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You know the top-of-the-world feeling when you’ve been upgraded from economy to first class? Suddenly, you’re not just getting from point A to point B. You’re being served complimentary champagne and have plenty of room to stretch your legs. That’s what 2026 is going to do for your nails.

The classic French manicure is leveling up with sparkly, bejeweled tips. Dainty polka dots have become bold, San Tropez beach-worthy stripes. We’re giving our go-to black manicures a piercing (or five) for a little extra edge. And glass nails have become blown-glass nails—not just shiny, but sculpted, holographic, and three-dimensional.

There’s nothing wrong with the classics, of course. But if you could cash in your frequent flyer manicures for a little luxury, why wouldn’t you? Below, we asked the experts to break down the biggest nail art trends they expect to see in 2026.

Stripes

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The entirety of 2025 belonged to the polka dot. For 2026, a different design has, well, earned its stripes. Pinstripes were a major touchstone at the last Met Gala, and since then, the sartorial-inspired pattern has been on runways and celeb fingertips.

Miss Pop created white and red stripes for Alice + Olivia’s spring/summer 2026 runway that ran the gamut from thick, bold, vertical lines to sporty “athletic sock nails” that feature two thin, horizontal red stripes on the tips. But, as with polka dots, there are a thousand ways to do it. Draw inspiration from wide, beach umbrella awning stripes, the varied width and colors of barcode stripes, or diagonal candy stripes. All you need is a steady hand and a striping brush. This nail art tool from Olive and June is dual-ended, so you can make teensy hairline stripes or lay it on thick.

Glitzy French

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This trend is magic. It’s like you gently dipped your fingertips into a martini glass filled with glitter and gemstones and somehow emerged with this dainty, glitzy French manicure. “It’s like jewelry for your nails,” says Sofi Mazur, a Scottsdale-based nail artist. “It’s the kind of manicure that catches the light when you move your hands.”

Getting this done in real life will take a little more time than a wiggle of your fingers, but the results are worth the wait. Start with a super-crisp neutral base (Hermès Nail Polish in Rose Porcelaine will add a little extra luxe to the manicure) and use a professional crystal adhesive instead of popping the gems directly onto the gel, says San Diego-based nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk. (“Those will pop off in two days,” she warns.) Then customize to your heart’s content. Rows of silver studs or a smattering of multicolored rhinestones look equally as high-end.

Nail piercing

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An ear is just for hearing until you pierce it. Suddenly, it’s hearing and talking. It says, “I’m tough enough to put a needle through my body,” and that toughness increases with every new high-shine addition (even if some of those piercings came from a mall kiosk when you were 12. That’s between you and the bored teen who pierced you). The same goes for your nails. A nail piercing is a signal that you have claws, and you aren’t afraid to use them.

Like with all body piercings, you’ll probably want a professional to do it. The holes will need to be drilled through a hard gel overlay or acrylic nail, says Mazur, and it’s better if your nails are long. Try a single gold hoop for something classic or attach chains for a more runway-inspired look. If you’re committed to DIY, two small silver studs glued on either side of the nail give the look of a true piercing without any of the fuss.

Mixed maximalist

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Who said you need to know what you want? If you like a bejeweled French, and a nail piercing, and silver chrome, and tortoiseshell, and, and, and.… Well, why not have it all and give each finger its own personality? After a year of “clean” and “soap” aesthetics, it’s a welcome shift to throw everything at the wall.

“To make it look elevated instead of messy, there still has to be a rhythm behind the chaos,” says Mazur. “I usually choose a unifying color palette or one repeating element that ties the whole set together, like keeping everything in warm tones or repeating one metallic accent across the nails.”

Blown glass

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If you’re the type that can’t resist the gentle tip-tap of your nails on the side of a champagne flute, consider a manicure to match. Blown-glass nails are a delicate work of art worthy of a Baccarat table setting and a toast with Chihuly himself. (He probably loves glass-tapping ASMR.)

“Blown-glass nails is one of those rare trends that can be interpreted a hundred different ways and still look stunning,” says Telemaniuk. You can sculpt 3D designs with hard builder gel, or simply buff chrome powder over clear polish to give it a crystal-like shine. (We like Dior Nail Glow or Londontown Kur Bare Illuminating Nail Concealer for this.) “It can be subtle, dramatic—or both.”

Meet the experts

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• Sofi Mazur is a nail artist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Valeriia Telemaniuk is a nail artist based in San Diego.

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Lori Harvey, Selena Gomez, and Hailey Bieber do not have magical powers (that we know of), but they do have the power to change the length of their hair with just a few flicks of a styling wand. All three women have what I like to call “The Better Bob.” It’s basically a lob (as in, long bob) that gives the illusion of a bob, depending on how you manipulate the ends. When you’re no longer feeling the bob, you can easily transition back to longer strands with just one swoop of a brush, making it the perfect noncommittal haircut.

Though it’s had a major resurgence, this cut isn’t totally new: In the ‘90s, Naomi Campbell, Julia Roberts, and Jennifer Anniston opted for collarbone-grazing, medium length hair over the short bobs and pixies of the time—often styling their length with bumped ends, tousled curls, or voluminous layers that straddled the line between bob and lob so, well, you couldn’t quite tell which it was.

A modern case in point: Selena Gomez’s Instagram feed. In one post, the singer’s hair is in a flowy lob that grazes her shoulder blades, but in a post just a day later, she has a voluminous bob that sits right at the nape of her neck. Part of me wanted to attribute this beautiful sorcery to extensions, but my beauty editor Spidey sense told me otherwise. There it was: The Better Bob.

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Lori Harvey, who lives on many people’s hair inspo Pinterest boards, has also been known to keep her length between a bob and a lob, often going back and forth between the two lengths in a day's time. Los Angeles-based hairstylist Ray Christopher has been styling Harvey for seven years and says her hair was to the middle of her back when they began working together. Harvey cut her hair into a neck-length bob at the start of 2022 and went even shorter (jaw-length) in October 2022.

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According to Christopher, Harvey’s hair has almost returned to the middle of her back now, but while she was growing it out, she would often curl the ends of her lob to achieve a voluminous ‘90’s-inspired bob. But instead of pulling out the scissors, Christopher says he’d reach for a texturizing spray and a curling iron. “I love the Oribe Texturizing Spray and the Paul Mitchell Super Clean Light Hairspray,” Christopher tells Allure. The hairstylist used the texturizing spray to create volume before blowing the hair out and creating iron curls. A generous application of hairspray helps lock the curls in place.

New York City-based hairstylist Miriam Chisala uses the same method to create a faux bob on lob-length hair. Chisala echos that using a texturizing or volumizing spray is best but prefers to use a round brush over a curling iron because it creates more voluminous curls. Christopher also mentioned that he will sometimes tuck the strands up into the hair and use bobby pins to secure them, though Chisala says that “when the length is between the shoulder and the neck, you don’t necessarily need bobby pins.”

“If you get it curled enough, sometimes all you need is a little bit of spray,” says Chisala. Teasing the hair at the roots with a fine-tooth comb (especially further down by the nape of the neck) can create even more volume, according to Chisala, as it lifts up the hair to create the illusion of shorter length.

Screenshot instagram.com/haileybieber

For an even lower-effort transformation, look to Hailey Bieber, who was the talk of the Internet when she got a bob haircut back in 2023. Now, it seems the Rhode founder has grown out her crop, but not so much so that she can’t revisit the look at a moment’s notice. The new haircut, courtesy of hairstylist Justine Marjan, sits just above Bieber’s shoulders with the ends flipped out in different directions for a slightly tousled look. According to the experts, all Bieber has to do is tease her roots, create round brush curls, and douse her hair with hairspray, and she’ll be back to a bob in just minutes.

So, if you’re noncommittal when it comes to your hair’s length or you just want to look like the lead in an early 2000s rom-com, consider flexing between a lob and a bob as your signature hairstyle—it’s guaranteed to keep everyone on their toes.

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Ever wonder what it’s like shopping with a beauty editor? Welcome to Counter Service, a series where we visit our favorite beauty boutiques IRL. We’re visiting the curated spaces and places that make shopping in person oh-so fun—and you’re coming with. On a balmy winter day in Los Angeles, Shanna Shipin, Allure’s senior shopping director, visited Flamingo Estate’s Los Angeles pop-up shop to get into the sensorial holiday spirit.

As enticing as the entrance: Free two-hour parking in the back.

Ingrid Fowler

Floor to ceiling gorgeosity.

Ingrid Fowler

About a quarter block down, you can smell it. Damask rose, peppermint, and rosemary—the scent wafts along Figueroa, the busy Highland Park street where Flamingo Estate’s holiday pop-up is perched in Northeast Los Angeles.

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• Bushels to Beauty, and Back Again
• The Holiday Harvest Shop
• Wrapping Up
• Shop Flamingo Estate

Bushels to Beauty, and Back Again

Long before it launched an experiential arm, Flamingo Estate was a farm box company founded by Richard Christiansen, formerly of Chandelier Creative, a legendary New York-based creative agency with a roster including Hermès, Cartier, and, more recently, Rhode. While that last client was post-Christiansen’s departure, his background as a creative director is as crucial as his upbringing on a rural Australian farm; who else could turn humble produce shipments into lusted-after luxury deliveries? I relocated from New York City to my hometown of Los Angeles during the pandemic, and without entirely joking, I would tell people I moved because the hustle was a lot—that, and the lack of good citrus. A real homecoming was had, then, when I returned in 2021 and immediately signed up for the locally famous farm boxes.

A few years later, Flamingo Estate has emerged as a globally recognized lifestyle brand that doesn’t just curate high-quality produce and pantry essentials, but has also launched bath and body products, candles, books, and, oh, just a few cultural moments. The Heirloom Tomato Candle arguably sparked the entire tomato girl movement of painting our fragrance wardrobes a bright, juicy red. (As Christiansen notes, “It has always been our number-one selling product, and much copied by other brands (but never perfected),” a potential Loewe dig that adds to lore). Then there are the various celebrity collaborations, my favorite of which has to be the limited-run Pamela’s Pickles, inspired by a recipe handed down to Pamela Anderson by her great aunt.

Hand cream secured.

Ingrid Fowler

A+ tablescaping.

Ingrid Fowler

As a beauty editor, I’ve found the most fascinating growth to be in Flamingo Estate’s beauty assortment. Take the Manuka Rich Cream—which felt entirely organic to the brand, considering Christiansen’s parents are beekeepers. And just this year, the Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick earned an Allure Best of Beauty Award in the body category. I tested the latter for our awards, and there’s always something exciting about seeing a red-seal product in the wild, watching customers discover its magic, too.

The Holiday Harvest Shop

The corner store shares a wall with the company’s LA headquarters and workshop. When I arrived at the mossy green building, I almost walked in through the back door where its soap bars are produced (one hundred at a time). I didn’t miss out on any sort of sensorial or tactile experience, though—the smelling, the touching, the feeling, the tasting! I got it all when I swung around to the front entrance.

The first thing that hits you is the sight of rosemary and sage bunches hanging from the ceiling. Peeking out from above them is a hand-painted mural of pink flowers, a gentle juxtaposition to the green-drenched interior. The space itself is a small footprint, and although it's filled with candles, soap bricks, and jars of honey everywhere you look, it doesn’t feel crowded. There’s one worker set behind a wooden apothecary-like counter, and Flamingo Estate’s office manager, Alex, who is on olive oil-tasting duty in one corner of the store. Above them, dried peppers serve as an edible crown molding.

I wish you had smell-o-vision right now.

Ingrid Fowler

Dream kitchen alert!

Ingrid Fowler

Each wall is flanked by a checkerboard of products and the brand’s holiday gift boxes—each with a cross-stitch design that feels all at once new and nostalgic. The beauty products are on one side; the pantry essentials are on the other, and the center counter is home to a show-stopping floral arrangement. True to the brand’s ethos of respecting the lifecycles of the natural world, the centerpiece isn’t replaced with a new bouquet each week; instead, stems are swapped out organically until it's transformed into a new arrangement entirely.

There are persimmons dotting the base of the vase, which are found all over Los Angeles (including my mom’s backyard), and not coincidentally, in my favorite vinegar from Flamingo Estate. Next to them is an array of treats, including the seasonal (and viral) Spicy Strawberry Fruit Snacks made from Harry’s Berries morsels, which were noted as having “juice-dribbling texture” in The New York Times. It’s just the kind of if-you-know-you-know touch the brand is so adept at bringing to each product. The last thing I notice is a woven basket on the checkerboard floor with dog toys shaped like various Flamingo Estate items, an ode to Christiansen’s two beloved Cocker Spaniels.

Wrapping Up

The shop is curated with precision, yet the effect is one of ease, making it just the sort of space you want to find yourself in when shopping for thoughtful home items or gifts for anyone in your life. No pressure to check out; you feel rich whether you walk out with the $90 fig oil or not. That’s the trick with Flamingo Estate, and indeed anything done well: It’s deceptively simple. There’s a depth you can only capture in person—holding the weight of decadent soap bars, the look on your loved one’s face when they unwrap a candle inspired by their favorite dessert, the warmth of sharing really good olive oil and bread with strangers.

As I’m leaving, my Prinsesstårta Set beautifully packaged in hand, I’m wistful in the way you sometimes get during Christmas. I’m sad it’s over before I’m out of the door. But not to worry: The shop will be open through the end of the year, and the brand has a few more pop-ups planned. There’s one for Valentine’s Day, another for Mother’s Day, and Flamingo Estate’s first permanent location will open in 2026 in Los Angeles. Emerald City, here we come.

I’ll take one of everything, thanks!

Ingrid Fowler

And we’re off—time to wrap these gifts.

Shanna Shipin

Shop Flamingo Estate

You can shop Flamingo Estate directly on its website, at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and surely at a chic boutique near you. Here are some picks I love for the holiday season.

Prinsesstårta Fragrance Oil

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Flamingo Estate

Prinsesstårta Fragrance Oil

$68

Nordstrom

Holiday shopping isn’t complete without a gift for yourself, right?

Ingrid Fowler

The Prinsesstårta Candle is perhaps my favorite item from Flamingo Estate. I’m a gourmand girl, especially during the holidays, and while you could absolutely gift the candle, let them eat, or wear, cake. This newest iteration of the brand’s Prinsesstårta theme is a lovely oil with marzipan and vanilla notes, along with amber, Oakmoss, and lemon to ground the scent and keep it from becoming cloying. In the store, I went back to roll this fragrance on my wrists no less than three times.

Bestsellers Set

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Flamingo Estate

Bestsellers Set

$122

Flamingo Estate

My kind of Jenga tower.

Ingrid Fowler

Yes, Flamingo Estate started in the garden with edible goods, but gifting soap—one of the brand’s signature bricks—is a can’t-miss situation. Accompanying the Allure 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Peppermint Soap Brick is the opportunity to help your loved ones laugh in the face of precipitation by lighting up the popular tomato candle in the dead of winter.

Mini Jasmine & Rose Rich Cream

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Flamingo Estate

Mini Jasmine & Rose Rich Cream

$22

Flamingo Estate

Once you go nice-hand-cream, you never go back.

Ingrid Fowler

The mini Jasmine & Rose hand cream is the perfect stocking stuffer your giftee will not want to leave the house without. This is a fabulous scent as a candle, but the sheen the cream leaves on your hands is sublime. (I prefer it over the Manuka version, which is a bit too rich for me as an everyday product.) You'll also be gifting them the ritual of cupping their just-moisturized hands over their nose and taking a deep inhale with every application.

Three Sisters Candle Set

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Flamingo Estate

Three Sisters Candle Set

$200 $160 (20% off)

Flamingo Estate

So cute, it’s us!

Ingrid Fowler

I’m one of three sisters, and I hope my siblings don’t read this story too soon, because otherwise their Christmas gift will be spoiled. This gift set completely surprised me in the store—it was so fun to pop open a box and find these petite candles. I love the idea of me and my sisters lighting these candles at the same time in our three different homes.

The Garden Tour

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Flamingo Estate

The Garden Tour

$245

Flamingo Estate

When you’re tired of that other hand soap, try this one.

Ingrid Fowler

The one product I keep stocked in my bathrooms? Rosemary Clary Sage Hand Soap. It’s what you want your hands to smell like after washing. Plus, Flamingo Estate updated its packaging just eight weeks ago, and while I initially missed the tall jewel-toned bottles the soap and body washes used to be housed in, seeing the new vessels in their glory—meticulously aligned on shelves—was so beautiful. You can get the soap and body wash, along with other garden essentials, in this beautiful gift set to stock their home (and promptly visit).

The Guide to Becoming Alive

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Flamingo Estate

The Guide to Becoming Alive

$50 $40 (20% off)

Amazon

$50

Flamingo Estate

The title says it all.

Ingrid Fowler

While the brand’s first book, Fridays From the Garden, is filled with gorgeous recipes and is an ode to its roots, this latest work is all about food for the soul. You’ll find words, thoughts, and advice from the likes of Jane Goodall, Martha Stewart, Jane Fonda, and so many more inspiring people with unique perspectives on, well, getting your hands in the dirt (literal or proverbial). It’s a lovely kind of sentiment to gift the person looking for renewal in the coming year—and aren’t we all, always?

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As someone who has long struggled to grow my 4C hair past my shoulders, long natural hair has always been aspirational. So, when one of my co-workers announced that the Guinness World Record for the biggest afro had been awarded, I scurried over to record holder Jessica Martinez‘s Instagram page. There, I found post after post featuring Martinez’s voluptuous curls, often brushed out into a poufy ‘fro that takes up the bulk of the frame. In real life, her afro measures 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference—which is about the size of a large beach ball.

I couldn’t help but wonder: How’d she grow her hair so long? While my goal isn’t record-breaking length, I could definitely benefit from a few tips on how to grow and retain long healthy curls. A heart to heart with Martinez revealed that her approach, like that of many hairstylists, is to treat her scalp like a garden and her hair as its blooms: “It’s all about creating a good environment for hair to grow,” she tells me over Zoom.

Courtesy of Karl Jean Baptiste

As simple as that sounds, there are still quite a few hurdles Black women face when trying to grow their hair—one of the main ones being the misconception that natural hair can’t grow long. Los Angeles-based hair colorist and co-founder of Highbrow Hippie Kadi Lee theorizes that this stigma exists because “the beauty industry doesn't show many examples of healthy, long natural hair, which quietly reinforces certain ideas about textured hair.”

South Carolina-based hairstylist Maya Smith says the way natural hair behaves also plays a role in this stigma. “Shrinkage [which refers to how tightly curls form] contributes to the illusion that our hair is short,” says Smith. “With un-manipulated hair, it’s often hard to get an accurate visual of someone’s actual length.”

Of course, external factors like heat and chemical damage play a role in how long your hair can grow. But in general, both stylists and Martinez agree that consistency and low manipulation are key in growing long natural hair. Ahead, the experts share their tips for growing your curls and coils while keeping as many inches as possible.

Know that protective styles don’t always equal protection

“A surprising amount of people seem to misuse protective styles,” says Smith. “Protective styling does not mean tuck it away and forget about your hair for the next three to six weeks.” Smith explains that your hair will absolutely dry out if you do this.

Keeping your style in for two months isn’t a crime, but be sure to moisturize and even cleanse your scalp if you can. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Curology medical director suggests using an anti-fungal shampoo with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which help clarify the scalp. Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains pyrithione zinc, plus peppermint oil and cucumber oil, which can be soothing. An apple cider vinegar cleanser like R+Co Lost Treasure Apple Cider Cleansing Rinse can also help clarify the scalp when you're wearing a protective style. Pharm to Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner and Camille Rose Mint Condition Spray contain tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and aloe which can help relieve itchy scalps.

I love braids as much as the next Black girl, but I have recently come to terms with the truth that braids aren’t the best protective style for me due to the tension they put on the scalp. “I often see individuals with textured hair struggle to grow it long because the hair has been over-manipulated with constant restyling, overuse of hot tools, and only giving their hair small breaks from protective styles,” says Lee. “This all creates unnecessary breakage.” Dr. Tolpinrud echoes this, adding that this sort of damage can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair, often from tight hairstyles worn over time.

For Martinez, completely cutting out styles like box braids, wigs, and weaves was essential to her hair growth journey. “I limit my styles to super low-tension. I would even call them no-tension,” says Martinez. The content creator relies on styles like simple plaits (she puts her hair in two braids after each wash day), mini twists, the occasional half up half down style, and, of course, her signature afro.

Keep wash days simple

You’re less likely to be consistent with a routine that you don’t enjoy or can’t find time for—which is why Martinez simplified her routine. When first learning how to do her hair, Martinez recalls, it would take “forever.” “It took me many hours to do all the things. And then I decided to get rid of all the steps that I hate and just focus on the things that I need,” she says.

According to Lee, what every person with textured hair needs on wash day is a deep cleanse, a deep conditioning treatment, and a leave-in product. For her part, Martinez uses a prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo for her seborrheic dermatitis, Aussie 3 Minutes Miracle Curls Detangling Deep Conditioner, Mielle Organics Kalahari Melon & Aloe Vera Deep Hydration 2-Minute Deep Conditioner, and Pattern Detangling Nectar. She washes her hair once a week, and she’s able to maintain that cadence because she doesn’t dread it.

Manage your expectations

Breakage is bound to happen from every day wear and tear—even to those with the most resilient strands. Martinez says she sometimes experiences a little breakage when she wears her hair in a half up half down style—at which point she doesn't “freak out about it.” “I'm not like, ‘Oh my God, I need this miracle hair product,’” says Martinez. “It's like, ‘No, okay, girl, maybe don't wear your hair like that for the next few weeks because you done messed up.’”

Many haircare brands market creams and oils that claim to grow hair and while some can help, they can’t replace the basics of a consistent, nourishing hair care routine, says Smith. Martinez warns against falling for the trap that any one product can grow your hair (especially if it claims it can do so quickly).

Part of Martinez’s hair growth journey has involved patience and making peace with the fact that even though her hair can break world records, it won’t always behave or grow the way she wants it to.

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Millie Bobby Brown isn’t Eleven anymore. After ten years of facing monsters, the actor has finally finished her run as the Stranger Things hero. “I know I’ll never play her again,” she says wistfully. But she isn’t really saying goodbye to the character: “[Eleven] has influenced me in huge ways. She is a force to be reckoned with, who gave me a lot of confidence to be a hero within my own life.”

That self-assurance motivated Brown to launch Florence by Mills in 2019. “Naturally, [that role] gives you the confidence to be like, ‘Yeah, I might not know everything about skin care and beauty, but I’m going to build a company at 15.’” Since the start of the Netflix show, Brown, now 21, has also starred in the Enola Holmes and Godzilla films. She got married (to Jake Bongiovi) last year and recently adopted a baby girl. She isn’t even Millie Bobby Brown anymore, if you want to get technical. Legally, she’s Millie Bonnie Bongiovi.

Despite the internet’s resistance to the idea, she’s grown up and firmly in her “most authentic era,” which she attributes to motherhood. “Being a mother expedited this version of me,” she says. “Nothing could get in the way of me being who I need to be for my daughter.”

“Nothing could get in the way of me being who I need to be for my daughter.”

With the addition to her family, self-care has become even more important in her routine. “I want her to see me take care of myself,” she says, but she doesn’t mean indulgences like lengthy facial massages. “You have to do everything ten times quicker, and you don’t really get to do your gua sha in the morning.” Instead, self-care takes the form of more frequent check-ins with herself and her loved ones.

She journals regularly and she’s careful not to be self-deprecating, conscious of the example she sets for her daughter. “I have to talk to myself kindly,” she says, explaining that it can be easy to “talk badly about yourself and your body” if you’re not being mindful. “After becoming a parent, I couldn't imagine talking about myself like that anymore, because she's going to watch me do that.”

Brown also says it can be a reflex to shrink yourself for others, admitting she’s done so before. “Women naturally kind of become smaller so that men feel bigger,” she says, before adding that she can’t see herself doing this anymore for the same reason—her daughter.

Brown recognizes, though, that motherhood isn’t for everyone, and that nurturing your inner child can also help you flourish as a human. “I want everyone to choose their own destiny and be on their own journey,” she says. “If it's not a child who expedites [this growth], think about your inner child. Think about the person that you used to be.”

Shop Millie’s Favorite Things

Florence By Mills Stay Plush Serum Infused Lip OilSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Florence by Mills

Florence By Mills Stay Plush Serum Infused Lip Oil Tint

$16

Ulta Beauty

$16

Florence By Mills

“I’m obsessed with this,” Brown says about her latest makeup launch. She layers the shade Strawberry Sunrise atop different lip liners, calling it “nourishing and hydrating while giving you the best lip look ever.”

Glow Hub Hand Sanitizer Cleansing MistSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Glow Hub Hand Sanitiser Cleansing Mist

$10

Glow Hub

“I’m a mommy,” she says. “Literally, there is one in every single bag I have.”

Nurse Jamie UpLift Facial Massaging Beauty RollerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Nurse Jamie

Uplift Facial Massaging Beauty Roller

$69

Amazon

$69

Revolve

This facial massager puts Brown in her “most zen state” when she’s getting her makeup done.

UK Lash LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face MaskSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Uklash

UKlash UKskin LED Dual Light Pro-Therapy Face Mask

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Uklash

“An LED mask is a necessity,” she says, explaining that she feels its red and blue lights help her acne-prone skin.

Florence By Mills Love Core Black Cherry Hair & Body MistSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Best Body Steals

Florence By Mills Love Core Black Cherry Hair & Body Mist

$18

Ulta Beauty

Brown says it’s one of her favorite products from her line: “It reminds me of Valentine’s Day.”

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Like so many of us who answer the gnawing inner voice that asks “Should I get bangs?” with a resounding yes, Kourtney Kardashian was bound to eventually tire of her fringe. She's been wearing blunt, piecey bangs for a couple of months now, but with the help of hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, she's apparently growing them out in the most iconic fashion.

Giannetos posted a carousel of photos to his Instagram grid, revealing a whole new look for the Lemme founder. After weeks of stick-straight length and brow-skimming bangs, her hair has been totally reshaped into a retro, bouncy blowout.

“New ‘the YSL-haircut,’” Giannetos wrote in the caption. “It’s Farrah Fawcett it’s Fashion it’s Feathery it’s Fluffy and it’s 70s!" He adds that her glossy, darkest-brown, loose curls and newly swoopy curtain bangs have been given a boost by Great Lengths hair extensions.

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Emphasizing the seventies-ness of it all are her oversized Saint Laurent aviator sunglasses. We can't tell what she's wearing beneath her coat, but it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if it included dramatically flared jeans.

When Kardashian shared Giannetos's post to her Instagram story, she also tagged makeup artist Jennifer Luney Tioseco, who gave the reality TV star bronzed cheeks and shimmering nude lips—a low-key look that pairs well with her subtle off-white manicure.

Even if you don't have access to Giannetos and ample extensions, Kardashian's new style can definitely serve as guidance for when you decide to grow our your bangs. She proves a flippy, middle-parted curtain bang never fails.

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I’m no stranger to dry skin during the cold months — including slight peeling on my face and white ashiness on my knees—but about two winters ago I experienced an unparalleled level of uncomfortable dryness around my nipples and areolas. I thought that was bad, until 2024 when I was pregnant and one of the many bizarre pregnancy side effects I experienced was dryness and itching around my areolas.

And just when I thought it couldn't get worse, it did. The early days of postpartum and breastfeeding my daughter brought even more dryness and itching in that area than I could bare. If you're reading this, chances are you've experienced a similar itchy dilemma, for any number of reasons.

Experts say the issue is not uncommon, and various factors can lead to dry and itchy skin around the nipples. "Dermatitis, excessive sweating, or even an uncomfortable bra" are a few of the common reasons for dry skin in the nipple area, says Kim Nichols, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.

It may take a bit of guesswork to determine what exactly is causing your itchy boobs (more on that in a minute), but if the sensation is severe and causing a lot of discomfort, your first step should be to see a dermatologist to figure out exactly what is going on. For more minor cases, there are a handful of over-the-counter products and specific ingredients you can use to help soothe the dry, itchy skin on your breasts.

To help, we tapped board-certified dermatologists and an ob-gyn to explain how to know what's causing your discomfort—and how best to treat it.

Meet the experts:

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• Kim Nichols, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Greenwich, Connecticut.
• Elyse Love, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
• Hoosna Haque, MD, is a board-certified ob-gyn in New York City.
• Mina Amin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

What causes dry nipples and breasts?

It's important to note that nipple skin and breast skin are slightly different, though both have thinner skin than other areas of your body, making these places particularly prone to dryness and irritation. Nipple skin, as opposed to breast skin, "is hair-free, has more glands, and rests on smooth muscle. It has many nerve endings and can be [even more] sensitive," explains New York City-based ob-gyn Hoosna Haque.

One likely cause of dry skin around the nipples and breasts surprised me: "Not wearing a bra can potentially trigger some dryness if there's chafing of the nipple against the clothing," explains Elyse Love, a New York City-based, board-certified dermatologist. Who would've thought freeing the nipple might actually dry it out?

On the flip side, wearing the wrong bra (both size and fabric) can also cause irritation from chafing. "You want to be careful of the fabric you're using and [avoid] harsh detergents," says Dr. Haque. Dermatologists recommend cotton bras and undergarments because they are less abrasive against the skin.

Other reasons for dry skin on your breasts and nipples could include cold or dry air, irritating fragrances or body products, and overly hot showers, say our dermatologists. Dr. Love also says eczema (a condition that causes the skin to become red, itchy, scaly, and inflamed) could be a possible diagnosis even if you've never had it before or don't have it anywhere else on your body. 
"[The breast area] is not an uncommon place for eczema to appear. And it can occur in people who have had a history of eczema in different places over the years or it can happen because the skin gets dry or irritated, particularly this time of year when it's dry outside," says Dr. Love.

There can also be hormonal factors at play when it comes to dryness on the breasts. "Most of the time, when women experience [excessive] dryness in the nipple and areola area it's due to a hormonal imbalance—whether it's pregnancy or menopause," says Dr. Haque. She explains that the skin on and around the breasts can become dry or irritated during pregnancy due to an increase in progesterone and estrogen that can cause the skin to become thinner, making it increasingly susceptible to dryness. There can also be a fluctuation in these hormones for people who menstruate, leading to the same result.

The ins and outs of breastfeeding can also cause dryness and itching around the breasts—of course it'll be pretty easy to know if this is what's causing your irritation. “During breastfeeding, there are many reasons why irritation may occur. Poor latch, pumping issues (incorrect size of flanges), or trauma to the area can lead to skin breakdown,” says Mina Amin, a board-certified dermatologist in Los Angeles.

When should you see a dermatologist about dry nipples and breasts?

That depends. If the dryness you’re experiencing is recent, Dr. Love recommends asking yourself questions like, what's changed in my routine in the past week? Did I buy a new undergarment? Has the weather suddenly changed? But, as we said, if you are pregnant, nursing, or going through menopause, this could be a clear cause of dryness on your breasts, and Dr. Haque suggests sharing your symptoms with your ob-gyn.

Say the dryness and irritation aren't going away after two weeks of simple swaps like trading your satin bra for a cotton one. In this case, Dr. Love recommends seeing a dermatologist for more clarity. "Sometimes it can be helpful just to see a professional. Typically it's easier for us to connect the dots because we know the things to ask [about]," she says. A dermatologist will also be better able to determine if the dryness is, in fact, eczema and can provide a more targeted treatment.

What products can help treat dry nipples?

You don't need an entire skin-care routine dedicated to your boobs, but experts agree that you should be intentional with how you treat dryness in that area. "It is very sensitive, so it's an area that you want to be thoughtful about," says Dr. Love. The dermatologist recommends showering with gentle, fragrance-free cleansers like Dove Sensitive Skin Body Wash and Aveeno Skin Relief body wash.

Another derm tip for combating dryness: "Within three minutes of getting out of the shower, apply moisturizer to the entire body," says Dr. Love. She explains that applying hydrating products while your skin is still a bit damp from the shower helps lock in moisture. Dr. Love also recommends using a thicker balm or cream on your breasts to maximize hydration. Her personal favorites for patients and herself include CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, Eucerin Advanced Repair Cream, and Avene XeraCalm Lipid Replenishing Cream. (She is an ambassador for the latter brand.)

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Dove

Sensitive Skin Body Wash

$10

Amazon

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Aveeno

Skin Relief Body Wash

$13 $10 (23% off)

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$10

Walmart

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Avène

XeraCalm A.D. Lipid-Replenishing Cream

$38

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$38

Dermstore

$38

Eau Thermale Avène

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CeraVe

Moisturizing Cream

$20 $19 (5% off)

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$18

Dermstore

$20

Ulta Beauty

Dr. Nichols says to look for products that include lanolin oil, like Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream. 
"[Lanolin] restores moisture in the nipples by reducing water loss in the skin. It's derived from sheep's wool and is widely known for its natural moisturizing properties," she says.

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Aquaphor

Advanced Therapy Ointment Body Spray

$13 $12 (8% off)

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$13

Walmart

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Lansinoh

Lanolin Nipple Cream

$11 $10 (9% off)

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$10

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Pre-baby, I loved Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray. The spray applicator made it easy to cover my chest without getting messy. I would mist a light layer on my breasts after applying my lotion of choice and massage it in (this is a great time for a breast self-exam), focusing on areas of dryness. It's made a huge difference in keeping the skin on my breasts moisturized all day. But after having my daughter, the Lansinoh Lanolin Nipple Cream is my go-to. I love how thick and emollient it is—plus it's safe for baby so no need to wipe it off before nursing.

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If treating flakes has always left you, er, scratching your head, you’re not alone—and finding the best dandruff treatments starts with understanding what’s actually causing them. “Dandruff is a very common concern. While the term gets used as a catch-all, it can stem from several different issues, including seborrheic dermatitis, product buildup, contact dermatitis, and psoriasis,” says Julie De La Cruz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami.

What dermatologists typically mean when they say dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis. “This is where an overgrowth of normal flora yeast leads to inflammation, itching, and flaking,” Dr. De La Cruz explains. True dandruff has a distinct look, which helps explain why it doesn’t always respond to basic moisturizing alone. It typically appears as larger white to yellowish flakes that have a slightly oily quality and tend to cling to the scalp and hair rather than dusting off easily. Redness and itchiness are common underneath, and it’s most often seen on oilier scalps, especially around the crown, hairline, or behind the ears. (By contrast, small, white, powdery flakes paired with a tight—but not inflamed—scalp usually point to dryness, while thicker, silvery scales with sharper edges may signal scalp psoriasis.)

Our Top Dandruff Treatments

• Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, $16
• Best Shampoo: Vichy Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $20
• Best Conditioner: CeraVe Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Conditioner, $12
• Best for Textured Hair: Cecred Scalp Refreshing Spray, $38
• Best Scalp Serum: Jupiter Restoring Serum, $35
• Best for Oily Scalps: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo, $9
• Best for Dry Scalps: Dove Derma Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, $5
• Best Scalp Exfoliator: Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator, $26

That’s why managing dandruff often takes more than just a shampoo (though it’s still a great place to start). Supportive conditioners, leave-ins, and barrier-repair formulas can help calm irritation, rebalance the scalp, and keep flakes from making a comeback between washes. Ahead, the best dandruff treatments derms recommend when flakes show up uninvited.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Is dandruff the same as dry scalp?
• Can you get rid of dandruff?
• What ingredients should I look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole

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Nizoral

Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole

$16

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$16

Walmart

Why it's worth it: When it comes to treating dandruff, dermatologists often turn to ketoconazole, “which is an antifungal that inhibits an enzyme key to yeast growth,” as a first line of defense, says Dr. De La Cruz. “Usually I start with a ketoconazole-based shampoo like Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% ketoconazole, given that studies show ketoconazole to be slightly better tolerated than other ingredients,” says Dr. De La Cruz. Ketoconazole works by controlling Malassezia yeast that fuels dandruff, helping calm flaking, itching, and irritation at the source instead of simply rinsing flakes away. If an over-the-counter formula doesn’t do the trick, Dr. De La Cruz notes she’ll prescribe a 2% ketoconazole shampoo for severe dandruff. Bonus: Nizoral has a fresh, clean scent that makes it feel more pleasant to use regularly.

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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"Eczema doesn't just plague my skin—it hits me with an intensely itchy(!!) and flaky scalp. Needing a gentle yet effective solution, my doctor long ago suggested I use Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo with 1% Ketoconazole, and it's helped me manage the snowy flakes of dandruff over the years. Nizoral has helped me tackle suspected fungal acne breakouts on my forehead, too. Those tiny acne bumps hate to see the blue shampoo coming.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

More to know

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• Key ingredient: 1% ketoconazole
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Shampoo: Vichy Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Vichy Laboratories

Dercos Selenium Sulfide Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$20 $15 (25% off)

Amazon

$20

Dermstore

$20

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: If your dandruff comes with thicker, oilier scales, selenium sulfide is often the next move. “Selenium sulfide works very well and feels comfortable, is not overly drying, and works quickly,” says Dr. De La Cruz. Like ketoconazole, it targets the fungus behind flakes, but via a different angle: “Unlike ketoconazole that blocks the enzyme for yeast production, selenium sulfide prevents the division of fungal cells,” she explains. Vichy Dercos is formulated with 0.6% micronized selenium sulfide, allowing the active to distribute more evenly across the scalp and fight flakes at the source. Supporting ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, salicylic acid, and menthol help calm itch, loosen buildup, and leave the scalp feeling refreshed. “Oftentimes I have patients alternate between this and a ketoconazole shampoo to get the best results,” she says.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.6% micronized selenium sulfide, niacinamide, glycerin
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Conditioner: CeraVe Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Conditioner

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CeraVe

Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Conditioner

$12 $10 (17% off)

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Most dandruff treatments focus on flakes alone, but CeraVe Hydrating Anti-Dandruff Conditioner takes care of the scalp, too (no surprise if you already know the brand for its gentle, barrier-supporting skincare). This formula relies on 0.5% pyrithione zinc, a milder antifungal that helps keep dandruff-causing yeast in check while being gentle enough for regular use, paired with ceramides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid to reinforce the scalp barrier, soothe irritation, and keep hair feeling soft and easy to detangle. “The ceramides offer a very comfortable conditioning experience to help detangle the hair, while the zinc pyrithione further helps to treat dandruff,” says Dr. De La Cruz. It’s a nourishing pick when you want ongoing flake control without the dryness that can come with stronger antifungals like ketoconazole or selenium sulfide, which are often better suited for short-term treatment.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.5% pyrithione zinc, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Textured Hair: Cécred Scalp Refreshing Spray

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Cécred

Scalp Refreshing Spray

$38

Ulta Beauty

$38

Cécred

Why it's worth it: Cécred's Scalp Refreshing Spray is made with braids, wigs, and extensions in mind—making it perfect for those in-between wash days when your scalp still needs care. While it doesn’t contain medicated ingredients to treat dandruff at the source, it helps take the edge off itchiness and discomfort that often come with flakes, especially when buildup or style-related tension is involved. The lightweight, no-rinse spray features a targeted nozzle that breaks down buildup and dead skin without disturbing your style, while menthol delivers a subtle, instantly soothing cooling effect. Ingredients like Lactobacillus ferment, ceramides, and honey help calm and comfort the scalp, making it an easy daily refresh for protective styles and extensions.

Tester feedback from Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“I inherited my flaky scalp from my father. Just like him, I used medicated dandruff shampoos for most of my life. Then I tried the Cécred Detoxifying Shampoo. The silky later doesn't dry out my hair like pyrithione zinc. It smells faintly of peppermint oil and cools my scalp with menthol (and it has a purplish blue color, whish is just cool). But what keeps me going back is that it keeps itchy patches away for two solid weeks. For an even better boost, I spritz my scalp with the Cécred Scalp Refreshing Spray before hopping in the shower. The spray was formulated to stop the itch when wearing protective styles like braids, but I find it a great pre-shampoo treatment to dislodge any debris or flakes before I wash. It has a tingling sensation that lasts then the detoxifying shampoo finishes the job.” —Jessica Cruel, Allure editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: phytoferment, honey, ceramides, menthol, Lactobacillus
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Serum: Jupiter Restoring Serum

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Jupiter

Restoring Serum

$35 $33 (6% off)

Amazon

$35

Dermstore

Why it's worth it: Wash-off dandruff treatments don’t always get enough time on your skin, which is where a leave-in scalp treatment like Jupiter Restoring Serum comes in. Designed to stay put, the lightweight serum delivers 0.125% zinc pyrithione to help control the yeast linked to flakes and irritation between washes. It’s backed by salicylic acid to gently loosen buildup, plus niacinamide and panthenol to calm irritation and support the scalp barrier. Soothing botanicals (like aloe, green tea, and Lactobacillus yeast ferment) help take down redness and itch, while lightweight oils add comfort without greasiness. It absorbs quickly and easily—you can use it up to four times a day—and is ideal for anyone rotating dandruff actives or spacing out wash days while still wanting consistent flake control.

Tester feedback from Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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"Dandruff treatments always have a medicinal, off-putting smell—but not this one. It smells clean as it soothes my flaky, itchy scalp." —Jesa Marie Calaor, Allure senior editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.125% zinc pyrithione, glycerin, safflower seed oil, salicylic acid, Lactobacillus ferment, aloe, green tea, salicylic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Oily Scalps: Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo

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Neutrogena

T/Sal Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo

$9 $8 (11% off)

Amazon

$8

Walmart

Why it's worth it: Most people assume flakes automatically mean a dry scalp, but classic dandruff is usually tied to excess oil, not a lack of it. The yeast that drives dandruff (Malassezia) feeds on sebum, so when oil builds up, flaking and itch often follow. Neutrogena T/Sal Therapeutic Dandruff Shampoo uses 3% salicylic acid “to break down thick, greasy scales and loosen stubborn buildup,” making it especially helpful for dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and even psoriasis-related flakes, says Dr. De La Cruz. Unlike antifungal shampoos that target yeast directly, T/Sal focuses on clearing the excess skin and oil that keep flakes coming back. The fragrance-free formula cleanses thoroughly, giving even sensitive scalps a chance to reset while minimizing skin irritation.

More to know

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• Key ingredient: 3% salicylic acid
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Scalps: Dove Derma Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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Dove

Derma Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

$5

Amazon

$5

Walmart

Why it's worth it: If your flakes are small, white, and powdery, it’s easy to jump straight to “dandruff,” but that combo usually means dry scalp, especially if things feel tight rather than itchy or inflamed. Dove Derma Dryness and Itch Relief Anti-Dandruff Shampoo focuses on what dry, itchy scalps need: gentle, moisturizing cleansing that helps soften and reduce the shedding of dry skin. It uses 1% pyrithione zinc to help calm dryness-related itch and keep your scalp feeling comfortable. Then the formula backs that up with coconut oil, shea butter, glycerin, and sunflower seed oil to condition, smooth, and help the scalp feel more balanced.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 1% pyrithione zinc, coconut oil, shea butter
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Scalp Exfoliator: Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator

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Nioxin

Scalp Purifying Exfoliator

$26

Amazon

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Dandruff lives its best life in an environment of buildup and excess oil, which is why targeted exfoliation can make such a difference. Nioxin’s Scalp Purifying Exfoliator is designed to clear away what keeps flakes coming back, giving the scalp a deeper reset than shampoo alone. “This product is a creamy exfoliant that helps lift buildup and excess oil off the scalp without irritation,” says Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southfield, Michigan. Used on dry hair before shampooing, the rinse-out treatment relies on lactic, tartaric, and benzoic acids to loosen dead skin, unclog follicles, and rebalance the scalp—key steps for managing dandruff and flakiness. To prevent over-drying, the formula is buffered with shea butter for moisture, while peppermint oil delivers a cooling, calming effect.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: peppermint oil, shea butter, lactic acid, tartaric acid, benzoic acid
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dandruff the same as dry scalp?

“When people see white scales and flakes on their scalp, they think it’s dandruff, but it’s actually dry skin,” says Dr. De La Cruz. True dandruff usually appears as larger white-to-yellow flakes with a slightly oily texture that stick to the scalp and hair rather than falling away like fine powder.

Can you get rid of dandruff?

You can’t get rid of dandruff for good, but you can usually manage it very well, depending on what’s causing it. “Whether dandruff can be ‘cured’ or just managed will depend on the type and cause of dandruff that the person has,” says Dr. De La Cruz. For common skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis, the goal is to maintain control and minimize flares. On the other hand, she notes that dandruff caused by product buildup or contact dermatitis can often be resolved completely by removing the trigger. In other words, some flakes are a short-term fix, while others require a longer-term game plan.

What ingredients should I look for in an anti-dandruff shampoo?

When shopping for anti-dandruff hair care products, it helps to look for ingredients that target the root cause of flakes, not just the symptoms. “Active ingredients to look for in anti-dandruff shampoo include yeast-focused ingredients like zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, or ketoconazole,” says Dr. De La Cruz, since these help control the yeast linked to dandruff. She also notes the value of exfoliating ingredients—“like salicylic acid or glycolic acid”—which help loosen buildup and lift flakes so they can rinse away more easily. The right formula depends on whether yeast, buildup, or both are driving your dandruff.

Meet the experts

• Julie de la Cruz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Miami Dermatology & Surgery based in Miami
• Fatima Fahs, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Southfield, Michigan

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 dandruff treatments, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team of in-house writers and editors, as well as contributors, along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more about 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 are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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Featured in this article

Belif 12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift SetBelif 12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift SetRead more$70

Amazon

SkinCeuticals Holiday Skincare Advent CalendarSkinCeuticals Holiday Skincare Advent CalendarRead more$550

SkinCeuticals

Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent CalendarDr. Barbara Sturm Advent CalendarRead more$560

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Raise your hand if the rollout of the best beauty advent calendars gets your heart racing every holiday season. Still with me? Good—because you’ll want to shop these sets before they sell out—and trust, they are (and have been) going quickly. Whether you’re treating yourself (as you should) or crossing people off your list, advent calendars should be high on your list of gift ideas. After all, why deliberate on the perfect singular gift when you can buy them a little bit of everything? On the receiving end, opening up a treasure chest of 25 mini- and full-size beauty products is a euphoric experience—so many makeup looks, scent spritzes, and blowouts to be had!

And before you hit me with the "buttt," I know. Advent calendars give us sticker shock, too. Think of it this way: When you add up the retail value for each product, it’s crystal clear just how much you're saving. The holidays are stressful as is, so I let these calendars do the math for me—and, trust me, it’s a winning formula.

Shop more of our gift guides, including gifts $25 and under, gifts for teens, and gifts for the beauty-obsessed people in her life. For more shopping recommendations, head to our holiday gift guide hub to find our editors' top present picks.

If you're unsure of where to start, I've gone through the arduous task of online window shopping for you. (Spoiler: It was not arduous at all.) Without further ado, here are the best beauty advent calendars out right now—and worry not, I'll be refreshing this story with newness as it rolls out. For now, have your credit card info ready and prepare to be crowned the best gift giver of all time.

But first, some unboxings for sneak peeks:

Allure editors unboxing the Glasshouse Fragrances 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

Courtesy of Allure

Allure editors unboxing the Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar

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Allure editors unboxing the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Beauty Treasure Chest of Love

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Allure editors unboxing the Byredo Advent Calendar

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• Belif 12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift Set

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  Belif

  12 Days of Chok Chok Holly Days Gift Set

  $70

  Amazon

  Why I love it: For the uninitiated, “chok chok” is a Korean term that roughly translates to extra dewy, bouncy skin—and that’s exactly what you’ll get after incorporating these Belif skin-care products into your routine. Chock-full of tried-and-true ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, ceramides, niacinamide, and vitamin C, this Holly Days advent calendar is the stuff of glass-skin dreams. And don’t get us started on the cute packaging—hello, cutie water droplet!

  The star product: I adore the entire Aqua Bomb family, and so does the rest of the Allure team. Case in point: We tested and gave the Aqua Bomb Eye Gel a 2025 Best of Beauty Award. “This lightweight eye gel does pretty much everything you want an eye treatment to do: brightens with vitamin C and niacinamide, tightens with caffeine, and cools like the old cucumber slice trick (no refrigeration or actual cucumber slices required),” says former deputy beauty director Liz Siegel.

• SkinCeuticals Holiday Skincare Advent Calendar

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  SkinCeuticals

  Holiday Skincare Advent Calendar

  $550

  SkinCeuticals

  Why I love it: For the most skin-care-obsessed people in your life—even if that's you—SkinCeuticals' Holiday Skincare Advent Calendar is the cream of the gifting crop. Many skin-care products need little introduction, including the C E Ferulic (the ultimate vitamin C serum), P-Tiox (a 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner for best line-smoothing serum), and Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (an enduring derm-beloved cream that feels "so nice and buttery but not in a super-rich-my-skin-feels-like-there's-a-film-on-it way," according to me, commerce editor Sarah Han. I have combo skin, so this is a great nighttime moisturizer. It really feels as if all of my other skin-care products are properly sealed in.

  The star product: A full-size face mask that's perfect for winter dryness? We're sat. The Phyto Corrective Mask is a solid pick for anyone who wants to rehydrate and soothe red or irritated skin, according to Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. "I also love that it is fragrance-free because many masks have fragrance and can be overpowering for people who are sensitive to fragrance," she adds. What do you expect when there's hyaluronic acid, thyme, cucumber, and olive leaf extracts in the mix? Slather, soothe, and repeat.

• Dr. Barbara Sturm Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist3/17

  Dr. Barbara Sturm

  Advent Calendar

  $560

  Amazon

  $560

  Nordstrom

  $560

  Revolve

  Why I love it: Dr. Barbara Sturm is the kind of luxury brand we pine for all year round, but especially when its value-filled advent calendar drops. Outfitted in velvet green, this skin-care treasure chest has so many goodies that even the Grinch would grin at such a sight. Prepare to be prepared for whatever winter and the new year bring because you'll be well-equipped with various face creams (original, rich, and glow), as well as all of the serums your skin needs at any given moment—see: Hyaluronic Serum, Clarifying Serum, and The Better B Niacinamide Serum. Radiance, bottled over and over.

  The star product: I don't know about you, but come this time of year, my skin looks, well, dull. Sure, I slather on hefty doses of hydrating serums, but sometimes my skin needs a little extra boost. Enter: Glow Drops, a versatile, light-reflecting serum that can be mixed in with a moisturizer for a subtle, all-over glow, patted over makeup as a highlighter, or slathered on alone for maximum payoff. A fun touch? The bottle is decorated with a limited-edition snowflake design. Très cute!

• Revolution Makeup Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist4/17

  Revolution Beauty Makeup

  Advent Calendar

  $65 $52 (20% off)

  Amazon

  Why I love it: What's better than a wallet-friendly beauty brand? An even more wallet-friendly advent calendar, obviously. Revolution Makeup Advent Calendar rings in at just $65 (or less if it's on sale—like it is at the time of writing!), and with 24 products total, that means each comes in at less than $3 a pop. You can replace your entire makeup routine, or at least have the option to do so. This colorful lineup stretches from lip gloss, eyeliner, mascara, and baking powder, to makeup tools such as sponges and eye shadow brushes. Glam time.

  The star product: I don't joke around about blush, especially when it's a $10 formula that punches above its price point. The Beam Bright Blush blends into the skin like a dream, thanks to its silky powder formula, and packs a serious punch of color with each swipe—just the way I like it.

• Drybar House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist5/17

  Drybar

  House of Blowouts Advent Calendar

  $100 $59 (41% off)

  Amazon

  $99 $69 (30% off)

  Ulta Beauty

  Why I love it: Drybar is also coming in hot (get it?) with its first advent calendar, aptly named House of Blowouts. Complete with all the styling products you could possibly need (detanglers, heat protectants, and finishing sprays—gang's all here), and then some, this gift is bound to make someone's year. And priced at just under $100, it's not too hard on the wallet either.

  The star product: I call the duo that is the Liquid Glass Smoothing Shampoo and Conditioner “glossy hair goals.” Despite the deeply moisturizing, frizz-minimizing abilities of vegan keratin, neroli oil, and murumuru butter, they never weigh down hair. Even better, they leave your hair smelling delicious, too, with gourmand notes of coconut, amber, and vanilla.

  More from Allure

  • 11 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin That Lock in Instant Hydration
  • 16 Perfume Gifts That Everyone Has On Their Wishlists
  • 21 Best Last-Minute Gifts That’ll Arrive Right on Time
  • 7 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Are Gentle Yet Effective

• Jo Malone London 12-Day Ornament Collection Holiday Gift Set

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist6/17

  Jo Malone London

  12-Day Ornament Collection Gift Set

  $240 $180 (25% off)

  Nordstrom

  $240

  Jo Malone

  Why I love it: Jo Malone scents don't go out of style, plain and simple. Who doesn't love a hit of lime basil and mandarin? Or perhaps myrrh and tonka? If your giftee loves fragrance in all formats—we're talking hand washes, body lotions, candles, and hand creams—the 12-Day Ornament Collection Holiday Gift Set is sure to light up their eyes (and noses?). Each box also doubles as a chic ornament or table decor.

  The star product: Scent is personal, of course, but I'm partial to Wood Sage & Sea Salt, which is inspired by the rugged cliffs of the British coastline. (How moody and picturesque.) It's grounding, calming, and, thanks to the hyaluronic acid and glycerin present in the hand cream iteration, as hydrating as it is aromatic.

• Glow Recipe 12 Days of Glow Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist7/17

  Glow Recipe

  12 Days of Glow Advent Calendar

  $200 $110 (45% off)

  Glow Recipe

  Why I love it: Bring on the glow. While we're always about that skin-care philosophy, Glow Recipe quite literally has its reputation on the line—but worry not, because this 12 Days of Glow Advent Calendar goes above and beyond. The first highlight is a full-size Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist: I may not be diligent about my face mists during the warmer months, but they're practically a necessity in the colder months to keep skin…appeased, frankly. We can't forget about another Watermelon Glow staple: the Niacinamide Hue Drops in Sun Glow. With less outdoor time (and vitamin D) going on, I love mixing these in with my daytime moisturizer to instantly warm up my complexion with these bronzing drops.

  The star product: We're not not going to shout out the brand's most recent Best of Beauty winner, the Glass Balm. Your giftee will unwrap a full-size Blackberry Bingsoo (sheer berry) Glass Balm that adds tint with many skin-care benefits, thanks to plumping hyaluronic acid microspheres, moisture-binding glycerin, and collagen-boosting blackberry, raspberry, and Japanese plum extracts. The name couldn't be more accurate: Hello, glassy, juicy lips.

• L'Oréal Paris 24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist8/17

  L’Oreal Paris

  24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar

  $150

  Amazon

  Why I love it: Anyone who hasn't lived under a rock their entire life knows that L'Oréal Paris is one of the best drugstore beauty brands around—but that doesn't stop us from exploring (and buying) the brand's holiday offerings. This cute, Parisian-themed 24 Day Beauty Advent Calendar is stocked with tried-and-true faves such as Lumi Glotion, Telescopic Mascara, and Revitalift Triple Power Cream, because skin care and makeup go hand-in-hand—and this gift knows it.

  The star product: Easy, the 2025 Best of Beauty-winning Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist Spray. True to its name, it's so fast-acting that you get budge-proof makeup protection in just three seconds. Our social media manager, Bianca Richards, says her makeup held up every day all summer long—which is saying a lot since we're based in New York City.

• Augustinus Bader The 12 Days of Bader

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist9/17

  Augustinus Bader

  The 12 Days of Bader

  $675 $540 (20% off)

  Nordstrom

  $675 $540 (20% off)

  Bluemercury

  $675

  Augustinus Bader

  Why I love it: Your bougiest friends (or older sis, or mom) deserve a luxury advent calendar from Augustinus Bader. This 12 Days of Bader set means they get an entire skin-care routine handed to them—and one that's perfectly tailored to the season. Every single cream, serum, lip treatment, and face mask in this chic blue box deeply nourishes and plumps dull, dry skin for a complexion that'll glow all the way into 2026.

  The star product: Winter is coming, whether I can stand it or not—so you'll need a heavier-duty moisturizer that'll coddle and soften your skin, no matter how dry and chapped it gets. Chock-full of the brand's signature blend of amino acids, vitamins, and peptides (called TCF8), squalane, shea butter, and many other goodies, The Rich Cream is sure to become their skin's BFF.

• Clarins 12 Day Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist10/17

  Clarins

  12 Day Advent Calendar

  $96

  Nordstrom

  $96

  Bloomingdales

  $96

  Clarins

  Why I love it:

  The star product:

• Benefit Cosmetics Glam Cube Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist11/17

  Benefit Cosmetics

  Glam Cube Advent Calendar

  $149

  Revolve

  $149

  Macy's

  $149

  Benefit Cosmetics

  Why I love it: Benefit Cosmetics's Glam Cube Advent Calendar is the only kind of Rubik's Cube I want—that is, one I don't actually have to solve (though you'll have plenty of fun twisting and spinning each row) and that is stocked with beauty treats. To be exact, there are 25 Benefit makeup and skin-care products that you (or your giftee) will make very good use of throughout the holiday season, the new year, and beyond. Think fan-favorite mascaras (hey, Badgal Bang) to make your lashes flutter, brow gels to fluff up hairs, and bronzers to add instant dimension to your complexion. Benefit's even thrown in a few makeup removers and cleansers, so you never have an excuse to flop into bed with a caked-up face. Wins all around.

  The star product: Korean lip tints might be on the rise, but stateside, Benetint is undoubtedly one of the OGs. Whether you love the classic Rose—or one of the beloved additions, Raspberry and Dark Cherry—this lip and cheek tint never fails to deliver a buildable, my-lips-but-perkier wash of color. “My jaw was on the ground after my first use because it it looked so natural,” Silva said. "It gives the ideal pop of pink on my lips without looking like I'm wearing lipstick, and it's completely weightless with no sticky residue."

• MAC 24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist12/17

  MAC

  24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar

  $245 $172 (30% off)

  MAC

  Why I love it: What if an advent calendar doubled as a makeshift vanity? MAC heard (and answered) our wishes. Meet the 24 Mystery Must-Haves Advent Calendar, designed with a generously-sized mirror. All of these dazzling mini- and full-size products are your ticket to holiday glam—and will naturally extend into your 2026 looks. After all, MAC doesn’t go out of style: I'll never give up my MAC lip pencils and setting sprays, and—would you look at that?—both classics are in this set!

  The star product: You can never wear too much glitz, in our humble opinion, and Dazzleshadow Liquid Eyeshadow elevates any look in seconds. As senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen puts it: “This eye shadow provides high-impact sparkle in just a few swipes, no blending necessary, and just a little dry-down time." Holiday glam, complete.

• Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist13/17

  Oak Essentials

  x Jenni Kayne Advent Calendar

  $350 $175 (50% off)

  Ulta Beauty

  $504 $198 (61% off)

  Oak Essentials

  Why I love it: If you want your bathroom to smell like the most heavenly spa, I urge you to check out Oak Essentials, like, yesterday. Along with some cozy surprises, including a pair of cloud-like cashmere socks, the Oak Essentials x Jenni Kayne Advent Calendar has all of the minimalist-chic skin-care and body-care products to soothe and moisturize your skin throughout the harsh winter season and beyond. Also crucial throughout this lineup? That’s right, essential oil blends that will relax your mind with one whiff.

  The star product: Not all body oils are made equal. Instead of leaving your skin feeling greasy, Oak Essentials’ Dew Body Oil dries down surprisingly quickly, so you can toss on your favorite plush robe and throw yourself onto the couch to watch your current reality show obsession, asap.

  More from Allure

  • 11 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin That Lock in Instant Hydration
  • 21 Best Last-Minute Gifts That’ll Arrive Right on Time
  • 16 Perfume Gifts That Everyone Has On Their Wishlists
  • 7 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Are Gentle Yet Effective

• 111Skin 11 Days of Radiance Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist14/17

  111Skin

  11 Days of Radiance Advent Calendar

  $555 $389 (30% off)

  Nordstrom

  $555 $444 (20% off)

  Bluemercury

  $555

  Revolve

  Why I love it: 111Skin isn't lying about its 11 Days of Radiance Advent Calendar—each item will do its part in boosting hydration, smoothing texture, and brightening skin tone. There's pretty much a complete routine hidden in this luxury skin-care trove—cleansing oil, essence, serum, eye cream, you name it. To top things off, there's a stainless steel gua sha you can use alongside the other products to help depuff and support lymphatic drainage.

  The star product: 111Skin's sheet masks are undoubtedly fan-favorites. Our top pick? The Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask is made from bio-cellulose for an impeccably cooling and soothing treatment. Glycerin, ectoin, panthenol, and caffeine are just some of the powerhouses worth noting—hello, boosted hydration and reduced inflammation. Slap one on for just 20 minutes and your complexion will be oh so refreshed. This is the ultimate party getting-ready prep, period.

• Kiehl’s 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist15/17

  Kiehl’s Since 1851

  24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar

  $152

  Kiehl's Since 1851

  Why I love it: Hydrating. Calming. Rich textures. These are just some of the words that come to mind when I think of Kiehl’s—and, by extension, this 24 Days of Kiehl’s Advent Calendar. Just like Kiehl’s usual full-size offerings, there’s a product for pretty much every skin concern in here. There are the classics, like the Ultra line for fuss-free hydration for dry types, as well as more powerful resurfacing products like the Clearly Corrective Daily Re-Texturizing Triple Acid Peel and Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum (perfect for aging skin). You might be surprised to find a few hair-care goodies, too, like a travel-size shampoo and conditioner that might inspire your giftee to book their next trip. The possibilities are endless.

  The star product: Don’t forget to show the skin below your neck some major love. A (very) good starting point: the Ultra Body Mega Moisture Squalane Cream. Having earned a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award in the Sensitive category, this cream treats all skin types—including eczema and rosacea—equally, thanks to a highly-moisturizing blend of squalane, pro-ceramides, and glycoproteins. “I’ve used a lot of body butters, some better than others, but what sets this apart is its whipped texture, which is nourishing enough to keep me from scratching, but sinks in immediately,” contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai attests.

• Parfums de Marly Countdown Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist16/17

  Parfums de Marly

  Countdown Calendar

  $445

  Saks Fifth Avenue

  $445

  Neiman Marcus

  $445

  Dillard's

  Why I love it: If you (or someone you know) want to smell as if you've been traipsing in the French countryside, it's time to invest in Parfums de Marly's Countdown Calendar. You don't just get perfumes, but also body creams and candles, so that you can incorporate the delicious scents into more aspects of your daily life. Sneak peek: Althair, Delina, Meloria, Palatine, and Valaya are all in the mix, as well as a refillable travel case you can add any of the 10-milliliter vials to. Basically, smell good wherever you go.

  The star product: Delina Eau de Parfum may be eight years old, but she's still very much that girl. Case in point: It's a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty winner. Lest you think it's a typical rose fragrance, it finds both depth and balance in its sharp rhubarb, as well as warm vanilla and musk notes. "Delina has been my go-to date night fragrance for two years now," says associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey. "I love how light and feminine the scent is and how the powdery dry-down gives it a sensual feel—not to mention the pink bottle looks pretty sitting on my vanity."

• Glasshouse Fragrances 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

  Save to wishlistSave to wishlist17/17

  Glasshouse Fragrances

  24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar

  $300

  Bloomingdale's

  $300

  Glasshouse Fragrances

  Why I love it: If you have a fragrance fanatic in your life (or are one yourself), Glasshouse Fragrance's 24 Days of Christmas Advent Calendar is the best gift (or self-indulgence). Ten scents across eau de parfums, candles, body washes, hand creams, and more that are guaranteed to garner compliments—what more could you want?

  The star product: I think the Glasshouse Fragrance Perfume Pencils are especially cool. They're compact, practically weightless, and a concentrated and mess-free way to scent your pulse points. The calendar comes with two: Kyoto in Bloom (amber floral) and Midnight in Milan (saffron rose), which may become your signature scents. See what I did there?

Sarah Han is the commerce editor at Allure, who has been covering major sales and deals like Black Friday and Cyber Monday for almost 10 years. Previously, she served as an associate editor at BuzzFeed, where she spearheaded coverage of beauty roundups and K-pop features. A native Illinoisan, upon graduating … Read MoreCommerce Editor

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Keywordsshoppingadvent calendarsgift ideasgift guidesHolidayChristmasRead MoreShoppingThe 37 Best Luxury Beauty Gifts, Because You’re Fancy and You Know ItGo on, make someone's year.37 slidesNO RETURNS33 Best Practical Gifts That Are as Chic as They Are FunctionalThe best kind of present is one they'll actually use on the reg.33 slidesShopping42 Unique Gifts for People Who Have EverythingLet us help you do the (nearly) impossible.42 slidesNORDY KNOWSThe 23 Best Nordstrom Gifts of 2024, According to a Shopping EditorJust sayin'!23 slidesMAKE IT PERSONAL31 Best Personalized Gifts That Are Oh So ThoughtfulPrepare for "aww's" all around.31 slidesShopping21 Best Last-Minute Gifts That’ll Arrive Right on TimeThese beauty and lifestyle treats will make their entire holiday.Skin11 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin That Lock in Instant HydrationDesigned to coddle skin, these velvety creams provide cushy moisture for a suppler, softer complexion.Fragrance16 Perfume Gifts That Everyone Has On Their WishlistsBecause smelling great never goes out of style.Skin7 Best Face Washes for Sensitive Skin That Are Gentle Yet EffectiveThey’re tough on makeup, oil, and sweat—not your skin.Hair11 Best Hair Oils Editors Swear By for Glossy, Frizz-Free StrandsHello, heat protectants, styling aids, and even deep-conditioning treatments.Sex & Relationships15 Best Vibrators for Women—Tried, Tested, and TrustedPleasure is non-negotiable with these picks that hit the spot every time.CelebrityStray Kids Spill Secrets After Sipping the Truth SerumStray Kids members Bang Chan, Lee Know, Changbin, Hyunjin, Han, Felix, Seungmin, and I.N get real honest after they take Allure’s truth serum. How long does their skincare routine take, from start to finish? What’s their favorite choreography? Which of the members are sexy, handsome, or cute?

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Growing up, whenever I envisioned my wedding day, I always pictured myself with long, flowy hair—the opposite of my kinky 4C coils. Wearing my natural hair in mini twists for my recent engagement, however, completely changed my vision. Not only did I feel confident in my natural texture, but I also felt completely myself—a feeling, I’ve found, is imperative to enjoying milestone moments. “Wearing natural hair [on your wedding day] can boost confidence and empower Black brides to feel proud of their cultural heritage and individuality,” says Keziah Jones, founder of Black-owned bridal makeup and hair company, Beyond The Knot Co. “Embracing natural hair on such a significant occasion can be a powerful statement of self-love and acceptance.”

The misconception that wedding hairstyles for Black women have to be long and straight is out. Now, brides-to-be can look to a vast list of textured hairstyle options that are beautiful and elegant enough for even the most momentous occasions. If you’re unsure how to start ideating your wedding hairstyle, Jones says to consider your hair texture first. “Black hair comes in various textures: curly, coily, or kinky. So choose a hairstyle that complements your natural texture and makes you feel comfortable and confident,” says Jones. For example, kinky type 4 coils may not lend well to a messy bun style like wavy type 3 curls would.

Also, think about the weather—depending on the season and location of your wedding, the climate may affect your hairstyle. “Humidity, wind, or rain can impact certain styles, so choose one that will hold up throughout the day,” says Jones. Lastly, the wedding outfit ultimately determines the hairstyle. “Your chosen hairstyle should complement the overall theme of your wedding and work well with your dress,” says Jones. “Doesn’t matter if it’s an updo, braids, twists, or a natural afro, make sure it harmonizes with your overall bridal look.”

Whether you want to let your Afro do its thing or are looking for a more structured style, the possibilities are just about endless. Below, discover bridal hairstyles that let your natural hair shine in all its glory.

Classic Twist Out

Nichelle Bancey

You can’t go wrong with letting your curls out for your wedding day. Wearing your hair in its natural state practically guarantees you’ll exude confidence. If your hair is prone to shrinkage, try putting it in twists a few days before the wedding and unraveling them the morning of. If you opt for a twist out, braid out, or flexi/perm rod set to define your fro, New New York City-based hairstylist Monae Everett suggests reaching for the Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam, as it “provides a strong hold and does not flake.”

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The Doux Mousse Def Texture Foam

$15

Amazon

Bedazzled Mohawk

Monae Everett

Make a statement with this bedazzled mohawk style. Everett created this hair look using Dosso Beauty Kinky hair. “I divided the hair into sleek ponytails vertically down the head using the Design Essentials Max Hold Edge Control,” says Everett. To fashion the mohawk, Everett braided the length of each ponytail, before braiding all the ponytails together and pinning the ends. Use a tacky gel like the Got2B Glue Gel to attach rhinestones to the side of your head for a touch of sparkle.

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Dosso Beauty

Dosso Beauty Marley Hair

$15

Dosso Beauty

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Design Essentials

Sleek Max Edge Control

$14

Sally Beauty

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Göt2B

Got2b Glued Styling Spiking Hair Gel

$8

Ulta Beauty

$6

Walmart

Baby’s Breath Crown

Getty Images

A short Afro adorned with a baby’s breath crown makes for an ethereal bridal hairstyle. The beauty of this look is its simplicity; it comes together quickly and easily. You can make a baby’s breath crown on your own, but if you don’t have a DIY spirit, Etsy has many whimsical options.

If your hair is too fine or short to secure accessories directly, Jones says wearing a headband as a base is the best solution. “You can attach flowers or other accessories to the headband for a stylish and secure fit,” says Jones. Opting for smaller headpieces will also help the style last all night. “Lightweight flower crowns or accessories won't weigh down your short hair and are easier to secure, making it less likely to slip or move around,” says Jones.

Blonde Finger Waves

Getty Images

For edgy brides, a sharp style like Jodie Turner Smith’s platinum buzz cut with finger waves is a great way to go. This look requires minimal styling—perfect for a no-fuss bride—but the result is still stunning. “Smoothing your curls with pomades, mousses, and gels will help keep [the waves] in place as you style," Everett previously told Allure. She recommends using the Mizani Styling Foam (for its non-flaky hold) and Eco Styler Argan Oil Gel (to add moisture and hold).

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Mizani

Mizani Styling Foam Hair Mousse

$26

Amazon

$25

Sephora

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Eco Style

Eco Style Moroccan Argan Oil Styling Gel

$4

Walmart

$8

Sally Beauty

Pearly Baby Hairs

Olivia Hancock

Any natural hairstyle is made infinitely more elegant with dramatic baby hairs. Add dainty pearls between each swirl and you have a beautiful bridal hairstyle. To really let your edges shine, pull your hair back into a curly ponytail and carve out your baby hairs using a stronghold gel. I love the SheaMoisture Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel which will keep your edges intact from the ceremony to the end of the reception—without drying out your baby hairs or leaving any white residue.

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SheaMoisture

Coconut & Hibiscus + Flaxseed Edge Gel

$8

Amazon

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Anezus

Anezus Pearl Stickers

$9

Amazon

Flower Bun

Getty Images

Ever since Taraji P. Henson showed up to the 2024 Met Gala in this pink floral bun, I haven’t been able to get it out of my head. This hairstyle wowed on the carpet, so you can imagine how stunning it would be coming down the aisle. Choose floral hair accessories that match the color palette of your wedding to tie everything together. Beyond The Knot Co. hairstylist Jenever Volf recommends using bobby pins to securely fasten the flower hair accessories to the bun. “Crisscross the pins for extra hold to ensure that the accessory stays in place throughout the day,” says Volf.

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Jennifer Behr

Jennifer Behr Susanna Hair Pins

$368

Jennifer Behr

$368

FarFetch

Perfectly Messy Bun

Getty Images

This effortless curly bun would look gorgeous just about anywhere, but especially on your wedding day. The wispy tendrils falling out of the updo give it an undone vibe that would work well for a bohemian theme or add a relaxed element to a sleek or modern aesthetic.

When creating this style, Volf suggests starting with a strong ponytail base. “Make sure the ponytail is tight and secure to maintain the sleek look,” says Volf. Then, reach for a wand curler (we love the Pattern Beauty Interchangeable Curling Iron), using a ¾ inch barrel to create medium-sized curls before fashioning your bun. Then use a ⅜ inch barrel to create small curls that cascade down.

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Pattern Beauty Interchangeable Curling Iron

$249

Ulta Beauty

$249

Pattern Beauty

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Bumble and Bumble

Bumble and Bumble Does It All Light Hold Hairspray

$38

Amazon

$36

Ulta Beauty

$36

Sephora

To get this style to last through all the festivities, you’ll need a lot of bobby pins and a generous spritz of hairspray. “A light-hold hairspray will set the style in place and ensure long-lasting hold throughout the day,” says Volf. We love the Bumble and bumble Does It All Light Hold Hairspray, which has oat and corn starch in the formula to help keep the hair from reacting to moisture while you dance the night away.

Curly Ponytail

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Gabrielle Union has been inspiring the girls with beautiful natural hairstyles for years, and this voluminous ponytail is one of my favorites, especially for brides. The slicked-back style allows your face to be front and center while the cascade of curls from the high ponytail add just the right amount of drama.

The For Kurls Drawstring Ponytail from Heatfree Hair is an easy way to achieve this look—just slick your natural hair into a high bun and attach the ponytail. For a sleek ponytail base, “brush your hair up using a boar bristle brush or a fine-tooth comb to ensure that your hair is smooth and free of any bumps or flyaways as you brush it up,” says Volf. Fluff out the ponytail extension for more volume and you’re ready to say “I do.”

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For Kurls

For Kurls Drawstring Ponytail

$299

Heat Free Hair

Braided Ponytail

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 10: Zendaya attends the UK premiere of "Challengers" at the Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on April 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Neil Mockford/Filmmagic)Neil Mockford

This elevated twist on a braided ponytail was practically made for brides. To create this look Everett suggests first combing the hair back into a sleek ponytail and securing with a hair tie. “I'd add the Biolage Gelée Styler along the hairline to brush the ponytail in place,” says Everett. Then, she says to elongate the hair by braiding extensions into the natural hair. Add an elegant oversized bow at the base of your ponytail braid for a preppy finishing touch.

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Biolage

Biolage Styling Gelée

$38

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

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Jennifer Behr Virginia Bow Barrette

$168

Jennifer Behr

Locs Updo

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The amount of creative styles Halle Bailey can wear her locs in is impressive. This woven bun pulls the actor’s long locs out of her face to reveal her stunning bone structure. Artfully swoop your baby hairs with the Best of Beauty winning Baby Tress Edge Styler, fasten a veil at the top of the updo, and you have a poised bridal hairstyle.

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Best Edge Styler

Baby Tress Edge Styler

$15 $8 (47% off)

Amazon

Crown Boho Braids

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Boho braids aren't just for the beach or that tropical summer vacation you've had planned all year. With a few regal details like this braided crown and gilded adornments, like gold hair cuffs, this trendy hairstyle transforms into an aisle-ready masterpiece.

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Scünci Primp Metal Braid Cuffs

$5.60

Ulta Beauty

Slick Back Afro

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 05: Issa Rae attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Savion Washington/Getty Images)Savion Washington/Getty Images

Take a page from Issa Rae's style book with this sleek afrocentric hairstyle. The flat twists going back diagonally, with the slicked back base, and the full afro in the back make this look ultra-detailed—there's a lot going on but it all works so well. And who wouldn't want to be this extra on their wedding day? Use a heavy-duty styling gel like the Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel to slick your hair back half way.

If you don't have enough volume (or time) to create Rae's poufy afro, worry not—a kinky drawstring wig like the Kinky 3-In-1 Half Wig from Her Given Hair will suffice. Simply slick your hair back into a ponytail and attach the drawstring wig at the base, pulling the string as far as you need to and securing the clips to your hair to create a natural looking afro.

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Göt2B

Got2B Ultra Glued Invincible Styling Hair Gel

$8

Ulta Beauty

$6

Walmart

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Kinky 3 In 1 Half Wig

$200

Her Given Hair