Best Body Washes for Women

 1 -  Dr. Bronner's Citrus Orange Pure-Castile Liquid Soap

Dr. Bronner's Orange Liquid Soap will help you clean anything you need to, all while being a nice, natural product. If you are looking for a soap that is good for you and the environment, you should check this one out. The pure-castile liquid soap is made with an invigorating blend of organic orange, lemon and lime oils. It is concentrated, biodegradable, versatile and effective. You can use the citrus liquid soap in your bathroom, in your kitchen or on many other items around your home. It is made with organic and certified Fair Trade ingredients and is packaged in a 100 percent post-consumer recycled bottle. You can feel good about the effect this product has on the planet. This is a 32-oz bottle, so you have plenty if you need a large amount, or you can use it to refill smaller bottles around the house.

2 - Softsoap Luminous Oils Moisturizing Body Wash Shower Gel for Women, Macadamia Oil and Peon

Non-greasy, moisturizing body wash and made with real macadamia oil. Paraben free body wash and formulated without phthalates. Retains skin's natural moisture to help leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. pH balanced body wash for your skin. Dermatologist tested body wash for women and men. Can be used to wash your hands if you run out of hand soap. Environmentally conscious product made with biodegradable cleaning ingredients; packaged in a recyclable bottle for eco-friendly disposal. Pack of 4 body washes with 20 fluid ounces in each; a total of 80 fluid ounces.

Best Hair Conditioners

1 - Dark Envy Hydrating Conditioner for Dark Hair

"I tend to fall behind on my salon appointments more than I should, especially during the summer. As a beauty editor, I should really know better—especially since the summer is when brunettes and raven-haired beauties need the most maintenance. Ever notice that after a few beach days, your strands seem to spit out all that pretty deep color and suddenly you've got roots warmer than that the surface of the sun? Here's my quick fix. A formula that deposits green pigment, like this one, can help add cool tones back to the hair as it hydrates so you can stretch out that time between salons visits. Added bonus: I promise it won't stain your shower."

2 - Nanoworks Gold Conditioner

"I change my hair color a lot and I’m lucky it’s stayed healthy. However, I noticed that my roots were changing texture, and were a little drier as they grew to be deeper shades of grey. I tried a sample of this conditioner, and after three uses, I really noticed that my hair was more lush and silky, and it even punched up my curls. I eventually splurged for a full size bottle and bought the shampoo, too. Pure gold!"

Best Shampoos for hair

1 - Frizz-Defy Shampoo by LOREAL

"Growing up, I never paid attention to the shampoo I used. (Literally, I'd use anything as long as it smelled good.) That changed the first time I dyed my hair a couple years ago. I never realized how harsh and terrible brand-I-shall-not-name was until it stripped all the color out of my hair. That's when my hair colorist (and my mom!) recommended something sulfate-free, and I fell in love with this L'Oréal Ever Pure shampoo.

It's super cheap, I can easily pick it up at the drugstore whenever I run out, and it comes in a variety of formulations depending on your hair type. (Same goes for the conditioner.) I got my hair colored again while using the shampoo and the dye actually lasted. A concept!"

2 - Colour Protect Shampoo by SACHAJUAN

"I've got a ton of fine hair, which means it can end up looking greasy fast. And if I'm actually sticking to my schedule and dropping into a boxing class or sliding into my sauna blanket, that means style-killing, 'even dry shampoo can't fix this' levels of sweat. Having color-treated hair means the more I wash, the more my faux-hue fades, so I need to stick to shampoos that preserve my shade. This Swedish brand is one of my favorites, and its Color Protect formula gets my scalp squeaky clean without stripping my color."

3 - Moisture Repair Shampoo by MOROCCANOIL

"I love Moroccanoil products. Their shampoo (and conditioner) are my shiny, silky-soft hair jam. I remember trying Moroccanoil for the first time and realizing that my naturally very fine, frizzy hair can actually look smooth and—despite my total lack of skills with a hairdryer—like I’d just left a haircut. I turned my mom on to the stuff as well, so now the smell is homey and familiar to me. Plus, whenever I get a whiff of that Moroccanoil shampoo smell, it’s a nice little reminder that I’m likely having a good hair day."

Best face oils of 2021

1 - RMS Beauty: Best overall face oil

It’s virtually impossible to fault RMS Beauty’s Beauty Oil. From the understated bottle to the nutrient-rich oil inside and the incredible effects your skin will feel as soon as you’ve blessed your face with it a few times. Blending all of the best oils for a lightweight yet concentrated finish, this miracle bottle is prepared to fight any and every battle on your behalf. 

A quick application of wildcrafted Brazilian Buriti Oil, firming rosehip and antioxidant-rich jojoba will do the face oil equivalent of brushing all of your worries under the carpet. There are some face oils that hydrate and some face oils that fight the signs of ageing. There are others that promise to balance your complexion. And then there’s this Beauty Oil, which seamlessly does all of the above and then some.

2 - Augustinus Bader: Best luxury face oil

Those days when your hair looks sleek and well maintained, your eyeliner matches perfectly and you’re wearing your favourite outfit? Augustinus Bader’s The Face Oil will bring on the feeling of all of the above happening simultaneously. Throw in a gloriously sunny day, a free coffee from your favourite spot and the last meeting of the day cancelled and you’ll feel a similar sort of glee. This premium face oil might have a higher cost than others but it’s well deserved. 

Combining TFC8 – a complex of amino acids and vitamins – as well as Babassu, Argan, Hazelnut and Karanja oils, it manages to sink deeply into the layers of your skin while feeling almost weightless immediately after application. A quick one-off application has the ability to brighten your day; longer term usage promises to also brighten your skin, reduce pigmentation and promote elasticity.

3 - Honest Beauty: Best value face oil

Face oil might seem like a luxury addition to your toiletry bag but some of the best options come without the scary price tags attached. Enter: Honest Beauty’s Organic Beauty Facial Oil. A mixture of premium quality pure seed and fruit oils including apricot, avocado, jojoba, lavender and lemon peel, this moisture-rich face oil replenishes skin almost immediately without being overbearing or sitting on top of the skin. 

It also comes with a gentle scent of botanicals, infused with a beautiful bouquet of rose, ylang-ylang and clove oils that’s reminiscent of your favourite afternoon at the spa. Better yet: Honest Beauty is also a vegan skincare brand, and this face oil is free of parabens, silicones, paraffins, dyes and synthetic fragrances, which makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin. Add this award-winning bottle into your standard makeup routine for an elevated upgrade without breaking the bank.

4 - Nuori: Best natural face oil

Proving once and for all that it’s possible to inject a burst of moisture into your skin without resorting to unnatural ingredients, the Perfecting Facial Oil by Nuori isn’t an exaggerated name for this product. 

This is a bottle that does it all no matter what sort of skin you might have: its unique formulation means it effortlessly blends in with your skin’s natural lipid balance, whether you have oily or dry skin. Once it’s figured out your skin’s natural level of oil, it works to nourish, hydrate and balance from the inside out. Get into a routine of using this facial oil and expect to start each day feeling a little brighter and fresher, thanks to this oil’s vitamin E and beautiful rosehip scent.

Best Facial Cleansers

 1 - Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser

Glossier's Milky Jelly Cleanser washes the day away as good as any all-star cleanser, but there’s something about the bouncy jelly consistency, just-sweet-enough rosewater scent, and clean — yet supremely hydrated — result that will make you actually look forward to washing your face.

2 - Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel

A 2020 Allure Best of Beauty winner, Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Hydrating Cleansing Gel is a drugstore favorite that locks in hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid and glycerin. As the formula transforms into a silky lather it gently dissolves the day's accumulated makeup, dirt, and bacteria.

3 - Drunk Elephant Beste No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

The obsession with Drunk Elephant's Beste No. 9 Cleanser is real — and for all the right reasons. Like all products from the brand, commonplace irritants like silicones and fragrance are replaced with skin-perfecting goodness like makeup-melting emollients and mega-hydrators, aloe vera and glycerin, which do all the dirty work — or rather, clean work. Skin is left fresh and coddled with a post-wash glow thanks to marula oil and cantaloupe extract.

Best Hair Gels for a Flexible Hold

 1 - Best Hair Gels for a Flexible Hold

What's the best hair gel of today? You're looking at it. Biolage's Styling Gelée is an all-purpose, pro-level product formulated to deliver not just control but also body, shine, and nourishment. 

But it doesn't stop there. The lightweight, slightly creamy concoction adds volume, tames flyaways, smooths frizz, and leaves your hair with a truly gorgeous finish. Enriched with blue agave nectar, citrus oil, and other botanicals, it shapes and sculpts without crunchiness or a sticky residue.

2 - Garnier Fructis Style Pure Clean Styling Gel

Thanks to Garnier, you can get the good stuff without shelling out a bunch of cash. Containing an impressive 98% naturally derived ingredients, the brand's Pure Clean Styling Gel offers a strong yet weightless finish without any flakes.

3 - Aussie Instant Freeze 20-Hour Hold Hair Gel

Aussie is a go-to for drugstore haircare, so it's no surprise the brand makes a standout gel. Infused with sea kelp and jojoba oil, Instant Freeze offers maximum hold and a refreshing scent—no flakes, no stickiness, no residue.

Best Facial Steamers

1 - IONIC FACIAL STEAMER by Aira

Nicole Simpson, the founder of Amethyst Skincare, says that this steamer is great because you don't have to bend your neck too far to feel its power. "The steamer ionizes the water molecules, which helps hydrate the skin a bit faster," she says. "Ionized water typically delivers the best results without the need for a timely process. I caution against over-steaming as it can dehydrate the skin, and that’s what you want to avoid."

2 - PRO FACIAL STEAMER by Dr Dennis Gross

The beauty of this facial steamer is its simplicity. "It’s a simple, one-piece design that is lightweight and compact," NYC-based dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum says. "The micro-steam technology hydrates and purifies my skin effectively in just 9 minutes."

3 - FACIAL SAUNA SYSTEM WITH FACIAL CLEANSING BRUSH by Conair

Dr. Marina Peredo suggests investing in Conair's steamer because it "comes with a gentle brush that you can use to exfoliate your skin before steaming for best results." But she warns that at-home users should be careful when extracting. "When extractions are done improperly, they can cause scarring and more harm than the blackhead itself. The skin is fragile, so extractions are best left to a professional," she explains.

4 - NANO IONIC ONE-TOUCH OPERATION FACIAL STEAMER by Panasonic

Panasonic's popular steamer is usually sold out and for good reason. Los Angeles-based esthetician Tracy Hudson is a fan of the steamer for its long-lasting power and wallet-friendly price point.

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.