Tariffs. They started a revolution—the one involving King George III, John Hancock, and a duty on tea (OK, sure, there were other grievances). And though tossing all your South Korean glass skin serums into Boston Harbor might not work this time, emotions are likely to run high as the Trump administration continues to tax imports to the U.S. and leave American consumers with the tab. To date, a 20 percent tariff has been imposed on some Chinese imports (the country has announced retaliatory tariffs on US imports), and prices are likely to go up at a similar rate. Proposed tariffs on Mexican and Canadian products (25 percent for each country) have been put on a temporary hold as policy negotiations proceed. A proposed 25 percent tax on car imports is set to take effect on April 3.

The latest salvo, announced the day prior at the White House, is a 34 percent tariff on goods from China, 20 percent on those from the EU, 46 percent on Vietnam, 25 percent on South Korea, 26 percent on India, and a host of other country-based import taxes that, at least for now, are pretty opaque—along with a 10 percent baseline tax on imports from all countries. How that might impact the Mexican and Canadian tariff proposals is for the moment unclear.

Financial markets don’t like this kind of uncertainty—as their current volatility demonstrates. Politicians are already angling for exemptions for products that benefit their constituencies. And the horse trading has only just begun. What does it all mean for the beauty consumer? In late 2024, we dug into just how steeper taxes on beauty imports could impact the industry and our own shopping carts.

What is a tariff?

Tariffs are taxes paid to a government on goods imported from abroad. They’re not particularly novel in our country, even in recent history: In 2018 and 2019, Trump—who nicknamed himself “Tariff Man”—imposed tariffs on $380 billion worth of certain products and materials imported from a variety of countries, including many from China. During his 2024 campaign, Trump said he’d enact even higher tariffs on imported goods. He has suggested putting in place 10 to 20 percent tariffs on all imports, and 60 to 100 percent tariffs on imports from China. Though no one can say for sure what will ultimately come to pass during the rest of this administration, many of the numbers it has put forth are nearly 10 times more than the tariffs Trump enacted in his previous term, according to Wendy Edelberg, PhD, senior fellow in economic studies at The Brookings Institution.

The general thinking behind tariffs, on both sides of the aisle, is that taxing foreign goods will boost the American economy by increasing domestic jobs and sales on domestic-made products. They can also be used as leverage in negotiations with other countries. Over the past four years, President Biden kept most of Trump’s tariffs in place, discontinued others, and created some of his own. The tariffs under the Biden administration, however, were much smaller than what Trump has been suggesting in recent months, says Edelberg, who notes that these could be the first average double-digit tariff rates for all imports since the 1940s.

Why should you care about tariffs?

Because a higher cost of goods can mean higher prices when you check out. Sellers have a few ways of responding to tax increases on imported products, says Edelberg. They can try to negotiate with the supplying foreign companies for lower costs, but that’s not likely to fly. They can elect to eat some or all of the extra costs in the interest of maintaining market share and consumer loyalty. Or they can pass the pain onto consumers. Looking forward to the potential tariffs coming in 2025, “the prediction is pretty unambiguous, and it’s that prices would go up,” says Philip Rothman, PhD, professor of economics at East Carolina University.

Though a big motivation behind taxing imports is encouraging sales of American-manufactured goods, economists say tariffs don’t necessarily do that because when foreign-supplied products go up in price, American-made ones often follow suit. For instance, in his first term, Trump introduced a tariff on foreign-made washing machines, which increased their prices. It wasn’t long before domestic washing machines became more expensive, too. (If a foreign company can charge more, why can’t we?) Even though Trump didn’t enforce tariffs on dryers, perhaps you can guess what happened. “People think of washing machines and dryers as going together,” says Edelberg. “So when the dryers look cheap next to the washers, companies can get away with raising their prices too.”

The U.S. imports trillions of dollars of goods each year—in 2023, nearly $4 trillion, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. Given the huge volume of imports from overseas, this means tariffs are likely to affect items we purchase every day, from clothes and groceries to car parts and medical supplies. And, yes, beauty and personal care products.

How could new tariffs affect the beauty industry specifically?

Depending on the origin country of the goods, Americans could pay up to a significant premium—from 10 to over 60 percent—on imported skin care, makeup, and other personal care items. If you’ve been buying a $60 moisturizer that’s imported from Europe, for example, it’s reasonable to speculate you’d pay $12 more, or $72, for that item under a 20 percent tariff. “Evidence suggests prices would likely go up by the amount of the tariff,” says Rothman.

But just because a product is manufactured in the U.S. doesn’t mean it’s totally American-made and immune from tariffs. Many non-imported items use foreign “input,” economics-speak for things like ingredients and packaging. Betsey Stevenson, PhD, professor of public policy and economics at the University of Michigan says that even if a product is manufactured domestically, sellers may end up paying (and charging) more due to tariffs on other parts of the supply chain.

In a TikTok video, cosmetic chemist Javon Ford said beauty companies who use patented ingredients manufactured abroad could be affected because they can’t buy that exact ingredient at a lower cost elsewhere. A concealer, for example, could use a material that’s made by a European company—under tariffs, their options would be to pay more for that ingredient, or to reformulate.

For the most part though, beauty brands are sourcing the ingredients for products sold in the U.S. from American suppliers, says independent cosmetic chemist Perry Romanowski. One exception are plant-based ingredients like coconut oil or palm oil—commonly used in foundation, concealer, lipstick, and more. Romanowski says products that contain those ingredients are more likely to see price spikes—the United States simply doesn’t grow that many coconut palms (which produce both oils). The same is true for products made with exotic ingredients, like a perfume with a note from vanilla only found in Madagascar.

A jump in the prices of China-made packaging is where both Romanowski and Ford think the beauty industry could take the real hit, though. “Packaging is already a substantial portion of the cost of making a cosmetic,” says Romanowski. And many, many brands get their packaging from China, where it’s produced much more cheaply. “It’ll affect makeup, hair care, skin care—anything sold in a bottle,” says Romanowski.

And in all of this, as you might imagine, small beauty businesses could be disproportionately affected. They don’t have the leverage of the larger conglomerates to enlist the legal resources and Washington lobbyists necessary to navigate tariffs or get exceptions from the federal government, says Edelberg. In Trump’s first term, for example, it was reported that Apple CEO Tim Cook was able to lobby the administration to secure exemptions on the China tariffs for the iPhone and other Apple products.

When could these potential price hikes take effect?

It depends. Some companies may spike prices as they sense consumer stress about product cost and availability and thus anticipate a higher demand. “As an extreme example,” says Stevenson, “if you knew we would never be able to import Chanel lipstick into the U.S again, the price would go up immediately because people will realize they should buy it before it’s gone.”

Some changes for consumers may not be immediate. Many imported goods have lengthy supply chains, which means it takes time for your favorite eye cream or highlighter to make it to store shelves. Some sellers don’t share the price burden with consumers until they truly can’t afford to pay rising costs anymore. “Even if the short-run effect isn’t to push up the price, we eventually see prices go up in the long-term,” says Stevenson.

How will beauty businesses address tariffs?

Many beauty companies have already dealt with tariffs. Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty—which has been facing a 25 percent tariff on imports since 2019 due to an earlier Trump policy—told Yahoo Finance that any new policies wouldn’t affect the company or consumers until 2026. In a Business Insider article, Amin explained that he doesn’t like tariffs, because they tax the American people. “[In 2019], we pulled all the levers available to us to minimize the effects to our company and our community,” he added. When Allure reached out to Amin for further comment, he said in a statement that if e.l.f. is subject to new tariffs, “we’d use a similar playbook to 2019. At that time, we took a well-balanced approach with a combination of select pricing updates, cost savings, FX [foreign exchange], supplier concessions and manufacturing diversification.”

Plus, at $17, it’s way more affordable than many retinol eye creams out there. Don’t just take it from me. It also has a stamp of approval from our sister publication, Allure Korea, as a 2023 Best of Beauty editor’s pick.

The Sunscreen That Started It All: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++

Why I love it: Let’s start with a disclaimer. YES, this is the original Korean formula, not the reformulated, FDA-approved Daily Relief Sunscreen you can buy on Amazon. (The FDA-approved formula is still pretty good—don’t get me wrong—but the original is noticeably more fluid and serum-y, which is what I prefer.) You can still buy the original from Asia-based retailers, a.k.a. the ones listed above.

Now that’s out of the way, this is it if you like glowing formulas. For my combo skin, since it’s so hydrating, I skip my standalone moisturizer and go straight to this after my morning serum. Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 PA++++ is a prime example of what Korean sunscreens can do: pack ample UVA and UVB protection into a weightless, nourishing, softening, and brightening formula that leaves white cast out of the equation—every single time. If you have yet to try a Korean sunscreen, this is a most excellent first foray. (And if you want additional recs, hit me up. I could wax poetic for hours.)

The Toner That Balances My Skin: Glow Replenishing Rice Milk

Why I love it: We’ve featured Glow Replenishing Rice Milk at length here at the recommendation of editors, contributors, and derms. Karan Lal, DO, a board-certified dermatologist based in Scottsdale and NYC, said this is his all-time favorite K-beauty toner due to its intensely soothing properties—so moisturizing that it’s a lovely option for mature skin. While I’m not in the latter category yet, I love how well this bi-phase concoction (don’t forget to shake!) of oil-curbing kaolin clay powder and moisture-boosting rice extract balances my skin and leaves it feeling extra smooth with a slight glow. This toner-essence hybrid plays nicely with all of my other skin-care products and preps my skin nicely for makeup during the day. I keep my morning routine very light and typically apply one layer of Rice Milk—too much hydration is a recipe for makeup pilling—whereas at night, I’m not afraid to load up on product and will go up to two or three layers of this milky goodness.

I’m a fan of Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water as well but the Glow Replenishing Rice Milk edges it out. If you have dry or sensitive skin, you may prefer the former formula, as it contains 80% ginseng root water to deliver hydration deep into the skin. If you have oily skin, give Green Plum Refreshing Toner : AHA + BHA a whirl. A superstar team of green plum water (25%), mung bean extract (2%), glycolic acid (2%), and salicylic acid (0.5%) provides deeper exfoliation—a bit more than my skin can handle on a regular basis.

The Face Mask That Oh-So-Gently Exfoliates: Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask

Why I love it: As I’ve mentioned, I have combo skin, a.k.a. very visible pores on my forehand and on/around my nose. Since I can’t budget regular facials (and professional extractions), Beauty of Joseon’s Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask is the next best thing—and it’s affordable enough that I don’t feel guilty pulling this out every week, if needed. (I’m lazy, so the reality is more like every two weeks.)

Despite containing superfine rice grains (a.k.a. upcycled makgeolli lees, a byproduct of Korean rice wine) and hull powder, this physical exfoliator is incredibly gentle. Anyway, I spend extra time working it into my most congested areas to unclog those damn pores and even out texture. It’s hard not to touch my baby-soft face (which is part of the problem in the first place!) afterward, but alas, I resist and move on to serum.

If you have sensitive skin, I wouldn’t totally write this mask off, but you (and your derm) know your skin the best. Whatever you choose, I’d definitely test it out on a small patch of skin. While it’s not a true substitute, Beauty of Joseon has Centella Asiatica Calming Masks that are well-suited for people with dry and/or sensitive skin—or, well, anyone in need of a hydration boost. These cooling sheet masks (made out of lightweight Tencel) are loaded with 15% cica and three weights of hyaluronic acid to soothe and plump.

The Cleansing Balm to Erase My Toughest Makeup: Radiance Cleansing Balm

Why I love it: Cleansers that don’t leave my skin feeling dry and tight are king, and Radiance Cleansing Balm checks that box while melting off sunscreen and long-wearing makeup. It doesn’t irritate my eyes and washes off without leaving behind a filmy residue (this happens more often than I’d like!). I spend the most time on this skin-care step, really massaging it into my skin, and it makes all the difference. I always follow up with a second water-based cleanser, but I rely on this balm to do most of the heavy lifting.

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The first time I heard mention of NAD (pronounced “nad” not “N-A-D” by its evangelists) it was from the mouth of Joe Rogan. Ergo, I eye-rolled and moved on with my life. But then it started popping up in my social feeds. It was being used as a verb (excuse me, you’re what-ing?) on podcasts that I actually like, and it was being name-dropped (or, ahem, NAD-dropped) by humans whose opinions I value. At a skin care event in New York, makeup artist and newly minted, sleep-deprived mom of two Jessi Butterfield shared that she had started taking it after hearing whispers of its brain fog-lifting abilities from some of her male grooming clients who used it for performance. “I feel like the NAD has helped me regain a little more mental clarity and my overall energy level has definitely improved compared to after my first kid,” she told me. My interest was piqued.

NAD (or nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide) is an energy-stoking coenzyme that’s found naturally in the body. It bounces around in our cells involving itself in hundreds of metabolic processes. The NAD these finance bros, biohackers (and the podcasters they listen to), and more than one reality star are usually referring to are NAD IV therapy drips. (Rogan has also said he takes his NAD in the form of an NMN supplement; more on that later). “I’m going to NAD for the rest of my life and I’m never going to age,” Hailey Bieber said in an oft-referenced 2022 episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians.

Rich guys in fleece vests have never had any sway over my decision making, and I try to pay as little attention as humanly possible to anyone Kardashian related or adjacent (particularly if they are under the age of 40 and doling out advice about aging), but 55-year-old Jennifer Aniston has also repeatedly mentioned NAD and I’ve heard a number of anecdotal reports from friends and colleagues in their forties and fifties who, like Butterworth, had experienced an energy boost after literally hooking themselves up. So, in the name of research and the teensy possibility that my depleted brain and body could experience some kind of system reset, I did the same.

Why would I, in my mid-forties, need to boost my NAD? NAD has two primary functions in the body: cellular energy production and cellular and DNA repair. And, much like our collagen, the NAD our body naturally produces starts a precipitous decline by our twenties, debilitated by our lifestyle choices and daily stressors (poor diet, not enough exercise, stress, pollution and so on), dipping steadily with age. When those levels drop, you might start to feel more fatigued or experience mood swings or poor sleep. The idea behind supplementing with NAD is that you are, in theory, filling up the proverbial tank.

“It’s giving you back a molecule that you had when you were younger which we believe is responsible for keeping the cells optimized, particularly the mitochondria, the cell powerhouse,” says Amanda Kahn, MD, a board-certified internist who offers NAD injections in her office. Mitochondria, and a desire to keep them healthy (read: young) has become a central talking point in the longevity conversation: When they slow down, that’s a sign that cells are working less efficiently, following a pathway called senescence, says Dr. Kahn. This can have a cascading effect on other surrounding cells, with cellular aging being almost contagious.

Online (and on reality TV), NAD has been dubbed the fountain of youth—but many people who choose to supplement with it regularly are less interested in the abstract extension of life or suspension of beauty and more focused on health-related goals like boosting immunity so they can better stave off illness (pre-clinical studies have shown that NAD helps prevent or reduce T-cell exhaustion in mice with sepsis), to manage pain or inflammation, to support metabolic health, to avoid weight gain or insulin resistance, and to improve energy and cognitive function (it me!). But though the Biebers make it look easy, NAD—both the various forms it’s offered as and the scientific research around it—is not so straightforward.

There are two main ways to take part in NAD therapy. You can take NAD itself in the form of NAD+ or NADH (essentially two forms of the same molecule, the only difference is that NADH is bound to a hydride, a hydrogen atom with an extra electron, which helps form a transport chain), or you can take a NAD precursor (NMN and NR are the most common) which helps the body produce its own NAD. In 2022, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared the use of NMN in supplements to be unlawful under DSHEA (Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act), because it was previously studied as a drug, which makes it off limits for use in over-the-counter supplements or food.

The Natural Products Association, a DC-based trade association, filed a citizen petition challenging the FDA’s position that NMN and, in October, the courts issued a joint motion to stay the case, meaning the FDA cannot crack down on NMN use in supplements for the time being. The FDA is expected to answer the petition by the end of July, which could potentially greenlight the use of NMN in dietary supplements beginning this year.

But regardless of the legal standing of this NAD precursor, doctors are more broadly divided on what form of NAD is optimal, how said supplement should be administered for maximum absorption, and whether supplementation is effective (or safe) in humans at all. Andrew Ahn, MD, a physician researcher at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Harvard Medical, has not prescribed or even suggested any form of NAD supplementation to his patients, whom he says also haven’t been asking for it in the first place.

Key ingredients: Ocean Silk Technology (red algae extract) | Who it’s for: dry hair, fine hair, thin hair

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is purple shampoo, and how does it work?

Purple shampoos are exactly what they sound like: a shampoo with a purple tint. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King notes that the thinking behind purple shampoos is based on the color-wheel theory, the same principle people use for color correction in makeup (and one you may remember from elementary school art class). This theory states that colors on opposite sides of the color wheel— also known as complementary colors—neutralize each other. Considering that purple is the opposite of yellow on the color wheel, colorists apply this theory to hair to successfully balance out brassy tones. “Purple tones cancel out any unwanted brassy yellow tones and maintain brightness between highlighting appointments,” explains Felicia Dosso, a colorist at New York City-based Nunzio Saviano Salon.

Who should use purple shampoo?

Though King agrees that purple shampoos typically work best on silver or blonde hair, Dosso notes that brunettes can also enjoy their color-cooling benefits. “The main complaint brunettes have is their hair turns brassy, so I always recommend purple shampoo to my brunette clients too,” says Dosso. “I suggest using once a week as needed to negate that.”

With that being said, brunettes, dirty blondes, and other darker blonde tones (think less Marilyn Monroe and more Gigi Hadid’s honey blonde) may want a blue shampoo instead. Since darker shades have a deeper warmth to their color, they don’t yellow—instead, they turn orange. Blue is a complementary shade to orange, which makes it ideal for toning dark blondes and brunettes.

No matter your hair color, Kiyah Wright—a hairstylist and owner of Muze Hair in Los Angeles who works with Jennifer Hudson, Tyra Banks, and Laverne Cox—advises clients to be careful when using certain purple products though because they can stain. “If you have icy-blonde hair and leave a purple shampoo on for too long, your hair will have a blue-purple tinge,” Wright cautions. So be sure to read the instructions carefully and make sure you time your session accordingly.

Meet the experts

How we test and review products

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

This leave-in turns my most meh hair days into great ones: I smooth Sachajuan Styling Cream through my hair when it’s damp and then air-dry, and my so-so waves have new life. You can use it to define waves and curls, protect against damage from hot tools, and add a ton of shine without making hair feeling sticky. And all that makes it a versatile styling cream for getting polished looks—with minimal effort, my kind of product!—on straight, wavy, or curly hair.

Sachajuan Styling Cream is a part of our Allure Beauty Box product lineup for April. Subscribe to Allure Beauty Box and get editor-approved picks in makeup, skincare, hair care, and fragrance delivered right to your door every month.

We usually dip our brush into one or two shades in a palette, but the five options in Beauty For Certain Playa to Palazzo Eyeshadow Palette are all supremely wearable. “I rarely find a shadow palette without a single no-go for my über-natural makeup tastes. But looky here! Beige for brightening, two browns for shading and lining, and a shimmery gold to bring a little sparkle to my eyes… this time I’ll be hitting the pan, times five,” says Allure’s Jenny Bailly. Palettes are meant for getting creative, but we love to use the gold on the center of lids, layered over a wash of one of the neutrals, and the darkest brown is great for lining.

Beauty For Certain Playa to Palazzo Eyeshadow Palette is a part of our Allure Beauty Box product lineup for April. Subscribe to Allure Beauty Box and get editor-approved picks in makeup, skincare, hair care, and fragrance delivered right to your door every month.

Why you’ll love it: Each one of these gorgeous YSL lip colors is an easy neutral to wear, and comes in an eye-catching tube you’ll look forward to pulling out of your bag. The formula’s sheer color is buildable and has a pretty sheen—perfect for natural looks or layering for a bit more oomph. The finish makes lips look healthy, with a soft shine, and you’ll get to pick your favorite shade to receive in your Allure Box Box. YSL Candy glaze “packs the best parts of a lipstick and balm into one sleek tube,” says Allure’s Dianna Singh Mazzone.

How you’ll use it: Swipe the bullet on, and keep layering until you’ve got the intensity you like.

Rodial Vit C Papaya Enzyme Scrub (full-size)

Why you’ll love it: If this yellow tube could also make coffee, it would be the perfect wake-up call. The bright, crisp scent is a fresh way to start the day, and the gel, with its slightly gritty texture, feels amazing and helps make skin feel smoother and softer on the spot. Exfoliating papaya enzymes and brightening vitamin C help make skin look more radiant in the long run.

How you’ll use it: Splash a little water on your face, squeeze the scrub onto your fingertips, gently massage it over damp skin, and let it sit for a minute or two before rinsing. This makes for a morning ritual that’s refreshing and restorative (for your senses and your complexion).

Sachajuan Styling Cream (full-size)

Researchers at Spate, a trend forecasting company in New York City, highlight the interest in Parfums de Marly when searching for a wedding fragrance. (At the time of reporting, #parfumsdemarly was the top-related branded hashtag alongside the hashtag #bridalperfume.) Allure staffers recommend the brand’s vividly floral Delina so much that we gave it a Best of Beauty Award last year. The fragrance has notes of damascena rose, lily of the valley, and peony, as well as juicy fruits. For an airier, more “delicate floral,” Watteau recommends Jo Malone’s Wild Bluebell, which smells like freshly-clipped blooms, persimmons, and musk.

Boin suggests dabbling in honeysuckle and magnolia fragrances. “They’re more modern florals that can be utilized when wanting to get away from traditional flowers like roses and muguet,” she says, adding that both “have a sparkling citrus kind of effect.”

Aerin’s Mediterranean Honeysuckle Eau de Parfum exemplifies her sentiments. It contains notes of honeysuckle (of course), grapefruit, and gardenia that’ll make you feel like you’re wading in sunshine. Aesop’s Aurner Eau de Parfum is a contemporary take on magnolia that leans more herbaceous than sweet. Chloé’s Atelier des Fleurs Magnolia Alba Eau de Parfum is a featherweight, sparkling magnolia. It’s romantic alone—like a breeze blowing through a garden of white florals—or layered with another perfume.

Stephen Nilsen, a New York City-based perfumer and Givaudan’s vice president of perfumery, proposes a sentimental approach to picking a floral. He points to the wedding tradition of acquiring “something new, something borrowed, and something blue” for your big day. Your “something old” or borrowed could be a classic floral beloved by a parent or best friend—perhaps Marc Jacobs Daisy, or even the brand’s latest Daisy Wild Intense, a flanker that’s greener but pays homage to its cult-favorite, honeyed fresh predecessor.

If you’re looking for something totally new and somewhat unexpected, try Phlur’s Golden Rule, which smells like jasmine, orange flower, and sandalwood (like a summer vacation to Cape Cod, bottled), or D.S. and Durga’s Brown Flowers. According to Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann, the latter “smells like an apothecary shop that sells dried flowers.” She adds that she’d recommend it to the bride “who’d get married in a vintage slip dress and wear a fur coat to the chapel.”

Dessert-Inspired Fragrances

While sweet, indulgent scents make an appearance every wedding season, the ongoing Great Gourmand Boom has made it so you have a ton of compelling options. Nilsen says you can look to your dessert table for ideas. “Inspiration from wedding almonds might suggest Arquiste Almond Suede,” he says. Your flower-trimmed red velvet wedding cake might prompt you to try Philosophy’s Fresh Cream Soft Velvet, which smells like sweet cream, chocolate, and lilies.

Nilsen adds that marshmallowy fragrances are having a moment and suggests Kayali Yum Boujee Marshmallow, which swirls the scent of the pillowy confection with a strawberry accord in a frosty pink bottle. I’m partial to Dedcool’s Mochi Milk, which smells like sugary fluff at first spritz, but fades to a rich amber throughout the day.

Skin Scents

Craving something more intimate? (That’s understandable, especially if you have a lengthy guest list.) Browse skin scents, which Watteau describes as “usually musky, sensual, and sometimes woody.” She adds that while florals and gourmands have historically been popular for weddings, many are now gravitating toward perfumes that are “more subtle, but still influential.”

If you haven’t seen it firsthand, you’ve probably heard that butter yellow is a huge trend for spring manicures. And why wouldn’t it be? The pastel-made-neutral nail color is super pretty and goes with everything, even though it’s not a plain off-white or nude look. But if you’re already gearing up for summer trends, what’s the one thing you can do to turn that spring look into a summery one? Go fluorescent, of course—and that’s exactly what Tyla did at the Billboard Women in Music event with not just her manicure but her pedicure, too.

Tyla arrived on the red carpet—or, if we’re being accurate, the blue carpet—in a full-length yet barely-there black, open-knit Jean Paul Gaultier dress and a gorgeous updo that spilled forward in such a way that the ends of her hair became face-framing tendrils. But what really caught our eye was her vibrant nail polish.

The singer’s long, pointy fingernails are painted in a stunning neon yellow shade—specifically three Aprés Nail colors custom-blended by nail artist Saccia Livingston: Lemon Sour, Cloud Nine, and Hi-Lite. (And those sharp nails are Après Gel-X Sculpted Stiletto Medium Tips.) The same combo (minus the tips) was used on her toenails.

Getty Images

(This applies to haircuts, too, by the way; Johnson says some clients at her salon are lengthening their time between cuts and requesting “very structured cuts” that retain their original shape as they grow out.)

Even Allure editors have tweaked their color maintenance routines to cut costs; while a job as a beauty editor occasionally means gratis color services, it isn’t a “free color every six weeks” kind of situation. Commerce editor Angela Trakoshis went blonde in 2021 and quickly found out that it’s true what they say: “Blondes do have more fun, but it’s expensive and time-consuming to have fun.” Trakoshis used to spend close to eight hours and shell out close to $500 every few months to stay blonde. “My watch and my wallet were over it.” She went back to her natural dark roots in 2023 and hasn’t looked back.

Like me, content director Kara McGrath lived the platinum blonde life for a few years before transitioning back to a much lower-maintenance blonde; her platinum era lasted from 2017 until 2024. “I (finally) started getting sick of spending hundreds of dollars every six weeks,” McGrath shares. She worked with her colorist to find a darker blonde shade similar to her natural color and added “face-framing highlights and a few babylights” for brightness. “Now I only go to the salon a couple of times a year, which has been good for both my wallet and my previously bleach-fried hair.”

Lexi Herrick, Allure’s senior director of audience development, said her sandy-blonde hair was “a firmly rooted part of my identity,” one she maintained with regular highlights. But when prepping for her engagement photos, Herrick swapped the highlights for lowlights, closer to naturally dark blonde. “I look forward to fewer trips to the salon and less impact on my wallet,” she says.

If you’re thinking about paring back your routine, you don’t have to abandon the salon entirely—even if you’re a bottle blonde like me. Blonde has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most high-maintenance hair colors, but you can adapt it to better fit your budget without going brunette. New York City stylist and colorist Charles Brackney Love recommends a classic balayage for long-lasting color, especially with creamy, golden, or “subtly bronzed” highlights. At-home maintenance is also essential to preserve your color, says Johnson; she makes sure her clients use color-preserving products and protect their hair at night (like with a bonnet or silk pillowcase) to stretch out time between appointments.