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This year, I finally decided to do something I’d spent more than a decade writing about as a beauty editor: laser hair removal. For nearly 12 years, I’ve waxed almost every part of my body, with regular appointments for my bikini, Brazilian, and underarm areas. But that didn’t mean I enjoyed the treatment. Each time, I’d brace myself as hot, melted wax was smeared across my skin.

The catalyst for my decision to get laser treatment was my first wax after giving birth. I’d gone through the most physically intense experience of my life, so I assumed going back to waxing would be a breeze. It wasn’t. The anticipation of ripping off hard wax didn’t magically disappear, and for my first few waxes post-birth, my skin felt more sensitive than usual. In other words: It still hurt like hell.

Hyperpigmentation was also a huge concern for me following all the hormonal changes I was experiencing. Lasers have long had a reputation for being a risky treatment for melanin-rich skin due to the heightened risk of burns or discoloration. That's because laser hair removal literally targets melanin. "It works through a process called selective photothermolysis,” says Naana Boakye, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey. That’s just a fancy way of saying that melanin in the hair follicle absorbs the laser energy. “That energy converts to heat and damages the follicle so it can no longer grow.”

For decades, lasers were designed for lighter skin tones, and there are still technicians who are inexperienced in treating melanin-rich skin. As a Black woman who has dealt with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne on my face and body, the idea of triggering more discoloration by way of laser treatments has always made me nervous. Despite that, I've understood laser hair removal to be a gold-standard treatment for anyone who wants to remove body hair more permanently. So I decided to take the leap, but not without advice from board-certified dermatologists as I go through the multi-week process. The first areas I’m zapping are my underarms and Brazilian area.

What are the risks of laser hair removal for melanin-rich skin?

Laser hair removal on all skin types poses risks—especially if you undergo the treatment without the supervision of a board-certified dermatologist. You are aiming beams of heat energy at your skin, after all. Dr. Boakye says common side effects include temporary redness and swelling around the hair follicles and mild discomfort during treatment. “Less common complications include blistering, crusting, erosions, and, very rarely, scarring,” Dr. Boakye says.

For people with melanin-rich skin, hyperpigmentation and burns are among the most common concerns and typically occur when an inexperienced provider uses a device incorrectly. “When the laser wavelength, settings, or technique are not appropriate for the patient’s skin tone, the energy can be absorbed by the skin instead of the follicle, increasing the risk of injury,” Dr. Boakye explains. “In melanin-rich skin, there is more pigment in the epidermis, which means the laser energy can be absorbed earlier than intended.”

Jeanine Downie, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey, says melanin-rich skin has “melanocytes that are larger and generally have higher baseline activity levels.” She adds that these pigment-producing cells “release more inflammatory 'mediators' faster than in those [in lighter skin tones] in response to heat or other trauma.”

Signs of a poor reaction to laser hair removal would be “pretty immediate” during treatment. “All lasers elicit a skin response,” Dr. Downie says, pointing to mild inflammation. “Pigmentary changes, like dramatic darkening rather than transient redness, are immediate signs that something isn’t right.”

How I avoided hyperpigmentation

1. I chose the right provider.

“I always suggest seeing a board-certified dermatologist,” Dr. Downie says. Some practices hire licensed nurses to provide laser services under the supervision of board-certified dermatologists or physicians. I got my treatment at Milan Laser, where the person administering my treatment is a licensed nurse under the supervision of a board-certified doctor.

It’s totally fair to scope out providers that share a similar skin tone to yours if it gives you more peace of mind. My provider, Chevanese Gonzales, is also a Black woman. She eased my worries during my first appointment with a thorough consultation, and it helped to see that Gonzales had positive experiences with laser without any hyperpigmentation, even on highly sensitive areas like her face.

2. I had a thorough consultation appointment.

Our experts also say a consultation is nonnegotiable, as it’s an opportunity to vet your provider and feel confident going into your service. Dr. Downie says to go in with a “try before you buy” mindset, with specific asks in mind:

• Can I see before-and-after pictures to get an idea of the range of tones you are treating?
• What laser are you using? How do you determine the settings for darker skin tones like mine?
• Can I do a patch test? [Editor’s note: A patch test is two laser pulses on a small area of skin meant to check your reaction to the treatment]

Gonzales walked me through all of the above, including what to keep in mind regarding aftercare. I used my consultation to quell any concerns I had, which is why I was eager to move forward with my treatment. “If you are unsure about the doctor, dermatologist, med spa, or office where you are having the laser consultation, simply do not proceed. Period,” says Dr. Downie. “The risk for a patient with melanin-rich skin is just too great.”

3. I researched the laser being used on my skin.

My provider recommended the Candela Gentle Max Pro, which uses Nd:YAG technology to treat clients. Skin experts consider lasers that utilize Nd:YAG tech to be a safe option for deeper skin tones. “The Nd:YAG has a much lower melanin absorption rate, so it causes significantly less chance of skin damage,” Dr. Downie says. “The YAG has a longer wavelength that targets deeper into follicles without transferring excessive heat to the surrounding skin, which is how the skin can burn, pigment, or scar.”

Pico is another example of a laser that utilizes Nd:YAG tech, and Morayo Adisa, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago, considers it safe when used by an experienced professional. Dr. Boakye echoes this, adding that Pico uses rapid pressure pulses that help minimize damage to the surrounding skin.

4. I didn’t neglect pre-laser care.

It’s easy to neglect the prep step with any treatment, but there are some rituals you’d benefit from pausing pre-laser.

Avoid waxing

“Avoid plucking or waxing the area for at least four weeks prior to treatment,” Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, says. She notes that shaving the area with a clean blade will yield the best results because it doesn’t remove the hair follicle, which is needed for the laser to target and, essentially, have something to zap.

If you’re thinking of lasering your pubic area, you might have groaned out loud. Shaving down there isn’t the most pleasant experience, but a good razor can make the process less tedious. I use the Meridian Slimmer Trimmer, an electric shaver that lets me get a quick, smooth shave without spending (what feels like) an eternity in my bathroom. Before each laser session, try to remove as much hair as possible from the area. Your provider should also do a quick, dry shave with a clean blade before getting started, in case you missed any spots.

Avoid exfoliating

In addition to shaving, Dr. Ingleton also says to avoid exfoliating or scrubbing the treatment area for “at least 48 hours before and avoid using products such as retinoids, alpha hydroxy acids, and beta hydroxy acids to avoid irritating the skin.” My provider at Milan also instructed me to come to each appointment with no product on my skin: no oils, lotions, or deodorant if you’re treating your underarms.

Avoid sun exposure

Experts also recommend avoiding direct sun exposure for at least four weeks prior to your laser treatment to reduce the risk of burning. “Tanned skin increases melanin in the epidermis, which significantly raises the risk of burns and pigment changes,” Dr. Boakye explains. So if you’re planning to commit to laser, it’s important to keep sun exposure in mind (think: upcoming travel, beach days, etc.) and disclose those plans to your provider before getting started to make sure your sessions are adequately spaced out between your time in the sun.

5. I am diligent with post-laser skin care.

When it comes to preventing hyperpigmentation during laser hair removal, post-care is just as critical as preparation. Immediately after your treatment, Dr. Downie says to forgo hot showers, steam, or saunas.

After your (lukewarm) shower, she suggests applying a fragrance-free hypoallergenic moisturizer afterwards that can help calm and soothe the skin. I use Flamingo’s Pubic Restorative Post-Shave Serum, a lightweight cream with oat extract, ceramides, and squalane that helps the area feel hydrated and less sore after treatment.

Sunscreen is also a nonnegotiable to protect your skin (especially if hyperpigmentation is a top concern). “Regardless of your skin tone and type, laser hair removal increases sun sensitivity. You must wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30 every day—rain or shine—January through December,” Dr. Downie says. “This is something I always stress to my patients with melanin-rich skin, who often think this isn't necessarily the case.”

I will admit I am not the greatest at year-round, all-over sun protection. When I am huddled up in sweats in the thick of New York City winter, it’s a miracle if any lotion touches my body, let alone SPF. But preventing hyperpigmentation means using an abundance of caution, so no cutting corners. When my skin is exposed, I always reach for Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion, especially for sensitive areas like my bikini line.

6. I avoid retinol and gently exfoliate.

Dermatologists generally recommend skipping retinoids and aggressive exfoliation for about a week (sometimes up to two) after each session. Once I’m past that window, I gradually incorporate gentle physical and chemical exfoliation to help prevent ingrowns and help brighten.

In my routine, that looks like a weekly pass with Skinfix Resurface+ Glycolic and Lactic Acid Renewing Body Scrub or, on lazier days, a swipe of First Aid Beauty’s Ingrown Hair Pads. I’ll also rotate in Eadem Smooth Slate Ingrown Hair + Dark Spot Serum, a topical roll-on stick with glycerin, azelaic acid, and mandelic acid to support gentle cell turnover and help with dark spots.

The key, though, is restraint. Preventing hyperpigmentation during laser treatment is less about throwing everything at dark spots and more about being strategic with ingredients while keeping your skin barrier calm for the best outcome.

My results so far

I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how unscary laser hair removal has been. I know part of this comes down to being in the right hands, which, in my case, is working with an experienced Black woman who’s not only undergone the treatment herself, but also has experience treating a variety of melanated skin tones

Three sessions in, I’ve already noticed a significant reduction in hair growth and, more importantly, no new dark spots. If anything, my skin looks smoother and brighter than it ever has. Trust me, if I could walk around with my arms up to show off my pits all the time, I would!

More than anything, this experience has reinforced that laser hair removal can be a safe, effective option for Black women, but it’s not something to go into casually. It takes doing your research, asking the right questions, and choosing a provider who truly understands your skin. It's a little extra homework, but when you approach it armed with the right knowledge, you’re not just hoping for great results, you’re actually setting the stage for them.

Meet the experts

• Naana Boakye, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey, and founder of Bergen Dermatology, Dr. Naana Beauty, and Karité
• Jeanine Downie, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Montclair, New Jersey.
• Morayo Adisa, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Chicago and medical director at Dermatology Physicians.
• Rosemarie Ingleton, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City and founder of Ingleton Dermatology and Rose MD.
• Nkem Ugonabo, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.

People Also Ask

Is laser hair removal safe for Black skin? The short answer is yes. Laser hair removal is safe for Black skin when performed by an experienced, qualified professional using the right device.

What lasers are safest for medium to deep skin tones? Dermatologists generally recommend the Nd:YAG laser, which targets deeper into the follicles with less heat, reducing the risk of burns or scarring. One important distinction: Nd:YAG refers to the technology used in some laser devices, not to a particular device. Brands including Candela, Lumenis, and Lutronic manufacture lasers that utilize this technology. Dermatologists also say that Pico and Diode lasers are generally safe for darker skin tones when used appropriately.

Common misconceptions. A major one is that it isn’t safe for dark skin at all, which isn’t true. “People with darker skin tones can absolutely benefit from laser hair removal,” says Nkem Ugonabo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, as long as they see a provider experienced in treating melanin-rich skin with the right devices. Dr. Boakye adds that even in the best hands, side effects can happen, but having a provider who “recognizes them early and knows how to treat them appropriately” makes all the difference.

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Jennifer Lopez has been out and about in New York City over the last few days, promoting her upcoming romantic comedy Office Romance, and it seems dating rumors and the chemistry between her and costar Brett Goldstein have been getting most of the attention. But that’s crazy, you guys. It’s her highlights that we should really be talking about.

Stepping out in a sharply tailored black double-breasted blazer layered over a tiered, white dress by Elisabetta Franchi on June 1 (I’m getting Prince vibes—are you getting Prince vibes?), Lopez delivered one of several polished, high-fashion fits she’s been seen in over the course of mere hours. But while I could easily rave about the ruffles for several paragraphs, what I really want to talk about is what was framing that frilly collar: her hair. More specifically, the high-contrast color.

You know how sometimes you might be made to feel like if people can actually see your highlights, you've somehow done it wrong? Jennifer Lopez is not hearing that. Her hair is laced with bold ribbons of honey-blonde and caramel that are intentionally noticeable against a brunette base. They're not chunky in the frosted, 2002 mall salon kind of way. Instead, they're strategic, with the kind of thickness that creates dimension and brightness in a way that looks especially gorgeous on so much length.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – JUNE 01: Jennifer Lopez arrives to "Watch What Happens Live" in Lower Manhattan on June 1, 2026 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images)James Devaney

Not even 24 hours later, Lopez had hidden away all of that variegation in a super-sleek bun (see above). And I’m sorry, but as beautiful as said bun may be, it’s practically a crime to keep these chonky highlights out of view.

Hopefully, as she continues her press tour, we’ll get to see those rays of hair sunshine a few more times before she gets the itch to make a change—if only so we have more inspo photos for our own chunky summer highlights.

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Cindy Crawford looks great. Full stop. None of this “for your age” bullshit. “I'm not 20, and no one expects me to look the same way as I did when I was 20,” she tells podcast hosts Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan on the latest episode of Gloss Angeles, where the legendary supermodel gets candid about everything from facials to facelifts. (Spoiler alert: She's not especially into either.)

Speaking of being 20, Crawford is appalled that the public discussion about the “right” age to get a facelift has skewed so young on social media. “Is there a right age? I mean, certainly not 20. I'll tell you that much,” she says. And certainly not 24, which is her model daughter Kaia Gerber's age. And when it comes to cosmetic treatments and procedures that have gained popularity among younger people, she tries to steer her away.

“What I say is, like, look, you are naturally beautiful, and I would just encourage her to lean into that,” Crawford says of her advice to Gerber. “Because otherwise, everyone starts looking kind of the same, and so I'm like, you made it because you had your look.”

So does the Meaningful Beauty founder, now 60, think that she's at the right age for a facelift? She's not immune to intrusive thoughts about getting work done, but she's holding off, at least for now. She credits some of that restraint to a pact with her friend, makeup artist Sonia Kashuk.

“We're like, 'We're not doing it, right? We're not doing it,'” Crawford says. “I feel lucky that my husband is very, very against it cause he's like, ‘You look beautiful. Why?’" But then, Crawford says, she'll see someone who got a facelift and admire how great it turned out, so the temptation returns.

“I have decent genetics, and, I mean, tempted? Yes. I, like everybody—you look at someone, you're like, ‘They look really good. What did they do?’ But then you see other people, and you're like, is it worth the risk?" she says, grimacing at the thought of undesirable results. “My self-talk is all about, obviously, trying to take care of myself and accept that, you know, we all age if we're lucky.”

Photo: Gloss Angeles

As for other beauty treatments, Crawford tells Gloss Angeles that she's tried lasers and PRP, but she's getting conventional facials a lot less often than she used to. “I used to go to Cristina Radu all the time for facials, and that's when I was working a lot, and my skin was younger, and I really needed the cleaning and the microdermabrasion more,” she says. “Now, I don't like that kind of a facial so much.”

Instead, to get a more refreshed look, she's been enjoying the occasional facial massage, and she recently partnered with Upneeq, the prescription eye drops that help lift eyelids. “Upneeq is a great product, especially for people who don't want to do surgery,” she says, referring to blepharoplasty.

“I would recommend to anybody because you can just stop using it if you don't like it. You can use it every day if you want. You could use it for special events if you want,” she says. “It's not a big buy-in, right? There's so many interventions you can do now.”

And whether or not you decide to pursue those interventions is an entirely personal call. “If it bothers you, it bothers you,” Crawford said, echoing the advice her esthetician aunt used to give about not considering other people's opinions regarding your appearance. “And if you want to and if you have the means to address it, then that should be up to you.”

Check out the full conversation about aging, modeling, running a beauty brand, and so much more in the latest episode of Gloss Angeles.

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Highlights are never just highlights. There are seemingly countless ways to lighten and brighten hair without dyeing your whole head. And while you know what you like when you see it, it can feel impossible to put it into words once you’re seated in the salon chair. Balayage? Foilayage? Babylights? Midlights? How are you supposed to know what to ask for when the differences are so subtle, and the looks keep getting rebranded with trendy new words?

Thankfully, as a client, you don’t need to take a Duolingo course in highlight terminology to get what you want. An experienced and talented colorist can get you where you want to go if you come equipped with a few photos and a general understanding of the process.

“It’s the stylist’s job to translate what the client wants into the right approach, which is why consultations and asking the right questions are so important,” says Sean Michael, owner of Salon Beau in Andover, Massachusetts. “Bringing in photos is especially helpful. It gives us a clear visual so we can align on the end result and choose the best technique to get there.”

But if you want to give yourself a vocabulary advantage, that’s where we come in. First things first: There are technical terms and there are visual terms. Let’s talk technique first. Jess Gonzalez, lead colorist at Flore Los Angeles, says “classic foil work applied from root to ends with clean, consistent sectioning” is used to achieve traditional highlights. She continues, “Balayage, by contrast, is hand-painted to create a softer, more sun-kissed effect, while foilayage combines the two: hand-painted placement inside foils to achieve that diffused look with added lift.”

These techniques are used to achieve some of the other effects, like midlights, babylights, chunky highlights, and ombré, that refer more to the visual outcome. “They give clients a language to describe how blended, dimensional, or high-contrast they want their color to feel,” says Gonzalez. “At the end of the day, it’s all a variation of placement, saturation, and how lived-in or refined the result is.”

Read on for how to interpret what different highlight lingo means.

Traditional highlights

“Traditional highlights create brightness from root to ends throughout the head,” says Alexis Thurston, founder and chief product officer of Danger Jones hair color. Think: the classic, polished dimension we see on Jennifer Aniston.

Another great example is Jennifer Garner, on whom Tracey Cunningham, colorist and Schwarzkopf Professional US creative director of color and technique, used ultrafine, controlled sections of foils paired with thoughtful toning to create a result that feels soft, seamless, and elevated. “Traditional highlights have really made a return, especially with a focus on precision foiling,” Cunningham tells Allure. “It’s one of the most effective ways to brighten the hair while still maintaining contrast and dimension.”

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Balayage

Balayage is ideal for a lower-maintenance look—Gonzalez says you can visit the salon every three to six months, in comparison to traditional highlights needing a zhuzh every six to eight weeks. It’s a hand-painted technique where lightener is applied freehand “for a soft, lived-in, natural gradient with less noticeable regrowth,” says Michael. Thurston concurs, adding that it stays popular because it grows out beautifully.

Cunninham loves how there are no harsh lines at the root with balayage. “On Ellen Pompeo, I focused brightness around the hairline and through the lengths to achieve that ‘golden sand’ blonde.”

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Foilayage

This portmanteau is exactly the hybrid you think it is: a combination of balayage and foils. “Hair is hand-painted but wrapped in foils to achieve brighter, more lifted results while keeping softness,” says Michael.

“It’s ideal when someone wants to be noticeably lighter but not stripey,” adds Thurston. Perhaps needless to say, the salon upkeep schedule falls between balayage and traditional foil highlights, requiring a visit every 8 to 12 weeks.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Lowlights

“Lowlights are about adding darker pieces back into the hair to create depth and contrast,” says Cunningham, who likes to weave in deeper tones to keep color from looking flat and make the lighter pieces stand out.

“They’re often what makes blonde or brunette hair look more ‘expensive’ and multidimensional,” says Thurston, citing Hailey Bieber as a prime example.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Midlights

As you might have guessed, midlights are the middle ground between highlights and lowlights, creating a seamless way to blend everything. They’re often concentrated on the mid-length instead of the scalp, Thurston says, making them a smart way to refresh dimension without committing to frequent root maintenance.

“The technique may vary, but the goal is always the same: natural, believable, dimensional color,” says Cunningham, who has done midlights on Emma Stone. “I layered tones through the mid-lengths using Igora Vibrance, which softened the contrast and created that seamless, luminous auburn.”

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Babylights

Babylights involve lightening very small sections of hair to create a blended look. “Stylists often tease the hair first so that only a limited amount of strands are actually colored, which keeps the result super-subtle and natural,” says Michael, who adds that the regrowth is much less noticeable. And even though babylights are ultrafine, their cumulative effect is never streaky. “They create a soft glow rather than obvious streaks, like the subtle brightness often seen on Margot Robbie,” says Thurston.

“On Leslie Bibb, I placed micro-fine foils throughout the hair so you don’t see individual highlights,” says Cunningham, who explains that babylights often mimic natural lightening from the sun.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Chunky

When you think of chunky highlights, your mind might immediately jump to the thick stripes of the Y2K era. Kelly Clarkson’s Thankful album cover is the epitome! But while the modern take on chunky highlights is still high-contrast with thicker swaths of lightened hair, “Today’s versions are more intentional and editorial,” Thurston says. “They read as a fashion statement rather than a throwback streak.”

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Ombré

Ombré might have gained popularity nearly two decades ago, but it never really went away. What once looked like grown-out color became a desirable, intentional, gradient look. “It transitions from darker at the roots to significantly lighter at the ends with a more noticeable contrast than balayage,” says Michael.

Less about highlighting individual pieces and more about that color shift from top to bottom, ombré is a low-maintenance way to create brightness and movement, Thurston says.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Collage: Allure; Source images: Apple TV, Celeste GonzalezSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

On the heels of the announcement that Margo’s Got Money Troubles has been renewed for season two on Apple TV, reporter Kirbie Johnson interviewed hair department head Jaime Leigh McIntosh about the realistic and fantastical wigs showcased in the series for her column The Scenario.

Margo’s Got Money Troubles follows new mom Margo (played by Elle Fanning) and her quest to provide for her child in what many still consider an unorthodox fashion: creating content on OnlyFans. The series was acclaimed by critics, while viewers enjoyed it because it was simply a delight to watch. The show—based on the book by Rufi Thorpe—is also chock-full of fun and fantastical hairstyles, all of which give more context to the characters wearing them. From the mountain of wigs created for Margo’s alter ego, Hungry Ghost, to Rico Nasty’s mullet and glow-in-the-dark braids for her role as KC, there are also wigs hidden in plain sight, like the one worn by Michelle Pfeiffer, who plays Margo’s well-meaning but somewhat superficial mother, Shyanne. As the series wrapped, department head Jaime Leigh McIntosh reflected on her and her team's hard work, and shared details from behind the scenes.

Hungry Ghost’s Gargantuan Galactic Wig

Hungry Ghost’s wig.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Fanning in the hair and makeup chair.

Celeste Gonzalez

Fanning as Hungry Ghost on set.

Erin Ayanian Monroe

For Hungry Ghost’s fantasy hair, stylist Celeste Gonzalez not only sewed “three and a half wigs” together, but she also added zip-ties to help with weight distribution and structural support, a trick that Gonzalez credits to drag artists. Overall, it took several weeks to create the wig because McIntosh and Gonzalez were working on it as the series was being filmed.

The wigs they used were synthetic and ordered online, which helped keep costs down from a custom-designed wig (for reference, just the extensions and hair color used in Love Story cost over $10,000). “I think they each were maybe around $50 each, so really it was just the expenses, the time of the stylist going into it [that drove up the cost] that you'd need to factor in.” To finish off the look and make it shimmer, the wig was topped with glitter body spray. Gonzalez estimates the wig itself weighed five pounds; Fanning was “a trooper” for wearing it, adds McIntosh

McIntosh said she got inspiration for the shape of the fantasy wig from the Instagram account Chaos Dreamland. “It's an Instagram page where someone creates AI images, but the hair is always adorable.” The hair lead scrolled through the account with Fanning and landed on a pink hairstyle with bumper bangs and a Barbie-esque ponytail. “I would say [ours] is better than the image that we were inspired by. It's a little controversial, I suppose, using AI, but I didn't create the AI image, and I like to draw inspiration from all sorts of places. I don't want to limit myself on that side of things.”

Shyanne’s Basic Blonde Glamour

Michelle Pfeiffer as Shyanne.

Apple TV

Shyanne’s custom-made wig.

Jaime Leigh McIntosh

Shyanne is the glamorous member of the family, someone who likes to have her hair and makeup done—and to do Margo’s hair and makeup, too. After reading the scripts and receiving guidance from actress Michelle Pfeiffer, McIntosh shared on Instagram that she and wigmaker Rob Pickens worked on custom options for the character. “Michelle knew she wanted [Shyanne] to be blonde, but we all decided to go with a blonde coloring technique that maybe wasn’t the current trend, but Shyanne had it done by her trusted colorist years ago, liked how it looked, and so has stuck with it,” McIntosh says.

When building out a backstory for Shyanne’s character, McIntosh felt she is the type of woman who wakes up and styles her hair everyday, and the style McIntosh landed on was ribbon curls created with a GHD flatiron. She chose the look for the same reason as she chose Shyanne's outdated blonde hue: "She found what worked for her years ago. It may not be the latest trendy way to create curls, but it works for Shyanne and she looks bangin’.”

KC and Rose's Colorful Creations

Lindsay Normington as Rose.

Celeste Gonzalez

Rico Nasty in her blonde mullet to play KC.

Jaime Lee McIntosh

Some of the more eclectic (and electric) looks in the series came courtesy of KC (played by rapper Rico Nasty) and Rose (actress Lindsay Normington), friends of Margo who help her build her online identity. “We got inspired [for their looks] by going through Pinterest and TikTok, as well as searching for fun braided looks and club kids,” says Gonzalez. “We wanted both these girls to look as cool and creative as possible, but also like they've done [their hair] themselves,” Gonzalez says.

For a glow-in-the-dark scene in episode 8, KC’s wig came from McIntosh’s personal collection. “The yellow wig had a little bit of glow to it, but we still ended up adding some UV paint onto it, and I also dyed some lime green highlights,” says Gonzez, who used the shade Limelight from Hayley Williams’s Good Dye Young range.

Rose’s excessive hair accessories helped sell her creative, DIY persona. “With the accessorizing, I could just imagine Lindsay's character being that type of girl that has one of those clear cabinets full of fun hair accessories. She's grabbing from a big bucket of hair accessories that she has and doing the most.”

KC’s glow-in-the-dark wig.

Celeste Gonzalez

KC’s wig under the blacklight.

Celeste Gonzalez

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Applying a set of false lashes may take some practice to perfect, but they’re one of the quickest ways to elevate any look. After you’ve decided what the vision is—barely-there wisps, fluttery doll-like volume, or a full-on dramatic cat-eye—the user experience isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. The key is to wait for your glue to get tacky before pressing the lash down, positioning the center first, and then adjusting the inner and outer corners for a natural fit. Plus, the benefits are (almost) priceless. Most styles take just minutes to apply, cost significantly less than lash extensions, and require none of the long-term upkeep.

Our Top False Lashes

• Best Overall: Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions, $20
• Best for Travel: Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit, $17
• Best Customizable: Lashify Control Kit, $125
• Best Bold Look: House of Lashes Iconic Line, $12
• Best for Beginners: Glamnetic Magnetic Half Lashes, $20

Ahead, we rounded up the best lash strips, clusters, and individual lashes makeup artists and Allure editors actually rely on for comfortable, believable, and long-lasting wear.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What's the best way to apply or fit lashes to the eye?
• How do you clean and store lashes for reuse?
• What's the best way to remove lashes to prevent damage?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions

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Ardell

Seamless Underlash Extensions

$20 $12 (40% off)

Amazon

$19

Ulta Beauty

Allure contributor Jailynn Taylor applying the Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: Out of the troves of faux lashes our editors have tried over the years, Ardell's Seamless Underlash Extensions rank among the very best— after all, it’s a two-time Allure Best of Beauty Award winner. This lash cluster set stands out for two major reasons: a wispy-lash effect that attracts endless compliments and a dual-ended bond-and-seal applicator that keeps your new lashes in place for days. Choose between two lengths, 10 mm and 12 mm, for a soft, natural flutter or a longer, more dramatic finish. Bicoastal makeup artist Alexa Hernandez has been reaching for Ardell since her days behind the makeup counter. "I love how natural they look, but with a hint of drama,” she says. “I think it's best for brides or anyone who likes a subtle eye or soft glam." Bonus: If you want to take them off before your day is through, the kit includes a gel adhesive remover that instantly melts away any remaining lash glue.

Taylor before applying the Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Ardell Seamless Underlash Extensions

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

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“Ardell is what introduced me to cluster lashes, and now I refuse to wear strips. The bond-and-seal combo works fast, holds strong, and keeps my lashes on for up to 3+ days. They’re natural but still noticeable enough to draw you in, and they aren’t scratchy or heavy like other lash clusters. The application is beginner-friendly, and the kit includes everything you need to get started. It’s my go-to recommendation to friends who are looking to try out DIY lashes.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fiber, cotton band
• Included: lash clusters, contoured curve tip applicator, black bond, clear seal, gel remover
• Reusable: yes, up to 6 times

Best Customizable: Lashify Control Kit

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Lashify

Control Kit

$125

Lashify

Taylor applying the Lashify Control Kit

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: If a salon-quality lash extension experience from the comfort of your own home sounds too good to be true, the Lashify Control Kit is here to prove otherwise. The stars of the show are ultra-lightweight, vegan clusters made from 100% Korean PBT silk (PBT stands for polybutylene terephthalate) to mimic the look of natural silk. They attach beneath the natural lash for a seamless finish that could fool anyone into thinking you just came back from the salon. Other features we love about this kit: The dual-sided bond comes in clear and black, offering multi-day wear, while the sealer locks everything in place, and the lash-shaped tweezers are designed so even beginners can lay lashes like a pro. And the cherry on top: The travel-friendly hard-shell case includes a built-in magnifying mirror for on-the-go touch-ups.

Taylor before applying the Lashify Control Kit

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Lashify Control Kit

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from Taylor

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“The whole Lashify experience feels luxurious from start to finish. The lashes are lightweight and natural-looking, and hands down some of the most complimented I've ever worn. The glue applies smoothly and feels like nothing once it's on, with a hold strong enough to last me three to four days through showers and my habitual touching. The range of styles and lengths makes it easy to mix, match, and build your perfect lash map. If you're committed to doing your lashes at home, it's well worth the investment.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fibers
• Included: Gossamer lashes, fuse control wand, whisper light bond (dual-sided clear and black), waterproof sealer, hard-shell control kit case with built-in magnifying mirror, black lash storage box (holds up to 12 Gossamer lashes), pre-cleanse, melt-away remover, wandom wand tip covers
• Reusable: yes, up to a week

Best for Travel: Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit

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Kiss

Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit

$17

Amazon

$20

Walmart

Allure associate social media manager Katie Gunderman applying the Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit Lash Extension Kit

Katie Gunderman

Why we love it: Compact enough to slip into your smallest bag, the Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Lash Extension Kit is designed to keep up with your busiest days. These bandless synthetic clusters come in three lengths (8, 10, and 12 millimeters) and three band sizes (2, 4, and 6 millimeters), so you can mix, stack, and layer to build everything from a barely-there everyday look to a full-on cat eye. The water-removable bond is gentle on the eyes and dissolves easily in warm water, making removal a breeze. Hernandez reaches for this lash kit for its versatility: "It’s great for the makeup savant who likes to switch it up" and equally "great for the newbie who's curious to try and play” since the kit is truly all-inclusive. No second-guessing here!

Gunderman before applying the Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit Lash Extension Kit

Katie Gunderman

Gunderman after applying the Kiss Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit Lash Extension Kit

Katie Gunderman

Tester feedback from associate social media manager Katie Gunderman

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“The Falscara Studio Mini On-The-Go Kit is perfect to pop in your purse or bring on vacation. I love that the lashes come in different lengths so you can achieve exactly the look you are going for. The lash band is also thin, which helps you execute a seamless application and is hardly noticeable once applied.” —Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

More to know

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• Material: synthetic
• Included: 2 lash palettes (18 clusters each, classic natural in 8mm, 10mm & 12mm), water removable bond, mini applicator, compact mini case
• Reusable: no

Best Bold Look: House of Lashes Iconic Line

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House of Lashes

Iconic Line

$12

Amazon

$12

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Meet the strip lash that cut through the noise of the falsies market and won a 2025 Allure Best of Beauty Award: House of Lashes Iconic Lite Natural Volume Faux Mink Fibers False Eyelashes. How? Well, this faux mink fiber style features wispy 3D fibers arranged in a V-formation to create a bold cat-eye elongation. The flexible cotton blend band contours to any eye shape for a seamless application and fit. Simply bend the band into a U-shape, coat it with glue, wait for the glue to get tacky, then land center-first and adjust the corners—gently pinching the band and your natural lash together for long-lasting hold. With proper care (removing glue after each use and storing the lashes in their original packaging to keep their shape), they can be reused up to 15 times. That $12 price tag looks particularly attractive, doesn’t it?

Tester feedback from senior copy manager Leslie Lipton

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“C'mon, is something really ‘iconic’? Absolutely, when that something is the House of Lashes Iconic line of false eyelashes. Choose the degree of drama you want, whether you're a newbie or an experienced wearer. The bands are flexible, so they're easier to apply than most others, and comfortable for hours and hours of fluttery fabulousness." —Leslie Lipton, senior copy manager

More to know

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• Material: faux mink
• Included: 1 pair of lashes
• Reusable: yes, up to 15 times

Best Natural Look: Kiss The New Natural Lashes

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Kiss

The New Natural

$13 $12 (8% off)

Amazon

$13

Ulta Beauty

$12

Walmart

Taylor applying the Kiss The New Natural Lashes

Jailynn Taylor

Why we love it: The New Natural Lashes from Kiss are designed to be indistinguishable from your own, but you’ll soon find that the extra-thin band blends into the lash line without a trace. The 2024 Best of Beauty Award winner for—you guessed it—best natural lashes embraces intentional imperfection with uneven, sparsely-distributed synthetic fibers. This lash-lift effect adds just enough length and fullness to open up the eye—an ideal companion to a bare face or a full glam. Measure the strip against your lash line, trim if needed, coat the band with lash adhesive, wait 30 seconds until it’s tacky, and then press it into place. Available in versatile styles such as Nude Blazer, Pearl Earring, and Wide Slacks, each offers a subtle take on the natural-lash effect. Four pairs per pack, and up to 10 uses per pair (with proper care), is a pretty good deal in our books.

Taylor before applying the Kiss The New Natural Lashes

Jailynn Taylor

Taylor after applying the Kiss The New Natural Lashes

Jailynn Taylor

Tester feedback from Taylor

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“While I am now a cluster girl through and through, I still have a lot of respect for a good strip lash in a pinch. The Kiss New Natural Lashes feel like absolutely nothing on the eye, the clear band makes them completely indistinguishable from your real lashes, and the flutter is super natural. I like to add a little mascara for extra oomph, but even on their own, they deliver. They are also easy to reuse since you just clean off the glue and store them back in the packaging to keep their shape.” —Jailynn Taylor, contributor

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fibers
• Included: 4 pairs of lashes
• Reusable: yes, up to 10 times

Best for Beginners: Glamnetic Magnetic Half Lashes

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Glamnetic

Magnetic Half Lashes

$20

Amazon

Why we love it: If you're a fan of Glamnetic's easy-to-use press-on nails, we have a feeling you'll be into the brand’s lashes, which are just as foolproof to apply. Glamnetic’s Half Lashes feature a trimmable band with magnet technology for a glue-free, mess-free experience. These lashes range from 9 to 16 millimeters at their shortest and longest points, adding a bit of drama to any eye look. Keep in mind you'll need a magnetic eyeliner to adhere your lashes (the liner isn’t included)—simply apply to your lashline as you would a regular liner, and et voilà!

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fibers
• Included: 1 pair of lashes, 1 magnetic carrying case
• Reusable: yes, up to 60 uses

Best Individuals: Eylure Luxe 3D Individual Faux Mink Lash Flares

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Eylure

Luxe 3D Individual Faux Mink Lash Flares

$9

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Individual lashes give you total control over where the volume goes, how the eye is shaped, and how natural or dramatic the final result reads. The Eylure Luxe 3D Individual Faux Mink Lash Flares come in short, medium, and long sizes, so you can fully map and customize the lash to the eye, layering shorter flares on the inner corner and building up to longer lengths on the outer edge for a tailored result. Hernandez uses them on clients for exactly that reason: "I love how they can make the lash go in any direction. With the proper mapping, I can even make them look like a strip and be more comfortable for my client and provide reassurance that there will be no lifting." The customization doesn't stop there: "[you] can fill in gaps to create a 'your lash, but better' look," she adds.

More to know

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• Material: faux mink
• Included: short, medium, and long individual lash flares
• Reusable: yes, up to 10 times

Best Budget: Salon Perfect Cloud 3D Curl Fluffy Fake Lashes

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Salon Perfect

Cloud 3D Curl Fluffy Fake Lashes

$7

Walmart

Why we love it: Fluffy, feathery, and weightless are the best ways to describe Salon Perfect’s Cloud 3D Curl Fluffy Fake Lashes. The dual-tone, brown-and-black fibers mimic the natural variation of real lashes, blending seamlessly with your own. The 3D curl opens the eye, giving the appearance of a lash lift, while the soft, fluffy texture keeps things flexible and comfortable from morning to night. The clear band disappears into the lash line for an undetectable finish. When you're done for the day, peel the strips off, remove any leftover glue, and place them back on the tray. The best part? They’re under $7 for two pairs—hello, steal.

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fibers
• Included: 2 pairs of lashes
• Reusable: yes

Best Faux-Mink: Lilly Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lashes

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Lilly Lashes

3D Faux Mink Lashes

$24

Amazon

$24

Ulta Beauty

$24

Sephora

Why we love it: The Lilly Lashes 3D Faux Mink Lashes feature a criss-cross fiber construction that adds depth and dimension, while blending into natural lashes without ever looking obvious. Traditional mink lashes were once the gold standard for their ultra-soft, lightweight feel and natural-looking finish, and the waterproof faux-mink fibers here replicate that same look and feel without the animal-derived materials. The 100% cotton band sits flush against the lash line, and when well-maintained, each pair delivers a staggering 25 wears. The style comes in four variations to suit different eye shapes and levels of drama. For example, the Mykonos style offers a round, fluttery shape, while Rome brings a similarly round silhouette with a bit more sweep. Both work well to complement almond, upturned, and round eye shapes.

More to know

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• Material: synthetic fibers, cotton band
• Included: 1 pair of lashes
• Reusable: yes, up to 25 times

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to apply or fit lashes to the eye?

We have an editor guide on how to apply falsies, but of course, our makeup artists are obviously pros. "Line up the inner corner, but don't line it up perfectly. You want to stop slightly before you get to the inner corner so it blends seamlessly," says Hernandez, and then trim any excess from the outer corner. She recommends dispensing a generous amount of glue onto a box or palette so it becomes tacky as you work, and specifically reaches for black glue because it hides into the liner and lash line more seamlessly. Apply it thinly with the back of a brush or Q-tip, with extra glue on both corners to prevent lifting. For placement, angle your mirror under your chin with your eyes looking down to stretch the eyelid and keep an unobstructed view, then apply the lash at the center first before working outward. Once you're satisfied with the fit, Hernandez has one final tip: "After about 30 seconds to a minute, I like to pinch my lashes together—this will make a huge difference in making them look more natural."

How do you clean and store lashes for reuse?

To ensure your false lashes last as long as possible, "dispense micellar water on a spoolie and comb out the lashes," avoiding anything oil-based, says Hernandez. "The weight of the oil will remove the curl of strip lashes." She also recommends going light on mascara, applying it to your natural lashes before putting falsies on to keep them as clean as possible. Before storing, she "gently removes the glue so the lash band can go back to its original shape," and keeps the original packaging.

What's the best way to remove lashes to prevent damage?

Always err on the side of caution with removal. Hernandez suggests using "tiny Q-tips with a little bit of eye cream or micellar water, and maybe a tiny bit of oil," and work it along the lash line, massaging with a Q-tip until the glue loosens enough to release cleanly. The cardinal rule: Never rip them off, especially on dry skin. If reuse isn't a concern, she suggests using "a cleansing oil or balm with the lashes on [because] individual lashes will just slip off.”

Meet the experts

• Alexa Hernandez, a makeup artist in Los Angeles and New York

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide shade range inclusive of consumers with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best false lashes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and professional makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product’s performance across four primary categories: wear, longevity, color variety, and ease of use. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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

Black mascara will always have its time and place, but for many Allure editors, the best brown mascaras are the ones they reach for most often for a more subtle look—and makeup artists do the same. "I just think there's something really fresh about [wearing softer colors], and it allows for all the other makeup products that you're wearing to look even less makeup-y," says New York City-based makeup artist Katie Jane Hughes. And what better way to kick off your soft-girl era than with brown? It's a happy medium between black and even more vibrant mascaras like neon green or burgundy. Call it a low-risk, high-reward endeavor.

Whether you prefer lengthening, volumizing, or waterproof formulas, the best brown mascaras will offer all that black mascaras do—but never look too harsh or overwhelm your eyes. Take a peek at our favorite browns ahead.

Our Top Brown Mascaras

• Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown, $28
• Best Lengthening: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown, $14
• Best Tubing: Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown, $25
• Best Volumizing: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown, $34
• Best for Separation: Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn, $29

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Why should I choose brown mascara?
• How to apply brown mascara
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

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Tarte

Tartelette Tubing Mascara

$28

Amazon

$28

Ulta Beauty

$28

Sephora

Allure commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Yes, the XL version of this Tarte mascara is technically the Best of Beauty winner, but our editors reach for the original Tartelette Tubing Mascara just as often. In addition to Brown, it comes in a boatload of other fun shades, such as Magenta and Navy, so you have a hue for every mood. One of our go-to tubing mascaras for quite some time, Tartelette is designed with almost 300 bristles (296, to be exact) to separate and lift your lashes for a bit of drama, but nothing over the top. It's buildable but never clumps, and skin-care ingredients such as conditioning shea butter and moisturizing castor oil keep lashes soft and flexible, never stiff. Best of all, at the end of the day, your “lashes” slide off with a bit of warm water—no tugging or wrestling (or lost lashes) needed.

Hoffmann before applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara in Brown

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce market editor Sarah Hoffmann

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"I was a brown mascara skeptic for a long time because if I'm going to spend precious morning time putting mascara on, I want drama," says commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann. “What's dramatic about a natural brown shade? Well, I'm mature enough to admit when I'm wrong because Tarte's Tartelette Mascara has officially converted me to the slightly lighter side. The shade is a nice, true brown, not too warm-toned, and the stiff wand evenly distributes the product throughout for long, fluffy, natural-looking lashes.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce market editor

More to know

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• Benefits: curling, long-wearing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil
• Waterproof: no, but listed as sweatproof
• Total shades: 6

Best Lengthening: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

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Maybelline New York

Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

$14 $11 (21% off)

Amazon

$14

Ulta Beauty

Han applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Why we love it: Originally launched in 2021, the TikTok-viral Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara has clearly proven its staying power—even in the crowded, constantly-innovating drugstore mascara market. Years later, our editors call it a reliable fave, and one they'd actually buy with their own money. (At less than $15, and often on sale, it's practically a no-brainer.) The True Brown is obviously the highlight here: true to its name, the color is not too deep, not too light. The wand itself is very flexible, so you can truly wiggle up and down your lashes to coax as much length as possible—and trust us, it offers a lot of length. After just two coats, your lashes look like you've applied falsies…without the pain of, well, applying falsies. It's also infused with bamboo extract and fibers that attach to your lashes, making them look thicker and fuller without weighing them down.

Han before applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in True Brown

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“This Maybelline mascara may just hold the record of the mascara I've been loyal to for the longest. That's not to say I don't like/use other mascaras—clearly I do, based on this list alone—but I rarely never have one of these Sky High tubes on hand…and often backups. It does a fabulous job at coaxing a lot of length out of my dismal, teeny-tiny lashes—even without a lash curler, but I always use one anyway. It rarely clumps, either, which is a huge pet peeve of mine. It's a truly reliable formula down to the bone. I'm also a big fan of the burgundy shade!" —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: bamboo extract
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 9

Best Tubing: Urban Decay Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

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Urban Decay

Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

$25

Ulta Beauty

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Why we like it: Our editors seriously love tubing mascaras, but the fact that Urban Decay's Tube Job Lash Augmenting Tubing Mascara comes in not just black and brown, but a dark-blonde taupe, auburn red, and bleached platinum, gives it an edge up amongst its peers. Formula-wise, Tube Job is infused with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and castor oil to keep lashes fluttery and flexible, and never dry and clumpy—and despite the skin-care-forward formula, it's water- and smudge-resistant. The tapered conical applicator features the brand's tiniest bristles, which grab onto every itty-bitty lash for all-day lift and volume.

Kinonen before applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Kinonen after applying the Urban Decay Tube Job Tubing Mascara in Brunette Brown

Sarah Kinonen

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

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“While I love the look of jet-black mascara, there’s something so familiar and comforting about a brown-hued version. Maybe it’s because the shade is closer to the color of my lashes, or that when it’s removed, it looks less extreme. Whatever it is, I’m currently in my brown mascara era with Urban Decay’s new tubing formula and don’t see a way out. It’s got all the bells and whistles of a tubing mascara (easy removal, no clean-up) but wears like a classic. Even though I have a zillion (give or take) other mascaras to test for work, I keep coming back to this one. It easily fans out (and lengthens) my little lashes, doesn’t clump, and pairs with any look no matter where I’m going: the office, or in a booth of a crowded Brooklyn restaurant.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, lengthening, lifting, easy removal
• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, castor oil
• Waterproof: no, water-resistant
• Total shades: 5

Best Volumizing: YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown

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YSL

Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Unhibited Brown

$34

Nordstrom

$34

Sephora

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Why it's worth it: What higher honor for a brown mascara than a 2025 Best of Beauty Award for best colored mascara? YSL's Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Uninhibited Brown—a name that draws you in right away—boasts an oversized, conical brush that coats every lash, lifting and thickening them for a bold, voluminous look. (After all, it’s in the name.) The extra tapered tip does an excellent job latching on to even the tiniest of inner-corner hairs. Whether you're a one-and-done person or consider three layers, at minimum, to be your norm, Lash Clash is a keeper.

Richards before applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Richards after applying the YSL Lash Clash Extreme Volume Mascara in Brown

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“No matter what it comes down to, I will forever splurge on the YSL Lash Clash mascara since it gives me that voluminous, wispy finish for my almond-shaped eyes. Not only does the brown shade add that playful and effortless look for no-makeup makeup days, but the rich chocolate hue helps to accentuate my dark brown eyes.” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Benefits: volumizing, thickening
• Key ingredients: shea butter, castor oil, camellia flower extract
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 4

Best Curling: Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

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Tower 28

MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

$20

Amazon

$20

Sephora

$20

Credo Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Similar to the rest of the brand's offerings, Tower 28's MakeWaves Mascara is non-irritating and made with sensitive skin in mind. This 2022 Best of Beauty Award winner features a curved "Triple-Wave Wand" comprised of three flexible suspended bands to lift and coat every single lash. The formula employs Aquaflex Technology (typically used in hair-care products) to hold the curl of the eyelashes without sacrificing softness, and it also helps boost humidity and water resistance. Our best tip? Use the shorter bristles on the inner side of the curve to amp up the volume, then go in with the longer bristles to lengthen and define. Multiple coats look great with this mascara, too.

Han before applying the Tower 28 MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Han after applying the Tower 28 Beauty MakeWaves Mascara in Drift

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from Han

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"I've never fully vibed with black mascara, which I find often makes my eyes—which are very dark to begin with—look heavy. I feel the same way about black eyeliner, for the record. When Tower 28 launched MakeWaves in Drift, an espresso brown, I instantly knew it'd become a regular in my rotation. The formula is super buildable without reaching clumpy territory. That's key because my lashes need multiple layers to appear visible on-camera, and the innovative, curved brush maximizes length and curl rather than one over the other." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, curling, conditioning
• Key ingredients: Aquaflex Technology, castor oil blend
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 2

Best for Separation: Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

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Ilia

Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

$29

Amazon

$29

Nordstrom

$29

Ilia Beauty

Former Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Why we like it: “Clean beauty” is a term too frequently slapped onto labels without a second thought, but Ilia is one of the handful of brands that actually meet our standards and have both Readers' Choice and Best of Beauty Awards to its name. For example? The Limitless Lash Mascara has picked up six Readers' Choice Awards and one Best of Beauty Award to date. While it's not the most dramatic option on this list, it is a fantastic everyday mascara that gives your lashes a subtle effect that looks like your natural lashes, but just a little longer, lifted, and always defined. The crowning feature is the double-sided wand, which features one side of shorter, denser bristles to boost volume, while the other side features straight, comb-like bristles to lengthen and separate hairs.

P.S. Limitless is also one of our favorite mascaras for older women. “It stretches the lashes beautifully and keeps them flexible, which matters because mature lashes can be more fragile,” Magen Grays, a makeup artist based in Atlanta, previously told Allure. “I also love that it doesn’t flake or transfer easily, so you’re not constantly checking under the eyes,” Grays adds, nodding to the formula's conditioning blend of shea butter, glycerin, and peptides.

Felbin before applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Felbin after applying the Ilia Limitless Mascara in Before Dawn

Sarah Felbin

Tester feedback from former senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin

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“I wear brown mascara more than I wear black—I love how it makes my green eyes pop and how it's so perfect for every day, when black can sometimes feel too harsh or dramatic. Ilia's Limitless Lash is a beautiful dark brown that actually darkens, lengthens, and defines my eyelashes. I could talk about the non-smudging, non-flaking formula all day (and I have, as someone with oily eyelids who's been through more subpar mascaras than she can count). But my favorite feature is the double-sided spoolie. One side has shorter bristles that coat every lash in a layer of product. The other side has longer, stiffer bristles that comb through each lash, for maximum lengthening potential. I've never gotten more compliments on my lashes than when I've used Ilia mascara. It's a forever favorite!” —Sarah Felbin, former senior commerce editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, separating
• Key ingredients: shea butter, glycerin, biotin, arginine, peptides
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 2

Best for Sensitive Eyes: Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

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Glossier

Lash Slick in Brown

$20

Sephora

$20

Glossier

Former Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Why it's worth it: Lash Slick is one of Glossier's first-ever—and best-selling—products, intended to give a natural, no-makeup look that enhances what you've already got going on. A nourishing formula featuring vegan biotin and vitamin B5 wraps around, lengthens, and lifts each lash for an extension-like effect. If your lashes droop by midway, just know that won't happen with this weightless formula. Bonus: Natural shine polymers add depth and—you guessed it—shine to your lashes.

Dall’Asen before applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Dall’Asen after applying the Glossier Lash Slick in Brown

Nicola Dall'Asen

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"I feel totally naked without mascara, but I don't always want the full-throttle look of your standard black shade. Glossier's Lash Slick in Brown provides lengthening yet whisper-light coats in a warm brown tone, probably similar to your natural lashes if you're a brunette, for a 'Wait, are those real?' kind of look." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Benefits: lengthening, volumizing, and conditioning
• Key ingredients: vegan biotin
• Waterproof: no, water-resistant
• Total shades: 2

More brown mascaras we love:

Best Waterproof: Dior Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Chestnut

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Dior

Diorshow Waterproof Mascara in Chestnut

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Sephora

Why it's worth it: Dior's Diorshow Waterproof Mascara is a 2023 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner that the pros constantly gush about. New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist Linda Gradin and New York City makeup artist Deanna Melluso adore the dark brown hue, Chestnut, and its long-wearing formula. "It lasts all day with no smudges," says Melluso. “It's a deep brown that is fabulous for hazel eyes to emphasize the green or purple tones.”

P.S. If you don't need a waterproof formula, we think Dior's Diorshow 24H Buildable Volume Mascara in Brown is equally stunning.

More to know

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• Benefits: long-wearing, lengthening
• Key ingredients: castor oil
• Waterproof: yes
• Total shades: 3

Best Brown-Black Mascara: Clinique High Impact Mascara

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Clinique

High Impact Mascara

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

$27

Ulta Beauty

Why it's worth it: New York City-based makeup artist Steven Canavan loves Clinique's High Impact Mascara—which comes in a brownish-black simply named Black/Brown—for defining lashes and enhancing the intensity of any eye color. The original black mascara is a classic known for dramatic results, but with this color, you can expect the same thickening and volumizing finish on a slightly more modest scale. Its buildable, no-budge formula also means you can layer this shade without finding any flakes or smudges around your eyes at the end of the day.

More to know

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• Benefits: defining, volumizing, thickening
• Key ingredients: urea, glycerin
• Waterproof: no
• Total shades: 3

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose brown mascara?

Brown mascaras are ideal for accentuating lashes without looking like makeup was applied. According to New York City-based makeup artist Steven Canavan, "Brown mascara is best if you're looking to achieve a more natural look, and black [is best] if you want more drama." Sure, you could spare some change for a lash lift or extensions to create a similar finish, but if you don't want to spend your coins on monthly treatments, brown mascara is a much more accessible option.

On top of affordability, New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist Linda Gradin notes that these mascaras can add more dimension and enhance the color of your eyes, depending on the shade you use. "For a darker eye, a nearly black or dark brown mascara adds definition, but a classic brown gives a softer impression," she says. "For lighter-colored eyes, true-to-light brown mascaras are most flattering, as they can bring out gold, green, or grey highlights in your eyes that black can't."

How to apply brown mascara

However you prefer to wear makeup is your business, but there are some general best practices. If you have straight or downward-pointing lashes, prep them with a curler. Then ensure you pick up an even amount of product on the mascara wand—swipe off excess product against the perimeter of the tube opening as needed—so you end up with clump-free, perfectly separated lashes. Starting at the base of your lashes, lightly swipe up, coating each lash. To separate your lashes while you apply, wiggle the wand as you sweep the formula toward the tips. Repeat as needed for your desired results and keep in mind that some mascaras dry faster than others.

If you really want to make your eye color and shape stand out, Gradin recommends pairing your brown mascara with a dark brown, charcoal, or black eyeliner pencil.

Meet the experts

• Steven Canavan, a New York City-based makeup artist
• Linda Gradin, a New York City- and Stockholm-based makeup artist
• Deanna Melluso, a New York City-based makeup artist

How we test and review products

Before reviewing any makeup, we ask questions about a number of factors: What ingredients are in it? Does the brand offer a wide, inclusive shade range with all skin tones and undertones? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?

For our review of the best brown mascaras, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

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There’s a lucid rebellion bubbling within the walls of Broadway’s Studio 54 theater, the kind that transcends space, time, and earthly norms. It’s a revolt against societal bounds, a nostalgic renaissance honoring then and now, and a revelation of beauty for the “others” of this planet and the ones beyond our realm.

Dammit, Janet, it’s Rocky Horror!

Helmed by Tony Award-winning director Sam Pinkleton, the 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show is a true masterclass in delicious deviancy, a glitter-bombed portrait of humanity at its most free and fearless. The story follows newly engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss who, confronted with car issues on a treacherous and stormy night out, stumble across a mansion of misfits led by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a gender-bending scientist with a thirst for depravity. The cosmic creatures they encounter inside lead them on a journey of self-discovery, seduction, and sexual liberation, leaving audiences to wonder what planet these otherworldly characters may have come from.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show first premiered onstage in 1973, inspired by the decades of science-fiction and gothic horror films that preceded it, before being turned into a film two years later that has developed a massive cult following. This is largely due to the movie’s midnight showings, where fans come dressed in the film’s iconic costumes, shouting lines and call-backs from their seats as they revel in Rocky’s unapologetic nature. The show’s roots are centrally grounded in queer and drag culture—the characters come from the planet “Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania,” after all—with its themes of liberation, freedom, and passion serving as safe “come as you are” or “come as you wish to be” messaging for those who have entered the fan base over the years.

Concerns from legacy fans that the revival may not reach expectations are squashed roughly 20 minutes into the 2026 production when Luke Evans—standing at 6’8” in stiletto heels, equipped with Frank-N-Furter’s iconic cherry red lip, green-glitter eye shadow swept across his lids, and a shoulder-grazing rock-star shag—makes his glorious entrance with a rendition of “Sweet Transvestite," that permeates your soul. In that moment, Evans’s stature and presence are so enrapturing, he could make the Mona Lisa quake in antici…pation.

Luke Evans as Frank-N-Furter.

Evans’ full Frank-N-Furter hair and makeup.

But the colorful parade of excellence that takes the stage at Studio 54 eight times a week is a true testament to collaboration. Each detail of the production has been handled with care, not a single eyelash left unnoticed by the show’s hair and makeup team led by hair and wig designer Alberto “Albee” Alvarado and makeup designer Sterling Tull.

In bringing Rocky to life, both designers drew inspiration from the Club Kids, those exuberant, fashion-obsessed personalities who ruled and fueled New York City’s nightlife in the 1980s and ’90s. They also wanted to pay tribute to the show’s influence from and in drag culture, not solely acknowledging how the role of Frank-N-Furter defies gender norms, but also how Rocky has introduced liberation to countless young people over the past 50 years.

“Drag is so dependent on your self-expression that I wanted that to be communicated through [each performer’s] makeup looks, so I wanted to give the actors the freedom to find those characters,” Tull explains of the time they took with each performer to carefully uncover how these modern interpretations of famed characters would come to life. “[Throughout the process], some looks were psychotic, some were pretty, some were total Club Kid clowncore, until we settled and found something that they really vibed with and wanted to apply on their face eight shows a week.”

Evans in the makeup chair.

That is abundantly clear in Evans’s Frank-N-Furter, whose electrifying aesthetic is both reminiscent of the character’s famous roots while also a complete departure from the famed source material. Gone are Tim Curry’s colorless face palette and short curls, and in their place: bold, painted-on brows, seafoam green-glitter eyelids, and a wig so fabulous, Evans can’t help but twirl its ends numerous times throughout the show (when he’s feeling flirty, you know?).

“The first day I put Luke in Frank-N-Furter makeup, Sam told us to ‘go really small,’ and I said, ‘Great!’ And then I did not go very small; I went very Siouxsie Sioux, Club Kid drag…and Luke loved it,” says Tull. According to Evans, it’s his exaggerated brows and the “sharp, smoky intensity around the eyes” that are key to his transformation, allowing him as Frank to “control the room, seduce everyone, and destroy people a little bit at the same time,” he says. “There’s something almost cinematic about this version of [Frank-N-Furter]—beautiful, dangerous, and sexy.”

In selecting his wig, Alvarado explains, “[With Frank], there’s some sort of Christ-like Jesus complex where people are so drawn to him and revere him, and so the long hair, for me, was a nod to that.” With a lived-in texture, “this version feels more rock star than cabaret…like Frank has been awake for three days hosting some beautiful, chaotic party in another dimension,” Evans says, adding that the longer, looser shape “gives him a more sensual masculinity, which I think makes him feel both more dangerous and more vulnerable. I wanted audiences to feel like they couldn’t quite place him in a specific era or category. He’s glamorous, but untamed.” Ultimately, for Evans, the wig is a "huge part of unlocking my Frank…The second it goes on, my posture changes, my energy changes, and Frank arrives.”

Evans in final hair and makeup checks backstage.

The choice to give Frank-N-Furter a wig with visible green roots was not only intentional, Alvarado says, but a throughline that echoes the show’s core theme of acceptance. “I always hoped that [the roots] would be green to show that [Frank] was trying to cover up what he really was, and now he's starting to embrace it, and he's starting to see his true self with his real green hair coming in.” That “true self” pointing to Frank-N-Furter’s comfort within his own skin, liberated of any societal norms that could keep him from tasting his earthly desires.

This root-ful message even trickles down to the show’s Phantoms—four members of the ensemble that serve as Rocky’s Greek chorus, who Tull describes as each possessing unique, flavorful notes of “Club Kid clowncore.” Though traditionally made to blend in, Tull and Alvarado wanted to breathe life into each Phantom, styling them based on specific icons of queer culture like Amanda Lepore. Their wigs range in color, including soft pinks and blondes, with highlights of tinsel throughout—a nod to the full tinsel wigs that didn’t make the cut (in this instance, there is such a thing as too much sparkle). “[The Phantoms] are such a heartbeat of this show,” Alvarado says.

Amber Gray as Riff Raff.

As Columbia, Golden Globe winner Michaela Jaé Rodriguez is the ultimate showgirl. To craft Rodriguez’s take on the character, while paying homage to Nell Campbell’s famed portrayal of the flirtatious tap dancer who is the most theatrical in Frank-N-Furter’s troupe of misfits, Tull pulled inspiration from vaudevillian icons and starlets like Sharon Tate, “who has a very tragic end to her story, much like Columbia,” she explains. This took the form of colorful, exaggerated eyebrows, pastel blush that can be seen from space, and glitter galore. The purple hues used throughout the makeup reference royalty, while the gold shimmer on Rodriguez’s eyes draws from the original production, culminating in the perfect concoction of regality, old celebrity, and vaudevillian iconography.

Columbia’s wig was created with a similar sentiment, holding true to the character’s famed bright red hair, updated for this production with finger waves and short pigtails. “We wanted to keep [Rodriguez’s] playfulness,” Alvarado adds, “which is why you see all of those hair decorations that are put in haphazardly,” adding a nice, spirited contrast to Columbia’s regality.

For characters like the Riff Raff (Amber Gray), the castle’s spooky caretaker who sits right at Frank-N-Furter’s side, “the most important thing to me was silhouette,” Alvarado says. In their designs, both he and Tull wanted to acknowledge that Gray is a woman of color playing this traditionally male character, not shying away from the drag king reality taking stage in this portrayal.

Riff Raff’s complete hair and makeup.

Gray transforming into Riff Raff backstage.

Following a similar silhouette to Richard O’Brien’s original Riff Raff, Alvarado collaborated with Gray on a wig consisting of firmly laid blonde braids that hang down her neck. “It’s an honoring of my hair [as someone who is] biracial…It’s the perfect combination in keeping a wig that would be made for my hair type as well as the original silhouette,” Gray says.

Tull paired this with makeup that can best be described as “alien punk,” emphasizing Gray’s natural features with heavy contour, black lipstick, and darkened teeth to create a skeletal aesthetic that uplifts Riff Raff’s frightening demeanor. “The truth is,” Gray tells Allure, while getting prepped backstage before a Thursday matinee, “that I’m a very outside-in actor. So when I stare in the mirror in my costume, in the wig, and in the makeup, I understand how to play the role.”

Harvey Guillén as Eddie.

The drag king inspiration continued with Harvey Guillén’s portrayal of Eddie, the show’s rock-and-roll ghost who survives just one scene before being chainsawed to pieces. Tull drew inspiration from old Broadway makeup that is “specifically over the top,” best showcased in Guillén’s massive black eyebrows that are dusted with enough glitter to shine for those seated at the top of the balcony.

“A big throughline with a lot of the people in the castle, including Eddie and the Phantoms, is that they all kind of have a Frank-N-Furter shape to their eyes because they're, in my head, being infected by him,” Tull explains. “These Transylvanians, who might be aliens or might once have been human, have become so deranged over time and become little cultish Frank-N-Furter creatures, and that's how I really felt about Eddie.”

Alvarado’s wig choice for Eddie resembles classic biker mullets and updos from the 1960s. Given Eddie is a fully comedic role, Alvarado was intentional in not wanting to cheapen the character’s aesthetic in a laughable manner, but rather, to make Guillén as “hot” as possible. “There’s something so much more powerful about making them look really beautiful and letting them be funny by choice,” he says.

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It's a stark contrast to the second role Guillén plays in the production: Dr. Scott, a much more demure-looking gentleman compared to Eddie’s rock 'n roll flair. Guillén begins the show in Dr. Scott’s ensemble, then, after just one number, bolts to the theater’s basement to be transformed into Eddie, where, in the nick of time, he is able to make it back onstage for his star number. Only to return to the basement shortly after, peel out of Eddie-drag, and back into his full Dr. Scott look to finish the show. The whole journey is a true testament to the creative team’s excellence.

Josh Rivera as Rocky.

Then there’s Rocky (played by Josh Rivera), the show’s meticulously crafted specimen who Frank has created for NSFW purposes. “I really wanted to create a femme Rocky,” Tull says, laughing, “and Josh said he’s never felt as masculine as when he was in full baby doll glam.”

In the storyline, “Rocky is seven hours old; they were just born today,” Tull says, “so the makeup needed to explain that. This person put on this makeup without any knowledge of makeup, but they’re doing it because it makes them feel good; it makes them feel sexy.” Tull executed this by giving Rocky bright pink blushed cheeks, baby blue eye shadow, and bold bottom lashes, achieving a youthful glow that sparkles onstage.

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Rivera enjoys the freedom his makeup chart allows, exploring the beautiful possibilities that come with a bright blush palette and bountiful amounts of glitter. “During previews, I started [extending the blush] to my nose too, so I get a little Rudolf-chic kind of thing. I just think it’s cheeky.” He jokes, “We are singlehandedly propping up the glitter industry right now.”

While Rocky is typically portrayed as a classic, naturally blonde hunk, Alvarado chose to create a wig that “looked like what his hair would look like if we actually bleached it, which is why there is still root in there,” he says. And don’t worry, the hunk aesthetic remains untouched.

The Rocky Horror Show pridefully struts forward on the tails of its famous legacy while beaming with modern flair and electricity. There is simply too much to appreciate in one viewing. I am on my fourth visit to Rocky, with many more to come as the show continues to run through the fall on Broadway, and each subsequent evening I spend in Transylvania makes one point abundantly clear: There’s a light over at the Frankenstein place, and if my research is correct, that light may just be a spotlight reflecting off the pounds of glitter scattered across the Studio 54 stage. And what a marvelous sight it is.