Category: SPORT

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“Fifty-three years.” That’s how long Bad Bunny joked his old-age transformation took for the 2026 Met Gala. In reality, says his prosthetics designer Mike Marino, the day-of process took three hours—plus a half-hour of makeup removal at the end of the night (micellar water, in this instance, would not cut it). Then there were the six weeks of prep: the scanning, designing, sculpting, and sewing until the multiple, hyperrealistic prosthetic pieces were complete.

Never one to follow the crowd, Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio chose to tap into a section of the Costume Art exhibition that focused on bodies often overlooked in fashion and art, including pregnant and aging figures. Committed to exploring aging as an art, the singer’s team reached out to Marino, whose award-winning prosthetic designs you can spot in films like The Batman and The Irishman, and series like The Penguin and True Detective, not to mention Heidi Klum every Halloween since 2011.

Eric Rojas

Marino is no stranger to aging people (The Weeknd for his Dawn FM cover, for example) or transforming them completely (hours before he began working on Bad Bunny on Monday night, he was morphing Klum into a marble statue). But for the singer’s Met Gala appearance, Marino felt he needed a more realistic, almost regal approach to a travel through time. “The fact that he's distinguished and well-groomed is on purpose,” says Marino, who thought making Bad Bunny look weary and hunched would not have felt right for fashion’s most glamorous night of the year.

Marino was also continuing a long tradition in art history of presenting idealized representations of people and the human body. “If you think about famous portrait painters like [John Singer] Sargent and [Diego] Velázquez, they were often painting an idealized image of the subject, manipulating how they look to make them look more beautiful, or more colorful, more powerful in that portrait,” he says, referencing Velázquez’s painting of King Philip IV and the many propaganda paintings of Napoleon I. “I thought it was cool that, with his grooming, [Bad Bunny] had this distinguished look that was as if a Velázquez or Sargent portrait came to life."

Eric Rojas

For ideas on how to most realistically age the singer, Marino looked at octogenarian Puerto Ricans, as well as the singer's facial structure and skin texture. Turns out, designing prosthetics requires the same understanding of facial structure as a plastic surgeon. However, instead of minimizing the signs of aging, they enhance them. “I look at how he might age—that's how I approach makeup,” Marino says of his process. “I look at signals. For instance, I might see a little line [on the face] and then exploit that line, or I think, Maybe this eye bag will develop this way if he maintains his healthy lifestyle. I’m like someone’s worst nightmare,” he says, laughing.

Creating Bad Bunny's prosthetics—including a piece for the neck, cheeks and eye bags, forehead and eyelids, as well as earlobes and hands—was a multistep process that started with Marino taking skin color samples and a 3D-laser scan of his face and head. Those digital scans were then used to create a 3D-printed model of the singer’s head onto which Marino sculpted clay into the shapes that he wanted. “I sculpt every line, every crease, every pore into the clay and that’s what you’ll see on the prosthetics,” Marino explains.

“I might see a little line and then exploit that line or think, Maybe this eye bag will develop this way. I’m like someone’s worst nightmare.”

The next steps are a little complicated, but those miniature clay sculptures are then used to create molds and eventually cast pieces out of supersoft, superthin silicone, which are the prosthetics that get glued onto the face. “Because Benito had never worn prosthetics before, the pieces were very thin,” explains Marino. “I thought it would probably be easier if they were very soft, thin pieces so that you could still feel somewhat normal [wearing them].”

Eric Rojas

Once the silicone prosthetic pieces were cast, Marino then airbrushed every little freckle, pore, blood vessel, dark circle, and liver spot he wanted to age the skin. For Bad Bunny's hands, he used the airbrush machine to accentuate the tendons and veins and knuckles, “maybe to look a little more arthritic,” he says. (We're very confident in saying this is the first time a red-carpet makeup artist has tried to make a client look “more arthritic.”)

Eric Rojas

Also key to Old Bunny’s look were his stark white curls, brows, mustache, and beard, all of which had to be hand-knotted onto fine lace nets, a process that took Marino and his team—which included wigmaker Diana Choi and hairstylist Carla Farmer—weeks to complete. When it came to the wig, Marino mimicked the texture and pattern of Bad Bunny’s hair exactly, just in a white-gray color. “We took 360-degree photographs from above and below to determine his hair texture and pattern, and then made a white-haired version of that so that once his bald cap was on, it went right on top," Marino says of the process. “And he had eyebrows, too.”

“There’s a beauty to aging, and Benito put that on display… ‘This is what it will be like, and see how good I look.’”

Getting Bad Bunny ready on the day started with flattening down his hair and slipping on a bald cap, followed by gluing the prosthetics with a strong, medical-grade adhesive. “Every centimeter of it was glued on, so when he moved, the pieces moved with him,” says Marino. On top of that, Marino glued down the brows, beard pieces, and mustache, followed by the wig.

Eric Rojas

Marino’s work elicited a massive—and very positive—response the minute Bad Bunny stepped onto the Met Gala steps. And it was not lost on Allure contributor Valerie Monroe that when it comes to actual old people, society is not nearly as kind or accepting. “I think it’s fun that Bad Bunny showed up in an old-age costume… but I’d love for him to keep his costume on for a week, so I could watch his response to the inevitable ageism, the slights small and large, likely to confound him as he traveled in his older (young) body,” she wrote in an op-ed this week. “The most fun thing about his costume? He can take it off.”

That hypocrisy isn’t lost on Marino, who notes the pressures on people—especially people in Hollywood—to keep looking as young as possible. “It’s hard for a celebrity to look in the mirror and see flaws, because in today’s world, that’s exploited and [certain types of media] can be mean-spirited and write articles showing them at their worst.” That's why he found his work with Bad Bunny at this year’s Met Gala so meaningful. “There’s a beauty to aging, and Benito put that on display. He was trying to show people, ‘This is what it will be like, and see how good I look.’ And I think that’s a very cool thing.”

Collage: Jemeria Davison; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

The best volumizing hair products can be lifesavers for second-day styling, deflated blowouts, and flatness-prone strands. Mousses, sprays, and powders (oh, my!) add dimension and texture to hair that needs a boost, using ingredients like polymers, copolymers, and resins to restore your long-lost zhuzh. Still, you don't need fine or flat hair to benefit from a volumizing hair product. Even people with naturally fuller hair can use these formulas to amp up volume and bounce for that just-left-the-salon look that lasts for days. Interest piqued? Keep scrolling to discover our favorite hair volumizing products to give that crown some well-deserved lift.

Our Top Volumizing Hair Products

• Best Overall: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse, $36
• Best for Roots: Rōz Root Lift Spray, $42
• Best Brush: Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush, $30
• Best Diffuser: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer, $169
• Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse, $27
• Best for Second-Day Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray, $30
• Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist, $32

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• What does a volumizing hair product do?
• How do I choose a volumizing hair product?
• What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

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Chris McMillan

The Hair Mousse

$36

Sephora

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Why it’s worth it: Chris McMillan’s The Hair Mousse is designed to help you recreate the stylist’s signature lift—no salon appointment required. Lightweight and airy, it’s made with wavy and curly hair in mind, giving coils instant volume and bounce while providing heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for diffuser days. The result? A soft, tousled texture with long-lasting hold—no crunch, no touch-ups, just effortless body that lasts. Infused with pine cone and mushroom extracts, the mousse also soothes the scalp and helps repair split ends, giving your curls a much-needed reset.

Shipin before applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after applying the Chris McMillan The Hair Mousse

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

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“Hello, one and done! This product is your gel, your curl cream, your finishing product…all in one. It's truly been a game-changer for me, replacing all my products! I shake it up, then release a larger-than-a-golfball size amount and apply it all over. I tend to use it while my hair is slightly towel-dried, then again in the middle of my diffusing session, when it is about 40% dry.

I love that it truly delivers on its promise of volumized, bouncy curls—full stop. It tames a bit of frizz, it defines my coils, and adds some necessary lift at my roots and mid-section. I've never received so many compliments on my hair. A little goes a long way, and if you do overdo it (like any mousse), you may get a little crunch. Just work it out with an oil to finish off styling and it'll soften up immediately. I think this works perfectly for my 3a hair, and I can imagine it working well for waves, too. The $36 price may seem steep, but this mousse and a diffuser are all I need!” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: mushroom extract, pine cone extract, polymers
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Roots: Rōz Root Lift Spray

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RŌZ

Root Lift Spray

$42

Amazon

$42

Nordstrom

$42

Sephora

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray and blow-drying her hair

Sarah Han

Why it's worth it: Bouncy ends are great—but if your hair is still falling flat at the root, put down the teasing comb and pick up the Rōz Root Lift Spray instead. “This lightweight, buildable mist adds airy volume, touchable texture, and flexible hold without any crunch. It’s infused with ingredients like rice protein and mushroom root extract to strengthen strands and support scalp health—especially helpful if you're not washing daily,” New York City-based hair colorist Lauren Paglionico told Allure. For maximum volume, the brand recommends spritzing this mist on damp roots before using a blow-dryer. You can also use it to refresh day two or three hair—just make sure to hit your strands with the dryer again to get the best, most lifted results.

Paglionico not only recommends the Root Lift Spray to her clients—she even uses it herself. “It delivers impressive volume without weighing the hair down and works beautifully on both fine and medium textures. The mist is ultra-light and never sticky, which makes it easy to layer. I also love the scent—it’s fresh with a subtle floral note that’s never overpowering,” she says.

Han before washing her hair, applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray, and blow-drying

Sarah Han

Han after washing her hair, applying the Rōz Root Lift Spray, and blow-drying

Sarah Han

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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“I have fine hair, but a lot of it, which is the perfect recipe for…zero volume. I'm also downright terrible at styling my hair but I find that the Roz Root Lift Spray is super easy to incorporate into my washday routine. All I have to do is dispense a few hearty spritzes throughout my roots and rough-dry my hair, and voila, instant volume. I appreciate that I don't need any extra products or tools to give my hair a little zhuzh. It's also an excellent refresher for day two (and day three) hair, because your girl does not wash her hair very often, as well as a blowout extender, since my hair doesn't hold styles for long.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: rice water, mushroom extract
• Who it's good for: fine to medium hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Brush: Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

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Bounce Curl

Volume EdgeLift Brush

$30

Amazon

$30

Sephora

Shipin using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: Finding the right brush is just as important as finding a solid mousse or spray when it comes to achieving bouncy, fuller-looking hair. For those with curls and waves, Bounce Curl's Volume EdgeLift Brush checks every box. The flexible bristles (including vegan boar bristles) quickly detangle as they reduce frizz, while the unique edges gently separate your strands for added definition. The larger teeth on top are perfect for tackling bangs or shorter hair. For longer curls and coils, use the thinner teeth on each side. Even the handle is designed to help section your hair, so there's no need for a separate comb. It's the smarter paddle brush you'll wonder how you ever lived without.

Shipin before using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Bounce Curl Volume EdgeLift Brush

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“I don't tend to get any volume at my roots naturally, and usually have to find products and techniques (and hair cuts, for that matter!) that help architect the lift I crave—and the Edgelift brush from Bouncecurl delivers. I get right up to the scalp and turn the brush up, then down, to add what feels like a solid inch of lift at my roots. It's amazing! I also much prefer it to the regular Bouncecurl brush, which is effective at creating larger, more defined clumps (especially since these brushes use synthetic boar bristles to smooth the hair).

I’m going for an Olivia Dean type of volume, and love a little more frizz and life to a perfectly coiffed ‘do, so I love that this brush encourages smaller clumps. When you pair that with smaller sections while defining, it can literally take you hair to new heights.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: N/A
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: N/A

Best Diffuser: Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

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Bellissima

Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

$169

Amazon

Shipin using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Why it's worth it: No more fussing with a pile of loose attachments—Bellissima's Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer has a built-in diffuser with a large bowl that dries curls and coils in a snap (while adding plenty of volume). Multiple heat and speed settings allow you to find the right combination for your strands, whether they're bleached, heat damaged, or frizzy. Plus, there's a temperature control mechanism inside that measures the device's heat 50 times per second, so you're never using more heat than you have to. And, our tester can confirm that the easy-to-hold handle and lightweight, 1.4-pound design won't tire your arms out too quickly. Bouncy, defined, frizz-free curls, here you come.

Shipin before using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Shipin after using the Bellissima Diffon Supreme Ionic XL Curly Hair Dryer

Shanna Shipin

Tester feedback from Shipin

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“"Holy life-changing product! This diffuser gives me the juiciest, most volumized, and simply snatched curls of my life. Yes, it must be used in conjunction with a bang-on styling product (and nothing comes close to Chris McMillan's The Mousse for me), but this diffuser sends your flat, lifeless curls into the stratosphere. Talk about volume! It's lightweight and very easy to hold; that curved shape is nice and ergonomic, which is important if your hair takes a long time to dry. The large bowl is so necessary for anyone with shoulder-length or longer hair—no more second-thought attachments with too-small bowls! It's great for travel, as it's a streamlined, diffuser-only blow dryer that's easier to store than standard L-shaped dryers. It also comes with a pretty little carrying bag to keep things tidy.

This product is a simple, straightforward hair-drying device, which eschews the cumbersome body of a typical blow-dryer and just has a diffuser head—so it's just for curly girls! There are a handful of settings you can choose from to get the head and air speed just right for your curls; there's even an ultra-gentle setting with low heat for those who have severely damaged hair (that's me!). I tend to use the lowest heat and the higher hair drying speed; that results in a somewhat frizzy look, but I'm into that effortless and somewhat undone look right now. I do turn it up to high heat and speed when I'm in a hurry and, man, does it dry fast.

This product is on the pricey side for people who don't always wear their hair curly, but if you're even a once-a-week curly girl, I'd recommend it!"” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: N/A
• Who it's good for: wavy and curly hair
• Fragrance-free: N/A

Most Long-Lasting Hold: Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

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Hours

Full-Time Plumping Mousse

$27

Amazon

$27

Nordstrom

Why it's worth it: The lightweight, foamy, and soft-but-mighty Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2023 and 2024 for its all-day staying power. The formula leans on fatty acids derived from castor oil to help hydrate the scalp and reinforce each strand, creating a good foundation for volume. Once dispensed, the airy propellants in the formula expand and then evaporate, giving the roots a subtle lift as your hair dries. That expansion acts almost like scaffolding, encouraging strands to stand taller. Then, humectants like propylene glycol and butylene glycol draw in moisture, plumping the hair shaft so it looks and feels thicker.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann before applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Hoffmann after applying the Hours Full-Time Plumping Mousse

Sarah Hoffmann

Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann

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"Listen, mousse was a dirty word to me for the majority of my life—I did my time in the crunchy curl trenches in middle school—but I've done a full 180 since discovering Hours Plumping Mousse. My hair retains a ton of water post-shower and gets weighed down super easily, but adding two pumps of this to wet hair inflates my hair like a freakin' balloon. It's also responsible for the longest-lasting blowout I've ever had—it's literally a miracle product to me." —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: propylene glycol, castor oil, sodium polyitaconate
• Who it's good for: those with flat, fine hair that gets weighed down easily
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Second-Day (or Third-Day) Refreshes: Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

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Dae

Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

$30

Sephora

Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Why it’s worth it: Dae’s Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray absorbs oil at the roots, making it a great pick for hair that hasn’t been washed in…a few days. But, unlike a dry shampoo, it also adds lift at your roots and bounce throughout the entire hair shaft with zeolite, a volcanic material known to add volume and cleanse the scalp. One spray gives hair a light refresh, while three-plus sprays offer more volume and zhuzh. It features yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, moringa leaf extract, and glycerin, all of which protect hair from environmental damage, improve softness and manageability, reduce breakage, and add shine.

Foresto before applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Foresto after applying the Dae Fairy Blaster Texturizing Spray

Alessandra Foresto

Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto

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“I've been using this spray on day two and three after a wash to give my hair a boost of volume and soak up some oil from my roots. I'm seriously impressed by how much volume a few spritzes of this spray creates. After having my hair in a bun overnight, I like to spray it and tousle my hair and roots to make my waves even bigger. Other times, I spray it on my flatiron-made curls and I find they get a nice beachy look.

The spray bottle is powerful and a little bit goes a long way to give your hair serious lift and texture. It also adds grip to hair so my lackluster French pinning abilities can be more easily hidden. Unlike other texturizing sprays, I find that results last all day and my hair does not fall flat after a few hours. The spray features Dae's nice signature citrus scent too!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: yucca stem extract, indica seed oil, and moringa leaf extract, glycerin
• Who it's good for: oily, flat hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best Heat Protectant: Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

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Olaplex

Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

$32

Ulta

Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying the Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist

Why it's worth it: No bouncy blowout is complete without a good heat protectant, like Olaplex’s Volumizing Blow Dry Mist. This 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award winner safeguards your strands from temperatures up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit while wrapping them in a barely-there veil of defense. Bamboo extract lipopeptides form a weightless, protective film that helps fortify the hair fiber. Pea peptides and jackfruit polysaccharides join the mix to boost hydration and encourage airy lift, minus the frizz. The finish is touchably soft and completely invisible, for hair that looks naturally sky-high.

Tester feedback from former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

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"That any product could create volume on my superfine, color-treated hair is a damn miracle, which means Olaplex's Volumizing Blow Dry Mist is basically a religious deity in my eyes. With a few hearty spritzes of this lightweight spray along my hairline and in my roots—plus some elbow grease with a round brush, of course—I can at last achieve a style that makes me look like I have more hair than I actually do." —Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: bamboo extract, pea peptides, radish root ferment
• Who it's good for: people who style with heat regularly
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Fine Hair: K18 Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

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K18

Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

$46

Amazon

$46

Sephora

Allure features director Dianna Singh applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Why it’s worth it: Powered by the brand’s biotech-backed peptide complex called K18peptide, which mimics the natural structure of keratin, the Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Biomimetic Hairscience AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray does more than just add volume. A few spritzes boost fullness while repairing damage and reducing breakage. According to Eddie M. Parra, a hairstylist in New York City, it delivers a conditioning effect (thanks, red algae) without sacrificing lift. And, it has two-day hair memory, so the volume lasts for up to 48 hours whether you apply it on damp or dry hair (it goes on completely invisible either way).

Singh before applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Singh after applying the K18 AstroLift Reparative Volume Spray

Dianna Singh

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Singh

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"I've tried a lot of volumizers in my day, and I've found a handful that deliver oomph immediately—but very few that add volume that lasts. This spray is one of those rare gems: I apply it in damp hair, blow-dry, and then enjoy the extra bounce well into the following day." —Dianna Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: red algae, arginine, K18peptide, polymers
• Who it's good for: flat, damaged hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Oily Hair: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

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Oribe

Dry Texturizing Spray

$52

Amazon

$52

Nordstrom

Allure content director Sophia Paynch applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Why it's worth it: So, you got a blowout yesterday—but this morning's Pilates class did a number on your hair. Before you panic, Oribe's Dry Texturizing Spray is here to save the day. Yes, it adds volume and definition, but it also absorbs oil—think of it as a dry shampoo and a texturizing spray in one (very chic) bottle. The formula relies on zeolite crystallines, which add rough texture to your lengths while absorbing oil at the root. The spray also features Oribe’s Signature Complex, a brand hallmark that includes watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower to defend hair from drying and damaging oxidative stress. Pro tip: “Hit [hair] with the dryer again after spraying for volume at the root that lasts for days,” says Kate Johnson, hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team. And, like all products in the Oribe lineup, it’s finished with the brand’s classic Côte d'Azur scent, which has notes of sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.

Paynch before applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Paynch after applying the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray

Sophie Panych

Tester feedback from content director Sophia Paynch

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“My relationship with Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray has lasted longer than all of my romantic ones—even counting my husband (we've been together for almost nine years, and I've owned a can of this stuff for almost 15 years). Any professional hairstylist will agree that it's just one of those products that's good to always have handy when you want a little volume, a little texture, or just a little zhuzh in general. I spray it into my hair after it's been rough-dried, air-dried, or nicely blow-dried. It works all the same. I usually blast each side for about five seconds, making sure to get the under layers of my hair. Then, I'll flip my head upside down and spray it in that way, too. It's light as air, smells amazing, and is truly multi-purpose.

It lifts roots like a dry shampoo, adds light hold like a flexible hairspray, and adds texture like a beach spray. It makes fine hair like mine look and feel five times thicker, and while it does make your hair feel a bit dry to the touch, it never looks that way.” —Sophia Paynch, content director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: zeolite crystallines, ginger root extract, kiwi extract
• Who it's good for: people who work out or sweat a lot
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Frizz: Davines OI Soufflé

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Davines

OI Soufflé

$50

Amazon

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Sephora

Why it’s worth it: Made with antioxidant-rich roucou oil and softening chicory root extract, Davines’ OI Souffle is a hair-plumping mousse that delivers serious shine and volume, with none of the crunch. It also offers heat protection up to 446 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a great prep step before blow-drying for an extra full, bouncy finish. Once you apply it, you’ll notice how much silkier and smoother your hair feels, and when it’s dry, there won’t be any frizz left behind. Whether you’re defining curls or adding lift to straight strands, this is a solid pick—especially if your hair tends to puff up the second you step outside.

Tester feedback from former commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“Humidity is my curly hair’s worst enemy, so when I’m rockin’ my natural waves, I always know Davines’ OI Mousse has my back in times of need. After showering, I scrunch it into my hair and I feel confident walking out the door on a rainy day or a scorcher, knowing my curls will stay right where I left them. Oh, and I have to mention the floral and clean scent of the entire OI line—I literally get compliments on it whenever I use it, with people asking me what perfume I’m wearing.” —Lily Wohlner, former commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: roucou oil, chicory root extract
• Who it's good for: those with frizzy hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Softness: R+Co Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

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R+Co

Rodeo Star Thickening Foam

$38

Amazon

$38

Nordstrom

$38

Dermstore

Why it’s worth it: R+Co’s Rodeo Star Thickening Foam delivers non-sticky volume with a soft feel, says Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta. It incorporates skin-care ingredients, like vitamin E to deeply condition, kiwi fruit extract to help retain moisture, and aloe vera leaf extract to minimize breakage and add shine. Yes, it gives hair that fuller, bouncier look—but it also leaves strands feeling so soft, you’ll want to run your fingers through them all day long.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: vitamin E, kiwi fruit extract, aloe leaf extract
• Who it’s good for: frizzy, dry hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Extending Styles: Redken Stay High Mousse

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Redken

Stay High Mousse

$31

Amazon

$31

Ulta Beauty

Why it’s worth it: “Redken’s Stay High Mousse is thick and has a lot of stiff texture to it, so it holds fine hair up in a way that a lot of volumizing products don’t,” says Johnson. She adds that the volume stays put all day long, whether you apply it only at the roots or throughout your hair shaft.“ Just make sure to use a small amount and run it through wet hair section by section before blow-drying,” she advises. It immediately melts into hair, never feels sticky, and hydrates and strengthens with help from castor oil. A win-win-win, in our book.

More to know

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• Key ingredients: castor oil, polymers
• Who it's good for: all hair types
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Air Drying: Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

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Crown Affair

The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

$38

Sephora

$38

Violet Grey

Allure social media manager Bianca Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Why it’s worth it: Don’t let the word “mousse” scare you away—Crown Affair’s The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse always leaves strands feeling flexible and soft, which is partly why it won a 2024 Allure Best of Beauty Award. Infused with nourishing tsubaki meadow oil, texturizing pink salt, and a plant blend of kale, carrot, and lemon extracts that, together, strengthen and add moisture, this featherlight formula hydrates, de-frizzes, and disappears upon contact—though the results stick around for hours. “It's perfect for enhancing curls, giving you good volume and a strong hold that will last,” Katelyn Ellsworth, a hairstylist based in San Diego, CA, told Allure. It’s our go-to for days when we skip heat styling, but still want natural movement and airy volume. When it’s time to re-style your hair the next day, you can brush right through your strands without worrying about any leftover stickiness or residue.

Richards before applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Richards after applying the Crown Affair The Air Dry Texturizing Air Dry Mousse

Bianca Richards

Tester feedback from social media manager Bianca Richards

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“I love how seamlessly the Crown Affair The Texturizing Air Dry Hair Mousse fits into my low-maintenance, low-effort haircare routine, and it leaves my hair looking the best I've ever felt in my natural state. It’s a super low-lift way to achieve that effortless, undone look. Unlike other mousses, it doesn’t leave your hair feeling crunchy—which is the best part!” —Bianca Richards, social media manager

More to know

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• Key ingredients: tsbukai meadow oil, pink salt, plant protein blend (kale, carrot, lemon)
• Who it's good for: those who like to air-dry their hair
• Fragrance-free: no

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a volumizing hair product do?

According to Toth, a volumizing hair product lifts roots from the scalp. "Some are simply weightless, some give incredible hold and texture, and some coat and surround each strand of hair," he says.

Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist, echoed Toth. He told Allure, "It works great for updos, and you could also use it as a dry shampoo." Hurtado explains, "You can also touch up your second-day blowout without having any residue."

While healthy hair can benefit from hair volumizing products, they can also help support damaged locks. Cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure, "Heredity, stress, poor nutrition, improper care of hair, and environmental damage (such as sunlight and harsh brushing)" can all be potential causes of thinning hair. If that sounds like you, a hair volumizing product could make a big difference, either as a permanent solution or to tide you over while going on a regrowth journey.

How do I choose a volumizing hair product?

Many products claim to be effective volumizers. But before you hedge your bets on a bottle, it's essential to know your hair type and your desired style. Santiago recommends using a root spray or a mousse before blow-drying if you want your hair to be more touchable and smooth. "If you like feeling your hair more textured, an aerosol spray or volume powder is a great choice," she adds. If you're just getting into the hair volumizing game, you might need to try a few different products before you land your best option.

What should I avoid in a volumizing hair product?

King previously told Allure to be wary of heavy oils and silicones, since "not all oils or silicones are created equal." She mentions that, while they can provide benefits like softening and hydrating, coconut and jojoba are weightier than other oils. Silicones also vary in weight and grade—but you don't need to be a scientist to determine which is which. "If it feels greasy on your fingers, chances are it will weigh down your hair," King advises.

Meet the experts

• Mia Santiago, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Devin Toth, a New York City-based hairstylist
• Lauren Paglionico, a New York City-based hair colorist
• Raven Hurtado, a Chicago-based hairstylist at Maxine Salon
• Ginger King, a cosmetic chemist
• Kate Johnson, a hairstylist and founder of the Bridal Beauty Team
• Victoria McLeod, a hairstylist based in Atlanta, Georgia

How we test and review products

We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but hair-care products and tools are another story. While there are certain products that can be used across different hair textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, colors (natural and unnatural), and needs, hair products are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are created in order to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls—right?

For our review of volumizing hair products, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists—who have a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from 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

[LAST UPDATED AT 1:07 P.M. ET ON MAY 6, 2026] If there’s ever a reason to stock up on your K-beauty favorites (or finally try the ones sitting in your cart), it’s Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event—and lucky for us, it’s still going strong. The deals are good—like, restock-your-entire-routine good—with markdowns on glow-boosting serums, skin-plumping face masks, and lightweight sunscreens that actually make you want to reapply. At this point, K-beauty brands may need no introduction (Biodance, Beauty of Joseon, and CosRx, anyone?), but we’re still happy to spotlight our favorites—along with a few newly added finds and some under-the-radar gems worth discovering.

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• Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Skin-Care Deals
• Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Makeup Deals
• Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Hair-Care Deals
• How We Find the Best Amazon Summer Event Beauty Deals
• Why Trust Allure?

​​Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event K-Beauty Deals You Can Shop Now

A Mist-HaveAnua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule MistJump to review$21

Amazon

Pep UpCosrx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye PatchJump to review$23 $17 (26% off)

Amazon

Happy DanceBiodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep MaskJump to review$19

Amazon

All Wrapped UpMedicube Collagen Night Wrapping MaskJump to review$19

Amazon

Walking on SunshineLaneige Hydro UV Defense EX Sunscreen SPF 50+Jump to review$30

Amazon

Zero EffortBanila Co Clean it ZeroJump to review$21

Amazon

Cast AwayMedicube No Cast Just Glow SPF 50 SunscreenJump to review$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

And it’s not just skin care. The sale is packed with makeup picks—think cushion foundations, juicy lip tints, and dreamy blushes—as well as hair-care finds that treat your scalp like skin and leave strands glossy and healthy-looking. Whether you’re chasing that effortless, glassy glow this summer or looking to simplify your routine with multitasking formulas, this is your sign to stock up, especially since K-beauty is already known for being affordable (and now it’s even better on sale).

Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Skin-Care Deals

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Anua PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist and Anua Special Collagen Care Melting Patches

Christa Joanna LeeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Anua

PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Capsule Mist

$21

Amazon

You’ve probably seen this sci-fi-looking bottle of Anua’s PDRN Hyaluronic Acid Oil Capsule Mist all over your feed—and yes, we can absolutely say it’s worth the hype. Each spritz floods skin with salmon-derived PDRN (a regenerative ingredient thought to help support skin repair, boost elasticity, and give that lit-from-within glow), along with hyaluronic acid and hydrolyzed collagen for hydration and bounce. “You can wear it alone or use it with the Anua Special Collagen Care Melting Patches for a DIY mask moment,” says Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer. “The glass-skin glow is so real with this one—it does make skin look damp, but it’s not sticky.”

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Medicube

Age-R Booster Pro

$220 $210 (5% off)

Amazon

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel using the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro

Jessica Cruel

There aren’t that many microcurrent devices we reach for (in fact, fewer than a handful), so when one stands out, it’s a big deal. “I must say: This is the most powerful device I have ever used,” says editor in chief Jessica Cruel. Her everyday setting is the Derma Shot, while the MC Mode is a go-to for lymphatic drainage before a big event. “I find the user experience is better than many microcurrent devices I’ve used in the past.”

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey wearing the CosRx The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

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Cosrx

The Peptide Collagen Hydrogel Eye Patch

$23 $17 (26% off)

Amazon

We all wish we were getting eight hours every night, but undereye masks are a clutch a.m. pick-me-up. CosRx’s Peptide Collagen Eye Patches deliver a cooling hit of hydration while helping to depuff, smooth, and brighten, thanks to niacinamide, caffeine, and peptides. “They make my undereye area feel soft, smooth, and supple,” says Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor.

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Rejuran

Turnover Ampoule

$52

Amazon

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Rejuran Turnover Ampoule

Sarah Han

If serums are your everyday staples, ampoules are basically boosters—typically more tightly concentrated with actives and designed to kick your results up a notch. This Rejuran injectable-packed formula comes from the makers of Korea’s buzzy Rejuran injectable, so while it won’t mimic the exact results you’d get in-office, Rejuran’s Turnover Ampoule offers a much more approachable (and needle-free) way to tap into those benefits. “The more I use this serum, the more lifted my skin looks,” says Sarah Han, commerce editor.

Lee applying the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Christa Joanna LeeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19

Amazon

Come for the TikTok-worthy peel-off moment, stay for the glass skin. Biodance’s Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is an overnight sheet mask packed with ultra-low-molecular-weight collagen and hyaluronic acid to deliver all that plumping, glow-boosting goodness deeper into the skin. “By morning, my skin feels deeply hydrated with zero effort as it does its thing while I sleep,” says Lee.

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Medicube

Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

$19

Amazon

Allure features director Dianna Singh removing the Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

Dianna Singh

If you’ve been around here for a minute, you’ve probably seen (and rewatched) this video of our editor peeling off the viral Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask. “The way my skin looks with a layer of this mask is exactly how I want my skin to look without it: glassy, glowy, and clear,” says Dianna Singh, features director. It forms a soft, flexible film over your face that locks in moisture and active ingredients while you sleep, with hyaluronic acid to plump, niacinamide to smooth and refine, and ceramides to help seal in hydration and support the skin barrier.

Lee applying the Laneige Hydro UV Defense EX Sunscreen SPF 50+

Christa Joanna LeeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laneige

Hydro UV Defense EX Sunscreen SPF 50+

$30

Amazon

We could fill our carts with Korean sunscreens alone (yes, they’re that good), but this one is especially worth it. Laneige’s Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen has a silky, fluid texture that feels more like skin care than SPF, thanks to glycerin and the brand’s hydro-ionized mineral water (a blend of magnesium, calcium, and zinc salts that help support the skin barrier, balance hydration, and keep things calm). It also doesn’t pill or look cakey (even over makeup, per our tester), so reapplying every two hours is actually doable.

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Banila Co

Clean it Zero

$21

Amazon

Former Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein using the Banila Co. Clean It Zero Calming Cleansing Balm

Jennifer Hussein

From waterproof eye makeup to long-wearing lip stains, this cleansing balm doesn’t mess around. “Its makeup-removing abilities are unmatched,” says Jennifer Hussein, contributing writer. One dollop of the sorbet-like formula melts into skin, breaking down full-coverage makeup with zero aggressive rubbing, while a blend of five cica extracts helps soothe and comfort sensitive skin.

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann removing the Sungboon Editor Deep Collagen Overnight Mask

Sarah HoffmannSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sungboon Editor

Deep Collagen Overnight Mask

$19

Amazon

Another mask made to work while you snooze (what can we say, we love a multitasker), Sungboon Editor’s Deep Collagen Overnight Mask is packed with collagen and multiple peptides for a serious hydration boost that’s still gentle enough for sensitive skin. And don’t worry, it actually stays put: “I roll around a lot when I sleep, and it was still tacked to my face when I woke up,” says Sarah Hoffman, commerce producer.

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Beauty of Joseon

Revive Eye Serum

$17

Amazon

Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum

Sarah Han

Give Beauty of Joseon’s Revive Eye Serum a few weeks, and it might just settle the whole “do you really need an eye cream?” debate (turns out, you do). “It has a lightweight, custardy-gel texture that absorbs almost immediately and makes my undereyes look a tad brighter and less puffy the next morning,” says Han. Stabilized retinal delivers smoothing benefits with less risk of irritation, ginseng helps revive dull, tired-looking skin, and glycerin keeps everything comfortably hydrated.

Han applying the CosRx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cosrx

The 6 Peptide Skin Booster

$25 $18 (28% off)

Amazon

One pump of this editor’s favorite and you’ll wonder what took you so long to try CosRx’s The 6 Peptide Skin Booster. “I’m obsessed with the texture,” says Han. “I use this as a toner, a.k.a. the first step following cleansing, and I like that it’s not watery—more akin to a lightweight gel serum.” True to its name, it’s loaded with peptides to help balance excess oil, boost elasticity, and bring back that glow.

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Medicube

No Cast Just Glow SPF 50 Sunscreen

$22 $19 (14% off)

Amazon

Han applying the Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen SPF 50

Sarah Han

No promises that by the time you finish reading this, Medicube’s No Cast Just Glow SPF 50 will still be in stock. (Could our resident K-beauty expert calling it “the glowiest sunscreen ever” have something to do with it? We think so.) Niacinamide helps brighten and even things out, while hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration for a plump, fresh look. Collagen and peptides bring the bounce, and a hit of soothing Centella asiatica keeps everything calm and happy.

Blay-Tettey applying the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum

Annie Blay-TetteySave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Beauty of Joseon

Propolis + Niacinamide Glow Serum

$27 $24 (11% off)

Amazon

“I’m always on a quest to find products that boost my skin’s glow, and this niacinamide-based serum has been a great addition,” says Blay-Tettey. Inspired by Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, which celebrated graceful, natural elegance, it helps smooth uneven texture and refine the look of pores with betaine salicylate (a gentle beta hydroxy acid), while turmeric pairs with niacinamide to brighten and calm skin.

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Torriden

Dive In Soothing Cream

$27

Amazon

Han applying the Torriden Dive In Soothing Cream

Sarah Han

Hyaluronic acid isn’t exactly new, but Torriden’s Dive In Soothing Cream takes it to the next level with five types that leave skin feeling practically drenched. Hee Jin Koh, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New Jersey, keeps this on her vanity for its featherlight gel-cream texture that layers well under sunscreen and makeup. “The experience of applying this cooling, refreshing cream is just 10/10 all around,” says Han.

Allure former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen using the Man:yo Pure Cleansing Oil

Nicola Dall'AsenSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Ma:nyo

Cleansing Oil

$23 $18 (22% off)

Amazon

Ma:nyo’s Cleansing Oil is an Allure editor favorite that’s stood the test of time—more than a decade after its debut, it’s still picking up a 2025 Best of Beauty Award, which says a lot. Packed with 14 antioxidant-rich plant oils, it moisturizes and plumps while argan kernel oil helps balance sebum and support cell turnover for a smoother-looking complexion. “It’s the only reason my facialists are always telling me there’s no need for extractions,” says Nicola Dall’Asen, former senior news editor.

Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Makeup Deals

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Clio

Kill Lash Superproof Mascara

$15

Amazon

Lee applying the Clio Kill Lash Superproof Mascara

When you want your mascara to do it all—volumize, lift, and lengthen—Clio’s Kill Lash Superproof Mascara needs to be in your rotation. “Even my tiny, stubby lashes get definition and thickness—and importantly, no smudging,” says Lee. The slim brush is especially forgiving on short lashes, catching them right at the root without smearing.

Han applying the Unleashia Glitterpedia Eye Palette in No.1 All of Glitter

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Unleashia

Glitterpedia Eyeshadow Palette

$26 $20 (23% off)

Amazon

No matter your age, we firmly believe there’s room for a little sparkle moment. Unleashia’s Glitterpedia Eyeshadow Palette delivers just that. It mixes matte, shimmer, and multidimensional glitter shades that feel surprisingly wearable—even for everyday looks. “I like how they brighten and emphasize my eyes without creating shadows, and there’s very little (if any!) blending required,” says Han.

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Clio

Kill Cover Founwear Cushion

$25

Amazon

Lee applying the Clio Kill Cover Founwear Cushion

Christa Joanna Lee

Clio’s Kill Cover Founwear Cushion comes in a sleek compact that makes applying your base almost too easy. Press the puff into the mesh, and it dispenses just the right amount of product without any spillage. “While it’s buildable, you won’t really need multiple passes for it to even out your skin tone,” says Lee. Like many cushion foundations, shade ranges can skew limited—K-beauty brands have historically catered to a narrower spectrum—but this one is a bit more impressive, with 20 shades to choose from. Plus, the lightweight, peptide-infused formula isn’t heavily pigmented, giving it a little more flexibility across tones.

Han applying the Peripera Mood Glowy Tint

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Peripera

Ink Mood Glowy Tint

$13

Amazon

These Hwahae (Korea’s go-to beauty review app) chart-topping lip stains are very affordable—even before the discount—come in a wide range of hues, and feel as hydrating as a balm. “Whether you like to go subtle or bold, this tint is incredibly buildable and accommodates all preferences,” says Han.

P.S. Click the checkbox that says “coupon price” for $9.03 to get the discount!

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CNP

Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

$18 $16 (11% off)

Amazon

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the CNP Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm

Sarah Kinonen

Whether you wear it solo, swipe it on as a hydrating base, or layer it over lip color for extra sheen, CNP’s Propolis Lipcerin Lip Balm feels less like a waxy balm and more like a treatment for dry lips. “It’s a thick consistency, thanks to the propolis (a.k.a. ‘bee glue,’ which is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory), but it instantly melts onto lips like butter—and lasts,” says Sarah Kinonen, beauty director.

Allure former commerce writer Lily Wohlner applying the Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm

Lily WohlnerSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Jart+

BB Premium Beauty Bal

$49

Amazon

Whenever you need a break from full-coverage foundation—or if a more natural look is just your speed—Dr. Jart+’s Premium Beauty Balm is a my-skin-but-better go-to. It seamlessly evens out skin tone with a blend of soy, licorice, vitamin C, niacinamide, and arbutin, that “evens out imperfections while still looking light and natural,” says Lily Wohlner, former commerce writer. And with SPF 40, it adds a little extra insurance on top of your standalone sunscreen.

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Hera

Sensual Tinted Shine Lip Serum

$35

Amazon

If you were just looking at the ingredient list, you might think this was a face serum, but it’s actually for lips. Hera’s Sensual Tinted Shine Lip Serum blurs the line between skin care and lip color, relying on multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to pull in and lock in moisture, plus squalane, camellia seed oil, and ceramides to reinforce the lip barrier and smooth dryness. It repairs dry, chapped lips while leaving behind shiny, long-lasting color (proof that your lips can glow just as much as your skin).

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Jung Saem Mool

Artist Cushion Highlighter

$23

Amazon

It’s a bummer when you’ve spent all that time perfecting your base only for your highlighter to lift it right off. Jung Saem Mool’s Artist Cushion Highlighter sidesteps that issue completely, allowing you to tap on a dewy, multidimensional glow without lifting or smearing what’s underneath. It’s also infused with ceramides and peptides, so while you’re getting that fresh, lit-from-within finish, you’re also helping support your skin barrier and comforting skin. Win-win.

P.S. Click the checkbox that says “coupon price” for $18.40 to get the discount!

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Rom&nd

Better Than Cheek

$12

Amazon

If you love a hint of color with that skin-like, soft-matte finish, Rom&nd’s Better Than Cheek melts in so seamlessly—no telltale powder streaks in sight. The shades, soft pastels inspired by dried fruits (Strawberry Milk is the dreamiest pink), add a fresh, diffused wash of color that’s trending everywhere right now.

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Tirtir

Mask Fit Waterproof Setting Spray

$15

Amazon

What’s the point of a fresh summer makeup haul if it’s just going to melt off in the heat? TirTir’s Mask Fit Waterproof Setting Spray locks everything in place for up to 24 hours, holding strong through sweat, humidity, and pool days without feeling sticky or heavy. It leaves behind a breathable, semi-matte finish that stays fresh and comfortable on all skin types.

Best Amazon Summer Beauty Event Korean Hair-Care Deals

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Medicube

Rosemary PDRN Clarifying Thickening Shampoo

$27 $24 (11% off)

Amazon

Lee after using the Medicube The Rosemary PDRN Clarifying Thickening Shampoo

Christa Joanna Lee

Did you hear? Medicube is now offering hair care, which makes sense given that K-beauty has always treated the scalp like the rest of your skin. The Rosemary PDRN Clarifying Thickening Shampoo pairs soothing, barrier-supporting PDRN with circulation-boosting rosemary to help reduce flakes, calm itchiness, and support fuller-looking hair. “The tingly-ness of this shampoo feels so refreshing and revitalizing on my scalp,” says Lee. “I’ve noticed less itchiness, a boost in volume, and fewer flakes.” The corresponding conditioner contains the same ingredients and is meant to be used directly on the scalp, not just the mid-lengths to ends.

Han applying the Aromatica Rosemary Root Enhancer

Sarah HanSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Aromatica

Rosemary Root Enhancer

$20 $18 (10% off)

Amazon

We debated a separate hair-care section on this list—after all, K-beauty treats the scalp like skin. Aromatica’s Rosemary Root Enhancer is all about TLC for your scalp by blending nutrient-rich staples like rice, soybean, and sesame with ginger, rosemary oil, and a hit of menthol for an instantly refreshed feel. “This cooling root spray curbs any itchiness and discomfort,” says Han.

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Cosrx

Peptide 132 Hair Bonding Oil

$23 $19 (17% off)

Amazon

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the CosRx Peptide 132 Ultra Perfect Hair Bonding Oil Serum

Shanna Shipin

CosRx is here to match glass hair with your glass skin. Its Peptide-132 Hair Bonding Oil is a lightweight fix that helps strengthen damaged bonds, smooth frizz, temporarily seal split ends, and add glossy shine—without weighing hair down. “This hair oil serum has also been great with extra dry ends and doesn’t leave your hands feeling super greasy,” says Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director.

Lee applying the Mise en Scène Argan Oil Repair Mask

Christa Joanna LeeSave to wishlistSave to wishlist

Mise en Scene

Argan Oil Repair Mask

$20

Amazon

Packed with argan oil, amino acids, and keratin-like proteins, Mise en Scène’s Argan Oil Repair Mask mends dry, damaged, or overprocessed hair to leave it soft, glossy, and tangle-free. “It’s surprisingly rich for a K-beauty product,” yet delivers deep moisture without leaving hair feeling coated, says Marie Jhin, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Carlos, California.

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British M

Hair Butter

$34

Amazon

Despite the name, British M’s Hair Butter is anything but greasy. Shea butter and argan oil provide deep hydration, while hydrolyzed collagen, oat protein, and sweet almond protein help strengthen dry, weakened strands. The texture feels “rich but breathable,” delivering frizz control and definition without weighing down hair, says Cherin Choi, a hairstylist and colorist based in Los Angeles.

How We Find the Best Amazon Summer Event Beauty Deals

Our shopping team searches daily for the best beauty products in the industry. We enlist the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and experts to determine which products are really worth your penny. Our sales stories are no different: We base our discounted selections on products with over 4.0 ratings, past Allure Best of Beauty Award winners, and those that our editors and experts have tried and given a stamp of approval.

Why Trust Allure?

No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, we want 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.

More K-beauty goodness, right this way:

• Korean Makeup Is the New Frontier of K-Beauty
• 12 Best Korean Hair Treatment Products for the Glass Hair of Your Dreams
• The Best Korean Skin Care for Dry Skin to Get Lasting Hydration

Courtesy of @thehaloeffectbyangel, @donebyhadleydunn, and @d_summons_theeSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Have you ever gotten lost in a watercolor painting? Following its fluid washes of pigment and tracing each brushstroke as it melts into the next brings art lovers—including us at Allure—a sense of peace. This season, nail artists are bringing that vibe into their manicures. Watercolor nails echo the romance of Impressionist paintings and feature sheer, blended color that feels expressive and artistic.

Nail artists are particularly excited about the trend, as it allows them to fully tap into their creative range. “I love watercolor nails and being able to use actual art supplies to create unique nail designs,” says Hadley Dunn, a nail artist based in Kentucky.

There are several ways to achieve this look. Dunn prefers a more literal approach: “I coat my base in a matte topcoat before using watercolor paint on the nail and sealing it with a [glossy] topcoat,” she says.

When San Sung Kim, a Korean nail artist, creates her watercolor nails, she starts with a cat-eye base, as its light-shifting shimmer particles make the finished look more dynamic. “I have been working with velvet polishes since the beginning of my nail journey, and I always try to come up with fresh new takes,” she previously told Allure, noting that colorful swirl candies inspire her take on watercolor nails.

Courtesy of @SansungnailsCourtesy of @sansungnails

Kim then uses a nail art marker (a felt-tip pen filled with polish) to paint swirls and patches in varying sizes, before taking a wet nail brush to blur her hand-painted design for a realistic watercolor look. The result? A dreamy manicure that would feel at home next to paintings by Monet and Renoir.

Courtesy of @nailzzwithannie

Some nail artists, like New York City-based Natalia Mercedes, prefer using an airbrush to achieve watercolor paint’s signature blend. “It’s similar to how aura nails are created with an airbrush,” Mercedes says, noting that she uses polish formulated specifically for the tool (like the polishes from Favai) and builds color in sheer, controlled layers.

With color theory in mind, each shade subtly shifts the one beneath it: “When I layer yellow over blue, I get a bit of green, and that’s what creates that seamless, diffused effect,” Mercedes adds. To keep the layering intentional rather than muddy, she lightly cures each layer before adding the next.

Annie Ngo, a nail artist in Atlanta, uses a more unconventional method: dabbing eye shadow pigments onto the nail in layers to achieve the watercolor effect. Ngo coats each nail with a matte primer, which creates a smooth base, before buffing the powder across the surface with a nail sponge. She does this with multiple colors, allowing them to overlap at the edges to create that beautifully blurred look, then seals the look with a glossy top coat.

No matter how it’s achieved, it’s undeniable that the soft, dreamy nail look is one we’ll be seeing everywhere this summer. Ahead, collect inspo for your watercolor manicure.

Bright watercolor nails

Courtesy of @karin.naileditCourtesy of @kimkimnailsCourtesy of @donebyhadleydunn

Jewel-toned watercolor nails

Courtesy of @d_summons_theeCourtesy of @deesummonsthee

Floral watercolor nails

Courtesy of @bees.knees.nailsCourtesy of @bexbeautynails

Watercolor fruit nails

Courtesy of @danis.manisCourtesy of @nailsbyninnCourtesy of @jazzynails.x

Milky watercolor nails

Courtesy of @friskynails

Rainbow watercolor nails

Courtesy of @thehaloeffectbyangel

Discover more nail art trends:

• This Summer’s Top Nail Art Trends Are All About Feel-Good Finishes
• Gem Nails Are the Most Nostalgic Nail Art Trend of 2026
• These Are the Best South Korean Nail Trends of 2026

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Remember that prolific meme from a decade ago with the close-up crop of a model's face, iridescent star-shaped glitter packed generously under her eyes, the bold, all-caps text reading, “HOW TO COVER YOUR DARK EYE CIRCLES”? It was simultaneously relatable and whimsical, a comment on the pressure to hide any evidence of supposedly unflattering shadows and a call to playfully draw attention to the area instead of covering it up.

While no one went as far as to encrust their tear troughs in glitter at this year's Met Gala (hey, if there was ever a place to try it…), we did see a number of celebrity guests leaning into undereye emphasis. Instead of depending on concealer to create the illusion of being impossibly well-rested and age-defying, several stars drew attention to the area with their makeup, in some cases even accentuating the look of shadows.

The Met Gala's dark circle celebration took a few different forms, the most obvious of which being the use of eye shadow well below the lower lash line. For some, like early arriver Emma Chamberlain, it involved diffusing metallic mauve all around the eye and in such a way that looks like intentional fallout in her natural contours. (Makeup artist Lilly Keys used the Makeup by Mario Master Metallics Eyeshadow Palette to get the look.) Meanwhile, Ejae's eye shadow, a look created by makeup artist Min Kim with the Diorshow 5 Couleurs palette in Grand Bal, is smudged beyond the usual borders of smoky-eye territory.

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Some gala guests fully filled their tear troughs with color that dared people to notice an area often camouflaged into invisibility. In the case of Hudson Williams's Rufio-reminiscent mismatched look, Aika Flores used Chanel Les 9 Ombres High Intensity Eyeshadow Palette in The Space Traveler and The Daring Muse “for a striking look with buildable intensity that evolved with every blend,” well down beside his nose. Amelia Hamlin, on the other hand, brightened up the area, not with concealer but with iridescent, silvery lavender shimmer. And singer Yseult, whose lids were given a graphic combination of black and gold shadow, had bold, metallic blue occupying her undereye area.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

As she often does, Alysa Liu wore her favorite version of emphasized undereye shadows, aegyo sal, the K-beauty makeup technique that intentionally plays up undereye fat. The Olympic champ recently showed Allure how she does it herself, but for the Met Gala, makeup artist Tami El Sombati used a deep, warm burgundy to create the subtle shadow.

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And then there were the celebrities who basically just said, “Fuck it—deal with seeing my dark circles”—and you can't say we didn't see this coming. Both Charli XCX and model Devyn Garcia let their natural shadows show, and instead of heavy concealer, Gracie Abrams's makeup artist, Emily Cheng, opted for Chanel's upcoming launch, Serum Concealer Natural Healthy Glow, for a much more no-makeup makeup undereye.

Photo: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty ImagesPhoto: Getty Images

Celebrity or not, we're all tired. We're all aging. We're all at the mercy of how lighting hits that ever-so-thin skin. Why fight it? These Met Gala moments prove a bright, perfectly even undereye isn't a requirement for leaving the house, let alone the biggest fashion function of the year. Play with color, play with smudging that kajal pencil farther down, play with… nothing. Skip concealer and watch as the world not only doesn't end, but you also potentially come to actually love the look of dark circles.

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At the Met Gala carpet on Monday night, the answers to “Who are you wearing?” included Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and Prada. At least one could have also been OxiClean, the laundry brand famous for its corny Y2K infomercials.

That’s according to a press release from the company, which told journalists that makeup artist Jen Tioseco relied on the brand’s $6 stain pen to ensure she could “work instantly to remove a tough stain” from actor Camila Mendes, in case any mascara or blush smeared onto her Manish Malhotra couture gown.

This year’s Met Gala isn’t the first time “huh?” items are getting a branded callout tied to a celebrity event—“Jeannie Mai sips ARMRA Colostrum while getting glam” read a post-Golden Globes press release—but it seemed to peak on Monday. Designer Alexander Wang launched his new energy drink called Real:ly while standing next to his date, Irina Shayk, on the carpet. (Tagline they didn’t use but should have: “Wait, really?”) Tweezerman blasted out a news release about Emma Chamberlain’s nail artist Tom Bachik using its $8 nail clippers during her pre-Met manicure; the red carpet queen was also styled with a $200 La Bonne Brosse hairbrush.

Meanwhile, Nicole Kidman apparently required two separate Denman brushes to handle her butt-length extensions. Misty Copeland wore Cakes boob tape; Tate McRae prepped her hands in $7 “collagen gloves” (imagine fingerless mittens made of tinfoil) from Voesh Pro. Gabrielle Union and Eileen Gu had their hair scented by Parfums de Marly and Tyla’s was spritzed with Initio Parfums Privé. (Union and her husband also “opted to sip on a THC-infused beverage” from Cann while getting ready.) Paige Bueckers’ blonde was said to be courtesy of Madison Reed’s demi-permanent dye in UConnic Blonde. And if you thought Sarah Pidgeon, Ayo Edebiri, and Daisy Edgar-Jones looked particularly lymphatically drained on Monday night, well that was thanks to an LED gua sha from ORA Method. Welcome to the final-boss level of the red carpet economy, where attention equals value and anything that can surf a social media wave becomes a coveted asset.

I say final-boss level because there have certainly been levels of sponsorship that preceded it. Makeup brands like Chanel and Maybelline and Dior and L’Oreal Paris have long sponsored makeup artists for their red carpet work; ditto hair brands, from Garnier to Dyson. Red carpet beauty is all about the visual of the hair and makeup so that made sense, we could accept it. Those press releases never made us cock our heads and scrunch our brows (as much as beauty editors can).

Welcome to the final-boss level of the red carpet economy.

The curious case of red-carpet rando brands comes into focus when you look at the new squeeze on working makeup artists, especially those in Hollywood and New York. “After the Oscars and the Golden Globes, the Met Gala has the most potential to lock down a five-figure night for us,” says an A-list makeup artist who spoke on the condition of anonymity. (“I don’t want to be dumped by my clients and broke,” she texted me, which: fair.) A single makeup sponsorship used to bring in between $5,000 and $20,000 for gala and after-party looks, she said, depending on how much social media was required and whether the talent was a major movie star like Zendaya or a TV newbie like Rachel Sennott.

As the economy has flip-flopped and TikTok Shop has become a more dominant source of sales than celebrities, “those contracts might not be as lucrative” as they were pre-COVID, says the glam squad member. At the same time, movie studios that once spent big bucks on red-carpet stars have restructured their promotional budgets for all but the biggest flicks. (Think: The Devil Wears Prada 2, Wicked, Barbie.) Thanks to social media, even those mega-stars—and their beauty and fashion teams—are now required by movie studios to produce new looks for dozens of “spontaneous” moments. Skilled beauty artisans and fashion stylists are currently being paid less to do more work. They deserve funding that matches their talent and time.

Enter the stain pens and nail clippers and nutritional supplements and LED gua shas. These items help boost the bottom lines of artists and their agents, and sometimes even the talent themselves, depending on the agreement. “The deals generally go through the glam teams, but many times talent is also paid for cross-promotion,” an anonymous beauty publicist confirms. “There’s also a scenario wheretalent teams will ask the brand to pay for the beauty services in exchange for the access [to their celebrity client].” Cases like Paige Bueckers’ hair dye or Alexander Wang’s energy drink are a somewhat different corner of this phenomenon—Bueckers has a standing contract with Madison Reed, and Wang is the founder of this beverage brand (which my editor said must be a spoof but does in fact appear to be real).

We understand how capitalism works and have nothing against hard-working glam teams getting extra cash, but this does make the getting-ready ritual seem goofy at best and desperate at worst. Beauty consumers aren’t dumb; they know that Hailey Bieber flashes Rhode blush because it’s fantastic (really, it is)—and she also owns the company. They understand that if someone shouts out an energy drink on the red carpet, it’s not just because they’re hyped on fizzy ginseng. As for the hair perfumes… we can’t smell them through group chat screenshots. We have no idea. The emperor has no scented ponytail.

Still, this new wave of red-carpet randomness seems to be here for a long time, not a good time. Personal care brands love a stunt, and red carpets are like that scene in Finding Nemo where the little fish hitch a ride on the big turtles—every label wants to attach itself to a celebrity’s extended aura, which now includes glam squads that can be nearly as famous as the stars themselves. (Remember when Charlotte Tilbury was merely “Kate Moss’s makeup artist”? Now she has nearly seven times the model’s Instagram followers.) So when the Tony Awards roll around in June, it’s a good bet someone—please let it be Jane Krakowski—will carry a Judith Leiber clutch shaped like a thermos and sponsored by Throat Coat tea.

Can we be mad? Not really. In fact, it’s nice to know our favorite behind-the-scenes crews are finding new ways to stay solvent in uncertain times—and that, if we ever bump into their coffee cup in an elevator, they’ll have a stain pen on hand.

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It's been a few days, but we're still thinking about SZA's makeup from the 2026 Met Gala!

The Grammy winner teamed up with makeup artist Sophia Sinot for her Met Gala glam, a radiant combination of marigold yellow, rose, and orchid tones that mimicked the bright golden hue of custom-made Bode gown—a gown that just so happened to be made with upcycled fabric sourced from eBay—and her floral headpiece.

According to Sinot, the inspiration began with a “feeling of radiance" given the “incredible sunlight energy” of the dress. “It felt like she was embodying light, so I wanted the makeup to harmonize with that,” Sinot tells Allure. “There were many different ideas for makeup, so it became about refining everything down to what felt the most cohesive and true to the overall vision.” She collaborated with SZA's hairstylist Devonte Turnbull and stylist Briana Andalore to ensure everything worked beautifully together.

Yellow was a key color for the entire look. “It was a soft focal point, almost like an inner glow, with fresh skin and touches of pink to bring warmth,” Sinot explains. "It was definitely the headpiece and the color of the gown that inspired me the most. I loved how the beading fell onto her face; it added this organic, almost sacred framing and perfectly aligned with the yellow halo makeup.”

Sophia Sinot

To start, Sinot prepped SZA's skin with classic Vaseline Original Healing Jelly; she used it “strategically as a primer” for a “smooth, luminous base" that gave SZA a “healthy, lit-from-within glow that lasts all night on the red carpet.” Once her skin was prepped to perfection, Sinot applied Huda Beauty foundation and concealer, Made by Mitchell cream and powder blush and bronzer, and One/Size powder as the base of SZA's look.

To craft the yellow “halo," Sinot combined Make Up For Ever Flash Color Case and Ben Nye yellow eye shadow. She defined SZA's eyes with Caia Cosmetics Snatched Eyeliner and stacked two pairs of Lilly Lashes (Milan and Miami) for extra drama.

“For me, the look never stops at the face,” Sinot adds. “I always make sure the décolletage, arms, and legs feel just as hydrated and radiant.” For this, she combined Vaseline Cocoa Radiant Body Lotion with Vaseline Glazed & Glisten Gel Oil in Golden Hour Glow for a “soft, luxurious sheen” that "delivers a beautiful glow without feeling sticky or greasy, and it won’t transfer onto clothing.”

The finished look beautifully represented the Grammy-winning singer. “SZA’s style has this balance of grounded energy and something otherworldly, while also still being a glam girl at heart,” Sinot shares. "I love the duality of that—still glam, but with something slightly 'different.' Her love for nature was also something I kept in mind, with this yellow halo representing light and warmth.”

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What's your season? ICYMI, seasonal color analysis has made quite the comeback in recent years, and if you're in the market for some soft summer makeup inspiration, look no further than Julia Fox, whose vintage pageant queen glam details are equal parts sweet and cool.

While we don't know Fox's exact color season—she feels like a winter to me—she was definitely serving up a pretty-in-pastel palette at the 2026 Accessories Council Excellence Awards with her head-to-toe Betsey Johnson ensemble, tiara, and matching hair and makeup. (While you'd think spring would be a cool-toned palette in the Color Me Beautiful world, it's actually warm; summer is the cooler palette!)

The actor leaned into light, sugary-sweet tones, starting with the butter yellow tulle prom dress and carrying soft, light shades through to her makeup. Her lips and cheeks were a similar shade of cool-toned, prom-queen pink, with her blush concentrated on her cheekbones and upward. On her eyes, Fox chose a misty gray shadow, which she wore brushed across her entire lid, softly diffused out for just a hint of color. I was expecting to see thick, '60s-style winged-out liner to match the retro vibes of the poufy dress, but Fox skipped it in favor of just a few strokes of mascara on both top and bottom lashes.

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You can't channel a retro pageant queen without big hair! Fox's hairstylist definitely pulled out the teasing comb for this one; the star wore her shoulder-length hair down with lots of volume at the crown—not quite Priscilla Presley-worthy volume, but an obvious “oomph” that set the stage for her adorable hair accessory: a classic small tiara accented with a pastel floral corsage.

Fox often embraces vintage details in her ever-changing beauty routine. During New York Fashion Week, she channeled a living doll with big, bouncy ringlets and purple-gray eye shadow, and at the 2026 Fashion Trust Awards, she looked like she walked right off the set of Valley of the Dolls, complete with a bouffant and baby pink lipstick. It might just be time to add a princessy pink shade or two to your spring and summer makeup rotation.