That said, loving mineral sunscreen and loving how it looks on skin are often two very different things. Zinc oxide (the main active ingredient in mineral SPF) is notoriously difficult to formulate with—it’s naturally thick and white, which is why so many mineral sunscreens leave behind a chalky cast or feel heavy on the skin. But a new generation of formulas is finally changing that. In the last six months, I’ve tested at least 20 different new mineral face sunscreens, and there are three standouts, which I’ve highlighted below.

Before you dive in, don’t miss these two excellent reported essays from contributing beauty writers Taryn Brooke and Ariana Yaptangco that were just published on Cosmopolitan.com. Taryn investigates a question many of us have been asking lately: Why Is It Impossible to Guess Anyone’s Age Anymore? Meanwhile, Ariana weighs in on the social media debate surrounding the bare-nail trend.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: New Mineral Sunscreens

Best Overall: Skinceuticals Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50

I tested this sunscreen in three ways: as an everyday SPF under makeup, as a beach-day sunscreen, and during outdoor workouts—and it impressed me in every scenario. The lightweight, nongreasy formula layers seamlessly under foundation and concealer without any pilling or patchiness. I also slathered it all over my face and chest during a weeklong trip to Grand Cayman, where the UV index hit 10 most days, and I didn’t get sunburned once—nor did my melasma flare up. Even on long outdoor runs, it kept my skin protected without burning or stinging my eyes as I sweated. And it doesn’t rely on any tint to negate the white, chalky effect. SkinCeuticals’ mineral technology is good enough without it.

Best Tinted: ZO Daily Mineral Sunshade Broad Spectrum SPF 45

I’m a tinted sunscreen connoisseur at this point, and this one is as universally pleasing as they come. A lot of formulas can be overly dewy or have an orangey tint, but this one has a wearable natural finish—plus, the sheer tint helps blur discoloration and redness while still looking

Best Hydrating Mineral SPF: Osea Marine Screen SPF 50

Even though it’s got SPF 50 (courtesy of 20 percent zinc oxide), it functions and feels more like a glowy moisturizer than a mineral sunscreen. I used it on my face, neck, and chest every day on a recent lake trip, and my skin was supremely hydrated (even without layering a moisturizer underneath) the entire time. There is the slightest white cast, but with a bit of rubbing, it disappears entirely. And even though it’s hydrating, it didn’t break me out or make my skin look greasy.

Wait! One more thing:

We collabed with Quickies (one Team Cosmo’s fave press-on nail brands, FYI) to curate eight manicure designs—a mix of shapes and lengths, designs and solids, and neutrals and bright colors. Basically, something for everyone. Check out more details on the launch and shop the designs here.

Today, as a 34-year-old beauty director, I’m still very much in love with bronzer, but my formula preferences and usage have evolved. Bronzer in 2026 isn’t about being Snooki-level tan; it’s about looking like you vacation in St. Barths. This is achieved via smart bronzer placement—no all-over smearing; strategic sweeping on the high points of the face instead—and elevated formulas that aren’t glittery or plagued by orange tones. And as far as elevated bronzers go, you won’t find better than the ones I’m recommending below.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Bronzers for Grown Ups

Saie SuperSuede Radiant Talc-Free Baked Powder Bronzer: I’m usually wary of any bronzer that claims to be ‘radiant,’ but this makes skin perfectly bronze and glowy—zero excess shimmer, zero excess shine. Unlike so many powder formulas that sit on top of skin and get patchy throughout the day, this seems to sink in seamlessly for a second-skin effect.

Westman Atelier Sun Tone Bronzing Crème Hydrating Cream Bronzer: It took me a minute to figure out the best way to use this duo, but once I did, I was totally hooked. I use the lighter of the two shades on the tops of my cheeks and down the bridges of my nose (anywhere the sun would naturally hit my face), and then the darker shade as a contour along the perimeter of my face and below my cheekbones for a sculpting effect.

YSL All Hours 24H Hyper Sunkissed Glow Bronzer Powder: This bronzer deposits just the right amount of pigment on skin to make it foolproof to use. I use a fluffy brush to quickly sweep it all over my face for a long-lasting sun-kissed look and never worry about my skin looking streaky or orange. The finish has just the slightest hint of shimmer to help give my skin a soft glow, too.

More summer makeup recs, below:

• We Tested Dozens of Liquid Blushes, but Narrowed It Down to These 5 Standouts

• Olandria’s Makeup Artist and I Both Love This New Multi-Use Blush Stick

• Contouring Doesn’t Have to Be So Harsh—This Blendable Stick Makes It Easy

• Team Cosmo Ranked and Reviewed All the Most Popular Brow Gels—These Are the Top 5 to Try Right Now

I asked Beth, Jasmine, and Julee (aka the Cosmo beauty team) to share their predictions for the most popular summer 2026 beauty trends, and the overarching vibe—in line with what I’ve already been seeing—is easy yet elevated: Using lots of products that multitask and make routines simpler and championing looks that are actually DIYable. I’ve narrowed the list down to our top four, which are all below. Tell us in the comments if you think there’s a trend we missed—or if you’re already trying one of these for yourself.

Until next week,

Lauren

What everyone’s reading this week on Cosmopolitan.com:

1. Dermatologists Say to Stop Doing This One Specific Thing When You Take Off Eye Makeup

2. Chai Perfumes Are Trending—This Luxe Version From Prada Is the Best I’ve Tried

3. Gray Hair Before 30? A Dermatologist Explains the Primary Causes (and If It’s Reversible)

4. I’ve Tested Skincare for 10+ Years—These 6 iSClinical Products Are Truly Worth the Hype

5. I Tested 40+ Foundations This Year—This $49 Tinted Serum Is a Standout

Trendspotting: Summer 2026 Edition

1. Naked Nails

“You may have seen that viral TikTok proclaiming that cool girls aren’t getting their nails done anymore. I mean, I’m not even on TikTok and I saw it, so my guess is you likely did, too. Anyway, this is only half true. Cool girls are still getting their nails done; they’re just being low-key about it. I’m already seeing statement manis give way to naked, minimalist-looking manicures, and this will only continue for summer.

In the months ahead, nail lengths will be short, polishes will be pale pink or neutral (I’m obsessed with Manucurist’s Pale Rose Polish above), and finishes will be glossy and milk-like. It’s a very chic and simple look that is ideal for DIYing. The popularity makes sense to me. When the weather is gorgeous, no one wants to be stuck in a salon chair for hours on end getting intricate nail art, nor do they want to be dropping $100 every few weeks on gels when there are beach trips to be had.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

2. The SPF-ification of Everything

“We’ve all gotten the memo about wearing daily sunscreen, but the real beauty buffs know sun protection doesn’t stop there. Enter: the SPF extras, which do the heavy lifting where traditional SPF usually taps out.

Think: SPF lip balms (like G.W.S’s above) that keep your pout soft and protected (because burnt lips are a special kind of horrible), super-fine face mists that let you reapply over makeup without ruining your beat, and SPF sprays that shield your scalp, edges, and color treatments from sun damage. These beauty bag MVPs will keep you protected in ways you didn’t even know you needed. And in a season where UV levels are working overtime, these are the products worth keeping within arm’s reach.”
—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

3. Hair Accessories Galore

“Gone are the days of up or down being the only options for styling your hair. Now, it’s more of a question of whether you’re going to add a claw clip, barrette, flower, bandana, or headband. Some might say it started with the revival of ‘90s fashion, when we began pulling up our hair with a claw clip. Then, FX’s Love Story got us back into the headband á la Carolyn Besette Kennedy. But this summer, I’m expecting a full descent into hair accessories as a focal point of not only your beauty look but your outfit too. Heck, I’m already planning a gazillion looks entirely around all the hair accessories I’ve picked up.

I became obsessed with bandanas last summer for hiding my greasy hair (I wore this crochet one from Urban Outfitters constantly). But for summer 2026, I’m really into anything floral, especially Emi Jay clips.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

4. The Rise of Blonzer

“In the spirit of minimalist makeup, the world of blush and bronzer has officially merged ahead of the hot summer days. Because when I’m already battling sweat and humidity, I want to keep my makeup routine as pared down as possible. As a result, blonzer has made its way into the makeup lineups of so many brands.

From the launch of Kosas’ Multistick to Saie’s latest shade extensions of its Suede Powder Blush, more brands are leaning into tones that deliver both sculpting depth and cheek-brightening color in a single step. Plus, the two-in-one formula skips the risk of your bronzer and blush muddying together amid the summer heat.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

For the uninitiated, a “lip combo” (makeup artists have used the term for years, but it’s recently been made popular by TikTokers) is a combination of lip products layered together to create a custom color, look, or effect on the lips. For summer 2026, the perfect lip combo needs to do two things: last for hours and hydrate, so you’ll need two specific products—an ultra-pigmented lip liner and moisturizing balm or lip gloss—to create the look. Whether you gravitate toward glossy neutrals or bright pops of color, a liner-and-glossy balm pairing can instantly elevate any beauty look while making the lips appear fuller.

Below, the best summer lip combos to keep your lips looking fresh, glossy, and juicy.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: 4 Long-Lasting Lip Combos for Summer

Versed Lip Frame Defining Lip Liner in Dash + Anfisa An-Gloss Ceramide Lip Tint in Angel Food = The Best Lip Combo for a Minimalist Look

“This duo requires no effort (or mirror) to get right. I scribble on the nude liner for quick definition, and add the sheer pink gloss on top for a pillowy result.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain in Plum + YSL Beauty Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss in Cherry Flash = The Best Lip Combo for a Juicy Pop of Red

“Since this liner-stain hybrid has a thin tip, it allows for a precise application, which is especially ideal when I’m using a bolder red shade. Trust and believe when I say that it truly does not budge. And YSL’s multitasking oil on top will hydrate, plump, and add pigment all in one swipe.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

m.ph by Mary Phillips The Overliner Lip Liner Pencil in French Exit + Laneige JuicePop Box Lip Oil Stain in Electro Berry = The Best Lip Combo for a Bright-Pink Moment

“I love the look of an overdrawn lip with a wet-like finish. I trace my lips with this artistry-level pencil from Mary Phillip’s beauty brand for dimension, then layer on this glossy tint that settles into a long-lasting stain.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Kulfi Lassi Lips Staining Lip Liner in Swoon + Typology Tinted Lip Oil in Black Cherry = The Best Lip Combo for a ’90s Vibes

“This Kulfi liner glides on without dragging and stays put all day, while Typology’s oil has the pigment of a glossy lipstick but feels more like a yummy balm.” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR AT LARGE

The result? Cosmopolitan’s 2026 Holy Grail Beauty Awards—our biggest lineup ever, which just dropped this morning. After testing more than 2,000 products (and navigating through what felt like 2,000 Google Docs), we narrowed it all down to 370 standout winners across every category: face, body, hair, makeup, nails, fragrance, and clean beauty plus pro tools and in-office treatments. Only the best of the best made the cut. Peruse our favorites via the links below, and feast your eyes on model Paloma Sandoval’s epic glam from our shoot.

• THE BEST SKINCARE

• THE BEST BODYCARE

• THE BEST MAKEUP

• THE BEST HAIR PRODUCTS

• THE BEST FRAGRANCES

• THE BEST NAIL PRODUCTS

• THE BEST CLEAN BEAUTY

  

Last week in a meeting, our creative director, Sam Adler, asked me what my favorite product was that I tested during our yearlong process. Truthfully, narrowing it down to just one feels impossible—I have so many favorites—but there was one product that completely surprised me: PÜR Minerals 4-in-1 Skin Tint With SPF 50. I’d heard of the brand before but admittedly never gave it much thought. Then I tested it for our “best tinted sunscreen” category and immediately fell in love.

First, the tint level is perfect. So many tinted sunscreens are only pigmented enough to cancel out the dreaded white cast, but this one actually provides enough coverage to hide my dark spots and redness while still blending seamlessly with just fingers. The liquid-y formula feels lightweight and hydrating but not overly dewy, so I never feel the need to set it with powder or worry about looking greasy by midday.

And of course, there’s the SPF 50 factor. It protects skin from damaging UVA and UVB with 12 percent zinc oxide and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so if my face gets hot and sweaty, I still feel like I’m getting good protection. The formula also has niacinamide to help brighten skin tone over time, as well as ceramides and a low dose of retinol to soften and smooth texture. My only issue with this tinted SPF? That it hasn’t been part of my routine forever. Since I discovered it back in November, I’ve worn it almost every single morning.

Oh! Speaking of beauty awards, voting for our 2026 Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards is underway. Take the survey here to vote for your favorite beauty products and treatments of the year, which will be revealed on site in early September.

Until next week,

Lauren

And in case you missed the Met Gala last night, I’ve got all the beauty highlights below—including superlatives for best makeup and hair trends, best manicure moment, and, of course, best overall beauty look.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Global Edition (Part Two)

México: Constanza Alcocer Villazón, editorial director

Rare Beauty Find Comfort Hydrating Body Lotion: “The texture of this is literally like a cloud—I can’t get enough of it. I love using it daily to hydrate my skin and it has a great scent.”

Patrick Ta Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo: “I have oily skin that usually absorbs blush really quickly, but this one has been a game changer. It lasts all day perfectly, and I love the variety of shades.”

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Face Moisturizer: “This is the perfect moisturizer for long days or events, as your makeup will last all day on top of it. It’s been recently reformulated to promise more hydration for everyday use, too.”

Middle East: Lauren O’Connell, beauty editor

AÏZA Sukkar Rush High Shine Lip Treatment: “Two beloved Arab staples, dates and honey, are infused into a peptide-plumping tinted gloss, making it an instant treat for our pouts and palette.”

Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale | 31: “Dubai’s perfume princess, Mona Kattan, has the Middle East hooked on Fleur Majesty, her royalty-inspired fragrance bursting with notes of peony, rose, praline, and musk.”

Asteri Fourtress Moisture Barrier Cream: “This luxurious Saudi Arabian moisturizer is known to be desert-proof as it uses four different types of hyaluronic acid in its creamy formula.

Netherlands: Melissa Nnaekwe, beauty editor

Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm: “Aesop’s hand balms are forever a fave. They smell incredible, leave your hands feeling super soft and nourished, and somehow make my nails grow, too.”

ELLIS FAAS COSMETICS Brow Gel: “This just launched and it’s my new ride-or-die. It keeps my brows perfectly in place all day, and they have a vibrant red shade, which is such a fun, unexpected addition to the collection.”

d’Annam Strawberry Mochi: “This perfume smells like a total dream. You get the soft, milky sweetness of mochi and rice but in a way that feels delicate rather than overpowering. Bonus points for the bottle, which is just mega aesthetic.”

Philippines: Ida Aldana, executive editor

GRWM Cosmetics Powder Rush Loose Baking and Setting Powder: “This finely milled powder is a heat-resistant essential that blurs and locks makeup in place for a smooth finish that won’t cake under the sun.”

Colourette Cosmetics First Base Everyday Skin Tint: “Available in 20 shades to flatter various skin tones, this breathable tint stays fresh and lightweight even during the hottest afternoons.”

Vice Cosmetics Perfect Kizz: “This creamy, long-wearing liner gives you comfortable, smudgeproof definition in universal shades that actually stay put through busy days, big meals, and coffee runs.

Spain: Marianna Portocarrero, beauty director

Benefit They’re Real! Magnet Black Mascara: “I’ve been using this mascara since it first launched, and even though I tend to rotate between a few, this is the one I always come back to. It gives my lashes a subtle lifting effect that still looks effortless. I love it.”

Chanel Baume Essentiel: “I can’t live without blush—in fact, it’s the first thing I’d save in a fire. I carry dozens in my bag and I’ve tried almost every one on the market, but my all-time favorite will always be Chanel’s Baume Essentiel. It gives you that sun-kissed glow and a radiant, natural finish.”

Heliocare Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+: “Let’s be honest: Reapplying sunscreen once your makeup is done? Not exactly the vibe. That’s why this tinted sunscreen stick is perfect—I even use it as my foundation during the summer. Plus, it hydrates your skin and helps prevent dark spots.”

Taiwan: Mia Shen, content director

Tom Ford Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation: “Tom Ford has always mastered that ‘expensive-looking’ finish, but this new iteration has significantly improved in terms of longevity. It strikes the perfect balance with its coverage—blurring imperfections effortlessly without ever feeling heavy. It uses light refraction to make the facial contours look sculpted yet natural. The result is a sophisticated, understated glow that looks like your skin is just having its best day ever.”

Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream: “This anti-aging newcomer has an interesting angle. Unlike common collagen supplements, it emphasizes supporting elasticity—the core of skin resilience. The texture is incredibly refreshing and breaks the typical greasy impression of creams, making it perfect for the warming weather in Taiwan. It absorbs quickly with a noticeable hydrating feel, and my skin remains in great condition the next morning. Since it’s neither sticky nor heavy, it works perfectly for daytime prep without any pilling under foundation.”

Ex Nihilo Lust in Paradise Extrait: “I’ve always been a fan of the dreamlike atmosphere of the original EDP, but this new Extrait de Parfum offers a completely different sensorial experience. While the EDP feels like a sun-drenched morning on the French Riviera, the Extrait captures the allure of the coast at dusk. It’s more intoxicating and festive with a richer olfactive depth. Wearing it feels like a brief, much-needed getaway from the city's hustle—a profound sense of escapism in a bottle.”

United Kingdom: Keeks Reid, beauty director

Dizziak Hard Serum: “This is what I reach for when I want to stretch my hair one more day before washing and need to do a neat, slicked bun. It gives hold to any texture but also nourishes with bio-actives, glycerin, and aloe vera for total hair nourishment.”

Vieve Modern Brow Definer: “I am a diehard for a brow pen, but I have such a soft spot for this pencil definer that gives easy, soft lines that mimic hair perfectly. Props also that it survives my sweaty workouts every week.”

Le Labo Violette 30 Eau de Parfum: “I normally shun floral perfumes, but this one had me hooked from the first spritz. Violet is at the top of the scent, but as it settles, it has beautiful creamy, woody notes of white tea and cedarwood that you’ll love if you love Santal 33 and Glossier You.”

Ukraine: Anastasiia Leonova, beauty editor

Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil: “A product I’ve been obsessed with since the moment it launched. Juicy, high-shine gloss, a soft, hydrating formula, an oversized applicator, instantly recognizable packaging, and candy-like shades—every detail of the Dior Addict Lip Glow Oil feels perfect. Every similar product I try after this one inevitably gets compared to it, but honestly, there’s no point. It’s simply unmatched.”

Gucci Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil Bronzing Powder: “This is a bronzer I’d been wanting to try for a long time, and luck for me it turned out to be absolutely perfect. I’m obsessed with the luxurious, retro-inspired packaging and the silky, lightweight texture. The neutral shade 01 fair works beautifully for both bronzing and subtle sculpting.”

Natasha Denona I Need a Nude Eyeshadow Palette: “This year, this is the palette I reached for the most. It’s the perfect everyday collection of neutral shades that can be used to create anything from a soft, barely-there look to something more defined and intense. I love everything about it: the packaging, the matte formulas that blend effortlessly, the rich foil metallics, and the unreal sparkles with a fine texture and multidimensional shimmer.”

2026 Met Gala Beauty Recap

Best Mother-Daughter Twinning Moment: Nicole Kidman and Sunday Rose

Best Beauty Look: Lisa

Best Manicure Moment: Emma Chamberlain

Best Makeup Trend: Watercolor Blush

Best Hair Trend: Sun-Kissed Color

Meanwhile, in NYC, Team Cosmo is celebrating our summer beauty issue with our first-ever global cover collab with cover star Olivia Rodrigo, which dropped Wednesday. Featuring a single cover star across all international editions, it marks the first time in our storied history that one person has fronted every cover worldwide. Olivia looks ethereal and stunning and the interview, done by her bestie Madison Hu, is both candid and heartwarming.

To honor the moment—and the issue’s broader beauty theme—I tapped my fellow international beauty editors to share the products they’re loving right now. That’s right: 18 Cosmopolitan editors from 18 different countries and regions, all revealing their holy-grail beauty picks in one place.

This week, I’m sharing the first batch of product recs from my colleagues in Bulgaria, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, and Korea. Meet me back here next week for the rest of the global beauty edit.

Until next week,

Lauren

Subscribe now

Best of the Beauty Closet: Global Edition

Bulgaria: Alexandrina Petrova, beauty editor

Dior Rouge Blush: “Lately, I can’t leave the house without a little blush. Dior Rouge Blush is divine and stays on all day. I love the 962 Poison color that gives me such a natural, fresh look.”

Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Complexion Touch: “I forgot about regular foundation with this water-based product, because it literally melts into my skin and it’s so light and hydrating. It feels like I’m not wearing anything.”

MAC Pro Locked Brow Gel: “I LIVE for the perfect full brow look, so I use this product to make sure my brows are not moving the whole day (spoiler alert: They won’t for 12 hours!).”

Czech Republic: Lucia Kochová, beauty editor

Perfumer H Rose With Insect: “I am totally in love with this fragrance—it smells like a beautiful lazy summer day in nature near my childhood cottage.”

Haus Labs PhD Hybrid Lip Oil: “Mr. Perfect for lips! This isn’t sticky, gives amazing color, and stays!”

Richesse Exo’One: “Liquid exosomes are a little Korean miracle for my skin. Two months of using them has transformed my face into baby skin (okay, almost…😊).”

France: Elise Poiret, digital beauty editor

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara: “My ultimate ride-or-die. It gives insanely long, jet-black lashes with zero clumps. But the real game changer? It melts off in seconds with warm water—no rubbing, no drama. For someone who hates removing eye makeup, it’s simply the best.”

Acne Studios par Frédéric Malle Eau de Parfum: “The scent that gets me stopped in the street—literally. Clean yet addictive with a subtle sensual edge that lingers, it’s the kind of fragrance people remember and ask about.”

Bioderma Hydrabio Serum: “Proof that French skincare just does it better. This serum is deeply hydrating without feeling heavy, and it keeps my dehydrated skin plump, comfortable, and glowing. I’m on my fourth bottle and still not over it—it’s perfect for those early fine lines, too.

Germany: Monique Schultheis, deputy beauty director

Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Foundation: “I am a very no-makeup girl and love foundations that are light and natural but not too dewy as I think that trend is a bit of the past already. This one makes my skin look velvety and isn’t absorbed by the skin even on a long day.”

Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops Anti-Frizz Hair Oil: “I apply these drops to the length of my damp (after washing) or dry (on non-wash days) hair and they give such a great shine without looking heavy, and the feeling is just sooo smooth. It’s also the perfect finishing product for after a blowout.”

Lancôme Mascara Melter: “I usually try to avoid mascara (no-makeup girlie, indeed), but that’s only because I already fear having to take it off as soon as I apply it. This product has been a game changer! It’s applied to the lashes (almost like a mascara), and the formula helps to erase even waterproof products so that they can be washed off easily. It also contains squalane for an extra boost of lash care.”

Hong Kong: Sally Tse, chief editor

Cle de Peau Beaute La Creme: “This is my ‘magic cream’ for instant revival—it brings back radiance and lasting plumpness by the next morning. I rely on it before shoots and big events when my skin needs to look rested and refined fast. The texture melts in without greasiness, softening fine lines and giving that lit‑from‑within finish that reads beautifully on camera. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it.”

La Mer The Concentrate Serum: “My SOS serum for when seasonal shifts or stress leave my skin temperamental. The cushiony gel texture calms on contact, helping reduce visible redness while keeping moisture locked in so my barrier feels supported. In a week, my tone and texture look more even, makeup sits better, and that tired, tight feeling is gone. It’s the product I pack for travel and big deadlines because it reliably gets my skin back to a soothed, healthy‑looking glow.”

Takami Skin Peel Essence: “I fell in love with Takami after a media trip to Japan, where I really got to understand the brand’s philosophy and meticulous detail. I use this as the first step, day and night, to support a healthy stratum corneum, for smooth texture, and to brighten a dull complexion. Everything I layer on afterward absorbs faster and works harder.”

India: Snigdha Ahuja, editor-in-chief

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15: “This product has been a complete game changer for me. I got diagnosed with LPP last year, a skin disorder that basically manifests in patches of pigmentation on sun-exposed areas. This meant rethinking all my skincare and testing what my skin could handle. I’m not big on heavy foundations, but this tinted moisturizer has become a constant. The squish-and-use packaging is perfect for workdays (saves time and product)—plus, the finish is sheer, dewy, and easy to layer with blush or highlighter. This one’s a 10/10.”

Kama Ayurveda Vetiver Invigorating Botanical Water: “This brand combines ancient Indian wisdom and quality ingredients with something that feels almost intuitive if you have been brought up in the country. One of my favorites is the Vetiver Invigorating Botanical Water. A spritz of this extremely light product evokes something deep—like an earthy aftertaste of rain. Almost forgot to mention that it’s the best pick-me-up for puffy eyes and Monday mornings.”

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush: “I am one of those people who is constantly afraid of overdoing it—be it caffeine or makeup. Enter Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in the shade Virtue, which is the perfect blush for when I need just the right amount of ‘extra’ for any occasion. The doe-foot applicator requires just a touch on the apples of your cheek, and you are done. Point two: It is super pigmented, so how much is too much? That’s completely on you. I usually layer it up with a highlighting balm on the cheekbones and I am all set!”

Indonesia: Astriana Gemiati, beauty editor

Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet 232 Renversante: “When it comes to lipstick, I’ve always gravitated toward deeper shades since not every shade blends seamlessly with my complexion. Two colors never fail: a classic wine burgundy and a rich, deep brown, both permanent staples in my makeup pouch. That’s why I instantly fell for Chanel Rouge Allure Liquid Velvet 232 Renversante. The texture is matte yet incredibly comfortable, never drying, with just the right hint of moisture. The pigment is rich in a single swipe, delivering a polished finish that feels refined without trying too hard. The color holds for up to six hours, even through meals and drinks—which, honestly, is rare for a formula this comfortable.”

Make Over HyperBlack SuperStay Liner: “Honestly, this eyeliner is one of the best products I’ve discovered in the past five years. From one of Indonesia’s standout local beauty labels, Make Over Hyperblack Superstay Liner delivers a formula that’s incredibly easy to apply with a deep, intense black payoff. It dries quickly, and while it starts with a slight satin finish, it gradually sets into a rich, true matte. The applicator is slim and precise, making it effortless to create clean, defined lines even for the smallest details. What I love most? It’s waterproof and smudgeproof, with no need for touch-ups throughout the day.”

Dior Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet: “I was initially skeptical about Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet—another floral? But then...plot twist. The first spritz feels like a clean, hopeful morning with a touch of bergamot that’s light, fresh, and slightly citrusy. As it settles, rose and peony unfold into something soft, airy, and undeniably feminine. And just when you think it ends there, white musk leaves a clean, comforting trail that’s quietly addictive. The bottle is just as chic. I especially love the delicate jacquard bow at the neck, crafted through thousands of intricate thread crossings in France, a subtle detail where the true luxury lies.”

Italy: Cecilia Alba Luè, head of print and head of fashion & beauty

Miu Miu Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum: “Summer is my favorite season, so this couldn’t be anything other than my new favorite fragrance. I can’t wait to wear it all year round, just to keep a little bit of warm air with me.”

Nabla Freckle Maker: “In the summer, the skin on my face fills with freckles, but by October, they fade away. With this tool, in less than five seconds, I can be sun-kissed always and again.”

Tatcha The Dewy Milk Moisturizer: “Light yet deeply hydrating, this cream by my skincare guru is my secret to glow-proof skin.”

Korea: Ara Kim, beauty director

Zeroid Intensive Oint-Cream: “A reliable option for strengthening and maintaining the skin barrier. With consistent use, even sensitive skin feels noticeably more stable. The rich, ointment-like texture may not be for everyone, but it effectively relieves dryness without feeling overly greasy. It’s also suitable for all ages, from children to adults.”

Medicube Age-R High Focus Shot: “An at-home ultrasound device that targets both the dermis and underlying fascia. It helps maintain skin vitality and provides a subtle lifting effect over time. While it delivers relatively high energy comparable to in-clinic devices, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require professional expertise, which makes it something I reach for often.”

Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Teint: “It feels lightweight and fresh on the skin, almost like skincare. While the coverage isn’t heavy, it leaves the complexion looking beautifully refined. Among the shades, B10 stands out, and I’ve even seen actresses specifically choose it for how naturally it complements Korean skin tones.”

This is the premise of Dr. Park’s new haircare brand, Kerativ, which launched today with a shampoo and serum. “As a dermatologist, I don’t mean to make your scalp and hair routine complicated,” says Dr. Park, but the truth is “when the scalp is functioning well, you’re setting the stage for stronger, healthier hair in the future.” Keep scrolling for a hair loss deep dive from Dr. Park—including the main causes, when to consider seeing a derm for shedding, and more. And because April is nearly over, I’m dropping a selection of the team’s favorite beauty products of the month below, too.

Until next time,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Team Cosmo’s April Favorites

Dyson Supersonic Travel: “I’ve been talking about how Dyson needs to create a travel-friendly version of their iconic Supersonic hair dryer for years now, and finally, it’s here. The compact size is carry-on friendly, but it’s still powerful enough to blow-dry my shoulder-length hair in less than seven minutes. It also has universal voltage compatibility, so you can use this baby abroad without frying your hotel room outlet.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Estée Lauder Futurist HydraPlump Tinted Lip Balm: “Who remembers the Estée Edit? I was obsessed with that youthful offshoot of the iconic brand in my early 20s, and this chic tinted lip balm reminds me of it. It goes on super smooth without sticking to lines or cracks in my lips and leaves behind a dewy wash of color.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Clearstem Glass Effect Instant Hydrating Sheet Masks: “These were the only face masks I packed for three days straight in the desert at Coachella, and they were an absolute savior for my dry skin. While the formula is loaded with hydrators, the sheets themselves are lightweight, so they’re not overly difficult to unfold and stick onto skin like other sheet masks. And they even have a neck counterpart. It was my first time using a neck mask, and what sounded like a superfluous product at first glance, honestly, made me feel so much more rejuvenated. This is my petition for all face masks to now come with neck sheets.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Victoria Beckham Colour Wash Bronze Water Tint: “I love a product that understands the assignment: effortless, expensive-looking skin. These new bronze water tints for the cheeks give a subtle hue and dimension that really surprised me. I usually avoid liquid bronzers because they can be messy and unforgiving (aka they can’t be moved or blended the second they hit your face). But leave it to Posh Spice to create a revolutionary formula that performs beautifully. It stains just enough to last throughout the day and make people think your skin is just naturally that good (and I’m not correcting them!).” —JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Check out our full list of monthly favorites here.

Hair Loss Q+A With Dr. Joyce Park

When it comes to hair loss and hair shedding, what’s normal and what’s cause for concern?

On average, losing around 50 to 100 hairs per day is expected. What we should be paying attention to is a change from your baseline. So if you’re suddenly noticing significantly more shedding in the shower, on your brush, or throughout the day, that’s when it’s worth investigating.

If the shedding persists beyond three or four months, is sudden or severe, or is accompanied by symptoms like scalp discomfort, visible thinning, or widening of the part, that’s when I recommend seeing a dermatologist. The key is identifying whether this is temporary shedding, like telogen effluvium, or something more chronic that needs a targeted treatment.

What are the most common reasons for hair shedding for women in their 20s and 30s?

In this age group, I most commonly see shedding driven by internal shifts due to things like stress or hormonal changes, from things like postpartum recovery or conditions like PCOS and thyroid disorders. These can push more hairs into the resting phase of the cycle, leading to increased shedding anywhere from four to six months later. I’ve experienced this myself multiple times, so I know firsthand how surprising and unsettling it can feel.

Nutritional factors also play a role when it comes to hair shedding, too—specifically low iron, vitamin D deficiency, or not getting enough protein. And then there’s what’s happening at the scalp level. Inflammation, oil imbalance, or buildup can quietly disrupt the hair cycle and make shedding feel more pronounced.

The truth is, hair loss is rarely just the cause of one thing; it’s usually a combination of internal and scalp-level factors happening at the same time. And that’s why we take a multifactorial approach to treating hair loss as well.

Can you talk to me more about the connection between scalp health and hair loss?

I always tell my patients that the scalp is skin, and it functions like skin. It has a barrier, a microbiome, and an immune system, and when that environment is disrupted, hair growth is impacted.

Inflammation, excess oil, yeast overgrowth, or a compromised barrier can all interfere with the hair cycle and contribute to increased shedding. Even low-grade inflammation that may not be visibly noticeable can affect how follicles function over time. So while we often focus on the hair itself, healthy hair really starts with a stable, balanced scalp environment.

What are some things women are unknowingly doing that are contributing to hair shedding?

There are a few patterns I see all the time with my patients. One is over-stressing the hair shaft by frequent heat styling, tight hairstyles, or aggressive brushing. These can all contribute to breakage that people interpret as shedding.

Another is unintentionally disrupting the scalp barrier. Avoid over-washing with harsh shampoos, using heavily fragranced products, or ignoring dandruff and buildup. Inflammation at the scalp level is a big, often overlooked contributor.

And then there’s the internal side. Chronic stress, restrictive diets, or rapid weight loss can all contribute to hair loss. Hair is not essential for survival, so it’s one of the first things the body downregulates when it’s under stress.

The Kerativ scalp serum has retinoid in it, which isn’t an ingredient we typically see in scalp care products—why did you choose to include it?

This was an exciting part of the formulation for me. We’ve seen in skincare how transformative retinoids can be for improving cell turnover, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall skin health, and I wanted to bring that same thinking to the scalp.

The scalp ages just like the skin on your face. Over time, you can see slower cell turnover, buildup, and changes in the follicular environment. By incorporating a gentle, next-generation retinoid, we’re supporting scalp renewal and maintaining a healthier environment for hair growth. It’s really about bridging skincare and scalp care, treating the scalp with the same level of clinical intention as we treat our faces.

Shop the Kerativ collection here.

Typically, hypochlorous acid is applied via a face mist. In the last year or so, brands like Tower 28, Medicube, and Peace Out have all dropped hypochlorous acid sprays—I’ve dabbled in them all and been pleased with the results—but one of the most popular (that I admittedly haven’t tried until recently) is from Magic Molecule. The brand is all over TikTok but only makes two products: Daily Skin Spray, a daily hypochlorous acid spray, and a more concentrated hydrogel version. Daily Skin Spray is so popular that it sells every 25 seconds and it’s one of the few FDA-cleared options on the market. After testing it for the past few weeks, I fully get the hype.

Below, more details on Magic Molecule’s Hypochlorous Acid Daily Skin Spray—and how to win one from the brand.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Magic Molecule Hypochlorous Acid Daily Skin Spray

First, you need to know that Daily Skin Spray doesn’t exfoliate. Hypochlorous acid is many things, but it’s not an exfoliator (like, say, salicylic acid or glycolic acid). Despite the name sounding kinda intense, you don’t need to worry about the ingredient stressing your skin out. In fact, it is supremely gentle and can help address a multitude of sensitive skin–related issues—including acne, eczema, and rosacea—thanks to its soothing and antibacterial properties.

I like misting Daily Skin Spray on a clean face after washing in the morning to keep redness and breakouts in check, and then as needed for a refresh throughout the day. It’s also great to use after a workout when you don’t have time to shower because hypochlorous acid can help reduce bacteria that contribute to breakouts and clogged pores when mixed with sweat. I also found Daily Skin Spray super useful on a recent trip to Florida, where I unexpectedly got too much sun on my shoulders and chest. I misted Skin Spray liberally on my sunburned spots, and within a day, the redness and itching were gone.

Overall, I put hypochlorous acid sprays like Magic Molecules’ in the same category as Aquaphor or Vaseline. It’s one of those staple products everyone should have in their skincare arsenal; it has a ton of different uses and can be used by pretty much everyone. Visit magicmolecule.com/pages/freemagic to snag a (free!) bottle for yourself.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

What: A free 3.4 oz bottle of Daily Skin Spray

When: Today, April 23

How to enter:

• Visit magicmolecule.com/pages/freemagic and enter your email address.

• Follow @MagicMoleculeInc on Instagram for updates on availability.

• Bottles are only available while supplies last.

More Skincare Recs, Reviews, and Intel From the Beauty Team:

• An all-encompassing guide to using vitamin C and retinol together (without frying off your face)

• One beauty writer’s official ranking of all the best skincare from The Ordinary

• A review of Morpheus8 in 2026—I tried it twice and have thoughts

• The case for showering at night if you want better skin

• A beginner’s guide to dermaplaning at home

Now, the brand is taking things a step further with UV Clear Blemish-Prone & Oil Balancing SPF 50—a new version designed not just to avoid breakouts but to actively treat them with niacinamide and a zinc and antioxidant complex. After visiting EltaMD’s New Jersey R&D lab earlier this year, I got an early look at the formula and the science behind it. Keep scrolling for a quick breakdown—plus honest reviews from three Cosmo editors who put it to the test.

Speaking of reviews, last week, beauty editor Beth Gillette dug into the world of celebrity beauty brands and created an all-encompassing guide with her thoughts on the ones worth buying, the ones you should skip, and the ones that need a rethink. Sure, I’m probably biased because I edited the piece, but it’s truly the most comprehensive and useful (and honest!) breakdown of the makeup, hair, and skincare brands backed by Hollywood elite.

Until next week,

Lauren

Cosmo HQ Review: EltaMD UV Clear Blemish-Prone and Oil Balancing SPF 50

About the formula:

What it is: A hybrid SPF 50 sunscreen that’s formulated to protect skin from UV damage and prevent excess oil and breakouts with continued use.

Key ingredients: 11 percent zinc oxide (SPF protection); 3.5 percent octinoxate (SPF protection); 5 percent niacinamide (improving skin tone and texture); ZincAOXPro (blend of antioxidants and zinc oxide that protects skin from environmental damage)

Price: $49

Editor notes:

“I’ve used the original UV Clear for nearly a decade, so my expectations were high—especially because I’ve been dealing with more hormonal breakouts lately. After six weeks of daily use (with no other routine changes), my skin genuinely looks clearer and brighter. I’ve had fewer inflamed breakouts along my jawline, and my post-acne marks from old breakouts have faded, too. The texture is super lightweight and layers well, although I do need a moisturizer underneath since it’s slightly less hydrating than the original. I also wish it came tinted. Still, I’ve worn it everywhere—from beach days to workouts—and it consistently keeps my skin calm, protected, and noticeably clearer.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

“I have quite the dilemma on my hands. I want to listen to all the dermatologists (and Lauren) who tell me to wear only mineral sunscreen because I have acne-prone skin, but I hate the heavy feeling of zinc and will only consistently use a sunscreen if it’s lightweight and easy to blend. See my conundrum? Turns out, the answer was a hybrid formula like this from EltaMD. I already knew I loved the OG version of this sunscreen (it’s actually one of the few I’ve used up multiple tubes of), but this is somehow even better. It blends into nothing on my skin, doesn’t pill, and looks fresh under makeup. It’s not dewy per se, but there’s a slight radiance that it leaves behind that my combination-to-oily skin loves. And, of course, the zinc protection (and anti-inflammatory powers) just can’t be beat on the SPF front.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

“I’ve been obsessed with EltaMD’s sunscreens for years, and while none of them have ever broken me out in the past, I love that this upgraded formula is specifically catered toward acne-prone skin. I was a bit nervous to read the words “oil-balancing” on the bottle since I’m super dry and formulas for oily skin tend to be too light for me, but I actually didn’t experience any flaking or tightness. It kept my face nice and smooth all day long. I also didn’t experience any pilling or flaking, and it provided amazing protection as I spent the afternoon outside in L.A. recently. This will be the sunscreen I rely on for all of my upcoming outdoor activities, like morning runs and festivals like Coachella.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

The verdict:

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, EltaMD’s newest SPF is absolutely worth trying. Team Cosmo (who all deal with varying types of breakouts) agrees that the formula is effective and easy to use. The texture is ultra lightweight and blendable (there’s no white cast), and the formula is stacked with skin-clearing ingredients. My only wish? That it came in tinted versions like the original UV Clear. But don’t worry, the brand tells me that’s on its way.…

Celebrity Spotlight: The Best A-Lister Beauty Brand of All Time

New celebrity beauty brands pop up every few weeks or so, but Team Cosmo’s favorite—Fenty Beauty by Rihanna—has been around since 2017. It’s ranked number one on our list of the best celebrity beauty brands of 2026. Beauty editor Beth Gillette sums it up perfectly: “I cannot even believe there was a time in the beauty industry when Fenty didn’t exist, which is further proof that it has surpassed ‘celebrity brand’ status. Not only did Fenty start a wave of celeb-founded brands, but it also made inclusivity and 40+ shade ranges the norm. Now, Fenty is more than just makeup. There’s skincare, bodycare, fragrance, haircare—everything. And it’s all so true to Rihanna. She feels completely embedded in everything they do. But you don’t have to be a fan of her to understand it all. I can be a card-carrying member of the Navy and love their lip gloss as much as my great-aunt, who’s never even heard of her songs (or my Gen Alpha cousin who thinks of Rihanna as a beauty brand founder first, not a singer).

Curious about the rest of the brands in our top 12 ranking? You’ll have to read the full story here.

One email did catch my eye though—from Saie, a brand I know and trust. Instead of leaning on vague promises or greenwashed claims, they’re actually putting resources behind the plastic problem with their Planet Beautiful 2026 initiative. Running from April 3 through May 1, the campaign partners with RePurpose Global (a plastic recovery coalition) alongside Sephora and 11 other beauty brands to recover 1 million pounds of plastic waste in 2026. For context, that’s roughly equivalent to 23 million lipstick tubes or 34 million mascara wands. The initiative will also help support the creation of 2,000 jobs for women through waste recovery systems.

Subscribe now

Why does this matter? Well, as I mentioned before, the beauty industry has a plastic problem—it produces 120 billion units of packaging annually, yet only 9 percent of that plastic is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or polluting ecosystems worldwide. The least brands can do is help clean up their own mess by spearheading initiatives like this.

And as consumers, we have a role here, too. Buying less is a start, but so is being more intentional about where we spend. If you’re shopping this Earth Month, I encourage you to do it from Saie (and the rest of the 11 participating brands) at Sephora from April 22 to 24. During that time, $1 from every product sold will be donated to fund plastic recovery. (Each dollar helps remove about 2.5 pounds of plastic waste.)

Of course, no initiative is perfect, and recycling is just one small piece of the environmental puzzle, but I applaud brands like Saie for making change a priority and encouraging other brands to do the same.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum

I’ll preface this by saying I am unequivocally not a face oil person. I like the idea of them and understand their function, but I’ve got naturally oily skin and pores that get clogged if you so much as look at them the wrong way, so adding a face oil to my routine has always felt counterintuitive. Plus, I hate the feeling of anything thick, heavy, or greasy on my face, which unfortunately describes the texture of most face oils. And yet, like with all things, there’s an exception: Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum (the brand calls it a serum, but it’s definitely an oil). It’s the only face oil I’ll use.

I was introduced to Vintner’s Daughter’s years ago and was immediately captivated by founder April Garguilo’s winemaking background and no BS approach to skincare. I fell in love with Active Botanical Serum, but by the nature of my job, which requires me to test tons of different products, it eventually fell out of rotation. But when the brand invited me to stay at NYC’s Nine Orchard hotel to experience The Structural Facial with Melissa, the brand’s master aesthetician, my love affair with Active Botanical Serum began again. The treatment involves multiple steps and products but finishes with an incredible lifting face massage using the oil. Unlike so many oils, this one disappears into skin in minutes, leaving behind a plump and dewy finish. It’s got just enough slip to make it easy to massage in, but it’s not so greasy that it slides all over your face.

The real magic here is the ingredients. The formula is made entirely with high-quality plant-based extracts that work beautifully on my 30-something skin. It doesn’t trigger breakouts but instead helps smooth uneven texture and give me a nice glow thanks to a high level of collagen-boosting vitamin A, brightening antioxidants, and moisturizing fatty acids.

At $215, this is 1,000 percent a splurge. But based on how it makes my skin look and feel, it’s worth it. It’s one of the few luxury clean-beauty products that actually earns its high price tag.

Ask Lauren

“A few weeks after leaving the salon, my hair always ends up looking brassy. What can I do to keep the color fresh at home?” —Victoria, 20

Glad you asked! Beauty editor Beth Gillette just wrote a review of K18’s new purple shampoo, which is designed to do exactly this. For the uninitiated, purple shampoo helps cancel out unwanted orange tones by depositing purple pigments on the hair shaft. Historically, these shampoos were designed for blondes, but any hair color—including brunette and red—can benefit from using K18’s version. It won’t stain or overtone hair and also helps to remove dulling and brass-inducing metals and minerals that accumulate on hair strands. As a highlighted brunette, I use this once a week (followed by my regular conditioner) to keep my blonde tones looking bright between color appointments.

You can shop all of our March 2026 picks here and peruse an edited selection below. Be sure to tell us in the comments if you’ve tried any of these yourself or if you have a favorite March product that we should review next.

And keep scrolling for a look at our exclusive beauty interview with Alix Earle on her new skincare brand plus need-to-know info when it comes to choosing the most effective type of vitamin C serum.

Until next week,

Lauren

Best of the Beauty Closet: Team Cosmo’s March Favorites

Ilia Skin Blur Serum Concealer: “This is the only complexion product I brought on a recent vacation—no foundation, no skin tint, no tinted moisturizer, no powder—and I didn’t even think twice about it. It’s that versatile. You can use it like a traditional concealer to spot-treat, or I like dotting it across my cheeks, chin, and forehead and blending with my fingers to diffuse discoloration and redness. The formula has a blurring effect, giving skin a natural, airbrushed look. It sets to a finish that’s matte enough that I don’t even need to set it with powder.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Personal Day Soft Slip Priming Milk: “I love the idea of milky products, but my acne has other ideas. But as with everything from Personal Day, this formula is free of any potential pore-clogging ingredients, meaning it’s suitable for my acne-prone and oily skin. This adds a slight glow and makes my skin feel so soft before applying foundation or concealer. I am on a trip right now and tried to save space by not bringing it...and my makeup is suffering.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

Yon-Ka Paris SPF 50+ Mineral Fluid: “This lightweight formula from luxe French skincare brand Yon-Ka leaves my dry skin with the dewiest finish, and I’ve especially been loving layering it under my makeup when I need extra protection without any pilling. It’s a mineral, noncomedogenic formula, which my acne-prone skin is very thankful for, especially amid nonstop sweating in the sun.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Amika Big Embrace Smoothing Whipped Body Butter: “Amika is stepping into bodycare and, honestly, it feels like a natural next move. They give my hair so much ‘body’ that it’s exciting to see how they can transform my skin. This whipped body butter is rich yet airy. The fluffy texture melts right into the skin without leaving any heaviness behind. It’s packed with ceramides and nourishing butters, so it actually smooths and keeps my skin hydrated for hours. I love using it at night because when I wake up, my skin still feels soft. Plus, the scent is warm, slightly sweet, and elevated without being overpowering. It definitely plays well with whatever perfume I decide to wear that day. I’m excited to see this brand do more in the bodycare space.”
—JULEE WILSON, BEAUTY EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Subscribe now

Celebrity Spotlight

If you opened IG or TikTok last week, chances are you saw the news about Alix Earle launching her own acne brand, Reale Actives. Back in December, our team met with Alix to get a sneak peek at the line and learn more about the why behind the products. You can read the full interview from Jasmine here, and as of today, shop the collection on RealeActives.com. Our team is collectively obsessed with Go Deep, the mandelic acid serum, which is powerful enough to improve skin tone and texture but gentle enough that it won’t fry your face off (especially if you use other active ingredients in your skincare routine).

Ask Lauren

“I know it’s important to use a vitamin C serum, but I have no idea how to pick a good formula with all the options to choose from. Help?!” —Kristen, 35

There are three key things to consider here. First, you want to be mindful of the packaging. Depending on the formulation, vitamin C can oxidize (or become less effective) when exposed to light and air. To ensure your serum stays fresh and effective, choose a formula that’s housed in opaque, airtight packaging when possible. You’ll also want to look at the percentage. In general, vitamin C serums with 10 to 30 percent of the ingredient are more likely to be effective for dark spots and hyperpigmentation, while anything under 10 percent functions as a powerful antioxidant and protects skin from free radical damage. And last, it’s important to keep an eye out for other key ingredients—specifically vitamin E and ferulic acid—because studies have shown that the effectiveness of vitamin C is increased when paired with these antioxidants.

Shop my favorite vitamin C serums

As someone with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma, I’ve used the Dr. Idriss Hyper Serum for years to help even out my skin tone and, most recently, added Disco Block—the brand’s first SPF designed for all skin types and tones—to my routine. Because everyone can benefit from a good brightening skincare routine and daily SPF, we’ve partnered with Dr. Idriss and her team for a giveaway. Here are the details:

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

✨ 5 people to win Major Fade Complete AM + PM Discoloration Routine

✨ 25 people to win Disco Block and Hyper Serum

HOW TO ENTER

• Subscribe to both Dr. Idriss and Cosmo’s substacks (just click the button below).

  Subscribe now

• Follow @shereeneidriss and @dr.idriss on Instagram.

• Comment “DARK SPOTS” and tag a friend on this post.

• Giveaway ends on Monday, March 30, 2026, 12 pm EST. Winners will be announced by Dr. Idriss on the same day.

Wait, there’s more: I also asked Dr. Idriss a few pressing sunscreen questions, and her answers may surprise you. Keep reading for our full Q+A and drop any other sunscreen questions you may have in the comments.

Why, in 2026, do you think people (including so-called experts) are still questioning the validity of sunscreen?

Honestly, it comes down to two big things: a massive misinformation problem and a lack of sun-safety education. Go to Australia, where “Slip, Slop, Slap” has been drilled into kids since the ’80s, or look at Korean or Japanese skincare culture, where SPF is a natural step in morning routines. Nobody is debating it; nobody is making TikToks about “how it causes cancer.” That conversation ended before it started. But here in the U.S., we don’t have that foundation, and into that vacuum walked wellness influencers, clean beauty extremists, and self-appointed “health experts” who figured out very quickly that fear converts. Telling someone that their sunscreen is poisoning them gets way more engagement than telling them to reapply every two hours. The algorithm rewards outrage, and these people know it. The controversy lives almost entirely on social media, manufactured by people who either don’t understand the research or have something to sell in its place. And in a country where we’re already behind on sun education, that misinformation doesn’t just spread—it sticks. We are decades behind countries that made sun protection a cultural norm, and we are absolutely seeing the skin cancer rates to prove it.

Okay, but do you actually need sunscreen on a rainy or cloudy day or when you’re going to mostly be inside?

Yes, you should wear sunscreen on a rainy and/or cloudy day. UV rays don’t take a vacation. They’re there in winter. They’re there when it’s cloudy. The UV Index is what you really should be paying attention to if you’re wondering if you can skip sunscreen. If the UV index is 3 or above, wear the damn sunscreen. But if it’s below 3, you can get away without it. The same applies indoors. UV rays still travel through glass.

There’s so much discourse online about SPF filters and which ingredients are safest and/or best. When it comes to mineral vs chemical sunscreen, where do you land?

I land on whichever one you’ll actually wear every single day. Both chemical and mineral SPF filters are safe and don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. In case you’re wondering, everything is a chemical (even water). For darker skin tones, I lean toward chemical because it’s more cosmetically elegant with no white cast. The bottom line is that the best SPF is the one you enjoy wearing every day.

SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF 100+….what level of SPF do we need for every day?

Let’s start with what SPF actually means, because I think that’s where a lot of the confusion begins. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and the number tells you how long it would take the sun’s UV rays to redden your skin compared to going completely bare. SPF 15 blocks about 94 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks about 97 percent, and SPF 50 blocks about 98 percent. That might sound like splitting hairs, but when you flip those numbers around, SPF 15 is still letting 6 percent of UV rays through while SPF 50 is only letting 2 percent through—that’s more than three times the UV damage happening to your skin. The difference is real, and it compounds over a lifetime of daily exposure. So what do you actually need? A broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is your bare minimum for everyday life to protect against UVA and UVB rays, but I go for SPF 50 as a daily standard.

Okay, and what about makeup with SPF—does that count?

Makeup with SPF should never be your baseline sunscreen—it’s a BONUS. However, there are exceptions to every rule. In the winter when the UV index is below 3 (aka SPF is not required), you can get away with a tinted moisturizer with SPF.

When developing Disco Block, what were the most important things you considered?

First and foremost, I made a deliberate choice to go chemical over mineral. It was important to me that it blend seamlessly on a wide range of skin tones. Second, I wanted a sunscreen that not only protects against future damage but also helps fade the damage of the past. Disco Block has a whipped, cloud-like texture and a natural, glowy finish with zero white cast because I wanted you to actually want to wear the damn sunscreen.

At first glance, you might miss some of these subtle touches, but look a little closer, and it’s clear these stars and their glam teams went the extra mile to make every detail count. Keep scrolling for my four favorite Oscars makeup moments, plus some of the key products used to get each look.

Until next week,

Lauren

Four Standout Makeup Looks from the 2026 Oscars

Makeup artist Yeika Glow used Chanel makeup products (specifically the Le Crayon Yeux Precision Eye Definer in Noir Black) to create a mod liner look to complement Teyana Taylor’s black and white gown.

Chase Infiniti doubled down on pastel vibes by matching her lilac dress with a swipe of lilac shadow on her lids. To create the look, her makeup artist used Louis Vuitton’s LV Ombres in Cosmic Dreams, a collection of four purple powders.

I’m still trying to track down the details of Jayme Lawson’s glam, but I can’t get enough of the sapphire blue liner along her waterline. Bonus points for the little feather-like accent at the back of her updo to mimic the texture of her gown.

Another stunning makeup look courtesy of Louis Vuitton makeup, Wunmi Mosaku’s eyeshadow featured a pop of green (from the LV Ombres Eyeshadow Palette in Force of Nature) in her inner corners to coordinate with her sparkly emerald green dress.

Subscribe now

As a beauty editor, part of the gig is going backstage at fashion week and doing beauty reporting. This includes interviewing the makeup, hair, and nail artists collaborating with the designers to create specific glam looks and then distilling everything you see into digestible trends for the masses. This season, beauty editor Beth Gillette and assistant beauty editor Jasmine Hyman went backstage with Rona Liana Ahdout, our staff photographer, to do exactly that. The result? Three comprehensive (and visually stunning) spring trend reports covering the best makeup, hair, and nail looks of the moment.

Ahead, my seven favorite looks from this season’s shows, including golden grunge lids, coquette updos, pink satin nails, and more.

Until next week,

Lauren

What everyone’s reading this week on Cosmopolitan.com:

1. The Chicest White Floral Perfumes to Add to Your Scent Collection This Spring

2. e.l.f.’s First-Ever Hair Products Are Here, and They’re Inspired by the Viral Power Grip Primer

3. The 9 Best Spring Candles to Make Your Home Smell Like Bright Citrus, Clean Linens, and Fresh Florals

4. MAC Is Finally at Sephora—Shop Our Beauty Editor’s Favorite Lipsticks, Foundation, and More

5. If Retinol Isn’t In Your Acne Skincare Routine Already, We’re About to Convince You To Add It Right Now

   ---

   Trendspotting: The Hair, Makeup, and Nail Looks That Will Be Everywhere This Spring

   1. Golden Grunge Vibes

   

   2. Vinyl Lips

   

3. Pink Satin Nails

4. Coquette Updos

5. Mother of Pearl Manicures

6. Halo Braids

7. Macaron Lids

My criteria for “good” when it comes to a foundation? Lightweight feel, buildable coverage, noncomedogenic ingredients, expansive shade range, long-wearing formula, and a natural-looking finish (in my experience, anything too dewy generally looks terribly by midday and heavy matte formulas are fine for the camera but generally unflattering IRL.)

Of course, everyone’s good foundation expectations will vary based on skin type and aesthetic preferences, but my standards are pretty universal, so the formulas I personally love and recommend tend to be crowd pleasers that have stood the test of time. Check them out here:

1. Armani Luminous Silk ($69): Widely considered the GOAT, I wore this foundation on my wedding day (and for all big life events since) thanks to its ability to last for hours on end and give the face a filtered Red-carpet look.

2. Dior Forever Skin Foundation Stick ($57): Foundation can be intimidating to apply, but this couldn’t be easier to use. Simply swipe it on wherever you want to even out your skin tone and then blend with fingers or a brush for smooth, blurred skin that doesn’t cake, pill, or get patchy.

3. MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation ($44): There’s a reason this fluid foundation is in every makeup artist’s kit: It creates a your-skin-but-better effect that looks entirely natural in all types of lighting. It’s also very buildable, so you can wear it as a skin tint or layer it on for full coverage if you’re breaking out.

On the off chance one of these tried-and-true picks doesn’t turn you into a foundation person, keep scrolling to see the team’s newest favorite formula from celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips—that one is sure to convert you.

Until next week,

Lauren

What everyone’s reading this week on Cosmopolitan.com:

1. MAC Is Finally at Sephora—Shop Our Beauty Editor’s Favorite Lipsticks, Foundation, and More

2. Sabrina Carpenter and I Both Love This $30 Mascara for Long and Voluminous Lashes

3. These 11 Treatments Will Get Rid of Whiteheads, No Popping Required (Seriously)

4. I Added One Pop of Red to My Beauty Look—Now I’m Obsessed

5. Harry Styles’s and Taylor Swift’s Favorite Beauty Products Are Up to 20% Off Right Now

Best of the Beauty Closet: m.ph by Mary Phillips Le Skin Weightless Serum Foundation

Lauren Balsamo, beauty director (aka me)

“This foundation is so lightweight—it feels more like a skin tint than a foundation—but somehow covers my redness and breakouts flawlessly. It’s super easy to blend out, too, and if you need to build it up for more coverage, it layers easily without getting cakey or chalky.”

Beth Gillette, beauty editor

“The way this foundation melts into my skin is nothing short of magnificent. I pump out a dollop on the back of my hand and pick some product up on the M.ph Beauty Foundation Brush (a fluffy brush that gives your skin a soft focus finish while keeping coverage airy). The consistency quickly evens out my skin, effectively hiding acne and dark spots (see above, I’m truly shocked). With such a lightweight texture, I’m used to streaking. But picking up product on the brush and then gently swirling it over my face gives me an even look.

The finish is fresh, even slightly dewy—something I generally stay away from due to having oily skin, but in this, it just appears natural. I powder my T-zone to keep it from going greasy, but otherwise, I love how the finish looks. I’m convinced this is the closest I’ll ever get to skin that resembles Hailey Bieber’s.”

Jasmine Hyman, assistant beauty editor

“My acne-prone and overly dry skin just can’t get on board with lathering on a thick layer of foundation every day, so I’m super particular when it comes to my base products. I warily tried this foundation because I trust Lauren and Beth with any recommendation, and I was super impressed with the lightness and level of hydration in the formula. It smoothed over my inflamed chin acne with ease and didn’t flake on my dry skin amid a 10-degree winter week in NYC full of commuting and walking outside. This is officially one of the only acceptable foundations in my makeup arsenal.”

Shop Le Skin here

Ask Lauren

“In an attempt to let my skin breathe and help clear up some stubborn breakouts, I stopped wearing makeup for a few weeks…but my skin ended up looking the same. What’s going on here? ” —Jackie, 32

First off, skin doesn’t “breathe.” And it doesn’t “detox” either—that’s your liver’s job. However, it can get irritated or congested if you’re using the wrong formulas. My guess is that your makeup isn’t the problem here. The truth is, makeup is rarely the issue when it comes to acne, provided you’re using the right formula for your skin type and washing it off at night. In fact, makeup can be a good thing. It acts as a barrier against pollution and dirt—plus, the iron oxides in tinted products help shield skin from blue light (the visible light from phones and laptops that contributes to inflammation and premature aging). Many face products also contain SPF, which protects against UVA and UVB damage. My best advice? Go back to your makeup and see a board-certified dermatologist who can help get to the real root cause of your breakouts.

Got a beauty-related question? Email me at lbalsamo@hearst.com, leave a comment below, or DM me, and I’ll get back to you here. <3

By now, you already know that the rest of the beauty team and I are constantly testing and reviewing products. Hundreds of new makeup, skincare, haircare, and fragrance launches come into the beauty closet each month, and we do the hard work of trying them all and then selecting our favorites so you all know what’s worth the hype.

Every month, we round up these favorites into one conveniently curated list. You can shop all of our February 2026 picks here and peruse an edited selection below. Be sure to tell us in the comments if you’ve tried any of these yourself or if you have a favorite February product that we should review next.

Until next week,

Lauren

Subscribe now

Lauren’s February favorites:

Aunu Beauty Mānuka Salve: “I was sick a few weeks ago on vacation, and the skin around my nose got so raw and chapped from blowing my nose every five seconds. Luckily, I packed this healing salve in my bag. In a day, the soothing and nourishing properties brought my damaged skin back to neutral—no more redness or flaking. It also works as a great hand cream and lip balm in a pinch.”

Josie Maran Hydrating Argan Body Wash in Golden Hour: “The smell of this body wash is straight-up magical. Inspired by Golden Hour in St. Barth’s, the notes of santal, amber, and musk create this warm, ever-so-spicy effect that makes washing your body—something I admittedly don’t give much thought to—a moment of escape. Also, the level of lather is perfect: It’s sudsy and cushiony so you can work it into skin with hands or a loofah.”

Beth’s February favorites:

Pixi SuperBerry Cleansing Whip: “Pixi is one of my go-to favorite makeup brands, but I hadn’t tested much of their newer skincare launches (the OG Glow Tonic is a forever favorite though). This cleanser was my first reintroduction to the skincare range, and now I have a whole lineup of Pixi products to dive into based on how much I love this. The whipped texture feels so good on my skin and quickly removes makeup and leaves my face super clean but not stripped.”

Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Hair Bandage Balm for Split Ends: “I steer very clear of balms and creams on my fine hair. But when I went to the Grammys with Redken (humblebrag!), my hairstylist smoothed this on my ends to give me a super-sleek style. And now I can’t do my hair without it. Somehow, this balm doesn’t weigh down my hair. In fact, it makes my ends look a little bit fuller. This is likely because the formula uses Redken’s bond complex to help seal dry, split ends and everyone knows how dead ends can make your hair look stringy. I pick up the tiniest bit with my fingers and rub it between them before smoothing the product directly on my ends. They immediately look polished, whether my hair is wavy or straight that day.”

Jasmine’s February favorites:

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Chromatic Mascara in Brown Leather: “If you’re a brown mascara lover who wants to add both volume and length to your lashes (many formulas make you sacrifice one for the other), I cannot recommend this mascara enough. It doesn’t flake or smudge even when my eyes are tearing from NYC’s frigid winds. Plus, it separates my lashes so nicely and is a true brown that isn’t too harsh on my lighter-colored eyes.”

ORA Method LED Gua Sha: “I’m not a big gua sha person, I don’t love face oils on my acne-prone skin, and it just never became a habit of mine, but this is the first gua sha I’ve actually consistently used in years. It’s got tiny vibrations to release tension in the face as you sculpt, and it also has LED, which means it’s best used alongside a gel or serum. I’ll admit I’m not consistent enough with my LED mask, and while this is definitely not a replacement for one, it’s nice to get in some extra red light therapy while sculpting my jaw. And the light projects much farther than just the spot you’re massaging, so it’s not overly concentrated to one area, for a nice, even treatment.”

Julee’s February favorites:

Nevell Skin Coffee Infused Facial Oil: “I live for a face oil that makes my skin look alive, and this bb delivers. It’s infused with coffee, so there’s this subtle, earthy richness that feels energizing without being overpowering. I press three to four drops into damp skin after my serum, and the glow is immediate. Not greasy. Not heavy. Just juicy, well-rested skin that looks like I drink green juice daily and mind my business. It layers beautifully under makeup, too. Foundation glides on smoother and sits prettier. On no-makeup days, it gives me that glowy sheen that photographs so well. My complexion looks plump, supple, and joyous!”

Miu Miu Fleur de Lait Eau de Parfum: “This fragrance feels like silk slipping over warm skin. This Miu Miu newbie is creamy and airy at the same time—soft milk notes wrapped in delicate florals with a subtle sweetness that lingers. I spray it on my pulse points and let it melt in. It’s intimate and cozy. It wears beautifully throughout the day, never overpowering, just smooth and sexy. On me, it reads clean but sensual, like fresh skin after a luxurious bath. The bottle looks chic on my vanity, but the real magic is how it makes me feel: polished, soft, and a little irresistible.”

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

This month, Instant Angel is turning 4, and we partnered up with Dieux for an exclusive giveaway to celebrate.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

✨ 4 people will win an unreleased 200 mL Instant Angel PR Box (this size is not sold anywhere and is twice as large as the next size available for purchase online).
✨ 14 people will win a Jumbo 100 mL Instant Angel.
✨ 24 people will win a Full-Size 50 mL Instant Angel.

TO ENTER

• When: Now through February 28

• How:

  • Make sure you’re following @dieuxskin on Instagram and like this post, + tag a friend (friend must also be following).

  • Make sure you’re subscribed to our Substack for an extra entry.

    Subscribe now

  • Giveaway closes at 11:59 p.m. ET Saturday February 28, 2026, and the winners will be notified via Instagram DMs from the verified @dieuxskin account.

I asked licensed aesthetician and Dieux cofounder Charlotte Palermino for more details on what makes Instant Angel so iconic. See our Q+A below:

In your opinion, what makes Instant Angel the perfect moisturizer?

As much as I’m honored by the title, I’m going to start by saying there is no “perfect” moisturizer. That said, Instant Angel is one of the top moisturizers because it is a rich cream but doesn’t feel like one. Rich creams usually use heavy waxes and butters to leave a thick layer of occlusion to give the impression of “heavy.” Joyce (our cosmetic chemist) knew she could push the limits of texture, having experience not only from her time at Skinceuticals but also from her time working at a contract manufacturer in Korea.

The result is a moisturizer that delivers the perfect ratio of nourishing cholesterol, free fatty acids, and ceramides that are naturally found in your skin. There’s also an incredible system of humectants to plump out your skin and an added peptide that visibly firms the skin without a greasy feel.

It’s an addictive moisturizer because your skin gets better the longer you use it. Another comment we get a lot is that it feels like a luxury cream but isn’t priced like one—that’s intentional. We have price transparency on our site for a reason!

This moisturizer is so good under makeup. It creates the perfect glowy (but not shiny) base and never pills. What’s the secret?

While Instant Angel shouldn’t ever cause pilling, I want to remind everyone that your sunscreen or what you layer with Instant Angel CAN cause pilling. The reason Instant Angel plays so nicely with moisturizers is that Joyce formulated against what typically causes it.

When it comes to moisturizers, pilling can be caused by many things, including thickeners (ingredients that give the formula body and thickness), film formers (ingredients that make formulas water-resistant or have a shiny look), or powders (ingredients that absorb oil or give a more matte appearance).

But more than anything, pilling comes down to how ingredients interact with each other in the final formula. Joyce made me, along with the rest of the team, try so many iterations of the formula over makeup, sunscreen, etc.

Barrier care is everywhere now. Is it possible to overdo it with barrier products and veer into “too much of a good thing” territory?

Barrier care is the bare minimum when it comes to your skin. I joke that in 2020, it was a 12-step routine that broke your skin barrier; now, in 2026, it’s 12 steps to “repair your barrier.”

While there’s risk in using 12 of anything (why? products can negatively interact with each other, or while you may not have an allergy to a preservative at a small dose, you do at higher doses), I’d much prefer you overdid it on hydration than say retinoids or exfoliants.

My advice? If your skin is blotchy and red and you’re confused because you’re only using “barrier repair” products, your skin is trying to talk to you, and it’s telling you to stop. Do less! My routine never exceeds 6 steps on maximal days, and on most days, it’s 4 or 5.

Are there any unexpected ways you can use Instant Angel (aside from a daily face moisturizer)?

Yes! You can use it as a hydrating mask for your lips by applying a thick layer under your lipstick or gloss. I also like applying a THICK layer on my face at night (imagine I’m frosting a cake) before an event, and I wake up with the most hydrated skin. You can also do this in the morning if you want to salvage your pillows.

To make winter weather less sucky for your skin, I pulled together my favorite winter-approved face washes, serums, and moisturizers here.

These formulas truly deliver when your skin needs extra nourishment the most. And featured on this week’s Best of the Beauty Closet, you’ll find my new favorite way to quickly hydrate and soften skin, too. I hope your skin loves it as much as mine does.

Until next week,

Lauren

What everyone’s reading this week on cosmopolitan.com:

• French Gloss Nails Are the Chic, Low-Key Manicure Taking Over Right Now

• The Best Hydrating Primers to Keep Your Skin Smooth and Glowy

• What Are Shellac Nails? The Pros, Cons, and Final Answer on Whether They’re Better Than Gels

• These Perfumes Smell Expensive but Are All Surprisingly Under $100

• Another Horny Thing About the New ‘Wuthering Heights’? Everyone’s Flushed Cheeks

  ---

Best of the Beauty Closet: First Aid Beauty’s Ultra Repair Hydrating Pillow Pads

Milky toners are everywhere right now, thanks to viral hits like Rhode’s Glazing Milk. I understand the appeal—they are hydrating and barrier-repairing and leave skin dewy—but I hate using them. The liquid inevitably runs down my hands. I never feel like I’m applying it evenly, and while a cotton round would help, I never have one when I need it. The result? I skip the step entirely.

That’s why First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Pillow Pads immediately caught my attention. I grew up using pad-style treatments (like Dr. Dennis Gross’s iconic peel pads), and the format is just easier—no mess, no guesswork. Most pads focus on exfoliation or brightening, so seeing a hydrating option felt like a win, especially this winter.

Each plush pad is soaked in a lightweight milky toner with ceramides and colloidal oatmeal—two ingredients that help repair the skin barrier, soothe irritation, and lock in moisture. I’ve been using them every morning for the past three weeks, and my skin feels noticeably softer and more hydrated throughout the day. They also help buffer the drying effects of my acne treatments (benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, clindamycin) without adding heaviness.

If your skin isn’t dry or sensitive, you can probably skip this step. But if you want extra hydration and hate traditional milky toners as much as I do, First Aid Beauty’s Hydrating Pillow Pads are absolutely worth trying.

Shop First Aid Beauty's Pillow Pads Here

Ask Lauren

“Every time I lick my lips, they end up becoming drier than they were before. What’s going on? ” —Jasmine, 26

We’ve all been there. Your lips are dry, your lip balm is MIA, and you lick them for a quick hit of moisture…and it backfires. That’s because our saliva contains bacteria and enzymes that can damage the thin, delicate skin on the lips. Once the saliva dries on your lips, it leaves behind dry lips, too. So whatever you do, avoid licking your lips this winter, and stock up on a few good lip balms instead. To not ever be without one when I need it, I buy a few and stash them everywhere: my car, my desk, my bag, my nightstand, and even my coat pocket. I’m personally obsessed with Well People’s Poutlove Peptide Lip Balm, but do yourself a favor and check out our full list of editor favorites here.

Got a beauty-related question? Email me at lbalsamo@hearst.com, leave a comment below, or DM me, and I’ll get back to you here. <3

Subscribe now

Between writing, editing, and ideating on dozens of Valentine’s Day stories—everything from date-night makeup looks to hair and nail inspo—I’ve had a bit of a change of heart. I wouldn’t call myself a full-on Valentine’s Day person, but I’ve come to appreciate taking a moment to celebrate love and romance in all its forms. For some, that means chocolates and roses. For others (me and the Cosmo beauty team included), it looks like spritzing on a favorite romantic perfume.

From left: Noyz Only Human, Amouage Guidance, YSL Libre Berry Crush, Parfums de Marly Delina, Initio, Phlur Afterglow

To create this curated list of the most romantic perfumes of all time, we sniffed, spritzed, and tested hundreds (yes, literal hundreds) of scents, from iconic luxury fragrances to buzzy niche perfumes, and evaluated each pick based on its notes, longevity, and—most importantly—its ability to evoke feelings of love.

Discover our favorites below—and don’t forget to share your own go-to romantic scents in the comments.

Until next week,

Lauren

What you (may) have missed this week on cosmopolitan.com

• The Best Valentine’s Day Nail Ideas for All Your Love-Inspired Manicures, According to a Beauty Editor

• Forget Fresh-Faced, Date-Night Makeup Is Way Moodier and Chic Now

• Does Pheromone Perfume Actually Do Anything? I Tried One for a Month to Find Out

• Byredo’s Rose of No Man’s Land Is My Compliment Magnet Perfume

• The Best Celebrity-Inspired Makeup Trends and Looks to Try for Your Valentine’s Day Glam

Best of the Beauty Closet: 6 Romantic Perfumes for Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Noyz Only Human Eau de Parfum

“This musky fragrance sits close to the skin for a subtly sexy effect. It’s warm, cozy, and slightly mysterious, which, in my experience, is the ideal recipe for
romantic attraction.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR

Amouage Guidance Eau de Parfum

“‘You smell good’ is the best compliment you can get from a partner, and I’ve been told it countless times when wearing this spicy perfume with saffron, hazelnut, and jasmine.” —BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR

YSL Beauty Libre Berry Crush Eau de Parfum

“If I’m on a first date, it’s highly likely I’ve doused myself in this fruity perfume. Raspberry, bourbon, vanilla, and orange blossom come together and smell perfectly flirty.” —BG

Parfums de Marly Delina Eau de Parfum

“Delina captivates everyone who smells it. With powdery rose, comforting musk, and a hint of spice, it oozes femininity but not in a cutesy way.” —LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR

Initio Parfums Power Self Extrait de Parfum

“You won’t find me on a date without this in my bag. It projects confidence and basically does the flirting for you. The white floral notes are fresh and playful, while the spiciness emanates power.” —JH

Phlur Afterglow Eau de Parfum

“You know when you first start seeing someone and you can’t get enough? That’s Afterglow. There’s an addictive quality to it. The juiciness hits you in waves—like biting into a ripe piece of fruit.” —LB