I have to be honest: Many of the same nail colors tend to trend every fall. Associate editor Annie Blay-Tettey and I were recently lamenting (and laughing) about how “vampy” and “foliage-inspired” hues continue to dominate. But seeing the same shades come back each fall isn’t necessarily a bad thing. “They stick around because they feel natural for the time of year, like the changing leaves and shorter days,” says Mazz Hanna, a nail artist and founder of Nailing Hollywood, a boutique agency. These colors have their place, just like sipping pumpkin spice lattes, blasting Folklore through your speakers, and going apple picking.

In addition to the old reliables, though, there are some new entrants to the fall nail color scene. I spoke to multiple nail pros about the shades popping up on social media, runways, and red carpets that don’t feel like the same old, same old. Whether it’s the color itself (pink jelly isn’t just for summer) or the reason behind its resurgence (like society’s current obsession with grunge and goth trends), each of these colors.

Sheer blush

Courtesy of @chuenails

Summer was the season of scaled-back manicures, with jelly finishes (translucent formulas) reigning supreme. But one shade of the airy look has made it to the fall: sheer blush. “[This color] enhances the natural nail rather than covering it,” says nail artist and brand founder Jin Soon Choi, “offering a sophisticated take on the barely-there aesthetic.”

She recommends Jin Soon’s nail polish in Pixie, a semi-transparent petal pink that she painted on Anne Hathaway. Cirque Colors Nail Polish in Rose Jelly is just as sheer, but ever-so-slightly rosier. Manucurist Active Plump adds an extra shine to your nails with finely-milled flecks of pink glitter.

Deep Navy

Black cherry is the trend that won’t quit, and you’ll likely see the shade continue its reign this fall. (Choi even says so.) But if you’re looking for an unexpected hue that’s just as smoky, try a dark navy, which Hanna describes as “bold and crisp without the starkness of black.”

Anyone who has the audacity to tell you that a makeup-only Halloween costume is somehow lazy deserves a good jump scare. Some of the most well-thought-out, elaborate, and beautifully executed Halloween looks we’ve ever seen have been face-focused. That said, if you kinda sorta forgot to make a plan and nothing in your wardrobe is coming together for a last-minute costume, all you need is an hour and an idea to wow fellow partygoers with a Halloween makeup look.

For the spooky, whimsical, and incredibly cute makeup looks below, there’s a solid chance you already have a lot of the makeup needed to make them happen. But if not, don’t worry, we have recommendations for the products to use.

Some looks are over the top, but you don’t have to know how to do intricate special-effects makeup techniques to pull them off frighteningly well. There are a variety of skill levels on display here. Whether you’re a seasoned makeup artist or an eager beauty beginner, there’s certainly something for you among these 24 scary-good makeup-centric costumes.

Additional reporting by Devon Abelman, Kaleigh Fasanella, Sara Miranda, and Melony Forcier.

Stamped centipede

Courtesy of @alexandraclaudia

I’m only 5’2” and I have pretty narrow shoulders. So putting in a very large implant like Kylie without having a tailor on call is going to result in a hard time finding clothes that fit properly. Dr. Doft, as well as Dr. Mahmood, said that choosing an implant that is too large will make me feel bigger than I am. “You’ll have to buy a medium shirt when you really should be wearing a small,” Dr. Doft told me.

When I explained the concept of Auggie to Dr. Doft, she flagged that “they offer one profile, so there’s no way to try a flatter, more moderate option or a low profile implant.” Also, since many of her patients are increasingly interested in implants smaller than 250 cc, she noted that the size range could be expanded. DePopas told me that after many requests, the company is, in fact, releasing smaller and larger volume options soon.

“With that said, I think it is a great idea and allows women to really experience the weight and projection of having implants for a week or a month before undergoing surgery,” says Dr. Doft.

The consensus among the doctors I spoke to is that Auggie is a great starting point, but an in-person consultation is still needed to be able to make an informed decision. “While I think the premise behind Auggie sizers is a good one, the reality is that implant selection is far more nuanced,” says Dr. Mahmood, adding that there are four key plants in implant manufacturing: Motiva, Sientra, Allergan, and Mentor. “They each have different lines of projection—Motiva has mini, demi, and full projection, whereas Sientra has low, low plus, moderate, moderate plus, and high profile—and different volumes, and each volume has a different width and projection.” In general, multiple doctors confirmed that silicone is, by far, the most popular option.

Dr. Mahmood (and the other surgeons I met with) has brand-specific implant sizers in her office and will allow patients to bring in a variety of tops and dresses to see how they will look in their favorite clothes.

For my part, I would suggest scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon first. “During an appointment, I do comprehensive breast measurements to identify a patient’s breast and chest wall dimensions,” says Dr. Mahmood. “This allows us to provide a general framework to guide them on the implant ranges that will fit their chest the best—too big an implant on a small chest wall can give the look of symmastia causing a ‘top heavy’ look, or similarly, a very small implant on someone with a wider chest wall will not adequately provide the cleavage they are looking for.”

Getting a pedicure during the fall is like wearing a particularly daring lingerie set under your outfit. It’s a thrill! And a way to experiment with something that might be outside your comfort zone. “Fall is the ideal opportunity to try out bolder, darker, or unexpected shades without the pressure of constantly coordinating with open-toe footwear,” says Erica De Los Santos, manicurist and founder of Nail’d It Beauty Lounge. If the mood strikes and you want to unveil your look, you’ll be walking more confidently than ever.

This season, you can expect deep, moody colors and ultrarich earth tones. “These hues totally set the fall mood,” says Sojin Oh, 3D nail artist and creative consultant to Kijibae. “They’re cozy, grounded, and have depth.” You’ll also find unexpected colors like sheer neutrals, concrete, and sage green, adding a soft, subdued take to the fall palette. Read on to discover the pedicure colors that capture the many vibes of the season.

Sage Green

Burning sage is said to help cleanse and reset energy. IMO, getting a sage color pedicure can have the same effect. “Sage is a soft, transitional green that bridges summer and fall,” says Mazz Hanna, manicurist and CEO of Nailing Hollywood. “It adds a subtle pop of color without clashing with deeper autumn shades.”

Try your hand at the cat-eye effect with Devil’s Ivy by Mooncat, which has a silver shimmer that you can activate by hovering a magnet above the wet lacquer. If a sparkle-free finish is more your speed, pick up the Manucurist Nail Polish in Sage. Looking for something deeper? Opt for the rich and creamy OPI Nail Polish in Leaf by Example.

Plum

If milky lavender or punchy purple tones are your go-tos during the warmer months, consider plum their moody big sister with the best goth-rock playlist on repeat. “Deep plum gives the same sultry vibes seen in velvet and wine-hued accessories, which are always popular in the fall,” says Oh. ILNP’s Currant and Ten Over Ten’s Orchard are classic creme-finish plums that are ripe for the cooler weather.

Feeling something with a little more dimension? Londontown Lakur in Vixen Red is an eggplant infused with pink shimmer that would look right at home in the Hocus Pocus makeup trailer.

Burnt Orange

Whether you’re inspired by the changing foliage or the seasonal treats you pair with your pumpkin spice latte, warm siennas pair especially well against an otherwise neutral ensemble. “Burnt orange brings a surprising pop of color that’s fitting for cooler weather,” says manicurist Lily Nguyen. “It’s a shade people don’t tend to reach for when it comes to their toes, but it works well in the fall.”

Go for an opaque option like Tandoori by Habit Cosmetics. We also love I Yam What I Yam by Cracked Polish, which has a jelly finish, and Kokie’s Green Polish in Hotline, which is packed with shimmer.

Oxblood

Like the coat you reach for as soon as the temperature dips into the low 50s, oxblood is a timeless fall staple. “This shade evokes the cozy, warm feeling of fall, mirroring seasonal changes like turning leaves,” De Los Santos says. “Deep reds also exude a sense of elegance, making them a go-to for those looking to add a sophisticated touch to their pedicure.”

Pay homage to your favorite campy, bloodsucker-themed YA series with Deborah Lippmann Gel Lab Pro Color Nail Polish in Vampire’s Touch or Le Mini Macaron Nail Polish in Cassis. CND Vinylux in Take Root also nails the oxblood trend and comes with a built-in base coat, eliminating the need for that extra step.

Earthy Browns

Rich shades of brown—from deep espresso to warm amber—add a touch of depth to any look and are perfect for the peep-toes you might be wearing while the weather’s still mild. “Earthy browns feel naturally fitting with Western-inspired footwear and add warmth to both structured and textured designs,” says De Los Santos.

Dr. Belkin explains that it’s possible to have visible periorbital veins on your upper eye area, as I do, but “most people have them on the lower lateral orbit, more on the under eye area, which is why a lot of people will find that they enhance the appearance of their dark circles.”

Whether or not yours appear—and where—can also depend on your skin tone (those with darker skin may not notice their periorbital veins becoming more prominent until much later in life, if at all) and unique underlying vascular anatomy. “In some cases, periorbital reticular veins may appear as subtle shadowing, while in others they present as distinct linear markings,” says Dr. Rambhia.

Another factor: chronic sun exposure, “which contributes by accelerating collagen breakdown and skin thinning, making periorbital veins appear more prominent,” says Dr. Rambhia. Hormones, untreated allergies (and in turn, frequent eye rubbing), smoking, drinking, and poor sleep can all play a role as well, she adds.

Though there are also certain medical conditions that can contribute to the visibility of periorbital veins—including thyroid disorders that impact circulation, and sleep disorders leading to fluid retention—it’s very rare that they indicate an underlying health concern, says Dr. Rambhia. But if prominent periorbital veins seem to appear overnight “accompanied by swelling, pain, or vision changes” you should seek medical attention immediately, she says.

Periorbital veins aren’t the only aesthetically pesky vessels on the face. “You can have what we call telangiectasias, which are little, tiny, visible red veins often around the nose or cheek,” says Dr. Belkin. “We also see what we call diffuse erythema, which is kind of like flushing that often happens in areas where people get rosacea, such as the middle cheek, nose, and sometimes between the brows and chin.”

You can also have reticular veins on the forehead. “That’s the one that people hate, the central vein on their forehead,” says Dr. Belkin. But unlike the aforementioned others, “that’s a functional vein that you need” and therefore it cannot be removed, he says. (Though strategic placement of neurotoxin can soften the muscle on the forehead and make the vein less visible.)

Can you make periorbital veins look less prominent?

As we’ve established, veins are vitally important to the health and function of our bodies. But we don’t need all of them to keep our blood flowing: When one vein closes, the blood reroutes to another one nearby, says Dr. Belkin.

Watching those videos, I didn’t actually retain much about building a beauty routine—though I did learn how to curl my hair with a straightening iron, a skill I utilize to this day. But the creators of the 2010s gave me something else. Something certainly more profound, and maybe more useful—but I had no way to know it at the time. They taught me how to speak English.

When I speak English, I don’t sound like a stereotypical French person. I know the difference between “beach” and “b****h.” I know how to pronounce my “r”s with the back of my throat. Sometimes, I “pass” as a native American speaker. Other times, people think I’m… Canadian, maybe? Sometimes, my French accent makes a small comeback, especially if I’m tired, sick, really nervous, or tipsy (I don’t think I’ve ever been all four at once, but there’s still time). If people know I’m French, the way I speak often prompts questions about where, when, and how I learned English.

At the time, I didn’t realize that watching these young women with their Christmas hauls, sparkly eyeshadow, and clattering collections of nail polish would help me become confident enough to moderate a conversation on stage with multiple native English speakers. All I knew was that they captivated me—Ingrid Nilsen (then known as Missglamorazzi) and her beauty hauls, Blair Fowler (juicystar07) and her room tours, her sister Elle (AllThatGlitters21)’s everyday makeup tutorials.

I didn’t even buy that many products—though I’m not sure I would have tried (and loved) Clinique’s three-step system if not for Blair’s video on the topic. I did splurge on the Naked eyeshadow palette and still use it to this day—yes, the same one I bought back in the 2010s, and which has endured long enough for that specific model to be discontinued, then relaunched. The eyeshadow in it has technically expired, but I’m French, and we don’t believe in expiration dates. If you’ve seen me at a book event, just know I was wearing eyeshadow dating back to Barack Obama’s presidency—the first one.

Beware the things—and the people—you don’t take seriously. Back in the 2010s, if you were not living in an English-speaking country, and if you weren’t friends with or related to a native speaker, then YouTube videos were pretty much your only source of spontaneous, contemporary, “normal” English speech, not written or edited for a given purpose.

Are those wedding bells we hear on the horizon? They certainly are, because Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are officially engaged! The pop superstar and Kansas City Chiefs tight end announced their engagement on Instagram with a truly adorable post—and a few notable beauty details.

“Your English teacher and your gym teacher are getting married,” Swift wrote in the caption. In the photos, she and Kelce are all loved up in a lush garden, surrounded by flowers; Swift wears a dress with her dark blonde hair worn down in loose waves. And of course, we get a ring shot, which is where we noticed that Swift isn’t wearing any nail polish… or is she? Upon closer examination, it looks like she might be wearing a sheer top coat or a very sheer, neutral color on her medium-length nails, but there is definitely no sign of a red nail, some sparkly nail art (her fave), or the multicolored manis she wore at the Eras tour.

We know Swift likes to do her own nails and nail art, and we also know that she likes an unexpected color choice, so we wouldn’t have been surprised to see a bright color or fun design. But then again, ultra-simple nails make it all the easier to focus on that ring—a truly stunning (and enormous) diamond in an antique gold setting. It’s a love story, baby, and she said “Yes!” (Sorry, had to.)

The best Korean moisturizers are the crème de la crème of Korean skin care, thanks to their advanced, effective, and surprisingly gentle formulas. Unlike many Western creams, K-beauty moisturizers often feature unique ingredients that set them apart—think rice water to tone, mugwort to calm inflammation, Centella asiatica (a.k.a. cica) to soothe, PDRN (a regenerative compound derived from salmon DNA), and hydrating yuzu. The result? Creams that deliver serious hydration without ever feeling heavy, leaving glass skin glassy and dewy skin dewy. Even better: Most of these top-tier picks come in under $40. That budget-friendly price point allows for more consistent use, which can make a world of difference in your skin, whether you’re dealing with breakouts or dryness.

Our Top Korean Moisturizers

To make finding your perfect match easy, we chatted with editors and experts to round up our favorite Korean moisturizers for your slathering pleasure all year round.

Best Overall: Aestura Atobarrier 365 Cream

Why it’s worth it: At the intersection of lightweight feel and heavy-duty hydration sits the Best of Beauty-winning Aestura Atobarrier 365. Loaded with hydrating ceramides and squalane as well as juicy lipids, this formula tackles all kinds of dryness while keeping your moisture barrier strong—no matter your skin type. “It also has this frosting-like texture that just melts on your skin,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City previously told Allure, who likes to use it as hand cream. Since it’s formulated for both face and body, you can slather it anywhere that needs an extra dose of hydration.

Best for Dry Skin: Etude Soonjung 2x Barrier Intensive Cream

Why it’s worth it: Oftentimes, the less fussy a formula is, the better—especially when you’re dealing with sensitive skin that flares at the first sign of actives. Panthenol, also known as provitamin B5, is the key player in Etude’s Soonjung 2X Barrier Intensive Cream, which improves skin barrier function by moisturizing, reducing redness, and healing breakouts. Sunflower seed oil and shea butter are also to thank for this silky moisturizer’s ability to keep skin smooth as glass. Apply a generous coat of this cream at night after cleansing and toning to wake up with plump, juicy skin. During the day, try applying a bit less to avoid heaviness.

Best for Dull Skin: Medicube PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream

Why it’s worth it: Like many sensorial Korean skin-care gems, Medicube’s PDRN Pink Collagen Capsule Cream has a bouncy, jelly-like texture that leaves skin glowing—think the effect of a wrapping mask, but without the fuss of peeling it off! The application is unique, too: You scoop out tiny capsules, which are packed with salmon DNA extracted from sperm, working to firm, hydrate, and give skin that coveted glass-like glow.

And before you gag at the thought—no, you’re not rubbing straight-up salmon semen across your face. As Allure previously reported, PDRN is a purified chemical compound extracted from salmon sperm, not the raw stuff. Here, it’s blended with a gel base of hyaluronic acid, collagen, and niacinamide to create an incredibly moisturizing, airy, and weightless formula.

Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream

Why it’s worth it: The doctor is in, thanks to Dr. Jart+’s Cicapair Intensive Soothing Repair Cream. Soothing, repairing, and packed with hydration, this formula puts K-beauty staple Centella asiatica, also known as cica, front and center, while allantoin steps in to repair the skin barrier. The moment it touches your skin, the green tint gets to work, instantly soothing and neutralizing redness (a hallmark of irritation). Smooth it on whenever your complexion is acting up, and watch it settle into a calmer, more even state within minutes.

Best for Oily Skin: Torriden Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream

Why it’s worth it: Why it’s worth it: You can find the sky-blue formula of Torriden’s Dive-In Low-Molecular Hyaluronic Acid Soothing Cream all over social media, and even on the vanity of New Jersey-based board-certified dermatologist Hee Jin Koh, MD. She loves that it has five types of hyaluronic acid of various molecular weights, all of which are joined by panthenol, a.k.a. vitamin B5, to boost skin’s moisture. And, it works on all skin types with its featherlight gel-cream texture that layers beautifully with sunscreen and makeup.

Best Cooling: Belif The True Cream Aqua Bomb

Why it’s worth it: Belif’s The True Cream Aqua Bomb is packed with the most hydrating ingredients on the block, like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and a ton of herbal goodies (like lady’s mantle) to soothe and cool your skin. It absorbs fast and is the perfect follow-up to your cleanser and toner. Former beauty editor Devon Abelman wrote, “Imagine someone lobbing a water balloon at your face—minus the pain and shock of it popping—that’s how slathering on The True Cream Aqua Bomb feels. It gives skin that kind of rush of hydration.” Enough said.

Best for Combination Skin: Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Why it’s worth it: Beauty of Joseon is one of the best Korean skin-care brands for honoring (and reimagining) the traditional skin-care ingredients used in K-beauty, like red bean, ginseng root water, and rice bran water—and the Red Bean Water Gel is evidence of just that. The formula is ideal for skin producing excess sebum, which the body does when it overcompensates for a weakened barrier. The red bean kicks into gear to reduce the feeling of oiliness, and the peptide complex helps maintain the skin’s natural amount of growth factors, minimizing the effects of fine lines and crepiness.

Best for Sensitive Skin: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream

Why it’s worth it: Is your skin sending out an SOS? Reach for Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Cream, which pairs plant-derived ceramides with fatty acids and cholesterol—the lipids in your skin barrier—in a formula with a low pH, matching the skin’s acidic nature. It’s got the numbers to back up the claims, with clinical testing showing that it increases moisture levels by 328% immediately after application and reduces signs of irritation, including redness and itchiness. Plus, the brand says it’s gentle enough to use on babies.

More Korean moisturizers we love:

Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream

Why it’s worth it: Drawing from decades of research, Sulwhasoo’s Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream is infused with ginseng saponin and peptides to boost circulation in your skin’s tiniest blood vessels. In turn, your body revs up collagen production and improves elasticity with consistent use. Among its legions of fans is Ju Rhyu, cofounder of Hero Cosmetics, who says that she loves using the cream on drier days when her skin craves more moisture.. P.S. Allure Korea has its own Best of Beauty Awards, and this cream was declared a winner in 2022.

Best for Face and Body: Atopalm MLE Eczema Cream

Why it’s worth it: Looking for a moisturizer that feels like butter…if butter wasn’t greasy? It’s possible. Allure Korea editors love how this ultra-rich Atopalm MLE Cream melts into the skin, absorbing quickly to deliver instant, intense moisture. You can also use it on your body, especially on rough areas like elbows and knees. A medley of nourishing plant-based oils and five types of amino acids—the “building blocks for collagen production,” according to Dr. Kim—helps make it happen.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between Korean moisturizers and other moisturizers?

“Korean moisturizers tend to be light in texture and focus on barrier repair more than other benefits such as brightening or anti-aging,” says Dr. Kim. Hydration and gentle formulas are critical to this philosophy, and for good reason. “Sensitive skin is a very common skin type in Korea due to high pollution levels,” Charlotte Cho, aesthetician and co-founder of K-beauty e-retailer Soko Glam, previously told Allure. “As a result, sensitive-skin friendly ingredients such as cica are frequently seen in Korean beauty products to calm inflammation, redness, and irritated skin.”

While American moisturizers can include ingredients common in Korean moisturizers and vice versa, trends in Korean skin care tend to be less harsh than their stateside counterparts. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City’s Union Square Dermatology, previously told Allure that active ingredients sought after by Americans—like retinol, salicylic acid, and more—are more scarce in Korean products because Koreans are wary of their drying properties.

How should I choose a Korean moisturizer?

When picking a new Korean moisturizer, consider the skin concerns you want to address and what you tend to like in the moisturizers you already own. “I would focus on the texture more than anything else,” says Dr. Kim. “If you have oily skin, look for a lightweight gel texture; if you have dry skin, look for a thicker, richer texture.” Looking for extra hydration? Ingredients like cica and hyaluronic acid are Korean skin-care staples. Or, if you’re trying to go easy on breakout-prone skin, a moisturizer with ingredients like allantoin and niacinamide can be a big help, Shin Hae Won, a dermatologist at Korean dermatology clinic Oracle, previously vouched.

Meet the experts

• Charlotte Cho, an aesthetician and co-founder of K-beauty e-retailer Soko Glam
• Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York City’s Union Square Dermatology
• Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Clifton, New Jersey
• David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Shin Hae Won, a dermatologist at Korean dermatology clinic Oracle

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 Korean moisturizers, 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, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from editors, dermatologists, and aestheticians. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Read more about the best K-beauty products:

When fine lines, sun spots, and sagging begin to set in, the best face masks for mature skin can provide the plumping moisture your skin might have lost over time. Sure, there are so many serums, creams, and at-home treatments developed for aging skin, but masks have a major advantage in that their ultra-concentrated formulations have been specifically crafted to address signs of aging at a much more intensive rate than the rest of the products in your routine.

“Generally speaking, masks are used intermittently to help give your skin a boost when it needs it,” David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology in New York City, previously told Allure. So, if you find your skin needs a nourishing, sag-reducing pick-me-up, you’ve come to the right place. We asked board-certified dermatologists for their favorite line-defying face masks—check out their picks, below.

Our Top Face Masks for Mature Skin

Best Overall: Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask

Why it’s worth it: Stop and smell the roses—and let them nourish your skin, too. Sisley Paris Black Rose Cream Mask delivers an instant boost of hydration and radiance. “This mask combines black rose extract, vitamin E, and shea butter to deeply hydrate, smooth fine lines, and restore volume to mature skin,” says Deanne Mraz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Westport, Connecticut. Its dense texture sits for 10 to 15 minutes, creating a barrier that helps the ingredients absorb more effectively. “It’s incredibly calming and an excellent choice for complexions that are parched or irritated. I even use it on early morning flights to the West Coast to counteract the skin-parching airplane air, so I can step off the plane and head straight into meetings looking refreshed,” she says.

Best Eye Mask: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks

Why it’s worth it: SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Masks deliver hydration, brightness, and a cooling refresh to the undereye area in just 15 minutes. “This can be used alone or in combination with the SkinMedica Instant Bright Eye Cream or your own eye cream. I like eye masks to help improve penetration of active ingredients,” says Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Miami. In addition to making your eye creams work more effectively, the formula includes antioxidant-rich golden root extract to defend against free radical damage, baker’s yeast to help brighten and even tone, and golden herb extract to soothe and calm delicate skin. “As skin ages, the most common changes around the eyes are fine lines, wrinkles, undereye bags, dark circles, and dry or crepey skin. This undereye mask can help hydrate and plump dry skin, while the cooling effect of the hydrogel can also help reduce puffiness,” she says.

Best for Sensitive Skin: SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque

Why it’s worth it: When mature skin is feeling overworked, whether from a cosmetic treatment, environmental stress, or just daily lifestyle habits, SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque is a great reset. “It is very soothing, so I find it beneficial for sensitive, post-procedure skin, but also in general to rehydrate and soothe red or irritated skin. I also love that it is fragrance-free because many masks have fragrance and can be overpowering for people who are sensitive to fragrance,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. The bouncy gel formula blends thyme, cucumber, and olive leaf extracts with hyaluronic acid to restore moisture and bring comfort to skin.

Best for Dry Skin: Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare Mineral Mask

Why it’s worth it: If your skin feels especially dry and flaky, try slathering on Blue Lagoon’s Skincare Mineral Mask, a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. Its blend of jojoba oil, glycerin, aloe vera, and thermal water sourced from Iceland delivers an intense surge of hydration while soothing sensitive skin, leaving you with your bounciest, softest complexion yet.

Best Plumping: PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask

Why it’s worth it: The game-changer in this face mask is its hyaluronic acid base, which hydrates the surface layer of skin rather than coating it with a veil of goopy moisture. “PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Overnight Mask contains moisturizing and soothing ingredients—including hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol—to hydrate and rejuvenate skin overnight,” explains Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, who says applying it as the last step in your nighttime routine will lead to waking up with plumper, glowing skin.

Best Firming: Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask

Why it’s worth it: When your night cream just isn’t cutting it, Fresh’s Black Tea Peptide Firming Overnight Mask can be used every evening in its place. Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, is a fan of its hyaluronic acid- and peptide-powered formula because these ingredients, along with antioxidant-rich black tea extract, can help tighten, firm, and hydrate all at once. “The black tea complex improves skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid heightens moisture,” he says.

Best Brightening: EltaMD Skin Recovery Night Mask

Why it’s worth it: Snooze your way to calmer, plumper skin with this plush overnight mask. “EltaMD’s Skin Recovery Night Mask is a hydrating mask that can repair a damaged skin barrier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. The impressive tech behind the mask is due to the brand’s AAComplex and Chronobiology Technology, which work in sync with your skin’s natural nighttime repair cycle to replenish essential amino acids, strengthen the barrier, and reduce visible signs of irritation. A healthier skin barrier means better moisture retention, improved resilience against environmental stressors, and skin that wakes up softer, smoother, and glowing.

Best Sheet Mask: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask

Why it’s worth it: La Mer The Treatment Lotion Hydrating Mask takes the beloved classic Treatment Lotion formula and transforms it into an ultra-luxurious sheet mask experience. Each silky mask is drenched in the radiance-boosting essence, powered by La Mer’s iconic Miracle Broth (a nutrient-rich blend of sea kelp, minerals, and antioxidants), along with glycerin and algae extracts to deeply replenish moisture and soften the look of fine lines. “The sheet format creates a gentle occlusive barrier, helping these ingredients absorb more effectively, while delivering an immediate plumping and soothing effect,” says Dr. Mraz, who recommends it for people with mature or dry skin who need a quick radiance boost, especially after travel or a day spent in the sun.

Best Overnight Mask: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask

Why it’s worth it: Although Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Hydrating Face Mask has “overnight” right in the name, Dr. Camp says this mask can also be used as a targeted 15-minute treatment. However you use this Allure Beauty of Beauty Award winner, expect your skin to feel smooth and supple after applying this squalane-powered mask. “A sugarcane-derived lipid, squalane helps maintain the integrity of the skin barrier to improve hydration,” he says of the star ingredient.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I use a face mask?

Skin’s characteristics change over the years in both obvious and not-so-apparent ways, so even if you’ve maintained an elaborate, diligent skin-care routine, you’ll likely experience a decrease in elasticity (the quality and quantity of our collagen plummets) and an increase in discoloration.

More than anything else, mature skin typically looks and feels much drier than it did in younger years—hence the need for moisturizing intervention through a hydrating, skin-plumping mask. “As we age, our capacity to retain water in the skin diminishes, so skin becomes drier,” says Dr. Murphy-Rose. “Dry skin can appear dull and make fine lines more noticeable.” So while you might have collected oil-absorbing, acne-clearing masks in your twenties, your now-seasoned skin’s needs demand a shift in priorities. And by “priorities,” we mean ingredients.

Which ingredients should my face mask have?

According to Dr. Murphy-Rose, dry skin and fine lines can be immediately improved with humectants like hyaluronic acid, aloe, and glycerin to “bring more water to the surface and help plump the skin.”, She also notes that adding ingredients like shea butter and colloidal oatmeal will also help with rejuvenation by deeply moisturizing and soothing dry skin.