Frequently Asked Questions

Does LED light help with acne?

LED light therapy masks can be an effective way to treat acne, especially when they combine blue, red, and near-infrared wavelengths. “Blue light penetrates the upper layers of skin and kills P. acnes bacteria—think of it like a bouncer at a club, kicking out the troublemakers before they cause chaos,” says Dr. Gohara. “Red light goes deeper to calm inflammation and promote healing by boosting collagen and circulation. Near-infrared light reaches even further to support long-term skin repair and soothing.”

According to Dr. Levy, these devices are particularly effective in treating inflammatory acne, including cystic and hormonal breakouts. “Blue light helps by reducing inflammation and targeting Cutibacterium acnes, the bacteria that contribute to acne formation,” she says. “Red light is particularly effective for calming redness and reducing post-inflammatory erythema—the lingering red marks that can stick around long after a pimple is gone.” However, she notes that light therapy is generally not effective for comedonal acne, like blackheads and whiteheads.

Together, these light wavelengths target both the root causes and visible aftereffects of breakouts, making LED masks a smart option for managing mild to moderate inflammatory acne.

How often do people need to use an LED mask to see results?

To see the best results from an LED mask, “consistent use is key,” says Dr. Gohara. “Most people need to use LED devices 3–5 times a week for several weeks to see improvement — think of it like going to the gym for your skin.” While results can last, she notes that maintenance is essential to keep breakouts at bay. “Once-daily short sessions usually suffice; this isn’t a ‘more is better’ situation.” If you’re hoping for long-term benefits, stick to a regular routine.

What are the downsides to LED therapy?

Results often take weeks of consistent use, and the devices can be pricey. Mild side effects like temporary redness or dryness can occur, especially if you overdo it, so make sure to follow up with a good moisturizer. “Before starting any LED treatment, it’s always wise to consult your dermatologist,” Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, previously told Allure. Those who might avoid LED acne treatments “include people with deeper skin tones, certain conditions like melasma, sensitive skin, or those taking Accutane for acne,” he says.

Meet the experts

• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology based in New York City
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Hamden, Connecticut
• Noah Gratch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, NY
• Lauren L. Levy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Lewis Dermatology Associates based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best LED masks for acne, we considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, product wear, and value. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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).

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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

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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

Eight Saints is a small business that specializes in skincare products. 

Promising review: “I’m a huge fan of all things Eight Saints. I have sensitive skin, and this is the first skincare line that I have seen results in my skin texture and fine lines while not triggering my eczema. When I saw they added this neck cream to their product line, I knew I had to try it. At 39 years old, I’ve noticed some loss in firmness of my skin on my neck, and when I wake up in the morning, I have wrinkles on my decolletage from side sleeping. I started using this about a week ago, and I’ve already noticed improvements in the fine lines on my neck, plus when I wake up in the morning, no more wrinkles on my chest! It’s so smooth, thick, and creamy, but rubs into your skin with ease, and it’s so hydrating. Top quality product again from Eight Saints!” —Ms Leach 

Get it from Amazon for $34. 

When it comes to hydration, two ingredients often stand out in skincare: squalane and hyaluronic acid. While both are known for boosting moisture, they work in different ways. Here’s a breakdown of how they compare—and why you may want to use them together.

What is squalane?

Squalane (with an “a”) is a stable, lightweight oil lab-derived from squalene, a lipid our skin naturally produces. As we age, our natural squalene production decreases, leading to drier skin. Squalane mimics this natural sebum, making it an ingredient the skin easily recognizes and absorbs.

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Squalane is an emollient, and works by creating a lightweight barrier on the skin’s surface to prevent transepidermal water loss (TEWL). It doesn’t necessarily hydrate the skin; it locks in the moisture that is already there. It’s non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, but typically best for dry, mature, sensitive, and acne-prone skin.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a major component of the skin’s structure and is responsible for its plump, hydrated appearance. Just like squalane, our skin produces less hyaluronic acid as we age.

Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, and works like a sponge, attracting and holding onto water molecules and pulling them into the skin. A single gram can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. It deeply hydrates and plumps the skin, and delivers a major hydration boost when applied to damp skin.

How are the ingredients different?

While both squalane and hyaluronic acid provide moisture, they work differently. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant and draws water into the skin, while squalane is an emollient, which means that it acts as a barrier and traps moisture in the skin. Think of hyaluronic acid as a drink of water, while squalane is the bottle cap that keeps the water from evaporating.

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Different skin types can also benefit from each ingredient. Because of its light texture, hyaluronic acid works best on oily and acne-prone skin, while squalane is especially effective for drier skin types.

How can squalane and hyaluronic acid be incorporated into a skincare routine?

Good news: you can incorporate these hydration heroes into practically any step of your routine. From serums to moisturizers, here are some of the best ways to incorporate each.

Squalane

Squalane can typically be found in facial oils, creams, and treatments that deliver long-lasting nourishment.

Try:

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Hyaluronic Acid

You’ll often find this powerful humectant in cleansers, serums, and elixirs that deliver hydration at different stages of your routine.

Try:

Can you combine squalane and hyaluronic acid in one routine?

As well as these ingredients work on their own, they’re even better together. For the most effective results, use a hyaluronic acid serum or elixir first to flood skin with hydration (remember to apply to damp skin!), then follow with a squalane oil or cream to lock it in.

To use on skin while preventing irritation, simply apply a generous layer of water-based serum, place your index finger on the glass tube, turn the device on, touch the glass tube’s tip to your skin, then remove your finger and glide the tube across your skin. It’s recommended to limit sessions to a maximum of two minutes twice per week. And bonus! This comes with FOUR different attachments: a spot tube for targeting individual areas, a mushroom tube to treat broad areas like the forehead, cheeks, and jawline, a tongue tube for the areas around your eyes and nose, *and* a comb tube you can use on your scalp to promote lush, healthy-looking hair. 

See what this user has to say after doing a three-day test on it in this TikTok.

Promising review: “I wish I had discovered this before my mid-40s because it may actually be a miracle device. I’ve had hormonal acne for years, and it makes me so very self-conscious. When I say I have tried everything, I mean everything: numerous dermatologist recommendations, microdermabrasion, regular facials, all the gimmicks out there. Then I bit the bullet and got this. Y’ALL. Y’all! You will think I’m lying, but I am absolutely not. Three days of using this device and my acne is almost gone, my rosacea is getting better, and I plan to start using it on my wrinkles next since it’s doing so well on the acne! MAGICAL. If you’re on the fence, buy it.” —Emily H.

Get it from Amazon for $79.95.

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. 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?

Exfoliation is a useful tool for addressing many signs of aging skin, including fine lines, dullness, and yes, age spots. However, exfoliation is all about balance. “You want to exfoliate just enough to increase cell turnover and reveal fresh new skin, but be sure to not scratch or damage your skin by overusing these devices or products,” says Ife Rodney, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Eternal Dermatology, about exfoliation frequency.