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For Ernesto Casillas, eyes are where he goes for impact. The longtime celebrity makeup artist has had a season of internet breaking beauty moments—from Zara Larsson’s rosy lids at Billboard’s Women in Music event in April to the white and blue washes on Zendaya’s rounds of press for The Odyssey and Spiderman: Brand New Day.

But what a quick scroll through the artist’s Instagram doesn’t show you is his hectic schedule (when chatting with Allure, Casillas was coming off of eight weeks of travel, except for a few hours in his native Los Angeles) and what a slow build it’s been to those viral red carpet moments. If you weren’t familiar with Casillas before Zendaya walked out with flushed cheeks and barely a whisper of eye makeup on July 14, you are now. The makeup artist’s DMs were flooded immediately after The Odyssey premiere in New York City with people begging for the tutorial and product breakdown, while hundreds of beauty lovers tagged him in their recreations of the look.

It was an overnight success, although it was years in the making. Casillas has followed the same creative process for years. Citing Zendaya’s dress, designed by Matières Fécales, the look came about in similar ways to his past work with Zendaya, with little outside inspiration needed. “I was thinking of beautiful, sunkissed, bronzy skin,” he explains. “I knew that she was going to wear a lot of white, so I started thinking about how to incorporate color in order to break that up.” Typically, he consults with both Zendaya and her longtime stylist Law Roach on the day of, and they flesh out the vision for the look. “We have a dress, and we all have a similar vision. It's been about beautiful, bronzy skin, and if she’s wearing a blue sapphire necklace, maybe we’ll use a pot of blue eyeshadow, just for a pop of color.”

While the film was set in mythical ancient Greece, Casillas didn’t need to look there for inspiration. “At the end of the day, we’re doing makeup for the carpet, not for the film,” he says. “We want to create a moment on the carpet that is both a fashion and a beauty moment, for sure.”

Casillas’ journey with makeup started in a Costco, flipping through Kevyn Aucoin’s books sold at the big box retailer. “Seeing those transformations really had an impact on me,” he remembers. His upbringing and heritage also formed his tastes. “Coming from a Mexican background, there was a really big emphasis on pageant culture, telenovelas, and glamour. So, through college, my goal was to become a beauty and fashion photographer, but I fell in love with makeup. I was doing the makeup for the models, who were my friends, and I decided I wanted to pursue makeup over photography.”

Casillas also grew up in Los Angeles in the early 2000s.” Hollywood was my playground, and basically my backyard,” he quips, and much of his work harkens back to that period, albeit with a twist.

“Fashion [back then] was very dark, smoky eyes, barely-there brows, a lot of contour. I was very into that but at the same time, I had that touch of glamour to me,” Casillas says. Eventually, he was able to find his own take on the styles he grew up admiring. “I put a lot of emphasis on fashion and editorial with very clean makeup, clean skin, an interesting eye. But if I wanted to work with celebrities, they want the glam, they want the beat. That’s where the money is, too. I started leaning into it more because I thought I had to be more fashion and clean and editorial, but I realized there was a market for full glam.”

One of Casillas’s earliest clients was Mel B, the former Spice Girl, whom he first met after reaching out to her hairstylist on the website Model Mayhem. One bronzed look with a smoky eye landed him with the singer for two years before broadening his roster to include Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, and more. He credits a majorityhis repeat clients to his bedside manner. “A lot of these girls can hire the best of the best, when it comes to technically proficient makeup artists. At the end of the day, most of them want someone whose energy they like around them—someone whose energy is calming or matches theirs,” he says.

Celebrity glam is split between the maximalists, à la Zara Larsson, and more minimal ones, like Hailey Bieber, the way Casillas sees it. He likes to find more inventive ways of melding those two sensibilities, and that’s how he’s found his own (very desirable) niche. “I like that merge and in-between, which is more of what I’ve been doing now,” he says. “It is more toned-down face makeup with a lightweight foundation, sunkissed skin, and a pop of color around the eyes.”

Many of the looks he’s iterated upon from the aughts have their place today, he thinks. Lately, he’s been looking at the more diffused complexions of the decade, although with a greater focus on blending. “Whether it’s bronzy, frosty, peachy or glowy, the idea is to still carve out your face and add tons of dimension,” he explains. “It’s just about making sure it is all blended with perfect transitions. You shouldn’t be able to tell where a color ends and starts. The technique is in diffusing all of it.”

Diving into the details of Casillas’s work also shows more than just a “pop” around the eyes. On Zendaya he’s affixed spider-like lashes and introduced a new generation to highlighted inner corners, and that’s just in the last two months. He does like to find a balance, though, between bolder parts of a look and more natural ones. “We have been really focused on a strong eyebrow, a perfectly symmetrical, perfectly manicured brow. I miss the days when you could do a really impactful eye and the brows were kind of an afterthought, maybe filled in a little and brushed to the side,” he says. ”That was a very effortless look. I would like to see more of that more natural, softer brow come back.”

Balance has come to be much of what Casillas is known for—the colorful eyelid with seamless bronzer, or the wiry lash with a softer brow. “Being able to do both clean, editorial work and transitioning to full beats speaks to my adaptability and versatility as an artist,” he says. As for the influx of attention he’s gotten this summer, it’s not what he strives for, but he’s certainly flattered. “It’s not something I expect or want, but means so much to me.” Further musing on his wins, he says, “I don’t think you need to be the most versatile artist to find success, you can find your own lane. But adaptability will take you a long way.”

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If the number-one sunscreen rule is to wear it daily—no matter the season, rain or shine—the second is to reapply diligently. That’s where the best spray sunscreens can come in handy. They’re fast-drying, easy to travel with, and usually white-cast-free—exactly what you need when it’s time to slather on another coat of SPF. To be more specific, you must reapply your SPF every two hours, or even more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily. "The convenience and the lightweight, airy application of a mist makes it very easy for reapplication," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.

Our Top Spray Sunscreens

• Best Mineral Overall: EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $46
• Best Chemical Overall: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50, $24
• Best for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45, $35
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray, $20
• Best Over Makeup: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50, $27

One caveat, though: Most derms don’t consider spray sunscreens as thorough as lotions. “It's not that spray sunscreen is ineffective. It's that most people don't apply enough to achieve the SPF listed on the label,” says Taryn Huizenga, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. “When sprayed directly onto the skin, it can go on unevenly or too thin, leaving you less protected than you'd be with a lotion.”

The good news? It’s all in the application. After spritzing it on, rub the spray sunscreen into your skin to more evenly distribute it. And make sure to get out of the wind before you put it on—a strong breeze will send the product into the air and away from your skin. To further ensure thorough application, you can spray the sunscreen directly into your hands, then rub it in like a lotion, according to Dr. Huizenga. It shouldn’t be your first line of defense, but a good sunscreen mist can play a key supporting role in your sun protection routine. With that in mind, these picks come highly recommended by dermatologists and Allure editors. Here’s to protecting your skin all year-round.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is spray sunscreen effective?
• How much spray sunscreen should you apply?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Mineral Overall: EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

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EltaMD

UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

$46

Amazon

$46

EltaMD

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40.

Sarah Han

Why we love it: EltaMD’s sunscreens are a dermatologist favorite, and UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum sunscreen is no exception: Dr. Huizenga and Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, like the surprisingly lightweight mineral formula and its ability to blend seamlessly. It’s white when it comes out of the bottle, but rapidly turns clear when it hits your skin. That easy, elegant finish (plus the fact that it contains skin-soothing aloe vera and glycerin) won it an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2024. Dr. Camp points out that it also has antioxidants for additional protection against environmental stressors that can damage your skin. The nozzle sprays at any angle and securely locks with a twist, so you can toss it in your beach bag without worrying about leaks.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“First thing you have to know about this sunscreen: The spray is intense. Like, caught-me-off-guard-intense. So be careful not to overdo it at the beginning because you'll definitely need to blend out the opaque splotches of SPF that appear on your skin. But! I'd rather have a stronger applicator than one of those superfine sprays that feel like they're not actually landing on my skin—adequate UV protection always wins. Beyond the spray, I have zero qualms with the sunscreen. It rubs in nicely without leaving a cast (on my skin), and it's very hydrating. My skin feels super soft but not greasy, the way some sunscreens leave me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: mineral
• Key ingredients: zinc oxide (14%), aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Sizes: 5 oz.

Best Chemical Overall: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

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Supergoop

Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

$24

Amazon

$24

Nordstrom

$24

Dermstore

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50.

Jessica Cruel

Why we love it: Supergoop’s Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist is packed with protective ingredients that go above and beyond the SPF 50. In addition to its chemical sunscreens (which dry with zero residue, white cast, or greasiness), it contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract and acai extract to help fend off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and, in doing so, can contribute to skin cancer and signs of aging like dark spots and collagen loss. The spray is ultrafine, but has staying power: It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Dr. Camp says the consistency is so light and refreshing that you’ll genuinely enjoy reapplying throughout your day in the sun. Plus, it comes in summery scents: sunny citrus, vanilla orchid, and whipped coconut.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“Supergoop is my favorite body sunscreen brand, hands down. No debate. No discussion. I love this spray for my beach days because it's lightweight and gives off a glow at first application. (I'm a girl who likes to glisten by the pool or ocean.) Then it dries down until it's barely detectable. You won't leave any white cast in the water either. The fine mist goes on evenly and covers a wide area at once. Just to be safe, I like to go over my body twice to make sure I have enough coverage. Recently, they came out with new scents, so that typical sunscreen chemical smell is now a whiff of orange and citrus.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: homosalate (9.8%), octocrylene (9.5%), octisalate (4.9%), avobenzone (2.8%), vitamin C, green tea extract, acai extract
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 6 oz.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray

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Blue Lizard

Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Walmart

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray.

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: Made without drying alcohols or irritating fragrances, Blue Lizard’s Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray helps you avoid some of the biggest bad guys for sensitive skin. Then there’s the fact that it’s made with zinc oxide, a mineral sunblock that’s considered a more tolerable pick over chemical sunscreens because it doesn’t penetrate the skin. Instead, it creates a reflective barrier over your skin’s surface. It’s “a strong choice for those looking for a mineral-based formula that is gentle on reactive skin while still offering reliable UV protection,” Dr. Camp says. And you don’t have to worry about it coming out in a weak mist or gloppy mess; its spray is strong and consistent. Just remember to shake the bottle before applying, then rub it in.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“A spray mineral sunscreen that propels like a chemical? I've never, in all my years of testing, come across one as effective as this. Upon first application, I knew this was special, especially if you're used to mineral sunscreens that squirt in a womp-womp, and messy fashion rather than shower your skin in SPF coverage. The spray is an even, broad mist that propels powerfully; you won't miss a spot with this kind of reach. It's among the fastest 'screens in my arsenal and is finally a sport mineral that is just as convenient and easy to apply as the chemical sunscreens I have.

"You really have to shake it up, then rub it into your skin. This isn't going to give you the perfect, truly invisible chemical spray at first. You may get some errant splotches, but they're tiny, I promise! After spraying, you just need to remember to briefly rub it in before you go. Otherwise, you may have some uneven spots. When you're done, it dries down with zero white cast. On top of it all, there's an impressive 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage. Right now, there isn't a better active or beach-day sunscreen for me and my family.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: mineral
• Key ingredients: zinc oxide (24%), glycerin
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Sizes: 5 oz.

Best for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45

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La Roche-Posay

Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45

$35

La Roche-Posay

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45.

Christa Joanna Lee

Why we love it: If you’re hitting the hiking trails, joining a rec league for the summer, or just enjoying some extra-steamy walks, you need a sunscreen with as much endurance as you. La Roche-Posay tested its Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen in high-heat and humidity conditions to ensure it could hold up during intense activities. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it won’t melt off at the first sign of sweat or run into your eyes in the middle of your outdoor workout. Better still, it doesn’t feel heavy or oily when you apply it. Dr. Camp says it feels comfortable on the skin and dries quickly. And, he says, with its fragrance-free, hydrating formula, it’s also a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Summer evenings are usually spent parked on the sidelines of my kids' sports or, when I get a little time to myself, out on a long run. Between all the activities, I burn through body sunscreen faster than just about any other beauty product. After a different spray sunscreen left my sensitive skin feeling uncomfortably dry, this one was a welcome change. It's from a brand that's practically synonymous with sensitive skin care, and the addition of La Roche-Posay's signature thermal spring water makes the formula feel noticeably more hydrating. I wouldn't call it a dry-touch sunscreen. It definitely leaves skin looking moisturized (though if you prefer a matte finish, you might find it just a touch oily). Since there's no fragrance and the chemical formula sprays on invisibly, it's easily a bottle I'll finish in no time.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: homosalate 10%, octocrylene 7%, octisalate 5%, avobenzone 3%, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Sizes: 4.3 oz.

Best Over Makeup: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50

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Naked Sundays

Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50

$27 $20 (26% off)

Amazon

$27

Ulta Beauty

Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50.

Sophie Panych

Why we love it: After applying your regular face sunscreen and makeup for the day, lock it in place with Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray. A true overachiever, it provides additional protection against sun damage and free radicals while boosting your skin’s radiance. Hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract moisturize without feeling heavy, and a combo of chemical filters keeps the spray clear and easily blendable. The brand recommends applying about seven pumps, then gently rubbing it into your face. (Sounds intense, but the formula dries quickly—and the glowy finish is worth the extra effort.) It comes in not one but two travel-friendly sizes, so you can re-up on coverage throughout the day without lugging around a full-size bottle of SPF.

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych

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“This spray is a summer saviour…seriously. The first time I sprayed it, I was impressed, primarily because it made my skin look beautifully luminous (and not at all oily) and didn't mess up my makeup. It wasn't until I brought it on vacation to Mallorca, where I spent most of the time makeup-free, that I realized just how effective the formula is. The bottle was a mainstay in my beach bag, and I sprayed it on every couple of hours and every time I got out of the water. I left Spain burn-free and my melasma no worse than it already was. Now, it has a permanent spot in my work bag. The icing on the (subtle, watermelon-scented) cake? Even the full-size bottle (75 ml.) can come with you in your carry-on without getting swiped by TSA agents.” —Sophia Panych, content director

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: homosalate (10%), octocrylene (8%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 2.54 oz., 1.01 oz.

Best for Dry Skin: Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion

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Brush On Block

Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray on Lotion

$28 $20 (29% off)

Amazon

$28

Brush on Block

Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion.

Kassidy Silva

Why we love it: No ashiness here! You can get the hydrating effects of a lotion and the convenience of a spray with Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion. It contains nourishing avocado oil for added moisture, niacinamide to support your skin barrier, and aloe vera to soothe sun-exposed skin. The continuous spray appears white before rubbing in clear, so you can see exactly where it lands (and where you might have missed a spot). Even with its moisturizing formula, it won’t feel sticky or greasy once it’s dry, and it’ll protect your skin for up to 80 minutes, even if you take a dip or break a sweat.

Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva

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“There is one skin-care guarantee every time I step outside of the house: I am wearing sunscreen. I’m a redhead after all! The Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion has become my go-to, especially as I renovate my backyard. I apply it to my arms, legs, face, neck, really any exposed skin with a light layer before massaging it in. While it’s not thick, you do need to give it a few passes to rub it in fully, and it’s a little slower than my family would like when we’re heading outside. But for how well it holds up during the day, especially in the water, it’s worth every minute to me to protect us from the sun. Plus, they make a kids' version of their mineral spray that I use on my daughter daily!” —Kassidy Silva, social director

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: mineral
• Key ingredients: zinc oxide (15%), aloe vera, niacinamide, avocado oil
• Fragrance-free: yes
• Sizes: 6 oz.

Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70

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Neutrogena

Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70

$9

Amazon

$12

Walmart

Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70.

Elizabeth Gulino

Why we love it: Water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes? A clear, dry finish? A lower price tag than your average chopped salad? Consider us sold on Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70. It’s lightweight and oil-free, and comes out in a strong, continuous spray. You’ll barely notice it after rubbing it in. It stays put and doesn’t melt, run, or burn your eyes. Just take extra care when applying this spray: It contains a chemical propellant, which can be irritating if you breathe it in. Translation: Do your spraying in a well-ventilated area.

Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino

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“I'm from the Jersey Shore, and I refuse to be at the beach without multiple forms of sunscreen (as well as my own personal umbrella). I love spray sunscreens because they're easy to use and don't make me feel sticky and greasy. This one from Neutrogena is often at the top of my beach bag, not only because it dries down quickly on the skin but because it doesn't smell as chemical-y as other sprays out there. Make sure to apply generously to ensure full coverage. The sun is sneaky!” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: homosalate (15%), octocrylene (10%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 6.5 oz.

Best Scent: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray

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Sol De Janerio

Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray

$20

Ulta Beauty

$20

Sephora

$20

Revolve

Temporary features director Kara McGrath applying Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray.

Kara McGrath

Why we love it: Want to prevent sun damage, look glowy, and smell delicious in a single spritz? Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray brings the beach vibes with notes of warm sand, coconut milk, ylang ylang, and vanilla, and leaves skin with a subtle, hydrated sheen after it sinks in. Niacinamide lends a brightening boost, while coconut water moisturizes without leaving skin feeling too slick. Most importantly, this Best of Beauty Award winner doesn’t leave you vulnerable to UV rays. Its chemical filters provide thorough protection, its antioxidant ingredients reduce the impact of environmental stressors, and the formula stays water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Tester feedback from temporary features director Kara McGrath

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“I love a spray-on sunscreen, but sometimes the spritz can be a bit…splotchy. Not this one: The mist is super-fine so it floats out of the nozzle and onto your skin in an even layer (though you still want to rub it in to be sure). The instant ‘radiance’ part comes from hydrating coconut water, which really makes my tattoos pop.” —Kara McGrath, temporary features director

More to know

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• Sunscreen type: chemical
• Key ingredients: octocrylene (9%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), coconut water, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: no
• Sizes: 3 oz.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is spray sunscreen effective?

When used correctly, spray sunscreen can effectively protect you from harmful UV rays. We repeat: When used correctly. The problem is that “sprays are often applied too lightly or unevenly,” Dr. Camp says. “Lotion tends to make it easier to see where you've covered the skin,” so it’s usually considered more effective.

Spray sunscreen can also lose its efficacy if you don’t rub it in. Massage the sunscreen into your skin after spraying it on, or spray a generous amount directly into your hands then apply it like a lotion, Dr. Huizenga says. And take care on uneven or contoured parts of your body, like your shoulders, knees, and ankles, Dr. Camp says. These areas can be harder to cover completely, so you may need to spend a little extra time rubbing in the spray. “Even if the product advertises continuous or even coverage, rubbing it in is a simple step that can improve protection,” he explains.

How much spray sunscreen should you apply?

Unless you already know to be extra careful and thorough when applying spray sunscreen, you probably aren’t using enough of it. “Spray each area of exposed skin until it has an even, visible sheen before rubbing it in, rather than giving it a quick pass,” Dr. Camp says. To make sure you’re getting consistent coverage, take your time and use a product with a continuous spray. Your skin should feel fully coated, Dr. Huizenga says, adding that it’s important to reapply at least every two hours.

Meet the experts

• Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
• Taryn Huizenga, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?

And for our reviews of the best spray sunscreens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review 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 through the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

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

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I am a forever blonde—I've learned my lesson after many expensive hair color sessions restoring my golden shade after going dark or red—but I'd be lying if I said Kaia Gerber's sunlit brunette hair color wasn't enticing me to the dark side again. The model and actor, who stars in the much-anticipated TV adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel The Shards, is currently rocking the perfect summery, dimensional brunette streaked with gold, and the sweetest part is that it was directly inspired by her mom, supermodel Cindy Crawford.

Gerber's longtime colorist Jenna Perry told Allure that the two looked to photos of Crawford in the ‘90s for inspiration when transitioning her hair color in a sunnier direction. “This specific hair color, we've been plotting now for maybe two months," Perry shared. "The inspiration was her mom, truly. We elevated and modernized it a bit, Cindy's hair in the '90s was more contrast, hi-fi versus what we did to Kaia, but with the same intentionality: a brunette with very expensive blonde highlights. That was the goal.”

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The golden tones are scattered throughout Gerber's rich brunette base, mostly concentrated near her face and in the mid-lengths to add a warm, easygoing brightness. Perry used a “very fine” balayage technique and R+Color's Hypermatic demi-permanent hair color to bring that honey-colored blonde to life. “At the [The Shards] premiere, she wore [her hair] in a deep side part, and the focus was that her hairline was really bright and golden so she could flip it around and give that '90s essence."

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The subtle but glowing golden tones are so perfect for summer, especially when you want to brighten up your base just a teeny bit. The thoughtful color placement, blended perfectly into Gerber's cut, looks like she's been spending time at the beach, but there's no Sun-In involved here! It also grows out “really nicely,” says Perry, so it's ideal for low-key, easy-breezy summer living. At the salon, Perry recommends asking for "a very soft, tipped-out balayage," and for upkeep, book monthly glossing treatments to enhance depth and shine. And voila! You're on your way to summer supermodel status.

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On the eve of the Spider-Man: Brand New Day premiere, Kaitlyn Paulk was touching up her roots with a box of L’Oreal True Red dye. The 27-year-old is a natural blonde—the kind of pale cornsilk that costs $600 a session at Warren Tricomi—but she’s pretty annoyed with her hair color of origin.

“Everyone is blonde,” says the real estate assistant, a Georgia native who moved to Manhattan for college. “I’d rather be noticed than just to conform to what people ‘say’ is pretty, which is why I love being a redhead… You know, like Sadie Sink. I love Sadie Sink.”

Paulk isn’t alone in her adoration. Ever since Sink joined the Netflix mega-hit Stranger Things in 2017, the natural redhead has garnered millions of social media followers (and considerable Hollywood clout) thanks to her talent, her gracious fan encounters, and her knack for picking scream-it-out projects—the feminist parable John Proctor Is the Villain; the Renaissance fable Romeo and Juliet—that appeal to bright young women who know the girlhood game is rigged.

Sink is now 24, and her fiery hair has become a green flag among fans that represents intelligence, rebellion, and deeply-felt emotions. The surest proof is the music video for “All Too Well,” starring Sink as Taylor Swift’s younger self and hitting screens in 2022, right when most of Gen Z was in peak adolescence. At the end of the movie, the [RED] singer appears as a redhead herself. The film has 112 million YouTube views—three times the total population of California.

Big tech has been tracking The Sadie Sink Effect, and the numbers are staggering. Google Trends reports a 5000% increase in searches for “Sadie Sink Hair Color” since 2025. Over 1 million TikTokkers have tuned into a video by Arizona colorist Chrissy Rasmussen titled, “I want Sadie Sink red hair.” On Reddit, thousands of armchair analysts break down Sink’s hair color and texture. The actor is a living, breathing human navigating the batshit world of online fame with real grace and smarts. But her hair has also made her a living hashtag.

Tommy Buckett has been working on Sink’s hair since the actor was 15. Based out of New York’s Marie Robinson Salon, the hair artist says he’s been “flooded” with DMs and salon calls about Sink’s hair color. “What’s exciting is it’s so many young women being like, ‘Can I get this? Can you do this to me?’”

Buckett has a theory about why Gen Z is gravitating to the color, “I've seen a lot of nudie blondes come through the salon asking to be red,” he says, describing “nudie blonde” as a wheaty, darker shade. “They’re worried they look exactly like everyone else on TikTok. They look like every other girl on a [dating] app. They need a digital point of difference for who they are.”

“Redheads are seen as unique and special online.”

Cass Kaeding, the co-founder of Crane Los Angeles salon and an ambassador for the tinted treatment Glaze Hair, says his Gen-Z clients “are increasingly gravitating toward reds, coppers, cherry reds, and warm auburns instead of classic blonde.” That’s because unlike a healthy transition to platinum hair or warm brunette, both of which can take two salon trips (and multiple deep conditioning treatments) if your base color and hair condition aren’t in optimal shape for the drastic change, going red can happen in a single session. “Young salon-goers want instant gratification,” he says. “And redheads are seen as unique and special online.”

Red hair is a fast lane for change. Historically, it’s also a signal flare for magic, and often, for deviance. In ancient Troy, the priest and historian Dares the Phrygian described the outspoken seer Cassandra as a loud-spoken redhead. Lilith, the Judaic “queen of hell,” is traditionally a redhead whose hair is literal fire. Botticelli’s Venus and her nymphs were strawberry blondes; Shakespeare’s magically transported Perdita in A Winter’s Tale is often painted as a redhead, too. By 1908, redheads became synonymous with charming but mischievous girls thanks to L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. In 1939, Ludwig Bemelman’s Madeline let a petite rousse run wild in Paris. Ariel the little mermaid, who defied an entire ocean for a random dude who never skipped an arm day, made a flame-haired splash in 1992; the actress Chloe Bailey later played the seawater sprite with red braids.

“Blonde? In this economy?”

Gen Z also appreciates the cash advantage of red hair. “It’s too expensive to be blonde,” said Annie Cho, a 17-year-old student in Harvard Square near Boston with a single-process auburn wash. “The touch-ups are crazy… Like, blonde? In this economy?” Cho says she likes Sadie Sink because “she looks like she’s not trying. Obviously she is. She’s a movie star. But her hair is just cool.” See also: Joey King, 26, going strawberry blonde on her press tour of Practical Magic and Charly Barby, the flame-haired 25-year-old Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders on America’s Sweethearts.

“Let's be honest,” says Buckett. “With inflation being so expensive, it does play a role in young people's hair. If you don't have the money to keep up with your blonde, you have to do something else.”

Still, he anticipates Sink’s hair will remain a touchstone for beauty seekers even if we ever stop paying a gazillion dollars for gas. “Her hair color is alive. It changes colors in the sun and in a photo flash. It doesn’t conform to one shade or one shape. It’s romantic in a way that a computer could never ‘get,’” Buckett says. “That’s why people, especially young people, want that red. It’s human.”

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If there is one certainty among the many, many uncertainties in our world right now, it is this: Taking the time to care for ourselves should no longer be considered an indulgence. Rather, for so many reasons, it is a necessity. With skin care, though, there is another undeniable truth: It can often feel overwhelming. "The skin-care market has really boomed in the last few years," says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. "While this is great because it gives us a variety of new ingredients and formulations, this can be really confusing for the consumer—especially a newbie."

So forget everything you’ve seen on TikTok and start here, with this simple, no-nonsense guide to building a skin-care routine. We consulted a team of dermatologists to walk us through exactly which products you need, how to use them, which ones to avoid, and when to level up.

In this story:

• The Basics
• Skin-Care 101: The Foundation of Your Routine
• Skin-Care 201: Extra Credit

The Basics

Start simple

They say a good chef must first master a simple omelet. Think of your skin-care routine as your omelet. After you have a solid foundational routine in place and know that you can stick to it, you can add ingredients, if you choose. “You don’t need a dozen products to have healthy skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Jenna Queller, MD. “In fact, the more products you introduce at once, the harder it becomes to know what’s actually helping and what’s causing irritation.”

It may not sound very exciting, but keeping to the essentials and avoiding trendy ingredients or methods is your best bet. “Social media often promotes products that aren’t appropriate for everyone,” Dr. Queller says. Instead, she recommends “choosing products based on your skin type and concerns, rather than what’s currently popular online.”

Consider your skin type

Dr. Queller says she frequently sees people using products designed for someone else's skin type. “A friend’s favorite product may not be appropriate for your skin, and what works well for one person can cause irritation or breakouts for another.”

Introduce one product at a time

Start simple and slow. “I recommend introducing only one new product every two to four weeks,” says board-certified dermatologist Kseniya Kobets, MD. “That way, if you develop irritation, it’s much easier to identify the culprit instead of guessing between five new products.”

Stay consistent

Sticking with your routine—provided you don't have any reactions to the products—is key to seeing results. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that skin care works overnight,” says Dr. Queller. “Most active ingredients need at least six to 12 weeks of consistent use before you see meaningful improvement.”

Don’t be afraid to ask for help

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re dealing with issues like persistent acne, eczema, rosacea, melasma, or just want to fact-check your routine, it’s worth visiting a dermatologist. “A personalized treatment plan can often save months of frustration,” says Dr. Queller, “and help you achieve better results more quickly.”

Skin-Care 101: The Foundation of Your Routine

Step 1: Cleanse

You can’t cook an omelet in a dirty pan (well, you can, but it wouldn’t pass a health inspection). Using a gentle cleanser twice per day—once in the morning, once in the evening—is where you should start.

Cleansing in the morning will help remove any evidence of sweat or oil left from your beauty sleep, says board-certified dermatologist Divya Shokeen, MD. If you have very dry or sensitive skin, you can skip the product and just rinse your face with water in the morning to keep things as gentle as possible; but cleansing in the evening is a nonnegotiable, since you’ll have accumulated a day’s worth of all kinds of pore-clogging culprits (makeup, sweat, dead skin cells, and other debris). Plus, Dr. Queller notes, “a properly cleansed face allows the rest of your skin-care products to work more effectively.”

Lukewarm water is best, as hot water can cause redness or irritation. And though you may see all manner of scrubbers, washcloths, and brushes online, Dr. Queller says good old-fashioned fingertips are the best option, as brushes can be harsh on the skin and bristles or fabric collect bacteria over time. “Massage the cleanser into the skin for about 30 to 60 seconds before rinsing,” she says.

Choosing a facial cleanser for this step depends entirely on your skin type. When in doubt, though, “any skin type will tolerate a hydrating cleanser,” says board-certified dermatologist Michele Farber, MD.

Oily skin

For oily skin types Dr. Kobets recommends a foaming cleanser, because the lather literally breaks down and lifts away excess oil and dirt from your pores, which, left uncleansed, would eventually lead to a breakout. She suggests Avène Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser—formulated with trusty hydrating ingredients like niacinamide and glycerin—as the foaming action doesn’t strip away too much moisture.

For those battling breakouts or acne, a more targeted cleanser could do the trick. PanOxyl Acne Foaming Wash uses a high concentration of benzoyl peroxide, which, Dr. Kobets says, can help kill acne-causing bacteria. Or try Dermalogica Acne Clearing Skin Wash, which is formulated with salicylic acid and clears away buildup in your pores.

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Avène

Tolerance Foaming Facial Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$20

Ulta Beauty

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Panoxyl

Acne Foaming Wash

$11

Amazon

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Dermalogica

Acne Clearing Skin Wash

$49

Amazon

$49

Ulta Beauty

Dry skin

“If your skin feels tight after washing, opt for a hydrating cleanser,” says Dr. Kobets, who recommends Prequel Gleanser and CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser. They contain the same type of hydrating ingredients, like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, you might see in moisturizers.

Dr. Queller seconds the CeraVe cleanser suggestion, but also recommends La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser: “They’re both excellent options because they contain ceramides and other moisturizing ingredients that help support the skin barrier while leaving the skin clean, soft, and hydrated, rather than tight or dry,” she says.

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Prequel

Gleanser

$36

Amazon (2-Pack)

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CeraVe

Hydrating Cleanser

$19 $16 (16% off)

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

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La Roche-Posay

Toleriane Hydrating Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$22

Ulta Beauty

Sensitive skin

Hydrating cleansers are usually good options for those prone to inflammation, but be sure they don’t include any added fragrance, essential oils, or botanical extracts. “They can be common causes of allergic reactions and irritation,” says Dr. Queller, who recommends Vanicream Gentle Facial Cleanser because “it gently cleanses the skin without compromising the skin barrier.” Opting for a cleanser with soothing ingredients like aloe or oat extract, found in Tower 28 SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser, can help calm down an active flare-up.

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Vanicream

Gentle Facial Cleanser

$10

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

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Tower 28

SOS Gentle Hydrating Gel Cleanser

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Credo Beauty

Step 2: Moisturize

Now that you have a clean slate, it’s time to start feeding your skin the good stuff. “Moisturizer is an important step for every skin type, not just dry skin,” says Dr. Queller. “It helps support the skin barrier, prevent water loss, and keep skin balanced.”

Apply moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp from cleansing to lock in that hydration, making sure to cover the face and neck, she adds.

Oily skin

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, please don't think you can (or should) skip daily moisturizer use. Says Dr. Shokeen, "Over-washing without the appropriate use of a moisturizer will actually trigger an over-production of oil on your skin."

Dr. Farber explains further: "No matter how oily or acne-prone your skin may feel, it will become dry without rehydration, and dried-out skin is irritated skin."

However, those with oily skin should seek out moisturizers that are labeled “noncomedogenic,” meaning a product that does not contain ingredients known to clog pores and cause more breakouts, Dr. Shokeen explains. Dr. Shokeen, Dr. Queller, and Dr. Kobets all recommend Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, a hydrating but lightweight gel-based moisturizer.

“Formulations containing larger amounts of dimethicone or richer emollients can become overly occlusive in acne-prone individuals and worsen congestion,” Dr. Kobets notes. “I generally recommend gels or lotion for patients who are oily or prone to breakouts.” If you need a slight step up from gel hydration, a lotion formula (like the CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion) is a good middle ground between gel and dense cream.

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Neutrogena

Hydroboost Water Gel

$30

Ulta Beauty

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CeraVe

Daily Moisturizing Lotion

$18 $15 (17% off)

Amazon

$18

Ulta Beauty

Dry or sensitive skin

Unlike oily skin, dry or inflamed skin can actually benefit from a richer cream that contains oils or lipids to help restore a damaged skin barrier. Look for “barrier-supporting ingredients like glycerin, ceramides, niacinamide, or squalane,” says Dr. Kobets.

Skinfix Triple Lipid Peptide Cream is packed with ceramides and fatty acids to help replenish moisture, and a humectant blend to help lock it in. Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream is formulated with squalane, a lipid used to seal in moisture, and Aestura Atobarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream features compressed hyaluronic acid for moisture and super rich dimethicone as an emollient.

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Skinfix

Triple Lipid Peptide Cream

$54

Ulta Beauty

$54

Sephora

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Kiehl's

Ultra Facial Cream

$39

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

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Aestura

AtoBarrier365 Hydro Soothing Cream

$32 $25 (22% off)

Amazon

$32

Sephora

Step 3: Protect

In the evening, steps one and two (cleansing and moisturizing) are truly all you need before bed. But in the morning, you should be adding a third step: SPF. "Sunscreen is your first line of defense and protection against skin cancer," Dr. Farber explains. "If you were to do nothing else for your skin, sun protection is the most important."

Opt for using a broad-spectrum sunscreen—a formula that protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays—every day, with at least SPF 30, no matter what your plan is. “You’re always getting intermittent UV exposure throughout the day—walking to your car, loading groceries, or driving,” says Dr. Kobets. Sitting on the couch all day? Surprise! You still have windows. There is truly no situation in which you should skip this step.

While an SPF 100 does block slightly more UVB radiation, it does not protect twice as well or last twice as long. “What matters much more is applying enough sunscreen—about one-half teaspoon for the face and neck—and reapplying every two hours when you’re outdoors or after swimming or sweating,” says Dr. Kobets. “I’d much rather see someone apply SPF 30-50 correctly and reapply it than use SPF 100 once in the morning and forget about it.”

Oily skin

The market isn’t short on lightweight, oil-free SPF options. Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free SPF is a good bet, says Dr. Kobets of the mineral formula that doesn’t leave a white cast. We also recommend the Proactiv Clear Skin SPF 30, which has a matte finish to help combat any greasiness.

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Shiseido

Urban Environment Oil-Free Mineral Sunscreen

$38

Amazon

$39

Nordstrom

$39

Ulta Beauty

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Proactiv

Clear Skin SPF 30

$24 $20 (17% off)

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

Dry skin

Peach and Lily Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen contains ceramides, squalane, niacinamide, and aloe to help soothe and hydrate your skin, and Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen SPF 30 Moisturizer is a hydrating, lightweight option formulated with hyaluronic acid. If you want a little color in your SPF, Ilia Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen has a super subtle tint, and it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid.

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Peach & Lily

Beam Blocker Invisible Sunscreen SPF 30

$34

Ulta Beauty

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Beauty of Joseon

Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30

$20

Sephora

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Ilia

Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen

$40

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$40

Nordstrom

$40

Ulta Beauty

Sensitive skin

For reactive skin, Dr. Queller likes MD Solar Sciences Mineral Crème SPF 50, which is fragrance-free and noncomedogenic. If you have rosacea or are dealing with redness, there are plenty of sensitive-skin-friendly SPFs that have color correction built in, such as EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50.

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MDSolarSciences

Mineral Cream SPF 50

$46

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$46

Nordstrom

$46

Dermstore

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EltaMD

UV Skin Recovery Red Color Correcting Green Tint SPF 50

$52

Amazon

$52

EltaMD

Skin-Care 201: Extra Credit

With cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF, you have everything you need to get started. After you’ve mastered that omelet, though, you may want to add a few extra steps, such as products that target specific issues you may have.

Exfoliants

Exfoliating as part of the cleansing step—physically or chemically—can help slough away excess buildup and improve dull skin. But it’s easy to overdo it and leave your skin in worse condition than when you started. “If you use a physical scrub, be very gentle, and limit it to every one to two weeks,” says Dr. Kobets. “I also wouldn’t use it on the same day you’re introducing a new product or using a retinoid.”

Chemical exfoliants leave a little less room for error and abrasion, but are best used after consulting with a dermatologist.

Serums

Facial serums are high-potency, lightweight topicals that are formulated with a higher concentration of active ingredients to target more specific skin concerns. They’re meant to be sandwiched between your cleanser and your moisturizer.

“Treat what you actually have,” says Dr. Kobets. So if you’re dealing with dry skin, opt for a hyaluronic acid serum. For brightening or treating pigmentation, try adding a vitamin C serum to your routine, she says. Just don’t feel like you need to add serum after serum just for the sake of it.

Masks

“Think of masks as occasional treatments rather than necessities,” says Dr. Kobets. “Hydrating masks containing ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and niacinamide—without added fragrance or botanicals—are my go-to. For most people, they’re more useful than aggressive exfoliating masks. They’re also great before a night out or before applying makeup, especially right after a shower, to give the skin an extra boost of hydration.”

Retinoids

“Retinoids are one of the most well-studied ingredients for treating acne, fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and improving overall skin texture,” says Dr. Queller. “I recommend starting slowly by applying a retinoid two nights per week, and gradually increasing frequency as your skin tolerates it.” Retinoids should always be followed by moisturizer, she adds, and used consistently with daily sunscreen, because they can be sensitizing.

Meet the experts:

• Michele Farber, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care Dermatology.
• Jenna Queller, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Boca Raton, FL.
• Sejal Shah, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.
• Divya Shokeen, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Manhattan Beach, CA.

Additional reporting by Rebecca Dancer.

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The best hair masks ask for a few extra minutes in your shower routine, but the payoff is well worth it. Your hair goes through daily wear and tear, so using a weekly treatment infused with nourishing, moisturizing ingredients such as biotin, castor oil, collagen, honey, peptides, and shea butter can be a fast track to healthier hair. Even better? Whether you're working with a few split ends or need a complete overhaul after years of bleach, hot tools, and color treatments, there’s a treatment to tackle damage and give your hair the TLC it deserves. Scroll ahead for the absolute best hair masks our editors have tested and approved for smoother, shinier strands.

Our Top Hair Masks

• Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask, $75
• Best for Mature Hair: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask, $38
• Best for Curly Hair: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner, $40
• Best for Dry Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask, $45

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What is a hair mask?
• How do you use a hair mask?
• How often should you use a hair mask?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

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K18

Leave-In Molecular Hair Mask

$75

Amazon

$75

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask.

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: There's a reason K18’s Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask is so popular among our editors and readers (hence its Allure Readers' Choice Award win in 2024). This mask, which also acts as a leave-in conditioner, can mend damaged hair and leave it looking like you just walked out of a salon, no matter how brittle it was. The brand's namesake peptide is the key to its reparative benefits: It helps fortify broken polypeptide chains that otherwise secure the hair shaft, making it feel smoother and softer once your hair is dry. One thing to note: You don’t rinse it out. It’s an in-shower treatment that stays in, so it cuts your in-and-out-of-the-shower time in half. “For hair that’s been pushed to the limit from bleach, heat, extensions, or chemical services, this is one of the most impressive products to restore strength while making hair feel healthier and less fragile,” says Mia Santiago, a hairstylist in Columbus, Ohio.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“I put my hair through so much—the blow-drying, the flat-ironing, the re-curling—my split ends were practically visible from outer space! It wasn't until I diligently started using this now-classic leave-in mask that I believed you could actually undo years of damage. There's a learning curve to using it. You need to essentially emulsify the product in your hands, then apply and wait a few minutes, and then continue to style. You also can't use conditioner before applying. Sure, it's a bit finicky, but this stuff works—seemingly instantly. I got heaps of compliments after using it consistently for a month. People thought my hair was shinier when blown out, and my curls were brought back to life, their pattern restored, their joie de vivre revived!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: biotech-developed peptides, hydrolyzed wheat protein, glycerin
• Who it’s for: color-treated, damaged, or overprocessed hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: Towel-dry hair, then work dime-size amounts from ends to roots, let sit for four minutes without rinsing, then style as usual and use for four to six washes before switching to maintenance mode.

Best for Mature Hair: Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask

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Isima

Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask

$38

Ulta Beauty

Allure executive beauty director Jenny Bailly after using the Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask.

Jenny Bailly

Why it's worth it: Shakira, Shakira, the hair-care brand founder you are. Isima Súperbomba Triple Repair Peptide Hair Mask, a treatment that takes a three-step approach to restoring hair from scalp to ends, picked up a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for best repairing hair mask. At the root, nonapeptide-3, a restorative, retinol-like ingredient, helps keep the scalp balanced and healthy without irritation. “Nanopeptide-3 helps to enhance collagen production, support skin cell renewal, and strengthen the skin barrier,” New York City-based cosmetic chemist Marisal Mou previously told Allure. Until this product, she says she associated this star ingredient exclusively with skin care.

Within the cortex, the brand’s gluconabond technology rebuilds broken bonds, while soy and rice hydrolyzed proteins replenish lost keratin to reinforce strength from within. On the surface, proprietary fiberseal steps in to smooth and reseal lifted cuticles caused by heat, color, and daily stress, leaving hair softer, stronger, and visibly renewed from every angle.

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“After using this three times in one week (once I left it on for 10 minutes, the other times I rinsed it out after maybe two minutes), my hair was much softer and less fuzzy. The musky-sweet fragrance I could do without, but it doesn’t stick around once my hair is dry, so fine, I’ll deal with it for the silkier hair. And the packaging is 10/10—the soft-touch/matte finish doesn’t slip around in the shower, and the lid has a little doohickey (I think that’s the official term) on the edge that lets you easily open it with wet hands.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: nonapeptide-3, gluconabond, soy proteins, rice proteins, fiberseal
• Who it’s for: people with damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to ends, leave on for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse, using it weekly in place of conditioner.

Best for Curly Hair: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

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Cécred

Moisturizing Deep Conditioner

$40

Ulta Beauty

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner.

Jessica Cruel

Why it's worth it: Cécred Moisturizing Deep Conditioner is a dream for anyone with curly or coarse hair, since it’s formulated with some of the most hair-nourishing ingredients. It’s packed with 12 moisturizing butters and oils to bring dry strands back to life, plus squalane to smooth the cuticle, hyssop extract for added shine, and hyaluronic acid to help lock in hydration. For best results, apply it evenly from roots to tips on clean, sectioned hair. Want to level it up? Throw on a plastic cap (like Allure’s editor in chief, Jessica Cruel, does) and add heat with a hooded dryer, a steamer, or even just a warm towel before rinsing. Bonus: It works on both natural hair and wigs because all hair deserves moisture.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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"I gave up on protein treatments for my hair after my first time using Aphogee in the early 2000s. Hair as hard as a helmet was not worth it. But the hair around my edges seems to snap the moment I begin to pull it back into any sleek style. So, I use this mask every six weeks to strengthen my coils. It feels a bit like glue, but it doesn't harden. I pop on a heating cap for 20 minutes, then detangle with a moisturizing mask. Over time, I have noticed my hair can better withstand the tugging of braids, blowouts, and silk presses." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, hydrolyzed elastin, castor oil, olive oil
• Who it’s for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: yes
• How to use: Once or twice a week, apply evenly from roots to tips on clean, sectioned hair, then cover with a plastic cap and add heat using a hooded dryer, steamer, or warm towel before rinsing thoroughly.

Best Thickening: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask

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Bumble and Bumble

Thickening Plumping Hair Mask

$49 $39 (20% off)

Amazon

$49

Nordstrom

$49

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Why it's worth it: The bad news: No mask or styling product can permanently make individual strands thicker. The good news? This two-minute treatment is like a push-up bra for fine hair. Every time you "wear" Bumble and Bumble's Thickening Plumping Hair Mask, its proprietary strand-plumping technology instantly makes hair look and feel fuller. Hydrolyzed rice protein adds body and bounce without weighing strands down, while kukui seed and coconut oils keep everything soft and smooth, not stiff or crunchy. “It feels weightless, spreads easily, and in just two minutes you can see a visible difference in volume and strength,” says Marcos Diaz, a hairstylist based in New York City.

Pai before applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying the Bumble and Bumble Thickening Plumping Hair Mask.

Deanna Pai

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“My hair has gone limp and flat after months of postpartum hair loss, so I'm desperate for anything that lends even a temporary lift. I don't usually have time for hair masks, especially with two little ones underfoot, but Bumble and Bumble's version has made it as quick and convenient as possible. I work it into my hair in place of conditioner, shave my legs, and then rinse. Even a single use makes a huge difference in the volume of my curls; they look bigger and feel softer than ever. It's become my new holy grail.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: pea protein, wheat protein, biotin, sweet almond oil, argan oil
• Who it’s for: people with fine to medium hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for two to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Split Ends: Color Wow Money Masque

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COLOR WOW

Money Masque

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Sephora

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying Color Wow Money Masque—and the results.

Christa Joanna Lee

Why it's worth it: Color Wow's global creative director, Chris Appleton, created Money Masque to capture his signature glossy, red carpet-worthy finish in a treatment that hydrates without weighing hair down. Unlike traditional rich creams that can leave hair feeling coated, Money Masque has an unusually lightweight, almost gel-cream texture that sinks into the hair instead of sitting on top. Blue sea kale helps strengthen damaged keratin, while a Mediterranean sea kelp and algae blend floods dry strands with hydration. Hydrolyzed vegetable protein smooths the hair cuticle, helping rough, frayed ends look sleeker. (FYI, masks can't permanently repair split ends, but they can temporarily smooth and seal them so they're less noticeable.) “This is the mask I recommend most often because it delivers that expensive, ‘healthy hair’ look without weighing hair down,” says Santiago. “It gives incredible slip, makes blowouts look polished, and leaves hair feeling luxe.”

Lee before applying the Color Wow Money Masque.

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Color Wow Money Masque.

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“Ever since I moved to the suburbs eight years ago, I haven't been able to find a stylist I love. So once, maybe twice a year, I make the trek back into New York City to see my beloved stylist. I don't get trims in between, which means split ends are pretty much inevitable, especially since I heat-style my hair regularly. Add in the occupational hazard of testing beauty products every day (some of which leave my hair feeling dull and dry), and my ends are usually crying for help. I wasn't convinced the lightweight, gel-cream texture of Color Wow’s Money Masque would do much for my hair at first. Instead of rinsing it out right away, I applied it, answered a few emails, and let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes (a bit longer than the instructions on the package). It absorbed so quickly that it almost felt like I didn't even need to rinse it out.

"After rinsing and styling as usual with my trusty Dyson Airwrap, I was surprised by how soft and silky my ends felt. Nothing actually repairs split ends (they can only be trimmed off if they bother you), but this mask made them look and feel healthy enough that I can probably stretch a little longer between salon appointments.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: blue sea kale, sea kelp, algae, hydrolyzed vegetable protein
• Who it’s for: everyone
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for three to five minutes (or up to 20 minutes for a more intensive treatment), then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Dry Hair: Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask

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Pureology

Smooth Gloss Mask

$45

Amazon

$45

Ulta Beauty

$45

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han with the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: If you've written off hair masks as glorified conditioners, you haven't met Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask. Inspired by the amino acid structure of silk, the formula pairs serine to attract and retain moisture with glycine to smooth the hair's surface and alanine to help repel excess humidity, so dry strands stay hydrated and frizz-free (for up to 72 hours, according to the brand). Glycerin replenishes moisture, while sunflower seed extract provides antioxidant protection for color-treated hair. Plus, it has a lovely beachy scent—a blend of creamy vanilla and warm sandalwood—that lets you mentally escape to a tropical vacation while it sinks in for three to five minutes.

Han before applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Pureology Smooth Gloss Mask.

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“Regular conditioners rarely do much for my dry, color-treated hair, so I have to reach for a hair mask at least once a week to soften my strands. This Pureology mask smells divine, and I appreciate that it’s literally made for my hair type (color-treated and frizzy). It does a much better job of minimizing frizz than most hair masks, even though I’m not particularly skilled at blowouts. And I love that it works fast. I can’t be bothered to stand in the shower for 10 minutes waiting for a mask! It’s thick but not heavy, which is the perfect balance for my fine but dense hair. Post-shower, my hair actually has a sheen to it, which is truly a feat.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: serine, glycine, alanine, glycerine
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with dry or color-treated hair
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Best for Minimizing Breakage: Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask

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Olaplex

Weightless Nourishing Mask

$44

Amazon

$44

Nordstrom

$44

Dermstore

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen with the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: If you’ve always associated deep moisture with weighed-down hair, Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask will change your mind. This treatment features the brand’s volume boost complex, which instantly adds lift while helping to prevent snapping and breakage for long-term length and body retention. It’s also infused with Olaplex’s signature bond-building technology to repair internal damage, while nourishing oils like avocado, sunflower, and coconut deliver deep hydration. It’s designed for weekly use because you won’t need it more often than that: The moisture lasts up to five washes.

Dall’Asen before applying the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the Olaplex Weightless Nourishing Mask.

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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“With naturally fine, fragile hair that's endured several bouts of hair loss, I've finally accepted that my hair's never going to be the longest or most bountiful out there. These days, my sole hair-care goal is to make it through my showers without losing massive clumps of it. Preventing dryness and tangles is paramount, and that's why I jumped at the chance to test Olaplex's Weightless Nourishing Mask. Like the rest of the brand's range, which I've used religiously since the brand debuted all those years ago, this mask uses patented bond-building tech to repair hair from the inside out—but this formula is far, far thicker in consistency than any of its siblings. So thick, in fact, that I tend to duck my hair under the running water while I'm applying it to help it spread. That thickness definitely lends itself to deep hydration, though. I can feel the difference as soon as I rinse it out of my hair.” —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: volume boost complex, avocado, sunflower, and coconut oils, shea butter, glycerin
• Who it’s for: people with flat, limp hair that needs moisture and volume
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing, apply generously to wet hair from mid-lengths to ends, leave it on for three to five minutes, then rinse well. Use weekly for best results.

Best for Color-Treated Hair: Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask

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Kérastase

Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask

$68

Amazon

$68

Sephora

Why it's worth it: For the amount of time—and money—you spend in the salon chair when you’re getting your hair colored, it's hard to believe it can still end up feeling dry, rough, or prone to breakage. But that's often just part of the territory with chemically treated hair. Kérastase Première Anti-Breakage Repairing Mask tackles all of the above with a formula centered on glycine, an amino acid that penetrates the hair fiber to help reconnect weakened keratin bonds, alongside peptides that reinforce strands and reduce breakage. The rich, creamy texture leaves hair feeling smoother, stronger, and softer after just one use without sacrificing movement.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycine, peptides
• Who it’s for: everyone, especially those with color-treated hair or calcium buildup from hard water
• Fragrance-free: no
• How to use: After shampooing and towel-drying, apply the mask from roots to tips, massage it in, leave it on for five minutes, then rinse thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hair mask?

What makes a hair mask different from your regular conditioner is higher doses of ingredients to supercharge your strands, according to New Jersey-based hairstylist Michelle Cleveland. "A hair mask is very similar to a daily conditioner in that it restores hydration to the hair after shampooing. However, a mask contains higher concentrations of vitamins, oils, and butters that will penetrate deeper into the hair when left on for longer periods of time than a traditional conditioner," she explains. "The result is a higher level of hydration, which ultimately leads to repairing dry, damaged, and/or dehydrated hair." If you're looking for masks for damaged hair, these deep conditioning treatments can deliver a level of nourishment your everyday conditioner simply can't.

On top of that, hair masks are more tailored to address specific needs and concerns, says Los Angeles-based hairstylist Mark Townsend. "Hair masks are deep conditioners aimed at specific needs like repairing damage from heat and chemical treatments, improving circulation at the scalp, strengthening the hair follicle, and adding and retaining moisture," he says.

How do you use a hair mask?

Most hair masks come with specific instructions, but as a rule of thumb, Townsend says always shampoo your hair before using one to wash away buildup that can affect the mask's efficacy. "Masks usually work best on damp hair, not soaking wet, so remove as much water from the hair as possible," he adds. To ensure you remove as much water as possible, Brooklyn-based hairstylist Latoya Moore suggests wrapping your hair in a microfiber towel to soak up excess water before applying your mask. "Apply a generous amount from mid-shaft to ends, and try to avoid the roots," she suggests.

To ensure every strand is coated, Townsend and Moore recommend combing your hair immediately after applying. "Use a wide-tooth comb or fingers to evenly distribute the mask to ensure every strand is coated," says Moore. Both hairstylists also suggest covering your hair with a shower cap or warm towel to help the mask penetrate.

Usually, you won't have to follow a hair mask with a conditioner since the former is, essentially, a more concentrated version of the latter. Always read the product's instructions, whether it's a leave-in or rinse-out treatment, to ensure proper use for the best results.

How often should you use a hair mask?

Multiple hairstylists we chatted with agree that each hair mask's formulation is totally unique, so, yet again, make sure you follow the instructions. Some hair masks can be used once a week, while others can be used as a daily treatment; it all depends on what the brand recommends. Taking your own course of action won't necessarily ruin your hair, but rinsing out a hair mask too quickly or not using it often enough can lead to less significant results, and leaving one in for too long can leave a greasy residue.

Meet the experts

• Michelle Cleveland is a hairstylist based in New Jersey.
• Marcos Diaz is a hairstylist in New York City.
• Jerome Lordet is a hairstylist in New York City.
• Latoya Moore is a hairstylist in Brooklyn.
• Marisal Mou is a cosmetic chemist in New York City.
• Mia Santiago is a hairstylist and the owner of Headspace by Mia in Columbus, Ohio.
• Mark Townsend is a hairstylist based in Los Angeles.

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certainly products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness, thinning) or to work most effectively for a hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?

For our review of the best hair masks, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and hairstylists. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture and experience, fragrance, and packaging. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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