Overcoming the Fear of Being Single Forever: Embracing Joyful Independence and Self-Discovery

By Jordan Reed – Relationship & Family Advisor

As I sip my morning coffee on the porch this crisp December morning, watching my kids chase the dog around the yard before school, I’m reminded of how the fear of being single forever can quietly creep into even the happiest lives. At 39, as a couples counselor and dad from Texas, I’ve spent years helping folks navigate love’s twists and turns—while cherishing my own date nights with my wife amid the kid chaos. But lately, after our recent anniversary reflections on how we almost let societal pressures rush us into settling too soon, I’ve been thinking a lot about the other side of the coin. The fear of being single forever isn’t just a passing worry; it’s a deep-seated concern that has people staying in unfulfilling relationships or rushing into new ones out of panic. Yet, what if we reframed it? What if singlehood became a celebration of self, a time for unapologetic growth and adventure? In this guide, we’ll explore the roots of the fear of being single forever, debunk myths, and share practical steps to embrace a life of joyful independence—because belonging to yourself, as Michel de Montaigne wisely said, is the greatest thing in the world.

Drawing from my counseling sessions where clients often confess this exact fear—sometimes with tears, sometimes with a laugh—I’ll blend relatable stories, expert insights, and uplifting strategies to help you transform anxiety into empowerment. Whether you’re navigating singlehood by choice or circumstance, overcoming the fear of being single forever is about discovering that your worth isn’t tied to a plus-one. Let’s unpack this with warmth, humor, and a focus on the positives—after all, with the holidays in full swing on this December 18, 2025, it’s the perfect time to gift yourself some inner peace.

The Hidden Grief Behind the Fear of Being Single Forever

The fear of being single forever often feels like a peculiar grief—not for something lost, but for something never experienced. In my practice, clients describe it as mourning the mythical “other half” society promised, leading to a haunting sense of incompleteness. This isn’t about denying the desire for partnership; it’s about recognizing how this fear drives us to make choices from scarcity rather than abundance.

A study from Psychology Today reveals that people fearing singlehood are more likely to long for exes or struggle with breakups, perpetuating cycles of unhappiness. But here’s the silver lining: acknowledging this grief is the first step to healing. During our family game nights, we’ve turned “what if” fears into playful scenarios, teaching my kids that life’s richness comes in many forms—not just romantic ones.

facebook.com

Embracing life as a single person brings freedom

Unpacking the Stigma: From Witches and Spinsters to Modern Labels

The stigma of singlehood is sticky and insidious, convincing us that being unpartnered means something’s wrong. Historically, single women were labeled witches or spinsters, while men faced less scrutiny—but the judgment persists. I once had a client tick “spinster” on a visa form, laughing through the absurdity, yet it highlights how society categorizes us.

High-DA sites like the Gottman Institute note that this stigma keeps people in misaligned relationships, fearing the “alternative.” In counseling, we challenge these labels, reframing singlehood as a valid, powerful choice. My anniversary with my wife reminded me how rushing past single years might have robbed us of self-growth—embrace yours without apology.

For more on emotional dynamics, check The Four Horsemen: Contempt in Relationships.

How Cultural Conditioning Fuels the Fear of Being Single Forever

Our fear of being single forever runs deep, rooted in centuries-old messaging that ties worth to partnership. For women, survival once depended on men—financially, socially—but even today, this legacy lingers. Disney tales and rom-coms like Jerry Maguire’s “you complete me” reinforce it, turning independence into a “problem to solve.”

In sessions, clients share how this conditioning shows up in quiet moments, like a friend whispering, “What if I never find someone else?” as if that’s the worst fate. But let’s shift: culture’s story isn’t yours. My family traditions, like holiday game nights, show connection comes in many forms—romantic or not.

Outbound to Greater Good Science Center for articles on how cultural differences shape happiness, offering fresh perspectives on belonging.

kuellife.com

5 Ways To Turn Being Alone Into A Positive And Fulfilling Experience – Kuel Life

The Inner Voices That Keep the Fear of Being Single Forever Alive

Inside many of us, a cast of inner voices amplifies the fear of being single forever. There’s the legacy-burdened one, believing worth is sealed only once chosen; the good girl, fearing family disappointment; the people pleaser, wondering if they’re “too much”; and the inner child, stung by past rejections.

These voices are common in counseling— clients often identify them as holdovers from childhood or society. The antidote? Compassionate self-talk. During my porch coffee rituals, I practice gratitude for my path, partnered or not. Try it: List three strengths daily to quiet those whispers.

The journal that’s helped clients voice these inner dialogues is this one—the exact one I use for my own reflections, currently 15% off, run to grab it and start your self-discovery journey.

For mental strength, see Nurturing Your Mental Fitness.

How the Dating Industry Profits from Your Fear of Being Single Forever

The modern dating industry thrives on the fear of being single forever, turning insecurities into a multi-million-dollar machine. Apps, coaches, and books promise “the one,” but often as a prelude to partnership, not self-fulfillment. Where are the guides for thriving solo?

In my practice, clients share frustration with contrived app “dates”—we used to meet organically in coffee shops. Friends get excited about matches as if rescue is imminent, but true connection starts with self-love. During holidays like this December season, resist the pressure—focus on your joy instead.

Outbound to Lonely Planet for solo travel ideas that build confidence without apps.

The Biological Pull: Why We Crave Connection (But Don’t Need It to Thrive)

Biology wires us for connection—craving intimacy is natural, not a flaw. But the fear of being single forever confuses this pull with necessity, leading to panic-driven decisions.

Gottman Institute research shows we’re built for belonging, but it doesn’t have to be romantic. In counseling, we explore spreading love universally—through friendships, community, self. My family game rituals remind me connection is multi-faceted; nurture yours beyond coupledom.

The essential oils diffuser that’s elevated my family relaxation sessions is this one—the exact one I use, pair it with lavender for that calming vibe during reflective evenings.

lemon8-app.com

Spontaneous Travel Adventures with Friends

Redefining Love: From Romantic to Universal to Overcome the Fear of Being Single Forever

Rather than channeling longing into one person, redefine love as universal—kindness, compassion for all. This shifts the fear of being single forever to a broader, healing force.

In sessions, clients discover soulmates in friendships, like my best friend and I joking about retirement together. Deep connection isn’t confined to romance; it’s liberating. This holiday season, spread love through acts of service—it’s a powerful antidote.

Outbound to Psychology Today for myth-busting articles on mindfulness and love’s many forms.

For distant bonds, see Essential Tools for Long-Distance Love.

The Freedom and Gifts of Being Single to Conquer the Fear of Being Single Forever

Here’s the unsung truth: singlehood offers freedom—I can book trips on a whim, sleep diagonally, and own the remote. No yogurt disputes or thermostat battles. Clients fear loneliness, like choking on toast alone, but the gifts? Deep self-knowledge, unshaped identity. It’s not a consolation; it’s a superpower. My pre-marriage single years built empathy for counseling—yours can too.

The red light therapy lamp that’s boosted my mood during reflective evenings is this one—the exact one I use, currently 20% off, run to add that glow to your independence.

For wellness benefits, see Benefits of Red Light Therapy.

lemon8-app.com

3-Week Semi-Solo Travel Adventure: My Experience and Lessons Learned

Building a Life of Joyful Independence Despite the Fear of Being Single Forever

Overcoming the fear of being single forever means building independence that excites. Pursue passions, like my planned Camino walk in Portugal—powered by my own heart, no plus-one needed.

In therapy, we craft lives of joy: hobbies, travel, self-care. A Harvard Health study shows self-reliant people report higher well-being. Include daily calm; the meditation cushion that’s transformed my rituals is this one—the exact one I use, currently on sale, it’s a must for cozy introspection.

Outbound to Lonely Planet for adventure ideas that foster this independence.

Role Models for Thriving Single Lives to Inspire Beyond the Fear of Being Single Forever

We need more role models thriving single—think Oprah or Leonardo da Vinci, living fully without traditional partnership. In 2025, gender and sexuality fluid, why not relationship status too?

In counseling, sharing stories of clients turning singlehood into radical self-trust inspires. You’re not failing; you’re pioneering. My story? Single years made me a better partner and counselor.

For intention-setting to guide your path, see Intention-Setting Techniques for New Beginnings.

facebook.com

Embracing life as a single person brings freedom

Single by Trust: A Radical Act in a Coupled World

Viewing singlehood as radical self-trust defies a coupled-obsessed culture. It’s not “I don’t need anyone”—it’s living fully for yourself, without apology.

Clients shift from performative independence to genuine self-relationship, opening to partnership from wholeness. Trust your path; it’s yours.

The book that’s guided clients through this self-trust is Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus—the exact one I recommend, it’s timeless for understanding yourself and others.

Outbound to Tiny Buddha for community tales of radical self-trust.

Navigating Holidays and Social Events While Facing the Fear of Being Single Forever

Holidays amplify the fear of being single forever with questions like “Anyone special?” Redirect with confidence: share your adventures. This December 18, 2025, amid festive lights, focus on self-gifts like a cozy night in.

In sessions, we practice responses that honor your story. Family events become opportunities for connection beyond romance—our game nights include all statuses.

For seasonal calm, see Holiday Stress Busters for a Peaceful Season.

Outbound to Oprah Daily for holiday survival tips emphasizing self-joy.

When Partnership Comes: Approaching It from a Place of Wholeness

If partnership arrives, approach from wholeness—not fear of being single forever. Healthy relationships bloom when you’re complete alone.

Gottman research shows secure attachments foster lasting bonds. Clients find love after embracing single joy. My story? Single years were foundational.

The book that’s prepared many for healthy partnerships is The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work—the exact one I use in sessions, it’s gold for building from wholeness.

Long-Term Strategies to Maintain Confidence in Singlehood

Sustain confidence by regularly reassessing goals and surrounding yourself with supportive people. Journal quarterly on wins to combat the fear of being single forever.

Community groups or apps foster connections without romance pressure. My clients thrive with this ongoing practice.

For daily tracking, the Oura ring I wear to monitor sleep and stress is this one—the exact one I use, it’s a game-changer for solo self-care.

lemon8-app.com

The Truth About Solo Travel: Why It Can Be Lonely

Wrapping Up: Your Life, Your Terms—Beyond the Fear of Being Single Forever

Overcoming the fear of being single forever isn’t about denying desires—it’s about living fully now, partnered or not. Embrace the freedom, growth, and universal love available. As holidays wrap up, gift yourself this truth: you’re enough.

Outbound to Harvard Health for studies on self-reliance and well-being.

P.S. Ready to deepen your self-love? Sign up for our free Love Toolkit to track insights and build your relationship with yourself: Love Toolkit.

Related Posts

• The Four Horsemen: Contempt in Relationships
• Essential Tools for Long-Distance Love
• Nurturing Your Mental Fitness
• Finding Calm in Everyday Moments
• Holiday Stress Busters for a Peaceful Season
• Intention-Setting Techniques for New Beginnings
• Benefits of Red Light Therapy
• Essential Guide to Van Life as a Digital Nomad in Ireland
• Embracing a Zero-Waste Lifestyle
• Holiday Dessert Dip Mixes

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. What’s the best thing about rainy days?

Hmm, for me it’s a mix of things with one of them being the clean scent of the air after it rains. And back in the day I would say puddle stomping with baby Connor. Side note, would you believe she’s almost 10? Anyways, now I think the best thing about rainy days is the chances of wildfires happening are less, which is a big mental relief.

2. Where’s your happy place?

At Lanikai beach in the morning on Oahu. Or in my bed at night, when I know everyone I love is under the same roof.

3. Can you do any accents?

Well, I’m pretty sure I’ve got “Angry Filipino Mom Speaking American English Mixed with Random Tagalog Words” down pat! HAHAHA! I also used to do a very silly British accent but haven’t in years. Oh, and I can do a California surfer accent decently!

4. What’s a funny little habit that you have?

I always pack too many snacks in my work lunch box. I don’t know why. We have pretty awesome vending machines on campus, and there’s always extra food in the breakroom, so it’s not like I don’t have access to snacks. For some reason, though, I feel so much better knowing that I have a variety of relatively healthy snacks that I know I like to choose from. Or, if someone around me has a rumbly tummy, I like knowing that I’ve got extra food for someone else.

5. Something beauty related that you desperately need to buy?

I’m running low on conditioner. When you have long, wavy hair, this is a very nerve-wracking thing!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. What’s the best thing about rainy days?
2. Where’s your happy place?
3. Can you do any accents?
4. What’s a funny little habit that you have?
5. Something beauty related that you desperately need to buy?

As usual, Allure’s Best of Beauty 2025 gave us a stacked roster. We combed through the lineup and pulled the standouts worth your time (and shelf space).

---

Best peel

PSA Skincare Follow The Light

This multi-acid and vitamin C peel gently buffs away dullness and brightens to turn over a new layer.

Why we love it:

• A powerful cocktail of acids clears away dead skin and refines the look of pores
• An antioxidant powerhouse blend soothes, repairs, and brightens
• Supports skin to look firmer and better retain moisture

---

Best splurge hair care & accessories

Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Shampoo and Oribe Serene Scalp Densifying Conditioner

This densifying duo supports fuller-looking hair without the heavy feel in just three months.

Why we love it:

• Developed in collaboration with a board-certified trichologist
• A bioactive blend of pea sprout extract, red clover extract, and a biomimetic peptide to stimulate the scalp, reduce shedding, and preserve hair integrity

Best splurge skincare

Chantecaille Blanc Peony Face Cream

This nourishing, dark spot correcting face cream reveals a more radiant, even-toned complexion.

Why we love it:

• Helps visibly enhance brightness and balance skin tone
• Replenishes moisture and smooths the look of skin
• Leaves skin revitalized and luminous

Best mattifying setting spray

Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Liquid Blurring Balm Mattifying Setting Spray

Newly released and already a favorite. This weightless, blurring setting spray sets makeup and refines texture—without leaving skin dry or tight.

Why we love it:

• Skin looks blurred, smooth, and hydrated, without any dryness or tightness
• Adds a shine-free, natural-matte finish
• Leaves makeup transfer-proof and sealed in place all day

Best rotating curling iron

T3 CurlWrap Auto-Rotating 1 Inch Curling Iron and T3 CurlWrap Auto-Rotating 1.25 Inch Curling Iron

This automated curling iron wraps hair for you, creating perfect curls and waves with the press of a button.

Why we love it:

• Dual navigation puts you in control of curl direction
• Features two timer settings for consistent curls and waves with minimized heat exposure
• Guides your styling experience with gentle sounds and vibrations

Best makeup sponge

Beautyblender Original

The original ergonomically designed sponge applicator designed for flawless makeup.

Why we love it:

• Offers a streak-free, flawless finish
• Award-winning, the unique shape and material applies products without caking or streaking while delivering smooth, like-airbrushed results

Best tweezers

Tweezerman Slant Tweezers

The perfectly aligned, hand-filed tips are slanted to grab every hair, every time with the smoothest, true precision.

Why we love it:

• Designed for ultimate precision
• Offers a steady grip
• Stays sharp

Best liquid eye shadow

Danessa Myricks Beauty Twin Flames Multichrome Pigment

High-impact liquid pigment shifts between two complementary shades with buildable, crease-proof, all-day wear.

Why we love it:

• Multichrome payoff with minimal effort
• Dries down and stays put
• No creasing, smudging, or fallout

Best exfoliating toner

Moon Juice Acid Potion Resurfacing Exfoliator

Powered by a 25% AHA + BHA complex, this one formula deeply exfoliates, nourishes, and balances the skin.

Why we love it:

• Exfoliates, brightens, and renews the skin
• Helps protect, reduce inflammation, and support barrier function

Best clean makeup

Hourglass Phantom Volumizing Glossy Balm

The hydration of a balm, shine of a gloss, and volumizing effect of a lip plumper—all in one.

Why we love it:

• Adds glassy color with a plush, comfortable feel
• Sheer, buildable color in a range of shades
• Easy to reapply (no mirror needed)

Best bronzer

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer

This bronzer adds warmth and a blurred, airbrushed effect.

Why we love it:

• Blurs imperfections while adding warmth to the skin
• Balances skin and helps control sebum production
• Applies smooth with a long-lasting finish

Best brows

Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel

This longwearing, brush-on gel tints, fills, and sets brows in a snap.

Why we love it:

• Lightweight, flexible formula
• Features light reflectors for natural dimension
• Can be worn alone or as a final layer

[LAST UPDATED AT 6:45 P.M. ET ON OCTOBER 8, 2025] In case you missed it, Amazon Prime Day is here—but not for long. The two-day event ends today, October 8, and the Prime Day beauty deals are almost gone. These steals are worth shouting about, especially since so many are 2025 Best of Beauty winners or have been thoroughly tested by our editors. From glow-boosting face oils to handy blow-dryer brushes, this lineup is packed with editor-approved picks across skin care, hair care, makeup, and wellness. Now’s your moment to hit “add to cart,” because we’ve seen tons of our picks sell out—and we don’t want you to miss your chance to save big.

In This Story

Want more Amazon Prime Day 2025 deals? Lucky for you, we’ve rounded up the buzziest Allure Best of Beauty Winners and K-beauty discounts you can shop right now. If you want a true cheat sheet, shop the Allure Amazon Storefront now.

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Allure Best of Beauty Winners 2025

If you missed it (are you living under a rock?), we just dropped our 2025 Best of Beauty Awards—and plenty of winners are marked down for Prime Day. After months of editor testing, standouts like the L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray, House of Lashes Iconic False Eyelashes, and Elemis Superfood Facial Oil all earned top spots. Shop them now before they’re gone (trust, they’re going fast!).

Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus

Fans of the Revlon One-Step Volumizer Plus—who include our editors and thousands of people on TikTok—know it’s the well-priced, not-so-well-kept secret to bouncy blowouts at home. The Plus version’s smaller barrel and nylon bristles make it easier to glide through each section of hair, and some Best of Beauty testers said it’s so light, they can style their whole head with just one hand.

L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist

All you need is a few spritzes of L’Oreal Paris Infallible 3-Second Setting Spray Mist over your makeup, for 36 hours(!) of budge-free coverage that feels like nothing on the skin.

Elemis Superfood Facial Oil

Elemis’ Superfood Facial Oil is packed with almost too many skin-saving oils to count. Sweet almond, cucumber, rice bran, broccoli, and rose hip—they work together to give your skin the radiant glow of someone who gets their daily servings of veggies.

Weleda Skin Food Hydrating Facial Mist

Formulated with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and the same botanical blend (calendula, chamomile, rosemary, pansy, and sunflower seed oil) as Weleda’s iconic Skin Food Original Ultra-Rich Cream, this milky mist refreshes thirsty skin during dry winter days and long afternoons spent in stale office air.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Five removable attachments mean the Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System is like having an entire hairstylist’s tool kit at home—that you don’t need a hairstylist’s skill set to use.

Flamingo Wax Strips

At-home waxing doesn’t have to be an act of bravery. Flamingo’s Wax Strips make the process simple, with super sticky, pre-waxed strips that lift hair from the root. The process feels more like a quick peel than a painful tug, leaving skin smooth in just minutes.

Wella Professionals Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum

Both our fine- and thick-haired testers were wowed by the glossy finish of Wella Professionals’ Ultimate Smooth Miracle Oil Serum. But the real miracle was how effortlessly the ultra-lightweight formula tamed frizz in just a few swipes.

Belif Aqua Bomb Eye Gel

You may already know (and love) Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb, so think of this gel as its eye-centric little sister. Caffeine, niacinamide, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid lock in hydration and offset dark circles for a well-rested look.

Ma:nyo Pure Cleansing Oil

A bona fide Allure K-beauty favorite, Ma:nyo’s Cleansing Oil is a lightweight (yet deep-cleaning) face wash that dissolves blackheads, whiteheads, makeup, and grime in minutes.

EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Face Sunscreen

A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, EltaMD’s UV Skin Recovery SPF 50 Sunscreen is like the Swiss Army knife of sunscreens—sensitive-skin-friendly, non-greasy, and redness-neutralizing, thanks to a green tint that works some color-theory magic.

Glamnetic Press-On Nails

To complement your Glamnetic falsies, grab a box of the brand’s press-on nails. They feel as thick as a traditional acrylic nail, so even if you’re rough on them, they’ll stay adhered. Each pack comes with 24 nails, a cuticle stick, a tube of glue, a nail file, and an alcohol prep pad.

When your strands feel desert-dry, Dae’s Desert Detox Clarifying Shampoo—yet another 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner—is the hydration they need (and deserve). A blend of powerful yet balanced surfactants works hard to break down product buildup, oil, and hard-water residue. At the same time, prickly pear and cactus extracts replenish hydration, while moringa leaf oil locks in moisture and prevents breakage.

More Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Allure Best of Beauty Winners 2025

The Beautyblender Original Makeup Sponge is the iconic egg-shaped tool that’s inspired countless dupes (but has never been outdone). It’s latex-free and has a versatile shape that makes blending cream products easy, delivering smooth, natural-looking coverage every time.

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Skin-Care

Summer did a number on our skin (hello, sun and sweat), which makes fall the ideal time to refresh the top shelf of your medicine cabinet. A few of our favorites: Dr. Althea’s cult-favorite hydrating face mask, La Roche-Posay’s gentle cleanser for dry-skin season, and St. Tropez’s Self Tan Express Mousse, which develops into an island-worthy tan in just three hours.

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal has a lightweight, custardy-gel texture that absorbs almost immediately and makes undereyes look brighter and less puffy come morning. Formula-wise, stabilized retinal is super gentle and minimizes irritation, while ginseng brightens and boosts circulation, and glycerin supports the skin barrier.

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

If your skin freaks out at the thought of actives, meet your new go-to: the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask. This soothing hydrogel mask is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and free of 25 common irritants. It’s packed with ultra-low molecular collagen to firm and smooth fine lines, plus oligo-hyaluronic acid to deliver deep, fast-absorbing hydration for plump, calm skin.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5

Are we a broken record when it comes to touting La Roche-Posay as one of our favorite brands for sensitive skin? Maybe, but we don’t mind. Cicaplast Balm B5 is just that good. Not nearly as greasy as a true balm, but richer than your typical face cream, this drugstore darling instantly soothes dry, chapped skin with the help of emollient shea butter, moisturizing vitamin B5, and calming madecassoside (a derivative of our fave, Centella asiastica, or cica for short).

Belif Aqua Bomb

A staple in many Allure editors’ cabinets, this Korean moisturizer cools skin on contact and keeps inflammation at bay with tiger grass and oat kernel extract. You’ll also notice plumper, bouncier skin, thanks to glycerin and squalane.

Etude Soonjung pH 6.5 Whip Cleanser

Not sure where to start with Korean cleansers? Try the SoonJung pH 6.5 Whip Facial Cleanser. This gentle, cloud-like foam works for all skin types—especially sensitive skin—thanks to its low pH and soothing ingredients like cica-derived madecassoside and panthenol. It cleans without stripping, leaving skin soft and calm.

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Face Cleanser

The La Roche-Posay praise train continues. It’s hard not to when the French pharmacy brand has earned multiple Seals of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association and Allure Best of Beauty Awards. On sale right now: the Foaming Facial Cleanser. It features a hard-working team of ceramides, niacinamide, glycerin, and prebiotic thermal water that gently lifts makeup and impurities without stripping the skin of its natural oils.

Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concertrate Cream

Is your skin sending out an SOS? Reach for Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, which pairs plant-derived ceramides with fatty acids and cholesterol—the lipids in your skin barrier—in a formula with a low pH, matching the skin’s acidic nature. It’s so gentle, the brand says you can use it on babies.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is an all-time favorite among Allure editors, thanks to its thick, nourishing formula that combines shea butter, murumuru butter, and coconut oil. “There’s a reason it’s a top-seller on Amazon. It moisturizes lips for hours on end—no reapplication needed. I apply the smallest amount of this stuff on my dry lips at night and am guaranteed to wake up with soft, hydrated lips in the morning,” says former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis.

Koolsol by Knours Ultra-Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Koolsol by Knours Ultra-Light Invisible Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 may be a mineral sunscreen, but it comes surprisingly close to mimicking the thin feel of a chemical formula. “It applies so elegantly and invisibly, like a lightweight moisturizer—hi, cica, snow mushroom, aloe, and niacinamide—and leaves my skin looking dewy, but not overly so,” says Han.

Innisfee Super Volcanic Clay Mask

If you love the satisfaction of vacuuming out your pores, you’ll be obsessed with the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask. “What makes it great isn’t just the combo of bentonite and kaolin clays, but the addition of volcanic ash and lactic acid for dual exfoliation,” says Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai. “I liked that I got a little scrubbing action as I was rinsing it off—and my skin looked way more even and radiant after just one use.”

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads

Ideal for tossing in your carry-on or keeping on your nightstand, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads make pro-level exfoliation as simple as swipe, wait, repeat.

Neostrata Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream

This rich cream clings to your skin (not your clothes) while bringing in bakuchiol, a plant-based alternative to irritating retinoids, and super tiny peptides for efficient firming action.

More Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Skin-Care

A body wash–infused loofah, this scrubber whips up a creamy lather while treating your skin to a mix of yuzu for elasticity, vetiver to help tighten pores, and edelweiss to calm inflammation. It leaves skin soft, glowy, and hydrated—with a fresh scent of freesia and a hint of pear that lingers long after you rinse.

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Hair-Care

Tons of our hair staples are on sale today only, including a long-time editor favorite, the Wavytalk Thermal Brush. Also in our carts: The Multi-Styler from T3, which smooths hair into styles that look like you came straight from the salon. Throw in a good heat protectant, and consider your hair-care routine officially rescued.

CosRx Peptide-132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum

Repairing damage, taming frizz, and adding silky shine—this CosRx Peptide 132 Hair Care Set does it all. Infused with strengthening peptides, the shampoo, treatment, and oil serum work together to nourish strands from root to tip, delivering that coveted, glass-like shine.

Ouai Curl Crème

Our editors with 2B, 2C, and 3C/4A curl types love Ouai’s sweet-smelling, lightweight Curl Crème. A blend of chia and linseed oils add shape and protect hair from humidity, while babassu oil brings the shine. Unfortunately, there isn’t a fragrance-free version—so, if you’re sensitive to scents, keep that in mind.

K18 Molecular Repair Hair Oil

A Best of Beauty winner, K18’s Molecular Repair Hair Oil tackles frizz from the inside out. Its signature K18 peptide repairs damage from heat and chemical treatments, while avocado and sunflower oils smooth and condition for sleek, healthy-looking hair.

Wavytalk Thermal Brush

Wavytalk’s Thermal Brush is the star of tens of thousands of videos highlighting its ability to deliver a solid blowout on any hair type. “For my longer layers, wrapping my hair around the brush before gently pulling while twisting did the trick for creating a nice curl all the way through,” Allure’s commerce producer, Sarah Hoffmann, says. Psst: Wavytalk’s entire lineup is up to 45% off for Prime Day.

T3 Aire 360 Multi-Styler & Blowout System

The bristles on T3’s Aire Multi-Styler get a tight grip around even the thickest hair. Allure’s former associate manager of special projects, Talia Gutierrez, says this shortens the number of passes needed to smooth her “wavy, coarse strands.”

Dr. Groot Scalp Relief Tonic

Soothe an itchy, dry scalp with Dr. Groot’s easy-to-use tonic. The spray-on formula absorbs quickly with just a few seconds of massaging and won’t leave your styled hair looking greasy, so you can refresh your scalp anytime, anywhere.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

Winner of an Allure Readers’ Choice Award, the Dyson Supersonic is one of the best blow-dryers for all hair types—fine, curly, thick, you name it. Its fast-yet-gentle drying power comes from Dyson’s patented Air Multiplier technology and intelligent heat control, which helps prevent damage while keeping noise to a minimum.

Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream

I​​f soft, heat-free hair is your dream, Briogeo Style + Treat Yuzu + Plum Oil Soft Power Air Dry Cream is about to be your go-to. The creamy yet lightweight formula smooths and hydrates, enhancing your natural waves while reducing frizz for strands that feel as good as they look.

Fable & Mane Holiroots Hair Oi

Not all hair oils are meant to be used after styling. Inspired by Ayurvedic hair oiling—a 5,000-year-old practice in India that involves massaging warm, herb-infused oils into the scalp and strands to nourish—Fable and Mane’s HoliRoots Hair Oil is designed to be worked into the scalp section by section before your shower. Leave it on for at least five minutes (or overnight) for stronger roots, less breakage, better circulation, and deeply hydrated, healthy-looking hair.

More Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Hair-Care

Treat your hair post-bleach or -color by using a restorative shampoo and conditioner. Our editors love Pureology’s color-safe Hydrate line so much, we gave them a Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and 2024 for their pigment-boosting and softening effects.

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Makeup

We’re all about keeping it simple, and these Prime Day makeup deals make looking polished effortless. Think: a glow-boosting primer for a lit-from-within base, a precise brow pencil that shapes your arches without looking overdrawn, and a blush that instantly wakes up your complexion.

Too Faced Ribbon Wrapped Lash Mascara

Too Faced’s Ribbon Wrapped Lash is a lengthening, separating, and lifting tubing mascara that seriously shows up for your lashes. The 24-hour, no-clump formula holds strong through sweat, humidity, and even tears—volumizing all the while.

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream

There’s more than one reason IT Cosmetics’ Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream won a Readers’ Choice Award three years in a row. Aside from a heaping serving of broad-spectrum SPF 50, this formula delivers nourishing additives that bridge the gap between skin tint and moisturizer.

Fwee Lip & Cheek Glowy Jelly Pot

This K-beauty blush delivers a springy dose of sheer color (just as stunning on lips as it is on cheeks), all housed in a crystalline case that sits pretty on your vanity. It comes in 19 shades, ranging from muted poppy to moody purplish cherry. And, because accessorizing matters, there’s even an option to bundle your blush with a petite, keychain-size version.

Clinique High Impact Hi-Fi Full Volume Mascara

If there’s mascara we trust to survive long days, surprise tears, and the kind of humidity that usually spells disaster for eye makeup, it’s Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara. Unlike most waterproof formulas that can leave lashes feeling stiff or flaky, this one keeps them soft and lifted while delivering major volume.

More Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Makeup

In eight vibrant shades, Maybelline’s Lifter Gloss Plump doesn’t just add color—it brings the heat. Infused with chili pepper, it gives your lips a tingly boost of plumpness while smoothing away any fine lines.

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Wellness

From high-tech skin tools to oral care upgrades that make fresh breath feel less like a chore, these wellness deals are all about feeling good from the inside out. Standouts include the Oura Ring Gen3 Heritage and viral alarm clock, the Hatch Restore 3, which both rarely go on sale.

Laura Mercier Eau de Parfum

More Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Wellness

If you want to go all-in on smelling like a vanilla cupcake, spritz Laura Mercier’s Vanille perfume and indulge in the sugar rush. This scent has so much more to offer than sweet, warm vanilla (although that’s definitely the star note): Daylily, sandalwood, and amber create a balanced scent that lingers all day. (We recommend you spray lightly!)

Amazon Prime Day Beauty Deals: Teeth Whitening

---

How We Find the Best Prime Day 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.

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Do you enjoy thrifting?

Mostly, yes, if we’re just window shopping and I’m not expecting to find something. If I’m on the hunt for a specific item, then it’s not as fun for me because then I’m just overwhelmed, LOL!

2. One thing you plan to cook this week?

Air fryer chicken parmesan. I’m trying a new recipe!

3. Did fall sneak up on you this year?

Oh, totally. I’m going to try my best to make it a smooth one though. I’m aiming for minimal chaos as we lead up to the holidays, please.

4. How much time does it take to do your hair?

Anywhere between five minutes (side part and low bun) and 20 minutes (loose waves).

5. Do you ever buy beauty products for other people?

Definitely! If it’s something that I love that I think my friends and family will love too, then I hook them up. Yesterday I bought some makeup for Connor, as a matter of fact. She needs some non-irritating eye makeup to wear to dance performances, so I grabbed some Clinique on sale online at Nordstrom.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Do you enjoy thrifting?
2. One thing you plan to cook this week?
3. Did fall sneak up on you this year?
4. How much time does it take to do your hair?
5. Do you ever buy beauty products for other people?

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Did you wear lipstick today?

Nope, today was Laneige Lip Balm in Vanilla. I had grand plans to wear a bright lip but at the last minute went super low key.

2. One beauty-related task you’d like to get better about?

I haven’t been doing a great job at keeping up with upper lip and chin hair removal. In my defense, my near vision is crap these days, so half the time I can’t see those pokey things growing out the side of my face, haha!

3. Your thoughts on ramen?

Love it but so much of it depends on two main things for me: 1) the broth and 2) the texture of the noodles. If either of those are off, then I’m out.

4. One nice thing you’ve done for yourself today?

I watched the sun rise while treating myself to an early morning walk. It was glorious!

5. Can you roller skate?

Sure! I learned back in the ‘80s way before knee pads, helmets and parental supervision, hahaha. It was you versus the pavement. Admittingly, I learned REAL quick!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Did you wear lipstick today?
2. One beauty-related task you’d like to get better about?
3. Your thoughts on ramen?
4. One nice thing you’ve done for yourself today?
5. Can you roller skate?

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Are smokey eyes dated?

I feel like 10 years ago you could get away with wearing a full-on smokey eye in the middle of the day to go buy a loaf of bread and it was totally not a big deal, right? Because wearing ALL THE THINGS was very much the look of that era. Now? Eh, maybe not so much. That said, I still think that for certain events, a smokey eye still looks classic and chic, but it totally depnds on what you pair it with.

2. How early is too early?

Anything before 5:30! 5:30 is no problem, though.

3. Do you enjoy driving?

If I’m just scooting about town, then I don’t mind it. If it’s anything longer than two hours on the highway, then nope.

4. Are you a Swiftie?

I like a handful of Tay-Tay’s songs but I’m not a hard core Swiftie at all.

5. Something you would love to have for dinner?

Assuming I didn’t have to cook it? Garlic noodles with shrimp would be great!

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Are smokey eyes dated?
2. How early is too early?
3. Do you enjoy driving?
4. Are you a Swiftie?
5. Something you would love to have for dinner?

September is all about transitions, so it only makes sense that your beauty routine should follow suit. This month, launches from beauty brands like Malin + Goetz and By Rosie Jane blend all the best bits of summer and fall. Whether you’ve already started you autumnal Gilmore Girls re-watch or are holding onto the final weeks of summer, there’s some newness for everyone. Think: citrus-y perfume, pumpkin spiced body-care, and hair tools that do it all.

Read on for our picks for September’s best beauty launches.

Native Vanilla Cream & Pumpkin Body Wash

Pumpkin spice latte season has officially arrived, but the delectable scents don’t have to stop at your go-to coffee shop. Native’s Vanilla Cream & Pumpkin scent is available now, and it promises to add some sweet pumpkin goodness to every step of your self-care routine.

Sidia x Sofie Pavitt Face The Studio Candle

A spa day is always a good idea, but it’s not always that easy to get on the schedule. Now, you can embrace the relaxing vibes of your favorite treatment room from the comfort of your home. Sidia and cool-girl esthetician Sofie Pavitt teamed up to launch The Studio Candle. The scent channels the vibes of Pavitt’s NYC studio with notes of yuzu, rhubarb, neroli, and blonde woods.

Malin+Goetz Niacinamide Restorative Cream

Malin+Goetz’s latest and greatest is a new face cream that addresses signs of aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. With niacinamide and gentle actives (like nameko mushroom and alpha arbutin), this formula works to hydrate your skin while improving its texture and tone.

Sarah Creal Beauty Eyes Up Creamy Kajal Liner

It’s hard to find an eyeliner that lasts, especially on textured eyelids. This new launch from Sarah Creal Beauty aims to remedy that. Created with 40+ users in mind, the creamy liner is formulated for easy application and a smudge-proof finish.

Eighth Day Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer

Some skin-care is worth the investment. This new moisturizer from Eighth Day was developed by dermatologic surgeon Dr. Antony Nakhl to address skin concerns at the cellular level. It’s formulated with three weights of hyaluronic acid and the brand’s signature peptide-rich plasma to restore skin’s volume and boost hydration.

Anastasia Beverly Hills MicroStroke Brow Pen

There was a time when intensely bold brows were all the rage, but now, a more realistic look is dominating beauty trends. This new MicroStroke Brow Pen from Anastasia Beverly Hills makes this so much easier to achieve. The pen has an ultra-fine tip, making it simple to create thin strokes that mimic real hair. The spoolie on the other end helps finish off your brows.

Shark Glam Hot Tool Air Styling & Drying System

Shark’s new Glam Hot Tool Air Styling & Drying System has everything you need to unveil your best hair yet—seriously, feel free to get rid of the rest of your hair tools. It can replace your go-to flat iron, curler, round brush, and hair dryer. All the tools use a combination of ceramic coating and airflow technology for a frizz-free, glossy finish and speedy styling. Plus, you can choose from a Straight/Wavy or Curly/Coily system for your perfect blowout.

Dae Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand in Desert Peach

A slick-back is easier said that done, but this launch from Dae makes touchups easy. Tamp down flyaways and smooth frizz with the brand’s beloved travel-sized styling cream and wand, now available in a yummy peach scent that you’ll want to wear as perfume. 

Dior Rouge Dior On Stage Lipstick

Your lips deserve the best. Dior’s new Rogue On Stage lipsticks give your pout some instant color and hydration. The result? Smooth, plumped lips with noticeable pigmentation. Available in 10 long-lasting shades, there’s a lipstick option for everyone.

Estée Lauder Glossy Pout Tinted Lip Oil

Lip oil is always a good idea, especially as temperatures cool down and dry lip season begins. New from Estée Lauder, this oil uses hyaluronic acid, botanical oils, and vitamin E to provide 24-hour moisture. 

Aerin Amber Musk Vanille Eau de Parfum

A change of seasons is the perfect time to find your next signature scent. Start with Aerin’s newest launch, the Amber Musk Vanille Eau de Parfum. This limited-edition gourmand fragrance has notes of vanilla and marshmallow. Orange flower and rose centifolia add a floral layer to the sweet scent.

By Rosie Jane Remi Eau de Parfum

Citrus scents and flavors are everywhere in the summer months, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave that zest behind. By Rosie Jane’s new perfume contains notes of mandarin, cardamom, and white amber for a fresh fragrance that’s warm and citrus-forward—perfect for the final days of summer.

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. Something on your nightstand?

A big ol’ stack of books that are about to fall over, LOL!

2. Something funny your pet does?

If Marnie likes you and walks past you, she’ll quickly lick your knee or your leg if you’re wearing shorts or a dress. We call it “drive-by lickies.”

3. Something you’d like to do today?

Cook some late summer veggies that I’ve had since Tuesday. I wish all those lovely string beans, squash and zucchini would saute themselves in olive oil and a little salt, but alas, that’s not happening.

4. Something you’re trying to let go of?

UGH, the clutter. I always think to myself, “I might need this someday,” but honestly, 99 percent of the time, I don’t even use whatever I was hoarding.

5. Something you absolutely love?

That feeling after a good eight hours of sleep! My body wakes up on its own, and I don’t have that tired feeling in my eyes. Love, love, love it.

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. Something on your nightstand?
2. Something funny your pet does?
3. Something you’d like to do today?
4. Something you’re trying to let go of?
5. Something you absolutely love?

So…what is the Monday Poll?

Excellent question! It isn’t, contrary to its name, an actual poll, like with little clicky buttons. It’s just a list of more or less random questions I’ve been posting on this blog every Monday morning for the past quadrillion years (since 2007).

1. How good are you at keeping plants alive?

I used to be OK at it, but these days not so much. I think I could still be if I wasn’t so busy with taking care of the other living things in my family (human, cat and dog, LOL). One day soon, though, Connor won’t need me as much, so maybe then I’ll get back into gardening.

2. A drugstore beauty staple you swear by?

Aveeno body moisturizers. Sure, they’re not particularly exciting in terms of ingredients, but they keep my skin happily moisturized without any irritation, and the scents don’t aggravate my migraines.

3. What’s worse: getting a really itchy bug bite or having insomnia?

Insomnia, hands down.

4. How often do you iron your clothes?

Most days because I can’t deal with wrinkly shirts.

5. Would you rather try a new mascara or stick to one that you know you already like?

Let’s try a new one, why not?

Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,

Karen

P.S. Here are the questions to copy/paste with your answers in a comment. Talk to ya soon.

1. How good are you at keeping plants alive?
2. A drugstore beauty staple you swear by?
3. What’s worse: getting a really itchy bug bite or having insomnia?
4. How often do you iron your clothes?
5. Would you rather try a new mascara or stick to one that you know you like?