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Four months into Zendaya’s bixie, we haven’t come close to tiring of it. She's cycled through soft curls, slicked-back styles, and vintage-inspired swoops that have made her hair one of the biggest beauty stories of the year. But for the world premiere of The Odyssey, she surprised us by suddenly wearing waist-skimming waves and a braid crown that couldn’t be more fitting for someone playing a goddess.

Zendaya arrived at the London event on July 6 with not several inches but several feet of additional hair. Simultaneously regal and seemingly effortless—her hairstylist would surely disagree—it cascaded in the softest of undone waves down to her corseted waist.

Her rich brunette color was brightened with shimmering, blonde highlights that were especially apparent in her half-up braid crown. Two thick braids began just above the temples before wrapping over and around her head like an organic headband. Rather than being tightly woven, the braids had a relaxed texture that blended with the softness of her length.

Photo: Getty Images

The style feels especially appropriate given her role as Athena in Christopher Nolan's highly anticipated adaptation of The Odyssey. It evokes exactly what you’d picture for mythological beauty, and just like so many of Zendaya’s premiere looks for other movies, it stays on-theme.

Photo: Getty Images

Her makeup by Ernesto Casillas was even more ethereal, thanks to a wash of frosty, pearlescent eye shadow emphasized along the inner corners of her eyes and blended out both above and below, behind well-defined lashes. Her nails, on the other hand (no pun intended), went in the opposite direction with a super-dark, short manicure, keeping the look from skewing too angelic.

Between the braided crown, flowing waves, and luminous makeup, Zendaya's latest red carpet appearance feels like what we might see if Athena herself showed up for an A-list movie premiere.

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When it comes to finding the best face serums for aging skin, we’re firmly in the camp that aging isn’t a problem that needs “fixing.” Skin changes with time, and while you don’t have to fight it, you can support it if you want your complexion to feel healthier, glow a little brighter, and stay comfortable as your skin matures.

That’s where serums shine. Because they’re packed with concentrated actives, they can help with texture, tone, and firmness. According to Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Cincinnati, the payoff builds slowly but meaningfully. “With consistent use, many patients begin to notice improvements in hydration and skin texture within about 2 to 4 weeks,” she says, “More visible changes, such as smoother fine lines, improved firmness, and a more even tone, typically develop after 12 weeks as collagen production increases.” Ingredients like retinoids, peptides, antioxidants, and deep hydrators (like hyaluronic acid) give aging skin the support it needs without overwhelming it. Patience, consistency, and daily sunscreen do the rest.

Our Top Face Serums for Aging Skin

• Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum, $295
• Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
• Best for Sun Spots: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum, $85
• Best Plumping: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum, $115

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?
• Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?
• How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

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SkinMedica

TNS Advanced+ Serum

$295

Amazon

$295

Dermstore

$295

Bluemercury

Why it's worth it: When we poll derms on what they actually use for skin laxity, SkinMedica’s TNS Advanced+ Serum almost always comes up. The Best of Beauty winner’s hero ingredient—TNS, short for “tissue nutrient solution”—is a concentrated blend of growth factors (excellent for addressing sagging), as well as cytokines, antioxidants, and matrix proteins to smooth texture and even tone. A trio of botanicals (French flaxseed, marine extract, and green microalgae) layers on additional support by “supporting collagen production to slow down the skin’s aging process,” says Dr. Foad. And because we all know a formula’s texture matters when it comes to sticking with a routine, Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Austin, notes that “the formulation feels silky and smooth on the skin.”

Allure executive director Jenny Bailly after applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Jenny Bailly

Bailly after applying the SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum

Jenny Bailly

Tester feedback from executive beauty director Jenny Bailly

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“I say it to any skin-care consumer who will listen: When I use SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum regularly, I get not-infrequent compliments on my skin. When I run out—which I really try to avoid—they start to dry up. This stuff just makes my skin… better. My only beef with this OG serum had been the dual-chamber bottle. SkinMedica just launched totally new packaging for TNS Advanced+, and I've had zero dual-pumping issues with the cleaner, slimmer bottle.” —Jenny Bailly, executive beauty director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: human growth factor blend, peptide complex, French flaxseed
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Expression Lines: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

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SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

Dermstore

$150

Bluemercury

$150

SkinCeuticals

Why it's worth it: If Botox came in a dropper instead of a syringe, wouldn’t you be curious? SkinCeuticals P-Tiox makes a compelling case. The serum leans on signal peptides, which are naturally found in skin and, as the name implies, “signal” cells to carry out functions; in this case, they soften expression lines (think glabella 11s, cheek folds, and forehead creases) while giving skin a plump, glass-skin finish. A hydrating complex also keeps mature skin looking fresh: “It contains sea kelp extract, which also delivers antioxidant protection to preserve collagen stores,” Rachel Westbay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. Over time, she says, “the synergy of these hydrators with the peptides can also lessen the appearance of prominent pores and improve overall skin quality and smoothness.” You’ll also find 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, and 1% laminaria extract working together to brighten dullness and improve uneven texture and tone.

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Cruel after applying the SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Jessica Cruel

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

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“There is a combination of peptides, niacinamide, and PHA in this serum to help target a very specific sign of aging: expression lines. As someone who loves to laugh, I am particularly concerned about my nasolabial folds a.k.a. smile lines. I use this serum so they don't get any worse. I have to say, I find my filler is lasting a lot longer in that area. It is not a complete replacement for aesthetic treatments like filler or neurotoxin, but this serum can complement those in-office treatments as maintenance. I like to switch off between this and my retinol.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

More to know

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• Key ingredients: niacinamide, polyhydroxy acid, laminaria extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Brightening: Tatcha The Brightening Serum

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Tatcha

The Brightening Serum

$89

Amazon

$89

Ulta Beauty

$89

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Reasons aging skin loses its glow? Let us count the ways: slower cell turnover, decreased oil production, years of accumulated sun damage, and skin that simply doesn't hold onto moisture the way it once did (hello, weakened skin barrier). Tatcha's The Brightening Serum tackles dullness from multiple angles, pairing vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside) with ferulic acid to brighten discoloration and defend against oxidative stress. "The ferulic acid stabilizes the vitamin C and amplifies its antioxidant activity, so you get more out of every drop," says Aderonke Obayomi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

Meanwhile, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, and honey replenish much-needed moisture, while licorice root and the brand's signature fermented rice complex promote a more even-looking tone. "The texture on this one is cushiony and almost milky, which is unusual for a vitamin C serum and makes a real difference for dry, depleted skin," says Dr. Obayomi.

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Tatcha The Brightening Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Lee after applying the Tatcha The Brightening Serum

Christa Joanna Lee

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

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“I'm always a little wary of brightening formulas because my sensitive, redness-prone skin gets all fired up, especially in the summer. But as I recently entered the final year of my 30s, I've noticed my complexion looking a bit duller than it used to. Tatcha's The Brightening Serum feels incredibly lightweight and absorbs almost instantly without any sting or irritation. After a solid two weeks of using this, I'm already noticing a subtle difference in my glow, with my skin looking a little brighter and more refreshed without any added redness. But FYI, I found the texture pretty watery—so much so that it practically slips through my fingers, so you have to be quick!” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin C (ascorbyl glucoside), ferulic acid, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, honey, fermented rice complex
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sun Spots: Sunday Riley A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

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Sunday Riley

A+ High-Dose Retinoid Serum

$85

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Even if you’ve been diligent about sunscreen your whole life, dark spots and hyperpigmentation have a way of sneaking in anyway. Sunday Riley’s A+ Retinoid Serum takes a different approach than your standard retinol cream, using a 6.5% retinoid blend that combines a retinoid ester (a gentler, slower-converting form of vitamin A ideal for reactive or mature skin), liposomal-encapsulated retinol (protected in lipid spheres to stay stable and release gradually), and blue-green algae (a natural retinoid alternative). The result is a formula that tackles uneven skin tone, rough texture, and fine lines “more gently than prescription-strength retinoid creams while still delivering similar effects,” says Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Philadelphia. Antioxidant CoQ10 (coenzyme Q10) supports stressed skin and “can also help with redness and irritation of the skin,” she adds, while Hawaiian white honey and cactus extract keep the complexion calm as tone and texture improve over time.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 5% retinoid ester blend, 1% liposomal-encapsulated retinol blend, and 0.5% blue-green algae, Hawaiian white honey, bisabolol, cactus extract, ginger, coenzyme Q10
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Plumping: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Serum

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Shiseido

Ultimune Power Infusing Serum

$115 $96 (17% off)

Amazon

$120

Nordstrom

$120

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Understandably, most of us don't start thinking seriously about skin damage until we can actually see it. Shiseido's Ultimune Power Infusing Serum takes a slightly different approach, helping skin build resilience before environmental stressors like pollution, UV exposure, and daily stress can leave their mark. It features the brand’s proprietary Power Fermented Camellia+ complex (which includes camellia leaf, seed, and seed oil extracts) that supports the skin barrier, soothes irritation, and improves the look of firmness. "The camellia flower's regenerative properties deliver potent amino acids that rejuvenate and strengthen the skin," Jaimie Glick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously told Allure. And because glycerin and dimethicone sit at the top of the ingredient list, “it feels so luxe and silky smooth as it glides on and quickly absorbs into skin,” adds Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: glycerin, camellia seed extract, heart leaf extract, camellia seed oil
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Retinol Alternative: Avène Vitamin Activ Cg Serum

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Avène

Vitamin Activ Cg Serum

$46

Amazon

$48

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Retinol may be the gold standard for addressing signs of aging, and while it can definitely make skin look glowier and smoother over time, the results are usually gradual. If brightness is your main goal, vitamin C often delivers that healthy-looking radiance a little faster. Avène's Vitamin Activ Cg Radiance Serum offers the best of both worlds by pairing vitamin Cg—a stabilized form of vitamin C equivalent to 20% vitamin C—with bakuchiol, the plant-derived retinol alternative that smooths fine lines and improves firmness without the irritation that can sometimes accompany traditional retinoids. Niacinamide brightens discoloration and supports the skin barrier, while the brand’s signature Thermal Spring Water, glycerin, and sodium hyaluronate replenish moisture. “This is the type of formula I reach for when someone wants brightening but cannot tolerate a traditional vitamin C serum with L-ascorbic acid,” says Dr. Yoo. Though Avène has built its reputation on gentle formulas, this serum does contain added fragrance, so sensitive skin types may want to do a patch test first.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin Cg (ascorbyl glucoside), bakuchiol, niacinamide, Avène Thermal Spring Water, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Dry Skin: La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Serum

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La Roche-Posay

Hyalu B5 Serum

$40

Amazon

$43

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: Fine lines and wrinkles tend to look more pronounced when skin is dry, which is why mature skin often responds so well to deep, consistent hydration. La Roche-Posay’s Hyalu B5 Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum delivers on that front with a formula that keeps skin cushioned and calm. “It contains hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and plump the skin, which helps soften the appearance of fine lines and improve elasticity and volume,” says Dr. Sun. It also contains vitamin B5 to support skin repair and resilience, plus madecassosides (wound-healing compounds from Centella asiatica), which “nourish your skin barrier and soothe irritation,” Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Cincinnati, previously told Allure. The affordable serum is allergy-tested and gentle enough for sensitive types, which is key because the skin barrier tends to get a little more reactive as we age.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, Centella asiatica, vitamin B5
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Early Signs of Aging: PCA Skin Pro‑Max Age Renewal Serum

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PCA Skin

Pro‑Max Age Renewal Serum

$219

Amazon

$219

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: Loss of elasticity is one of the earliest signs of aging—and it’s exactly where PCA Skin’s Pro-Max Age Renewal excels, addressing laxity before sagging skin becomes a bigger concern. Rather than relying on traditional growth factors (which can sometimes be unstable and don’t always penetrate well), this serum uses peptides that mimic their benefits to keep things firmer. These smaller, more stable peptides are shown to stimulate collagen and elastin for longer-term results, while micro-algae delivers instant firming and kangaroo paw flower smooths texture. “Its advanced peptide formulation penetrates deeper than traditional growth factors to target key aging concerns effectively,” says Dr. Sun. Stick with it and you’ll notice skin feeling firmer and springier.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: Micro Growth Factor Technology (peptide blend), biopolymers with micro-algae, kangaroo paw flower extract, growth factor–mimicking peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Deep-Set Wrinkles: Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

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Paula's Choice

Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum

$55

Amazon

Why it's worth it: Even before TikTok and Reddit threads turned retinol into an obsession, dermatologists were already loyal—and Paula’s Choice Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum has been their long-time favorite. This isn’t just any retinol serum: The stabilized 0.1% retinol (a sweet spot for current users who want to level up) gets backup from vitamins C and E, a pairing that encourages skin to look smoother and more even while addressing loss of firmness, one of the most common skin concerns that shows up with age. “Compounding vitamin C with another antioxidant (like vitamin E) preserves the stability and boosts the effectiveness of the serum,” Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Allure. You get better antioxidant longevity and more noticeable smoothing benefits, particularly for deeper-set lines that can be harder to soften with age.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: 0.1% stabilized retinol, vitamin C, vitamin E
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum

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Olay Regenerist

Micro-Sculpting Serum

$27 $21 (22% off)

Amazon

$21

Walmart

Why it's worth it: While even beauty novices know the benefits of peptides by now, Olay was ahead of the curve. The brand “was one of the first drugstore players to incorporate peptides into its formulas more than 20 years ago,” when at the time they were only in higher-end skin care, says Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Thousand Oaks, California. Though the Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Serum has undergone a few updates over the years, its mission has remained the same: Pair peptides—in this case, the brand's signature amino peptide (palmitoyl pentapeptide-4)—with niacinamide to smooth fine lines, brighten uneven tone, and refine texture.

The silicone-based formula gives the serum its signature silky, almost primer-like slip, making skin feel instantly smoother and softer, while light-reflecting minerals like mica impart a subtle pearly glow. "It's so moisturizing, which is great for mature skin, but also layers nicely under moisturizer if you need extra nourishment," says Dr. Pierre.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: palmitoyl pentapeptide-4, niacinamide, mica
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients should I look for in a serum for mature skin?

When it comes to rejuvenating serums for aging skin, “retinoids are the gold standard ingredient in skin-care products,” says Dr. Sun, noting that they decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while stimulating collagen production for firmer, smoother-looking skin.

Hydration matters, too, especially since dryness can make texture and lines more visible. “Hyaluronic acid is also great because it draws moisture into the skin while helping skin look plump,” she adds. Together, collagen-stimulating actives and deep hydrators create a solid foundation for aging skin that’s losing elasticity, volume, and moisture.

Are face serums safe for sensitive or thinning mature skin?

Face serums are very safe for all skin types when chosen thoughtfully. “If you have irritation-prone or sensitive skin, use gentle, well-tolerated forms of active ingredients,” says Dr. Foad. For example, lower-strength or encapsulated retinoids can support collagen, smooth texture, and soften lines with less irritation, while ingredients like niacinamide, bisabolol, and ceramides maintain a steady, comfortable barrier. Dr. Foad also recommends introducing one new product at a time and avoiding multiple strong actives in the same routine. And since mature skin can be more delicate, “patch testing before full-face use is always a smart step.”

How are face serums for aging skin different from face oils?

Face serums and face oils for mature skin serve different purposes in your skin-care routine and are not interchangeable. “Serums are lightweight formulations designed to deliver concentrated active ingredients, such as retinoids, antioxidants, peptides, or hyaluronic acid, deeper into the skin,” says Dr. Foad. “They can support collagen production, cellular renewal, and can protect against intrinsic as well as environmental aging.”

Face oils, on the other hand, “focus primarily on moisturizing and reinforcing the skin barrier.” They’re excellent for sealing in hydration and pairing with moisturizers to improve comfort across skin types, but typically don’t contain actives at sufficient levels to drive structural change. For mature skin, Dr. Foad notes that serums address the underlying signs of aging, while oils can be used alongside them to support moisture and barrier health.

Meet the experts

• Alexandra Bowles, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Mona Foad, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MONA Dermatology based in Cincinnati
• Jaimie Glick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Michelle Henry, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin & Aesthetic Surgery of Manhattan based in New York City
• Aderonke Obayomi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and assistant professor at Mount Sinai based in New York City
• Peterson Pierre, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology, based in Thousand Oaks, California
• Heidi Prather, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Austin
• Christina Sun, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Partners based in Philadelphia
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

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 face serums for aging skin, 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 board-certified dermatologists. 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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Swedish pop musician Zara Larsson is all about incorporating color, sparkle, and a healthy dash of ‘90s and early ’00s nostalgia into her looks, both onstage and off. If anyone has embraced the pop star-slash-Lisa Frank aesthetic, it's Larsson and makeup artist Sophia Sinot, whose close working partnership has brought us some of the most fun beauty inspo we've seen in awhile—like the enormous pink rhinestone butterfly Larsson donned for her performance at the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, which took up a significant amount of facial real estate and has us feeling absolutely enchanted.

Larsson and Sinot have done so many great looks; a quick scroll through Sinot's Instagram reveals everything from rainbow eye shadow dotted with matching rhinestones to leopard print body gems. For the festival, they skipped the colorful eye shadow—which has now become something of a Larsson signature—in favor of a magenta pink rhinestone butterfly outline that spanned from the top of Larsson's cheek to the center of her forehead.

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According to Sinot, she hand placed every single rhinestone on Larsson's face, which is no small feat given how many gems made up the butterfly shape and how precise the placement was. The butterfly encircles Larsson's eye, with its wings spanning the whole area from her inner brow to well past its tip. Inside the butterfly, Sinot applied a shimmery blend of icy white and mauve shadows anchored by a thick wing of black eyeliner and lush false lashes.

This isn't the first time a butterfly motif has fluttered, so to speak, into Larsson's glam routine. In April, she wore a line of butterfly gem tattoos down her back—seven in total—designed by Lucas Stowe. Plus, the “Midnight Sun” singer has been absolutely instrumental in bringing back body glitter and body decals, which have seen quite the comeback in our nostalgia-obsessed beauty culture. While Larsson's butterfly gems are the work of a very talented professional and require a very steady hand, you could channel some of that retro pop girl energy with some stick on gems of your own, like this butterfly-themed set. Pop 'em on and go soak up that (midnight) sun!

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It turns out the easiest way to shake up one of Kate Middleton's go-to hairstyles is simply to move it a few inches higher. While the princess has worn ponytails plenty of times over the years, they're almost always gathered at the nape or midway up the back of her head. Her high ponytail worn to Wimbledon, however, feels like a playful departure—one that radiates serious Sporty Spice vibes without sacrificing an ounce of royal polish.

Unlike the ultra-tight "snatched" ponytails that have dominated red carpets recently, Middleton's version strikes a softer balance. The hair at the crown is smoothed back but not slick—in fact, there’s a decent amount of volume up top—with virtually no visible part. The ponytail itself falls in long, loose, brushed-out waves that start just below the hair-wrapped elastic. Although it may not sit directly atop her head like some extra-high ponytails, when you look at it from the side, you can really appreciate the subtle lift through the crown and how the height of the ponytail elongates the entire look.

Photo: Getty Images

Thinking back, the last time we can recall Catherine, Princess of Wales, wearing a ponytail this perky was for another sport-adjacent event in 2023, when she visited Maidenhead Rugby Club to talk about the Shaping Us campaign and even (kind of) played some rugby.

Photo: Getty Images

She definitely wasn’t dressed to sweat this time, though. The ponytail was paired with one of Middleton’s sharpest Wimbledon outfits in recent memory: a vibrant, cobalt-blue, wide-leg, linen power suit over a simple white, ribbed top. Her pulled-back hairstyle gave a clear view of blue and gold drop earrings.

Photo: Getty Images

Maybe that's why the high ponytail works so well here. Rather than feeling like an afterthought like so many ponytails (never the Princess’s, of course) it complements everything going on with the accessories and suit. It's a small departure from her usual hairstyle playbook—but sometimes drawing the eye a little higher is all it takes to make a classic feel unexpectedly fresh.

Collage: Mark Baker-Sanchez; Source images: Getty Images; Lorreta Rocha; Edmilson Garcia.Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Every FIFA World Cup, on a stage that over one billion watch, new heroes emerge. This year, all eyes have been on Cabo Verde (commonly anglicized as Cape Verde). The team, hailing from the archipelago off the coast of West Africa, has grown to represent the ultimate underdog. It’s not just the Blue Sharks’ first time in the World Cup, but they made history as the smallest country by population and land size to advance to the tournament’s knockout stage. Eyes aren’t just on their performance—but on their hair, too.

Watch any Cabo Verde match, and you’ll find players with their coils defined to helical perfection or their curls flat twisted into intricate geometric patterns. A small roster of team braiders is behind these looks, including Lorreta Rocha, whose vlogs about traveling with the team have gone viral on both TikTok and Instagram. She’s been behind Blue Shark hairstyles from Garry Mendes Rodrigues to Sidny Lopes Cabral, Dailon Livramento, and Kevin Pina, who scored Cabo Verde’s first-ever goal in the World Cup while playing Uruguay. Each of them brings their own flare to the matches, but they do share some preferred trends.

Sidny Lopes Cabral on the field during Cabo Verde’s match against Uruguay in Miami.

Getty Images

A closer view of Cabral’s braids.

Edmilson Garcia

“The style that's in right now is flat twists. For most of the players, that’s what they want. For a lot of other players whose hair is not long enough for braids, they've asked me to work with their coils to make sure they're hydrated and defined,” Rocha tells Allure. Rodrigues, she says, “is the kind of player who needs his hair done every week since the games follow that schedule. Because of his texture, there are particular styles he likes doing to make sure they’ll last. Where they're playing, it’s very humid, and there's a lot of sweating.” For Gilson Benchimol Tavares, it was helpful to restyle his locs in order to keep them secure and out of his face during the game.

“While people may look at it as something that is trivial, to have a braider or to have your hair done before every game… it has a big impact on how the players feel, especially knowing that they're on the biggest stage that you can be on as an athlete,” Rocha says. It can be important for players to express themselves while in uniform and that these styles also carry cultural significance. “As an athlete myself, I know the [power of] being able to step on the field or a court and feel like, ‘I look like I’m the shit, so I’m going to play like I’m the shit.’” (There are whole studies showing this is real, by the way.)

Garry Mendes Rodrigues playing in the match against Uruguay in Miami.

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The 34-year-old Rocha, who was born and raised in Cabo Verde, started doing hair at 13 before playing for the national women’s basketball team at 17. Those skills earned her a scholarship to go stateside at 18 and play NCAA Division II ball at Southern New Hampshire University. Fast forward to 2022, she pivoted careers, transitioning from managing finances for a Massachusetts non-profit to starting her hair styling business in Boston. Technically, this is Rocha’s second time being a World Cup team braider; she worked the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Japan.

Rocha’s close friend, Vozinha, helped her secure the gig. Yes, that Vozinha, the 40-year-old breakout star goalie who became an overnight sensation after blocking Spain for a total of seven saves and helping the game result in a draw. That won Cabo Verde’s first-ever point in a FIFA World Cup. “With the country being so small, most of us athletes kind of know each other and follow each other's journey,” Rocha says of the goalie, born Josimar José Évora Dias. “The moment they got here in the U.S., they settled in Connecticut, and Vozinha reached out like, ‘Some of the guys need a braider. Would you be willing to come and do their hair?’” She immediately said yes. (You heard it here first: Vozinha has joked about getting braids, but Rocha says to not expect him to ditch his curly taper fade anytime soon.)

Kevin Pina after Cabo Verde’s match against Saudi Arabia in Houston, Texas.

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Nevertheless, Rocha knows both her work and her home have unprecedented reach. “I have always always been a big defender and upholder of my people, my culture, and my country. This is not new for me, but the biggest thing that could ever happen to us is happening right now,” she says.

On the job, the day-to-day can be chaotic. The hardest part, Rocha says, is not having a set time for anything, which isn’t easy for someone who usually likes to have every minute planned. “I spend most of my day waiting on them instead of actually doing hair because their schedule is so hectic. It's a lot of teamwork between me and the players to make sure that everybody's hair is done,” she says. The braider usually has a checked bag in tow, packed with an assortment of styling classics and go-to products like Magic Fingers, Being’s leave-in conditioner, and Mielle’s mousse. Then, she’ll set up shop in whatever hotel the team is staying at and get the looks done. Sometimes, when players are running between practice and events, she may pre-treat or create parts on the scalp before finishing later. Some looks take just over an hour, while the most involved ones can go up to four hours. Getting the job done, she says, is all about right staggering and sporadic scheduling.

Close-ups of Dailon Livramento’s and Sidny Lopes Cabral’s braids.

Lorreta Rocha

“Doing somebody's hair is a spiritual practice,” Rocha says. “There's a lot of spiritual significance in our hair and in who touches our hair. What I try to focus on is imparting as much positive energy as possible. I feel like I am able to understand and relate a lot of what they're going through as a former athlete, the pressure, the focus. I can sense when a player is getting in the zone. I can measure when to step in and when to step out.”

If and when Cabo Verde is done at the 2026 FIFA World Cup—which is happening across Canada, the U.S., and Mexico and wraps with a final match on July 19—Rocha will return to Boston and continue her work there. For those who live nearby, she offers natural hairstyling appointments for everything from root braids to microloc installations, braids, and general styling.

“There are three versions of me in this moment right now: the former athlete, the very proud Cabo Verdean woman, and the business owner,” Rocha says. “I'm not done processing. I think it's going to take the tournament actually ending for me to be able to process. But the main feeling is a lot of pride, a sense of, finally. Finally people see what I’ve always talked about when I’m so loud and proud of my country.”

Rocha at the Cabo Verde game against Uruguay.

Lorreta Rocha

Collage: Mark Baker-Sanchez; Source images: Courtesy of Bath & Body Works.Save StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

It’s no secret that the world is feeling a little nostalgic right now. Millennials are reliving their glory days with sequels like The Devil Wears Prada 2 and relaunches of brands such as Marc Jacobs Beauty. Gen-Z is fascinated by the Y2K era including all the trends many of us would like to forget (low-rise jeans and stripe-y highlights, anyone?). It’s only natural, then, that the Millennial Queen herself, Hilary Duff, is back on tour for the first time in almost 20 years. The last time she went on tour in the U.S. was 2007. Eyebrows were being plucked into oblivion, bronzer was used in excess, and hair was parted deeply to one side.

Today, her now-grown fans pack into stadiums and amphitheatres dressed in their best early-aughts outfits and matching butterfly clips to experience the mass catharsis of hearing her belt out “Come Clean” and “What Dreams Are Made Of,” alongside her latest hits like “Roommates” and “Weather for Tennis.” Duff delivers exactly what we all need right now: A little dose of childhood fun paired with appreciation for the journey we’ve all been on since the early 2000s.

This 2026 version of Hilary Duff is exactly how you imagine her. Her contagious smile and familiar giggle create a relaxed vibe in the penthouse suite we are meeting at The Proper Hotel in Austin. She’s back in her home state of Texas, exuding a relaxed glamour only someone with her years of Hollywood experience can have. You would never guess that she was in the midst of her first full-scale world tour in almost two decades.

Duff was 19 the last time she went on a world tour. Now 38, she returns to the stage a little older, a little wiser, and accompanied by a supportive husband (and talented musician, Matthew Koma), four kids, and an elite skin-care routine. And while we are very interested in said routine (more on that in a second), the first purpose of our meeting is to take Duff on a trip down memory lane—beauty style.

Duff performs onstage for SiriusXM’s Small Stage Series in May 2026.

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Duff looks at photographs laid out in front of her—captured between 2001 and 2025—with each one showing a different era of her beauty journey. One photo catches her eye: a screenshot from her 2003 “Come Clean” music video. This “glam was super iconic,” Duff says. “I’m not embarrassed about it.” She credits makeup artist Rachel Goodwin with creating the look, but notes that she did love that heavy black eyeliner for her every-day glam, too.

“One thing I’m kind of obsessed with is the blotting out of the lip,” adds Duff. “I remember putting foundation on my lips to make them go away, which is an insane thought today. Now, people are over-lining, and want their lips to be big and juicy and stand out, and this was like, ‘how do we minimize the lip?’” Duff can’t help but laugh at the thought of it now.

The singer and actor acknowledges that she’s come a long way in her beauty journey. “Less is more,” she notes. “I’ve always heard everyone say that as they age…but it’s true.” Still, Duff reminds us, “that doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. I continue to play with makeup and am inspired by how I wake up, what the vibe is for the day, and what I’m wearing.” She understands the power of lightly applying some colorful eye shadow and mascara. “I’d rather have a fresh face than a full face of makeup.”

While Duff cringes at a photo of her famous character in A Cinderella Story, Sam Montgomery, and her unbrushed barrel curls—“it looks so prom, so crispy”—she smiles at her super glossy lips in the film’s party scene. “She is glossy and she is shining,” Duff notes. “I’m so happy that this trend is back; it’s all about juicy, glossy, bright, poppy. It just feels good.”

Courtesy of Bath & Body Works

In a genius nostalgia play, Duff has teamed up with Bath & Body Works for the launch of their new Fruit Fusion line. After all, what millennial didn’t save up their allowance to get the latest Bath & Body Works body splash and matching hand sanitizer in the early 2000s?

The Fruit Fusion launch is a collection of hand sanitizers, lip oils, perfume mists, hand and body lotions, and more. The lotions include hyaluronic acid, the much-loved ingredient that helps bring in and hold onto moisture in the skin. And, of course, everything smells delicious, with scents ranging from Watermelon Whirl and Tangerine Twirl to Berry Bliss and Banana Blend.

Conveniently, Duff keeps hydration top of mind while taking on this world tour, primarily performing in outdoor venues in this summer’s intense heat. “I live in California where it’s dry. I’m 38. I feel like I’m always dry. A huge part of my routine at this stage of my life is hydration,” she says. “I feel best when I’m hydrated on the inside, hydrated on the outside. The Bath & Body Works Fruit Fusion line has amazing products that keep me moisturized for days, and when I feel my skin feeling good, I typically feel good.”

The partnership feels natural for Duff, a lifelong Bath & Bodyworks fan. “I feel like it’s a very joyous, happy line; it’s really fitting with what’s happening in my life and my tour right now,” she says. During this tour, she has been pairing together the Tangerine Twirl and Banana Blend body washes and lotions. “It’s very summery, happy, bright, sweet, and that has been my summer mode.”

In addition to using her favorite Fruit Fusion products on this tour, Duff is a firm believer in Therabody’s TheraFace Depuffing Wand to both depuff her skin and help with product absorption before every show. To also help with depuffing and brightening of the skin, Duff loves YSE’s The Overachiever undereye patches. “She’s 38,” Duff playfully adds, “we’ve got to hydrate those lines.” She seals it all in with the crowd-pleasing One/Size setting spray, ensuring her makeup stays pristine while running around stage in the summer heat.

The Lucky Me tour will continue its US leg through August. In September, Duff will take the tour internationally, starting with Ireland and the UK. In the meantime, you can catch her smiling her way through her iconic bops on stage, sporting her favorite Banana Blend lip oil.

Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Waxing may seem like an intimidating (read: painful!) way to remove body hair, but the best at-home waxing kits make the process easy, mess-free, and as approachable as your favorite razor. Plus, there are unique benefits to waxing, anyway: It can reduce your risk of ingrown hairs and razor burn and lasts longer than shaving. So if you’re on the fence, changing up your routine could be worth it if you’re prone to post-shave irritation.

These days, many waxes are infused with ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, shea butter, vitamin E, and other trusty moisturizers, which make them less likely to tick off your skin, says Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Bare Aesthetics in Closter, New Jersey. And most kits have user-friendly features like precise wax strips, hard wax warmers that prevent burns, and pre- and post-wax skin care products, so you can feel even more comfortable giving them a try.

Our Top Picks

• Best Overall: Flamingo Body Wax Kit (2-Pack), $20
• Best Hard Wax: Bliss Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit, $35
• Best for Beginners: Tress Wellness Waxing Kit, $50
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips, $19
• Best for Face: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face, $9

One thing to note: If you’re a total waxing newbie and have highly sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema, consider seeing a pro before trying it at home, Lilin Alba, a licensed esthetician and founder of Alba Aesthetics in New York City, says. “A trained provider can assess whether waxing is appropriate in the first place,” she explains. Ready to give waxing a rip? These expert- and editor-approved kits make ridding yourself of unwanted hair a breeze.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What type of wax is best to use at home?
• What are common waxing mistakes to avoid?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Flamingo Body Wax Kit

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo

Body Wax Kit

$20

Amazon (2-Pack)

$10

Walmart

Allure shopping director Shanna Shipin using the Flamingo Body Wax Kit

Shanna Shipin

Why we love it: An Allure Best of Beauty Award-winner three years running, Flamingo’s Body Wax Kit clears body hair in a matter of seconds and only hurts about as much as pulling a bandage off your skin (seriously). The soft-gel wax contains nourishing castor oil and comes ready to use on two sizes of strips, which are great for tackling hair on your legs, arms, and underarms. The kit also comes with six post-wax cloths to wipe away any residue (they’re also infused with vitamin E to help your skin recover if it’s red or stinging). And once the hair is gone, it stays gone: Our testers only needed to break out the kit every few weeks. They come in handy for upkeep between salon visits, working on the stubbliest of strands as short as two millimeters.

Tester feedback from shopping director Shanna Shipin

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“I have superdark hair on my upper lip that frankly requires a lot of attention—and, unfortunately, I can't use any old wax strip or wax cream since my eczema-prone skin loves to come off…with my hair…if the product is too harsh. Thankfully, these Flamingo wax strips never let me down. The game-changing thing about these is that you don't need to warm them up! I cannot stress the sheer convenience of this when you're in a pinch and the stress of rubbing your hands together would just make everything worse. There have been plenty of times that I didn't (evidently) warm the strips up enough, and wasted wax and time. Instead, you get a perfect 10 when using Flamingo—whether it's the made-for-the-face strips or the body wax strips, which are easy to cut down to size to use wherever you need to. These strips lift the hair without lifting the skin, pull from the root, and I love that it comes with oil wipes for clean up without breaking me out.” —Shanna Shipin, shopping director

More to know

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• Number of strips: 28
• Wax type: glyceryl rosinate

Best for Face: Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

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Athena Club

Wax Strip Kit for Face

$9

Amazon

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the Athena Club Wax Strip Kit for Face

Deanna Pai

Why we love it: The skin on your face is more delicate and sensitive than the skin on your body, so it’s important to use a wax that reflects that. With its ultra-nourishing formula, Athena Club’s Wax Strip Kit for Face ticks that essential box—star ingredients include trusty moisturizers like coconut oil, shea butter, and sunflower seed oil. Its strips are also sized correctly for small areas like your upper lip or cheek (or, according to the brand, your bikini area). “If you just want quick facial touch-ups with no equipment to deal with, the Athena Club Face Wax Strips are a smart grab-and-go option,” Coppola says. She also likes the serum that comes in the kit. It restores moisture to the skin with hyaluronic acid and reduces irritation with aloe leaf juice.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

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“I don’t love getting my upper lip professionally waxed—it’s too intense, in my opinion, and my skin gets red and irritated—so I rely on these strips instead. They’re amazing. They do the trick in under a minute, pulling out even the fine hairs by the corner of my mouth. I also love the serum, which has a cooling rollerball that feels nice and soothing afterwards.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

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• Number of strips: 20
• Wax type: glyceryl rosinate, carnauba wax

Best Hard Wax: Bliss Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit

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Bliss

Poetic Waxing At Home Wax Kit

$35 $28 (20% off)

Amazon

Why we love it: After a quick turn in the microwave (in its adorable spa-style cup), Bliss’s editor-recommended Poetic Waxing At Home Wax is ready to use. It comes with spatulas (in two different sizes) for easy application—just spread an even layer at least ⅛-inch thick onto your skin—and it hardens quickly, coating and gripping each hair for clean removal. Its unscented formula also contains chamomile oil to calm skin, making it a good bet for sensitive skin. For extra soothing, follow up with the included nourishing oil, which is made with more chamomile oil and skin-softening apricot kernel oil (FYI: It also contains fragrance). A couple heating tips from Bliss: Warm the wax in 30-second intervals until it’s the consistency of thick honey, and before applying it, test a little on your inner wrist to make sure it’s not too hot.

More to know

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• Size: 5.3 ounces
• Wax type: rosin, beeswax, lanolin, paraffin

Best for Beginners: Tress Wellness Waxing Kit

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Tress Wellness

Waxing Kit

$50

Amazon

$31

Walmart

Why we love it: Wax strips are easy to use and potentially less messy, but hard wax is generally gentler, making it a better entry point for newbies, according to Alba. (The more you know.) Coppola recommends Tress Wellness’s Wax Kit because “it hits everything I look for in an at-home kit.” The hard wax beads are made with jojoba oil to hydrate skin and come in two formulas: lavender for all-around waxing and tea tree oil for coarser hair. They melt quickly and evenly in the included wax warmer, which has a clear digital readout of the temperature. “At home, temperature precision is the whole game. It's the difference between a clean pull and a burn,” Coppola says. This kit also comes with wipes for pre- and post-wax skin care, as well as the brand’s “Wax Like a Pro” manual that walks you through the steps.

More to know

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• Size: 5 bags of hard wax beads, totaling 1.1 pounds
• Wax type: rosin, beeswax, glyceryl rosinate

Best for Sensitive Skin: Parissa Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips

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Parissa

Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips

$19

Amazon

Why we love it: Fragrance-free, dye-free, and formulated to be gentle, Parissa’s Natural Legs & Body Wax Strips won’t leave sensitive skin irritated and inflamed. The cream-based wax feels smooth and doesn’t catch or pull. After waxing, the Ultra Soothe Oil hydrates with jojoba oil and vitamin E, then cools the skin with peppermint oil. Parissa’s wax strips “effectively remove unwanted hair without the hassle,” Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City, says. Doing a whole-body wax? The brand also makes strips for the bikini and underarm areas using the same non-irritating formula.

More to know

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• Number of strips: 48
• Wax type: glyceryl rosinate, beeswax

Frequently asked questions

What type of wax is best to use at home?

It depends on what feels more approachable to you. Wax strips don’t need to be heated, saving you time and the risk of accidental burns, which is why Dr. Rastogi prefers them for at-home use.

Meanwhile, Alba and Coppola make a case for hard wax, which you need to heat up and spread onto your skin yourself. “Hard wax wraps around the hair rather than gripping the skin, so you get far less pulling on the surface and much less irritation, especially in delicate areas,” Coppola says. Just remember to test the temperature of the wax on your wrist before applying it to a larger area. If you have any hesitance around trying hard wax at home, visit a licensed hair removal professional instead.

Finally, regardless of your preferred type of wax, check the kit’s ingredient list before you use it, especially if you have reactive skin. Most waxes use rosin, beeswax, or a combination thereof for their base, but some also contain fragrances, dyes, or essential oils that may cause irritation.

What are common waxing mistakes to avoid?

The week before you wax, stop using products with retinols or retinoids on the targeted area. “These ingredients can make the skin more susceptible to skin lifting, irritation, and even burns during hair removal,” Dr. Rastogi says. A day or two beforehand, gently exfoliate the area. The day of, keep your skin dry and clear of lotions, oils, or deodorants to ensure the wax sticks and lifts off properly, Alba says.

For wax strips, your hair needs to be at least two millimeters long in order to effectively wax it. For hard wax, it should be a quarter of an inch long, or about the length of a grain of rice, Alba says. Coppola emphasizes the importance of your waxing technique. “Keep your hand close to the skin and pull parallel to it, against the direction of growth,” she explains. “Never [pull] up and away,” she adds, because that can lead to bruising.

After waxing, show your skin some TLC. Apply moisturizer to keep it hydrated and support the skin barrier, Dr. Rastogi says.

Meet the experts

• Lilin Alba, a licensed esthetician and founder of Alba Aesthetics in New York City
• Vanessa Coppola, MS, FNP-BC a board-certified nurse practitioner, integrative aesthetics and menopause expert, and founder of Bare Aesthetics in Closter, New Jersey
• Supriya Rastogi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology in New York City

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.

And for our reviews of the best at-home wax kits, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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Sabrina Carpenter was presumably a guest at Taylor Swift’s wedding over the weekend, but now she’s popped up in Paris to be a front-row guest at the Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026-2027 show. And while we have yet to see how she wore her hair to the Madison Square Garden love fest, we think it’s safe to say it must have been much different than the completely unexpected braided pigtails she sported to sit runway-side.

Whether she's wearing bouncy, voluminous curls or a fluffy '90s-inspired blowout, Carpenter is known for big, glamorous hair. Sure, she strays from her signature look every now and then (see: the Met Gala), but it’s never not surprising when she shows up in a look that simply wasn’t on our style radar.

Instead of cascading blonde waves, Carpenter wore low, braided pigtails starting at the nape of her neck. Her buttery blonde hair was parted down the center and given an air-dried, wavy texture that let her long curtain bangs and a few shorter pieces stay separate from the rest of the style and frame her face. The braids appear to be tied off with thin, white rope and have a romantic, lived-in, casual quality—though not too casual to seem irrefutably stylish at a Paris couture show.

Photo: Getty Images

That can be at least partially attributed to her fairy-tale-esque ensemble. Carpenter wore a lacy, ivory, sleeveless Dior dress featuring a softly draped cowl neckline and floral embellishments at the shoulder and hip. It would actually make for a gorgeous bridal look, so perhaps the singer-songwriter was inspired by Swift’s Dior wedding dress.

Although this is a pretty dramatic departure from Carpenter's typical beauty playbook, it (once again) proves she doesn't need sky-high volume to make a stunning impression. If it's a hairstyle, and it's on her head, it's gonna look gorgeous.