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Rosie O'Donnell got a facelift—and she has some thoughts to share.
The comedian and actor revealed this week that she had a lower deep-plane facelift in January, sharing her complicated feelings on Substack in her now-signature poetic style. In the post, titled “decisions,” O'Donnell wrote that she had always sworn she'd never go under the knife. After losing 50 pounds, she changed her mind.
“I used to feel very strongly about facelifts,” O'Donnell wrote. “Not casually—morally. I had assigned myself as head of all women who would never ever.” She went on to say that getting a facelift felt like a “betrayal” of feminism and aging, even of “our team of women worldwide.” But after her weight loss, O'Donnell said her face changed to a point that “I'd look in the mirror and think – this isn't aging, this is melting with intention.” She tried to accept it, and couldn't: “There's a point where acceptance starts to feel like lying.”
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O'Donnell's 13-year-old child, Clay, found out that she was contemplating a facelift and had their their own thoughts, saying O'Donnell “earned” her wrinkles and that young women look up to her. What kind of message would she be sending about aging and acceptance if she got plastic surgery? And then this: “‘I wouldn’t be able to respect you if you did it.’” (“That's a big statement from someone who still needs you to open jars.”) According to O'Donnell, Clay sounded “exactly like me. Like my younger, more certain, more morally rigid self had somehow moved into my house and was now judging my face.”
O'Donnell sat for a few months with the idea of getting a facelift, then realized that not doing would also send her child a message. “If I’m teaching Clay anything, it can’t be that my body belongs to an idea either,” she wrote. “Even a good idea. Even feminism. Because that’s still not freedom—that’s just a different authority telling you what you’re allowed to do with your own face.” Her words echo those of Allure contributor Joan Kron, who said of her three facelifts: “The feminist line is, 'We've earned these wrinkles. We don't want to erase them.' Well, I’m a feminist, but I don’t believe in telling people what to do with their bodies.”
About five months ago, O'Donnell had the surgery, choosing a doctor who had worked on some of her friends, “who all still looked like themselves, just like they had recently been told good news.” Her goal: “to still be me, just…less haunted. And I do look like me…a slightly more well-rested, emotionally stable version of me.” So what was the response to the results, after all that self-reflection and “a full existential feminist crisis”? O'Donnell says no one has even noticed she had work done, “not one person. Not a friend, not a stranger, not even people who owe me compliments / My teenager has not said a word.”
But O'Donnell is pleased with that. “I didn’t disappear, I didn’t become someone else. I just stopped arguing with the mirror. And maybe that’s enough. Or at the very least…it’s what a lower, deep plane face lift [sic] looks like when it minds its own business.” A day after the Substack post went live, she shared before and after photos on her Instagram.
O'Donnell joins the ranks of celebrities who have been open about their work recently. Denise Richards told Allure all about her recent facelift and even shared the actual, clinical before-and-after pics. A day after O'Donnell's post went live, Glamour published an interview with TV personality Keltie Knight in which she shared details about her own facelift. Then there's Ricki Lake, and Kathy Griffin, and of course Kris Jenner.
O'Donnell ended her post by saying that while she knows she doesn't owe anyone an explanation for her decision to have plastic surgery, she doesn't like secrets. “Part of my desire to show myself…is to come clean,” she wrote. “But who do I owe that truth to? Is it mine to keep?” She writes of feeling “almost shameful” of her “privileged place” in the world, noting that the surgery cost “more money than I have ever paid for a car.” But at 64, O'Donnell says that despite her still-conflicted feelings, she and her “new lower face and neck” are “just happy to be alive…able to feel and choose and use my voice whenever I feel called to…as we carry on in act 3.”
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Breakouts on your back can be annoying to clear—and even harder to reach. The good news? The best bacne sprays can help on both, ahem, fronts. Formulated with acne-fighting ingredients like salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and hypochlorous acid, these products help resolve active breakouts, soothe inflammation, and prevent future pimples from dotting your back. While they aren’t all that different from products for acne on your face, they often have higher concentrations of active ingredients, since the skin on your back is thicker and less sensitive. And, because they come in easy-to-use spray bottles—many of which apply the product in a continuous mist—they spare you the messiness (and contortions) that lotions or scrubs require.
Our Top Bacne Sprays
Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray, $28
Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray, $15
Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist, $28
Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray, $29
Even better? Bacne sprays slot right into your post-shower routine, too. Just spritz on your product of choice once your skin is clean and dry. (While other body products like lotions and creams are best applied to damp skin, you don’t want any lingering moisture to dilute the active ingredients in the spray.) You can reapply it if you shower again or break a major sweat, but once a day should suffice for most people, according to Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois. Scroll ahead for the best bacne sprays worth misting, as selected by skin-care experts and Allure editors.
What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Dermalogica Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray
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Dermalogica
Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray
$28
Amazon
$28
Dermstore
$28
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Both Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York, and Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York, both give Dermalogica’s Clear Start Clarifying Bacne Spray their seal of approval, since it’s especially effective against acne and packed with calming ingredients; that makes it a great option for daily use for most people. “It pairs salicylic acid with soothing botanicals like witch hazel and tea tree oil, which may help calm redness and irritation while treating breakouts,” Dr. Camp tells Allure.
It has a slight cooling effect, which makes it all the more refreshing after a steamy shower or sweaty workout. Also worth noting: This continuous spray contains a lower concentration of salicylic acid than many other bacne sprays, which makes it especially good for bacne newbies and people with dry skin, Dr. Shah tells Allure.
More to know
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Key ingredients: 1% salicylic acid, witch hazel, tea tree oil
Fragrance-free: no (contains essential oils)
Who it’s for: newcomers and seasoned users of bacne sprays alike
Best Drugstore: Differin Acne Body Spray
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Differin
Acne Body Spray
$15
Amazon
$20
Ulta Beauty
$15
Walmart
Why we love it: An expert-approved bacne treatment from a Best of Beauty Award-winning brand for under $20? Say no more. Differin’s Acne Body Spray has a relatively simple—yet effective—formula that uses a combination of salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and witch hazel to reduce and prevent breakouts. That glycolic acid also works double-time to brighten any dark spots that arise after your bacne resolves (though it’s also helpful if you generally deal with dull, uneven skin). Its packaging deserves a shout-out, too: Dr. Shah gives it extra points for its continuous spray nozzle that allows for 360-degree application.
Who it’s for: anyone who wants effective skin care at a great value
Best for Dry Skin: First Aid Beauty Body Acne Clearing Mist
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First Aid Beauty
Body Acne Clearing Mist
$28
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: As with many acne products, a lot of bacne sprays tend to be pretty drying—but not this one. First Aid Beauty’s Body Acne Clearing Mist, a top recommendation from Dr. Camp, contains moisturizing ingredients like glycerin in addition to 2% salicylic acid, so you can clear blemishes and keep your skin hydrated all in one convenient spritz. It’s also alcohol-free, which can be hard to find in sprays (since it helps them dry quickly). This omission keeps the spray from pulling moisture from your skin and potentially drying it out. If your skin isn’t just dry but irritation-prone to boot, you’re in luck: Dr. Camp notes that this spray is suitable for people whose skin is on the sensitive side.
Best for Acne Scars: Paula's Choice Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray
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Paula's Choice
Clear Back & Body Acne Spray
$29 $20(31% off)
Amazon
$29
Dermstore
Why we love it: If you’re prone to hyperpigmentation, Paula’s Choice’s Clear Exfoliating Back & Body Acne Spray can help tackle bacne and any resulting dark spots alike. “This spray gently exfoliates and unclogs pores while calming redness and irritation,” says Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin, Texas. That calming effect comes from barberry extract and licorice extract, both of which have anti-inflammatory properties. Their benefits extend beyond that, though: Barberry extract also helps reduce oil production, which licorice extract can help fade skin discoloration.
Who it’s for: people who deal with dullness and hyperpigmentation in addition to bacne
Best for Sensitive Skin: Tower 28 SOS Daily Rescue Spray
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Tower 28
SOS Daily Rescue Spray
$12
Amazon
$28
Sephora
$28
Credo Beauty
Why we love it: If common anti-acne ingredients irritate your skin, consider skipping the heavy hitters and using a hypochlorous acid spray instead. “Hypochlorous acid sprays are generally very gentle and well-tolerated, even by those with sensitive or reactive skin,” Dr. Shivakumar says. Their active ingredient targets bacteria—including the kind that causes acne—without damaging the skin barrier or causing irritation. Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist Zoë Indigo, MD, is a fan of Tower 28’s SOS Daily Rescue Spray in particular. While it’s sold (and works great) as a facial spray, you can use it all over, she says. And we like it for its simple ingredient list, which leaves out common irritants: In addition to hypochlorous acid, it only contains water and sodium chloride (a.k.a. regular old salt).
More to know
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Key ingredients: hypochlorous acid
Fragrance-free: yes
Who it’s for: people with sensitive, irritation-prone skin
Best Spray Alternative: The Inkey List Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
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The Inkey List
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
$20
Amazon
$20
Sephora
$20
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: If you’re still not sold on a spray formula—or want something easy to throw into your gym bag or suitcase—then try the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick from The Inkey List. Just swipe it onto your skin like a deodorant, where it will leave zero greasy or sticky residue behind. Not only does the Best of Beauty Award winner tackle body acne with a one-two punch of glycolic and salicylic acids, but it can also address rough, KP-ridden skin and discoloration as well.
Tester feedback from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“I was dealing with pretty bad bacne, but after swiping this on once a night after showering, it cleared it up in a week—faster than any prescription I’ve tried.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
Who it’s for: people who want a more travel-friendly bacne product (and don’t mind stretching to get to those hard-to-reach spots
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes bacne—and how can you prevent it?
“Bacne develops for many of the same reasons facial acne does,” Dr. Shah says, pointing to excess oil production, clogged hair follicles, bacterial overgrowth, and inflammation as common culprits. “When dead skin cells and oil build up inside the pore, they create an environment where Cutibacterium acnes bacteria can thrive, leading to breakouts,” she explains.
But unlike the skin on the face, “the back naturally contains larger and more active oil glands than many other areas of the body, which can make acne there appear deeper and more persistent,” says Dr. Shah. Once you factor in excessive sweat, tight clothes, oily hair products, and hormonal fluctuations, bacne can be hard to avoid—but not impossible. That’s why Dr. Camp recommends showering as soon as you can after workouts, wearing breathable clothes, and using noncomedogenic skin and hair-care products in order to reduce your likelihood of developing bacne.
What active ingredients should you look for when shopping for a bacne spray?
The tried-and-true actives found in facial acne treatments will help with bacne too. Dr. Shivakumar points to salicylic acid, which exfoliates and unclogs pores, and benzoyl peroxide, which reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation, as excellent options. (Heads up: If you apply a product with benzoyl peroxide to your back, wear an old or white top, because the ingredient can bleach your clothes.) Don’t stress if you notice that they come in higher concentrations than you’re used to seeing in facial products. The thicker skin on your back tends to be more tolerant of stronger products, Dr. Shivakumar explains.
You can also look for products containing alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid, Dr. Camp says: “[They] may help improve skin texture and post-inflammatory discoloration left behind by breakouts.” And folks with sensitive skin may prefer the gentler effects of antimicrobial hypochlorous acid, which targets acne-causing bacteria with less risk of irritation and dryness.
Meet the experts
Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, Commack, and Hampton Bays, New York
Kristina Collins, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, Texas
Zoë Indigo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles, California
Sejal K. Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, New York
Vidya Shivakumar, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, Illinois
How we test and review products
When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.
For our list of the best bacne sprays, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
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Summer may not officially start for another few weeks, but we all know the summer vibes really begin in late May—early June at the latest. And there's no better proof of that than the way people's appearances start to subtly shift: more open-toed shoes, more breezy attire, beachier waves, and a heavier hand with the bronzer. And this summer, it seems one of the most prevalent ways to celebrate the season is with bold, pool-blue eye makeup, as recently and gorgeously demonstrated by Florence Pugh.
Hairstylist Faye Browne and makeup artist Lauren Buckley posted a collaborative Instagram carousel giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at how they dolled up Pugh for Harris Reed's Ibiza birthday party. Browne gave her waves some summery, salty texture with Hair by Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray by Sam McKnight and topped it off with a vibrant, turquoise Pucci scarf worn as a headband.
Photo: Faye Browne
That scarf seems to have served as the color inspiration for how Buckley approached the acclaimed actor's eye makeup. After applying a matte, neutral base from the Makeup by Mario Master Mattes Eyeshadow Palette all over her lids and the tragically discontinued MAC Reflects in Transparent Teal in the inner corners, she applied a substantial swipe of Sephora Colorful Waterproof Eyeshadow & Eyeliner Multi-Stick in Baby Blue Matte.
And the look feels especially Ibiza-esque thanks to her bronzed skin. That warmth comes from Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Matte Bronzer, a blurring powder formula that comes in four shades.
Photo: Faye Browne
The Gloss Angeles podcast called it: Blue eye makeup is having such a moment right now, and makeup artist Ash K. Holm's recent Ocean Eyes tutorial is even more evidence. She used a similar matte blue shade, Danessa Myricks Colorfix in Oasis, all over her lid, followed by a shimmery inner corner.
Clearly, this is a thing. Even if you won't find yourself poolside any time soon, that doesn't mean you can't channel that tropical, chlorinated blue through your makeup. It'll signal to everyone who sees you that you are definitely already in the summer mindset.
More makeup news:
Marc Jacobs Beauty Isn't Back
Why TikTok Can’t Stop Fighting About “Transitional Blush”
E.L.F. Cosmetics Is Lowering Prices After Tariff-Induced Increases
Josalyn AndromedaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
In The Scenario, reporter Kirbie Johnson takes readers behind the scenes of the buzziest movies and TV shows to reveal how the best wigs, special-effects makeup, and more are created. For this edition, Johnson interviewed Euphoria department head Donni Davy in the makeup trailer as season three wrapped last year. As you may expect, some spoilers about the first episode are ahead.
“For better or for worse, everyone's kind of trying to find God.”
HBO’s Euphoria has returned. Much has changed: The students are now adults, and a five-year time jump finds everyone in the real world—and finding God, according to makeup department head artist Donni Davy. Changes have also happened behind the scenes, where Hans Zimmer took over the musical score, a stark contrast to Labrinth’s haunting high school melodies of seasons one and two; and costume designer Colleen Atwood came on as coproducer and helped with wardrobe direction, now overseen by Natasha Newman-Thomas after the departure of Heidi Bivens.
Despite the show’s dark themes, this season is also visually brighter, with the first episode featuring scenes of sun-soaked California and vibrant decor, including Lexi’s apartment and Nate and Cassie’s ornate home. With these visual and audio changes, the show reads more like an epic Western than the dreamy, neon-coated atmosphere of seasons one and two.
But a lot also remains the same. There’s no shortage of drama for Rue (Zendaya), who’s still involved in the drug business. The impact of narcotics in the US continues to be a major theme, according to showrunner Sam Levinson. At a press screening of the first episode, he discussed how the death of actor Angus Cloud, who portrayed Fez, in 2023 affected him, and how fentanyl continues to be the main culprit of drug deaths in America. Season three, according to Levinson, alludes to the third step of the 12-step recovery plan: “Surrender your will and life to the care of your higher power”—hence taglines leading up to the premiere like, “May God have mercy.”
High contrast lip-spo
Kirbie Johnson
Inner and outer winged liner
Kirbie Johnson
Crucially, the makeup remains a constant and vital element in the show. Davy has designed the makeup looks for Euphoria since the show’s inception in 2019. From the get-go, Levinson wanted Davy to create makeup looks that “people would pause the show and study,” a task she had to execute without distracting from the themes of the show.
In season one, Davy gravitated toward the pastel shades and winged liner of the late 1960s—an era that’s heavily inspired her over the years—as well as ’70s glam rock, ’80s elongated cat eyes, and ’90s grunge liner. That first season was seven years ago, and “Euphoria makeup”—now synonymous with sparkling gemstones, winged liner that could gut someone, and glitter tears—has gone on to captivate audiences and inspire tens of thousands of fans to play with makeup. And the interest hasn’t slowed since. According to Google Trends, searches for “euphoria makeup” reached peak interest in 2022 after season two premiered, and searches have already spiked in the week leading up to the third season’s release on April 12.
I’ve seen firsthand how hungry fans are for Euphoria makeup. In 2021, I was given a tour of the show’s makeup trailer. While there, I got a behind-the-scenes look at what Davy—who has amassed her own huge social following because of the show—used on the cast, as well as a first look at Half Magic, the makeup brand Davy launched with studio A24’s blessing (and backing). After posting videos from my time in the trailer, I gained more than 35,000 followers on Instagram in one day, simply for reporting on things like Zendaya’s onscreen foundation and how (and why) Sydney Sweeney’s character Cassie always looked sweaty.
More season three makeup inspiration
Kirbie Johnson
I was invited back to the makeup trailer for season three at the end of filming in November 2025. ”Base camp,” as the set was called, was situated on a closed-off lot in downtown Los Angeles. Everything was shrouded in secrecy, from the trailer doors labeled “LA Nights” (a code name taken from the show where Lexi works as an assistant this season), to yellow production signage reading “10 Commandments,” another code to keep filming confidential. I had no idea who was on set or what was being filmed, but it didn’t matter. I was there to find out if we were getting what the Euphoria makeup people have come to expect—or if everyone matured out of “look at me” beauty in the time jump.
Good news: While season two featured more subdued makeup, in season three we’re back to “capital G glam,” says Davy. But it’s not the bold color and dazzling rhinestones we were introduced to in 2019. Instead, it’s Davy’s take on nostalgic Hollywood makeup, with nods to the looks of icons past and present. “It's not as experimental,” she says. “In high school, there was tons of glitter. There’s also tons of glitter in season three, but the girls are grown up, and the creative vision is different. Sam [Levinson] wanted me to do my version of traditional glam—Hollywood glam.”
It was also important for the makeup to be high-contrast, whether that meant a dark lip liner with a nude lipstick or red lips with exaggerated black eyeliner. That’s because the film stock used specifically for this season pushed the contrast on camera, causing makeup elements to look blown out or change color, something Davy realized when reviewing the raw footage (called “dailies” in TV land). It was clear some makeup looks weren’t landing and needed to be taken up a notch. “We need cunt-ery here,” she says, “we need to go hard.”
Anna Van Patten wearing three Euphoria makeup trends at once
Kirbie Johnson
Sydney Sweeney with frosty lids and tightlined lashes
Maddy’s eyeliner offers a good example: “I'm like, ‘Girl, the wings are always iconic on you,’” Davy recalls saying to actor Alexa Demie. “They always look so good, but without that high-contrast moment, whether it's a sharp line on the bottom or just a tightline, we don't get that extra-visual thing to sink your teeth into.”
Nineties-era Pamela Anderson, Y2K makeup, and a touch of the ’60s all inspired Davy this season. Her mood boards—plastered across every square foot of the trailer—showed references that ran the gamut depending on the character and the scene: Hustler and Playboy spreads with handwritten notes from Davy like, “red nails, simple eyes, classic lips”; “super glowy—NO POWDER”; and “babydoll lashes.” Pages upon pages of similar makeup looks featuring models and notable celebrities like Kate Moss, Rihanna, Sabrina Carpenter, and Gabriette. “[The makeup overall] is sparkly, luscious, juicy, glam,” says Davy. “It's like a campaign against the ‘clean girl’ aesthetic. That's my inspiration. It's big, unapologetic glam.”
After reading the scripts, Davy imagines what a character may be doing at that point in their life to help her design their look. Take the aesthetic for Jules (Hunter Schafer) this season, which includes bleached brows and core shades of red, silver, and black. “I wanted [Jules] to have this deranged moment at home [where we had the] Pat McGrath Labs peel-off mask on top of makeup, and I wanted her to peel it off on camera and stretch it,” Davy says. “These are the things I imagine the characters doing, and it helps me figure out what to do. If there's no imagination or story or passion for me, it’s hard to get inspired.”
Rosalía as Magick
Kirbie Johnson
There are a few things you’ll see a lot of this season: Sharpen those eyeliners, because inner-corner wings are a big one. Brown tightliner is another. “Everyone is tightlined,” says Davy. “I really want the eyes to be super-fucking piercing,” says Davy. Frosty lips and a shitload of body shimmer are coming our way, too, while blue eye shadow is a throughline for several characters because, she says, it’s the “eye shadow shade of the woman that's kind of going off the rails” or “the woman who's really extra.” There are also more nail sets this season, which Davy commissioned from artist Caroline Cotten.
Davy’s mood boards for Cassie and Jules
Kirbie Johnson
Sydney Sweeney in Cassie’s “vixen” makeup
Kirbie Johnson
Each character has their own distinct aesthetic for the season, even if they didn’t play with makeup much in the past. For example, in season two, Cassie was trying to emulate Maddy and Jules. Now she’s forged her own beauty direction as a vixen—think video girl or classic pinup. “[Brigitte] Bardot is always on my Cassie boards,” says Davy.
In the past, they could create a Cassie look in under an hour, says Davy, but this season Sweeney was in glam for two hours before filming because she was in full, head-to-toes body makeup. We learn that Cassie wants her wedding to Nate exactly the way she envisions it—$50,000 flowers included—and if that means joining OnlyFans, she’s willing to do what it takes to make her own money. “It's very performative,” Davy says of Cassie’s makeup this season, noting that Sweeney was typically down to try anything makeup-wise. “It's kind of desperate, unapologetic. She's trying to get attention. It’s for the male gaze.” But Davy’s doing her own take on the “male gaze” by creating looks female viewers will want to emulate and compliment each other on—not makeup that men would find suitable.
Alexa Demie as Maddy
HBO
Maddy is an assistant in Hollywood, working with a top manager but just making ends meet. Her makeup projects someone she’s aspiring to be. “Her inner light has gone out,” says Davy. In an office job and in her “hustler era,” as Davy describes it, Maddy feels defeated—at least in the beginning of the season. “There doesn’t seem to be a lot of joy in her life, so I think this matte colorless colorscape really works. She’s trying to be more grown-up—all business, no frills.”
This is a stark contrast to who Maddy was in high school. “Her makeup was this theatrical performance; it was playful, tapping into these different sides of her,” says Davy. Maddy was “unfuckwithable” and fierce, but the sparkle and color helped home in on her hopeful, tender side too. One thing Maddy knows how to do is do her makeup and look a part (which we learned from her backstory in season one), and Davy believes she’s using this new look strategically: “Showing up to work with a purple sparkly eye is not going to get her the results she wants in terms of being taken seriously.”
Demie was very involved in Maddy’s looks and wanted to go the more traditional glam route, notes Davy. “Because it’s Maddy and me and my team, we get this unapologetic, bold version of something traditional,” she explains. “This style of makeup is new for Euphoria because we’re not usually bringing in traditional styles of makeup.”
Some of Lexi’s makeup inspo
Kirbie Johnson
Maude Apatow in Lexi’s season three makeup look
Kirbie Johnson
While Rue was meant to look worse for wear in previous seasons, Davy says, there are only a few times when she makes her look rough this go-around. Otherwise, she’s still wearing MAC Face and Body, as we previously reported, and has a healthy glow, thanks to Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray. She even has a few legitimate makeup looks, like brown eyeliner in her water lines for the wedding, says Davy.
As a teen, Lexi (Maude Apatow) was mostly a no-fuss makeup girl, although she occasionally threw on some kind of a red lip. In season three, though, she embraces her own version of Hollywood glamour. “Even Lexi has a banging glam—not just a statement lip—but lashes, the whole shebang,” says Davy of the character’s brick red lipstick and subtle wings. “We wanted a more mature version of her high school red-lip look,” adds Davy, who drew from her vintage ’70s wardrobe for inspiration. “Clearly, she’s really into this formal attire, so we thought she would have a real makeup routine, too, that she’s been working on and perfecting. She wants to look well-rested. She is definitely not showing up to work with no makeup.”
Hunter Schaffer in one of Jules’ season three looks
Kirbie Johnosn
Jules isn’t in the first episode of the new season, but Davy shares that her look this time around is more minimal than the others (and for the character), due to the seriousness of her life when we see her again. “It's not colorful,” says Davy. “It's not happy.”
There's no shortage of prosthetics this year, either. “This has been the most prosthetic-heavy and glam-heavy of all the seasons,” Davy says. “Season one was makeup-heavy in a different way; it was all about eyes. Skin was [just] tinted moisturizer. The lip was a gloss. I think Alexa was the only one who had lip liner. This season, however, is full, head-to-toe glam.”
As you can see, there will be no shortage of Euphoria makeup discussions this season, and I still have a lot to share. Each week, I’ll break down the highlights of the makeup, including products used, straight from the source. Bookmark this story and follow us on social media so you don’t miss anything.
In this story:
Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
Episode 2: "American My Dream"
Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin
Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”
Episode 5: This Little Piggy
Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”
Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”
Episode 1: "New Beginnings"
Davy prepares to give an on-set spray tan
Kirbie Johnson
The formulas behind Cassie’s fake tan
Kirbie Johnson
Skin is always a big part of the show, but especially this season. Davy used Suqqu foundation, which has a satin effect and is “super buildable,” she says. “It can be really high coverage, or it can be sheer—and it looks so much like skin.” She mixed it with Saie Super Glowy Gel and applied it by infusing a Pawpaw sponge with Half Magic Dew Lock Setting Spray and the foundation, so it lasted throughout filming.
In episode one, Cassie is scantily clad and tan, in case you didn’t notice. Sweeney would get a spray tan, then Davy would mix OFRA Cosmetics RCK Red Carpet Color with Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector, Vita Liberata Body Blur, and Hempz Body Lotion to give her skin an even, in-your-face glow.
Some scenes, however, required stronger, transfer-proof makeup. “For Syd, if she has a sex scene or is in bed or is wearing white or swimming—anything where my body lotion mixture isn’t going to cut it, we use full-on, alcohol-based, body-coverage paints,” says Davy. She used Allied FX Bluebird Iridescent Inks in Cashmere and Bronze Pearl to add shimmer to the tans, avoiding a matte, flat look.
Episode 2: "American My Dream"
Maddy meeting Cassie in episode two.
Warner Bros. Discovery
In episode two, we get more intel on Maddy, while Jules makes her first appearance with a radical hair change. “Maddy is a little evil this season,” says Davy. We get a glimpse of this when her former best friend, Cassie Howard, reaches out.
As Davy mentioned, Maddy's look might be more muted than past seasons, but for her meeting with Cassie, she's still expressing herself through makeup. “She’s there to set the tone,” Demie says in HBO Max's behind-the-scenes segment for episode two. Demie notes it was scorching hot that day, but Maddy is still in a fur coat and gloves to insinuate power. She wants to be taken seriously at work and she wants to appear in charge during her meeting with Cassie, sporting visible lip liner and double-winged liner. Paired with her wardrobe and hair, her look is mob wife meets old Hollywood.
Mara Rouse, who worked with Demie on the look, said they were inspired by French-Italian actress Edwige Fenech, as well as the makeup of other Italian actresses where the top liner lifts before the outer corner, creating and “upward, feline” shape.
To achieve the look at home, Davy suggests starting with a base of a matte brown cream eyeshadow (she likes the Colourpop Shadow Stix) over the lids, followed by a taupe-colored powder shadow pressed on top to both cool-down the color and add a velvety finish. Davy's brand, Half Magic, was used heavily this season. For Maddy's double wings, they used the Flik Liquid Eyeliner Pen and Flik Eraser Correcting Pen, create two lines that extend out from upper and lower lash lines. Half Magic Cheek Fluff in Magic Brownie went on her cheeks, while her lip combo included the Sculptitude Lip Liner in Seize the Slay and You’re my Taupe topped off with a coat of Lip Snuggle in Killah Meows.
For Maddy's hair, department head Kim Kimble shared that a T3 Micro Large Barrel Curling Iron was used to add volume volume, while the Kim Kimble Signature Infrared Flat Iron added sleekness to the look. To finish her Amika hairspray and ColorWow shine spray were applied.
Jules’s makeup, per Davy, needed to reflect her new lifestyle, but her signature experimental style still shines through—especially in this episode (that bra dress, anyone?). She wears black liner right the middle of her lower waterline—underneath her iris—paired with a light blue shadow.
As for her hair, Jules has gone from a crop senior year to wearing a 50" buss-down. "Sam said, 'I want Jules’ hair to be 50” long,’” says Kimble in a behind-the-scenes video for HBO Max, which showcases Schafer’s wig being applied. "She’s like a modern-day Rapunzel, she’s trapped up in the tower."
Episode 3: The Ballad of Palidin
You’re cordially invited to Nate and Cassie’s wedding in this episode and, of course, drama ensues: Reunions take place, guests show up half-naked. Nate’s toe gets cut off. Very normal wedding festivities. Amidst all that, there’s some pretty incredible beauty looks going on. Let’s break it down.
Cassie’s bridal beauty look.
Patrick Wymore/HBOCassie's Bridal Look
“I wanted to do what I thought was pretty makeup,” Davy says, “I wanted her eyes to be really piercing—that’s my jam this season.” Davy did this by emphasizing the waterline in a brown tone. “I wanted her eyes to be really visible through the veil, because there’s this long shot of her coming down the aisle while her mom is saying the most ridiculous shit,” Davy says. “I know Sydney, she's really good at emoting and she’s gonna have her eyes filled up with tears as she’s coming down the aisle. In my head, I was like, ‘These high-contrast eyes through the veil welling up with tears.’”
Davy said they toyed with a few ideas for her look but she didn’t want to stray too far from Cassie’s traditional makeup because she gets amore defined and different glow up later in the season. “I wanted it to feel like that sweet, Cassie vibe,” Davy says. “I actually thought of doing a version of a cheesy wedding makeup look, but then I saw her dress and was like, I think we just have to make her look like a princess. She looks like Cassie Wedding Barbie.”
Davy’s moodboard for Cassie’s wedding makeup.
Kirbie Johnson
Nate and Cassie’s reception was filmed before the ceremony, which is why we have an eyeshadow switchup. “Her eyeshadow for the [reception] is blue,” Davy says. Cassie changes into a shorter version of her wedding dress, which gave Davy the greenlight to update her eyeshadow, too. “The [blue] color calls back to the scene [in season 2] when she says ‘I’m in love with Nate Jacobs and he’s in love with me.’” Davy says the sparkly blue is Half Magic GlitterPuck in Princess Ghost, a baby blue.
“For cinematic flair, we added a new unreleased Half Magic body product to her chest so she definitely has body glitter on,” Davy says. “Her nails are pearlescent with little floating gems on them. Very sweet-leaning-innocent vibes.”
Cassie’s wedding nail set by nail artist Caroline Cotten.
Caroline Cotten
“Donni and I definitely wanted to go 'classic bridal,’ but a bit more gaudy to add to the over-the-top energy of the wedding,” Cotten says. “By doing a classic white French but turning it up with a bright white chrome and gems, I think these nails read ‘I’m the bride, look at me,’ and are a bit unhinged.”
Jules' Siren Makeup
Davy doesn't know why Jules decides to show up to the wedding nearly naked, but it’s that barely-there, blue Acne dress that dictated her makeup look. “She looks like a goddess, a siren, a mermaid, an unearthly spiritual being—so I wanted to do a gorgeous, fairy-like goddess moment on her. This was not a moment for an experimental artsy look," she says.
On her lids, Davy used a taupe eyeshadow with the new Glitterpuck x Euphoria Collection Glitterpuck in Feel Something layered on top, a color she describes as “so season one, Jules and Rue-coded.” She also gave Jules spiky, manga lashes, a tiny smoky wing, and terracotta along her lower lashes and waterline, with the periwinkle glitter on the lid. On her lips, she’s wearing the Never Been Happier lip gloss from the new Half Magic x Euphoria collection. Her nails are from Lost Angels in Stop Copying Me. "I would give these artistic touches to her, but really the energy she’s inhabiting is a complete otherworldly siren,” adds Davy. “Rue says ‘dress sexy’ and she does."
Maddy’s Revenge MakeupWarner Bros. Discovery
According to Davy, Demie wanted to wear color for the wedding. “It’s a burgundy smoky eye with a plum burgundy waterline and shimmery gold in the middle [of the lid],” Davy says. “ It felt like a moment to go more dramatic. She needed this 'eye-makeup armor' to attend this wedding."
Maddy’s wedding makeup moodboard.
Kirbie Johnson
For her nails, Cotten says that the shape differed from what Maddy normally wears throughout the season. “Maddy mainly sticks to a long round or narrow square shape, but for the wedding we felt stiletto was appropriate and exciting,” Cotten says. “I didn’t want to do a design too visually stimulating as her dress and glam really say it all, but I definitely wanted them to have energy. The outline of the pointed nail feels like an arrow giving energy to wherever she points her hands at."
Cottens showing off one of Maddy’s wedding nails.
Caroline CottenNate’s Collector’s Item
Nate has been screwing people out of money and ends up in debt, which results in the collectors coming to get what’s theirs on his wedding night. After carrying Cassie over the threshold, we see him get beaten within inches of his life—something he’s not new to if you remember season two. To prove a point, they chop his pinky toe off.
ScreenshotKirbie Johnson
Davy shared the specific-effects limbs were created by Vincent Van Dyke Effects and that there were four of Jacob Elordi’s legs (and feet) made, plus a tester to see how the fake blood would exit the wound once the toe was severed. The prosthetic feet felt like real limbs and were painted to match Elordi’s real legs and feet. They even had strands of hair punched in to make them appear lifelike, despite the fake foot being on camera for only a few seconds.
Episode 4: “Kitty Likes to Dance”
This episode, we meet Kitty, played by actress Anna Van Patten. Meanwhile, Cassie has gone full OnlyFans model, and Maddy tries out blue eye shadow.
Cassie's “Trashy” LookKirbie Johnson
Cassie gets a makeover in episode four, a scene in which the hair and makeup department (including Davy and Kimble) are featured. Her hair goes from light brunette to bleach blonde, she’s super tan, and her makeup—including tightliner, frosted lips, and shimmery pink eyeshadow—is heavily inspired by Brigitte Bardot, the 1960s, and '90-era Pamela Anderson. The look was deemed “dreamy trashy” by fans—a descriptor Davy loves. “It is trashy, but it’s trashy in a super sexy, hot confident that's own-able and cool,” Davy says. Everything they did—from the super frosty lip to the pink cheetah nails—was intentional. “It’s the perfect, ‘Trying too hard, but in a sweet, whimsical, desperate way.’”
When it comes to her makeup, “a blush-pink eyeshadow is so, so Cassie,” Davy says. “It’s kind of a throwback to the [season 2] New Year’s Eve look,” a scene where another party took place and Cassie was getting herself into trouble (by hooking up with Nate in the bathroom). “This is a much, much more glam version of that look.” For the makeover scene, Davy applies Half Magic Sparklestick in Cloud Kid and Crystal Butter Balm in Shellebrity to Sweeney for her look.
Pink is the New Rhinestones
Speaking of pink, we see a lot of the color this season and, much like the rhinestones and glitter did for the first two seasons, it's meant to convey the emotions of the characters wearing it. Cassie wears it, as does Kitty, a dancer at the Silver Slipper. Davy says that in her eyes, pink is a tender color, and the use of it helps portray the vulnerability of the people wearing it. “Pink shimmers are sweet and innocent,” says Davy, as opposed to blues and purples, which can read too fierce on camera. “Kitty is sweet, genuine, and sincere and we wanted [her eye makeup] to read invisible from across the room, but up close you’re like, ‘Oh, it’s not a nude eye shadow.’” Kitty’s look—executed by makeup artist Tara Lang Shah—will evolve throughout the season but it was important we get a sense of her sincerity in her opening episode.
ScreenshotKirbie JohnsonMaddy’s Blue Eyes to Kill
According to Davy, the shimmering blue shadow Maddy wears to the TikTok party works so well because it’s the opposite of Cassie’s more girly, pinup style. To Davy, blue and pink are yin and yang,and for Maddy and Cassie to be wearing them in this episode demonstrates they’re back in their respective roles—working together but also taking advantage of each other.
“Since the beginning, [Demie] wanted to do old Hollywood glam, but also wanted to do color,” says Mara Rouse, Demie’s makeup artist during filming. “Looking at her wardrobe, looking at her boots, we were trying to match this very particular deep indigo.” Rouse says that this is the only glitter eye we’ll see Maddy in this season and that Demie wanted a particular tapered shape from a ‘90s reference as well as a nod to Cleopatra and ancient Egypt.. “Her whole look is very wet, which you can see from her hair as well,” says Rouse. “We wanted to invoke that wetness in the makeup. She’s very dewy, she has very glossy lips, her eyes sparkle like moving water.
Episode 5: This Little Piggy
Cassie is now a full-time OnlyFans creator at the hands of Maddy’s managerial expertise. Nate loses another phalange despite his wife bringing home the bacon (in this case, $30,000). We have details from hair department head Kim Kimble on Cassie and Maddy’s hairstyles in this episode, whileDavy explains how working with Jacob Elordi’s hand prosthetic works.
Cassie’s blonde bombshell wig.
HBO / Eddy Chen
Maddy and Cassie’s Classic Hairstyles
Kimble used both wigs and hairpieces to create Maddy’s “film noir” hair this season. “It’s a little retro with a modern twist,” Kimble explains, noting that the curls, the movement, and the softness of the hair keep the classic styles from looking too dated. Like Davy, Kimble also alludes to Maddy’s “evil” character arc this season, sharing that there’s something “a little dark and a little sinister” about her hair.
For Cassie, Kimble shares that Sweeney started with long hair extensions at the beginning of the season, while wigs were utilized for her makeover. When designing the styles, Kimble kept Cassie’s storyline as a rising influencer top of mind. “I feel like influencers have something a little more when it comes to their hair. They really create attention for themselves, so they have to have a look and an image as well," she says.
For Cassie's “blonde bombshell look,” Kimble's inspiration was “a little Farah Fawcett, a little ‘70s-esque—we wanted something sexy, bold and beautiful." In this episode's controversial ode to Attack of the 50 Foot Woman—where Cassie is seen taking over Hollywood and swinging her giant ponytail to take out a helicopter—Kimble says the full ponytail she’s wearing was inspired by the iconic B-movie, Barbarella.
Jacob Elordi’s $15,000 "Hands"
Two of Nate’s prosthetic hands, before and after being painted and punched with hair.
Kirbie Johnson
Nate Jacobs is getting his due this season. After assaulting Tyler and Maddy in season one, Nate has now not only been beaten up himself, but he’s had his pinky toe and finger chopped off. The scene is excruciating to watch and took several takes to get right.
Of course, Elordi’s digits were not harmed in the process. For filming, Davy had several casts of Elordi’s arm and hand taken and made into prosthetics by special-effects house Vincent Van Dyke. They look and feel extremely lifelike, from the bending of the fingers and the paint job, to the hair punching technique used to make it look like Elordi’s actual arm. Additionally, Davy says they would powder the fingernails to keep them from looking too shiny.
To make the cutting off of Nate’s finger appear realistic on camera, Elordi was directed to struggle away from the fake clippers (for safety reasons). Levinson called cut and Elordi exited the set. Then, filming resumed and a stunt person (or Levinson) held the prosthetic in a way that made it appear as if the owner of the (fake) hand was struggling. The actor doing the cutting was then given real clippers so he could actually cut off the prosthetic finger.
To create fake blood spurts, the prosthetic was fitted with internal tubing that traveled through all the fingers, allowing fake blood to flow into them via a large syringe. “When [the finger] is cut on camera it falls off and that’s exactly the moment when I, or someone else, would push the blood through the syringe,” says Davy. “The harder you hit the syringe, the faster the blood will come out.” Ultimately, Levinson requested Davy have over at least four of these prosthetics made, which she says could cost around $15,000.
Episode 6: “Stand Still and See”
I have the feeling someone isn’t going to survive this season—who that is, I’ll keep to myself. We finally get Alamo Brown’s backstory and understand his obsession with power over women, especially as the owner of the Silver Slipper Strip Club. The episode opens with a flashback to his childhood in the late 1970s where we meet his mother, “Mama Brown,” played by Danielle Deadwyler. She brings home a man named Preston, whom she hoped would support them. Although he was affected by an explosion in a lab, effectively scarring most of his face, he was kind and treated both Alamo and his mom with love and respect. Preston ended up getting compensated for his injuries and, with his new fortune, upgraded the family to a new economic standing. Ultimately, Mama Brown schemed to have their home “robbed” by her lover, stealing everything Preston had worked for and leaving him alone, broke, and heartbroken. Alamo never recovered—both from the incident and his mother's betrayal.
HBO MaxHBO Max
Deadwyler’s incredible hairstyles were a bright spot during a storyline that was almost unbearable to watch. According to Kimble, the hairstyles were meant to showcase the family's status as they acquired more wealth. When we first met Mama Brown, it “looked like someone in the neighborhood could have braided her hair and beaded it,” Kimble says. “When she got into some money, we gave her a fantastic ‘70s blowout that was also popular in the ‘80s.” Artists like Patrice Rushen and Peaches from Peaches & Herb were on the inspo board for the beaded braids.
HBO Max
For her makeup, a red lip and nails were already written into the script for her character. “Mama Brown needed to have classic powerful woman vibes,” Davy says. “It was also in the script that Maddy reminds Alamo of his mama, so we made sure to play with red lips on Maddy for her scenes with Alamo.” Actresses like Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll, Nina Simone, and Barbara Summers were all featured on Davy’s mood board, as well as advertisements for Avon and Raveen hair conditioner.
Episode 7: “Rain or Shine”
The special effects done on Jacob Elordi by makeup artist Tara Lang throughout the season.
Kirbie Johnson
To put it bluntly, a lot of people fucked around and found out this episode. For starters, Nate died. Not from being buried alive, but from a rattlesnake bite. (Cue “When I RIP” by Labrinth.) Maddy learned her lesson: Alamo doesn’t do anyone favors. And Faye fails Rue once again.
We get more Rosalía in this episode, and it’s worth noting her makeup look is one of Davy’s favorites of the season. “Rosalía and I, we wanted Magick to have a signature look that feels like she’s been doing it for years—like since she was a teenager,” explains Davy. “We loved that the look would be achievable with one product: a black pencil, used in her eyebrows, and as eyeliner and lip liner.” Davy used the aptly named Half Magic Sculptitude Lipliner in Badassery Parade.
HBO/Eddy Chen
Rosalía is wearing an unreleased shade of Crystal Butter Balm in a taupe shade, Davy says.
Kirbie Johnson
Davy really wanted Magick to stand out from the other girls, so her makeup needed to have a “zero fucks given vibe” to it. It’s also a pseudo-homage to chola makeup, with pencil-thin black brows and contrasting lip liner. “She’s queen bee at the Silver Slipper,” Davy says. “There’s something very unapologetic about her, the neck brace—she doesn’t give a shit about appealing to the male gaze. She’s raunchy and aggressive on stage; she does her own thing and makes her money by leaning into that.”
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brands and editorsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Whether you’re in the mood for a razor-sharp cat eye, a barely-there flick, or something bold and graphic, the best liquid eyeliners get the job done with ease. Unlike pencil or gel liners, liquid eyeliner delivers a level of precision and intensity that's hard to replicate with the former. A felt or brush tip allows you to draw cleaner, sharper lines, from subtle lash-line definition to a dramatic wing. Liquid formulas also tend to be more transfer-resistant and longer-wearing, meaning your look stays intact through heat, humidity, and accidental eye-rubbing.
While liquid liner has a reputation for being more unforgiving and trickier to master, with a bit of practice, the latest formulas and applicators are more user-friendly than ever—offering smooth glide, intense pigment, and impressive staying power.
Best Overall: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner, $24
Best for Beginners: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner, $24
Best Matte: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner, $36
Best Smudgeproof: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner, $42
Best Color Options: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, $10
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Ahead, we’ve rounded up the very best, editor- and makeup artist-loved liquid eyeliners for precise lines, bold color, and all-day wear. Whether you're a liquid liner loyalist or just learning the ropes, there's something here for you.
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
Meet the experts
How we test and review products
Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Stila Stay All Day Liquid Eye Liner
Save to wishlistSave to wishlist
Stila
Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
$24
Amazon
$24
Nordstrom
$24
Dermstore
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Why we love it: As a Best of Beauty Award Winner across various years (yes, it’s just that good!), Stila’s Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner has never left our makeup routines. The ultra-precise felt tip makes it easy to create everything from barely there lines to bold, dramatic wings. The formula dries quickly, sets to a satin finish, and genuinely holds up: no smudging and no mid-afternoon fading. It’s available in two classic shades, black and brown. Ardajah Jones, a makeup artist based in Waldorf, Maryland, counts it among her most-reached-for liners. Her go-to trick: "Taking a Q-tip with a little bit of eye cream on it and clean up the wing to get the most precise, sharp line."
Pai before applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Pai after applying the Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“Nothing makes me feel more put-together than a swipe of this liquid liner. I like that the applicator pen is firm at the base and more flexible at the tip, which I find gives me the most control when I'm applying it. Best of all, once it's on, it's ON. I usually struggle with liquid formulas smearing or smudging during the day, and this is the one pen that doesn't do it—even in the dead of summer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: satin
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Beginners: Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
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Fenty Beauty
Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
$24
Ulta Beauty
Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Why we love it: There’s something about a deep, black, inky liner like Fenty Beauty’s Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner that is so satisfying to look at and to catch a glimpse of every time you see your reflection. The hyper-saturated, water-resistant formula delivers a satin finish (in black or brown) that locks down and stays put until you remove it. The flex tip is one of its most highlighted features: Press lightly for a precise, delicate line along the lash base, or lean into it for a bolder, graphic look. The pen-like body makes it easier to grip and control, which matters when you're trying to keep things steady.
Zak Taylor, a makeup artist based in Indianapolis, has consistently leaned on this long-lasting formula: "I've never had it dry out on me early, which can be a common issue with liquid liners." He also notes that "the classic black shade is incredibly rich and dramatic, while the warm brown option pairs beautifully with softer or more natural makeup looks." Jones keeps it in regular rotation, too, and even recommends it for those starting out with liquid liners. "I apply it on myself, and it lasts all day long without smudging or wearing off."
Taylor before applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Taylor after applying the Fenty Beauty Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner
Jailynn Taylor
Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor
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“I still remember my conversion from pencil to liquid liner during the peak wing era of 2016, and even today, I'll still swipe on a razor-sharp wing to this day. I've since upgraded my liquid liner and now reach for Fenty Beauty's Flyliner Longwear Liquid Eyeliner. The color is an undeniable deep black, and the felt pen tip is sharp enough to give you that clean drag that makes achieving the perfect pointed wing effortless. It dries down quickly, which is a must for me to prevent transferring to my upper lid. My favorite attribute, though, is that it stays all day despite my terrible habit of touching my eyes.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: satin Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Matte: Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
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Pat McGrath Labs
Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
$36
Nordstrom
$36
Sephora
$36
Ulta Beauty
Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Why we love it: Matte liners make pigment appear richer, and edges look more defined, which is why the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner stands out. Its velvety, true-matte finish delivers an intensely saturated black that reads crisp and graphic against the skin. This waterproof formula is built to last all day without smudging, transferring, feathering, or fading, even in heat and humidity. The flexible tip is a soft, skinny applicator that gives you more control over line weight, letting you go from a precise tightline to a bolder stroke within the same application. The ink is fast-drying, and once it’s on, it’s on—so tread carefully and confidently.
Panych before applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Panych after applying the Pat McGrath Labs Perma Precision Liquid Eyeliner
Sophie Panych
Tester feedback from content director Sophie Panych
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“The Pat McGrath Labs liquid liner is an elite product, and what would you expect from a makeup artist who made dramatic eye looks a signature of her career? But the amazing thing about this liner is that, yes, you can use it to create runway-style cat eyes and major artistic flares, but the tapered, fine tip also lets you draw delicate wings and subtle doe-eyes à la Marilyn Monroe. As a former dancer, I’ve used a lot of liquid liner for the stage, and the reason this is one of the best out there is that the felt tip is stiff enough that it lets you create crisp lines (especially helpful if you are over 35 and your eyelid skin is getting looser), but not so stiff that it pokes you in the eye. It’s also incredibly pigmented—both the Xtreme Black and Xtreme Coffee (which I'm wearing in these photos)—and stays that way for hours (and through a sweaty performance, too).” —Sophie Panych, content director
More to know
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Shades: 2
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Multichrome: Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner
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Stila
Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner
$27
Amazon
$27
Nordstrom
$27
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Why we love it: Black liner will always have its place, but if you want something more eye-catching (literally), Stila’s color-shifting Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliners take your look to new dimensions. Rather than laying down a single-tone line, this formula is much more dynamic. The Unicorn shade, for example, drifts between fuchsia, bronze, and green depending on the light, giving you a prismatic effect. The formula is long-wearing and resistant to smudging and fading, so all that color actually sticks around, and the precision applicator makes it manageable enough to get a clean line. It’s lightweight on the lid despite how bold it reads, which helps with all-day comfort.
Han before applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Stila Stay All Day Chroma-Flash Liquid Eyeliner in Unicorn
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I adore colorful eyeliners but usually stick to gels since they're more forgiving. I also consider inkwell/dip liners the most difficult to master, but with a little practice, Stila's Stay All Day Chroma-Flash isn't all that bad, especially since the brush is so thin and precise. I mean, for the gorgeous, color-shifting finish, it's worth a bit of struggle. It's just so pretty! I'm impressed that there are not just two, but three colors you can visibly see as you turn your head. I simply must try all five shades!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 5
Finish: metallic
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Smudgeproof Liner: Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
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Chanel
Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
$42
Chanel
$42
Nordstrom
$42
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Why we love it: The secret to Chanel’s Le Liner’s staying power is a latex-like formula that essentially seals itself to the skin the moment it dries. The flexible felt-tip brush doesn’t tug or pull on the delicate lid, allowing for a clean, continuous stroke in a single pass. Tilt the brush on its side for a thicker, more graphic look, or use just the tip for a precise lash-line definition. The three available shades include a deep black, a rich, ultra-brown, and a bordeaux-toned rouge noir.
Hoffmann before applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Hoffmann after applying the Chanel Le Liner de Chanel Liquid Eyeliner
Sarah Hoffmann
Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann
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"My days of thick, forgiving winged eyeliner are long behind me, so I'm all about precision and control with my liner formulas these days. Chanel's Le Liner de Chanel has a fine tip applicator that's quite stiff compared to others I've tried, which I find to be ideal for keeping my lines tight and clean. The formula is definitely a liquid but not so loose that it's runny and stressful—I love dragging my fingertip along the outer wing to slightly soften the tip—and this eyeliner has just enough viscosity that I can safely manipulate the wing with my fingers without fear that I'm going to end up with inky fingerprints all over my face. You can do a lot with this eyeliner, which really helps justify the price tag, IMO.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor
More to know
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Shades: 3
Finish: matte
Waterproof: n/a
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Hooded Lids: Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
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Lisa Eldridge
Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
$32
Lisa Eldridge
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying the Lisa Eldridge Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner
Jesa Marie Calaor
Why we love it: A two-time Allure Best of Beauty winner, Lisa Eldridge’s Kitten Flick Liquid Eyeliner was born from decades of professional experience and a very specific goal: making a feline flick feel achievable for everyone. The calligraphy-style pen has an ultra-fine nib with just the right amount of flex, and is particularly useful for hooded or mature eyes, where lid space is limited, and getting close to the lash line without flooding it is key. The ultra-black, matte formula is budge-proof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof, and water-resistant, with all-day staying power. It offers tons of versatility: Keep it subtle with a delicate flick or build it out into a full cat eye.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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"I’ve tried every liquid liner under the sun, and this inky, long-lasting black pen is the one I always come back to, to create my signature cat eye. It never skips, and its fine point makes it easy to effect a sharp wing." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: matte
Waterproof: no, but water-resistant
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best for Thin Lines: Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
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Wet N’ Wild
Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
$6 $5(17% off)
Amazon
$7
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Why we love it: On a tight budget? Invest just five dollars, and you’ve got all you need to achieve your thinnest, most precise wing yet. Wet n Wild’s Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner is designed with a brush tip that tapers down to less than 0.1 millimeters, so you can get right into the lash line and stay the narrow course, or build up your pigment without flooding your entire lid and risking raccoon eyes. The matte black formula is deeply pigmented, dries quickly, and is ready for whatever your day has in store (rain, tears, or sweat).
Taylor keeps it in his kit as a go-to recommendation for beginners: "I especially love the brush tip because it gives amazing precision and makes creating detailed wings much easier," he says, adding that "for the price point, I think the performance and staying power are incredibly impressive."
Han before applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Wet n Wild Breakup Proof Waterproof Skinny Eyeliner
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Because I tend to think liquid liners look too harsh for my eyes, I usually stick to gel liners for a softer finish—but Wet n Wild’s tip is so precise that I can really nail down a thin line that just barely peeks through but still adds the tiniest bit of drama to my look. I actually picked this up from the drugstore on a whim (and because Breakup Proof is a clever name), and have been reaching for it on days I want a bit of drama—a.k.a. a sharper-than-sharp wing—without outright overwhelming my eyes.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: brush
Best for Cat Eyes: Half Magic Magic Flik Eyeliner
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Half Magic
Magic Flik Eyeliner
$25
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why we love it: If Euphoria’s makeup looks have you mesmerized, meet the liner that has made them possible: Half Magic’s Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner, created by the show’s makeup artist Donni Davy. (Maddy's signature double wings were created using this liner and the Flik Eraser Makeup Correcting Pen.)This TikTok-viral pen features a one-of-a-kind paddle-shaped tip that lets you effortlessly switch between razor-thin lines and bold graphic wings by simply changing your grip. Use the thin, curved edge of the tip for precision, then flip it onto the thicker, flat side when you need more coverage, such as filling in your wing or creating a bold, graphic look. The ultra-black formula is waterproof, smudge-resistant, and lasts all day—no touch-ups needed.
Dall’Asen before applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Dall’Asen after applying the Half Magic Magic Flik Liquid Eyeliner
Nicola Dall'Asen
Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall'Asen
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“Even a cat-eye veteran like myself needs some help when it comes to drawing straight lines with liquid eyeliner, and that's what Magic Flik provides in a way that no other eyeliner does. With its wide, flat applicator tip, this eyeliner works like a fancy calligraphy pen, delivering smooth strokes with high-impact color.” —Nicola Dall'Asen, former senior news editor
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: satin
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Color Options: Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
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Nyx Professional Makeup
Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner
$10
Amazon
$10
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Nine shades of waterproof liquid liner for $10 a pop? The Best of Beauty-winning Nyx Professional Makeup Epic Ink Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner is very hard to beat, in our humble opinion. But don’t just ask us: Our readers bestowed a 2026 Readers’ Choice Award on the liner—and in 2025…and 2024, and so forth. While most liners stick to black and maybe a brown, this one has more intriguing options—including a deep chocolate, warm graham cracker, dusty blue-grey, and more—that are sure to be hits with anyone who wants to experiment beyond the basics.
The slender brush tip delivers saturated, skip-free color in a single stroke and adjusts easily depending on pressure. Taylor reaches for its vast color range and the “smooth and easy to work with” formula. "It works well for both everyday makeup wearers and artists who love pushing creativity," Taylor adds. Jones agrees: “The brush tip is movable and the liner is super black—it’s best for people looking for that extra drama and a great, affordable option.”
Tester feedback from Han
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“This has been a staple since my college days—it's affordable, super pigmented, easy-gliding as heck, and the felt tip is equal parts flexible and precise. While I prefer gel liners these days, I recently picked up Epic Ink in two browns and a shimmery pink—I'm so here for these color expansions—and have fallen back in love. This formula lasts all day and sets really quickly, but I find that I can use my nails to quickly fix any out-of-line mistakes or sharpen the lines of my wings at the very end.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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Shades: 15 (9 matte, 6 shimmery)
Finish: matte
Waterproof: yes
Brush or felt tip: felt
Best Dual-Ended: Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
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Tom Ford
Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo
$65
Nordstrom
$65
Bluemercury
Why we love it: Girl math: Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pen Liquid Eyeliner Duo is two liners in one, so it’s really $32.50 per head. On one side is a fine calligraphy-style tip for precise, thin lines, and on the other, a longer brush tip for broader, more fluid strokes. Together, they cover the full range of what liquid liner can do, without the need to adjust pressure to customize your swipe. The formula is a deep, satin-matte hybrid black, and once it sets, it stays: no smudging, no fading, no transfer. It's a good match for anyone who’s trying to find their liner style or for the makeup enthusiast who likes to switch things up.
More to know
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Shades: 1
Finish: satin-matte
Waterproof: n/a
Brush or felt tip: both
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best technique for beginners to apply a liquid liner?
Taylor recommends working in small strokes rather than trying to create the entire line in one motion. "One of my biggest tips when applying liquid liner is to look straight forward into the mirror while slightly leaning your head back to evenly show your lid space,” Taylor says. “While keeping both eyes open, frame your eyelid with the liner first before extending it outward into a cat-eye effect."
Jones offers a practical starting point for those still finding their footing: "My best technique for beginners is to apply tape to the outer corner of your eye to use as a guide.” She also suggests sketching out the line with black eye shadow and an angled brush first, since "eye shadow is a bit more forgiving than a liquid liner and easy to clean up."
What's the trick to getting a perfectly even line on both eyes?
Both Taylor and Jones stress the importance of checking your work from multiple angles and distances rather than relying on one close-up view. Taylor suggests keeping both a large mirror and a handheld mirror nearby: "It's also important to step back occasionally and look at both eyes relaxed and straight on, since liner can look different up close versus at a natural distance." Jones recommends going back and forth between eyes rather than completing one side before starting the other: "Following the natural outer corner of your eye is always the best way to get the line even on both sides," she adds.
Why should you use a liquid liner over a pencil? What’s the benefit of one versus the other?
It comes down to the finish you're after. "Liquid liners are perfect for boldly defining the eyes and creating sharper, more graphic makeup looks, especially for dramatic wings or editorial styles," Taylor explains, while pencils are better suited for "softer liner looks and when you want a more smudged, lived-in makeup effect." Jones adds that the two tools also serve different parts of the eye: "A pencil tends to be better suited for the waterline, and a liquid liner is perfect for the top eyeline."
Meet the experts
Ardajah Jones, a makeup artist in Waldorf, Maryland
Zak Taylor, a makeup artist in Indianapolis, Indiana
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best liquid eyeliners, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
Sun protection is a year-round affair, full stop. However, now that summer's here and we're fully soaking in the warm weather, it's high time (tide?) to restock our SPF supplies to ensure our skin is protected against harsh UV rays. (Because who wants to fast-track photoaging? Not us, and not you.) Luckily, Ulta Beauty has a buy-one-get-one-50%-off sale happening now through June 6, 2026, where you can mix and match over 35 brands to nail down your sun-care routine, stat. Of course, there are the tried-and-true faves such as La Roche-Posay and Supergoop, but don't sleep on K-beauty gems like Round Lab and The Crème Shop.
Take advantage of our favorite deals from Ulta Beauty's Here We Glow sale, featuring mostly sunscreens—as well as some sun-adjacent picks, such as a self-tanner and beachy fragrance—and bask in the sunshine safely! Quick note: None of the prices below reflects the BOGO 50% discount since it depends on what's in your cart. (The lower-priced item will be automatically marked half off at checkout.)
Our Top Ulta Beauty Here We Glow Deals
Don’t Play With SPFSupergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50JUMP TO PRODUCT$58
Ulta Beauty
Covered CutieLive Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50JUMP TO PRODUCT$42
Ulta Beauty
Dewy DumplingRound Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45JUMP TO PRODUCT$25
Ulta Beauty
Spray AwayJUMP TO PRODUCTFamily-Friendly FormulaBlue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+JUMP TO PRODUCT$21
Ulta Beauty
Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
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Live Tinted
Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
$42
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Sarah Han
A tinted sunscreen that actually provides enough coverage to blur discoloration and redness? Yup, that's the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50. Available in a solid 13 shades, this formula is chock-full of nourishing ingredients, such as antioxidant-rich butterfly bush flower extract, Indian gooseberry to even out pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid and sea buckthorn oil for boosts in hydration and collagen production. Oh, and our chemical-sunscreen-loving tester (me!) gives this mineral SPF a 10/10. It's super elegant, lightweight yet buildable, and leaves a natural-matte finish. (I still have to apply some setting powder to my always-shiny forehead, as I did in the after photo below, but the skin tint definitely curbs a bit of the oiliness.)
Han before applying the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Sarah Han
Han after applying the Live Tinted Hueguard Skin Tint SPF 50
Sarah Han
Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Allure senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor applying Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
Jesa Marie CalaorSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Supergoop!
Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50
$58
Ulta Beauty
If the sunscreen ain't broke, don't fix it. Translation? If Supergoop's Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50 had a motto, that'd be it. This fan-favorite chemical sunscreen doesn't have a tell-tale coconut-y scent, but rather a fresh scent powered by basil, eucalyptus, orange, and wild geranium. There are plenty of soothing, skin-softening ingredients, too, such as rice bran extract, rosemary extract, and vitamin E—as well as sunflower extract for antioxidant support. Hello, dewy skin.
With this jumbo pump bottle clocking in at 18 fl. oz (or 532 ml), you're probably set for the entire summer. It's also perfect to tote to the beach to reup the whole fam's SPF.
Blue Lizard Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
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Blue Lizard
Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
$21
Ulta Beauty
Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Shanna Shipin
The Aussies have one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, so of course, they know their sunscreen. Blue Lizard’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ stands out as a sensitive skin-friendly option, thanks to super-soothing aloe listed right after the UV filters. Senior commerce director Shanna Shipin calls this mineral body sunscreen the MVP of her summers. “This sunscreen can be used by everyone in my family: me with my dry skin, my daughters with their eczema-prone skin, and my husband with his extremely oily skin,” she says, adding that it feels akin to a lotion, rather than typically chalky mineral formulas. A caveat: It will leave a bit of a white cast—as par for the course for mineral sunscreens, since zinc oxide is quite literally a white powder—but it's a small price to pay for a non-irritating body SPF.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying La Roche-Posay Tinted Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50
Deanna PaiSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios 50 Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen
$43
Ulta Beauty
It’s hard to choose just one La Roche-Posay sunscreen to feature, but one of our top picks has to be the Mineral Anthelios Light Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50. Beloved by editors and dermatologists with sensitive and oily skin alike, this 2024 Best of Beauty winner leaves your skin looking matte, but not flat, as our tester says. “I don't typically trust untinted mineral sunscreens, since they almost always leave a white cast on my olive skin,” Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai says. “Not this one! It's practically perfect: It doesn't have a weird scent, absorbs quickly, and even seems to control the shine on my nose.” Bonus: It offers 40 minutes of water-resistant protection.
We could wax poetic about Korean sunscreens for hours, but if you’re just dipping your toes into the K-beauty world—and love a dewy finish—we have the perfect candidate for you. Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock SPF 45 is “a moisturizing sunscreen that is formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and antioxidants to hydrate and soothe the skin,” Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously attested. “It blends in easily and layers beautifully with other skin-care products and makeup.” It’s no wonder our editors always reach for this elegant, plumping, and brightening formula. (Plus, even at full price, it’s just $25—hard to argue with that.)
Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30
Han applying Vacation Shimmer Oil SPF 30 Sunscreen
Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Vacation
Shimmer Oil SPF 30
$38
Ulta Beauty
Our summer beauty forecast? Sparkle and shimmer. Vacation is a brand about all things sun, and this Shimmer Oil is about all things shimmer: It has not one but two types of gold shimmer—a base layer of pearlescent glaze and larger flakes to boost the golden finish. Scent-wise, think of being perched poolside on a cabana lounger, taking in notes of coconut, banana, pool water, and swimsuit fabric. As for skin-care goodness, there’s a boatload: plumping peptides and hyaluronic acid, as well as a nourishing blend of argan, coconut, marula, and jojoba oils to lock in moisture. Shake well and glow on your way.
P.S. New to the shimmer oil lineup is a rose-gold Grande Cuvée accented with notes of amber, vanilla bean, and peach eau de vie, for a luxe, ‘je nais sais quoi’ spin on the original.
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
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Black Girl Sunscreen
Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
$17
Ulta
It’s 2026, and sunscreens with a white-cast-free finish on dark skin tones shouldn’t be a tall order…right? Unfortunately, brands still get it wrong, but Black Girl Sunscreen is not one of them. The Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 is packed with skin-softening ingredients, such as aloe and a blend of jojoba, cacao, and avocado oils—but, more importantly, it sinks and disappears into the skin without a trace, leaving behind a sheer, weightless, and ultra-comfortable finish.
The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty Hello Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 50
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The Crème Shop x Hello Kitty
Hello Sun Facial Sunscreen SPF 50
$18
Ulta Beauty
Who says sun care can’t be cute? Certainly not K-beauty brands like The Crème Shop, a frequent collaborator of adorable characters such as Pompompurin, Pochacco, and Miffy. With Hello Kitty as a mascot, this Hello Sun SPF is a green flag for all ages. Despite the cute packaging, the ingredient list is serious: tone-evening niacinamide, moisturizing vitamin E, and plumping sodium hyaluronate. The chemical formula also offers 80 minutes of water resistance, making it a heavy-duty formula that won’t let you down even on your sweatiest, most packed days.
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While we don't recommend sprays as your primary/base sunscreen, they do come in handy when you're out and about and want an easier way to reapply your SPF. (Because any reapplication is eons better than none!) Neutrogena's Clear Body SPF 50 is a fragrance-free, cooling, and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) formula that feels super light, even on oily skin. The rule of thumb, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD), is to hold the nozzle close to your skin and spray until your skin glistens (approximately four back-and-forth passes) to ensure you're applying enough for adequate UV protection. And even then, take the time to rub the sunscreen in for even coverage. Got it? Good.
More Summer Essentials
St. Tropez Ultimate Tan Body Essentials KitSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
St. Tropez
Ultimate Tan Body Essentials Kit
$55
Ulta Beauty
Sunscreen is the star of this sale, but we’d be remiss not to feature one of our favorite self-tanners, especially in the age of unsafe tanning trends. (If it wasn’t obvious, applying sunscreen on top of any self-tanners is nonnegotiable!) St. Tropez makes the tanning process easy as 1-2-3:
Exfoliate 24 to 48 hours before self-tanning for the most even finish.
Apply the Self Tan Express Bronzing Mousse all over with the included applicator mitt, making sure you don’t miss any spots.
Depending on how intense you want your tan to be, wait one, two, or three hours before showering for a light, medium, or dark finish, respectively.
If you want a less messy, subtler, and easier-to-maintain tan, apply the St. Tropez Gradual Tan Classic Daily Firming Lotion and wait four to eight hours before hopping into the shower.
Snif Coco Shimmy Eau de ToiletteSave to wishlistSave to wishlist
Snif
Coco Shimmy Eau de Toilette
$68
Ulta Beauty
Meet your go-to summer scent: Snif's Coco Shimmy is reminiscent of lazy days spent reading and napping on the beach, as you catch whiffs of coconut, pineapple, sunscreen, sandalwood, rum absolute, and tonka bean. It’s creamy and comforting, yet light, airy, and fresh at the same time—and as an EDT, it’s hard to overdo, so go forth and spritz with glee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How We Find the Best Ulta Beauty Deals
Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.
Why Trust Allure?
No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
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Jennifer Lopez has gone through many style evolutions through her long career, from her “Jenny from the block” persona of the early 2000s to her glamorous Hollywood aesthetic of today. But one element of her look has always remained the same—her glowing makeup that has you instantly wanting to gulp down a glass of water, grab a bronzer compact, and book a beach vacation. Her makeup is all golden skin, fluttery lashes, glossy lips, and immaculately groomed brows, so when the multi-hyphenate stepped onto the red carpet with those feathery brows almost completely faded—we did a double-take.
J.Lo debuted the look at the premiere of her new romantic comedy Office Romance, in which she plays a high-powered CEO who breaks her own rules with her office fling (co-star Brett Goldstein). She wore a structural, embellished gown with sleek, middle-part hair and her new lightened brows, courtesy of makeup artist Ernesto Casillas.
The actress's brows have changed slightly over the past 30 years. For her role as Selena Quintanilla in the 1997 film about the late singer, her arches were darkened and defined. Like many Gen Xers and millennials, they became slimmer in the early aughts. But it's been years since she's experimented with her brows, and perhaps the first time we've ever seen her go for a more goth-inspired look on the red carpet. (Perhaps she was inspired by her role in last year's Kiss of the Spider Woman, where one of her looks is a dark, edgy seductress complete with vampy makeup and claw-like nails.)
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Although we think J.Lo absolutely nails the lighter eyebrow trend, we don't expect her to keep it for long. Especially since it appears that they're not bleached, unlike celebrities such as Jenna Ortega, Miley Cyrus, and Michelle Yeoh, who have all gone that route. Instead, the lightening may come thanks to a combination of glue, concealer, and a light dusting of powder over top—a classic method used in stage makeup and by drag artists to make their natural brows disappear. It's a great way to dabble with the bleached brows trend without having to open up a bottle of peroxide.
Whether J.Lo's lighter brows are here stay or just making a fleeting appearance, we always love to see an unexpected red-carpet makeup moment from one of our favorite, ultra-glamorous celebs.
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