Best Makeup Brands to Buy

1 - Armani Beauty

This international fashion house is also a key player on the luxury beauty scene, and has been ever since they first launched in 2000. The makeup takes a cue from the fashion, with the same timeless, classic vibe, not to mention incredibly high-performing formulas. And yes, ICYW, Mr. Armani himself is in fact very involved.

2 - Hourglass

Around since 2004, Hourglass has been a cruelty-free brand from the very beginning, long before it was the “it” thing to do. (They even go one step further, donating a part of their profits to an organization seeking to secure basic rights for animals.) They have a long list of celeb—and beauty editor—fans, and repeatedly come out with luxurious, high-performing products across every category. It’s not surprising that new launches often sell out, sometimes in as quickly as 24 hours.

3 - Fenty Beauty

We now think of Rihanna as a mega beauty boss, perhaps even more so than as a music superstar. She launched Fenty Beauty back in 2017, inspired by the lack of shade inclusivity in the industry. Not surprisingly, complexion products are a staple for this brand and come in an expansive range of colors; the foundation made major news when it launched with 40 different shades. (PS: Her latest launch, Fenty Skin, is equally impressive.) 

4 - L’Oréal Paris

Forget the beauty industry, this is one of the biggest brands in the world, a global behemoth with haircare, skincare, and makeup lines. The cosmetics collection is rife with cult-classic favorites plus all-kinds of on-trend newbies, always at affordable prices.

Hero Products of Top Beauty Brands

1 - Armani Beauty

Arguably one of the most iconic complexion products of all time, there’s a good reason why Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation is a true cult-classic, a staple for pro makeup artists and devoted customers alike. It’s surprisingly versatile, easily sheered out, or built-up depending on how you apply it, though always delivers a velvety-yet-radiant finish. This was the brand’s first product and to celebrate the recent 20th anniversary, they also added 10 new shades to the line, bringing the total up to 40.

2 - Hourglass

One of the brand’s best-sellers, Vanish Seamless Foundation Stick is an easy-to-use complexion perfector that holds a permanent spot in our makeup routine, no matter how many other foundations we try. Waterproof yet weightless, the creamy formula glides on seamlessly, offering buildable coverage that works just as well all-over as it does to spot cover areas like a concealer would. Bonus points for the innovative triangular tip.

3 - Fenty Beauty

Speaking of, Pro Filt'r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation is a must-try. The shade range is of course impressive (it now comes in 50 colors), but so is the actual formula itself. Despite the full coverage and a matte finish, it feels incredibly lightweight and velvety on the skin, blurring out lines, blemishes, and generally leaving your complexion looking flawless.

4 - L’Oréal Paris

You truly can’t go wrong with their Voluminous Original Mascara, which makes lashes look up to five times thicker and never clumps. The tried-and-true pick also contains plenty of conditioning ingredients so you get some extra fringe benefits (get it?), and is a staple for many pro makeup artists.

Best Makeup Brush Sets

1 - Sigma Most-Wanted Brush Set

From one of the bestselling makeup brush brands, Sigma has created a brush set based on their most popular makeup brushes. This five-piece set features brushes for both the face and eyes, and uses ultra-soft SigmaTech® and Sigmax® fibers for extra comfort. Brushes included are the F80 Flat Kabuki (ideal for blending liquid and cream products), F35 Tapered Highlighter (great for applying highlighter to cheekbones), E40 Tapered Blending (works to soften and blend any harsh lines), E25 Blending (can be used to apply and combine eye shadow shades) and the E30 Pencil (used to soften liner along lash lines).

2 - Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Mini Brush Set

Everything that Charlotte Tilbury creates is gold, including this beautiful four-piece mini brush set. You can stow the Face Powder Brush, Eye Blender Brush, Eye Smudger Brush and Precision Brush into the case while traveling, or use the chic, velvet green clutch to stash your phone and other essentials for a night out.

3 - Real Techniques Everyday Essentials

Even with a relatively low price tag, Real Techniques always manages to deliver seriously high-quality, beautiful brushes. This five-piece set includes a blush brush, crease brush, setting powder brush, face brush and a flexible sponge for foundation application.

Best Foot Creams for Dry, Cracked Feet

1 - Aquaphor Healing Ointment

“I like heel balms,” says Dr. Jaliman. “Creams and lotions are good but look for balms because they are richer.” She recommends Aquaphor for dry, cracked feet because it contains panthenol (a form of vitamin B5 to help retain moisture) and glycerin (to draw in water from the air into the skin’s outer layer). The best part? The multipurpose product can be used beyond your feet on dry, cracked, or irritated hands, elbows, and even lips.

2 - Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

“Vaseline petroleum jelly is still a go-to and will soften, smooth, and soothe,” says Dr. Waldorf. Whether you have cracked heels, a minor cut, or rough calluses, Vaseline will bring relief, even if your skin is sensitive. Petroleum jelly (a.k.a. petrolatum) forms a protective barrier on the skin to prevent moisture loss. Apply on its own or over another lotion for double duty power.

3 - O’Keefe’s for Healthy Feet Foot Cream

Its formula contains a “high concentration” of glycerin, along with allantoin (a skin-protecting compound) to boost moisture levels in rough, dry skin.  “THIS STUFF WORKS. Like most everyone else, I have tried every paste, cream, solution, pumice stone, skin grinder etc. to find something that would get rid of the thick, ugly and painful cracked skin on my diabetic feet,” one reviewer wrote. “I AM ABSOLUTELY AMAZED! After two weeks (with only one daily application) my feet looked and felt like a baby’s. I am not kidding.”

4 - PurSources Urea 40% Foot Cream

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to find a quality foot cream, says Dr. Markus. For less than $20, he likes this tub from PurSources, which contains 40% urea. “Urea is the most popular ingredient [in foot creams], as it smooths rough skin and kills the fungus responsible for athlete’s foot,” he explains. It also contains nourishing botanical oils, tea tree oil (which has natural antibacterial properties), and soothing aloe vera.

Best Body Sprays for Men

1 - Best Overall: Jack Black Turbo Body Spray

Formulated as precisely as a fragrance, with notes of spearmint, eucalyptus, black tea, rosemary, lavender, wood, and palo santo. However, it bears the price of a body spray and pretends to be nothing but—it works terrifically as a boost before a big meeting or a date, without pronouncing itself to the people five tables over. It smells terrific and refreshing.

2 - Best Budget: Axe Body Spray for Men Dark Temptation

A lot sweet, blending notes of hot chocolate (hm!), amber, and peppercorn. It’s the finest fragrance of Axe’s all-day-fresh body sprays, and one of the furthest from “this smells like a seventh-grader would wear it." It's also super affordable, making it an easy pick-up when you’re next at the drugstore.

3 - Best Drugstore: Old Spice Refresh Body Spray Pure Sport

The citrus-crisp replaced Old Spice’s signature, classic scent—that, or it’s the one that defines the millennial/Gen-Z deodorizing experience. Who hasn’t used the brand’s Pure Spice roll-on stick at some point? So, here it is in a deodorizing body spray, perfect for the post-workout shower boost. And it’s not as polarizing as many other drugstore options, since Old Spice keeps most of its scents in an ageless, universal-appeal territory. Pure Sport is the most universal of them all.

Best Oils for Hair Health

1 - Coconut Oil

As you may be able to guess, coconut oil comes from coconuts. It is one of the most versatile oils in existence, and is also great for the skin. It contains large amounts of fatty acids which allow it to penetrate hair deeply without evaporating. Coconut oil is rich in carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that are essential for good hair health. Coconut oil is available in several different varieties, such as refined, unrefined and extra-virgin, and is one of the best oils for hair growth.

Ideal for: All hair types, but particularly those with dry, damaged or dull hair. Coconut oil works well for those wishing to repair brittle hair and split ends, and is recommended for people with slow hair growth.

Benefits: Coconut oil has many benefits, including protecting against heat damage and repairing damaged and broken hair. Using it regularly also helps prevent hair loss and promotes healthy hair growth and a healthy scalp. Coconut oil improves the look of hair by helping it retain moisture and adding a beautiful, healthy shine. Many coconut oils also possess a delicious coconut scent that makes hair smell wonderful.

2 - Argan Oil

Argan oil, also known as Moroccan oil, is derived from nuts produced from argan trees. Rich in fatty acids, antioxidants and Vitamin E, argan oil not only makes your hair look wonderful, but also has many protective qualities. It is sometimes referred to as "liquid gold" due to its rich golden color. All-natural, organic argan oil is best to use, since it is minimally processed and does not contain any chemicals or additives.

Ideal for: Dry, brittle, frizzy or coarse hair that is frequently styled and exposed to heat. Also ideal for people with hair that tends to get greasy.

Benefits: Argan oil protects hair against damage from UV rays and heat. It also moisturizes and smoothes hair, making it soft and manageable and imparting a lustrous shine.

3 - Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil, pronounced ho-ho-ba, is a product of the jojoba plant. Jojoba oil is ideal for use in the hair, since it shares many characteristics with sebum, the oil our scalps naturally produce. It won't interfere with the scalp's natural balance. Since it deeply penetrates the hair shaft and follicle, working from the inside out, jojoba oil is a great moisturizer. Jojoba oil also has antibacterial qualities. All-natural, unrefined jojoba oil is the best type to use on hair and skin, since it does not contain any chemical ingredients.

Ideal for: Dry, damaged or dull hair and those with dandruff and dry scalp issues.

Benefits: Jojoba oil moisturizes hair, prevents dandruff and dry scalp and makes hair soft and shiny.

4 - Almond Oil

Almond oil comes from the kernels inside almonds. Not only great for cooking, almond oil is also wonderful for your hair. It contains Vitamin E, fatty acids, proteins and antioxidants, along with magnesium, which reduces hair breakage and helps it grow. People with mineral deficiencies are prone to slow hair growth and hair loss, so adding some almond oil into your diet can also greatly help with these issues. Whether used for cooking or beauty care, all-natural almond oil is best, as there are no added chemicals.

Ideal for: Dry and damaged hair, dandruff-prone hair and those with slow-growing hair or hair loss issues.

Benefits: Almond oil moisturizes, seals and protects hair and also protects against hair loss and breakage. Using it regularly helps you grow longer and stronger hair.

Best Face Masks of All Time

1 - SkinCeuticals Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight

Hailing from the dermatologist-favorite brand SkinCeuticals, the Glycolic 10 Renew Overnight deserves its 2020 Allure Best of Beauty Award for many reasons. The key ingredient, 10 percent glycolic acid effectively exfoliates dead skin cells and speeds up cell turnover, so you're left with softer skin, less visible pores, and less hyperpigmentation. It's safe for sensitive skin, too, since the glycolic and phytic acids (which helps with clarity and brightness) are formulated with what the brand calls a triple-action soothing complex. Jojoba and sunflower seed oils act as a protective barrier from any potential acid-derived irritation.

2 - Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Gel Mask with Azelaic Acid

For anyone dealing with acne (most of us), you'll definitely want to check out the 2020 Allure Best of Beauty winner, the Bliss Green Tea Wonder Clarifying Overnight Gel Mask with Azelaic acid. Ava Shamban, a Beverly Hills-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure that azelaic acid loosens pore-clogging skin cells, reduces acne-related inflammation, evens out skin tone, and reduces dark spots left behind from breakouts. 

Since it's a leave-on mask, it couldn't be easier to use — simply spread onto your face, and that's it. You'll wake up to smoother, clearer, and soothed skin, thanks to other anti-inflammatory ingredients like fermented green tea oil, green tea extract, and aloe leaf juice.

3 - Mary Kay TimeWise Repair Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask

Perfect for a concentrated, 20- to 30-minute dose of hydration, Mary Kay's TimeWise Repair Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask is packed with oat kernel extract, orchid extract, and sodium hyaluronate (a form of hyaluronic acid) for the ultimate pampering session. The bio-cellulose material ensures a snug, face-hugging fit that won't slip around if you need to move around. But, to make the most out of this 2020 Allure Best of Beauty winner, we recommend not letting yourself not lift a finger. After all, you deserve the break.

Best Shaving Creams for Men

1 - Harry's Shave Gel

Okay, it’s not a cream, but this gel quickly lathers into an airy foam so it doesn’t feel sticky. Ingredients like aloe and cucumber help to cool and soothe skin, which makes it good for anyone prone to sensitivity.

2 - Proraso Shaving Cream

If you’re going old school with your razor, go old school with your cream, too. A thicker cream will help protect your face from nicks and cuts. Proraso has been making shaving cream for around 70 years and it’s still one of the very best shaving creams on the market.

3 - Port Products Face Saving Shave Formula

Coconut oil lends this cream a thick, luxurious texture and hydrates skin as well as protecting it against nicks and cuts. Willow bark extract adds anti-inflammatory properties which calms down irritation.

4 - Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave

This transparent gel contains fatty acids to protect and strengthen your skin barrier, and it cuts down on the need to use a pre-shave oil. It doesn’t lather like a cream, but it still gives a top notch smooth shave.

Best Pimple Creams to Clear Up Acne Fast

1 - Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Nearly every dermatologist we spoke to recommended Differin Gel, which used to be prescription-only but is now available over the counter. This easy-to-use retinol gel reigns supreme because “it targets a few factors that contribute to acne including inflammation and facilitating cell turnover,” says dermatologist Dendy Engelman, MD. It can even help fade dark spots from old pimples and help keep blackheads at bay. If you have mild, but consistent, acne it can be a game changer (but keep in mind it’s not a spot treatment and should be used regularly).

2 - The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane

Retinol has always been one of the go-to ingredients professionals recommend in the fight against acne. Dermatologist Steve Xu, MD recommends this affordable retinol because “it puts active ingredients first at an affordable price.” Start with a low concentration and see how your skin reacts, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

3 - Kamedis Acne Spot Treatment with Salicylic Acid (2%)

Salicylic acid is another proven ingredient to help clear pimples quickly and effectively. The beta hydroxy acid goes deep into pores to help clear built-up oil and debris. Dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, MD recommends this potent spot treatment because it not only “helps dry out pimples and exfoliate dead cells to keep pores clear, but it is also enriched with Chinese herbs that help soothe skin irritation.”

Best Body Groomers for Men to Manscape

1 - Philips Norelco OneBlade Face + Body

This hybrid electric trimmer and shaver is super gentle on your skin yet extremely effective at removing your body hair to your desired length. Use the guards for trimming if you like to leave a little length or take them off for a super close shave that never leaves any cuts or scratches.

2 - Manscaped The Lawn Mower 3.0

The name says it all. Even the coarsest of body hairs are no match for The Lawn Mower 3.0. This body groomer is specifically designed to handle your most delicate parts with a SkinSafe blade to keep you safe from nicks and irritation.

3 - Bevel Trimmer

You’ll be proud to display this sharp and effective body trimmer in your bathroom, thanks to its sleek, modern look. The barber-approved brand’s innovative body groomer is designed to repel dirt and impurities—meaning there's little-to-no chance of  questionable red marks and irritation. 

Best Nose Hair Trimmers for Men

1 - Philips Norelco 5100 Nose Hair Trimmer

If you’re looking for an all-in-one trimming option, this Philips Norelco model is pretty hard to beat. The nose and eyebrow attachments (with multiple length combs) work well, but it also includes a detailing attachment with a length comb for your beard, too.

2 - Manscaped The Weed Whacker Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer

Expect a brand that reinvented the below-the-belt trimmer to deliver the same technology above your neck. This powerful nose and ear hair trimmer contains a 9,000 rpm motor in this tiny package, protected by a hypoallergenic stainless steel cone that protects your delicate skin from getting cut as you trim. Unlike most of the other nose hair trimmers on this list, it’s rechargeable via USB, so no need to switch out batteries (each charge gets you 90 minutes of trim time). Plus, the tip is angled to allow you to reach even the hardest to reach crevices in your schnoz.

3 - Wahl Ear, Nose, & Brow Trimmer

Another good portable option, this multi-purpose trimmer has three attachments to make it a one-stop detailing shop. The nose hair trimmer is powerful, but the addition of an eyebrow comb and detailer (for sideburns and beards) makes it a great value.

4 - Panasonic Men’s Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer with Vacuum Cleaning System

This is like the Rolls-Royce of nose hair trimmers: expensive, but top of the line. The wet/dry feature makes cleaning it a breeze, but also means you can use it in the shower. Best of all, the built-in vacuum system catches hair inside before it ends up on your sink.