels—one sits closer to the surface for that immediate plump, while the smaller one sinks in a bit deeper for longer-lasting hydration.

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 10%
• Other key ingredients: phytic acid, gluconolactone
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Mature Skin: Allies of Skin Mandelic & Peptides Advanced Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

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Allies of Skin

Mandelic & Peptides Advanced Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum

$105

Nordstrom

$105

Dermstore

$105

Revolve

Why it's worth it: For mature skin, exfoliation can feel like a balancing act—enough to brighten and smooth, but not so much that it leaves skin feeling stressed and raw. Allies of Skin’s Mandelic Advanced Pigmentation Corrector Night Serum combines a gentle combination of 11% mandelic, lactic, and salicylic acids with niacinamide to gently resurface while targeting uneven tone and lingering dark spots. “This is an excellent product for addressing persistent hyperpigmentation and dullness,” says Dr. Kanwal. It goes beyond exfoliation, too, with bakuchiol and peptides to smooth the look of fine lines over time—so you’re not just refining texture, you’re also giving skin a little extra bounce. “It’s smooth and elegant, making it easy to layer into a routine that supports brighter, more even-looking skin over time,” she adds.

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 11% mandelic, lactic, and salicylic blend
• Other key ingredients: niacinamide, 1% bakuchiol, peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Budget: The Ordinary Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid

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The Ordinary

Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid

$8 $6 (25% off)

Amazon

$8

Ulta Beauty

$8

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Budget formulas don’t always hold their own when actives are involved, but this is one of the exceptions. The Ordinary’s Mandelic Acid 10% + Hyaluronic Acid keeps things simple but effective—and under $10. “It combines 10% mandelic acid with hyaluronic acid to gently exfoliate while keeping the skin hydrated,” says Dr. Hovenic. That hydration goes a step further with a crosslinked form of hyaluronic acid, which creates a lightweight, mesh-like layer on skin to hold onto water longer and release it slowly, so you get that cushioned, plump feel. Glycerin adds an extra moisture pull, while Tasmanian pepperberry calms potential irritation. The texture makes it easy to weave into your routine: “It’s a watery, fast-absorbing serum that layers easily,” adds Dr. Hovenic.

More to know

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• Percentage of mandelic acid: 10%
• Other key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Tasmanian pepperberry, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mandelic acid more gentle than glycolic acid or lactic acid?

Yes, mandelic acid is generally considered gentler than glycolic and even lactic acid. “It can be helpful for sensitive skin since it is less irritating than other AHAs,” says Dr. Moy. Its larger molecular size means it penetrates the skin more slowly, minimizing any sting and the likelihood of irritation. You’re still getting the smoothing, brightening benefits of an AHA—just without the intensity that can come with its faster-acting counterparts.

How often should you use mandelic acid serum?

There’s no need to rush it. “It is generally recommended to start using a mandelic acid serum two to three times a week and increase frequency based on skin tolerance,” says Dr. Moy. In practice, that means easing it into your routine, seeing how your skin responds, and only dialing it up if things stay calm.

Can mandelic acid be used with retinol or vitamin C?

Yes, mandelic acid can be used alongside retinol or vitamin C—but this is where pacing matters. As Dr. Moy puts it, “mandelic acid can be used with retinol and vitamin C, but it’s best to start with lower concentrations and monitor your skin’s tolerance.” This simply means don’t pile them all on at once. Ease in, see how your skin behaves, and adjust as you go.

Is mandelic acid safe for deeper skin tones?

“Mandelic acid products are safe for deeper skin tones because of their lower risk of causing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation,” says Dr. Moy. Since it works more gradually than stronger exfoliants, it’s less likely to trigger the kind of irritation that can lead to discoloration, so you get the benefits without setting off a whole other issue.

Meet the experts

• Whitney Hovenic, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs micrographic dermatologic surgeon, and co-founder of Spooge based in Reno, Nevada
• Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Portland
• Lauren Moy, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist of Moy MD based in Beverly Hills, California

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 mandelic acid serums, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from 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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A few years ago, Pamela Anderson revealed that the secret ingredient for her signature messy, towering ‘90s bombshell updo was a G-string, so when I saw Bella Hadid’s latest Instagram post, I had to wonder if there was a pair of underwear keeping her hairstyle in place. Probably not, but regardless of its architecture, Hadid's updo was definitely following in Anderson's footsteps: perfectly tousled and undone with tons of bombshell bravado.

Hadid shared a few behind-the-scenes snippets from a recent Miss Sixty campaign photoshoot in what appears to be a gorgeous seaside home or hotel, resplendent with ornate antique furniture. The model's dark blonde hair, styled by Jawara, was pulled loosely up into a bun at the crown of her head, but this was not her go-to tight knot; instead, it was an explosion of curls and waves pulled out from the base for lots of va-va-volume. Swipe through a few pics for a side view, where you can better see just how towering her updo really is. Many, many softly curled tendrils descended from all angles, giving the updo even more soft texture and brushing her neck and collarbones for a flirtatious, come-hither vibe. A portion of her hair was left free and brushed over one eye for that legendary bombshell “peekaboo” effect popularized by Veronica Lake in the ‘40s and still just as beloved today. And while Hadid's updo is reminiscent of Anderson, it also reminds me of another famous bombshell upstyle: Beyoncé’s beyond-iconic B'Day look! If I could wear my hair like this every single day, I absolutely would.

Instagram content

The bombshell updo is a bona-fide classic, no matter who wears it. The style has gone viral on TikTok multiple times, and we've seen it walk the red carpet and pop up in editorial photoshoots and campaigns like Hadid's. Millie Bobby Brown, Kim Kardashian, and even Martha Stewart have all given it a spin in recent months. (Anderson herself has pretty much given the style a rest, preferring to experiment with French cinema-inspired haircuts and brief forays into life as a redhead.) Hair trends may come and go, but an undone bombshell updo is timeless.

More celebrity beauty news:

• Zendaya's “Something Blue" Hair and Makeup Has Me Under Its Spell
• Selena Gomez Is a Y2K Queen In Pin-Straight Tendrils
• Zara Larsson's Sparkly Butterfly Back Tattoos Are a Full-On Y2K Beauty Fantasy

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Lately, my TikTok For You Page has been filled with people trying to convince me that my life will be significantly better if only I could identify my “signature scent.” Committing to a singular fragrance means you’ve “peaked as an adult,” according to one content creator; another says it’s a step towards creating a “perfectly chic and timeless lifestyle.” The concept is simple: Find a fragrance that becomes integral to your personal brand, one that you can and should wear every day for as long as you live. Does that sound complicated? No. But it sure as hell sounds boring.

If you’re a signature scent truther, let me ask you something: Would you wear a plain white T-shirt every single day without fail? Obviously not—besides the questionable hygiene practice, wearing the same thing day in and day out is uninspired and oftentimes inappropriate for the situation at hand. You wouldn’t wear a T-shirt to an important job interview, on your wedding day, or even for a first date—so why should your fragrance routine be one-size-fits-all?

I’m not the only one who feels this way. “I think fragrance is the new lip gloss,” says Rachel Green, founder of L’Epoque Parfums. "If you look in your lip gloss drawer, you probably have 15 different pinky-nudes that are sort of the same color profile, but there's something a little different about all of them." When Green was first conceptualizing her brand, she was inspired by consumers (like me!) who were no longer interested in committing to one scent—instead, they’re yearning for a fragrance wardrobe. “They want to change their scent with their mood,” she says, adding that the sentiment is the inspiration behind L’Epoque, a French word that translates to “the era.” Fitting, since each bottle is only 30ml (fragrance sizes are usually 50ml or 100ml) for the purpose of being “used, loved, and eventually left behind.” The point is to create “a small archive of who you were” during a given “era.”

But there are plenty of people who could care less about building a personal scent archive—when I asked for the signature scent devotees to come forward on Instagram, I had almost 30 people swarm my DMs immediately. One of them was Fran, who works in the fragrance industry and has exclusively worn Oud Satin Mood by Maison Francis Kurkdjian since 2023. “It was a blind buy [so I hadn’t smelled it beforehand],” he says. The risk paid off: He hasn’t been without it since. “I do try other things all the time, but I always immediately go back to it." Dena told me she’s been wearing the same scent for the past seven years: Lancôme Idole. Alex says she’s been wearing Prada Candy every day since its release in 2011. “I always get compliments,” she messaged me. Her philosophy: “Don’t fix what’s not broken.”

While a steady stream of compliments sounds enticing, I still find myself drawn to Green’s concept of a personal archive. After all, fragrance has the power to trigger vivid memories, even decades later. That’s something known as the Proust effect, named after writer Marcel Proust who, in his novel In Search of Lost Time, recalled a trove of childhood memories after smelling freshly-baked madeleine cakes. Venkatesh Murthy, PhD, a Harvard University professor who specializes in the neuroscience of smell, tells me this phenomenon may be possible because of the way our brains are structured. “The regions that are important for making sense of smell are also very close to those that store memories and create emotions,” he says.

Throughout my life, I’ve had my fair share of Proustian experiences: Aquolina Pink Sugar, for example, reminds me of middle school dances while Britney Spears’ Fantasy causes my stomach to turn in knots, the same feeling I had when I’d sneak into my older sister’s room to steal a few spritzes. On a less traumatic note, Leila Lou, a light, fruity scent from By Rosie Jane, teleports me to the fall of 2022 when I went to Paris for the very first time with two of my best friends.

Our olfactory system is powerful. But when we inundate it with the same, monotonous smells over and over, do we lose what makes them so special? I ask Dr. Murthy this, but he says there’s not exactly scientific evidence to back it up—he does, however, tell me about a broad concept called adaptation. “When you repeatedly experience something, then you start responding less and less to it in general,” he says. When it comes to scents, people can become desensitized if they’re exposed to the same thing over and over, which, in my opinion, makes dedicating yourself to a signature scent all the more dull.

“To me, it's sort of like eating the same food every day,” says Dominique Astorino, a content creator based in Paris. “I would get sick of that.” Ironically, Astorino runs an Airbnb experience in the City of Love that’s advertised as an opportunity to “find your signature scent” at fragrance hotspots like Guerlain, Printemps Haussman, and Galeries Lafayette. But instead of zeroing in on a singular perfume, she says people often end up buying discovery sets—collections of mini vials that serve as a preview before investing in a full-size bottle—and are more interested in the shopping experience versus finding a fragrance they’ll wear forever.

“There's something cool and chic about having a signature scent, but I think your signature scent can evolve or function as your anchor point of the rest of your [fragrance] wardrobe,” she says. Astorino has an all-time favorite scent—Safanad by Parfums de Marly—but since she has 150 perfumes, she “wears something different almost every day.”

Think of ditching your monotonous perfume routine as a sort of fragrance friction-maxxing. That is, making an effort to disrupt your tolerance for convenience, like reaching for the same ol’ perfume everyday without putting any thought into it. I’m not encouraging you to run out and purchase a roster of perfumes that end up collecting dust on your shelves, but broaden your horizons. Invest in a rotating cast of two or three, and start with a trial size before fully committing to a purchase. “You want to test a perfume in different environments, different climates,” Astorino says. “For women, you want to test it during all four weeks of your cycle because [hormones] impact your sense of scent.”

Explore other ways scents can mingle with each other—hair perfumes! Body oils! Solid perfumes! They can all join together to create a harmony of aromas that’s unique to you. If you’ve already committed to a lifelong partnership with a fragrance, like Allure’s senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor has, try layering. She sprays DedCool Xtra Milk everywhere but her wrists, saving that space to experiment with other scents. “The base is always the same and feels inherently me, while my wrists are more experimental,” Calaor says. “It’s like the scent version of a mullet. Business in the front, party… near my hands.” If a fragrance mullet doesn’t entice you and you still want to stick to a single scent, so be it—when you hit the bottom of the bottle, though, maybe try to find something else to replace it with.

If you’re unsure of where to start, Astorino says to start taking notes (pun intended) on what perfumes you like and investigate what individual scent components repeatedly come up for you. For me, that’s jasmine and musk. Then, look for variations. My current perfume rotation includes By Rosie Jane Rosie for lazy weekends, NOYZ Detour at the office, YSL Libre for nights out, and Parfums de Marly Athénaïs for when I’m feeling fancy. And when all is spritzed and done? I’m excited to see what’s next.

Courtesy of Dr. TepperSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Fat: It’s a lumpy, liquid gold that—when used as an injectable—promises lifted cheeks and smoothed skin. Fat has evolved into something of a commodity in the world of aesthetic medicine, where there’s a growing appreciation for its ability to augment—boosting volume, for example, in the cleavage or cheeks (either set)—and to improve skin quality. More and more doctors, and their patients, are saying that fat is the natural-looking volumizer we’re all craving in this era of filler fatigue. It’s one reason why I decided to get facial fat grafting.

If you’ve been hanging around Allure, you’re probably an expert at this point on how hyaluronic acid-based filler works. If by chance you’re not, here’s the SparkNotes version: It fills where there is facial volume loss and augments areas of the face you might wish to change the shape of, like the lips. Though it’s beloved by many, filler can potentially lead to complications or that puffy appearance known as “pillow face.” While I personally hadn’t experienced facial swelling from filler placement, I did have a mishap from hyaluronic acid filler under my eyes—small, raised mounds (called malar edema) that took several years (yes, years) to resolve naturally.

Fat, on the other hand, behaves differently than filler: It is harvested (via lipo) from your own body, and once it’s injected back into your face, it becomes a part of the areas where it is placed, says Oren Tepper, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City, who performed my own fat grafting procedure. The fat attaches to surrounding tissues, forming a new blood supply and acting as if it had always been there. Not all of the fat cells survive: Over the course of several months about 50 percent of the injected fat takes hold and settles into your face, explains Melissa Doft, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. And what’s left is permanent, unlike hyaluronic acid filler. (While new evidence suggests that hyaluronic acid fillers can last longer in the face than doctors originally thought, it’s not permanent.) Of course, there are risks of complications with fat injection, too, including asymmetry or lumpiness. And in this case, they won’t fade away over time, and can’t be reversed with hyaluronidase (an antidote to hyaluronic acid fillers).

Though some of the positive effects of facial fat grafting are immediate, your ultimate results are not seen until you’re six months post-op. You might expect to see more dramatic results from a procedure over time—but with facial fat grafting, it works in reverse, since about half of the fat that’s injected doesn’t “take.” Dr. Doft explains that’s because, “When you’re injecting a whole bunch of cells, for those cells to survive, they have to be able to absorb nutrients and then form teeny little blood vessels so that they’re getting nutrients. And the cells that were damaged or are too far away or in the center and can’t get those nutrients, those cells will die.”

I am now finally at the point where I can see the full results. Let’s just say my grafted fat is surviving and thriving—but it’s certainly settled.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Right after the surgery, I took a look at my face in my phone’s front-facing camera and was stunned to see a completely different person staring back at me. I looked like a South Park character (I just aged myself) with an unnatural-looking round face. Over the next few days, I remained a little swollen and bruised on both sides of my face, mostly by my temples, but my under-eyes were shockingly spared. I developed a weird purple pattern of bruising on the outer corners of both my eyes that looked like winged eyeliner. The pillowy, almost mushy feeling at my temples was the only thing that freaked me out a bit. I was afraid if I touched the area that it would leave a permanent dent and I’d have to go back in to see Dr. Tepper.

I am happy with my results and will probably stop here for now, but might consider another round of fat injections down the road.

Today, my face looks fuller than it was before surgery, but not nearly as full as it was post-surgery. Though the fat has remained under my eyes and at my temples, it’s settled and looks natural for me. I tend to notice the fullness in my face more so when I see pictures of myself than when I look in the mirror. I look rejuvenated, my skin quality has improved, there are fewer lines around my eyes when I smile (with or without Botox), and my cheeks look fuller. I couldn’t have asked for anything more from this surgery.

I am happy with my results and will probably stop here for now, but might consider another round of fat injections down the road. I wouldn't be alone in going back for more. Because of the way fat settles, many patients return for a followup procedure if they want a little more fullness than what they ended up with. And how long will the results last? “We say [facial fat grafting] is semi-permanent,” says Dr. Tepper. “I think your fat transfer is going to last forever. What I can’t do is stop the aging process from continuing—you will continue to lose volume in your cheeks and at your temples at the same rate we would have expected.”

You can read about my full facial fat grafting experience below:

In this story:

• Why I got facial fat grafting
• A quick lesson (promise!) on facial fat grafting
• Goodbye filler, hello fat
• The very real (and detailed) experience of having my stomach fat placed into my face
• On the healing road—with my abdomen fat now in my face
• The risks involved with facial fat grafting
• Drumroll please—how much does facial fat grafting cost?
• Update, April 2026: My take on facial fat grafting, two years later

Why I got facial fat grafting

At 36, I wanted more volume under my eyes and at my temples. Where I used to see fullness and rounder features, I now saw hollowness that, despite my best efforts, no energy device like Morpheus 8 or Sofwave could fix. (I did like the improvement in skin quality that I got from Sofwave though).

Taking fat from one part of your body and reintroducing it to another is by no means a new procedure. Facial fat grafting dates back to the 19th century, but gained popularity in the 1980s, thanks to the advent of modern liposuction. In the years since, the understanding of the role that fat plays in the overall appearance of the face has evolved and today, almost half a million facial fat grafting procedures are performed worldwide each year, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine.

“Of all the things I’ve seen in my 20-plus years in plastic surgery, I think there is nothing that has changed the paradigm of facial aesthetics more than the appreciation of volume in the face as a whole,” says Dr. Tepper. “We’ve come to realize that fat is important to maintaining the structure of the face—and that we can prepare and safely place fat back into the face to maintain and enhance that structure.”

Fat has evolved into something of a commodity in the world of aesthetic medicine.

Fat transfer can add volume and even change the shape of the face, like evening out the under eyes and rounding out the temples. It’s most often performed concurrently with facelifts, blepharoplasties, and brow lifts. “I would say 90 percent of my facial rejuvenation patients, like facelift patients, are getting some [facial fat grafting], as well,” says Dr. Tepper. As a standalone procedure, facial fat grafting saw a 1% rise in the US in 2023 for a total of about 34,000 procedures (a far cry from the 5.3 million hyaluronic acid filler procedures performed the same year). That statistic, however, does not account for the times when it's performed in conjunction with a larger facial rejuvenation procedure, like a facelift. When facial fat grafting is performed on its own, it tends to be on patients in their 20s to mid-40s, explains Dr. Doft. “Some of my patients say, well, let me start with the fat grafting, and put off a facelift for a few years.”

In my case, I really wanted to address the volume loss at my temples and under my eyes, but I wasn’t willing to try hyaluronic acid fillers again out of a horrible fear that if I dared to put filler in my tear troughs, my malar edema would resurface. (As an asterisk, I continue placing filler into my lips and chin.)

I ultimately decided to go for a consultation with Dr. Tepper, who specializes in a facial fat grafting procedure that he calls the Boomerang Lift—adding fat to the upper cheeks and around the eyes, in the shape of a boomerang. (Dr. Tepper estimates that the Boomerang Lift accounts for about 25% of the procedures he performs, almost always done as a standalone.)

At my consultation, I was quite humbled when Dr. Tepper projected a large photo of my face, with every pore and thread vein magnified, to show me where he would be filling with fat: under my eyes, in my upper cheeks, and in my temples.

Though he said that I didn’t really need the procedure per se, as I have a relatively full face with minimal volume loss, in transferring fat to the areas where hollowing was starting to occur, I would simply be enhancing my features. “By even adding the smallest bit of fat into a face such as yours, it makes a huge difference in enhancing already great features,” Dr. Tepper explained.

I was excited at the thought that my own fat could correct hollowing and brighten any trace of dark circles under my eyes. Additionally, having fat injected into my temples would lift my brows slightly and round out the upper part of my face.

A few weeks after my consultation with Dr. Tepper, I decided to schedule my surgery for late February because I wanted to make sure I could take the time off from work (I am a teacher) and not have to go to school swollen and bruised and scare any of the kids away. (Although in hindsight, maybe that wouldn’t have been such a bad idea.) Unlike a quick trip to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon for hyaluronic acid filler, fat grafting involves going under IV sedation, a type of anesthesia administered through a vein, and requires much more forethought and planning.

The writer before and six months after facial fat grafting

Courtesy of Dr Tepper

A quick lesson (promise!) on facial fat grafting

I would be remiss as an educator if I didn’t give you some context on fat grafting and what the procedure actually entails. In the biz, we call it “prior knowledge” so listen up!

“[Fat grafting] is the idea that you’re taking fat from one part of the body and you’re placing it elsewhere,” says Dr. Tepper. The fat is taken by means of liposuction from your abdomen (as was the case for me), flanks, or, if you’re on the thinner side and don’t have enough fat in those areas, the middle and back of the thighs.

Once the fat is removed and placed in syringes, it’s reintroduced or injected into the areas in the face where you want to add volume. Again, in my case, it was reintroduced into my tear troughs (under eyes) and temples. Dr. Doft explains that once the fat is injected and settled, to only expect “about 50% of the fat to take.” Although in the face, she says, it could be up to 70%. Though fat is used to augment similarly to filler, fat is a live substance and filler is not, so the two are not interchangeable: “As a general rule of thumb, when fat is used for structural support to build foundation and volume, it’s very good,” says Dr. Tepper. “I think when it’s used simply as a replacement for filler, for fine lines and wrinkles, and areas of depression like the nasal labial folds, that’s not good. That’s not what it’s intended for.”

Goodbye filler, hello fat

Before my fat transfer, Dr. Tepper said I would have to prep the canvas first. So two weeks prior to my surgery, I had the remaining filler under my eyes dissolved. It was approximately five years old at that point and still causing me grief and swelling.

Dr. Tepper used hyaluronidase to dissolve my filler and though it stung my undereyes when injected, it hurt so good knowing that the filler was finally being put out of its misery. It’s not exactly necessary to dissolve filler first, says Dr. Doft—there is no contraindication with filler and fat—but your results might not look quite right if fat is injected under filler.

Beyond that, the majority of my preparation occurred the night before surgery: I ate nothing past 12am and avoided coffee in the morning. I was allowed to have water two to three hours before my surgery but no food.

The very real (and detailed) experience of having my stomach fat placed into my face

On the day of my surgery, not counting pre-op and post-op time, the actual procedure took a little under an hour. I opted for IV sedation, a twilight sleep, though a patient has the option to use only local anesthesia for a fat grafting procedure. Personally, I wanted to just wake up with a fuller face without having to endure the poke of the cannula going deep into my skin.

Before the anesthesia, Dr. Tepper took a pen and drew on my face to indicate the access points where he would be placing the fat. I walked from the consultation room to the operating room and laid down on the table. I turned my head to find the anesthesiologist looking for “a good vein” and moments later I dozed off to sleep.

Dr. Tepper made two openings in my abdomen—one was right below my belly button and the other a few inches below that—then performed tumescent liposuction (the medicine in the tumescent fluid helps to numb the area and also minimize bleeding). Due to the nature of the procedure and the importance of keeping the fat cells in good condition, he harvested the fat from my abdomen manually (instead of using a power-assisted liposuction machine).

The next step of the process was preparing my abdomen fat to be transferred into my face: Dr. Tepper let my fat sit out on a table for about 20 minutes so it could “settle by gravity” before being “placed in a centrifuge,” he says. “The way I like to prepare the fat is to roll it out on the table onto some non-stick gauze because it helps to get rid of any excess fluid and then run it through a strainer.” Once the fat was ready, Dr. Tepper placed it into small syringes that are the same size as those used for filler, measuring around 1 milliliter (mL) or 1 cubic centimeter (cc). “You use these really fine cannulas, which are needles with a blunted tip,” he says. With the syringes of my fat ready for injection, Dr. Tepper placed the cannula into the two different access points on both sides of my face: at the corner of my eyebrows to fill the tear trough and cheek area, and at the hairline to fill my temples. These access points were chosen because they are hidden; no one would ever know once I was healed that I had fat transferred to my face. The fat was placed under my muscle and just above the bone and the results showed immediately.

The writer before and six months after facial fat grafting

Courtesy of Dr. Tepper

On the healing road—with my abdomen fat now in my face

Once I regained consciousness in the recovery area after my surgery, I looked weird and swollen, but I knew that the fat would settle over the next couple of weeks so I was happy. The only discomfort I experienced after surgery was in my abdomen. It felt sore, as if I had just completed an intense abdominal workout.

As soon as I returned home I started on oral antibiotics, which I remained on for a week to prevent an infection, along with oral steroids for five days to minimize swelling. I was advised by Dr. Tepper to relax and stay home for three days post-procedure. I heeded his advice. Despite diligently taking my steroids, I was still a little swollen and bruised on both sides of my face.

I took extra care of my stomach which was also bruised—and sore. I felt virtually zero discomfort in my face. By the fourth day post-procedure I was back to my normal routine; my foundation and concealer covered up my bruises beautifully. About a week after surgery, I was able to get back to working out–but nothing too intense, Dr. Tepper advised, because my abdomen was still a little sore. He told me to expect 90 to 95 percent of my results at the two-month mark as the skin contracts. “That last 5 percent takes longer,” he says.

The risks involved with facial fat grafting

Any surgery involves risk. With facial fat grafting the risks are low but always possible. They include insufficient survival of the fat that was grafted, infection, lumpiness, asymmetries on either side of the face, and growth of the fat cells if you gain or lose weight. While the thought of fat cells expanding in your face sounds extremely scary, Dr. Tepper assured me that you won’t get “isolated specific growth” in just those areas where you reintroduced fat. If you do experience a significant amount of weight gain, these pockets of new fat in your face would grow proportionally to the other areas of your body.

If a patient is over-injected and wants less dramatic results, the fat can be removed—but it’s extremely difficult to do so. That’s because once the fat is reintroduced into areas of the face it “incorporates into your tissues,” Dr. Tepper explains. It can only be removed surgically by means of liposuction—and the thought of that does not sound fun at all. “A micro-cannula is placed into the face, and micro-liposuction is performed manually,” says Dr. Tepper.

There is another—very rare, but very serious—potential complication: “It is possible that, when injecting fat, the fat enters an artery and then travels through the arterial system to the brain, leading to a stroke. This is very uncommon and using blunt tip cannulas reduces the risk,” says Dr. Doft. One review of literature, published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine in 2022, states that severe complications “should be considered very rare and almost anecdotal (roughly one in 5 million). Still, it is impossible to know if all the cases of severe complications have been reported.”

Drumroll please—how much does facial fat grafting cost?

While filler is certainly more affordable in a single visit, if you continue to use filler over the course of your lifetime, it adds up. I say that partly to soften the blow of how much fat transfer costs: The procedure I got runs between $10,00 to $15,000—the former being the cost of the under eye and cheek area and the latter being the cost if you add fat grafting to the temples. For each additional area of the face that you want grafted, expect to pay an extra $2,500 to $5,000. The cost of facial fat grafting will of course vary based on the surgeon and geographic location. In New York City, prices are on the high end of the spectrum.

Also, it’s worth considering that some patients wind up going back for a second round to add more fat. It all adds up, but in my opinion, now that I’ve seen my own results, there is just no substitute.

Update, April 2026: My take on facial fat grafting, two years later

My results today

It’s now been almost two years since my fat grafting procedure (specifically, Dr. Tepper’s aptly-named Boomerang Lift) and my results still look great, though I did opt to go for a second fat transfer recently (more on that in just a moment). Looking at pictures of my face before I had the initial fat transfer as compared to today, I still see the difference: I have fullness in the upper part of my cheeks and around my eyes that I didn't have prior. I feel like I look a few years younger now than I did before the surgery. Not to mention that the skin quality in the areas where I had fat transferred has improved significantly—it’s slightly thicker and appears more plump. I would even go so far as to say that skin-care products absorbs better into my skin in those areas.

What I know now that I wish I knew then

I had done my fair share of research prior to going through with surgery. I knew the risks that were involved (as outlined below) and I knew that because of the way fat settles that only about 50% would survive the transfer. I also knew that inevitably, I would continue to age and naturally lose volume, so the results would, in a way, be semi-permanent.

Despite knowing this, I had still hoped that more fat cells would have thrived, particularly around my temples. I had a feeling after seeing my results at one year that I would probably want to go for another fat transfer. Before doing so, I had Sculptra injected into my temples in the hopes of adding volume to that area. The combination of both fat and Sculptra was ultimately the secret sauce that re-volumized that area of my face—at least for a year or so.

Would I get fat grafting again?

Not only would I get fat grafting again, but I did this past December with David Shafer, MD, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City. As I mentioned, some patients do wind up going back for another round of fat transfer to add more fat to areas that may have not gotten enough the first time around. This time, I added more to my upper cheek and around my eyes, and also two additional areas: the two horizontal lines in my neck and the backs of my hands.

I think of fat transfer in a similar vein to most other aesthetic treatments—nothing is ever one and done. There’s maintenance required—and that’s how I viewed that second round of fat transfer. The procedure was almost two years after my first, and to be honest, I see myself doing this again in another couple of years to not only maintain the volume in my face, but to keep my skin quality in-check.

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

The best CC creams for mature skin hit that sweet spot between coverage and skin care—something your makeup bag starts to prioritize the minute fine lines, dryness, and uneven tone enter the picture. Unlike some traditional foundations, CC creams are designed to multitask, blending skin care and makeup into one easy step. “CC creams combine skin care and makeup, making them very versatile,” says Laura Kay, a makeup artist based in Radlett, England. “They’re perfect for when you start to see the first signs of aging.”

That versatility shows up in all the ways mature skin actually needs support—hydrating formulas that don’t cling to texture, pigments that “help blur age spots and redness,” and built-in SPF for daily wear, adds Kay. And because most CC formulas lean toward a dewy or natural finish rather than a matte one, they keep skin looking fresh.

Our Top CC Creams for Mature Skin

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• Best Shade Range: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream, $16
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream, $38

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What are CC creams?
• How are CC creams different from tinted moisturizers or BB creams?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

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IT Cosmetics

CC+ Cream

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: So, how exactly did IT Cosmetics’ CC+ Cream become the GOAT of CC creams? It starts with the brand’s founder, who couldn’t find a foundation that covered rosacea and hyperpigmentation without looking thick or aging her skin—so she made one that did both. The formula features niacinamide to even tone, hyaluronic acid and glycerin to pull in hydration for a plump, fresh finish, and peptides and adenosine to support smoother, firmer-looking skin over time. There’s even colloidal oatmeal to further keep things calm. “This is my go-to when I’m looking for something full coverage with a dewy finish,” says Kay. In other words, you get coverage, glow, and a long-game payoff for your skin.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, peptides, adenosine
• Shades: 30
• Finish: dewy
• Coverage: full
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Full-Coverage: Dermablend Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50

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Dermablend

Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50

$41

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Earlier versions of CC creams aren’t exactly known for showing up when you need real coverage, but Dermablend’s Continuous Correction CC Cream SPF 50 outperforms half the foundations in your drawer. This is, after all, a brand makeup artists have long kept in their kits on film and TV sets to camouflage actors’ tattoos. That same level of coverage shows up here, thanks to dense-but-flexible pigment suspended in a smoothing silicone base that blurs texture and cancels redness without settling into fine lines.

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​​Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I didn’t believe this was a CC cream at first. It completely changed my mind about what CCs can do. The coverage is legit: It basically erased the redness on my cheeks (which, lately, feels permanent thanks to tretinoin) and made my melasma look almost nonexistent. And yet, it somehow pulls off full coverage while still looking like skin.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 10% homosalate, 4.9% octisalate, 4% octocrylene, niacinamide, caffeine
• Shades: 14
• Finish: natural
• Coverage: full
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Shade Range: e.l.f. Cosmetics Camo CC Cream SPF 30

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E.L.F. Cosmetics

Camo CC Cream SPF 30

$20

Amazon

$16

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: E.l.f. Cosmetics’ Camo CC Cream SPF 30 stands out for its expansive shade range, in part because it behaves “more like a full-coverage foundation than a sheer tint,” says Alexandra McCormick, a makeup artist based in Newport Beach, California. That higher pigment load—thanks to iron oxides—helps counteract the white cast you’d typically expect from zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, so deeper shades stay true instead of looking washed out. It’s also very friendly to mature skin: Hyaluronic acid and glycerin keep things comfortably hydrated, niacinamide helps even tone over time, and peptides plus panthenol add a little extra support. The natural-looking finish delivers real coverage while remaining flexible, so it moves with the skin rather than sitting on top of it. And at drugstore prices, it feels like a bit of a steal.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 7.5% octinoxate, 4.45% titanium dioxide, 13.72% zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, peptides, panthenol
• Shades: 30
• Finish: semi-matte
• Coverage: medium, buildable
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Redness: Erborian CC Crème SPF 25

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Erborian

CC Crème SPF 25

$46

Amazon

$46

Ulta Beauty

$46

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Korean beauty has a reputation for keeping skin balanced—and Erborian’s CC Crème is a great example, taking a softer approach that works especially well for mature skin that’s flushed or reactive. Centella asiatica (cica), a K-beauty staple, helps soothe and visibly dial down redness, while glycerin keeps skin comfortably hydrated so the finish doesn’t catch on dryness or fine lines. The sheer, color-adapting pigments neutralize redness and even out your skin tone without masking it completely. So no, this isn’t the one you reach for when you want complete coverage, but it does leave skin looking more even and less flushed. “It gives a natural, skin-like finish with hydrating skin-care benefits, and it smooths tone without looking heavy,” says McCormick.

P.S. Our beauty director, Sarah Kinonen, is especially into the CC Red Correct SPF 25 version—the green tint goes a step further in neutralizing redness for an even calmer-looking finish.

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• Key ingredients: 6% octinoxate, 2% octisalate, 4.33% titanium dioxide, 1.92% zinc oxide,
• Shades: 3
• Finish: natural
• Coverage: sheer
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best with SPF: Pūrlisse Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF 50

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Purlisse

Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF 50

$39

Amazon

Why it's worth it: If there’s one thing mature (or any) skin shouldn’t negotiate on, it’s sun protection, and Pūrlisse’s Youth Glow Vitamin C CC Cream SPF 50 shows up with a thoughtful mix of mineral and chemical filters. That SPF 50 does the heavy lifting, helping defend against the UV damage that leads to dark spots, fine lines, and loss of firmness in the first place. But it doesn’t stop at protection. There’s vitamin C to fade the look of existing sun damage (think uneven tone, lingering discoloration, and overall dullness). It’s paired with arbutin for extra brightening, sodium hyaluronate for hydration, and adenosine to support smoother-looking skin.

Sea buckthorn extract adds another layer, providing antioxidant support and fatty acids that help nourish and soften skin. “It gives a radiant, glowy finish that is fresh and youthful,” says McCormick. And because the coverage is sheer, it’s easy to reapply throughout the day without things looking heavy.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (percentage undisclosed), zinc oxide (percentage undisclosed), vitamin C, arbutin, sodium hyaluronate, adenosine, sea buckthorn
• Shades: 4
• Finish: natural
• Coverage: sheer
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Sensitive Skin: Cle Cosmetics CCC Cream

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CLE Cosmetics

CCC Cream

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Revolve

Why it's worth it: “Sensitive skin” might not be an official diagnosis, but ask around—70% of women will tell you they’re dealing with it at least some of the time. Cle Cosmetics’ CCC Cream keeps sensitive, mature skin in mind, starting with a hydrating base of glycerin and hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid to keep things comfortable and cushioned throughout the day. Niacinamide helps even tone while supporting the barrier (always a win when skin feels reactive), and adenosine works in the background to smooth the look of fine lines over time. What makes it especially friendly for sensitivity is the blend of calming botanical extracts—like green tea and blueberry—paired with antioxidant vitamin E. The coverage stays lightweight and flexible, evening things out without overwhelming the skin—and with a respectable 14-shade range, it doesn’t ask you to compromise on match, either.

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen

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“This product works great when applied with fingers because of the amount of pigment it has. It's got high enough coverage that it masks my skin's unevenness and my less severe blemishes, but it's still light enough to be error-proof. Even if I'm running short on time or energy and fail to properly blend out certain areas, it doesn't really show — hell, this lack of care doesn't show at all through my small, low-quality web camera.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

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• Key ingredients: 7% octinoxate, 3% octisalate, 9.19% titanium dioxide,
• Shades: 14
• Finish: satin
• Coverage: sheer
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30

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Clinique

Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30

$45

Amazon

$45

Nordstrom

$45

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If you have mature skin that’s perpetually thirsty, Clinique’s Moisture Surge CC Cream SPF 30 taps into what their entire Moisture Surge line does best: delivering layers of hydration without ever feeling heavy. Squalane, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid pull in and lock down moisture, while aloe helps keep things calm and comfortable throughout the day. The texture is creamy but not thick, so it smooths over dryness instead of catching on it.

There’s a subtle brightening effect, too—vitamin E and a stable vitamin C derivative boost radiance, while caffeine adds a bit of life back into tired-looking skin. Shade-wise, it’s limited (five options, mostly lighter tones), which isn’t unusual for CC creams. They’re designed to flex across tones with sheerer pigment, but the inclusion of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide makes that even trickier—mineral filters can leave a slight cast, especially on deeper skin tones. Still, if hydration is the priority, this one earns its spot.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 7.5% octinoxate, 5% octisalate, 5.2% titanium dioxide, 3.2% zinc oxide, squalane, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, vitamin C
• Shades: 5
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• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

What are CC creams?

A CC cream—short for “color-correcting cream”—is designed to even out your complexion by neutralizing things like redness, sallowness, or dullness rather than just covering them up. The pigments are “mixed in such a way that they neutralize color in the skin, creating a more even-looking complexion,” often adjusting for different undertones in the process, says Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist based in Washington Depot, Connecticut. Traditionally, they’re thought to be lighter than foundation, but that’s not always the case these days. “Some of them are very pigmented,” she notes—meaning they may feel lightweight, but still pack enough color to deliver real coverage. Many formulas also slot easily into your skin-care routine, with added benefits that help smooth the look of uneven skin texture and, depending on the formula, offer anything from a dewy glow to a more matte finish.

How are CC creams different from tinted moisturizers or BB creams?

While tinted moisturizers are mostly about lightweight hydration with a hint of color, and BB (beauty balm) creams feature skin care benefits with light-to-medium coverage, CC creams are designed to color-correct—using pigments to neutralize redness, dullness, or uneven tone. They often offer a bit more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and can feel more targeted than a BB cream, especially if your goal is to even things out without relying on foundation that can sometimes be too heavy on mature skin.

Meet the experts

• Pilar DeMann, a makeup artist and founder of Pilar Beauty, based in Washington Depot, Connecticut
• Laura Kay, a makeup artist and founder of Laura Kay London based in Radlett, England
• Alexandra McCormick, a makeup artist based in Newport Beach, California

How we test and review products

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

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

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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 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.

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In The Scenario, reporter Kirbie Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of the buzziest movies and TV shows to reveal how the best wigs, special-effects makeup, and more are created. For this edition, Johnson spoke with Kellie Robinson, Zendaya’s personal makeup artist on The Drama, to break down how the bridal makeup is the least dramatic element of the film. As you may expect, there are spoilers ahead.

The Drama lives up to its name. Ahead of its release, there’s been much discussion about the film’s horrifying twist, despite the studio trying to keep it under wraps (press screeners were kept uncharacteristically small and to a minimum). The dark romantic comedy stars Zendaya as Emma and Robert Pattinson as Charlie, a couple engaged to be married within the week. During a game of “What’s the worst thing you’ve ever done?”—a game I can’t say is culturally popular or, frankly, that I’ve ever played—Emma and Charlie exchange stories with their couple friends, Mike (played by Mamoudou Athie) and Rachel (Alana Haim).

There is the bad: using a date as a human shield against an aggressive dog, like Mike. Then there's the unconscionable: locking a child with an intellectual disability in a fort, like Rachel (which I personally feel is a horrendous act I would rather forget than mention). And then there’s Emma's revelation: She shares after one too many glasses of wine that, as a bullied teenager, she planned a school shooting—a plan she ultimately didn’t follow through with. (She then ironically goes on to become the face of antigun activism in her school.)

This revelation rocks the foursome. Mike and Rachel are the best man and maid of honor, and we see the news take a toll on the couple throughout the week, through a variety of scenarios that make you question who actually wins the “worst act” award.

The Drama stirs up many emotions. During my press screening full of typically silent journalists, there was audible laughter, gasps, groans, and even sniffles. You're charmed by the bridal couple, horrified by several situations, and anxious to see how it all culminates at the wedding. This is what makes the film interesting and controversial, and it’s destined to be watercooler talk (at least at the online watercooler, a.k.a. the comments section). But the one element of the film that is no drama, no fuss, and doesn’t make you squirm in your chair? Zendaya’s beauty looks throughout—but especially her hair and makeup during the wedding scene.

A24 / Anthony Prince Leslie

Makeup artist Kellie Robinson, who has worked with Zendaya on other projects like Challengers, describes her wedding makeup for the film as a “ballerina, baby doll, clean” beauty look. The star's hair is swept off her face, but not in a tight, slicked-back bun; her makeup is a little more exaggerated for the wedding than it is in the rest of the film, but it’s not overpowering.

“[Zendaya] is very true to the character, true to the script,” says Robinson. “That’s the foundation of any character that we build. She [isn’t like,] ‘Oh, I need eyeliner.’ It’s like, ‘What does this character call for?’ So creating the look for the wedding was about who Emma was. The way that the story plays out, Emma would be a class act. It would be super classy, clean. She wouldn't do anything extra. She wouldn't add big hair and veils. That's not who she is.”

Robinson says she looks at things like wardrobe and the character’s lifestyle to inform the makeup: Emma is based in Boston, her husband is the director and curator at the fictional Cambridge Art Museum, and she has some nice staple garments that are expensive but not flashy. She is much more put-together and elegant than her teenage self. (Who isn’t?) All of this helps determine the makeup look, which is usually the cherry on top of her visual identity, not what’s driving everything else.

“If I were to pick a pink lip and a purple eye shadow, it would be really pretty,” says Robinson. “But if [Zendaya] should come out of the wardrobe with a red shirt on, no one's gonna say, ‘Why does she have that red shirt on?’ They're gonna say, ‘Why does she have the purple eye shadow?’ So I do play last for everything to come together.”

A24 / Anthony Prince Leslie

Robinson describes Emma’s overall, everyday look as effortless and classic, and the products used reflect that. For lips, Robinson used Nature Republic Light on Velvet Tint in #01 Fresh Lychee. “We didn't want a glossy lip,” Robinson explains. “It needed to be a stain, because that is true to who she is. She's not going to be the girl who keeps cleaning up.” In a titular scene at the wedding reception, you see Emma go to the restroom and pull out Violette FR’s Bisou Balm in Rose Latte for a touch-up, which Robinson says was used for filming purposes because the lip stain’s viscosity could have caused drips and splatters during application.

Robinson is also an esthetician and focuses heavily on the skin, avoiding powder on set and instead ensuring that the skin always appears supple. She employed a variety of foundations throughout filming, depending on the needs of Zendaya’s skin, including MOB Beauty Blurring Ceramide Cream Foundation in Neutral 50, TirTir Mask Red Cushion Foundation in Camel, and Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Foundation in shade 6, and added hydration with 9 Happened Face Water.

For the cheeks, she used an under-painting technique—applying blush first and coverage products second—so it melted seamlessly into the skin. For Emma’s wedding look, Robinson used Patrick Ta’s Major Headlines Double-Take Creme & Powder Blush Duo in She’s Blushing (a rosy taupe); but to create a natural flush for the other scenes, she used Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder Flushed in Red Velvet and coated the lashes with Half Magic’s Eyelectric Extreme Mascara.

In the end, Emma is beautiful; the makeup is beautiful, even as all hell is breaking loose. The looks Robinson created for Zendaya’s character are striking in that you’re not thinking about them— leaving all the drama to every other element of this controversial film.

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At the beginning of the original The Devil Wears Prada film, Anne Hathaway's character Andy Sachs strolls into the hallowed halls of Runway magazine looking like an outsider. But when she decides to make the most of the challenge and prove herself, she emerges like a fashion girl butterfly in an all-Chanel outfit, topped off with a set of fresh long, brow-brushing bangs. “You look good,” says Gisele Bündchen's character, and she does! Andy and her bangs are ready to take on the fashion world.

Now, Andy is back onscreen in the much-anticipated sequel The Devil Wears Prada 2, and while she doesn't have bangs in the movie—at least judging from the various trailers we've seen so far—she sure did on the red carpet in Japan! Hathaway revisited the DWP bangs for the Tokyo premiere and suddenly, it's 2006 all over again.

Disney

Hathaway's hairstylist Orlando Pita revived Andy's fringe with a set of long, full bangs that fell past her brows, nearly touching her lashes, framed by short, face-framing layers that skimmed her jawline. The rest of her hair was pulled into a swingy high ponytail, which gave the bangs plenty of space to shine and also showed off her ruffled, strapless Valentino Couture gown.

The The Devil Wears Prada 2 press tour is just getting started; Hathaway and co-star Meryl Streep (a.k.a. Miranda Priestly) kicked things off in Mexico City last week, with a bang-less Hathaway wearing a devilishly chic red-tipped French manicure.

If seeing Hathaway in this throwback fringe has ignited the “Should I get bangs?” craving in you, well, we get it. The best bangs of 2026 are bold and vibrant, made to stand out in a crowd, and her full, Andy Sachs fringe is right on trend. While there probably won't big a big makeover montage in the DWP sequel, there's nothing like a fresh set of fringe to make you feel like a brand-new person.

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Ever wonder what it’s like shopping with a beauty editor? Welcome to Counter Service, a new series where we visit our favorite beauty boutiques IRL. We’re visiting the curated spaces and places that make shopping in person oh-so worth it—and you’re coming with. On a gray spring day in NYC, shopping producer Sarah Hoffmann stopped by The Sun Room pop-up to go down memory lane with Summer Fridays’s first fine fragrance launch.

Fragrance launches used to be a strictly celebrity venture in the early aughts—but in 2026, everyone is getting into the scent game. Influencers, TV series, and even condiment brands are all trying their hand at perfuming your life. It’s hard to parse through it all, particularly from behind a phone screen, where you can get lost among note descriptors like “chypre” and “petrichor.” The story of a scent matters, and Summer Fridays has mastered the art with its new Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum.

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Sunlit Vanilla Eau de Parfum

$82

Sephora

$82

Revolve

$82

Summer Fridays

Not actual size, but I wish!

Katie Gunderman

I’ve come to value world-building from brands to help make sense of the constant deluge of beauty launches that flood my inbox daily. Summer Fridays has a product line that makes you feel like a carefree, Californian, let’s-go-to-the-beach-today-why-not girl, even when you’re as far from the West Coast as possible (getting bowled over by Atlantic Ocean spring winds, to be exact). Try popping on the Jet Lag eye patches or dabbing some Blush Butter Balm onto your cheeks and not feel a deep urge to take a stroll along an LA boardwalk. (I can’t!)

In This Story

• The IRL Experience
• My First Scent Impressions
• Final Thoughts
• More Summer Fridays Faves

The IRL Experience

Come on in and stay a while.

Katie Gunderman

I have a major soft spot for a bistro table.

Katie Gunderman

When I heard that Summer Fridays was launching a fragrance, I immediately had a vision of what the scent would be. The brand’s Vanilla Lip Butter Balm (an Allure Best of Beauty winner) is both popular and delicious, so I had a gut feeling we were getting a tasty gourmand that’s sweet, cozy, and nostalgic. A few weeks ago, I visited The Sun Room, the brand's NYC pop-up, to see if my predictions were right (spoiler: I was right on the money).

No actual driving took place on this day (always wear your seatbelt!).

Katie Gunderman

I was a barista once, so this felt right at home.

Katie Gunderman

When I rounded the corner in SoHo, just steps away from New York’s Erewhon dupe, Happier Grocery, the first thing I saw was a vintage, caramel-colored Porsche parked outside—an immediate sign that I was both in the right place and onto something with my predictions. Entering the installation, the simple but cozy room was lined with beige curtains, which instantly warmed the space up against the austere, gray light streaming in from the windows.

Never a brand to slack on visuals, Summer Fridays set up a large table in the center of the room, with some of the scent note sources (like old school caramel chews) piled into adorable teacups. There were also plenty of bottles of perfume to sample, as well as a large bowl of—as I suspected—Lip Butter Balms in Vanilla. I knew they were sisters!

A visual and olfactory feast.

Katie Gunderman

One for the road, thanks!

Katie Gunderman

My First Scent Impressions

For me, spritzing the perfume for the first time immediately conjured up thoughts of vanilla ice cream and sunsets on the beach. It’s certainly a gourmand, but there’s a depth to it, especially when it settles into the nutty tonka and sticky amber base. There’s a natural quality to it, like you’ve spent the day wandering through bakeries and spice shops, hints of the aromas lingering on your skin. The solar quality to it (from the fresh bergamot and tropical coconut, if I had to guess) adds a rush of nostalgia to the whole composition, like this idyllic day happened months or years ago. You get caught in a sunbeam, and the whole sweet, hazy scene comes rushing back.

Final Thoughts

I crave storytelling from scent launches—especially in a market this crowded—and I’ll happily be adding this fragrance to my spring rotation for when I need a hit of golden hour. Sunlit Vanilla is available now at Sephora, Summer Fridays, and Revolve.

One final spritz before I go.

Katie Gunderman

Not your average NYC Uber.

Katie Gunderman

More Summer Fridays Faves

Summer Fridays Jet Lag MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Jet Lag Mask

$49

Amazon

$49

Sephora

$49

Summer Fridays

The mask that started it all. I love wearing this to bed after a session torturing my skin (read: swimming laps in a chlorinated pool) or applying a very thin layer at my desk in the afternoon, to combat the infamous office air dryness. (It lives in my pen holder).

Summer Fridays Sheer Skin TintSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Sheer Skin Tint

$42

Amazon

$42

Revolve

$42

Sephora

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Sheer Skin Tint in Shade 2

Sarah Hoffmann

I’ve loved this skin tint since it first launched, and it’s one of the products I recommend the most often to friends when they ask for base recommendations. The amount of coverage is simply perfect, and it makes your skin look like skin—but the kind of naturally perfect, gorgeous skin we all wish we had.

Summer Fridays Blush Butter BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Blush Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$26

Sephora

$26

Summer Fridays

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Blush Butter Balm in Pink Sunset

Sarah Hoffmann

I tend to gravitate towards roses and berries for blushes, but Pink Sunset is one of the best pink blush shades I’ve ever gotten my hands on. It wears like a perfectly faded, subtle sunburn, sans skin damage.

Summer Fridays Flushed Lip StainSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Flushed Lip Stain

$22

Sephora

$22

Revolve

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain in Almond

Sarah Hoffmann

I’ve been loving wearing the shade Almond under the Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige. The staying power of this stain is no joke, so line with caution.

Summer Fridays Lip Butter BalmSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Summer Fridays

Lip Butter Balm

$26

Amazon

$24

Sephora

$24

Summer Fridays

Hoffmann applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Vanilla Beige

Sarah Hoffmann

Thick, shiny, and yummy. That’s all you really need to know about Summer Friday’s Lip Butter Balm, which comes in 11 mouthwatering flavors. It won a Best of Beauty Award in 2023, but the new scent and shade options keep me coming back for tube after tube.