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 you do to help make your makeup routine a little easier when you’re getting ready?

I keep a small bag within my regular makeup bag filled with the barest of the bare essentials. Now that I see that in writing it seems a little crazy, LOL! But yeah, having a super pared down mini bag helps a ton. Inside it I have brow pencil, mascara, undereye concealer and a cream blush that doubles as a lipstick.

2. When it’s rainy outside, how do you typically do your hair?

I don’t even bother, really. I run a brush through it and throw it in a bun or a ponytail.

3. What’s your favorite fall lip color?

Matte red, baby!

4. What’s the newest thing in your makeup bag?

I bought a waterproof mascara by Maybelline that’s $5 on the recommendation of a tv/red carpet makeup artist who said she’d been using it for years. We’ll see if it’s any good!

5. Something you love about fall beauty?

Dark, short, shiny nails. I think they look chic!

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 you do to help make your makeup routine a little easier when you’re getting ready?
2. When it’s rainy outside, how do you typically do your hair?
3. What’s your favorite fall lip color?
4. What’s the newest thing in your makeup bag?
5. Something you love about fall beauty?

Check out a TikTok of the E.l.f. tubing mascara in action. 

I can confirm that it STAYS put on my lashes until I want it gone. (Even the best of waterproof mascaras make me look like a raccoon after a few hours.) Then, it’s super easy to remove the “tubes” with a few gentle swipes. I’ll be buying this stuff again and as long as they make it. 

Here’s Emma Lord‘s review that convinced me: 

“I am not a new human to the tubing mascara game, and in fact readily spent $26 on the famous OG blend from Blinc every time it needed replacing. I didn’t even love it for the length half as much as the fact that tubing mascara like this genuinely never smudges, but can I just say — regardless of price, the E.l.f. tubing mascara formula blows all the others I’ve tried out of the water. It gives me way more length and volume than other brands, slides on so much more easily, stays put ALL day, and never, ever smudges. My favorite part, though, is how gently and easily it comes off with soap and water. In the past, other mascara removals have felt rough on my lashes, but this comes off so fast that I’m like ??? was I even wearing mascara a minute ago?? Anyway, I hesitate even writing this review because I want to gatekeep the hell out of this before it sells out, but the world needed to know. I’m a big fan of the brown shade (which is what I’m wearing above!), but it also comes in black and soft black.” 

Get it from Amazon for $7 (available in three shades). 

If you have concerns about your under-eye area, you’ve likely encountered numerous products claiming to address darkness and dullness. And with beauty brands constantly launching new products, it can be difficult to figure out which ones will truly be effective.

When it comes to concealer, color corrector, and under-eye brightener, each has its own benefits; however, the key is understanding when and how to use them effectively. Below, we’ve created an easy-to-follow guide explaining what each product does and the best way to use them. Continue reading to discover expert tips and tricks for keeping your under-eye area looking fresh and bright.

What Is Concealer?

When you need a concentrated formula to cover dark spots or pimples, concealer is the best product to utilize. Davis explains, “Concealer is a concentrated complexion product designed to camouflage blemishes, redness, or dark circles. It’s typically more pigmented than foundation, making it the go-to step for spot-correcting areas where you want fuller coverage.”

Concealers come in two popular formulas: cream and liquid. It’s essential to determine which one you’re most comfortable wearing, while also considering the level of coverage you need. Additionally, consider what finish you prefer, whether it be satin, matte, or luminous. Often formulated with nourishing skincare ingredients and emollients, concealer blends easily into the skin and can be applied using your fingers, brushes, or sponges.

What Is a Color Corrector?

When learning about color correctors, having an understanding of color theory is helpful. “Color correctors are used to neutralize discoloration before concealer”, Davis explains. “They rely on color theory—think peach and apricot tones to help cancel out blue/purple under-eye circles, green for neutralizing redness, and lavender for brightening sallowness.”

What Is Under-Eye Brightener?

When you want to look like you’ve had at least eight hours of sleep, you’ll want to reach for an under-eye brightener, which is known to instantly perk up the eye area. “An under-eye brightener adds radiance and luminosity to tired eyes, making you instantly look more awake, Davis says. Gossman adds, “Think of an under-eye brightener as a beauty filter for under your eyes.”

How to Layer Them

Before using a concealer, corrector, and under-eye brightener, it’s important to prep your skin. “Start with an eye cream to hydrate and smooth the under-eye area”, Davis recommends. This creates a hydrated, smooth base for makeup.

Once you’ve applied your eye cream, the under-eye brightener is next, followed by the color corrector, and finishing with concealer. Since the eye area is delicate, Gossman recommends a gentle application: “Apply the product gently if you are using your finger—tap the product and do not pull. If you are using a brush, apply in a sweeping back and forth motion (like windshield wipers) and think about having a light hand, the way an artist drawing would.”

Let each product settle for a few minutes between applications to prevent pilling and caking, ensuring you have a natural blend and finish. Need extra staying power? Davis recommends setting everything with a light, translucent powder to seal in the look.

The Final Takeaway

Knowing when and how to use concealer, color corrector, and under-eye brightener can help you address common concerns, including dark circles, dullness, and redness. Our experts recommend starting with an under-eye brightener, then applying a color corrector, and finally, concealer. Aside from the layering process, Gossman and Davis emphasize the importance of choosing formulas tailored to your skin type, desired coverage level, and finish preference. Keeping these tips in mind will ensure your under-eye area appears even and vibrant all day long.

Swiping on one of the best blush sticks is our favorite shortcut to glowy skin. We’re talking about the portable, twist-up, cream-based formulas that often contain skin-nourishing ingredients like shea butter or squalane. If you constantly find yourself with only 10 minutes to get ready (as we so often do), blush sticks can be real lifesavers—not to mention come in handy as eye shadow and even lip tint, too. New to the most travel-friendly pop of color around, or wondering which blush sticks are truly worth buying? We chatted with Allure editors to determine the best of the best, save you some time while shopping, and help you achieve your perfect flush.

Our Top Blush Sticks

Best Overall: Make Up For Ever Artist Color Crayon

Why we love it: You’re in the driver’s seat when it comes to maxxing out Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon. With a whopping 24 shades, these sticks do far more than blush: Depending on your pick, you’ve got concealer, contour, or highlighter options, though the pink and peachy hues create a lovely flush. The creamy, lightweight, and long-lasting formula blends out in a snap on cheeks, lips, or eyes. And, the sticks’ compact shape makes it easy to grow your collection without overcrowding your makeup bag.

McGrath before applying Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon

Kara McGrath

McGrath after applying Make Up For Ever’s Artist Color Crayon

Kara McGrath

Best Multipurpose: Nars The Multiple

Why we love it: Nars’s The Multiple got a glow-up, with a new and improved formula so good that we gave it a Best of Beauty Award this year. Think: longer wear time (up to 16 hours, according to the brand) and a cream-to-powder texture that’s not too thick or sticky. Along with the brand’s iconic Orgasm shade, The Multiple comes in 11 other colors that range from peach to berry tones—ideal for mixing, matching, and layering together. Hydrating peach kernel oil helps this blush go on smoothly, but it dries down to a blurred finish that doesn’t budge (even after hours of wear, according to one Allure editor). If your makeup philosophy is “set it and forget it,” this might be for you.

Felbin before applying the Nars The Multiple

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Nars The Multiple

Sarah Felbin

Best Blush-Lighter: Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlight Stick

Why we love it: The Westman Atelier Lit Up Highlighter Stick bridges the gap between blush and highlighter with some major skin-care benefits, thanks to hydrating jojoba seed oil and firming vitus vita grape extract. The product itself is easy to blend, with a dewy, shimmery finish that almost makes your cheeks look wet. Lit Up comes in seven shades, including Petal, pictured above, which is a rosy pink that instantly won us over.

For some extra “Yeah, I go outside, so what?” energy, apply a small amount to your forehead and nose. Want more color payoff and less shimmer? Grab the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick—it’s just as stunning, but not as shiny.

Herrick before applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick

Lexi Herrick

Herrick after applying Westman Atelier’s Lit Up Highlight Stick

Lexi Herrick

Best for “No-Makeup Makeup:” Violette_FR Bisou Blush

Why we love it: The brainchild of Parisian makeup artist Violette, Violette_FR Bisou Blush melts into your skin for an (almost) effortless, natural-looking flush. There are six marbled shades to choose from that look as beautiful on skin as they do in the tube, including neutral beige Louise (pictured here) and Aïssa, a pink for darker skin tones. “You can tell a makeup artist made these,” says makeup artist Kirin Bhatty. “The shades are thoughtfully chosen and are perfect for those who love a ‘no-makeup-makeup’ look.”

More to love: The addition of antioxidant-packed ginger root extract and candelilla wax, an emollient that helps protect your skin barrier. You’ll also dig the soft-but-sturdy, detachable brush at the bottom for easy on-the-go blending.

Hoffmann before applying Violette_FR’s Bisou Blush

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying Violette_FR’s Bisou Blush

Sarah Hoffmann

Best for Dry Skin: Rhode Pocket Blush

Why we love it: A proud member of the Rhode family, Hailey Bieber’s Pocket Blush became an instant Allure-editor favorite—and for good reason. The petite, pocket-size profile makes it easy to tote around and allows for targeted application, depositing silky-smooth pigment every time. Lightweight and hydrating, it comes in 11 shades you can apply directly onto your lips and cheeks, then gently blend out with a finger or brush. For added shine on your lips, top it off with the brand’s viral Peptide Lip Treatment.

Sarah Han before applying Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Sarah Han

Sarah Han after applying Rhode Pocket Blush in Toasted Teddy

Sarah Han

Best Sheer: Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly

Why we love it: Milk’s Cooling Water Jelly looks good enough to eat—but please, don’t. The yummy vibes are only outdone by the sheer, long-lasting flush this stick delivers, along with an instantly cooling feel. “The cooling is from the release of water upon pressing,” says cosmetic chemist Ginger King. “Also, the inclusion of aloe vera with humectants like glycerin, sorbitol, and polysaccharides with polymers can enhance that effect.” Makeup artist Sara Wren suggests using a brush with this one “[because it] allows you to build up the watercolor-like pigment and gives a more precise application.” Since it’s technically a stain and sets quickly, we recommend working quickly.

Foresto before applying Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying Milk Makeup’s Cooling Water Jelly

Alessandra Foresto

Best Buildable: Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick with Hyaluronic Acid

Why we love it: Feeling low-key luminosity, or would you rather turn it up a notch? Take your pick with Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Lip + Cheek Glow Blush Stick, which has a sheer finish that blends and layers seamlessly if you want more of a pop, making it the best buildable option out there. What also sets it apart is the pearlescent pigment, which gives skin a soft-focus glow—think highlighter, but rosier.

We like to think of blush as pretty foolproof. There’s no detail work to master, no lines to stay inside of, and it looks great on everyone. But, there’s a little more to applying blush than just dusting it on. Carefully placed blush can manipulate the appearance of your face shape in sneaky ways—and without much effort (no trendy seven-step systems here). Play around with the looks below to find what application meets your own beauty needs. The results may surprise you.

Center blush for a youthful flush

Best for: square or angular faces

How to: Apply rounded bursts of blush to the apple of the cheek and softly blend outward. This placement softens sharp lines, widens the eyes, and rounds out the face. Done correctly, you’ll look like a doll.

Formula/shade type: Cream blushes in vibrant, pink tones

Beautylish recommends:

Lower blush

Best for: Long faces or prominent chins

How to: Sweep blush just below the apples of your cheeks, over the bone. This creates the illusion that your cheeks rest lower, balancing length and drawing the eye upward.

Formula/shade type: Powder blushes in warm peachy-pinks or soft corals

Beautylish recommends:

Under-eye flush

Best for: Round or petite faces

How to: A light wash of blush right under the eyes adds a dreamy, soft-focus vibe while elongating the face.

Formula/shade type: Sheer, liquid blushes in soft pink or dusty rose

Beautylish recommends:

Outer blush for a lift

Best for: Downturned or oval faces

How to: Apply blush along the tops of the cheekbones, curving it upward in C-shape toward the outer corner of your eyes. This creates an instant, natural-looking lift.

Formula/shade type: Cream blushes in deeper shades, like mauve, dusty rose, or terracotta

Beautylish recommends:

Draped blush to contour

Best for: Heart-shaped or angular faces

How to: Sweep blush from the cheekbones up toward the temples and into the brow bone. It mimics contour, but with a fresh wash of color.

Formula/shade type: Pigmented powder blushes in deeper, cooler shades, like plum, brick red, or deep rose

Beautylish recommends:

Gradient blush

Best for: Round or oval faces

How to: Start with a deeper tone near the outer cheek, then layer a lighter or brighter shade at the apples for a multi-dimensional pop. This technique instantly creates dimension.

Formula/shade type: Try a deeper berry or mauve powder on the outer edges and a bright pink or coral cream at the center. A duo or palette takes the guesswork out of finding complementary shades.

Beautylish recommends:

Full-face flush

Best for: Any face shape

How to: Dust a sheer, airy blush across cheeks, nose, forehead, and chin for the just-came-in-from-the-cold effect.

Formula/shade type: Sheer, buildable powders in warm peachy-pinks or soft corals

Beautylish recommends:

Illustrations by Christina Fung

Some shine, some shimmer, and some even tingle, but one thing all the best tinted lip balms do is provide equal parts moisture and color. Sure, there are some days when we want ultra-pigmented, matte color, but other days, especially during chillier months, we lean on a barely-there lip balm with a hint of sheen. But don’t fret—tinted lip balm has evolved since its humble Lip Smackers days. Makeup brands ranging from drugstore to prestige have refined ingredient lists to include powerhouse skin-care ingredients (hi, peptides and shea butter) and developed dreamy hues for every skin tone. So, when our dryness stops us from reaching for lipstick, these formulas come to the rescue, replenishing moisture and imparting glowy, our-lips-but-better finishes.

Our Top Tinted Lip Balms

• Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm, $24
• Best Plumping: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, $23
• Best “My Lips But Better” Shades: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey, $25
• Best Exfoliating: Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm, $24
• Best for Lip Lines: Kosas Wet Stick, $24
• Best Sheer: Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm, $30
• Best Buildable: Violette_FR Bisou Jelly, $29
• Most Delicious Shades: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment, $16
• Best Bold Shades: Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm, $28
• Best Drugstore: Hard Candy Lip Butter, $7

Best Overall: Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Why it’s worth it: Summer Fridays’ Best of Beauty-winning Lip Butter Balm comes in nine sweet-smelling tints inspired by some of our favorite treats (we’re looking at you, Iced Coffee). This TikTok-viral lip balm has it all: a dryness-diminishing formula, delectable flavors, and layerable formula—and the clear shade doubles as an overnight mask. As for its shades, you can go as subtle as Vanilla Beige (pictured) or amp up your natural lip color with a layer of Cherry. No matter which one you opt for, the rich formula seamlessly glides across and cushions dry, chapped lips in a blanket of moisturizing vegan waxes, antioxidant-rich shea butter, and murumuru seed butter.

Stables before applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm

Paige Stables

Stables after applying the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm in Pink Sugar

Paige Stables

Best Plumping: Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment

Why it’s worth it: Our editors can’t get enough of Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, which explains the 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner seal. Derms approve of the star ingredient (two types of peptides) when it comes to all skin, including the lips. “Peptides are effective for enhancing lip appearance by boosting collagen production, which helps keep lips firm and smooth,” Nicole Lee, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and owner of Epoch Dermatology in Garden City, New York, explained. “They also improve hydration, making lips plump and well-moisturized, and reduce the appearance of fine lines while supporting overall repair.”

Also contributing to the plumping, fuller-looking effect are kokum butter, mango seed butter, and cloudberry oil—a recipe for smooth-gliding, juicy success, if you ask us. What also doesn’t hurt: Ole Henriksen’s balms smell utterly delicious. Hello, creme brulee? Strawberry sorbet? We need one of each.

Trakoshis before applying in Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in Creme Brulee

Angela Trakoshis

Trakoshis after applying in Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment in Creme Brulee

Angela Trakoshis

Best “My Lips But Better” Shades: Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey

Why it’s worth it: First launched back in 1971, the sheer formula of Clinique’s Almost Lipstick has yet again returned to the spotlight, thanks to Gen Z’s obsession with the shade Black Honey, which won a 2023 Best of Beauty Award. The shade lineup has since expanded to feature Nude Honey and Pink Honey, which, as you can assume, is a pinkier version of its darker sibling. What has stayed the same, though, is the featherlight wash of color and texture—infused with castor seed oil, candelilla wax, and vitamin E for comfortable wear with each application (and reapplication).

Felbin before applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Clinique Almost Lipstick in Pink Honey

Sarah Felbin

Best Exfoliating: Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm

Why it’s worth it: Lips aren’t usually the first thing that comes to mind when you think “exfoliating,” but Eadem’s Le Chouchou Lip Balm is here to change that. Think of this lip-cocooning treatment as an ultra-fancy exfoliating chapstick. With hibiscus enzymes and lactic acid, it buffs away that crusty, dusty layer of dryness to reveal a juicier pout. “Anyone with dry, peeling lips or anyone looking for exfoliation would like this formula, which has alpha hydroxy acids and peptides that help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and plump the skin in the lips,” Corey L. Hartman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Alabama, previously explained. Oh, and about that tint: It comes in eight glossy shades (plus one clear), all deliciously smooth and glossy.

Han before applying Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm

Sarah Han

Han after applying Eadem Le Chouchou Exfoliating + Softening Peptide Lip Balm in Bissap Glaze

Best for Lip Lines: Kosas Wet Stick

Why it’s worth it: We know Kosas’s Wet Stick is technically a lipstick, but its ultra-moisturizing feel and sheer pigment lean much more balm than conventional lipstick. This lineup of 12 shades has a nude and pink for all skin tones, but our editors love that this balmy lipstick runs deeper than tint. We love swiping on its slightly slippery, lightweight formula for its barely-there feel and conditioning results. Speaking of its formula, it contains the hydration works: squalane, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and firming peptides, to be exact.

Shipin before applying the Kosas Wet Stick in Malibu

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Kosas Wet Stick in Malibu

Shanna Shipin

Best Sheer: Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm

Why it’s worth it: Nars knows its cheeks, bases, lips, and really everything in between, and Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm is living proof. True to its name, this sheer formula is perfect for those who like a subtle look with a hint of sheen—the latter is due to the hydrating complex (including coconut oil). Fair warning: The shade lineup includes the ever-iconic (and not-safe-for-grandma) Orgasm and Deep Throat.

Pai before applying Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm in Turbo

Deanna Pai

Pai after applying Nars Afterglow Tinted Lip Balm in Turbo

Deanna Pai

Best Buildable: Violette_FR Bisou Jelly

Why it’s worth it: Here’s a quick, unprompted French lesson: “Bouche mordue” means just-bitten lips. That’s the vision Violette Serrat (Violette_FR’s founder) had when creating these extra-juicy lipstick-balm hybrids, otherwise known as Bisou Jelly. The texture lives up to its name, and then some, in case you have doubts. The outer jelly layer acts as a supremely hydrating base, while the vitamin E-infused, deeper-hued core adds a subtle wash of color. No need to be precious about application, either—it’s oh-so buildable, almost to a fault. Position the jelly ring right above your lip line for a cute, fuller, but never obvious effect.

Hoffman before applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffman after applying Violette_FR Bisou Jelly in Aïssa

Sarah Hoffmann

Most Delicious Shades: Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment

Why it’s worth it: If there’s one lip product nearly every Allure staffer has on their desks, it’s the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment. Our editors praise this gooey lip balm for its ability to impart equal parts moisture and color. Bonus: The shades—particularly Ube Vanilla and Blood Orange Vanilla—are much more pigmented than other tinted balms. This concoction of shea butter, jojoba oil, and amino acid lysine leaves our lips feeling smooth and nourished.

Calaor before applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

Jesa Marie Calaor

Calaor after applying the Tower 28 LipSoftie Lip Treatment in Ube Vanilla

Jesa Marie Calaor

Best Bold Shades: Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm

Why it’s worth it: On days you can’t decide whether to wear lipstick or lip balm, Ilia‘s Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm has your back. The hybrid formula doesn’t compromise pigment or moisture (thanks to sea succulent extract, rosehip oil, and shea butter), so your lips stay soft with gorgeous color all day long. We also love that this lip balm has a buildable tint you can apply in one swipe for a sheer hint of color or layer for a more opaque, glossy lipstick-like finish.

Blackman before applying Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm in Faded

Annie Blackman

Blackman after applying Ilia Balmy Tint Hydrating Lip Balm in Faded

Annie Blackman

Best Drugstore: Hard Candy Lip Butter

Why it’s worth it: It’s the cushiony, moisture-packed formula of Hard Candy’s Lip Butters that makes these $7 tubes true steals. Loaded with murumuru, jojoba, mango, and shea butters, it leaves lips soft and hydrated for hours—no constant reapplying required. The shade range includes a fall-ready Berry Mousse and Toasted Coconut, a sheer brown that’s as good as it sounds, and even a clear, minty option if you want a pick-me-up without the tint.

Wohlner before applying Hard Candy Lip Butter in Whipped Peach

Lily Wohlner

Wohlner after applying Hard Candy Lip Butter in Whipped Peach

Lily Wohlner

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ingredients are commonly found in tinted lip balms?

Whether tinted or clear, a balm’s main job is to offset dryness and chapping, and to do this, they’re spiked with nourishing ingredients you’re probably familiar with from your skin-care routine. Here are a few of the most common ones:

Hyaluronic acid

This humectant is arguably the most popular hydrator in skin care. Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist, previously told Allure that hyaluronic acid is “great at holding water and giving skin resilience and firmness.” She also noted that, while injecting hyaluronic acid into the deeper layers of the skin will provide the most effective results and help restore lost volume, this ingredient is quite beneficial as a topical. “When used in creams, lotions, and serums, it can also do wonders for rejuvenation and hydration,” she said.

Shea butter

While humectants like hyaluronic acid actually bind water to the surface layer of the skin, emollients like shea butter act as a seal to prevent moisture loss while reducing roughness and flaking. “Shea butter is rich in essential fatty acids, making it an excellent emollient for the skin, helping to simultaneously moisturize and protect against water loss,” Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut, previously told Allure. Dr. Nichols added that shea butter is also a great source of vitamins A (also known as retinol) and E, two antioxidants that soothe and soften irritated, dry, and itchy skin. “This combination of powerhouse ingredients makes shea butter an ideal ingredient to help soothe symptoms of common skin-care conditions such as eczema, rosacea, and psoriasis, to name a few,” she says.

Jojoba oil

Despite having “oil” in its name, jojoba oil is relatively lightweight. “Jojoba oil is actually a liquid wax, which is why it feels less greasy on skin compared to oils,” cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson and founder of BeautyStat previously told Allure. Unlike most oils, jojoba oil is mainly composed of fatty acids, alcohol, and hydrocarbons. According to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, jojoba oil’s composition is what gives its moisturizing properties a light texture that won’t clog pores as easily as other oils. “It acts as both a humectant to draw moisture in and an emollient that softens and smoothes the skin,” she said.

Peptides

You’ve likely seen a boom in peptide lip treatments, and for good reason. If you’re looking for a (much more subtle) alternative to fillers or Botox, “Peptide lip balms can be effective for improving lip texture and hydration,” Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City explained. Though the concentration and type of peptides will determine how effective said peptides are, the star ingredient can firm, smooth, plump, and minimize the appearance of lip lines.

What’s the difference between tinted lip balms and lip tints?

They may have similar names, but tinted lip balms focus on moisture replenishment while lip tints and stains provide more potent color. Though not every lip stain can be considered a moisturizing balm, Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist Kelly Dobos previously told Allure that, depending on composition, just about any lip product can act as a tint. “The color additives are the primary determinant of whether a color actually stains the lips,” she says. “It’s really about the chemistry of the color additives that contribute to staining, so balms, glosses, and lipsticks can all be lip stains.”

Meet the experts

• Cindy Bae, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Doris Day, MD, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist
• Kelly Dobos, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based cosmetic chemist
• Kim Nichols, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Greenwich, Connecticut
• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City
• Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and founder of skin-care brand BeautyStat

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.

Regardless of whether you’re someone who is meticulously devoted to a ten-step skin care routine or prefers to stick to a low-key, simple regimen, it’s important to take note of the changes that occur as part of the natural aging process and adapt to them.

Given that our skin’s needs change as we age, it’s always smart to occasionally reevaluate the beauty products in our repertoire. The products that look great in our 30s are not always going to be the ones that best serve our skin’s needs in our 50s and beyond, whether its skincare staples or everyday makeup must-haves, like a go-to blush.

New York City-based makeup artist Abby Lauren is partial towards using very hydrating formulas on mature skin, both for prepping the skin and when applying makeup products. “I love using a hyaluronic acid serum then a very hydrating moisturizer. If the skin is really dry, you can seal it in with a facial oil!” This creates a more receptive base for foundation, blush and other makeup products.

She recommends that people with mature skin use a cream blush over a powder blush. “Cream blush adds a natural glow and is creamier and much more hydrating than a powder,” she said. Not only does the extra hydration look gorgeous, but Lauren adds that it is “easy to apply with your fingers and just blend it out,” which makes it a great option when on the go and for people who don’t love fussing with makeup tools. 

Since cream blushes are also generally buildable, you can customize your application to the amount that best suits your aesthetic on any given day without looking cakey or outdated. However, Lauren cautions that less is more, and there’s always the chance that “the more product you use, the more likely it is to settle into fine lines and wrinkles.”

Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.

This season feels like the right time for a thoughtful reset, and Nordstrom’s beauty edit holds just what I need. I stocked up on some of my essentials– beauty staples I have been using for years and truly love. Here’s what on my list:

Depuff- I learned this combo from a sales associate at a beauty counter once. She told me the combo of this eye cream with these gel patches, was her go-to method. I’ve been doing the combo for months now and it’s proven to be true. This week we had two big shoots for upcoming collaborations, so this was on my early morning beauty prep.

Dark Circle Correction- I’ve improved my dark circles dramatically from a better diet and drinking more water, but I can’t get rid of the blue tinted veins under my eyes that increase the look of under eye darkness. To help correct this, I use my tried and true concealer, with these bronzing drops that help bring my more color to my face.

Skin Glow- I’ve used this bronzing powder for years, along with this cream blush, for the perfect sun-kissed glow. It’s one of my favorite combos!

Bonus: Lip combo- This lip liner and lip gloss, both in “pillow talk”, have been a favorite neutral color for a long time. A little color on the lips makes all the difference.

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Eye cream & Gel patches

Concealer & Bronzing drops

Bronzing powder , Cream blush, Lip liner & Lip gloss