At this point, I’m beating a dead horse, but it bears repeating: Hourglass’s Ambient powders are for anyone who wants matte skin but still loves a glow; realistically, everyone can (and should) use them to finish their makeup. The brand releases its 6-pan palettes every holiday season, and like clockwork, I collect them every year. I highly recommend you grab one while it’s on sale—this is a holy grail find that rarely goes on sale.

​Review: “Amazing palette, it took me some time to figure out how to use it and which colors to combine and which brush works the best. It makes my skin look very glowy, healthy, expensive, and beautiful 😍 10/10, very recommended.” — Sephora

Lawless’s Forget the Filler line is one of the best lip gloss formulas on the market, and I’ve been saying this for years. Whether you need to grab a restock or two, or are just now being introduced to this line, this is the high-end lip gloss formula to keep in your bag during this holiday season.

​Review: “Best lip gloss worth every single penny!! No lines on my lips, pigmented, lasts way longer than anything else I’ve ever tried. BUY IT!!!” — Sephora

All skin types can use some hydration, especially as the weather starts to get colder here on the East Coast. I keep a steady rotation of Biodance face masks, but somehow I always run through the Hydro Cera-Nol line first. Writing this feels like a parent finally admitting they have a favorite child, but when a mask works as well as this one, you have to give credit where it’s due.

​Review: “Love this mask, it stays in my skincare rotation! It’s my new go-to mask on 3+ hr flights to ensure my skin stays hydrated on the plane. I have repeatedly been asked what mask I had on my face when they saw my skin at the end of the flight.” — Sephora

Sofie Pavitt is the queen of acne, so I’ve tried (and loved) pretty much everything her eponymous skincare line has released. This cooling mist is just that: a cooling mist for your face, packed with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, and skinpost-biotics that help calm acne-prone skin while still delivering tons of hydration.

​Review: “Not to sound dramatic, but I don’t think I can ever go without this in my life anymore. It’s coming in SOOO clutch now that it’s starting to get hotter outside. And the best part is it doesn’t disrupt my makeup, WHATSOEVER! This is a holy grail for me. I’m keeping a backup at all times so I never run out. It did help control my blemishes, but mostly I like to use it as a refresher when I’m at work. It’s very relaxing and invigorating! I can’t recommend it enough. Expensive but worth it to me.” — Sephora

This Paula’s Choice toner is yet another staple in my collection, and if you have acne-prone skin, it should be in yours too. BHAs are fantastic for clearing out pores and keeping texture at bay, and they're usually more tolerable than outright retinol, so if you have sensitive skin, pick this up, patch test, and watch your skin fall in love.

Review: “This is what I call “the big guns.” I don’t break out often, but when I do, I bust this out, and it drastically changes my skin. Clears breakouts, gives a glow, and makes makeup application so beautiful!” — Sephora

I am in love with this body wash, and if you enjoy a creamy musk fragrance, you will be too. Plus, pairing it with the matching deodorant and perfume oil will make you want to sniff yourself a ridiculous amount of times. I’d buy at least two bottles, if I were you.

​Review: “Never smelled anything this amazing! I love Cyklar products in general, but this is absolutely perfect!” — Sephora

Another formula I’m obsessed with is Josie Maran’s Argan Oil Body Butters. The scent In Bed is my perfect moisturizer in a jar—musky, creamy, and deeply penetrating— it'll give you a glow that won’t quit. I’m practically demanding that you keep a jar of this on your nightstand all winter. You’ll see how often you reach for it without even realizing it.

​Review: “This is my FAVOURITE Josie Maran scent so far! It's a very light vanilla musky scent. I'm fairly sensitive to scents, and I don't find this one overwhelming at all. They've absolutely nailed the glow and hydration with their body butters; however, it can leave me feeling greasy depending on how much I apply. I find a little goes a long way, so it lasts a really long time for me!”

You know it’s coming: Dyson makes the best hair tools, so why not use the sale to grab one? I’m personally a big fan of the multi-stylers, but even the traditional hair dryers will dry your hair in minutes. This is one of those tools that make wash day feel way less daunting.

Review: “I’ve purchased the Dyson Airstrait, Airwrap, and Supersonic R, and yes, I know, I’m officially Dyson obsessed 😂, but the Co-anda 2x is by far my favorite. Dyson somehow managed to take everything I love about their other hair tools and make this one feel even better. It’s powerful, easy to use, and gives me such a smooth, polished finish without making my hair feel like it’s been exposed to excessive heat. I also love how versatile it is. I can go from drying and smoothing to styling without having to pull out multiple tools. Considering how many Dyson hair products I already own, I definitely didn’t need another one, but I’m so glad I bought it. If I had to choose just one Dyson styling tool from my collection, the Co-anda 2x would be it. Absolutely worth it.” — Sephora

I’ve been perfecting my dry hair routine over the past few months, and no matter what products I use, I always come back to this Kérastase one. The difference it makes when sealing split ends is immediate, and over time you’ll also notice your hair ends feel stronger and less brittle. I don’t know what sorcery they have in this formula, but I will be grabbing more. I’m dangerously close to the end of my bottle, and I refuse to live without this serum.

​Review: “If I could marry a product, I would. The instant transition from dry to healthy hair is remarkable!!!” — Sephora

An LED mask is one of those beauty tools you can never go wrong with, and Omnilux is one of the best brands. With red and near-infrared light, the wavelengths penetrate the skin to address signs of aging deeper than a traditional over-the-counter topical product can, which is why I consider LED masks an essential part of my skincare routine. Save a little coin while investing in one that actually works.

​Review: “After using this product daily, I have found my skin tone to be more vibrant, youthful, and blemish-free. My skin is looking so good, I often skip makeup.” — Sephora

This product is also on my wishlist, but it made the cut because it reminds me of the microcurrent version of wood therapy, which I’ve been hyperfixated on lately. Plus, I’ve long been a fan of the NuFace devices for my face, and I can say they definitely work to tone and tighten the skin and muscles of the face, so I can’t wait to see the results with this body version.

​Review: “This felt amazing on my body. It felt like a really nice massage. I think it really helped de-bloat and tone my abs after one use. I think with continual use it will work even better; if you have the money, I would definitely try this out.” — Sephora

If you’re a gourmand perfume lover, Kayali will likely become one of your favorite brands (if it isn’t already). Yum Boujee Marshmallow has notes of strawberry, pink marshmallow, and whipped vanilla, so you’ll smell like the absolute snack you are. You’re welcome.

​Review: “This is a fragrance I will continue to repurchase again and again. I’ve tried all the dupes, but nothing compares to the scent, projection, or longevity you get with the OG.” — Sephora

I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t love Glossier You, so whether you want your own androgynous, cool-kid scent or are struggling to choose a perfume for a loved one, this one’s a safe bet—and this set includes a travel-sized version, too!

Review: “Glossier You is such a beautiful, soft, clean scent! It smells fresh, musky, and effortlessly feminine without being too overpowering. Perfect for everyday wear, and the bottle is so pretty. Longevity could be better for the price, but overall, a lovely perfume.”

Just getting into the world of niche fragrances? Well, Byredo’s Discovery collection is a fantastic place to start your journey. The set features eight of the house's most popular scents (Bal d’Afrique, Blanche, Black Saffron, and more), all in travel sizes so you can experiment with each perfume before deciding which one to buy full-size. Byredo is one of the coolest fragrance houses out there, so I’m pretty confident you’ll find a new obsession by the time you finish this little kit.

Review: “Some of the best scents around. I am addicted to Blanche, good lord, this is a beautiful fragrance.” — Byredo

Flores specifically loves the K18 Biometric Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray for curtain bangs, telling Marie Claire it’s “great for adding lift and fullness at the roots while keeping the bangs touchable.”

Brisker likes to reach for the Olaplex Shape Set Hairspray to “add flexible hold” to a curtain bang style. “I use a small or medium round brush to dry the bangs away from the face.”

Recently named the Best Texturizing Spray in Marie Claire’s 2026 Beauty Awards, the Nexxus Aire Shape Workable Hold Texture Spray is perfect for creating an effortless look.

As expected, curly bangs take some work, but the Rizos Curls Curl Defining Mousse can help with the heavy lifting. Not only does it add moisture and volume, it adds shine and helps shape curls with staying power without becoming crunchy

Another Marie Claire Beauty Award winner, the Mira Nila gloss Coat Leave-In Anti-Frizz Treatment is perfect for adding a glossy shine to full curtain bangs.

Powered by K18’s patented peptide technology, this leave-in mask helps repair damage from coloring, heat styling, and other stressors, leaving brunette hues feeling stronger, smoother, and healthier.

Formulated with peptides, silk amino acids and plant proteins, this hair mask helps soften and smooth strands, giving dark brown hair a glossy, light-reflecting finish.

This lightweight shampoo gently cleanses without stripping away color, helping your salon-fresh brunette last longer between appointments. And did I mention it smells amazing?

Give your color an instant refresh with this weightless styling oil, which blends nourishing argan, olive, and jojoba oils to hydrate dry ends, tame frizz, and add a glossy shine without leaving strands feeling greasy.

This humidity-resistant spray helps keep dark brown hair sleek, smooth, and frizz-free while adding a shiny finish. Plus, its barely-there formula offers heat protection and results that last through three to four shampoos.

I genuinely don’t know where all my hair ties go when I use them, so I have to restock regularly. However, I have never seen 150 of them for less than seven dollars, so you bet your bottom dollar I will be buying two of these sets.

​Review: “Honestly? These are the perfect hair ties. My whole family uses them. I always have extras on me, end up lending them out constantly, and have to restock. They don’t last forever, but I’ve never had one break; the elastic just starts to fray a bit. Pro tip: put them on your pop socket, and you’ll never be without one.” — Amazon

I’ve used extensions from this brand before for my boho braids, and this sale is coming at the perfect time because I’m doing this hairstyle again in a few weeks. Previously, I didn’t experience any shedding with these extensions, and only slight tangling when I didn’t brush my hair every day. Otherwise, the style was long-lasting and ridiculously cute throughout, so it’s an immediate “add-to-cart” moment for me.

​Review: “This hair is everything! Juicy, bouncy girls after several washes. Be sure to use a clean shampoo without a lot of sulfates and a mild conditioner. I actually got the shampoo and conditioner from the dollar store. It’s lightweight and soft. Ordering it again!” — Amazon

This hair spray is fantastic. It not only helps keep frizz at bay, but it’s also a dry heat protectant. I love using it to touch up my hair when it’s already straightened or styled, but I also use it on wash day as an additional treatment step before blow-drying.

​Review: “It works for wavy or straightened hair. Used it with a hot curling iron, and it held the curls for at least 4 hours. I actually like the smell, though the smell does not last long. Received product in good condition and in a timely manner.” — Amazon

I’m an at-home nail warrior, but I pretty much gave up on charms when I first started my DIY manicure journey. I was surprised to learn you can use builder gel as “glue,” and that small handheld devices like this are perfect for a flash cure to hold that charm in place before you put your hand in a UV lamp for a full cure. For less than 15 dollars, I will be buying this and trying again.

​Review: “This is a very strong, tiny UV light for nails. It’s really good for flash curing. The stand is also very doable. It’s also really nice looking. It’s easy to charge. It comes with the charger as well. It is a good value for the money. I will say I did get a different one before, and this is a big improvement because it’s such good quality; you know MelodySusie’s products are made to last.” — Amazon

Is it just me, or can you never find a nail clipper when you actually need it? Even with a somewhat well-organized manicure station, I’ve had to resort to using nail files because my clipper just goes M.I.A. Well, that stops today, as I will be buying this super chic manicure set that has all the tools that I can think of, plus a carrying case to store it all.

​Review: Really nice manicure set with everything you need for basic nail and grooming care. The tools feel sturdy, and the case keeps everything organized and easy to carry. I like that it has so many different pieces for both hands and feet. Great value and also makes a nice gift!” — Amazon

I live and breathe a disposable face towel—it’s one of those beauty products I use twice a day, every day. This box includes 50 extra-large disposable towelettes you can use whole or cut in half to stretch them even further. Either way you slice it (ha), they’ll be a fantastic addition to your skincare routine, especially if you only use one face cloth all week. (If you do, please stop. Thank you.)

​Review: “Everything I hoped for! Just as described- long-lasting, soft, rinses well. A great washcloth that somehow feels cleaner than my old cloth ones. Definitely will order again.” — Amazon

I love a heated beauty tool, especially in the dead of winter when it feels like the cold has seeped into the marrow of my bones. On the skincare front, heated tools are a fantastic way to boost ingredient absorption, especially with masks. The Gua Sha shape of this one is always fantastic for lymphatic drainage, so it kind of feels like a two-for-one in my eyes.

Review: “Elegant pink design, gentle vibration, and a soothing warmth that provides instant relaxation. The red light really boosts circulation and reduces under-eye puffiness in minutes. With daily use on the face and neck, the skin becomes firmer and more radiant, with a more defined contour. The brass head glides perfectly when used with oil or cream. The battery lasts a long time, and it is easy to clean. It is ideal for a stress-relieving nighttime routine and makes a perfect gift for women. It is worth every penny—it feels like a professional spa treatment at home. Highly recommended.” — Amazon

Graying is often seen as the alternative to dyeing one's hair, especially after a certain age. But gray and color-treated hair have more in common than you’d think; namely, both can often become coarse and struggle with vibrancy, shine, and manageability. (Ditto chemically processed hair.) This shampoo, recommended by board-certified dermatologist Morayo Adisa, MD, FAAD, is designed to hydrate and strengthen. It does so via a blend of tangerine extract for moisture, horsetail extract for strength, and soothing butterfly ginger.

Customer Review: “This is a wonderful shampoo! Way better than I was even expecting. It lathers beautifully, and the odor is not overwhelming like some. After washing and styling, my hair is soft and feels like it's full of moisture. I have naturally gray hair, and the shine and manageability is really off the charts. This shampoo is expensive, but boy, do I love it. One more thought: the pump isn't some cheap design; it's a high-quality structure that is sturdy and works well. I'm looking forward to overall healthier hair. Highly recommend.” — Zenagen

Again: There is no compelling evidence that any shampoo can reverse gray hair and restore its pigment. That said, Arey’s Wash Peptide Shampoo for Grey Hair—which aims to preserve the pigment you do have and discourage new grays from popping up—is still worth the investment if the goal is keeping silver strands at bay. It contains the potentially gray-reversing peptide palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20, botanical antioxidants to fight oxidative stress, and caffeine to stimulate hair growth. Note the brand says this one works best for those with up to 30 percent gray coverage; so, if you’ve got a little more salt in your salt-and-pepper blend, you might want to look elsewhere.

Customer Review: “I'm on my 3rd or 4th bottle. They last longer than you'd think. I keep thinking that there's a placebo effect in how I see my hair, but it seems that gray sprouting has decelerated. I started with <25% gray, which might be important, since existing gray stays. But the rapid (to me) spread of gray I was noticing has (I think) actually slowed significantly. I only use the shampoo, so if this is an achievable result with just the one Arey product, then the price feels less steep (still steep for a little over a month's worth shampoo, but not awful).” — Amazon

If your gray comes courtesy of a mixing bowl (or is enhanced by one), this violet shampoo is for you. The cornerstone of the formula is a “Core 4 Color Complex” consisting of oat oil, bamboo extract, vegan tripeptides, and rice seed protein; together, they condition, strengthen, and boost flexibility. (There’s also antioxidant-rich acai oil for shine and hibiscus flower extract for softening). “It neutralizes any yellow in the hair and will give [you] lots of shine,” says Paglionico.

Customer Review: “Love this shampoo. The violet works so much better than the other "purple" shampoos getting the brassiness out. I definitely will buy this again!” — Amazon

If your time in the shower is a treat upon which you’re willing (and able) to spare no expense, this pricey pick will give you your money’s worth. “This luxury shampoo costs $100 but is worth it,” says Paglionico. “It is specifically formulated for very dry hair and has five different moisturizing oils and a specific ceramide to help build strength.” Said oils include coconut, meadowfoam, shea, moringa, and macadamia, which form what the brand calls an Intense Nutritive Complex. The ingredients also include a vitamin-and-mineral-heavy Fortifying-Vitalizing Complex and cotton proteins, both of which help strengthen strands.

Customer review: “This is no exaggeration when I say this has transformed my perimenopausal hair! My once-soft hair has turned coarse and wiry and quite unmanageable (another charming side effect of menopause!). I didn't have any expectations, but this shampoo is amazing. My hair is soft, bouncy, manageable, and has an incredible shine on my dull hair. Zero frizz, either!” — Nordstrom

If your hair is full on silvery-white—naturally or via color treatment—this illuminating shampoo, which comes recommended by Adisa, can help you achieve or maintain blinged-out illumination without any risk of purple staining. Seriously: While the ingredients feature a blend of blue and silver pigments to cancel out yellow tones, the formula itself has a silvery-white hue. Also on the ingredients list is European Silver Fir extract, a rather appropriately named protectant against free-radical damage.

Customer Review: “If you have naturally white hair as I do, purple shampoos work only for so long. Then, if you're like me, children and strangers alike might start complimenting you on your lilac hair color! SO NOT what I want! And herein is why I really like this Oribe Silverati Shampoo! NO lilac. NO Blue. NO purple. Just bright, white, shiny hair! AND, I do find this to be a very rich shampoo that lathers beautifully, so I actually divide it with water and get two bottles' worth for one! Great shampoo that is also quite beautiful to look at: It is silver!” — Amazon

Product buildup can occur on any hair type, texture, or color. But for those with gray hair, it's crucial to remove it without stripping the hair of its natural oils, lest you end up with brittle, broken strands. (See also: Those with dry, curly, and/or color-treated hair.) Marshall recommends this gentle formula, which uses buckwheat extract to help retain moisture and prevent dryness and breakage. He suggests following it up with the brand’s Purple or Alchemic Silver Shampoo; “it keeps it fresh-looking,” he says.

Customer Review: “I’ve really been enjoying Davines SOLU Shampoo lately. It gives that perfect deep-clean feeling without being too harsh on the hair or scalp. My hair feels incredibly fresh, soft, and much lighter after every wash, especially after using styling products or dry shampoo. I also noticed more natural volume and shine. The formula feels very high quality, and the scent is clean and refreshing, almost like leaving a salon. Definitely one of those shampoos that makes your hair feel fully refreshed after every use.” — Davines

L’Oréal Professionnel Silver doesn’t always scream affordable—but you get a lot of brass-busting for your buck. Formulated with magnesium to strengthen hair fibers and amino acids to protect against environmental damage, this violet shampoo is gentle and, as the name would imply, a particularly good option for those working with silvery shades of gray (or blonde, for that matter). Just limit use to once or twice a week, unless you’ve been looking to experiment with a pastel purple hair color.

Customer review: “Love this stuff. This dark purple shampoo really works well to tone down any brassy coloration in your hair without harshness. The shampoo itself is very gentle and rinses out well. On the pricey side, but it lasts a long time because you don't need to use a lot. Effective at preventing a mix of gray and white hair from yellowing.” — Amazon

Another purple option for color preservation and banishing unwanted yellow and orange undertones, Kérastase’s Blond Absolu Bain Ultra-Violet Shampoo contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help lock in moisture, vitamin C to help boost brightness, and edelweiss flower for softening; it also happens to have a gorgeous, citrus-fresh “California Splash” fragrance (orange blossom, bergamot, mandarin, peony, and cedarwood are among the notes) that will have everyone doing a double-take when they go in for a hug.

Customer review: “I have fine, thin hair that I get colored silver every six months, and this Kérastase Blond Absolu purple shampoo and conditioner has been a total game changer. I only use it once a week, and even four months out of the salon, it keeps the brassiness and yellow tones completely away. The shampoo lathers beautifully, which I love since a little goes a long way, and it leaves my hair feeling soft instead of dry like a lot of other purple shampoos I’ve tried. And the bonus? My husband can’t get enough of the scent—he always comments on how good my hair smells. Definitely worth it!” — Amazon

Keeping silvery strands looking shiny and bright is important, no doubt, but plenty of people with gray hair have a higher priority: keeping their hair, period. Along with that potentially gray-reversing palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20, this formula features bamboo and rosebay extracts to encourage hair growth and reduce loss, along with black spruce bark and clover extract to help hair look stronger and shinier. To make sure the hair gets totally clean without stripping it of its natural, moisture-sealing oils, it uses a blend of amino-acid and coconut-based surfactants to ensure that the hair gets clean without drying it out.

Customer review: “After my favorite NatureLab Shine shampoo stopped selling, I decided to give this new release a try, and I am so impressed! The Saisei shampoo has a delightfully fresh aroma and lathers easily. It leaves my hair feeling stronger, fuller, softer, shinier, and my scalp rejuvenated and healthy. This is my new go-to!” — Amazon

Transitioning from coloring your grays to wearing them can do a number on your hair; figuring out how to manage gray hair that’s a different type or texture than your non-gray hair can also be tricky. Olaplex’s No.4P Purple Shampoo has the same bond-building benefits as all of the brand’s products—helping to seal cuticles and minimize dryness and frizz—but enhances them with violet toning agents to neutralize brassy tones. It also works fast: You only need to leave it on for a couple of minutes, and you can expect to see a noticeable bump in brightness after your first use.

Customer review: “My natural gray hair was getting brassy. My hairdresser recommended this shampoo, and what a difference it made. I love how it makes my salt-and-pepper gray hair look and feel. I get so many compliments on my hair. People think I get it colored. It looks and feels great. Definitely repurchasing.” — Ulta

Air drying your hair can be a bit of a roller coaster ride—sometimes it’s got that off-duty model vibe and other times it just kind of limply hangs there like it gave up midway through the drying process. Jonathan Van Ness’s brilliant Air Dry Cream is how we ensure its more of the former than the latter. It conditions and softens your strands with moringa seed oil as it enhances texture with a botanical blend of chia seed and linseed extracts. Delivering an ultra-light hold that gently coaxes your hair into the best version of your natural texture, this MVP cream also eliminates frizz and keeps it away. “It truly delivers the most beautiful soft hold, keeping my waves structured but never crunchy,” says Marie Claire Beauty Director Hannah Baxter. “It’s been a staple in my hair routine for years.”

We’ve been fans of blow-dry brushes for so long, we’ve almost forgotten what it was like struggling with a round brush in one hand and a blowdryer in the other. These days, there’s a brush for every hair type and length, but the tool that won our hearts did so by being the easiest one to use at home and on-the-go. The Wavytalk Jet Brush has a compact size and auto-sensing dual voltage, which automatically switches to the correct voltage for the country you are in, so there’s worries about overheating or shorting. The two-inch oval barrel works well on short-to-medium hair, effortlessly grabbing your shortest layers and getting close to the root. Its smaller size and light weight means that you don’t have to sacrifice performance for travel-friendly size.

We put a lot of products in our hair to get it to do what we want and, over time, all those conditioners, texturizers, shine serums, and curl controllers can start to build up on the strands. This clarifying shampoo from Biolage not only helps remove all that residue, it gently balances the scalp and your natural oils using exfoliating glycolic acid and a fermented blend of teas. It gets the gunk out and revives your hair from all the excess to rebalance and revive without stripping away essential moisture or dulling your color.

Anyone who has ever colored their hair knows that it’s a love-hate relationship for the ages. We love how great fresh color makes us look and feel, but we hate how quickly the hue fades. Whether you’re a blonde that goes brassy or a redhead that can’t figure out how to keep the shade past your first wash, this leave-in mask from Wella needs to be in your post-color routine. It has glycine (a purifying amino acid) and vitamin B5 to extend your color vitality as it protects against everything that can dull your color: heavy metals, hard water, UV rays, heat damage, and dryness. Hair is shiny, soft, hydrated, and your color remains salon-fresh for up to 10 weeks.

A strengthening hydrator that also keeps your color vibrant? Say less. Schwarzkopf’s Color Protect Conditioner uses bond-building technology to reinforce and rebuild bonds as it seals and protects the hair cuticle. It prevents fading as it repairs damaged bonds, so hair looks and feels softer and maintains that fresh-from-the-salon hue for up to 12 weeks. It’s so good, you might even be able to go an extra week (or two) between your next color appointment. Tell your colorist we’re sorry…

Curly girls know that you can’t just grab any conditioner off the shelves and call it a day. A conditioner is great at providing the moisture that your more porous hair desperately needs, but because your follicles are more open than straight hair, it also means you lose that same moisture faster. Plus, if you heat style, color, or chemically treat your hair, you’ve also got to deal with the damage and breakage that comes along with it, leaving your curls frizzy, dry, and poofy. Olaplex’s hydrating conditioner for curls has patented bond building technology that helps to both strengthen and define curls of all types, from waves to coils, as it delivers a lasting dose of moisture via plant oils that also enhance shine and softness. Curls have more slip and better manageability without the weight.

It feels like there are legit a million curl creams to choose from these days (which we’re not really complaining about, since there was a time not very long ago when our options were extremely limited) and it can be confusing to figure out which one is going to deliver the hydration, hold, and definition your strands desperately need. This cream jelly from TRESemmé does all that and then some, with the added bonus of eliminating frizz and ensuring curls are soft and touchable. It’s two products in one, with the moisture of a cream and the sculpting and shaping of a gel. You get bouncy, shiny, structured curls without the crunch.

Forget the gel, these days we’re all about jelly. Lighter and more fluid than a traditional gel, curl jellies like this one from Bounce Curl deliver a medium hold and more slip, creating definition and softness with lots of shine. Made with strengthening ceramides and a blend of bioactives to lift curls and waves while adding movement, we’re obsessed with the Ceramide Jelly’s ability to reduce frizz and keep our strands from inflating in humidity.

If you’ve experienced the dreaded mid-day curl flop, you are intimately familiar with the power of a good curl refresher. If your hair is more curly or coily, you also know that it’s not easy to find a refresher that will both breathe life back into your spirals without shellacking them into place. It’s a delicate dance of hydrating, defining, detangling, and making it a breeze to restyle. Which is why we love this refreshing curl milk from Being haircare. It does all of the above in a formula light enough that it can be used on the daily. It’s got coconut oil and shea butter—curly hair MVPs—to nourish and soften, smoothing out knots and kinks as it enhances your natural curl pattern in a formula that won’t create annoying build-up on your strands. So you can go longer between wash days, which is always a plus for curly and coily hair.

If you’re going through the trouble of curling your hair, you want to ensure your strands look better than when you started, which means a tool that won’t fry your hair in your quest for curls. This Hot Tools iron has a titanium-coated barrel that heats up in just 30 seconds to minimize frizz. With a heat range up to 430 degrees, it can be used on hair types ranging from fine to coarse and comes in five sizes, so you can customize your curl. “One of the best styling tools in the game,” says Beauty Director Hannah Baxter. “It gives you even heat distribution and consistent curls.”

If there’s anyone’s advice we’d trust for our curls, it’s Shakira. Her spiral mane has been on our mental beauty vision board since she first gyrated into our collective consciousness 20 years ago. It's why her isima hair-care brand was one of our most anticipated brand launches—if it’s got the Shakira seal of approval, it’s bound to be a slam dunk. This detangler is a prime example of what makes the line so fantastic. It not only helps eliminate snarls and knots, it protects against heat styling damage up to 450 degrees, nourishes and softens, and boosts shine without weighing down your spirals. Ceramides help reduce breakage while the line’s proprietary FiberSeal complex helps smooth down and seal the cuticle, smoothing rough texture and creating a glossy effect on the hair. “I LOVE that it can be easily used on dry hair,” says Marie Claire Beauty Writer Ariel Baker. “It was fab for a pre-poo detangle.”

Our love of this unique drying diffuser has been well documented—there’s simply no other hot tool that coaxes curls and waves to be their springiest like the Bellissima Diffon. It has a ceramic heating element infused with argan oil to protect hair and infuse curls with moisture as infrared heat and ionic technology cuts down on drying time for even the thickest curls without frizzing you out. The real star is the shape—it’s a diffuser bowl attached to a dryer in an hourglass design, which allows more airflow for faster drying while making the tool easier to handle than the traditional blow dryer with diffuser attachment. The diffuser itself has 48 air outlets and 12 finger-like prongs to honor your natural curl pattern, be it loose waves or tight coils. Bellissima is an MC favorite because they care about how we care for our curls—the brand just released a new digital model of the Diffon boasting faster drying times and two interchangeable diffusers that looks to be yet another game-changer for how curly girls style their strands.

OUAI didn’t have to go so hard when it created this viral dry shampoo, but we’re awfully glad they did. It does all the things you need a dry shampoo to do—absorb sweat, dirt, and oil—without leaving your strands looking powdery or feeling sticky. And the scent! We have to restrain ourselves from spraying this from head to toe because the rose, bergamot, lychee, white musk, and champagne aroma is that dreamy. Fresh, lifted locks and a scent we can’t stop sniffing—Super Dry Shampoo is the total package.

Baby hairs are one of those little quirks of the body that you don’t really give much thought to until they start becoming a problem. Which is usually when you’re running late for work and attempting (and failing) to slick back your hair into a sleek ponytail. This buildable wax comes in a convenient stick that you can swipe into your hands or directly onto your hair to tame unruly edges. It’s extremely buildable, so you can start small and work your way up to how locked in you need your ‘do to be. “This product is also great for sculptural [styles],” says Ryan Kazmarek, a stylist at IGK Salon in NYC. “Smells fantastic and I even used it on my eyebrows to hold them in place.”

We legitimately don’t know how we straightened our hair before this flat iron hit the scene. It’s a wet-to-dry iron that takes your hair straight from the shower to silky, sleek strands—no blow dryer required. It works on all hair types and textures and includes multiple attachable combs to detangle and prep hair as it dries. The secret to its glassy results is that it not only uses auto-sensing ceramic plates that adjust the heat but also a high-velocity fan that forces air around the plates to work as a mini blow dryer. Clamp the plates together and lock it for a targeted dryer that you can use to rough dry your strands to that 70 percent dry the brand recommends before engaging the plates. Ensure it's in “wet” mode, then run the plates through your hair and let the combo of the direct heat and the forced air create your glossiest, sleekest hair ever.

This styling milk from Davines has been in our hair routines for so long, we don't think our hair knows what to do without it. That’s because it’s truly the GOAT for managing frizz, especially on wavy and curly hair. It’s the perfect blend of smoothing frizz while also maintaining touchable, natural texture. It offers heat protection up to 446 degrees and uses regenerative apple extract to smooth strands, enhance shine, and repel frizz for up to 72 hours. Extra bonus points for the scent, which blends citrus, florals, and musk to create a delicate aroma that you’ll catch subtle whiffs of but not so overpowering that you (and everyone around you) can’t escape it.

At first glance, this tiny dryer from Bio Ionic looks like a very fancy tool you’d find in a hotel bathroom. It’s luxe, but it’s small, and that might have you believe that means it can’t give you the power and versatility you need for your ‘do. That couldn’t be further from the truth—it has all the power of a full-sized dryer in the compact shape of a travel version. That means three speeds, three heat options, cool shot, a digital LED screen, dual-voltage for international travel, a foldable handle, and a concentrator and diffuser attachment. All of that, plus the brand’s signature ion mineral technology to seal the hair cuticle and lock in shine and moisture. “I love how lightweight this dryer is while still providing maximum power,” says New Jersey-based colorist and stylist Jennifer Korab. “The design makes it comfortable to hold. My hair dried quickly while maintaining shine.”

If you’ve been avoiding hair gels because you think it means an express ticket to a shellacked look with a sticky texture, it’s time to reacquaint yourself with the category. This extreme hold gel from Camille Rose is the perfect way to experience just how far gel formulas have come in the last decade. It helps create structure and maximum definition for curls and coils, taming frizz while also bestowing moisture and slip. All of that and somehow it doesn’t feel tacky or crunchy. That’s because it has guava fruit essence to hydrate and smooth, plus kakadu plum extract to give your curls bounce and control frizz.

There’s shine and then there’s whatever Swedish sorcery this spray from Maria Nila is practicing. It’s a heat-activated formula that smooths the hair follicle, adding mega-shine alongside frizz control and shielding hair from humidity as it protects the hair strand for up to 450 degrees. It delivers the kind of glossiness that would make a Disney princess weep, deeply hydrating and adding bounce thanks to amino acids, provitamin B5, sunflower extract, and pomegranate extract. Not to mention that the shine and frizz-free finish will last up to four days after styling, giving you long-lasting protection against the elements actively trying to mess up your mane.

From postpartum to perimenopause to GLP-1s, there are myriad reasons why you might start shedding your strands at an alarming rate. Not only is it scary when it happens, it’s frustrating to try and figure out how to fix it as doctors are still discovering the causes around hair loss in women and what can be done about it. That's why we appreciate Nutrafol’s serum for hair growth—formulated with the help of physicians, they’ve invested in third-party clinical research to ensure that the ingredients chosen and the formula as a whole can measurably help reduce breakage and replenish lost thickness and fullness. The highly absorbable formula has ashwagandha exosomes, Irish moss peptides, and pea spout extract to help replenish lost nutrients at the scalp and minimize breakage as it reduces hair shedding. “As a clinically backed brand, Nutrafol does have a stamp of approval based on available clinical research,” says Bridgette Hill, a trichologist, colorist, and scalp therapist. “The synthetic fragrance free formulation is ideal trichiologically.”

Hair oil is one of those products that sounds good in theory, but oftentimes people wind up abandoning it because they aren’t using the right oil for their hair. While you might think that you need one that feels thick to get the shine and conditioning you’re seeking, you can actually achieve both gloss and hydration and avoid the limp locks and potential grease that comes with those too-heavy formulas. Case in point: Chris McMillan’s signature hair oil—which dispenses via spray, rather than dropper (yes, it’s that light)—has a water-light, buildable texture that can impart instant hydration and shine, taming frizz and delivering heat protection up to 450 degrees. The mix of Japanese tsubaki, blackcurrant, wheat, and moringa oils won’t weigh down even the finest of hair as it absorbs on contact, leaving your hair glassy, soft, and protected against the elements.

One of our favorite things about Beyoncé’s Cécred collection of products is that she’s been known to field test the formulas during her high-energy shows. Her hairspray lived up to our high expectations and then some—anything that can hold up to the Texas heat and the legendary Bey hair fan is definitely a product we want in our routine. The hairspray earns its moniker by creating the type of flexible hold that will lock a style in place without glueing the hair itself down. Instead, your ‘do stays put but your hair still has the natural movement and bounce of, well, hair. It has a complex of shape-forming polymers to maintain your style, plus panthenol to moisturize, desert plant oils to create glossy shine, and plant stem cell lipids and black honey fermentation to protect against heat damage, humidity, and pollution.

You could spend an hour with a curling iron or flat iron, trying to shape your strands into that perfect undone-yet-done beachy wave, or you could make your life easier and get more consistent results with this uniquely shaped hot tool from ELLA BELLA. The triple barrel head makes it a snap to press your hair between the plates and reveal loose, off-duty model waves. It heats up in 90 seconds and has ionic technology to increase shine and ensure a smooth result. It’s a frizz-free, shiny style in just minutes—no tutorials, awkward twisting, or contortion acts needed to get the look. It’s great for beginners, but also good enough to wow the pros: “I was impressed by the consistency of the wave formation from roots to ends,” says Korab.

If you’ve ever been subjected to the childhood torture that is your mother ripping a brush through your snarls, you know how important a good detangler can be. This Korean brush is the kind of tool we wish moms had at their disposals in our formative years. It has both boar bristles (to more evely distribute oils through your hair for increased shine) and nylon bristles (to detangle without the yanking or pulling). It’s gentle enough to use on extensions and delivers a smooth and frizz-free finish with every stroke.

Whether you’re doing daily blowouts or you’re more of a low-maintenance rough-dry kind of girl, a heat protectant is a non-negoitable if you want to keep your hair looking and feeling healthy. Applying heat to your hair without some type of protective product is the hair equivalent of walking outside without putting on sunscreen—you’re going to see the immediate and long-term effects of that damage. We love this versatility mist from Milk_shake because it's lightweight enough that you won’t feel it in your hair but it has powerful protective properties. You can spray it on damp hair before styling, or to dry hair before you apply heat from your flat iron or curling iron. It has the brand’s signature milk proteins to condition and strengthen, plus quinoa to safeguard your color and silk proteins to protect and restore your strands from heat damage. You get shine, hydration, and protection in a weightless spray that makes drying easier and your hair look shiny and soft.

Mara Roszak’s RŌZ line is quite possibly one of our absolute favorite things happening in hair right now. From the must-have for all hair types Milk Hair Serum to our newest obsession for defined curls, the Milk Styling Mousse, it’s the rare case of a line that’s all bangers. Even something as simple as a conditioner is elevated to a next level hydrator when Roszak gets her hands on it. According to the celeb stylist, she created her Foundation Conditioner because she couldn’t find a clean version that created the results she needed and that works for all hair types. With peptides and ceramides, Foundation detangles and hydrates as it minimizes breakage and delivers essential fatty acids and vitamins that restore moisture, de-frizz, and strengthens the hair without leaving behind a heavy feel. “It leaves hair soft [and results are] better when a heat cap is applied,” says celebrity stylist Kiyah Wright.

Curly, coily, and textured tresses will love this nourishing shampoo from Cantu. It’s sulfate-free, providing a gentle cleanse that won’t dehydrate your strands. Instead, it infuses your curls with essential hydration with batanu (a.k.a. palm nut) oil and Jamaican black castor oil. It not only fortifies your mane, but replenishes lost moisture and retains that hydration for up to five days. Wash day is already enough of an ordeal—the longer you can go between washes without sacrificing your style or manageability is a win in our book.

There are very few people on this planet who can achieve super-long hair that is also naturally full, lustrous, and bouncy. Gravity tends to pull your strands down and can make them look more limp and lifeless as you add on inches. Which is why we love hair extensions—you can add length and body to your natural strands with ease. While they’ve been standard operating procedure for celebrities on the red carpet, in the past few years we’ve seen more brands start to offer pro-level extensions that can be attached at home. Our favorite option by a mile is the Halo Pro because it’s both the easiest to apply and blends the most seamlessly with your natural strands. It features what the brand calls RootReplica technology, which mimics how hair grows naturally from the scalp. Made of 100 percent Remy human hair, it’s available in 25 shades and four lengths. When we say this is dummy proof application, we mean it: Simply section your hair, place the “halo” wire halfway down the back of the head and adjust to fit. It comes with detachable combs that you can use for additional security and two single pieces that you can use to fill in gaps or blend for a final look that’s so natural, you might forget your hair doesn’t grow out of your head like that.

This Redken overachiever is the one leave-in to rule them all. It’s a conditioner, heat protectant, strengthening treatment, anti-fade, frizz tamer for high-maintenance hair. So if you chemically process, heat style daily, or are just dealing with damaged and brittle strands, this formula is the resuscitator your mane needs to unlock a glossy, soft, smooth, and strong finish. It works by restoring hair from within the cuticle, with citric acid to reinforce weakened bonds and improve hair’s overall strength for a 10 times smoother look and feel. “One of my favorite go to’s,” says Giovanni. “I personally love using this as a leave-in after a color service and my clients have also loved how it feels and smells in the hair.”

If we were constructing a Mount Rushmore of hair pros, Jen Atkin would be the first name on our list of mane gurus to include. Not only is she the stylist behind the hair of celebs like Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, and Hailey Bieber, she’s also the brain behind two of our all-time favorite brands—Ouai and her newest baby, Mane. If you haven’t yet experienced the brand, we can’t say enough amazing things about the Hydration Hugs mask. It’s the foundation for creating Atkins’ signature effortless style, infusing your strands with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and plant proteins and peptides. Used weekly, the whipped hair mask formula melts into strands to help prevent breakage and frizz as it drenches hair in weightless moisture, then seals it all in. “This mask is great for hydration, leaving the hair soft and smooth without feeling heavy,” says Kazmarek. “It’s perfect for dry or over-processed hair that needs a quick refresh.”

We know collagen is in literally everything these days, but a collagen mousse is actually low-key brilliant. Infused into this texturizing mousse, hydrolysed collagen plumps up hair as it supports your strands’ elasticity. So instead of drying out your mane and leaving behind a sticky residue, MONDAY’s mousse gives you weightless texture, lift, and body while actively boosting hair health. The collagen also makes it a great pick for fine hair, says celebrity stylist Jennifer Yepez, because it adds instant volume and a touch of natural texture.

We ask a lot of our hair tools, enlisting them to do everything from dry, straighten, smooth, and curl our locks. That's what makes a multi-styler such a smart investment—instead of forcing your flat iron to try and create volume at the root, a multi-styler like this affordable option from Revlon is literally three tools in one, each with a specific function that can address everything from frizz to body to waves. Revlon’s Multi-Styler features a base with three interchangeable attachments that can be used to blow out your ‘do, smooth unruly strands, add body to limp locks, and shape soft curls. There’s a Root Booster attachment, flat Paddle Brush attachment, and Volumizer Plus round brush, so you can mix and match to get your desired style without having to keep switching between your blowdryer, flat iron, and curling iron.

We’re guessing rosemary and PDRN are not two ingredients you’ve ever thought about mixing together. However, K-beauty brand Medicube did, and we’re grateful for it—the combo is the heavy hitter in their reparative conditioner and it provides 360 degree support for your strands and your scalp. Rosemary soothes and nourishes the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth, while PDRN reinforces weak and damaged strands. It also has a strengthening and smoothing blend of 19 amino acids for shiny, fuller-looking locks.

Like pastries and wine, the French really know what they’re doing with hair care. This reparative mask from French brand Cair (which was created by the geniuses who brought us the chic La Bonne Brosse brush) addresses total hair health, targeting not just the strands but the scalp, too. Its main ingredient is rice bran water, which deeply restores and nourishes all hair types and textures. Coupled with hyaluronic acid, and veggie-derived collagen and keratin, the mask opens the hair cuticle to directly infuse the follicle with vitamins, nourishment, and regenerating fatty acids. “The formulation is filled with natural plant powered actives that reinforce the broken parts of our hair,” says Hill. “Though formulated as a pre-shampoo mask, I have found it to give beautiful results to coily, and tightly coily hair as an after shampoo treatment.”

This overnight rejuvenating serum from Crown Affair goes to work when you clock out for the day. It’s fast-absorbing, so you don’t need to worry about it leaving a greasy mess on your pillow (or your face) and the mix of rosemary leaf extract, tsubaki, flax, and chia seed creates weightless hydration, shine, and total restoration as you snooze. We wish everything worked this hard for us while we got our beauty rest.

Epres did all of our ‘dos a favor when it released this shampoo. Created by one of the co-founders behind Olaplex, it has a patented biodiffusion technology that ensures the bond-repairing and strand-strengthening formula absorbs deep into the hair follicle. The unique liquid molecule tech continues to work in the hair even after its dried, seeking out damaged areas to help deliver both instant and long-lasting reparative benefits. That means damaged, color-treated, and breakage-prone manes have an in-shower solution to help strengthen and fortify their follicles.

Yes, this scalp scrub has the consistency of a body exfoliator. But it’s statistically impossible not to fall in love with this cult classic once you actually get it on your locks. Once you start working the salt scrub through your roots, it transforms into a creamy, easily spreadable cleanser that you can feel (complimentary) sloughing away build-up and dead skin cells. It reduces oil without drying, leaving you a fresher, lighter, more balanced mane and scalp.

Scalp care is becoming more widespread in the U.S. but Korean brands really wrote the book on healthy scalps. K-beauty looks at the scalp as an extension of the hair, meaning scalp care is not meant to “fix” a specific problem, but rather serve as daily maintenance—in the same way you shampoo and condition, Korean brands argue that balancing and caring for the scalp’s microbiome are a functional step towards your hair goals. And no brand understands that better than Dr. Groot. This leave-in serum oil has become a recent fave for being both a scalp-spa worthy experience and for the results we’ve been seeing with it. The lightweight formula doesn’t leave behind any sticky or greasy after-effects, and it boosts your roots with biotin, rosemary oil, antioxidants, and amino acids. Both scalp and hair are hydrated, balanced, and strengthened for noticeably fuller and shinier locks.

Dyson had us at “scalp bubbles.” This power-packed foam-to-serum scalp treatment helps address everything from build-up to excess oil and even hair thinning. It combines amino acid-rich barley root, niacinamide, ectoin, and caffeine in a fun, bubbly formula that strengthens your scalp and stimulates hair follicles. “One of the more innovative formats in the category,” says Christina Ross, the head of science and impact at Credo Beauty. “The airy bubble texture creates a unique application experience and it felt lightweight on the scalp.”

The last thing you want to do after spending hours getting your hair just the right shade is immediately wash that covetable hue right down the drain. That’s what makes the right shampoo for color-treated hair so essential—it helps clean your strands without stripping away moisture or color molecules. This French pharmacy staple pulls triple duty by cleansing the hair as it enhances shine and helps soothe a scalp irritated by the harsh formulas used to achieve your signature shade. So all you have to worry about is the best style to show off your soft, shiny, and vibrant hair.

Finding the right shampoo for curls and coils can be a decades-long struggle. There’s always something we wish a formula did better, whether it’s truly preserving our curl pattern or ensuring we’ve got enough moisture that our strands don’t feel like the Sahara. This sulfate-free shampoo from Surface has ended our search, thanks to a formula that gently cleanses without stripping, while simultaneously infusing our curls with mega moisture thanks to cocoa butter and babassu oil. Instead of playing frizz roulette every time we wash our hair, instead we can look forward to consistently soft, defined, and shiny spirals.

While we’re all for embracing the gray, not everyone is ready to rock a silver mane. That's where this shampoo from Nioxin comes in. It’s been formulated to address all signs of hair aging, from thinning and dullness to dry scalp and even pigment loss. And, of course, to thoroughly clean your strands. It’s got niacinamide to support scalp health and nourish your roots, plus caffeine to support thicker, fuller strands and black oat peptides to support melanin production. Hair stays looking lush, shiny, and healthy for longer.

Maybe we’ve seen one too many shampoo commercials, but we fully believe that an extra glassy finish is within our grasp, if only we had the right serum. We were starting to think we might be delulu, but then we found this unicorn of a shine enhancer from Kérastase. Not only does it bestow the type of shine to our hair that would have our stylists dropping to their knees in awe of its luster, it delivers ultimate frizz-fighting power for up to four days. Its lightweight texture is perfection for fine and medium hair types and it keeps humidity out and moisture in. Just be sure you’ve got a good pair of shades nearby after you apply—you don’t want to wind up blinded by that shine.

If your hair tends towards fine and flat, a texturizer can give your ‘do bounce, volume, and hold. This airy spray creates that trifecta without the potential downside of hair that feels sticky or has a crunchy finish. It uses a unique polymer technology that creates an invisible “web” between the hair fibers, creating space so the strands are lifted up and plumped up. No natural curl or wave? No problem—mineral micro-crystals create soft texture, so hair is full but still touchable. Zero grit, zero roughness, and zero worries about your locks going limp by midday.

Bumble’s Thickening line has been a stylist and editor staple for years, but the newest entry to the collection might just be our favorite. It not just thickens, but actually addresses thinning strands and sparse roots so hair looks and feels full of body. It uses rice peptides to add density to the hair, plus what the brand is calling Strand Plumping Technology to expand your strands to create thickness throughout. It’s a heat protectant, so a fab pre-blowout product, and has antioxidants and an energizing complex to treat and protect your scalp. Your hair looks both thicker and fuller while feeling healthier from root to tip.

Styling creams are the real workhorse of your hair care routine and it’s time we gave them the respect they deserve. Many of us scrunch it into our hair and then expect it to work miracles, doing everything from delivering hold to taming frizz. It’s a lot to ask of one product. Maybe we have such high expectations because we started using this overachiever from Blu & Green. After all, not many creams can provide weightless heat protection, control frizz on both blow-dried and air-dried hair, create a non-crunchy hold that sets your style and retains movement, and adds touchable, buildable volume. And yet, this one does all of those things, inflating hair at the root for lifted locks that look good and feel good. No wonder all the other styling creams are jealous.

Voluminous, bombshell hair starts in the shower. If you overdo it with the conditioner or reach for a too heavy formula, you’re sabotaging your strands before you even get to the styling. Which is what makes this volumizing conditioner from Philip B. such a great option for fine, flat hair — it uses lightweight hydrators like glycerin, plus plant extracts to detangle and hydrate without weighing hair down. You get all the gloss and softness of nourishing oils, without the risk of your hair deflating and feeling greasy.

Your scalp has a lot more to do with your ‘do than you might realize. Yes, we all know a healthy scalp equals healthy hair and caring for the scalp generally leads to better looking and feeling hair. But the scalp is also responsible for stealing your natural volume—excess oil, product build-up, and dead skin cells can all flatten out your strands at the root, making it doubly difficult to expand your strands with a volumizer later. This specialized shampoo targets the scalp as it cleans your hair, balancing the scalp microbiome as it helps dissolve build-up and oil. So you start with a truly clean slate that isn’t weighed down by all that (scalp) baggage. “Impressed with how it left the integrity of the hair while also removing build-up,” notes celeb hairstylist Sunnie Brook.

There are some truly awe-inspiring beauty innovations being released in recent months that have us feeling like we stepped into a techno futuristic world. Take K18’s new hair longevity serum—in addition to helping improve your scalp barrier, it also can help prevent shedding and grays. Seriously. Instead of targeting specific symptoms, it uses biomimetic peptides, glycerin, niacinamide, and yeast protein to address oxidative stress, one of the main causes of premature aging. That helps to anchor your strands at the root and boost melanin synthesis to stop grays in their tracks. It’s been clinically tested to retain 19,000 more hairs (so they stay on your head instead of in your shower drain), while 70 percent of the study participants saw fewer grays. “From a formulation perspective, this serum's technology and robust clinical data are very impressive,” says cosmetic chemist Alexandra Arriaga.

Baked blush making a big comeback in 2026 was not a trend we saw in our beauty crystal balls, but we’ve got to admit, we dig it. This swirly version from CoverGirl is our newest fave, deftly blending two complimentary hues to create a multi-dimensional finish on your cheeks. The sueded texture is more lightweight than typical powder blushes, and it gives a luminous finish with a surprisingly bright pop of pigment that will satisfy even the most blush blind of you out there. “I absolutely love this blush formula,” says makeup artist and content creator Jonet Williamson. “I used it on set of a commercial shoot and it applied evenly while giving the skin a nice blur that translated well both in person and on camera. I'd love to see these in more shades.”

It doesn’t come in a fancy bottle, it won’t bestow a delicate designer perfume on your body, but hot damn does this no-frills lotion from Eucerin deliver a deluge of moisture to the skin. Which is really the most important thing in a body lotion, no? It has a triple moisturizing complex of five percent urea, ceramides, and natural moisturizing factors (NMF) to both hydrate thirsty skin and repair a damaged barrier to help keep that moisture in place for up to 48 hours. “It leaves my skin soft, absorbs quickly, and is an easy go-to,” says Marie Claire contributor Danielle James.

California Naturals is kind of a sleeper of a brand (which is wild to us, considering Owen Wilson is behind it) but it’s a company that delivers consistently effective, highly affordable hair and body care that’s both clean and conscious. That means no synthetics dyes or fragrances, no parabens, no sulfates, and absolutely no funny business (unless you’re talking to Wilson, but we challenge anyone not to laugh after a convo with that charmer). This oil-gel body cleanser is one of our wash day essentials, combining sea buckthorn, moringa, guava, and vitamin B5 in a skin-cushioning cleanse that leaves you hydrated, glowing (duh), and nourished. “I really really like the oil-gel texture and the smell is goop-y in the best way,” says Marie Claire contributor Sophia Vilensky. “Makes my skin feel so soft but also really feels like it's doing its job on the cleaning front (which is ultimately most important here).”

We have tried for many, many years to find a drugstore bronzer that can outperform this classic. And we have failed—there’s just no topping its skin-melting texture and the bronzed goddess glow it imparts on even the most sun-starved skin. It has a blend of murumuru, cupuacu, and tucuma butters that give it both a hydrating finish and a unique creamy powder texture. Our one complaint? We wish there were more shades as the eight hues only really work on fair to medium-light skin tones—although the shimmery Golden Glow hue can make a fab highlighter for darker skin tones.

A cleanser that also hydrates and strengthens your skin with every wash? Of course it’s from Cetaphil. The derm-beloved brand combined flaxseed oil with pentavitin, a plant-derived ingredient that delivers long-lasting hydration and plumping to skin. Together they strengthen your skin barrier and replenish lost lipids. Those with dry, flaky skin will see an immediate improvement as it soothes and calms your complexion. It’s also surprisingly good at getting rid of makeup, something a lot of sensitive skin cleansers struggle with. “The oil aspect of this cleanser makes makeup slip away, and the foam—which builds IMMEDIATELY—efficiently and fully cleanses,” says Marie Claire contributor Marci Robin. “It's a joy to use, and my skin sincerely glows when I rinse it off. New favorite!”

E.l.f. really knows how to deliver maximum impact on a minimal budget. For just $5 you can find one of the best concealers to cover up dark circles, redness, and blemishes in just one swipe of this magic wand. With 36 hues to choose from—including a range of undertones—the medium-buildable, satin-finish concealer glides on smoothly but delivers cake-, crease-, and transfer-resistant wear. It also contains both hyaluronic acid and hibiscus complex to keep skin hydrated and ensure your camouflage merges seamlessly with your actual skin. “This concealer is AMAZING value,” says pro makeup artist Jaleesa Jaikaran. “It covers well and blends out really smoothly with a great shade range. This is especially nice to be worn by itself and pairs well with my drugstore and higher-end foundations.”

A hair gloss that straight up laminates the cuticle, L’Oréal’s Elvive conditioner uses an unexpected ingredient to get that glass-like glow to your strands. It has glycolic acid—yes, the same AHA you use to unglue dead and dull skin from your face—which, when applied to wet hair, does the same thing to your follicles and your scalp. By gently exfoliating away the build-up, dead skin cells, and excess oil that can leave hair looking dull, it reveals mirror-like shine and a healthier scalp. When paired with the matching shampoo, it gives your strands a high-gloss finish and soft feel that is shampoo commercial-ready.

We’d never admit to being curl cream snobs, but low-key, we kind of are. When you’re fighting an uphill battle to get your spirals to behave, you don’t want to cut corners and risk creating a big, undefined, poufy mess. Needless to say, we were thrilled when we tentatively tested this curl cream from Odele and found it delivered the same curl-taming and defining powers as salon products that were triple the price. With tomato ferment, rice protein, and shea butter, it helps to create curls and waves while fighting off frizz and ensuring your locks are hydrated, all without the crunch or stiffness that can sometimes accompany budget curl products. Instead, you're left with touchably soft, perfectly crafted curls that are protected from UV and heat.

Tangle Teezer has always been ahead of the curve, but their newest launch feels light years away from the competition. While it may look like their original Detangler brush, it’s actually an entirely new design that features a diagonal bristle placement made to work through hair strands with less resistance, and unique teeth guiding hair rather than yanking or tugging on snarls. The extra-long oval-shaped teeth smooth the cuticle and massage the scalp while the shorter triangle teeth do the actual detangling. It’s like a mini head massage, increasing blood flow to the follicle to help promote hair growth and reduce breakage. Hair looks and feels soft and polished no matter how dry, damaged, or fine it is naturally.

A daily lotion that outperforms a scrub for softer, smoother skin? Only if it’s this heavy hitter from Amlactin. Made with 12 percent lactic acid, it gently sloughs off dead skin and dry flakes while also infusing skin with hydrating glycerin. It actually helps improve your skin texture over time, helping skin retain moisture as it smooths and softens. By speeding up skin’s natural cellular turnover, it ensures you get the same benefits as an abrasive scrub without the, well, abrasiveness. Perfect for both sensitive skin and extra-dry spots, it’s a drugstore pick beloved by both derms and beauty editors.

It’s honestly no surprise that our favorite eyeliner would come courtesy of a RuPaul’s Drag Race legend. Kim Chi knows her liner, after all, and she thought of EVERYTHING when she dreamt up this ultimate eye definer. It’s a buildable pigment with a buttery texture that glides on the eyes without skipping or smearing. Beauty Stage Proof Eyeliner is more than stage ready—it’s designed to last for 32 hours without budging, in what the brand claims is “sweat-proof, swim-proof, overnight stay-proof, dance-proof, and ugly cry-proof. “This is a strong black liner and it’s a steal,” says pro makeup artist Emily Gray. “Loved it in the upper and lower waterlines—it stayed all day and night. I put some on an angled liner brush to create a wing and it glided on smoothly. This is definitely going in my professional makeup kit.”

For those who have never experienced a wrapping mask, you’re in for a good time. The peel-off treatments give your face a juicy, glowy, bouncy look in minutes. This duo from I Dew Care is our favorite take on the trend—it features a plush headband to keep your hair from accidentally getting stuck in the gooey texture of the mask. The treatment itself blends Korean ginseng, snow mushroom, and Korean pomegranate extract in a moisture-boosting, antioxidant glow-bestowing mask that improves skin firmness and elasticity. “First off, the headband is really soft, and one of the nicer ones I've used,” says James. “The face mask has a tacky texture and turns this iridescent pink when it dries, which was cool. I liked applying with the spatula, because I can use one side to apply, and the other to wipe off any product in a location I didn't want (like part of my lip). The removal process, like any wrap mask, was incredibly satisfying and it easily came off. The next morning, my face definitely had a radiance to it.”

This liquid foundation is proof positive you don’t need to drop all your cash to get a high-performance base. A full-coverage, matte, waterproof foundation that wears like a lightweight tint, this formula is available in 26 shades and infused with niacinamide. It can stand up to sweat, humidity, and heat with zero melting or smudging. “This foundation impresses me every time,” says Gray. “It’s one of the most comfortable, breathable, high coverage, thin foundations on the market and it’s only $10, which is crazy. I’m not normally a matte foundation lover, as I have sensitive dry skin, but I definitely love this one. The foundation also doesn’t sink in any lines, which I always have issues with on more matte foundation. Additionally it’s vegan, cruelty free, and great for those with sensitive skin. They did their thing with this one!”

A lip definer that also cares for your pout, Versed’s sculpting pencil has mango butter and marula oil to comfort and moisturize the lips as it delivers natural lip hues in a demi-matte finish that glides on smooth. The bullet dome tip makes it easy to apply for even those with the shakiest hands, so no need to hold your breath while you try to draw an ultra-thin line around your lips. “A comfortable and hydrating formula that doesn’t feel dry or crusty,” says celebrity makeup artist Amrita Mehta. “It blends out and diffuses nicely because of the shape of the tip.”

We’ll admit now that we were skeptical of the whole peel-off lip color craze. It looked more gimmick than great and we worried that once you got past the novelty of it, the color would be muddy and drying in practice. Color us impressed with this peel-off liner from Maybelline because it is none of the above. The five shades are vibrant without being garish and create a super defined lip stain that stays in place through eating, drinking, kissing, wiping, and talking—all things we do frequently throughout our days. It’s a gorgeous lip blush effect that pairs well with everything from matte lipsticks to juicy glosses. The addition of vitamin E ensures that the formula doesn’t get patchy or settle into lines or dry spots. Consider us converted.

For as much as we adore lip oils, we’re not huge fans of their application process. The wands and squeeze tubes make it way too easy to overuse and they’re messy to try and apply on the go. Not so with this so-called Slipstick from e.l.f.—it puts a nourishing lip oil in a solid stick for easy, fuss-free application. The formula hydrates with squalane, jojoba oil, and mango seed butter while imparting a shimmery, buildable hue on your pout. “Perfect for the gal on the go,” says pro makeup artist Natalie Dresher. “Love that it nourishes while depositing color, smoothing lines, and treating chapped lips while giving the effect of a lipstick!”

One swipe of this lash lengthener will have you wondering if you’ve accidentally picked up the wrong tube in your bleary-eyed morning rush to get ready, because there’s no way a mascara this good can be both clean and at the drugstore. And yet, Expressionist Curling Mascara exists. It contains plant-based ingredients like castor seed oil, sunflower seed oil, and cellulose plant fiber to condition and volumize lashes for a feathery fringe that stays put. “It’s not every day that you find a mascara that lifts, lengthens, volumizes, is transfer resistant and is longwearing,” says pro makeup artist Dominque Lerma. “The wand offers a dramatizing application lifting the lashes. My favorite way to test masacaras is by wearing them through an intense cardio session. I wore this for 60 minutes on the soccer field and there was zero transfer and the loft remained intact.”

This is everything you want from a face lotion—hydrating, works well under makeup, smoothing, and non-greasy. It uses a plant-based alternative to silicone to give your skin that velvety smooth feel and plump up fine lines without the potential to clog pores or giving you that smothered-skin feel. It’s lightweight and contains nourishing macadamia seed oil, soothing shea butter, and antioxidant vitamin E. It’s a no-brainer daily hydrator that you don’t have to worry about—which is great, because we’ve got enough going on without having to panic that our moisturizer is messing with our skin.

Kim Chi strikes again with this makeup primer that performs almost as impressively as she does. A hybrid skin treatment and makeup gripper, the Korean-American drag star infused a little K-beauty into Give Me Grip with the addition of salmon-derived PDRN to soothe the skin barrier. It’s heavy on the skin care, with brightening niacinamide, plumping hyaluronic acid, and refreshing and cooling rosemary and peppermint water. The high-performance gel grips makeup in place for a smoother, longer lasting base. “If it's good enough for the queens it's good enough for us,” exclaims Dresher. “I LOVED this product. PDRN is all the rage right now and having it inside of a primer is SO unique. It also provides the perfect grippy, slightly tacky base for makeup!”

For those suffering from flakes and breakage, a hair and scalp oil can mean the difference between split-ends central and a glossy, hydrated mane. This beauty by Carol’s Daughter uses a blend of seven(!) oils—castor, sunflower seed, jojoba seed, olive, coconut, black cumin seed, and flaxseed—to deliver weightless moisture to the scalp while preventing split ends and protecting against breakage. For under $15, curls will look healthy and feel strong while the scalp is moisturized without feeling greasy. “A well-executed treatment oil that addresses breakage concerns through rich conditioning and scalp support,” says L.A.-based celebrity hair stylist Keisha Tabaran.

This luxe serum is proof positive that you don’t need to empty your wallet to get a well-formulated product overflowing with powerful actives. We’re talking hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and a triple-peptide complex that work in harmony to address wrinkles, uneven texture, dark spots, and firmness in one age-defying formula.“Three really important ingredients in one is a great move for someone that wants a serum that'll pack a big punch,” says Vilensky. “It feels nice on the skin, soaks in easily, and my skin looks more hydrated and feels a little brighter when using it consistently.”

Honey hair care has been big in Asia for awhile, but is just now starting to gain traction in the U.S. We’re stoked because that migration means we get cool products like this hair hydrator from &honey. Inside this adorable bottle is one of the most hydrating and best frizz-taming hair products that has ever touched our strands. A wash with the Deep Moist shampoo will give you shiny, soft, flyaway-free strands with a blend of argan oil and three different types of the sticky stuff: acacia, manuka, and raw honey. You’ll be a honey hair stan the minute you step out of the shower and see how soft and manageable your mane is post cleanse.

Body SPF always throws us for a loop. We know it exists, we know we need it, but every time we apply it, we feel like we just went down an oiled-up Slip N Slide. Not so with this tropically scented sunscreen from Sun Bum: It’s made for daily application, so instead of the heavy waterproof formulas you pack for a beach day (that leave you slippery like a seal), it’s akin to rubbing on a hydrating body lotion. With vitamin E and antioxidants, it provides all day moisture to keep skin soft and supple. With a water-resistant SPF 50, your skin stays protected without the lubed up feeling.

There’s a reason this face sunscreen from CeraVe is a derm favorite—not only is it a mineral formula, but it’s one you’ll actually want to actually put on your face and reapply. It uses what the brand calls Miner-All technology for a near invisible and weightless application that works with all skin tones and types. While no mineral SPF is truly invisible (especially for those with deep skin tones), this one is pretty close. It also has cermaides, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and a unique time-release feature that releases those moisturizing ingredients over time for long-term hydration and skin barrier health. “Truly invisible, as the name suggests—it disappears into skin instantly and feels so lightweight with no white cast on my light skin tone” says Marie Claire contributor Catharine Malzahn. “Note that it appears a little oily on the skin upon application, but quickly dries down and looks like nothing.”

Are eye drops a beauty product? They are when it's this redness eliminator by Bausch + Lomb. Bloodshot eyes don’t really go well with a smokey eye, after all. Drop these in and a minute later you’ll see brighter, whiter, less tired eyes that stay that way for eight hours. They work by selectively targeting blood vessels without limiting oxygen flow to your eyes, ensuring you are less at risk for side effects like rebound redness and preservative irritation that are common in other brightening eye drops. With seven clinical trials for safety and efficacy, these drops make you look like you actually got some sleep (even though you definitely did not) or like allergies aren’t making your life a living hell (they are).