Alyssa LatellaSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story
The Allure Best of Beauty 2026 Box has arrived. Packed with 30 award-winning products, including 17 Best of Beauty 2026 winners, this limited-edition collection is valued at more than $740—for just $125 for Allure readers with code ALLUREACCESS
The year was 1996. Brad and Gwyneth were together; ditto Tom and Nicole. George Clooney was a charming young ER doctor. Nothing was more state-of-the-art than dial-up Internet; we wondered if the PalmPilot might replace our Rolodexes. And five-year-old beauty magazine Allure decided to create an annual list of the absolute best hair, makeup, and skin-care products you could buy. The Best of Beauty Awards quickly came to be a shopper’s guide to products that had been rigorously tested and proven to do exactly what they said they would do—and do it better than the rest.
Thirty years later, the beauty market has mushroomed (as has a thing called “sponcon”). So that little red seal is an even more valuable sign that an independent team of experts has cut through the, well you know, and vetted that lipstick or sunscreen or hair mask for the highest quality and the highest performance. To celebrate the big 3-0, we’ve put together the most jam-packed Allure Beauty Box in our history, filled to the brim with some of our favorite award winners of the recent past: Glow Recipe toner pads, Dr. Idriss’ brightening mask, an Ilia mascara, Rare Beauty’s matte blush, and 26 more. Change is constant—and those Rolodexes are long gone—but Allure’s high standard for “best” will always remain the same. – Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Director
Reserve yours now:
SHOP THE BOX
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush in Hope, Alive, Happy, or Worth
Why We Love It: We’re not advocating for blush blindness, but we also couldn’t blame you if you wanted just “one more tap”. The cloud-like texture of this Best of Beauty winner is so satisfying to touch and the pigment it packs builds and blends beautifully—for a bright and bold or soft and natural look.
How You'll Use It: Your Best of Beauty Box features your choice of Hope (nude mauve), Happy (cool pink), Worth (true rose), Alive (bright coral orange), four flattering shades designed to complement various skin tones. Use your finger or favorite blush brush to apply directly on the apples of your cheeks—and don’t forget to blend.
Retail Value: $27
Dr. Idriss Major Fade Flash Mask
Why We Love It: We’re all about playing the long game with skincare. But sometimes, you want immediate results. Ten minutes to resurface dull skin, soften rough texture and reveal a brighter complexion? Say less.
How You'll Use It: Apply a thin layer (2-4 pumps) over clean, dry skin. Wait 10 minutes (use your meditation app, check emails, answer texts), then rinse it off with warm water and look noticeably fresher.
Retail Value: $48
Dae Hair Cactus Fruit 3-in-1 Styling Cream + Taming Wand
Why We Love It: Slicked-back buns, polished ponytails, clean middle parts—this little (dare I say magic) wand is the finishing touch that keeps any style looking sleek, not shellacked. A few swipes on flyaways and baby hairs is all it takes to look polished and put together.
How You'll Use It: Glide the wand anywhere over your hairline where you want to smooth baby hair, tame frizz, or perfect the last few details. It’s also super portable—perfect for tossing in your purse, gym bag, or desk drawer.
Retail Value: $20
Davines LOVE/ smoothing lightweight milk
Why We Love It: If you’ve ever skipped a leave-in conditioner because it felt too heavy, then hair milk is for you. The lightweight formula delivers softness, shine, and frizz control—without flattening or weighing your hair down.
How You'll Use It: After towel-drying your hair, spray several pumps from roots to end, either sectioning your hair or flipping your hair over to ensure even coverage. Comb through and then blow dry.
Retail Value: $33
tarte cosmetics Double Take Eyeliner
Why We Love It: Some days call for a slightly smoky, perfectly smudgy eye look. Other days, you need your eyeliner wing to be razor-sharp. And sometimes you need one look on the upper lash line and another on the lower. Luckily, there’s this dual-sided eyeliner for whatever look you’re ready to wear.
How You'll Use It: This formula glides on smoothly—no skipping—and has a 12-hour wear, meaning you can go from morning to night without skipping a beat with your beat.
Retail Value: $26
Medik8 Advanced Pro-Collagen+ Peptide Cream
Why We Love It: Great skin starts with a great moisturizer. This is that moisturizer. It gives your skin everything it wants: lasting hydration, a smoother texture, a firmer look, and a healthier skin barrier—thanks to its advanced collagen-supporting peptide complex.
How You'll Use It: Dot the cream onto your forehead, cheeks, chin, and neck, then use gentle upwards strokes to massage it into your skin. Consider it two minutes of self-care your complexion will.
Retail Value: $32
Saie Glowy Super™ Gel Lightweight Illuminator in Roseglow
Why We Love It: When you don’t want your makeup to look like, well, makeup, reach for this best-selling highlighter. The lightweight texture gives your skin a dewy glow that makes it look naturally luminous—not obviously highlighted.
How You'll Use It: For an all-over glow, apply one to two pumps on bare skin. You can stop there, or use it before your foundation as a primer or even mix in for added radiance.
Retail Value: $18
Farmacy Green Clean Cleansing Balm Mini
Why We Love It: As much fun as makeup can be to put on, this Farmacy Cleansing Balm makes it super satisfying to take off. The oil-based formula means you don’t have to overscrub your skin or tug at your eyelashes—and the blend of super-greens leaves your skin feeling fresh and squeaky clean.
How You'll Use It: The mini size makes it a must-have to include in your overnight, gym, or travel bag. Just use the spatula to dab a small amount onto your face, massage with dry hands, and then rinse with warm water or a damp washcloth. Done!
Retail Value: $26
ILIA Mini Limitless Lash Mascara in After Midnight
Why We Love It: Between the dual-sided wand and the buildable formula, this mascara lets you customize your look based on the lashes you want. From naturally defined, soft and fluttery, or a little more drama, you’re in control.
How You'll Use It: Use the shorter side of the wand to lift lashes. Flip to the longer side to lengthen and separate. Then add more coats for more added volume.
Retail Value: $17
Makeup by Mario SoftSculpt® Bronzing & Shaping Serum in Medium
Why We Love It: While there are plenty of bronzers in the market, there’s only one that has redefined the category—and that’s SoftSculpt® from Makeup by Mario. It blends beautifully every single time and is nearly impossible to overdo. Win, win.
How You'll Use It: Swipe the doe-foot applicator along your forehead, beneath cheekbones, and around the jawline. Then blend everything out with a dense, angled contour brush for a naturally-bronzed looking finish.
Retail Value: $36
Murad Rapid Relief Acne Spot Treatment
Why We Love It: When a blemish decides to make an unexpected appearance, this targeted treatment gets straight to work. The salicylic acid-based formula helps fight breakouts at the source, making it a must-have for those just-in-case skincare moments.
How You'll Use It: After cleansing, apply a thin layer directly to affected areas one to three times daily or as needed. Follow with your usual moisturizer and SPF during the day.
Retail Value: $27
Glow Recipe Korean Toner Pad Collection 3-Piece Trial Set
Why We Love It: This trial set is perfect for giving your skin exactly what it needs in the moment. Use the LHA + AHA exfoliating pads when your skin is feeling congested. If you’re looking red or irritated, the PDRN pads offer soothing relief, and the Vitamin C pads brighten basically on command.
How You'll Use It: Each of the pads is designed for five minutes of use, giving you plenty of time to mix, match, and multi-mask.
Retail Value: $4.75
by/ rosie jane ROSIE travel spray
Why We Love It: If your favorite beauty compliment is, “you smell so good,” this is for you. This skin scent smells like you, but better, thanks to a combination of warm notes of white musk and pure rose that interact with your personal chemistry. Subtle enough for everyday, strong enough for people to ask what you’re wearing.
How You'll Use It: The travel size makes it perfect for carrying on the go. Just remember to avoid rubbing it into your skin. This one is more of a mist and go.
Retail Value: $29
Drybar Hot Toddy Heat Protectant Mist
Why We Love It: If you’re already spending about 15-20 minutes a day heat-styling your hair, it’s worth it to take a few seconds to protect it from possible damage. This award-winning heat protectant spray coats your strands—and leaves a satiny, frizz-free hold.
How You'll Use It: Give the bottle a generous shake. Then spray it, section by section, throughout already dry hair before using a hair dryer, curling iron, or straightener.
Retail Value: $31
belif Aqua Bomb Depuffing Eye Gel with Caffeine + Hyaluronic Acid
Why you’ll love it: Coffee, Diet Coke, and this eye treatment have more in common than you’d think. They’re all packed with caffeine to instantly jolt you (and your undereyes) awake after late nights, long meetings, and puffy mornings.
How you’ll use it: Press the pump to distribute the lightweight gel, then gently press the ceramic tip to the undereye area, lightly massage in a circular motion, and pat in any excess product.
Retail price: $32
Isle of Paradise Self-Tan Face Drops in Medium
Why We Love It: Your glow, your way. These customizable self-tanning drops make it easy to dial up your color without the streaks or commitment of a traditional self-tanner.
How You'll Use It: Mix a few drops with your favorite moisturizer and apply evenly to clean, dry skin. Wash your hands after application, then let your glow develop.
Retail Value: $30
Divi Dry Shampoo
Why We Love It: Dry shampoo that does more than buy you an extra day between washes? Yes, please. This formula refreshes oily roots on the spot while helping your hair become less oily over time—so your wash days might just get a little farther apart.
How You'll Use It: Shake well and spray directly onto your roots, focusing on areas that need a refresh. Let it sit for a moment, then massage or brush through before styling as usual.
Retail Value: $16
dpHUE Glossy Glaze in Sheer
Why We Love It: Salon treatments can be expensive. This at-home hair gloss helps protect your investment. Now you can extend the color, vibrancy, and shine of your hair until your next appointment.
How You'll Use It: Follow the instructions as indicated. In just two-three minutes, you can boost the look of your color-treated hair for up to three washes. Now that’s good hair math.
Retail Value: $29
KIKO Milano 3D Hydra Lipgloss in 12 Pearly Amaryllis Red, 31 Pearly Shell, 15 Cherry Red, 23 Magenta, 07 Pink Magnolia, or 26 Sparkly Hibiscus Pink
Why We Love It: Gloss that does more than shine. Whichever shade you receive, this intensely hydrating formula delivers a juicy, mirror-like finish that makes any lip look instantly more polished.
How You'll Use It: Swipe directly onto bare lips or layer over your favorite lip color for an extra dose of shine. Reapply whenever you’re ready for another glossy moment.
Retail Value: $14
Tangle Teezer Ultimate Detangler in Millennial Pink
Why We Love It: Detangling doesn’t have to mean tugging. This iconic brush smooths through knots while helping reduce breakage—and the Millennial Pink shade makes wash day that much cuter.
How You'll Use It: Use on wet or dry hair, starting at the ends and working your way upward toward the roots. Gently brush through tangles until your strands are smooth and knot-free.
Retail Value: $16.99
Mooncat Nail Lacquer in Mermaid Bait or Pearl Clutcher
Why We Love It: No matter which shade you receive, your nails are in for a major moment. These high-impact, chrome-like lacquers catch the light from every angle for a manicure that’s guaranteed to mesmerize.
How You'll Use It: Apply an even coat to clean, dry nails and let it dry before adding another coat for extra impact. Finish with a topcoat to help your mani stay fresh.
Retail Value: $17
ILLIYOON Ceramide Ato Lotion
Why We Love It: Another K-beauty gem for your skin-care shelf. This non-sticky, ceramide-enriched lotion helps support the skin barrier while delivering the kind of lasting hydration that leaves skin feeling soft, smooth, and seriously comfortable.
How You'll Use It: Smooth onto clean skin and massage until absorbed. Use it on your face or body whenever your skin needs an extra dose of hydration.
Retail Value: $15.99
Megababe Le Tush Clarifying Butt Mask
Why We Love It: Your face isn’t the only place that deserves a good mask moment. This facial-grade exfoliating treatment gives your tush some much-needed attention, helping smooth and refresh skin in an area that’s often overlooked.
How You'll Use It: Apply an even layer to clean, dry skin and let it sit according to the product’s directions. Rinse thoroughly, then admire your newly pampered derrière.
Retail Value: $22
Women's ROGAINE® 5% Minoxidil Unscented Foam
Why We Love It: When fuller-looking hair is the goal, this clinically proven, dermatologist-recommended treatment is a trusted addition to your routine. The unscented foam makes it easy to work into your everyday hair-care lineup.
How You'll Use It: Apply directly to the scalp, making sure to follow the product’s recommended amount and frequency. Let it absorb before styling your hair as usual.
Retail Value: $44.97
milk_shake Icy Blond Shampoo
Why We Love It: Blonde maintenance can feel like a full-time job—but with this toning shampoo, it doesn’t have to be. Instead of a traditional purple shampoo, this shampoo features black pigments that help dial down orange and yellow hues, while amping up the icy, cool-tones you want.
How You'll Use It: Designed for very light or platinum blonde hair, this toning shampoo is gentle enough to be used 1-2 times per week, in-between your regular shampoos.
Retail Value: $10
The Face Shop Rice Water Bright Foaming Cleanser
Why We Love It: A fresh start for your skin, courtesy of a K-beauty favorite. Made with rice water and ceramides, this foaming cleanser helps wash away pores’ worth of buildup and impurities without overcomplicating your routine.
How You'll Use It: Wet your face, work a small amount of cleanser into a rich lather, and gently massage over your skin. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water and follow with the rest of your skincare routine.
Retail Value: $11.99
Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Thickening Essentials Mini Shampoo and Conditioner Kit
Why We Love It: A shampoo that doesn’t just clean your hair but actually treats your scalp is the kind of multi-tasking we can get behind—it washes away excess oil and buildup at the root, creating a foundation for stronger, fuller-looking hair. The conditioner keeps that momentum going: it hydrates and strengthens without flattening, sealing the cuticle to enhance shine.
How You'll Use It: Massage the shampoo into your scalp with your fingertips, focusing on the roots, then rinse thoroughly. Follow with the conditioner throughout strands and scalp, then rinse, dry, and style.
Retail Value: $18
Peta Jane Beauty Medium Self-Tanning Mousse + Tanning Mitt
Why We Love It: The best self-tan is the one nobody realizes is a self-tan. This easy-to-apply mousse develops into a natural golden-looking bronze that lasts for up to seven days. It’s so convincing, we guarantee you’ll have everyone asking, “Did you just get back from vacation?”
How You'll Use It: Prep is key before using this mousse. Remember to exfoliate the day before application—and avoid using lotion or moisturizer for up to 24 hours prior. Shower, pat dry, and apply with the included mitt to avoid streaks, then you’re ready to go…or glow!
Retail Value: $52
Poppy & Pout Sweet Mint Exfoliating Lip Scrub
Why We Love It:
Soft, smooth lips are always a good idea. This scrub gives your pout a little exfoliating refresh, leaving lips feeling soft and ready for whatever lip color—or balm—comes next.
How You'll Use It:
Massage a small amount onto your lips using gentle, circular motions. Wipe or rinse away, then follow with your favorite lip balm for a perfectly prepped pout.
Retail Value: $14.95
Hairstory New Wash Original Cleansing & Conditioning Cream
Why We Love It: If your regular shampoo and conditioner have been in the same toxic cycle, it's time to meet this conditioning cleansing cream. Instead of shampoo stripping hair just for conditioner to come in and weigh it down, New Wash cleanses and conditions in one easy step.
How You'll Use It: Use a generous amount of the cream on wet hair, then add a splash of water to activate the formula. Massage into your hair and scalp, let it sit for 2 or 3 minutes, and never look at shampoo and conditioner the same way again.
Retail Value: $48
Photo: Getty ImagesSave this storySave this story
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Taylor Swift attends the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) at Peacock Theater on September 27, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Getty Images
