Category: HEALTHY-FOOD

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

The best skin-care gift sets aren’t just for checking off a loved one’s birthday or holiday gift list—value sets are also the perfect excuse to treat yourself and discover new favorites without splurging on full sizes. Each curated kit is packed with mini versions of fan favorites, so you can find what really works before committing. Plus, their travel-size packaging makes them perfect for tossing into your gym bag, carry-on, or overnight tote for easy, on-the-go routines. Whether you’re new to a brand or just want to streamline your regimen, the best skin-care gift sets make healthier-looking skin feel effortless.

Ahead, we’ve rounded up the most giftable, travel-ready, and editor-approved options that make glowing skin one less thing to stress about.

Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets to Shop Now

Rice to Meet YouTatcha The Starter Ritual SetJump to review$74

Amazon

Take That Glow to GoLaneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift SetJump to review$32

Amazon

Plumping PinnacleSkinCeuticals Injectables Power PairJump to review$238

SkinCeuticals

Our Top Skin-Care Gift Sets

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

Rice to Meet You: Tatcha The Starter Ritual Set

Tatcha

The Starter Ritual Set

$74

Amazon

$74

Tatcha

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Tatcha Rice Wash

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: When we think of Tatcha, the first word that often comes to mind is “luxe,” and they’ll quickly see why with The Starter Ritual Set. Inspired by centuries-old geisha rituals and traditional Japanese beauty practices, this four-step lineup is ideal for anyone with dry or mature skin looking to restore a healthy, lit-from-within glow. It includes The Rice Wash to purify (“the creamy texture feels incredibly luxurious as it smooths and brightens the skin,” Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, previously told Allure), The Essence to plump, The Dewy Serum to treat, and The Dewy Skin Cream to nourish. Featuring ingredients like double-fermented rice, antioxidant-rich green tea, and hydrating algae, this routine leaves skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated. From its silky textures to its serene lavender packaging, every detail will remind them to slow down and enjoy a moment of self-care.

Tester feedback on Tatcha’s The Rice Wash from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“This is one of those cleansers that actually makes you look forward to washing your face. When you first start lathering it up, there’s a teeny bit of grittiness from the rice powder doing its gentle exfoliating thing—but then it instantly melts into the softest, creamiest foam. That said, it didn’t really budge my waterproof eyeliner (I don’t blame it; I wear MAC Liquidlast and it’s truly bulletproof), so I wouldn’t rely on it for full makeup removal. But it’s incredible as a second step to a double-cleanse or a no-makeup day.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• What it includes: The Rice Wash (1.7 fl. oz.), The Essence (0.8 fl. oz.), The Dewy Serum (0.35 fl. oz.), The Dewy Skin Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: double-fermented rice, green tea, algae
• Who it’s for: people with dry or mature skin

Take That Glow to Go: Laneige Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set

Laneige

Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set

$32

Amazon

$32

Sephora

Allure former shopping editor Angela Trakoshis applying the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Angela Trakoshis

Why it's worth it: We probably don’t need to say much more than that this limited-edition kit includes Laneige’s viral Lip Sleeping Mask, but we’ll indulge you. Laneige has built its reputation on high-performing, hydration-obsessed formulas that feel expensive but aren’t. The Mini Hydration To Go Gift Set rounds up the brand’s bestsellers: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser to purify, Cream Skin Toner & Moisturizer to soften and balance, Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer to deeply hydrate, and of course, that iconic Lip Sleeping Mask to smooth and plump overnight. Together, they deliver dewy, bouncy, perfectly moisturized skin (and lips) anytime, anywhere. Bonus: It all comes tucked inside a cute, travel-ready bag.

Tester feedback on Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis

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“I mean, this is the OG when it comes to lip masks. There's a reason it's a top-seller on Amazon. It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor

More to know

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• What it includes: Water Bank Gentle Gel Cleanser (2.7 fl. oz.), Cream Skin Toner and Moisturizer (1.7 fl. oz.), Water Bank Blue Hyaluronic Cream Moisturizer (0.33 fl. oz.), Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry (0.1 fl. oz.), cosmetic bag
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, peptides, white leaf tea water
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially if you have dull or dry skin or loss of elasticity

Plumping Pinnacle: SkinCeuticals Injectables Power Pair

SkinCeuticals

Injectables Power Pair

$238

SkinCeuticals

$238

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Between the Best of Beauty-winning HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan and equally beloved P-Tiox, we couldn't possibly choose our favorite—even amongst the entire SkinCeuticals family, these two are editor faves. Both formulas are stars at boosting hydration levels and plumping skin, visibly minimizing the look of fine lines with continuous use—so they're great for anyone who wants to target volume loss, dullness, and/or wrinkles, as well as those who regularly go to in-office treatments as at-home maintenance. The best part about this giftable duo? You save $32 versus if you bought these two serums separately. Cha-ching.

Tester feedback on SkinCeuticals P-Tiox from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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"A plastic surgeon once told me that I have a very expressive face—which was a nice way of saying my face is a hotbed for expression lines. That's where this stuff comes in handy. The lightweight serum uses peptides to inhibit signals to the facial muscles, kind of like neuromodulators, but on a much weaker scale. Still, I've found that it works wonders for all the little expression lines where injectables just can't help, like around my mouth." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• What it includes: P-Tiox (1 fl oz.), HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan (1 fl oz.)
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, PHA, glycerin, soybean ferment extract

Glow All Over: Osea Juicy Duo Gift Set

Osea

Juicy Duo Gift Set

$32

Amazon

$32

Revolve

$32

Osea

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: We're constantly singing Osea's praises, and what better time to experience its skin-care goodness, or gift said goodness, than the holiday season? Not only do its citrus-leaning body-care products boost your mood with every application, but the ingredients inside the Undaria Algae Body Oil all but guarantee silky-smooth, moisturized, and glazed skin. It doesn't feel heavy, either, despite being an oil. The Hyaluronic Lip Booster is prime lip care for the drier, colder months ahead, and the plush doe-foot applicator is perfect for a one-swipe-and-go situation.

Tester feedback on Osea Hyaluronic Lip Booster by Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"I know this may look, and be billed as, a kind of lip gloss—but it is so much more than that. It's this lovely balm-like product that actually enrobes your lips in lasting nourishment and hydration. Honestly, I'm talking hours of a supple pout that smells faintly citrus-y. It doesn't have a tint or anything, but because the Booster is so nourishing, it brings out your lips' natural color. You can't talk about this product (or any Osea product, really) without also speaking to the packaging. The formula is a lovely honey color and looks so luxe in its frosted glass case, and the doe-foot applicator is so special. I've tried many applicators in my time as a beauty editor, and this is a high-quality one that is firm, plush, and draws just enough of the ‘booster’ out of the bottle and onto your lips—no potential for the product to flick onto your shirt." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• What it includes: Hyaluronic Lip Oil Booster (0.41 fl. oz.), Undaria Algae Body Oil (1 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, undaria seaweed, sea fern, caster seed oil, meadowfoam seed oil

Bum, Bum, and Beyond: Sol de Janeiro Jet Set Kit in Cheirosa '62

Sol De Janerio

Jet Set in Cheirosa '62

$34

Amazon

$34

Ulta Beauty

$34

Sephora

Why it's worth it: We’re not saying you should pick your beauty gifts based solely on how amazing they smell, but if you do, we get it. The Sol de Janeiro Jet Set includes three Best of Beauty Award-winning icons: the Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash, a cream-gel formula infused with coconut and açaí oils to tackle dryness before you even towel off; the Brazilian Bum Bum Cream, loaded with fast-absorbing cupuaçu butter, energizing caffeine, and antioxidant-rich Brazil nut and açaí oils for an all-over glow; and the Cheirosa ’62 Perfume Mist, a warm, addictive scent that—according to associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tette—has “a 100% success rate in getting compliments.”

More to know

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• What it includes: Brazilian 4 Play Body Wash (3 fl. oz.), Brazilian Bum Bum Cream (1.7 fl. oz.), Cheirosa ‘62 Perfume Mist (1.1 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: caffeine, Brazil nut, cupuaçu butter, açaí oil
• Who it’s for: people with dry skin

Glass Act: Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit

Medicube

Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit

$15

Amazon

Allure features director Dianna Mazzone Singh removing the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Mazzone Singh

Why it's worth it: Ask anyone at the Allure office what their favorite Medicube product is and you’ll get a different answer every time—and that’s because the brand is stacked with derm-loved formulas at affordable price points. But if they’re new to the K-beauty brand, the Medicube Glass Skin Collagen Trial Kit is a great intro, featuring four hydrating and firming essentials: Collagen Toner, Collagen Serum, Collagen Cream, and a Collagen Wrapping Mask. And while, as dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman previously told Allure, topical collagen itself can’t penetrate deeply enough to boost collagen production, Medicube’s formulas don’t stop there—they’re joined by ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid that help support elasticity, smooth fine lines, and give skin that plump, dewy, glass skin glow.

Tester feedback on Medicube’s Collagen Night Wrapping Mask from features director Dianna Singh

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"The way my skin looks with a layer of Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear. And with each overnight—yes, overnight—application of its niacinamide- and hyaluronic acid-infused formula, I get a little bit closer to that goal. I've been using it once or twice a week and never cease to be delighted by the satisfaction of peeling it away in the morning." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• What it includes: Collagen Toner (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Serum (0.42 fl. oz.), Collagen Cream (0.17 fl. oz.), Collagen Wrapping Mask (0.17 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: collagen extract, niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin

The Rhode to Glazed Skin: The Rhode Kit

Rhode

The Rhode Kit

$117

Rhode

Why it's worth it: It’s hard to believe the skin-care brand started by Hailey Bieber launched just three years ago. If you’re after an uncomplicated, glow-boosting routine—or trying to impress the teen in your life—The Rhode Kit is the perfect starter kit. It includes four full-size essentials designed for all skin types, especially dry, dull, or dehydrated complexions: Pineapple Refresh cleanser, Glazing Milk essence, and two of the brand’s OG icons, the Peptide Glazing Fluid and Barrier Restore Cream. The lineup blends hydrating ingredients like peptides, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid with soothing antioxidants to help strengthen the skin barrier, smooth texture, and deliver that signature “glazed donut” finish that the founder made famous, all in a few simple steps.

More to know

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• What it includes: Pineapple Refresh (5 fl. oz.), Glazing Milk (4.2 fl. oz.), Peptide Glazing Fluid (1.7 fl. oz.), and Barrier Restore Cream (1.7 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
• Who it’s for: everyone

Sleeping Beauty: Sunday Riley Go to Bed With Me

Sunday Riley

Go to Bed With Me

$93

Nordstrom

$93

Dermstore

$93

Ulta Beauty

Lee applying the Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Not much has changed since we learned that everyone is obsessed with Sunday Riley a few years ago. Rather than flooding the market with dozens of so-so formulas every other month, the brand keeps things tight—fewer products, stronger efficacy—which is why just about every launch becomes an instant hit. The Go to Bed With Me Complete Evening Routine Set includes seven of Sunday Riley’s hero products for a complete nighttime ritual (read: retinol). They’ll find icons like Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment for glowing, smoother skin and Luna Sleeping Night Oil, packed with retinol and blue tansy to refine texture and treat dark spots overnight. With hydrating, barrier-strengthening picks like Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream and Ceramic Slip Cleanser, this set is for anyone chasing brighter, more even, and healthier-looking skin.

Tester feedback on Sunday Riley’s Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment from Lee

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“I have pretty sensitive skin, and this lactic acid treatment is one of the few exfoliants that never freaks it out—it’s so gentle. No peeling, no flaking, no scary ‘purge’ phase; just smoother, glowier skin that actually feels hydrated after. If I could only choose one product to have an endless stock of, it would be this.” —Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• What it includes: Pink Drink Firming Resurfacing Essence (0.3 fl. oz.), Ice Ceramide Moisturizing Cream (0.5 fl. oz.), Ceramic Slip Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Good Genes All-in-One Lactic Acid Treatment (0.5 fl. oz.), A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Luna Sleeping Night Oil (0.34 fl. oz.), 5 Stars Eye Serum (0.27 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: peptides, ceramides, lactic acid, retinol
• Who it’s for: people with mature skin

Thrice as Nice: SkinFix Acne+ Triple Threat Set

SkinFix

Acne+ Triple Threat Set

$30

Sephora

$30

Kohl's

Pai applying SkinFix Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: Some brands chase trends, but SkinFix focuses on creating solutions for what skin actually needs. And if one of those needs is fighting acne, the Acne+ Triple Threat Set has them covered. This three-step routine includes a 2% BHA Cleanser to unclog pores and smooth texture, an Adapinoid Gel (a retinoid-like treatment) to target blemishes and support cell turnover, and a Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream to calm and hydrate without clogging pores. Together, they tackle breakouts, blackheads, and post-acne marks while helping maintain a healthy barrier. It’s ideal for people with oily, acne-prone, or combination skin that needs results and a little TLC.

Tester feedback on SkinFix’s Barrier+ Restoring Gel Cream from Pai

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"I've never had a pregnancy glow—just a whole lot of hormonal acne on top of my usual day-to-day breakouts. And this time, it hit just as the weather was getting chilly, which means that I need to balance coddling dry areas, like my cheeks, and addressing trouble spots on my chin and jawline. This stuff has yet to steer me wrong. Unlike a lot of other lightweight moisturizers, it's cushiony and leaves my skin soft, but not shiny. And it's more gel than cream, which gives it an especially nourishing feel." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• What it includes: 2% BHA Cleanser (1 fl. oz.), Adapinoid Gel (0.23 fl. oz.), Skin Barrier Restoring Gel Cream (0.5 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: salicylic acid,
• Who it’s for: people with acne-prone or oily skin

Why You So Obsessed With Me?: e.l.f. Cosmetics Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit

E.L.F. Cosmetics

Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit

$25

Amazon

$25

Walmart

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying e.l.f. Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops

Why it's worth it: In recent years, e.l.f. has gone full-on viral again thanks to formulas that perform like luxury but cost less than your latte. You can’t scroll BeautyTok for more than five seconds without spotting someone slathering, tapping, or glazing on something from the Best & Obsessed Skincare Kit. It features five fan-favorite essentials that blend skin care and glow-inducing makeup: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm, Bronzing Drops, Thirst Burst Drops, Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum, and Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (a tinted chemical sunscreen). For skin that’s dull, dry, or uneven, this lineup delivers everything they need to cleanse, brighten, hydrate, and protect. It won’t take long to see why everyone is—yep—completely obsessed.

Tester feedback of e.l.f.’s Holy Hydration! Thirst Burst Drops from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Whenever I don’t get enough sleep (or even when I do, honestly), a brightening face serum is a must in my morning routine. Thirst Burst Drops offers the best of both worlds, packing in both hydrating and brightening ingredients that perk up my skin straight away. The gel texture melts right into my skin and provides a bit of tackiness (not stickiness) that really grips onto my sunscreen and makeup. Glowy, radiant base? Check, check." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• What it includes: Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm (0.45 fl. oz.), Bronzing Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Thirst Burst Drops (0.33 fl. oz.), Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Acid Serum (0.5 fl. oz.), Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 (0.33 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients: vitamin C, hibiscus complex, sunflower seed oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry skin

Eau So Hydrated: La Roche-Posay Facial Hydration Heroes

La Roche-Posay

Facial Hydration Heroes

$50

Amazon

Why it's worth it: It all started in a tiny French town called La Roche-Posay, where a mineral-rich thermal spring earned a reputation for calming even the most sensitive skin (long before “skin barrier” was a buzzword). That same water is still at the core of all their products today. Their Facial Hydration Heroes Kit includes the Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, a milky face wash that cleanses while supporting sensitive skin. Plus, you’ll find the Hyalu B5 Serum—powered by two kinds of pure hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and madecassoside to plump and repair. And to complete the minimalist routine, there’s the Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer, which is rich in ceramides and niacinamide to strengthen, hydrate, and soothe fragile skin.

More to know

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• What it includes: Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser (1.69 fl. oz.), Hyalu B5 Serum (1 fl. oz.), Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer (1.35 fl. oz.)
• Key ingredients:
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with sensitive skin

Frequently Asked Questions

Meet the experts

• Kristina Collins, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Dendy Engleman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City

How we test and review products

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

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

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

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

The best Dyson gifts are basically the Rolls-Royces of hair tools, so if you’re looking to go big for an extra special someone this year (or yourself, no judgment), we couldn’t recommend them more. Designed with cutting-edge technology, intelligent heat control, and innovative attachments, Dyson tools deliver salon-quality results while protecting hair from damage. Plus, Dyson always releases special edition holiday colorways, and this year it’s the beautiful Amber Silk, a rose gold with light pink accents. So, whether your hair-care-obsessed giftee has cute coils that need a little coaxing, frizz-prone strands, or loves a pin-straight look, you’ll find something on their wishlist here. What are you waiting for? Browse our favorite Dyson holiday gift ideas below, and then check out the rest of Allure’s gift guides for even more inspo.

Our Top Dyson Gifts

• Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily, $750
• Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer, $650
• Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer, $550
• Dyson Airstrait Straightener, $550
• Dyson Airwrap Origin, $550

Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily

Dyson

Airwrap Co-anda 2x Multi-Styler and Dryer Curly+Coily

$750

Dyson

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x in Amber Silk

Why we love it: Daft Punk said it best: Harder, better, faster, stronger—and honestly, they could’ve been talking about the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x. If your giftee has curly or coily hair, the latest Airwrap iteration is better suited to their specific hair-styling needs, smoothing frizz and defining texture at the touch of a button. It now connects to the MyDyson app via Bluetooth, allowing them to create a custom profile that tailors heat and airflow to their hair type. The set also comes with six smart attachments that adapt based on their styling preferences—and with double the airflow of the original Airwrap and powerful suction, it stretches and styles curls faster than ever. Trust, it’ll give them a red-carpet-worthy ’do in minutes. Bonus: The tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it's been put down, which is particularly useful if you have longer, thicker hair that needs to be sectioned out.

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin before using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin after using the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“This is the best Dyson tool I have ever tried—period. I have type 3A curly hair that I sometimes wear natural and sometimes blow-dry; this version of the Airwrap gets whatever look I want to achieve done in 15 minutes or less (yes!). This is coming from someone with low-porosity hair that takes seemingly forever to dry. The fact that I can get my curly hair handled before one of my two kids notices I'm gone is a miracle in itself. I love to use the round brush to create gentle tension that makes my blowouts last for days on end; the attachment is a vast improvement over the older version, IMO. This new iteration gets far closer to the roots for a more natural finish. There's zero frizz, all volume, and just the most Farrah Fawcett-like hair of your life—no tugging, singing, or sore arms necessary. And the diffuser? There are two settings and both are so effective at giving you bouncy and juicy curls. One really amazing feature is that the tool automatically shuts off when it senses that it’s been put down, an unexpected but much-loved perk for routine stylers like me.

If you have the original Airwrap, if you're new to multistylers, or if you're Dyson-curious, this is the product to buy—especially in this new Amber Silk color. It’s a pretty warm honey that's more my style than the classic midnight blue. Any Dyson is an investment, and while this one's steep, you'll be able to kiss your curling iron, blow dryer, and straightener goodbye with a single hot tool. For curly girls especially, it's nice to have a tool that feels tailor-made for your routine. The only person I might not recommend it for? A constant traveler who loves doing their hair on the go; the power cord is heavy and not very compact, making this less frequent flier-friendly than other stylers on the market.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

Attachments

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Fast Dryer 2x, Tension Comb 2x, 1.6" Co-anda2x Curling Barrel, Round Volumizing Brush 2x, Anti-Snag Loop Brush 2x, Wave+Curl Diffuser 2x

Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

Dyson

Supersonic r Hair Dryer

$650

Dyson

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann using the Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Make no mistake: the Dyson Supersonic r is far from your average blow-dryer. It’s petite, extra lightweight (weighing in at just 0.7 pounds), and has a sleek, curved design (that’s where the “r” comes in), making it as functional as it is beautiful. The unique shape helps you reach the tool's controls more easily and generally handle the entire tool with more control, according to Dyson associate design manager Low Chen Nyeow.

What's most impressive? It's the fastest hair dryer in the collection, powered by the Dyson Hyperdymium motor, which delivers a high-pressure airflow. At the same time, negatively charged ions reduce static and frizz, so hair stays smooth and polished. All throughout, there are Dyson smart sensors to monitor and regulate heat so it never crosses the danger zone, keeping your hair smooth, shiny, and safe from scorching. Your blowouts are about to look more fabulous than ever before.

Hoffmann before using the Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after using the Dyson Supersonic r Hair Dryer

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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“It took me about 15 minutes to dry my hair while hovering and diffusing, and I think if I'd been drying it straight or going for a more blowout-y look, it would have been even quicker. I was happy to see that this new dryer came with a diffuser attachment, plus the flyaway-wicking tool and the concentrated tip that made my bangs look exactly how I like them in literally five seconds. My waves came out a little fluffy and less defined than when I air-dry, but that's pretty par for the course for fine hair with a looser curl pattern like mine.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

Attachments

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Attachments: Powerful Air Attachment, Flyaway Attachment, Diffuser, Pro Concentrator, Wide Tooth Comb, Presentation case

Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer

Dyson

Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer

$550

Dyson

Allure contributor Siena Gagliano using the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer

Siena Gagliano

Why we love it: The latest upgrade to the original Supersonic, the Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer combines cutting-edge technology with professional-grade styling. Its Time to Flight sensor, recognized with a 2024 Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award (our highest, most-researched honor), automatically adjusts heat as it nears the scalp, preventing sudden spikes and protecting both hair and skin. The dryer also remembers preferred settings and adapts heat and airflow based on which of the five included attachments—concentrator, diffuser, wide-tooth comb, flyaway hook, or gentle airflow ring—is in use. Something else of note: When set down, it automatically lowers airflow and noise until ready to pick up again. Every detail is designed for safe, salon-quality results at home.

Tester feedback from contributor Siena Gagliano

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"The Nural is Dyson’s latest upgrade to its original Supersonic Hair Dryer, and like all Dyson tools, it’s where technology meets beauty at its best. It’s my top pick simply because I can’t go a wash day without it anymore. It dries my hair in record time, and if I need to pause to re-part or take a break, it instantly detects when I set it down, lowering airflow and noise until I’m ready to pick it up again.”—Siena Gagliano, contributor

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“It dried my thick, wavy hair in 4 minutes and 50 seconds, and my hair came out very smooth. It definitely felt cooler when I dried the roots near my neck.”—Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

Attachments

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Wave and Curl Diffuser, Gentle Air Attachment, Styling Concentrator, Wide-Tooth Comb, and Flyaway Attachment

Dyson Airstrait Straightener

Dyson

Airstrait Straightener

$550

Dyson

Hoffmann using the Dyson Airstrait

Why we love it: We cringe thinking back to our high school selves frantically running a hot straightener over damp hair and smelling the burnt strands—if only the Dyson Airstrait had existed back then. Unlike traditional straighteners, it skips hot plates entirely, instead using unheated tension bars to hold hair while high-velocity air (up to 285°F) dries and straightens at the same time. Cosmetic chemist Trefor Evans previously told us that at these lower temps, the tool is unlikely to damage even wet hair. And for quick touch-ups on dry hair, there’s a setting that goes up to 320°F, too.

Hoffmann before using the Dyson Airstrait Straightener

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after using the Dyson Airstrait Straightener

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from Hoffmann

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“I have type 3 natural curls, and this tool is really easy to use and intuitive. It's really nice not having to hold a brush in one hand and a hair dryer in the other for the 30-plus minutes it takes for my hair to dry. The wide clamp is great for covering large sections of hair all at once, but I definitely needed multiple passes to add shine and smoothness to my curly hair.”—Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

Attachments

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Non-Slip Heat Mat

Dyson Airwrap Origin

Dyson

Airwrap Origin

$550

Dyson

Why we love it: The Dyson Airwrap Origin is a streamlined spin on the viral Dyson Airwrap, keeping only the most-used attachments for effortless styling. Inside the kit, you’ll find a 1.6" long barrel for soft curls and waves, an anti-snag loop brush to keep things tangle-free, and a fast dryer for speedier-than-ever drying. Even in this pared-down (and thus slightly more affordable!) version, Dyson’s signature Coanda airflow technology—which curls and styles hair without extreme heat damage—works the same magic so you can achieve a salon-worthy blowout at home without subjecting your hair to damage. It’s sleek, efficient, and surprisingly versatile.

Attachments

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1.6" Airwrap Long Barrel, Anti-Snag Loop Brush, Fast Dryer

Frequently Asked Questions

How we test and review products

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

For our review of the best Dyson gifts, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts you interviewed for the piece—who all have different hair concerns and types, desired outcome (i.e., want shinier hair), and whether one product was tested across multiple hair types (i.e., straight, wavy, and curly hair). Testers considered performance across three primary categories: efficacy, safety and ease of use, value. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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I’ve never had a pimple in my life. I’m bragging, I know.

But it’s an important detail, along with the fact that I’ve been a beauty journalist for nearly seven years—which means I know my skin, and I know when something is off. So when a spot arrived in the very center of my forehead in August 2023, I figured it was about time I got my first zit.

Only, this “zit” didn’t go away. It scabbed over, scarred, and expanded from a tiny dot to a quarter-sized discolored blotch on my forehead where a unicorn horn would be over the course of a few months. Then, around six weeks later, came a second spot. I ran through every possible explanation: a reaction to skin care, a chemical burn from a pimple patch, maybe even a curse from a past life. My most Googled phrase that year was “ingredients for fading scars,” and no amount of niacinamide or tranexamic, kojic, or azelaic acid made a difference.

The writer in December 2023, about four months since the “zit” initially appeared.

Courtesy of subject

Eventually, I booked a dermatologist appointment. The doctor thought it could be psoriasis; I was sticking with my chemical burn theory. A biopsy came back: seborrheic dermatitis. Spoiler alert—it wasn’t. Turns out, the procedure didn’t paint the entire picture because it was a shave biopsy and didn’t get to the full root of the issue, just scraping the surface. So when I applied the prescribed steroid faithfully, nothing changed. The lesions had signed a lease in perpetuity and neither triamcinolone acetonide nor betamethasone dipropionate could evict them.

With my self-esteem unraveling, I booked another appointment—this time at a different practice. Claudia Slutzky, a certified physician assistant at True Dermatology in New York City, took one look and told me that it wasn’t dermatitis. The clues? “This patch was so well demarcated right in the center of [your] forehead, and nothing seemed to help,” she’d told me.

When two more spots appeared on my chest two months later, following the same bump–scab–scar pattern, Slutzky raised the possibility I least expected: lupus. Dr. House always said it’s never lupus, so how could it be lupus? No one in my family had it, and in my head lupus was a “disease,” not something that could show up on my face. Shocked, I asked her: “Do you know what it means to say the word ‘lupus’ to a Black woman?” She did, and she was just as upset as I was. Black women are disproportionately affected by lupus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, says the organization, Black, American Indian, and Alaskan Native women are two to three times more likely than white women to develop lupus, and tend to have more severe cases when they do. The CDC also states that on average, Black people with lupus die at younger ages—by more than a decade—than white people with lupus. All that in mind, the word “lupus” carries a deep cultural trauma for a lot of Black women, and I was—and am—one of them.

After consulting with her supervising physician, Amy Spizuoco, a board-certified dermatologist at the same practice, they performed a punch biopsy, which goes deeper than the surface-level one I’d had a year prior. When the results came back around a week later, we had an answer: discoid lupus erythematosus, a chronic autoimmune condition that causes rashes on the skin and face. What I thought was a simple blemish was actually a diagnosis that would change my life—and my identity.

What is Discoid Lupus Erythematosus?

Discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin, often in sun-exposed areas like the face, scalp, and ears. It can look very different depending on your skin tone. “In darker skin tones discoid lupus may appear as pink, gray, or purple lesions,” says Patricia Oyetakin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Atlanta. “In lighter skin tones it is more pink or red.” Over time, lesions may lead to scarring, pigment changes, or even hair loss, though these features usually emerge later—one reason early diagnosis is so challenging.

Some key red flags: pigment changes that don’t resolve, scarring or thickening of the skin following a lesion, hair loss on the scalp as a result of lesions, and lesions clustered in areas like the face, scalp, and ears that are often exposed to the sun. Early discoid lupus (DLE) can mimic acne because both may appear as red or inflamed bumps. The key differences are persistence and after-effects. “Unlike acne, DLE lesions often develop scaling, follicular plugging, and occur in sun-exposed areas,” says dermatologist Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “They don’t resolve within a typical acne cycle and instead can linger for weeks to months. DLE lesions are also more likely to leave behind scarring or pigment changes, while acne usually heals without such pronounced, long-lasting marks.”

Lupus comes in many forms. Selena Gomez, for example, has lupus nephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). SLE is also an autoimmune disease, but it can affect the entire body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints. The main difference between my form of lupus and other variations of the disease is that discoid lupus is cutaneous, or limited to the skin. “Only five percent of individuals with discoid lupus will go on to develop SLE,” explains Meggan Mackay, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist based in New York City. “But individuals with discoid lupus should be aware of symptoms such as joint pain, hair loss, and overwhelming fatigue, as this could indicate SLE.”

DLE is the most common form of chronic cutaneous lupus, but it’s still relatively rare. It most often affects women between the ages of 20 and 50, and people with skin of color face both a higher risk and more severe side effects from the disease, including scarring alopecia, a form of permanent hair loss caused by inflammation that destroys hair follicles. In DLE, scalp lesions can damage the follicle beyond repair, leading to irreversible bald patches that cannot regrow hair even after the disease is controlled.

Why Discoid Lupus Is Often Misdiagnosed

I was fully prepared to accept my first dermatologist’s diagnosis of seborrheic dermatitis. They’re the experts, right? My story isn’t unusual, especially as a Black woman. We’ve all heard the myths: “Black people don’t need sunscreen” or “melanoma is less likely to develop in darker skin.” Those ideas fuel a pattern where our skin concerns are often minimized.

Plus, conditions can present differently on different skin tones, and there has historically been less education that focuses on dark skin for dermatologists. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has put vast efforts into diversifying their training materials and unlearning medical bias, most recently working in collaboration with the Skin of Color Society to assure that images used in dermatologic education demonstrated how conditions present in all skin tones, called the Clinical Image Collection. “By incorporating a diversity of images into professional dermatology education material, we can empower dermatologists and other clinicians to improve their diagnostic skills and enhance patient care for all,” a representative for AAD told me. “The ultimate goal is for the AAD Clinical Image Collection to become the largest, most-trusted and comprehensive source for skin disease images.”

In skin of color, discoid lupus can be especially deceptive. DLE often presents with pigment changes that look like post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. On deeper skin tones, redness—a classic sign in lighter skin—is far less visible. “DLE can be misidentified, especially early on, because the lesions can mimic common conditions like acne, eczema, or seborrheic dermatitis,” Dr. Rambhia explains. “Even with biopsy, subtle findings or sampling error can sometimes delay the correct diagnosis."

“Black patients experience more frequent and severe disease damage, including prominent ear and scalp dyspigmentation and scarring alopecia, as compared to non-Black patients,” she continues. “The visual impact of pigmentary changes is often more significant in patients with darker skin tones, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and treatment to prevent permanent scarring and disfigurement.”

How DLE Affects More Than Skin

The hardest part wasn’t just the lesions—it was watching my face change in slow motion, feeling myself disappear. I was truly handling an ego death on top of a chronic illness. To you, this may be vanity; for me, it was my entire identity. It got so bad that the scars—which, by April 2024, had multiplied to two spots smack-dab in the middle of my forehead—were the only thing I could see when I looked in the mirror. I would cry when I saw myself without makeup—my self-esteem, which I had considered to be unshakeable after a lifetime of building it up, was destroyed. Not just because of the spots on my face, but because I felt so vain for even allowing my self-worth to be harmed so easily. I felt like the only thing anyone could see were the spots.

The writer seen here in March 2024, by which time she says the scars had darkened.

Courtesy of subject

Psychologist Sari Chait, PhD, was not surprised to hear about these emotions. “When someone develops visible changes over time, like scarring or lesions, it can be difficult to incorporate your new visual appearance into the picture you already have of yourself. That discrepancy alone can cause distress and can lead to one feeling significant loss,” she says. “In many ways, that sense of loss of what one used to look like is a form of grief.” I have been known to have a “boy who cried wolf” view of the world, feeling that my cries for help have always been diminished by my overdramatic nature. But I had to advocate for myself—I couldn’t let two spots on my forehead get in the way of my life.

And as a Black woman, the pressure was doubled. My hair could be undone—I’d just throw on a wig and keep moving. But my skin? That was supposed to be untouchable. “Image is very important in Black communities; [there’s an unspoken rule of] ‘don’t look like what you’re going through,’” says therapist Vatara Scott, a licensed clinical social worker in North Carolina. “When that image is not on par with our own or others’ expectations, it can feel shaming or disparaging. Rather than it being a reflection of a chronic condition… it can easily be regarded as a lack of care or upkeep.”

That stigma only deepened my spiral. DLE wasn’t just changing my skin—it was rewriting how I saw myself.

How to Treat DLE

Once I had a name for what was happening to my skin, the next big question was: What now? Discoid lupus erythematosus doesn’t have a cure, but it can be managed—and the earlier treatment begins, the better the chance of preventing scarring and pigment changes. Dr. Rambhia explains that managing DLE usually focuses on reducing inflammation, preventing flare-ups, and minimizing permanent damage like scarring.

“Medical treatment includes a combination of topical anti-inflammatory medications and oral treatments,” explains Dr. Oyetakin. “I explain to my patients that topical steroids can be safely used as a ‘fire extinguisher’ to quickly calm down intense itching and burning. Topical non-steroid medications can then be used as long-term maintenance. In severe cases, oral immunosuppressant medications are effective and should be closely managed.” When I first received my lupus diagnosis, Slutzky and Dr. Spizuoco prescribed me a stronger triamcinolone cream, just to see if a higher dose of steroids might do the trick. When it didn't, they moved me to a regimen of Opzelura cream—a JAK inhibitor (a newer class of oral or topical medications that block key inflammatory pathways in the immune system) used to treat mild to moderate eczema and nonsegmental vitiligo—along with ammonium lactate lotion to treat the dry scaly skin, and Tazorac—the brand name for the prescription topical retinoid tazarotene—to assist with the inflammation.

Lifestyle strategies are just as important: “Stress is our number one nemesis in our day-to-day lives,” Dr. Oyetakin adds. “It not only affects mental health, it also causes flare-ups in inflammatory skin conditions. I discuss stress management strategies with my patients as an important part of our management plan.” With all forms of lupus, sun protection is crucial. Dr. Oyetakin says that broad-spectrum sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and even oral antioxidant supplements like polypodium leucotomos, a tropical fern native to Central and South America which has been shown to have benefits in photosensitive conditions like lupus, are all essential tools. If sunscreen was a passion for me before, now it’s a matter of survival.

For many patients, systemic medications like the ones I’m on are necessary. “The current treatments of choice include oral hydroxychloroquine, topical corticosteroids, other strong anti-inflammatory medications, and local corticosteroid injections,” says Dr. Mackay. But new options are on the horizon: “Research into the molecular mechanisms for discoid lupus and SLE has resulted in the development of new drugs called biologic therapies that target specific pathways causing disease and may be more effective than the traditional treatments.”

Victoria Werth, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and medical advisor to the Lupus Research Alliance, is also hopeful. “Several phase one, two, and three trials are studying drugs that seem to work more quickly and more often than current treatments. While CLE is more common and more severe in people with skin of color, we know these populations are less likely to join trials. It is essential to increase participation to correctly assess if the therapies are working for everyone.”

How to Advocate for Yourself

I cannot overstate how much I recognize that getting to the point of a diagnosis is a privilege. Lack of access to proper medical care is an issue across the board, and I am lucky enough to know that I work in a field that not only puts me in front of some of dermatology’s best minds, but also allows me to (somewhat) afford the expensive creams and medications I need to keep my DLE at bay. There is not a single complaint in my world when it comes to that, and staying grateful and hopeful is the only thing that kept me going through the last few years.

By the time I finally got my diagnosis, I realized the only reason I made it there was because I kept pushing. That meant trusting my gut when prescriptions didn’t work, when the biopsy didn’t explain what I saw in the mirror, and when my mental health was unraveling. This problem literally lived on my face—I couldn’t ignore it.

“If your condition is not responding to the current treatment plan, always talk to your provider,” says Slutzky. “There can be multiple ways to treat a condition, and every patient can respond differently.”

Dr. Spizuoco notes that even dermatologists face tough calls: “The gold standard of diagnosis of autoimmune conditions of the skin is a biopsy. Many times these lesions are on the face, and it’s very difficult… because we know a biopsy will leave a scar. And that’s what we are trying to avoid.” I’m convinced that’s why my first biopsy missed the mark. For purely cosmetic purposes, we didn’t want to punch a hole in the middle of my forehead during the initial biopsy and risk an even worse scar developing in its place. Unfortunately, that meant the shave didn’t go deep enough to get to the actual root of the issue. In the end, trusting my instincts—and saying yes to a deeper biopsy for the lesions on my chest—changed everything.

Self-advocacy also means being prepared for how my lupus might change in the future. “It is extremely helpful for patients to keep track of the appearance of the rash—if it has improved, stayed the same, or worsened—and whether any new lesions have developed,” says Dr. Mackay. “If you have other concerns like new joint pain or hair loss, be prepared to discuss these. Even if the provider does not have an answer, at least the symptom will be considered and addressed.”

And beyond the exam room, advocacy can be collective. “If we are to improve therapies for CLE we will need to facilitate and complete these trials,” says Dr. Werth. Patients showing up in research data ensures that future treatments actually work for the people most affected.

For me, advocating meant refusing to accept “just dermatitis” as the final word. For you, it might mean asking for a second opinion, keeping a symptom diary, or finding a support group. Whatever the path, it starts with believing yourself when your body—or your skin—tells you something’s wrong.

When I first walked into True Dermatology in January, I was genuinely afraid that I was, well, a monster. Working with Slutzky did more than that. When I told her I was writing this story, I said I wanted it to be about us—because we did this together. Throughout the experience, she often told me that the emotional side of this diagnosis is just as important as the objective medical side. Our nine months of appointments weren’t just about creams or biopsies; they were about building trust. That comfort she gave me is what allowed us to get to the best place I’ve been so far. Dr Spizuoco, who guided us through the hard calls, reminded me that chronic conditions like this take teamwork. “Chronic skin conditions require a partnership between the patient and the dermatologist,” she explained. And that’s exactly what I had: a team that was willing to listen when I said, “This isn’t getting better,” and to believe me when I cried in their office because it felt like I was losing my face.

Now, my spots are slowly and gradually fading thanks to topical meds, and I’m working with a rheumatologist on the oral treatments I need to keep my DLE in check. What I thought was a bump on my face turned out to be a hurdle in my life, but it’s one I’m learning to live with. I’m being gentler with myself, reminding myself that my skin doesn’t define my worth—and yes, I am obsessively wearing sunscreen.

Because in the end, this isn’t just about a diagnosis. My mother wanted me to love my Black skin more than anything else, and I do. It’s also about what can happen when you refuse to stop asking questions, when your providers trust you enough to dig deeper, and when you let yourself believe that your skin—even scarred, even imperfect—is still worth loving.

Collage: Briana Rengifo; Source Images: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

There are a million and one things happening on the internet right now that would make anyone want to throw their phone off a bridge. One of the things that’s been doing it for me lately is the “new face” discourse that’s dominated the online celebrity rumor mill for the better part of 2025. If a famous person shows up anywhere looking a little different than the last time they were seen, my social media feeds flood with videos and comments declaring they must’ve undergone several plastic surgeries because they’ve been suddenly rendered “unrecognizable.”

The celebrities this phrase is thrown at are usually women who, sure, might have changed a little over the years but still largely look like themselves. Claiming that they’ve undergone surgical “transformations,” as they’re often called, is in itself a big reach with no evidence behind it, for one. But the fact that we’re so quick to use a term as extreme as “new face” to describe anyone whose look seems to have changed for reasons we can’t know is a sign of something more concerning: that we’ve become willing to disconnect ourselves from reality to justify our continued shaming of women’s appearances. Let’s look at a few examples.

Anne Hathaway was declared to have a “new face” after sitting front row at a Ralph Lauren show in April and then again after her Met Gala appearance in May. Netizens, professional content creators, and even doctors raced to make claims of a brow lift, facelift, and/or blepharoplasty without accounting for the tight-as-a-drum ponytail she wore to both events. Jennifer Lawrence has also been a recent target of “new face” discourse. Even though she’s only 35, she’s been similarly accused of rendering herself unrecognizable with various age-reversing cosmetic procedures (all of which she’s denied having done, save for Botox). Then there’s the one I really don’t get: Emma Stone. People online called her appearance at the Eddington premiere in June her “new face reveal,” and the blepharoplasty/facelift rumors have been rampant ever since (like Lawrence, she’s only 35).

Jennifer Lawrence at a red carpet premiere in October.

Photo: Getty Images

I could spend the rest of this story talking circles around the exact changes people have perceived in these women’s faces, but it would ultimately be beside the point. Because no matter how you slice and dice the speculation, going so far as to say that any of them have a “new face” is a wild exaggeration.

Hathaway, when she lets down those snatched updos, still has smile lines and a wrinkle here and there, and her eyelids appear slightly hooded rather than pulled back—like those of a typical (albeit very beautiful) 42-year-old. Lawrence’s eyes are as deep-set as ever, and her face has kept its rounded shape with full cheeks. Stone has certainly changed her eyebrow shape and, obviously, cut her hair short, but when I see her in motion in recent interviews (like this one with the BBC), I don’t see the drastic cosmetic transformation everyone else apparently does. When she laughs, her rounded cheeks push up toward her eyes, and her eyelids disappear into their natural hoods. Her forehead scrunches and relaxes when she inevitably makes a funny face or two. It doesn’t feel all that different from watching Easy A.

Are we not willing to accept that people’s faces are bound to change a little as they get older? Warranted, there are celebrities out there who do undergo drastic plastic surgery transformations that can be worth talking about in the right context. Kris Jenner did get what I think is fair to call a “new face;” hell, I mistook her for Kim Kardashian the first time I saw her post-facelift earlier this year. But making that leap for anyone whose face seems to have changed in tiny ways over a long period of time? It doesn’t account for the happenings of real life, like getting older. Or getting pregnant (Lawrence had a baby earlier this year, by the way). Or weight fluctuation, or medical conditions. It doesn’t even account for the simplest of factors, like using different makeup and hairstyling techniques. (Mara Roszak, hairstylist to actresses like Zoe Saldana, Stone, and Olivia Wilde, told Allure recently that for a “snatched” effect, she sometimes makes tiny hidden braids behind a client’s ears, pulls them up and back, and secures them behind the head.) Most of this “new face” discourse is simply not tethered to reality.

Hathaway at the Met Gala in May.

Photo: Getty Images

Hathaway at a WWD event in October.

Photo: Getty Images

It’s also a thinly veiled weapon of misogyny. Some women are praised for their so-called transformations, while others are shamed for doing too much for their faces. “I’ll have what she’s having” was a common sentiment when Hathaway went viral, but recent images of Stone posted by Roszak have drawn comments like “lol she doesn’t look like her anymore,” and “BRING BACK her unique face.” Either way, these women are held to narrow—and contradictory—parameters of what they ought to look like and what’s acceptable to do to your own face. It scares me to think that, if I were in their position at my current age of 31, I could just as easily be put on blast for having changed entirely simply because I tried something new with my look, went through something difficult that altered my appearance, or simply aged just enough for someone to notice (all of which I have done recently).

It all speaks to a deep fear of the changes that come with getting older, including aging. All three of the women I’ve discussed in this story have been in the public eye for at least a decade, and they all became household names by the time they hit their early 20s. It would be delusional to think that none of their faces would change through their Hollywood tenure, and yet the internet acts as if their respective, gradual aesthetic evolutions are shocking. Regardless of whether plastic surgery played a role in those evolutions, the change itself and the passage of time are what I think make people uncomfortable. These generational icons are not the same bright-eyed 20-somethings they were at the start of their careers, and it’s far easier to judge them for changing than it is for us to reckon with our fear that our faces are going to change eventually, too. So it doesn’t take a psych degree to understand that a lot of this commentary is pure projection.

Emma Stone en route to an appearance in October.

Photo: Getty Images

There’s definitely value in being aware of plastic surgery and how celebrities can use it to align with (and, in turn, reinforce) beauty standards—but the language we use when talking about that is important. Anyone who’s made content on social media, whether personally or professionally, knows the power of a catchy hook. Be honest, what’s more likely to get your attention? “Jennifer Lawrence has an entirely new face, and here’s how she got it.” Or: “Jennifer Lawrence’s face looks a little bit different but not that much, and it’s probably just because it’s evolving gradually with the passage of time.” Even I, with all my lecturing, would probably stick around to watch the former.

On social media, it feels normal for us to use and hear language designed to elicit a strong feeling that makes people want to stop, watch, judge, and react. It’s how we’ve been conditioned to operate on the internet since short-form video became a thing and impeded our ability to pay attention to anything for more than a few seconds at a time. But if we’re not stopping to think critically about what we’re hearing and seeing on the little dopamine machines we call phones, that junk winds up impacting our beliefs and perceptions in real life, too (I mean, just look at incel culture if you think I’m wrong).

And that makes us all a bunch of assholes. Because labeling such small changes a “new face”—especially on social media—rarely serves to challenge beauty standards the way people seem to think it does. It’s purely for our entertainment, with a “gotcha” kicker. And women, as usual, are the ones on full display while the rest of us get to watch the show… at least for a few moments before we scroll on to the next thing.

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I have a confession: I haven't worn a traditional bra in years. Ever since the pandemic upended our lives, I've been all about that comfy life, paring down my lingerie drawer to soft, unlined bralettes, and for anything that's not compatible with bralettes (spoiler: a surprising amount of my wardrobe), adhesive nipple covers. I've tried my fair share of different brands and thought I had found my favorites—that is, until Cakes Body came to my attention. Thanks, TikTok!

My criteria for nipple covers are pretty straightforward: They must be thick enough to provide full coverage and not let the girlies peek through, look undetectable under thinner and thicker fabrics alike, and peel off easily without causing any discomfort. When I was introduced to Cakes Body nipple covers—the Sticky Cakes Circles and Sticky Cakes Triangles—I had a feeling that they would enter my daily rotation. But inklings don't matter if the product in question doesn't pass the test. So, did they? Let's get sticky.

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Circles

$33

Cakes Body

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Triangles

$33

Cakes Body

My First Impressions

Ok, why aren't all nipple covers designed with a little dip in the middle (this is a patent-pending Nip-Nook, as I've learned) so your nips are spared from the sticky parts? It seems like a no-brainer. Mine aren't even particularly sensitive, but nonetheless, I very much appreciate the design consideration because the removal process is much more seamless because of it.

On the other hand, Shanna Shipin, Allure's senior commerce director, is in the camp of sensitive nips. “For the longest time, after having two kids who ripped my nipples to shreds (yes, I mean that literally), I had the worst experiences with nipple covers. The adhesive would rip off my nipples, cause eczema breakouts, and just slowly and sadly slide off of my mosquito bite boobs," Shipin says. "Cakes Body creates truly groundbreaking nipple covers that have a non-adhesive center, so your nips are covered, but not in any kind of tacky film. (I also love the Grippy Cakes, which have no adhesive at all; I love the Stickies when I don't want deer-in-headlight nips and to add shape to my misshaped boobs.) These stay in place all day long and don't budge; though you have to wash them after every use, or else they will start to peel on you. The color range is great, but I could see some in-between shades to cover more skin tones. Overall, these are my most trusted—and most comfortable—covers.”

I do agree about the color range: Although I chose Honey, which works well, I would've loved a shade in between Honey and Caramel. (There are three colors in total: Honey, Caramel, and Cocoa.) Picking out my size was simple, too. For Sticky Cakes Circles, there are three sizes: Itty-Bitty (3" by 3" covers that fit AA-B cups), OG (4" by 4" covers that fit B to DD cups), and Plus (5" by 5" covers that fit DDD and above). I've oscillated between a B and C cup over the years, so the OG cups were a pretty sure bet. If you're unsure about your size, you can always use a handy online measuring tool like this one—and, if you're in between sizes, Cakes Body recommends sizing up because it's always safer to go the route of more coverage. (I couldn't agree more!)

How I Wear Them

A front view of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han wearing Cakes Sticky Cakes Circles

Courtesy of Jenifer Calle

A side view of Han wearing Cakes Sticky Cakes Circles

Courtesy of Jenifer Calle

Oh, the possibilities are endless, aren't they? Unless I'm wearing something looser like a sweater or sweatshirt, I'm pulling out my Cakes. In my time-crunched experience, it's not worth the try-ons to see if a bra will look seamless when I know a pair of Cakes will keep me covered without anything I don't want to show, well, showing. The Sticky Cakes Circles don't budge, and the edges aren't noticeable throughout entire days, even when you're looking from the side (as you can see above). I've worn too-thin, too-flimsy covers that barely conceal my nipples, but not with Cakes—they have the ideal, Goldilocks-level thickness.

Han wearing a pair of Cakes Body Sticky Cakes Circles

Courtesy of Jenifer Calle

Han wearing a pair of Cakes Body Sticky Cakes Triangles

Courtesy of Lawrence Li

By the way, Cakes Body doesn't just offer circular nipple covers. Another style worth your consideration is the Sticky Triangles. I'm not sure why I haven't tried non-circular nipple covers until now, but there's a very solid case for them. While I don't have a ton of low-cut tops, the ones I do have are tricky to style with undergarments—I usually opt for a lacy bralette that does peek out but doesn't look too out of place. The Sticky Cakes Triangles are perfect for lower necklines (including V-cut), where the top of the circles would definitely poke out. Now? Problem solved. And, just like the Nip-Nook-designed Circles, the Triangles spare my nipples from any painful experiences.

My Final Thoughts

The Sticky Cakes have quickly become my go-to nipple covers, ousting a different brand (which, to be fair, is still good) from the top spot, and the nip dip—as I've personally started calling it—is the main contributing factor. While I don't have sensitive nips, you can't really err on the side of too cautious. (And if/when I have kids, when I deal with breastfeeding, Cakes Body will be top of mind.) Another non-negotiable: I haven't experienced my covers slipping, nor have the edges looked obvious. (I do think the triangles are a tad more noticeable, but it's not to a degree where I'd stop using them.)

Cakes Body says that its nipple covers last at least 10 uses, but I've definitely been wearing mine for longer. You're supposed to rinse them after every wear, but I will admit in a flash that I'm not as consistent as I'm supposed to be. When I do, I rinse them in warm water, as the brand recommends, and give myself a little high-five. Unless I'm consistently sweating and/or working out in these, I personally don't think I need to wash these after every use. (But please ask me during the dog days of summer, and I may say otherwise.)

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Circles

$33

Cakes Body

Cakes Body

Sticky Cakes Triangles

$33

Cakes Body

If you're in the same boat as me—in that, you'd rather avoid traditional bras at pretty much all costs and want versatile undergarments that work with your outfits, rather than against—I'd wholly recommend checking out Cakes Body. Go ahead, shop the Sticky Cakes Circles and Sticky Cakes Triangles now for $33 a pair.

Photos: Courtesy of Shana Jade Trajanoski; courtesy of SkimsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

When Diarrha N’Diaye-Mbaye announced that she was closing her brand, Ami Colé, due to unsustainable operating costs earlier this year, the girls—myself included—were rightfully gutted. The makeup brand, which she founded in 2021, centered on melanin-rich skin through inclusive shade ranges (like, actually inclusive), glossy marketing, and social-first community initiatives. The brand ethos and the product assortment highlighted the beauty of Black and brown skin. Ami Colé has been sorely missed by the beauty community in the months since its shutdown.

But as the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens—and N’Diaye-Mbaye’s new open door is draped in neutral tones and goes by the name of Skims. On November 3, Kim Kardashian’s clothing brand announced in a press release that N’Diaye-Mbaye has been appointed by the company as the executive vice president of beauty and fragrance, effective immediately.

According to the press release, she’ll lead product development, innovation, and brand strategy for its upcoming spin-off brand, Skims Beauty. “There are so many beauty lines out there now, and consumers are more discerning than ever. They want quality, they want delight, they want something that makes their lives easier,” N’Diaye-Mbaye tells Allure. "I can’t wait to collaborate with the Skims team on items we hope will become essentials in their regimen." This pivot, while it might be unexpected to some, is completely on par with N’Diaye-Mbaye’s resume—before launching Ami Colé, she held marketing roles at Glossier, L’Oréal Paris, and Rebecca Minkoff.

Aside from Kardashian’s October 15 confirmation that Skims Beauty is in development, the details and date of its launch are still shrouded in mystery. What we do know so far is that Skims Beauty will include “fragrance and makeup and all the things,” as Kardashian told Alex Cooper on the Call Her Daddy podcast in October.

Though it’ll be Skims' first foray into beauty, it’s far from Kardashian’s first rodeo. Seasoned beauty enthusiasts will remember the launch of KKW Beauty in 2017 (and those famous contour kits). In 2021, Kardashian sold 20 percent of KKW Beauty to beauty conglomerate Coty Inc., and the brand announced a halt in operations later that year. In 2022, Kardashian launched a skin care brand, SKKN by Kim. She told Allure at the time that she aimed to model it after Skims and make it a “product-based brand” rather than a “celebrity brand.” Earlier this year, Kardashian consolidated all her brands, bringing SKKN by Kim under the Skims umbrella.

We can see how Skims and N’Diaye-Mbaye would be a fit. Ami Colé really strived to bring an inclusive shade range to the market. And say what you will about the marketing stunts of Skims—bush-clad bikinis and Halloween-esque face wraps come to mind—but the brand has stayed true to shapewear that considers body types up to size 4X and skin tones from fair to deep.

This move to bring N’Diaye-Mbaye to Skims positions the brand to become a real force in the beauty space—I mean, this is the same woman who led Ami Colé to five Allure Best of Beauty Awards and had everyone scrambling to get their hands on a tube of lip oil after just a couple of years in operation. While the beauty community and I are still mourning the loss of Ami Colé, which deserved to live on far longer than it did, I’m hopeful for what N’Diaye-Mbaye can and will accomplish in her new role. Since the closure of Ami Colé, she’s maintained that she will always champion Black women in the beauty space—now she’ll just be doing that at Skims with the type of wisdom that can only come from building a brand from the ground up.

“In case there's another venture… I know what I'm really good at, and I know where my blind spots are," N’Diaye-Mbaye said on the Aspire podcast with Emma Grede in September. "Product, community, storytelling, being able to emotionally connect with someone [while] not even knowing them… I do think I have that gift. So let's see what the universe does with that.”

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Millie Bobby Brown is over the constant conversation and criticism around her hair and makeup choices.

In early 2025, headlines blared that the Stranger Things star looked “old” and had possibly had plastic surgery, and the 21-year-old actor responded to all the conversation by calling the publications and writers out by name. “I started in this industry when I was 10 years old," she wrote on Instagram at the time. "I grew up in front of the world, and for some reason, people can’t seem to grow with me,” she said her post. “Instead, they act like … I should still look the way I did on Stranger Things season one. And because I don’t, I’m now a target.”

Now, Brown is revisiting that conversation in a new interview with British Vogue. The star knows that being perceived is part of the job, but bristles at some of the coverage given to a young woman who is having fun with beauty and figuring out who she is. "I understand that there’s paparazzi, even though it’s invasive, even though it feels like sh*t to me–I know that’s your job,” she shared. "But don’t, in your headline, slam me at the get-go. It is so wrong and it is bullying, especially to young girls who are new to this industry and are already questioning everything about it.”

According to Brown, the headlines regarding her ‘90s-inspired blonde hair and glam from the The Electric State press tour really hurt her feelings. “I was depressed for three, four days. I was crying every day,” she told British Vogue, adding that she was crying in the glam chair before presenting an award to Sabrina Carpenter at the Brit Awards. (Carpenter gave her a hug and told her to “F**k ’em!")

But today, she's feeling much more confident in her beauty experimentation and isn't afraid to call people out. “If me being blonde or wearing more make-up really bothers you, I’m going to address it—not just for myself, but for every other girl who wants to try a new hairstyle or wear a red lip,” Brown shared. “It’s, like, get off my f***ing case, you know? I am 21. I am going to have fun and play and be myself.”

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I hate long nail appointments. I get restless when sitting for extended periods with nothing to do. (I can’t even scroll on my phone!) That’s why I have typically avoided nail art unless it was for a special occasion—that is, until I discovered velvet nails. Velvet nails mimic the fuzzy texture of your favorite holiday dress, but with an added touch of sparkle.

Velvet nails always come back during the holiday season, but this year, the look is making its rounds early. It’s easy to see why: "The effect is magical," says Hannah Lee, a nail artist in Atlanta. “The way the light plays off the magnet-activated texture gives them a depth that feels modern and refined.” It’s also easy to combine with other nail trends for a look that has a bit more impact.

Another reason this manicure’s popularity might be rising now is the impending recession. Even some of us Allure editors have found ourselves opting out of “tier-three” (intricate) nail art looks for financial reasons. An allover velvet manicure is usually classified as “tier one” (simple) at salons, even if the effect is as eye-catching as a tier-three look.

For context, in a major city like New York, detailed nail art can run you about $14 per nail, on top of the $150 price for a basic gel manicure with nail extensions. At Art Nail NYC, where I got my first allover velvet set, the mani was considerably more affordable (and less time-consuming) because it was classified as a simple design.

You’ll likely hear people call these cat-eye nails. They’re not wrong; the way we see it, though, all cat-eye nails are velvet, but not all velvet nails are cat-eye. The distinction is in how the shimmering magnetic particles are dispersed. The particles in cat-eye nails usually form a straight or diagonal line (mimicking the look of a cat’s eye), while the particles in velvet nails can be spread out uniformly or in patterns like hearts and swirls.

Courtesy of @sabletoothtigerCourtesy of @heygreatnailsThe modern velvet manicure

According to Eunice Park, brand development and education director at Aprés Nail, velvet nails now look very different than those of the past. “When I was in nail school in 2015, the magnetic particles were a lot chunkier and were against a black base,” she explains, noting that the finished look was always dark. “You’d see black with emerald green or dark purple glitter.”

Magnetic polish formulas needed a black base for the glitter particles to appear shinier, Park continues. Now, brands are formulating velvet polishes with finer magnetic particles (so there are more of them), so the glitter appears softer and more subtle—but with just as much shine. “I think that's what's extending the velvet nail-trend's life,” she says. “You're getting all these different variants of the look.”

In addition to more sophisticated nail polish formulas, we’re seeing manicurists get more creative with their art. They have been pairing the velvet finish with “chrome, subtle jewels, or artistic sculptural,” says Lupita Alonso, a nail artist in Stone Park, Illinois. We’ve also seen it with heart motifs and manipulated into ombré designs. “These details make it look more updated and modern.”

How to create velvet nails

Sure, the appointment can be shorter than other nail art appointments, but I understand if you still want to skip the salon trip completely and DIY your velvet nails. You’ll need a few things, though, like a base coat, topcoat, magnetic nail polish, and a magnetic wand. (Mooncat sells the magnetic wand on its own, but will include one for free if your order includes a magnetic polish.)

First, coat your nails with a base polish before applying a magnetic polish. Then, use a magnet to disperse the shimmery particles across the nail to create that glistening velvet effect. Holding the magnet at the tip or side of the nail creates the velvet effect, while holding it above the nail's center drags the particles into a straight line for the traditional cat-eye look.

If you're not ready to wield a magnetic wand, Bana Jarjour, a Los Angeles-based nail artist, suggests trying gel nail strips. (Note: This method does require you have an LED lamp.) She recommends the Dashing Diva Glaze strips, which come pre-painted with a velvet design. All you need to do is apply the adhesive strip to your nail, cut it to your desired length, cure it with an LED lamp, and file it into the shape you want. We also recommend press-ons; Static Nails has a velvet press-on set that will give you a salon-level manicure in seconds.

Looking for inspiration? Scroll for some of the prettiest velvet nail ideas, including looks that are simple enough to do at home and works of art you might want a professional to help create.

Velvet Nails Inspiration

Plaid velvet nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieVelvet polka-dot nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieSheer velvet nailsCourtesy of @overgloweditVelvet frame nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieCourtesy of @nailsbyshirlecropVelvet French nailsCourtesy of @gracielanailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieOmbré velvet nailsCourtesy of @nailartbyqueenieGreen-and-black velvet nailsCourtesy of @sofiamiroslavanailsCourtesy of @nailsbyshaniVelvet amethyst frame nailsInstagram / @heygreatnailsVelvet nails with 3D embellishmentsCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsVelvet aura nailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsChrome velvet nailsCourtesy of @sansungnailsInstagram / @nailartbyqueenie