Photographed by: Arrow Radisch; Set Design: Sarah PossamaiSave this storySave this story
As this writer’s great-grandmother used to say, “buy good.” She might not have been talking about Gucci blush (she was an immigrant who lived through the Depression, after all), but the life lesson that utmost quality can be worth every penny holds true. In the morning, why not use products that make you excited to get ready? No matter how many times you’ve uncapped that Hermès Beauty lipstick, its radiant sheen still lights up the room; that Prada Beauty concealer is so creamy, you’ll always look well-rested; and those antioxidant, growth factor, and peptide serums (from SkinCeuticals, SkinMedica, and Dr. Diamond’s Metacine) are the closest scientists have gotten to time travel—in the right direction, we may add.
The 22 makeup, hair, body, and skin Splurges winning Allure Beauty of Beauty Awards turn our daily routines and makeup touch-ups into occasions in their own right. They are results-oriented and fine-tuned, like a midlife crisis car (they don’t look so expensive compared to that, huh?). And they bring some welcome childlike euphoria to our days (tell us you can see that H logo atop your lipstick without getting excited?), not to mention high-end radiance to our complexions.
Scroll to discover our 22 Allure Best of Beauty Splurge winners.
Best of Beauty Awards 2026: Splurges
Shop your favorite category or keep scrolling for the year's best high-priced beauty picks.
See our winners:
- Best Skin-Care Splurges
- Best Hair-Care Splurges
- Best Makeup Splurges
- Best Body-Care Splurges
Best Skin-Care Splurges
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
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Best Skin Splurges
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
Skinceuticals
Dermstore
Bluemercury
Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applies the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic.
Jenny Bailly
Why It Won: An insurance policy against wrinkles and sunspots, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic has been beloved by dermatologists, beauty editors, and cosmetic chemists for 20 years. And while vitamin C is a notoriously fragile ingredient, the brown glass bottle delivers a potent, stable version that lets the antioxidant superstar do its skin-brightening, collagen-protecting thing. The mix of 15% pure ascorbic-L acid (vitamin C), 1% alpha tocopherol (vitamin E), and ferulic acid has been put through the wringer over the last two decades, tested and shown to improve firmness and dullness in three months, while minimizing future signs of aging by helping to preserve collagen and defend against free radicals. The fact that it’s known for smelling like hot dog water and people are still obsessed with it tells you how good this serum must be. One Allure editor swears it faded her dark spots, including acne scars, and smoothed her skin’s texture in just one week. The antioxidant serum was reformulated at the end of the summer, but before anyone freaks out, it still contains the same tried-and-true mix of its namesake ingredients, alongside two additional ones: the compounds carnosine and endophytol.
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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"When SkinCeuticals announced a reformulation of C E Ferulic earlier this year, fans of the original product, including me, were skeptical. But I’m here to tell you that the new formula is just as good and that you should either be keeping it as part of your routine or adding it. The only real difference is the addition of 1% endophytol, a trademarked anti-inflammatory made from dandelion extract, and 0.3% carnosine, another ingredient that aids in smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Works for me!" —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
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Best Skin Splurges
Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil
Amazon
Why It Won: This facial oil smells incredible—like marzipan—but the real treat is how it sinks into our skin, hydrating and giving an instant glow with its sole ingredient, plum seed oil (who knew it would smell like almonds!). Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil has got to be the purest way to moisturize your skin, short of extracting your own seed oil, and it is beautifully pressed and bottled (glass dropper and all) on a family-owned plum farm in Northern California. It’s one of the largest organic dried plum producers in the world, and we’ll say this: When it comes to a plum seed face oil that’s delicate yet hydrating, silky yet quick-absorbing, they definitely know their stuff.
Tester feedback from senior copy manager Dawn Rebecky
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"A bottle of Le Prunier Plum Beauty Oil is like having a luxe little spa treatment at your fingertips. It has the subtle scent of Italian wedding cookies, warms skin on contact, and leaves my sensitive complexion looking plump and even-toned by morning. My fave skin-care product of Best of Beauty 2026." —Dawn Rebecky, senior copy manager
Bioeffect Imprinting Hydrogel Mask
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Best Skin Splurges
Bioeffect Imprinting Hydrogel Mask
Amazon
Why It Won: So much more than a means to an end, Bioeffect Imprinting Hydrogel Mask is straight-up pampering at its best, from start to finish. The gel sheets are so cooling and soothing that we’re tempted to wear them all day, and because they look surprisingly pretty—a very runway-worthy, glass-skin effect—we’re more than happy to walk around the house in them, which is completely doable because they also don’t slip or slide around. Twenty minutes in this two-piece hydrogel mask is the kind of wake-up call we dream of, calming after sleepless nights or before important days and special events. And the only reason we’re not totally bummed to peel them off is how amazing our skin looks afterward. We get the kind of unparalleled dewiness that gives us a glimpse into why celebrities’ complexions look so good on red carpets. These masks are definitely costly ($20 each), but when you want to really wow, it’s the price to pay for skin that looks this glowy.
Tester feedback from Best of Beauty editorial assistant Samantha He
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"Perfect for a little self-care night or before a special event. This mask's gel texture is cooling and quickly absorbs, leaving my face dewy and hydrated the whole day. With my oily skin, face masks sometimes leave me looking more oily instead of dewy. This just makes me glow!" —Samantha He, Best of Beauty editorial assistant
Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
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Best Skin Splurges
Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Amazon
Why It Won: Sunscreen is the single most important step in any skin-care routine, so why not also make it the star? Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+’s tinted mineral formula is lightweight, blends seamlessly, and makes complexions dewy with its moisturizing squalane-infused formula. The zinc oxide SPF is gentle enough to protect sensitive skin and delicate areas like undereyes, while brightening up dark spots with its softly peachy, ultra-radiant tint.
Tester feedback from manager of creative development Lauren Alberti
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"This is one of the products that I instantly started recommending to friends and family. From the moment you open the box, Ranavat Brightening Mineral Sunscreen is a luxurious experience. The lightweight sunscreen goes on so smoothly, it doesn’t pill, and leaves me with a dewy, protected glow." —Lauren Alberti, manager, creative development
La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream
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Best Skin Splurges
La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream
Nordstrom
Why It Won: The most relaxing way to close the chapter on the day, La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream’s pillowy texture is our cue to unwind and reset—there’s nothing we’d rather jump into bed with. Infused with the brand’s now-legendary Miracle Broth (made from sea kelp, minerals, and some sort of magic), the firming, hydrating treatment keeps working while we rest, so we get to wake up to skin that looks smoother, plumper, and totally refreshed.
Tester feedback from senior director of creative programming and development Natalie Campbell
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"I couldn’t help but love this cream despite its steep price tag. I deal with a mix of combination and dry skin in the winter, and this rich moisturizer kept it hydrated year-round. Every time I used it, I woke up with dewy, glowing skin. Heads up: The scent is a bit strong at first, but stick with it. The results are worth it!" —Natalie Campbell, senior director, creative programming and development
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
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Best Skin Splurges
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
Amazon
Contributor Christa Lee applies the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+.
Why It Won: SkinMedica TNS’s growth factors are the OGs of the regenerative skin-care movement, and they are still the GOAT—just ask any dermatologist who’s seen the data, and OMG does it make our skin look amazing beyond words (and acronyms). SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum breathes rarified air in the skin-care world—derms, chemists, and editors have been singing its praises for as long as it’s been around (the original version launched almost 25 years ago, and TNS has won multiple Allure Best of Beauty Awards throughout the years). In an industry rife with products that work on a hope and a prayer, TNS stands out for its proven results—helping to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, firm sagging skin, and even out tone and texture with its widely lauded, thoroughly vetted mix of human growth factors and peptides, dispensed by a dual-chamber pump.
Tester feedback from contributor Christa Lee
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"Over a decade ago, when I was first introduced to SkinMedica's TNS Advanced+ Serum, my late-20s, pre-kids skin simply couldn't appreciate everything it had to offer. Back then, I was mostly looking for hydration, and if that's still your main concern, there are plenty of less expensive serums that will do the job. But now, in the last year of my 30s (with two kids and plenty of hormonal shifts later), my skin has seen some things: melasma, dullness, fine lines, uneven texture, and, yes, it's still as dry as ever. After just two weeks of using this serum again, I've noticed my habitually dry, sensitive skin looks smoother, brighter, and a little firmer, especially around the lower cheeks and jawline where I'd started noticing hints of sagging. While the difference probably wouldn't jump out in before-and-after photos yet, I can feel it and see it. Even better, the fragrance-free formula has never irritated my sensitive skin, it's absorbed instantly, and leaves behind a subtle glow that doesn't pill under makeup. The only tricky part is the opaque packaging that makes it impossible to tell when you're about to run out, which, at this price, would be helpful to know when you need to stock up." —Christa Lee, contributor
Eighth Day The Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer
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Best Skin Splurges
Eighth Day The Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Editor in chief Jessica Cruel applies the Eighth Day The Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer.
Jessica Cruel
Why It Won: Like a divine dark chocolate truffle, Eighth Day The Ultra-Rich Intensive Moisturizer is decadent without being heavy. At first, you think it’s got to be the richest, most comforting cream you’ve ever had the good fortune to smooth over your skin, and as you massage it on, that’s when things really get interesting. The dense, delectable cream practically melts into an elixir that feels light and comfortable on our skin, treating complexions to wrinkle-plumping moisture from three kinds of hyaluronic acid and a blend of 24 firming peptides, amino acids, and growth factors. It’s mind-boggling that a cream this thick and indulgent going on could also wear all day comfortably without any product-y feel, but when we get skin that’s smoother, thoroughly moisturized, and with fewer noticeable lines, we’re not overthinking it.
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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"I tested this thick cream when my skin was extra-dry and hurting from the winter weather and airplane cabin air. I’d slather on a thick layer at night and a thin veil under makeup during the day, and it gave my skin the relief it needed." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Blue Lagoon Skin Science Silica Mud Mask
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Best Skin Splurges
Blue Lagoon Skin Science Silica Mud Mask
Amazon
Why It Won: Ahhhhh…that’s the sound of your pores breathing a sigh of sweet relief, thanks to the deep-cleaning magic that is Blue Lagoon Skin Science Silica Mud Mask. It is a de-gunking, pore-tightening reset, and it does it all without the usual thick clay mask texture. Far from it, this mask is an elegant cream that’s a joy to spread on and lounge around in, whether you’re sipping a frothy cappuccino—or, you know, gulping down coffee while you pack backpacks—in the morning, or relaxing and reading at night. Everyday moments just feel fancier in this mask, and more rewarding, too, treating us to skin that’s never looked so even and clear.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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"This is one of the hardest-working products in my medicine cabinet. You can use it in so many different ways: as a traditional mud mask, a gentle face scrub in the shower, and as a spot treatment on angry pimples. The silica is both soothing and deep-cleaning. My skin always feels happily clean and smooth after using it." —Sophia Panych, content director
Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Matrix
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Best Skin Splurges
Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Matrix
Amazon
Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applies the Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Matrix.
Jenny Bailly
Why It Won: How do you get a beauty editor going? Tell them independent clinical trials measured improvements using instrumentation (sexy!). Dr. Diamond's Metacine InstaFacial Infusion Biomimetic Microcollagen Matrix has the kind of testing and data we live for: The silky serum with collagen-boosting peptides has been shown to deliver quantifiable changes in skin elasticity and facial sagging, fine lines, and hydration levels in two to three months. Count us in.
Tester feedback from senior news editor James Manso
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"I've been on a real journey with my skin, which is oily, dehydrated, and showing fine lines all at once. Yes, I know they're probably all related. It's hard for me to find a really powerful hydrating formula with compelling collagen-related science behind it that also dries down well—and this is it! A lot of the serums I've used either aren't hydrating enough, or make it look like you could drill my forehead for oil by noon. I love the packaging on this one, too. It's meant to mimic the philosophy of the founder, Dr. Jason Diamond, who thinks of how to dimensionalize the face from every vantage point. Clearly, he thought of the formula in the same way." —James Manso, senior news editor
Best Hair-Care & Accessories Splurges
La Bonne Brosse N.02 The Care & Detangling Hair Brush
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Best Hair Splurges
La Bonne Brosse N.02 The Care & Detangling Hair Brush
Nordstrom
Shop Now
Senior shopping director Shanna Shipin applies the La Bonne Brosse N.02 Hair Brush.
Why It Won: We’ve never been so tempted to brush our hair 100 times. La Bonne Brosse N.02 The Care & Detangling Hair Brush’s mix of boar bristle and nylon fibers turns something we have to do into something we couldn’t be happier to do, making quick work of knots (it detangles super-gently) and building shine. The sculptural handle is twisty like a unicorn horn, which looks cool and is comfortable to hold, and the brush comes in a range of lacquered colors that are soft and muted (Essential Pink, Sky Blue), cheery bright (Saffron Yellow, Essential Blue), and moody (Emerald Green, Cherry Red).
Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor
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"Not only does this brush feature a mix of boar and nylon bristles that gently detangle my thick, wavy hair, it also looks gorgeous on my vanity." —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor
Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo and Conditioner
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Best Hair Splurges
Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo & Conditioner
Amazon
Why It Won: Expansive marble rain showers, floors that warm feet like slippers, and Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo and Conditioner—these are the things of high-end dream bathrooms, but only one of them makes our hair extravagantly shiny and oh-so-soft. (Hint: It’s not the heated floors.) This shampoo and conditioner strengthen hair with plant-based proteins (like rice), bamboo leaf, and chia seeds, and the light formulas rinse away clean, leaving hair more glossy and bouncy. The delicate floral-citrus scent rounds out the relaxing vibe we want from our shower (the rain shower is next…).
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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"After months of extreme hair loss, I made the big chop in late October 2025, trading the last of my long, fragile hair for an ultra-tight pixie cut. It marked the start of my hair regrowth journey, and the Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo and Conditioner has been with me every step of the way. The duo is formulated to help prevent breakage and improve elasticity, which my brittle hair desperately needed as it grew back. While it carries a hefty price tag, it is worth every penny to see hair on my head and not in my hairbrush. Nearly a year later, my hair still has a ways to go, but it’s come back healthy and strong." —Kassidy Silva, social director
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
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Best Hair Splurges
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
Amazon
Executive beauty director Jenny Bailly applies the Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer.
Jenny Bailly
Why It Won: It dries, it straightens, it curls—and does it all seamlessly and, in our experience, in just about 10 minutes. Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer is the Inspector Gadget tool of our morning routines (Go go, gadget wave enhancer!) because it does so much, so quickly. Using actual aerodynamics, called the Coanda effect, this tool dries editors’ thick, wavy hair in under 10 minutes, or fine, straight hair in about two minutes, delivering bouncy, glossy blowouts to our testers in record time. A lot of mornings we stop there, but it only takes another minute or two to run the straightening wand attachment along our hair, which magically becomes more sleek and shiny, or use the round brush attachment for more voluminous, gleaming waves that hold for days for us. (The attachments do get very hot, so be careful not to handle them right after use.)
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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"The compliments rolled in every time I used this tool to style my hair, and I really do mean every single time. The comments ranged from 'Your hair looks so shiny' to 'Did you get a blowout?' to 'Your hair has so much volume today.' One of my coworkers even said they needed a tutorial from me on how I was achieving my soft waves—a high, high praise from a beauty editor! I'm particularly a fan of the anti-snag attachment. Its bristles are thick and really smooth my hair quickly without breaking or snagging it." —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
David Mallett Conditioning Mist
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Best Hair Splurges
David Mallett Conditioning Mist
Shop
David Mallett
The difference between slapdash blow-drying and a glossy blow-out is in this little black bottle. David Mallett Conditioning Mist makes hair so shiny and smooth, you’d think we were old-school fancy and went to the salon every week—but really, it’s a few spritzes of this lightweight mist, which softens with mango butter, that’s making our hair look so deceptively done. It helps with detangling, protects against heat damage, and has a crisp mint and citrus scent that’s almost as gratifying as its expensive-looking, luminous finish. (Did we mention we love how this makes our hair shine?)
Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly
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"I go heavy on conditioner (a mask actually) in the shower, so my hair doesn't generally need a lot of detangling. But it always needs more moisture, so I never skip a leave-in spray. For the last couple of months, I've found myself consistently reaching for David Mallett's new Conditioning Mist—likely in part because the sleek bottle is one of the best-looking in my hair product stash. And also because I love the bergamot scent that I can still catch a faint whiff of after my hair is dry. But, most importantly, it glides through my hair and gives it a dose of shine, along with heat protection on days when I'm ambitious enough to blow-dry. Plus, I've noticed that when I use it, my hair feels cleaner longer than when I don't. Not sure what that is about, and it's certainly not an official claim, but I'll take it!" —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director
Jennifer Behr Tortoise Amira Jaw Clip
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Best Hair Splurges
Jennifer Behr Tortoise Amira Jaw Clip
Jennifer Behr
Beauty director Sarah Kinonen applies the Jennifer Behr Tortoise Amira Jaw Clip.
Sarah Kinonen
Why It Won: Every now and then, you come across an accessory that has a classic, chic, and effortless vibe. It makes you look more fashionable just by wearing it. It doesn’t take any work at all to style it, and if you’re lucky, it goes with any and everything you already own. Jennifer Behr Tortoise Amira Jaw Clip is one of those needle-in-a-haystack items. It’s not trying too hard to look cool, so you don’t have to be young enough to get carded to wear it. It’s a more stylish take on a tortoiseshell clip, with a pitch-perfect pattern and tweaked shape that make all the difference, elevating the little act of getting your hair out of your face into a statement of its own. And as a practical bonus, the clip happens to be super-comfy, easily holding every last strand, curl, and coil of hair in place without pulling or tugging.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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"As much as I hate to admit it, I probably wear my hair more up than down. It's not really a problem (more of a preference), but when you factor in my newly highlighted blonde hair in its current fragile state, pulling my hair back probably isn't the smartest move. But it's certainly the chicest with this tortoiseshell claw clip from Jennifer Behr. The curved design makes it easy to grip and hold fine hair like mine, as well as a variety of textures. Once it's in, it's in, and doesn't budge until I'm ready to take down my hair. I love that this clip instantly elevates any outfit—even track pants!" —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Best Makeup Splurges
Prada Beauty Conceal
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Best Makeup Splurges
Prada Beauty Conceal
Sephora
Former design intern Irene Kang applies the Prada Beauty Conceal.
Irene Kang
Why It Won: We haven’t had a breakout or a bad night’s sleep since we found Prada Beauty Conceal. That’s our story, and we’re sticking to it! Because this liquid concealer is so good at what it does—hiding dark circles, erasing blemishes, obscuring sun spots—our complexions have never looked so consistently even and lively. You’d never know we finished another book last night, sometime around 3 a.m.
Tester feedback from former design intern Irene Kang
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"As someone with combination skin, this simply melts into my morning skin care, and leaves that dewy glow I want in my base makeup. I love how wide and flat the applicator is so I can swipe on a thin layer and still have my skin shine through without looking cakey." —Irene Kang, former design intern
Gucci Beauty Glow Blush
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Best Makeup Splurges
Gucci Beauty Glow Blush
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why It Won: The most natural-looking flush you can get from a compact, Gucci Beauty Glow Blush’s sheer, silky powder is a complete no-brainer for creating a youthful glow. It’s impossible to overdo this gossamer tint, or apply it in anything but an even wash of radiance. It’s totally streak- and splotch-proof for us. It comes in six shades that were created to perk up all skin tones: pale pink Arctic Rose, delicate Fresh Coral, sun-kissed Warm Peach, juicy Bright Pink, mauve-brown Soft Plum, and a berry-red Bright Ruby. The weighty golden compact, meanwhile, is the stuff makeup tables were made to display, with its pretty sunburst pattern.
Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards
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"If you ask any of my friends what beauty product comes to mind when they think of me, 9 out of 10 will tell you blush. I love every kind of blush, but the one that reigns supreme for me is the Gucci Beauty Glow Blush in Fresh Coral. I prefer a powder blush with a bit of iridescence because it emulates a natural, dewy, lived-in flush without the extra sheen of a cream blush. The color payoff is strong and buildable, making it the perfect pick for full and even minimal glam." —Bianca Richards, social media manager
Burberry Beauty Beyond Wear Finishing and Smoothing Loose Powder
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Best Makeup Splurges
Burberry Beyond Wear Finishing and Smoothing Loose Powder
Nordstrom
Why It Won: The case for loose powder is easy to make with Burberry Beauty Beyond Wear Finishing and Smoothing Loose Powder, which feels as indulgent as cashmere going on and gives complexions a blurred finish that softens lines and discoloration as if skin is being airbrushed in real time. We love the elegance of brushing it on with a big, fluffy brush (so old school!), but the natural, somewhat matte finish and fine, silky texture keep the result feeling totally modern.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“If given the choice between pressed and loose powder, I’ll always choose loose. It’s easy to control, doesn’t buff up makeup, and can easily be reapplied throughout the day. This Burberry powder hits all of the above points and more (it comes in an oversized tub and in different shades), making it easy to see why it’s become an easy addition to my morning makeup routine.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Compact
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Best Makeup Splurges
Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Compact
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Sephora
Violet Grey
Why It Won: You can practically feel the sun warming your skin as you sweep on Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Compact. The believable-looking glow you get from this sheer powder is a softer take on the just-got-back-from-vacation look, and that is beyond flattering (there’s none of the sparkle or overt color that makes other bronzers fall short). The look is less “I’ve been lying out for hours,” and more “my skin is so healthy and glowy.”
Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman
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"While cream products may be all the rage right now, everyone still needs a good powder compact in their life. The Fara Homidi Essential Bronzer Compact is an ultra-smooth formula that looks light and air-brushed on the skin. I love the matte finish because it has an almost satin look, but stays in place all day. I love to pop this on my cheeks and forehead with a fluffy brush and then brush some in the crease of my lids to add a touch of warmth to my eyes." —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager
Hermès Beauty Silky Lipstick Shine
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Best Makeup Splurges
Hermès Beauty Silky Lipstick Shine
Nordstrom
Why It Won: How often can you say that a gorgeous Hermès design—in this case, a sleek black, white, and brushed gold tube embossed with a golden H—is upstaged by what’s inside? As much as we love pulling Hermès Beauty Silky Lipstick Shine out of our purse for very fancy touch-ups, we’re even more blown away by the luminous, sheer color that our lips are drenched in. The lipstick comes in 14 glowing tints, with so many gleaming pinks, radiant plums, and lustrous reds to choose from, that it’s easy to find one—or, more likely, 14—that you’ll covet.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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"Whether I’m in the mood for a delicate rosy pink or a deep, bold red, Hermès Beauty Silky Lipstick Shine has never let me down. This hydrating, sheer lipstick lets you effortlessly build to your preferred color, and it glides on, well, like silk!" —Kassidy Silva, social director
Best Body-Care Products
Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candles
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Best Body Splurges
Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candles
Guerlain
Social director Kassidy Silva lights a Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candle.
Kassidy Silva
Why It Won: They’re not kidding about the art part! These candles are nothing short of display pieces, and the coolest thing is that Guerlain L’Art & La Matière Scented Candles are customizable. First, you choose your jar (the octagonal vessel is so pretty, calling it a jar doesn’t really do it justice) from one of six two-toned color schemes: Sage, navy, white, tortoiseshell, warm yellow, or soft pink on top, all paired with a metallic brushed gold on the bottom. The shades are done so well and contrast so beautifully with the gold that you really can’t go wrong with any of them. Next, pick your scent: a simple, white octagonal candle nestled inside your jar of choice. There are nine fragrances to peruse, many of which are also Guerlain perfumes, such as powdery Iris Pallida, heady Rose Centifolla, and indulgent Vanille Planifolia. A lot of the fragrances are big enough to really fill your space with their notes; between the vessels and their scents, these make a big impression. Let’s just say, if you want to get invited back to a friend’s vacation house, this is the candle to bring as the hostess gift.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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"There is no better compliment than guests walking through your front door and saying, 'Your home smells incredible! What is that smell?' For me, it's all thanks to the Guerlain L'Art & La Matière Scented Candle. About an hour before company arrives, I light the candle in my midnight-blue jar in the scent Rose Centifolia, and it transforms my home into a rose garden. The candle has an impressive 45-hour burn time, and you only need to light it for about two hours to get the full impact. If florals aren’t your thing, the Figue Azur is a delightful sweet fig and woody mix, or the Vanille Planifolia is a go-to for gourmand lovers. There are nine interchangeable scents to customize for any jar. You can’t go wrong!" —Kassidy Silva, social director
Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection
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Best Body Splurges
Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection
Bottega Veneta
Why It Won: Basil and bourbon, rose and sage…the Bottega Veneta Beauty Alta Fragrance Collection features 10 different perfumes, each in a intrecciato glass bottle with a wooden cap and gold-finished detailing that reference Venetian architecture that play with duality. Each eau de parfum is a blend of two notes, one of which always comes from Italy (saffron, plum, fig), and the result is fragrances that are exquisite and unique, complex yet delicate. It’s a beautiful way to expand your perfume repertoire that doesn’t require committing to just one fragrance. You get to try out Italian plum with Spanish resin (Velvet Steps), Italian leather with vanilla (Moment After), Italian blood orange with African neroli (Montebello), discovering new favorite notes along the way, choosing scents for occasions and outfits, and having fun mixing things up each day knowing you cannot possibly go wrong with any of these gorgeous fragrances.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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"The term 'work of art' is thrown around a lot in fragrance, but the Alta collection bottles are true mixed-media masterpieces, complete with a wooden cap, scuptural, gold-toned atomizer, and embossed glass bottle—a touch meant to evoke the intrecciato woven leather of the brand's bags and shoes. Packaging aside, the scents are exquisite. They're bold yet subtle, like Velvet Steps, which pairs syrupy plum with smoky frankincense and myrrh, and my personal favorite, Bare Morning, which is the brand's take on a skin scent based around the Italian version of talcum powder and sandalwood." —Sophia Panych, content director
Written by Elizabeth Siegel
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Allure pick the best luxury beauty products for Best of Beauty? Allure editors test prestige and high-end products across makeup, skin care, and hair, including brands known for cutting-edge ingredients, innovative formulas, and elevated sensorial experience. A product earns a Splurge award if it delivers exceptional results that justify its premium price tag.
Are expensive beauty products really worth it?
Not all luxury products live up to the hype, but those in our Splurges category do. These winners have been thoroughly tested by editors and chosen for standout performance, long-term results, and ingredient quality. Think: highly concentrated actives, sophisticated textures, and formulas that go beyond what you’ll find at the drugstore.
What kinds of products are included in the Splurges category?
This list includes luxury concealers, fragrances, facial serums, hair-conditioning products, and more. Each product offers something extraordinary, whether it’s a skin-care formula that visibly firms and smooths skin, or a base makeup product that creates a flawless finish with long-wear comfort.
Do luxury winners include clean or dermatologist-backed brands?
In previous years, some of our Splurge winners have come from clean beauty brands, but this year, none of the products in this category meet Allure's clean standard. However, this year's list includes a facial serum formulated by a board-certified plastic surgeon and a powder bronzer created by a makeup artist. For the others in the category, winners were selected based on their luxury performance and ornate packaging.
Is this category the same as the Breakthrough or General categories?
No, the Splurges category specifically highlights premium products that justify a higher price point. Our Breakthrough winners celebrate innovation, while General winners are beloved staples that stand the test of time. Some products may appear in more than one category, but Splurges are all about luxury and performance.
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