Retinol may be the gold standard of anti-aging skincare, but my ultra-sensitive, breakout-prone skin sadly never got the memo. After dealing with acne throughout my 20s and going through a couple of harsh rounds of Accutane, even seemingly gentle formulas left me red, flaky, and irritated. Still, I wanted the smoother texture, brighter tone, and fine-line-fighting benefits the ingredient is known for—which sent me on a mission to consult the top dermatologists for the best retinol alternatives money could buy (and, more importantly, ones that wouldn’t make my skin freak out).

And I’m far from alone. For all of retinol’s well-earned praise, the powerhouse ingredient can be notoriously difficult to tolerate, especially for those with sensitive or reactive skin like mine. Its popularity isn’t without good reason, though. As we age, some of the “main visible changes” include shifts in pigmentation—think dark spots—and loss of collagen, which can lead to wrinkles and loss of firmness, explains board-certified dermatologist Angelo Landriscina, MD.

Despite what you may have heard, there’s no “magic age” to start using retinol. Dr. Landriscina typically recommends reaching for it when the first signs of aging, like dark spots or fine lines, begin to appear. So, if retinol has wreaked havoc on your skin in the past, these 10 dermatologist-backed alternatives—from bakuchiol to vitamin C and azelaic acid—offer a gentler way to target many of the same skin concerns, without the irritation.

The Best Retinol Alternatives

• Best Retinol Alternative Overall: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
• Best Retinol Alternative Moisturizer: Clearstem Hydraglow Stem Cell Moisturizer
• Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream: Naturium Multi-Peptide Eye Cream
• Best Retinol Alternative Serum: Parëva Beauty C35.5 Firming Glow Serum
• Best Retinol Alternative with Bakuchiol: Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides Retinol Alternative Serum

Best Retinol Alternative Overall

Best Retinol Alternative Moisturizer

Best Retinol Alternative Eye Cream

Best Retinol Alternative Serum

Best Retinol Alternative with Bakuchiol

Best Retinol Alternative for Dark Spots

Best Retinol Alternative for Firming

Best Retinol Alternative for Acne

Best Drugstore Retinol Alternative

Best Plant-Based Retinol Alternative

Do Retinol Alternatives Work as Well as Retinol?

“There are many alternatives to retinol that can work just as well, with consistent use,” explains Dr. Palep. Your choice depends largely on what you’re hoping to target: She recommends vitamin C for brightening and evening skin tone, bakuchiol for smoothing texture and minimizing fine lines, peptides for firmer, plumper-looking skin, and niacinamide for boosting collagen and fading dark spots. Just keep in mind that some alternatives may take a little longer to deliver visible results—particularly bakuchiol, she notes.

According to Dr. Landriscina, “retinol alternative” is a marketing term that rose to prominence in recent years, likely because “many people find retinoids irritating.” But while alternatives can target many of the same concerns, “no alternative will have the same breadth or depth of clinical data to support it that retinoids do,” he adds. In fact, when his patients struggle with retinoid irritation, Dr. Landriscina typically tries adjusting how they’re using it before recommending they ditch it altogether.

Who Should Use a Retinol Alternative Instead of Retinol?

Dr. Palep says certain people may be better candidates for retinol alternatives from the start, including those with very dry skin or conditions like eczema or psoriasis, since retinol may be especially drying or irritating. She also recommends avoiding retinol during pregnancy and breastfeeding. “Not all retinol alternatives are pregnancy-safe,” she cautions, so be sure to discuss your skincare routine with your doctor before adding or continuing products during pregnancy.

Dr. Landriscina recommends first trying a few tricks to minimize irritation, like starting with just a few applications per week, applying moisturizer, or using the “sandwich method,” which refers to layering retinol between moisturizer. If you’re still experiencing redness, flaking, or irritation after taking those steps, a gentler alternative may be the better fit for your skin.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Tonight marks the official end of New York Fashion Week, which means one thing: it’s time for a trend recap. The S/S '27 season marks a major pivot in beauty trends. You can retire blush and slick back buns—it’s all about eyeliner and partless low ponytails now. The simple, short manicures in 20 shades of nude that dominated most of last year? Well, it’s all about almond-shaped extensions in the boldest color you can imagine now. If 2025/2026 was focused on glass skin and bobs, then 2026/2027 is all about the eyes and mermaid waves.

NYFW beauty trends can often feel a bit unattainable—as much as I love a teased updo or black lipstick, I’m not wearing it to work. But this year’s looks are actually very wearable and incredibly easy to recreate. I’m rounding up my six favorite trends from the week—along with some expert tips on how to get the look and what to use below. Only time will tell whether these trends will carry over into London, Paris, and Milan, but for now, happy scrolling.

Lip Gloss Lids

As a staunch shimmer shadow girl, I’m thrilled to see this trend take off. Here’s the TLDR: take a slightly opalescent shadow—in the color of your choice—and then put a thin film of clear gloss on top. If you’re sensitive to the tacky texture, try using a glitter pot (my favorite is from Bodyography) to achieve a wet look.

Partless Perfection

If one thing was glaringly clear on the runways, it’s that hair parts of any kind are dead. Stylists went to whatever means necessary to hide any sign of a scalp. Some were slicked back; others were teased to a degree that I'm sure made brushing a terrifying experience. Message was received loud and clear: no side parts, no middles parts, no parts at all.

Lots of Liner

Liner is to 2026 what blush was to 2025. Looks ranged from inner corner moments and tightlining to traditional cat eyes. What’s worth noting is the color experimentation: black eyeliner is almost too basic to have real estate in your makeup bag this year. Reach for a gilded shade or a neon hue to switch up your glam for the new season.

Low Ponytails

Beauty Director Hannah Baxter is very much into the low ponytail trend; I personally need a little time to shed my middle-school trauma. It’s a very Olsen twin aesthetic, and with an expertly layered haircut and a chic ponytail cuff, the style has a cool girl vibe. Even Grace Gummer and Shailene Woodley got on board with the look at the 2026 Emmys.

No Mascara Makeup

It’s apparently time to give our lashes a break. Pop on a red lip, a glowy foundation, and give your lashes a good curl before heading out the door. If you can’t get on board with bare eyelashes, take a little Vaseline and brush it on after curling—it’ll help hold the look, even sans mascara.

Almond Nails

Short and square had a good run, but the trend cycle is officially flipping. The longer and pointier, the better. I'll be sticking to press-ons, but if you have strong nails, go forth and conquer with a nail file and and your favorite polish. As for colors? Earth tones are dominating in fall, but don’t be surprised if you start seeing cobalt blues and rich purples.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

A little over an hour ago, I sat in a back conference room, FaceTiming Mariska Hargitay on her way to the airport. Naturally, she had her two Emmys—for her documentary My Mom Jayne—buckled up, like the precious cargo they are, in the seat next to her. For someone who spent the prior day hosting the 78th Annual Primetime Emmys, she looked remarkably well-rested. I can’t help but comment. “I obviously prepped my skin with my Cetaphil. It is just the most moisturizing. No matter what, no matter how tired I am, I put it on, and it plumps everything up,” the Law & Order: SVU star tells me. “It's pretty magical. I’m in a routine with it.”

Hargitay is a woman of her word. In fact, she kicked off yesterday’s hosting prep with said drugstore skincare routine (the Skin Activator Firming Lotion and Body Cream are her favorites), a 7am jacuzzi session, and “a lot” of time in an infrared sauna. But make no mistake, Hargitay started getting ready for the Emmys quite a long time ago. She booked her glam squad for the night—makeup artist Kate Synnott and hairstylist Adir Abergel—after last year’s event. “It felt like my wedding in a way because I had the most extraordinary team and felt so calm because they were on it. We knew that we wanted sort of old Hollywood glam with a little bit of an homage to my mom, but I also wanted it to just be fun and different. From the minute I accepted this invitation, we started planning,” she says.

Such intense prep resulted in the most outfits (and full glam changes) the Emmys has ever seen. I should point out that Hargitay is also the show’s first female host in 15 years. “I loved so many of my looks,” she tells me. “I think one of my favorites was the Yara black dress with the gloves. I loved the opening one—the Sophie Couture mermaid dress. It was so magical twinning with my daughter. The sparkly Dolce was just heaven. I loved them all for different reasons. I felt so good and so comfortable in them.”

The night, per Hargitay, was “exhilarating,” “joyful,” and filled with so many of her favorite people. She had Zendaya and Tom Holland as her front-row cheerleaders. “One of my favorite moments is going out there and watching Zendaya and Tom Holland waving and going, ‘You’re doing amazing.’” Backstage, she caught up with her friends Allison Janney, Noah Wiley, and Jamie Lee Curtis. “I don’t get to see them a lot, so it was really meaningful to me,” she says.

And of course, I couldn’t let this debrief end without inquiring about the fan-favorite (it’s me, I’m the fan) pre-filmed moment with Taylor Swift. “It's hard to pull something like that off and not have it be leaked,” Hargitay tells me. “Taylor was a dream and heaven. I’ve met Olivia Benson [the cat] before, and I think that’s why she was so comfortable with me. She put her paws right on me. Taylor was the perfect detective.”

Good news, though: Hargitay will be back on my TV screen as my actual favorite fictional detective very soon. Law & Order: SVU season 28 premieres on October 8. I’ll be tuning in, and in the meantime, I’m shopping all of Hargitay’s beauty staples and manifesting her hosting the Emmys once again next year.

Shop Mariska Hargitay's Emmys Beauty Routine

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

For the past few years, the slick back bun has been the staple updo of basically every stylish woman on the planet. If you had enough length to slip your locks into a snatched bun, effectively delivering a temporary face lift (and likely a headache as well), then you—plus a pound of gel and an army of flyaway wands—did it. You could wear a slick back to anything from the office to a wedding, and no one would blink twice. Such is the power of an exceptionally sleek updo with zero frizz in sight.

But according to the New York Fashion Week runways, many a street style star, and numerous Hollywood A-listers on the 2026 Emmys red carpet, the ubiquitous bun is facing some competition, in the form of disheveled low ponys and messy, loose updos. Is this a sign that the era of the slicked-back bun is over? Perhaps. I know that I will still turn to a sleek and taut style when I need an elevated hair option for an evening event, but for my everyday life, I'm kinda sorta opening myself up to a less severe look for the fall.

Ahead, three low-maintenance, high-style hair looks I spotted all over fashion week to try out this season, especially if you're hoping to give your hair and scalp a break.

Low, Loose Pony

Once relegated to third, fourth, or even fifth day hair, ponytails have officially stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight over the last few years. From Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders to the Hollywood elite, it appears that everyone has embraced a snatched, bouncy pony for a statement-making look. But for the fall 2026 season, and into S/S '27, designers, starlets, and the street style crowd have discovered a taste for a far less glamorous—almost humble—style: the low ponytail.

Yes, the idea of tying back your hair in a rush, with a handful of face-framing pieces and the rest nearly tumbling out of whatever closure you had on hand was once best left to the Olsen twins—at least if you wanted to capture any semblance of style. But after combing through pages and pages of street style photos and fashion show wrap-ups, it's clear that the low pony has gained some serious footing in the sartorial realm. I mean, even Grace Gummer, bonafide Hollywood royalty, eschewed the typical red carpet blowout in favor of a barely-there ponytail for the 2026 Emmys.

Disheveled Bun

If you still love a bun hairstyle, I don't blame you. Some days you just need your hair off your neck and not falling all over your shoulders. But if a super tight slick-back gives you a migraine just thinking about it, you're in luck because this season's most stylish bun trend is all about a slightly disheveled look. No need to turn to a wax stick to shellac down those baby hairs—let them fly free for a pretty, Renaissance-style effect.

I'm particularly into the side bun situation at Diotima S/S '27, which saw models with all different hair textures walking the runway with plentiful flyaways escaping their artful updos. I'm considering adding this style to my day three hair inspiration board when I simply can't be bothered to slick back my hair for hours. Bonus points if an accessory is thrown in there, like this chic silk scarf moment I spotted between New York Fashion Week shows. Nothing like a bit of an unexpected accent to accompany your messy bun.

Relaxed Half-Up, Half-Down

A favorite hairstyle of the Biebers and Jenners of the world, the half-up, half-down saw plenty of airtime during NYFW, with many a street style star wearing the look for the New York shows. Like the low, loose ponytail, the hair wasn't gathered with a ton of tension or frizz-eliminating products; rather, the effect felt effortless and devil-may-care in a super refreshing way.

Whether you're sporting braids, waves, curls, or otherwise, letting your natural texture shine is the move for the upcoming season, and honestly, it helps keep the half-up, half-down style from feeling too youthful or grade school-coded. If you need a bit of extra zhuzh to your hair, especially if it's thin or fine, reach for a sea salt spray or texturizer before sectioning it into the top and bottom.

So while I'd wager a guess that a slick back bun will always remain a mainstay in the hairstyling repertoire, I am encouraged to try out some different options for the foreseeable future, especially since I'm desperately trying to minimize hair loss at the moment (the tension of a slick back can lead to traction alopecia!). And honestly, anything that allows me to embrace frizz and flyaways but still feel like the hottest version of myself is just fine by me.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

In today’s overcrowded skincare space, it’s tough to stand out as a brand. Virality is often the goal, and creating an aspirational aesthetic is non-negotiable. I know this as a beauty editor, and you know this as a beauty consumer. However! Just because a brand isn’t constantly at the forefront of your FYP doesn’t mean that it’s not worth your while. On the contrary, some of my favorite products come from brands that have more of an if you know, you know vibe to them, and honestly, that’s much more my speed. I don’t need to see a creator with 2M followers hawking a night cream to know that it works well. I’d rather discover an under-the-radar brand or founder quietly, one that is steadily crafting some of the best-performing products in the beauty game.

With that in mind, I took stock of my bathroom cabinet to assess what brands you might not be as familiar with—but absolutely should be if you want a highly effective product. Whether you’re targeting dark spots, dehydration, fine lines, or any of the other skincare issues we all struggle with from time to time, these are the top five underrated skincare brands I suggest checking out ASAP.

Facile

I love a brand that sticks to what you really need for your skin, without resorting to launching a new product every six weeks. Facile is a derm-developed skincare line with just TEN products. Want only the essentials without the fuss? This is your new go-to.

Ursa Major

If you fancy yourself an outdoorsy babe who prioritizes vegan formulas and B Corp certification, allow me to introduce you to Ursa Major. Healthy, glowing skin courtesy of responsibly made products is the goal here, and the brand more than delivers.

Isla

For the aesthetically minded beauty lover who also wants clinically tested formulas and ingredients, you can’t get better than Isla. Yet another brand that doesn’t launch a million products for the sake of scale, instead sticking to the vetted staples that you actually need.

Biossance

As the original champion of squalane in skincare (a hydrating barrier supporter), Biossance has been on my radar, and in my cabinet, for years. It’s one of the first brands I recommend when someone with skin sensitivities is looking for a new product.

Omorovicza

If you crave luxury skincare but don’t want to just pay for pretty packaging or celebrity-fronted marketing, meet Omorovicza (like “pizza”). The Hungarian brand captured the skincare benefits of the region’s famed thermal waters and transformed them into highly effective formulas that strengthen, brighten, and improve overall skin quality.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Don't gatekeep our newsletters from your friends. Subscribe to Face Forward here.

Though summer and winter are typically the biggest hair transformation seasons, there's much to be said for a fall chop. You don't have to worry about drastic weather situations like keeping your hair off your neck in the sweltering heat or how it will look under a beanie—you just have to think about how you want it to look. Honestly, fall has the best hair days, which is why I'm all about embracing the top haircut trends for autumn.

"For me, 2026 is less about chasing a single haircut and more about a return to individuality," explains Adam Federico, R+Co's Vice President of Technical Education. "We’re seeing recognizable shapes like the bob, the shag, and the pixie, but they’re becoming less prescribed. There’s more freedom and more consideration for natural texture and willingness to embrace imperfection. The strongest hair right now feels designed, but not over-designed."

Ultimately, the haircut conversation in fall 2026 is moving away from perfection and toward a place of intense understanding of you and your hair's individual needs. Hopefully, you'll find a fall 2026 haircut trend you absolutely love—and all the information you need to get the look—below.

Long, Shattered Layers

"We're in an 'I'm here to make a statement with my hair' era," says Shane Talley-Cudal, Salon Owner and Hair Designer at The West Seattle Salon. "People are taking looks that once were [popular] and reimagining them as modern, wearable art. Hair feels more individual and expressive right now—and I love that."

The artist says to think bobs, textured shags, and long, shattered layers when you visit the salon. "Three major trends that'll be trending this fall are the collarbone-grazing slip bob or Italian midi, soft rounded bobs, and longer cuts with voluminous layers," adds Christine Bellemare, co-founder of Maven A Collect on Newbury Street in Boston. "For longer layers, use a volumizing mousse and a large round brush to create movement."

Bobs That Move

"The bob is still having a major moment, but the bigger story is texture and shape at every length. It's about movement, texture, and creating a shape that feels intentional to the person wearing it," Talley-Cudal adds.

This is a look Federico calls The New Bob. "The bob continues to evolve because it’s no longer about one particular shape. I’m interested in maintaining a cut with a strong perimeter and then disrupting the interior and creating softness, separation and movement," he explains. "We’re seeing everything from shorter French and micro bobs to slightly grown-out versions that feel almost accidental. That blend between precision and imperfection is what makes the bob feel relevant again."

Evolved Shags

As we very well know, the shag hasn’t gone anywhere. It has transformed, though. "We’re borrowing its principles, short-to-long layering, movement, separation and freedom, then applying them to everything from longer shapes to bobs, crops and pixie-shag hybrids," says Frederico. "What interests me is referencing the attitude of the late ’70s and early ’80s without recreating a period haircut. It should have the energy of those references, but still belong to the person wearing it today."

People want movement and personality, but they don’t necessarily want to look like they’re wearing a trend. "The modern shag gives you individuality without becoming a costume," he says.

Italian Midi

The mid-length haircut is super wearable no matter where you find yourself in the world—you'll look as cute sipping your spritz in Italy as you do walking through the park back at home. "Apply Color Wow Dream Coat before blow-drying and use a round brush to create a subtle bend," explains Bellemare of the perfect way to up-level the simple cut.

Brand New Bangs

If you already adore your hair length, why not try a new set of bangs? "Wispy, disconnected and side-swept bangs will also be popular for clients wanting a noticeable change without losing length," notes Bellemare. "Fall is the ideal time for a new shape or bangs because the extreme heat and humidity have passed. These cuts offer a fresh reset after a summer of ponytails, sun exposure, and grown-out ends."

Modern Crop

On the opposite end, you might want to completely change up your look. If this is you, why not try a modern crop? "Short hair feels exciting again because we’ve stopped defining it so rigidly. A crop can be beautiful, aggressive, soft, masculine, or feminine, and sometimes all within the same haircut," says Federico. "There’s something transformational about removing hair. After years of long layers, extensions and highly polished finishes, a short haircut can feel incredibly individual and confident."

With today's shorter cuts, the artist is seeing longer fringes, exposed ears, irregular perimeters, and natural texture incorporated into the shape. "For me, it’s less about saying, 'the pixie is back,' and more about the freedom people are finding in cutting the hair and letting the length go," he adds.

Natural Texture

And finally, the biggest fall 2026 haircut trend Federico is seeing isn’t necessarily a haircut at all. "It’s the philosophy," he says. "We’re beginning to work with what the hair naturally wants to do rather than constantly forcing it into a certain style. Waves, curls, bends, cowlicks, and irregularities can all become part of the haircut."

This changes the way your stylist cuts. Instead of designing a haircut that only works after a perfect blow-dry, they can build a shape around the movement that already exists in your hair. "People want hair that feels authentic and, more importantly, hair they can actually live in. There’s a growing appreciation for texture, irregularity and imperfection," he adds.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

I first became a Claire Danes fan after binge-watching Homeland at an alarming pace. So naturally, The Beast in Me, which comes from the same team behind the spy thriller, had me hooked immediately. And with the 2026 Emmys landing smack in the middle of New York Fashion Week, I’m already in full trend-spotting mode. While tonight is technically about television, as a beauty editor, I was mostly waiting to see what Danes would bring glam-wise to the 78th annual Primetime Emmys red carpet.

Danes is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie for her role as Agatha “Aggie” Wiggs, but her beauty look made a case for its own moment on the carpet. For the occasion, Danes wore her blonde bob sleek and straight with a deep side part, tucking one side behind her ear and letting the other sweep across her forehead. The blunt ends landed just above her shoulders.

Her makeup stayed soft, with super-illuminated skin and gorgeous rosy cheeks—pared-down makeup and statement-making hair are a trend I am seeing on this Emmy carpet often. And I have to say, the side part got me. After years of center parts dominating basically everything, I'm loving the little switch-up. Let's not forget to give her sculptural silver gown its flowers, too. Danes looks like she walked straight off a NYFW runway.

Shop the Best Products for Claire Danes’s Glam

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Emmy Rossum's 2026 Emmys hair is my fall inspiration, and in a second, it's going to be yours, too. The Furious actress hit the red carpet for the night's festivities, wearing a gorgeous black dress with scalloped edges and sporting a chic, short baby French manicure design on her nails. Still, her hair and makeup were the star of the show thanks to her glam team: makeup artist Jo Baker and hairstylist Vernon François.

Rossum opted for a monochromatic makeup look for the big evening, with Baker using products from Glossier, Victoria Beckham Beauty, and her eponymous makeup brand to create the simple brown, smoked-out eye as well as the matching blush and lipstick. Francois, known for his mastery of curly and coily hair, had his expertise on full display tonight. Not only were Rossum's tresses full and voluminous, but each curl was meticulously defined, with not even a hint of frizz anywhere. Do you know how hard that is to achieve? Especially in a place as hot and humid as Los Angeles?

While the hair details are still forthcoming, I was able to snoop around on Baker's Instagram to see a few of the products used to get Rossum's look. Keep reading to shop her glam if you want to recreate your own version at home. In the meantime, keep up with MC's coverage of the most glamorous night in television.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Selena Gomez decided to switch things up in the beauty department for the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards. The Only Murders In the Building star brought subdued, Earth mother glam to the red blue carpet this evening, with her dark espresso brunette hair tumbling down her back in soft mermaid waves. Her berry lip tint has already become my new fall beauty obsession, and her perfectly flushed cheeks were so romantic and pretty that I know I'm going to try to recreate it for work every day this week. However, Ms. Gomez can't show up to an awards show and not serve a look on her nails. For the Emmys this year, she turned, once again, to her longtime nail artist Tom Bachik, for a golden manicure that perfectly complimented her gilded gown.

“The inspiration was her Louis Vuitton gown," Bachik explained in a press release to media. "We loved the whole look. It was like frosted gold, so I wanted that same effect on the nail, a frosted metallic. Subtle but special. We played with different textures, and Gel by essie Frost Yourself was the perfect choice for Selena’s metallic frost 'Sunset' mani.”

To get the frosted look, Bachik started with a base coat to prolong the polish, and then two coats of Gel by essie Frost Yourself. He then finished with with Gel by essie Shiny Top Coat for "red-carpet luxe shine," and a swipe of essie On A Roll Apricot Cuticle Oil to keep the whole look elegant-looking and moisturized throughout the night. Nothing like a rogue hangnail to ruin the evening!

I know that I've been on the hunt for a subtle but not boring take on fall nail art, so the frosted sunet look might just be the perfect manicure to say "so long" to summer and welcome in the cool and crispy fall days.

Keep scrolling to snag everything you need to recreate Selena Gomez's 2026 Emmys manicure at home.

Get Selena Gomez's Emmys Manicure

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Nicole Kidman has been on a serious beauty streak lately. She’s been turning out look after look on the Practical Magic 2 premiere circuit, so I wasn’t exactly surprised to see her keep it going at the Emmys. The actress returned to the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards as an executive producer of Apple TV+’s Margo’s Got Money Troubles, wearing a custom white Chanel gown covered in handmade florals. Gorgeous, obviously—but my eyes went straight to the hair.

Kidman wore her blonde hair pulled into a low, intentionally messy bun, with long curtain bangs and a few wispy pieces left loose around her face. And she wasn’t the only one keeping things low on the carpet. Between the buns, ponytails, and other nape-grazing styles I’ve spotted tonight, I’m officially sensing a fall hair trend. After seasons of slicked-back everything, I’m very into seeing things loosen up a little.

Her makeup was equally soft. Kidman went for fresh, bright glam with softly defined eyes, flushed pink cheeks, and a glossy peachy-pink lip that really gave her a youthful-looking glow. Paired with the statement-making floral Chanel gown, the undone hair and fresh makeup complemented the look perfectly.

Shop the Best Products for Nicole Kidman's Low Updo

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

The 78th annual Primetime Emmys are currently underway (in the midst of New York Fashion Week, no less!) and the stars are already storming the red carpet with enough hair and makeup inspiration to last through the rest of the year. Of course, I'm playing beauty police from the comfort of my home, but there is always one star who everyone can unanimously agree never fails to turn a look: Zendaya Coleman, everyone.

Both a nominee and a presenter tonight, the actress had the internet in a frenzy over the weekend when she debuted a gorgeous curled pixie ahead of the award show. Tonight, she is sticking with the short hairstyle, but instead of the playful curls and colorful makeup she sported just 24 hours ago, she's taking a page from Halle Berry's hairstyle book from the 2002 Oscars.

While she did away with the flipped curls from the weekend, Zendaya's hair, courtesy of Coree Moreno, who used the ghd Speed hair dryer and Sculpt flat iron, still had that tousled volume we've all come to know and love from the star. That volume was emphasized even more by the perfectly gelled pieces closer to her hairline and the crown of her head, just like Berry's version when she won an Oscar for her role in Monster's Ball. A razor-sharp brow served as a gorgeous complement to a sultry, lash-forward eyeshadow look, which gave way to a bronzy-pink blush and a neutral lip. A milky, almond-shaped manicure completed the beauty details and allowed her dress (which is dripping in jewels, mind you) to really be the star of the show. In short? She looks tanned, is dripping in jewels, and still appears to have that newlywed glow from her marriage to longtime partner, Tom Holland, earlier this year.

The two-time winner is hoping for a third trophy this evening for her portrayal of Rue Bennet in the hit HBO series Euphoria. Until then, all we know for sure is that she will also be presenting tonight, so if we're lucky, we may get another head-turning beauty and fashion moment from that star before the festivities are over. All of Zendaya's exact beauty details are still forthcoming, but keep scrolling for the exact hair tools used, as well as a few other products that can help you to achieve her glam.

Shop Zendaya's Emmys Glam

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

I see a lot of bobs in my line of work, but Lukita Maxwell’s might be the one that convinces everyone—and even me, a long-hair-til-I-die girl—to finally go short this fall. Maxwell, who plays Alice on Apple TV+’s Shrinking, arrived at the 78th annual Primetime Emmy Awards with an ultra-short, cheekbone-grazing baby bob—and suddenly, all the longer versions we’ve been seeing during the bob-assiance feel a little less exciting.

The cut is obviously tiny, but I’m even more into the way she styled it. Maxwell’s glossy brunette hair is parted down the middle, with the ends kicked outward in soft, flippy bends around her face. There’s something a little retro about it without making it feel like it has to be worn only at a special event, and the shape keeps such a short cut from looking too severe. It’s also fairly easy to recreate: a small round brush or flat iron can give the ends that same flick, while the rest of the hair stays smooth and shiny.

Her makeup stayed much softer, with airbrushed skin, rosy cheeks, and wispy lashes. Then there was the dress: a huge, cupcake-y gold gown with layers of sculptural volume that looked incredibly elegant without leaning into costume territory. Against something that dramatic, the tiny flippy bob felt like exactly the right move—it kept the whole look from veering too princess-y.

For me, though, the hair is the whole story. If the bob has been getting progressively shorter for the past few seasons, Maxwell just took it to its logical next step for fall and winter 2026.

Shop the Best Products to Recreate Lukita Maxwell’s Baby Bob

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

It's definitely not Mariska Hargitay's first time at the Emmys. She's been nominated 12 times. She won for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Olivia Benson in Law & Order: SVU circa 2006, and again in 2017 for her directing work in I Am Evidence. But the 2026 Primetime Emmy Awards, taking place a decade later, are a Big One for the actress. Not only did she already win two Emmys tonight for My Mom Jane, but she's also the host. And, she is the first female host in 15 years, I might add.

While I'm confident that she will do an A+++ job (supposedly Stephen Colbert's writing team helped her prep), I'm going to spend the little bit of time leading up to the show by doing a deep dive into her glam for the evening.

Here's what I know: she teamed up with makeup artist Kate Synott for the big night. Her skin was prepped exclusively with Cetaphil products, proving once again that drugstore staples can help you achieve a very luxe-looking glow. Her makeup—from foundation to mascara—is courtesy of It Cosmetics. She's playing in the peachy -nude family (at least for her first look) and is reminding me exactly why I should never forget to tightline. I'll be restocking the Superhero No-Tug Eyeliner ASAP.

As for her hair? It's looking particularly thick and voluminous courtesy of the genius that is Adir Abergel and Virtue hair products. After proper prep, he whipped out a GHD flat iron to achieve the most gorgeous mermaid waves, which I suspect will be a huge fall hair trend.

Below, shop the exact products used to get this look.

Shop Mariska's Look

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

There's nothing quite like the charm and chaos that come with the 78th annual Primetime Emmys happening right in the middle of New York Fashion Week. It's been perhaps the busiest week for spotting new beauty trends—sunglass nails at Diane von Furstenberg and petal lips on the street style circuit. And now that the red carpet is in full effect, my eyes are scanning for every possible fall beauty trend poised to take over in the next four to 12 weeks.

So far, it's looking like color is having a moment, hair is getting longer (dare I say the bob era is on its way out?), and nails are getting richer—earth tones all the way. It's a chic group in attendance tonight, and frankly, I wouldn't expect anything less than what they've been serving.

To get the full breakdown on the best 2026 Emmys beauty looks—along with product breakdowns and tips and tricks straight from the pros—read ahead.

Ciara Miller

Deep side part? Incredible. Smoky eye? Also love. But it's the Love Island Aftersun host's manicure that caught my attention. I haven't seen a traditional French manicure like this in a hot minute—and I'm very here for it.

Supriya Ganesh

I know the night is young, but I'm calling it: this is my favorite look of the night. The center part paired with the crimped waves is a hairstyle straight out of Aquamarine. If you need me, I'll be digging in my back cabinets to fish out my crimper.

Abby Elliot

Beauty Director Hannah Baxter spotted petal lips as a big makeup trend during NYFW, and it looks like The Bear actress is co-signing the look. The key? Find a blurring, matte lipstick and dab off the excess with a tissue.

Lisa Rinna

While I'll certainly miss having Rinna on my Traitors screen, I'm thrilled to be getting my fix of RHOBH star tonight. The pixie cut queen is giving her classic style a little twist tonight. Rather than her normal spiky style, she's fully committed to a slicked-back, side-part.

Grace Gummer

Love it or hate it, low ponytails are very much back. Although, admittedly much cooler than the Founding Fathers-esque vibe I wore throughout middle school. Just look to Gummer, Meryl Streep's daughter and Love Story actress, for proof.

Shabana Azeez

Curious how The Pitt actress got this good of a glow? She worked with makeup artist Aimee Twist, who prepped her skin with Icon Skincare. My favorite product from the brand is the Heritage Cream—it gives an incredible glow.

Carrie Coon

 The nominee for Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series wanted to keep her look “ youthful, fresh, and modern to balance the structural look of the dress and show her beautiful skin and large, expressive eyes,” per celebrity makeup artist Rebecca Restrepo. To execute the laidback glam, Restrepo used the ZIIP Halo and Beau Domaine for skin prep.

Mariska Hargitay

The host for the night went with beachy waves and glowing skin, courtesy of Cetaphil (love a drugstore find!) and It Cosmetics.

Zendaya

The '90s lip liner! The pixie cut! The thin eyebrows! I have no notes. This is a 10/10. And honestly, I'd expect nothing less.

Quinta Brunson

Makeup artist Rebekah Aladdin teamed up with Aveeno to tackle Brunson's skin prep—and clearly it paid off. The Abbott Elementary actress looked absolutely radiant with very glowy skin and gorgeous mermaid waves.

If you’re new here, let it be known: I have super fine hair. One of my beauty editor missions is finding the shampoos, conditioners, dry texturizers, and styling products that provide max volume because if you’re also part of the Fine Hair Club, well, you know that lift and body are hard to come by. My routine is down to a pretty solid science, but I’m always game to improve. When I heard that Drybar (which makes one of my favorite hot tools, FYI) was coming out with a new blow dryer—the Buttercup Pro—that could amp up volume, add shine, and cut frizz, my ears perked up a bit.

Here’s the deal: the blow dryer is the first of its kind to let users choose the ion level, from 1 to 3. For a little context, high ions are typically positive—they boost shine and cut frizz. But they also flatten the cuticle in the process, and when you have fine hair, that’s less than ideal. Having the flexibility to turn the ions to the lowest level when I’m blasting my roots with heat and then up again when I’m polishing off my blowout throughout the mid-shaft to ends is a gorgeous recipe for voluminous, shiny hair—and one I haven’t been able to replicate with other blow dryers.

“The best hair dryer is one that doesn't ask you to work harder for better hair. Buttercup PRO remembers how you like to style, adjusts to your hair, and protects it while it works,” says Amanda Knappman, the General Manager of Drybar. “You get effortless control of your blowout, and your hair health is never the trade-off.” She’s onto something.

For my full, honest review of the new hot tool, keep reading.

What Features Does the Drybar Buttercup Pro Have?

I’ve tried dozens of blow dryers. My tops: the T3 Travel BlowDryer (it lives in my carry-on), the Dyson AirWrap (for when I’m looking for easy styling), and now, this guy. It’s the one I’ll reach for when I actually plan on taking my time with a blowout. I’ll always grab my Dyson Airwrap when I’m in a rush or want something that requires zero technique, but this new launch is my new go-to for big events, special occasions, or just when I want to guarantee a good hair day.

There are three big features that set this apart. The first: it remembers your preferred settings for each attachment and will automatically set to your last-used heat, ion output, and airflow preference. The second: it alternates between hot and cold temperatures, which help your hair retain moisture. The third (and my favorite): the ion selection isn’t just on or off. You can select between three levels to customize volume and shine.

How Do I Use the Drybar Buttercup Pro?

Obviously, the best settings will depend on your goals and hair type. Personally, though, I like to turn the ion setting down to one and the airflow and heat on high while I do a rough dry, making sure to pay extra attention to my roots. Once my hair is about 85 percent dry, I pop on the concentrator, grab my round brush, and split my hair into three different layers. I keep the settings the same and really focus on getting each section of hair almost entirely dry. To finish it off, I turn the ion level up and the heat down. I go over my mid-shafts to ends with this combo to add shine back to my hair and help the blowout set with cool air.

Is the Drybar Buttercup Pro Worth It?

At $229, it’s definitely an investment. It’s slightly cheaper than luxe competitors like Dyson and ghd, but it certainly falls in the luxury sector. That being said, it’s well worth the price. It will also last 10 times as long as standard blow dryers. So, while you might have to replace your $30 blow dryer every year, this baby will stand the test of time. It’s also travel-friendly, works with a converter, and folds up nicely into a suitcase.

I’ve noticed such a big difference in how my blowout turns out since I started using this. I have so much more volume—and it actually lasts throughout the day. I normally feel like I have to sacrifice shine for volume (dry texturizers and dry shampoos can leave a bit of dullness behind), but this lets me achieve both at the same time. That’s the definition of a win-win hair tool in my book.

Shop More Drybar Products I Love

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

You know how Mariah Carey pops out of Christmas decor the day after Thanksgiving with absolute glee on her face? That’s how I feel when the holiday Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes launch every year. I’ve said it before, but it always bears repeating: Hourglass has perfected the baked powder formula. Though they may try, no other brand has come close to the finish, color selection, sensorial experience, or aesthetic elegance Hourglass has mastered. They’ve catapulted to yet another stratosphere with the launch of the Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked collection.

​As with past iterations, each palette's packaging features integrated art. Still, this year’s lineup is particularly special because the brand collaborated with a jewelry designer. “We're proud to continue our tradition of celebrating female creatives through a collaboration with French jewelry designer Lauren Rubinski,” Carisa Janes, Founder and President of Hourglass Cosmetics, tells me. “Known for uniting French elegance with Italian craftsmanship, Lauren’s work reflects the same balance of heritage and modernity that defines Hourglass. Her creations celebrate individuality, passion, and authenticity—a shared belief that beauty is a form of personal expression.”

​The result? Four Ambient Lighting Edit palettes for the 2026 holiday season (with one exclusive to Sephora), each with its own special motif and meaning behind each hero charm. “The Love palette is adorned with a heart charm celebrating connection and affection,” Rubinski says. Hope, which features a heart-shaped key, symbolizes “confidence, new beginnings, and infinite possibility,” she adds. The upside-down horseshoe on the Luck palette symbolizes pouring luck onto others, transforming the piece into a true good luck charm, and Wish, with the four-leaf clover design, symbolizes luck, happiness, and protection.

​I’ve had a chance to play with the palettes for the last few weeks. TL; DR? I love them all. If you can’t decide which one is best for you, keep reading for a breakdown of the formula, shades, and skin tones each palette best complements.

What’s In the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Powder Formulas?

If you’ve read any of my past reviews on this brand, you likely know that half of the reason why I’m so obsessed with it is that the powders feel silky smooth on the skin. This is thanks to ingredients like boron nitride, a synthetic mineral powder with a light-scattering quality that hides fine lines, wrinkles, and pores while letting the powder glide over the face with ease. Add synthetic micas, diamond powder, and more, and you're left with these little baked tiles of pure goodness and a glow that just won't quit. That's why so many professional makeup artists swear by these powders.

Which Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Is Best for My Skin Tone?

So, there’s technically no “right” palette for each skin tone (makeup has no rules, after all); however, each palette is intended to complement certain skin tones. Let’s get into it.

• Deep Skin

Luck is the best match for deep skin tones. Eternal Light, the finishing powder, is one of my favorites in the permanent line, especially when I want a tanned, sun-kissed finish. The blushes, highlighters, and bronzer (all brand new and limited to this palette, by the way) come in an array of purple-toned hues that look absolutely delicious on deep skin, especially if you use them as I do and layer them over a more matte formula.

• Medium Skin

Hope would work beautifully on medium skin tones. The finishing powder, Soft Light, is fantastic for setting all over the face or highlighting specific areas; plus, the warm, mauve-toned hues create an easy but cohesive blush-and-bronze moment.

• Light Skin

The Wish palette has the lightest shades of the entire lineup. One of my favorite finishing powder shades, Diffused Light, is featured in this palette, along with slightly cooler shades like the highlighter in Moonstone Glow and the Ethereal Bronze bronzer.

The Love palette, available exclusively at Sephora, is another palette you might think is for lighter skin tones, but I implore you to go into stores and play before you decide. The blush colors in this palette are fantastic, especially if you love a more pink-toned cheek, and the finishing powder, Dim Light, is one of the most universally flattering shades in the brand’s entire lineup. I constantly switch back and forth between this one and the Luck palette, and I have to admit: they’re neck and neck for the title of my favorite 2026 Ambient Lighting Edit palette.

Are the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Palettes Worth It?

Yes. A thousand times yes, these palettes are more than worth the money. $98 is steep, and I'm not disputing that. However, these palettes are one of the few makeup launches I look forward to every year without fail, and I believe they can work for everyone. I personally prefer to use all the Ambient powders to “finish” my makeup, so I use them as the last step before setting spray (and sometimes even after). What I will say is that I would love to see more nuance in the bronzers selected for each palette. It’s a common critique, and I find bronzers a particular pain point for deeper-toned consumers who may not want to use two separate products to get the look they want.

​In short, I truly believe that you can’t go wrong with picking up at least one of these palettes. They make a fantastic addition to any makeup collection, and this year’s versions in particular also feel well-suited to make one of the chicest beauty gifts of the season thanks to Rubinski's special touch. Need a few more Hourglass recommendations? Keep scrolling for my favorite products from the brand.

More Hourglass Products That I Love

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

When I hit 35, it became clear I needed to shift my skincare routine away from an acne focus and toward anti-aging ingredients, specifically formulas that keep my skin fresh and as healthy as possible for the long haul. While I still keep adult acne products on deck, I’ve started incorporating the best firming skincare products to boost my complexion's youthful-looking glow and delay fine lines for as long as possible.

“A good routine can improve hydration, texture, and the overall ‘bounce’ of the skin,” says board-certified dermatologist Annette Czernik, MD, adding that, while skincare can’t “physically lift the skin,” it can give the skin a firmer appearance. To do that, you need the right ingredients to support collagen production and boost skin radiance and hydration. “Look for retinoids, peptides, antioxidants such as vitamin C, niacinamide, and hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid,” board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, tells Marie Claire.

Supporting your skin’s natural collagen production is the key to firmer skin, but remember, skincare can’t perform miracles. Some of these skin-firming products might not be enough if you’ve recently lost a lot of weight and have sagging, loose skin; a simple product or two might not cut it (though there are plenty of GLP-1 skincare recs you can try). And while certain active ingredients like antioxidants and ceramides can support skin firmness, elasticity, and overall skin health, Dr. Gohara warns, “No cream is a facelift in a jar.” That said, if you’re looking to prevent fine lines and loss of skin elasticity, these are the best firming skincare products you want to try.

The Best Firming Skincare Products

• Best Firming Skincare Overall: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx BioRejuvenation Serum
• Best Firming Retinol Serum: Anua Nano Retinol 0.3 + Niacin Renewing Serum
• Best Firming Peptide Serum: SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Anti-Wrinkle Peptide Serum
• Best Firming Vitamin C Serum: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Acid Serum
• Best Firming Moisturizer: RoC Retinol Corexion Anti-Aging + Firming Night Face Moisturizer

Best Firming Skincare Overall

Best Firming Retinol Serum

Best Firming Peptide Serum

Best Firming Vitamin C Serum

Best Firming Moisturizer

Best Firming Eye Serum

Best Firming Face Oil

Best Firming Skincare for the Neck

Best Firming Body Lotion

Can Firming Skincare Actually Tighten Loose or Sagging Skin?

“Skincare can help prevent or slow future loss of firmness and make skin look smoother and slightly more resilient, but it cannot lift truly sagging skin,” says Dr. Gohara. “Think of skincare as maintaining the fabric, not rebuilding the scaffolding underneath it.”

Certain skincare ingredients—retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants—have been shown to help keep the skin healthy and support collagen production, elasticity, or firmness, but it’s important to remember that skincare can only do so much. “Expect gradual improvements in hydration, texture, fine lines, and the appearance of mild crepiness,” she says. “Not a dramatic lift.” So, if you have visibly sagging or loose skin, whether from aging or significant weight loss, you might need to look beyond skincare.

Dr. Gohara also warns against products touting topical collagen as a way to counteract collagen loss in the skin. “Collagen molecules are generally too large to replace lost collagen deep in the skin,” she notes. “They may moisturize and temporarily plump the surface, but they do not rebuild the skin’s internal mattress.”

Finally, remember: The best firming skincare is nothing without good UV protection, so you’ll want to add a face sunscreen (and body sunscreen depending on your outfit!) to your routine, too. “Sunscreen is nonnegotiable,” says Dr. Gohara. “UV exposure is one of the greatest accelerators of collagen loss, so using firming products without sunscreen is like filling a bucket with a hole in the bottom.”

What Causes Skin to Lose Firmness and Elasticity?

Many factors contribute to a loss of firmness and elasticity in the skin, but Dr. Gohara likes to focus on what she calls “the rule of S’s: sun, smoking, stress, smog, sugar, and someone in your family—meaning genetics.” All of these things contribute to a loss of firmness as we age. “Sun and smog create free radicals that damage collagen and elastin,” she explains. “Smoking reduces blood flow and accelerates collagen breakdown. Chronic stress can drive inflammation, while excess sugar attaches to collagen through a process called glycation, making those fibers stiffer and less functional.”

Age, of course, also comes into play. “A big part of skin firmness comes from collagen and elastin, which provide structure and flexibility,” explains Dr. Czernik. “As we age, the body gradually produces less collagen, while existing collagen becomes more fragmented and damaged.” Dr. Gohara says. “The cells that manufacture collagen and elastin become less productive, while the enzymes that break these proteins down become more active,” she explains, adding that a decline in estrogen can also lead to collagen loss. “Facial fat pads also shrink and shift, ligaments loosen, and bone structure changes,” she adds. “That is why sagging is not simply a ‘skin problem.’ The entire support system evolves.”

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Experts

Well, folks, Labor Day has come and gone, and apparently, so has my interest in bright summer nail colors. After spending the past week in Stockholm, I’m taking a few style cues from the Swedes. These women know how to dress, and somewhere between admiring their Toteme trenches and mentally budgeting for an Acne Studios scarf, I started reconsidering my next nail color as I caught flashes of their impeccibly manicured nails. My usual summer red will always have a place, but right now, I want something a little earthier.

Conveniently, this week’s best nail looks leave me with plenty of ideas. Chocolate brown gets a sliver of pink, while olive green has me ordering my next manicure dirty, with extra olives. And if you prefer your mani with a little more going on, wait until you see the marbled set. I’d happily have that exact pattern installed as my kitchen countertops.

There’s still some shine in the mix, too. A glossy jade manicure is keeping my chrome obsession alive well into the fall so don’t put away the powder just yet. Ahead, the nail looks I’m saving for my next appointment—and probably the one after that, too.

Mint Condition

You might have to zoom in to appreciate the tiny gold detail on these olive French tips, but that minimalistic touch is so chic. Against a sheer base, the color is subtle enough for anyone who usually refuses to venture beyond a nude manicure. Consider this your gentle nudge.

Chocolate-Dipped

Apparently, my favorite ice cream order also makes an excellent manicure. The glossy chocolate base leaves just a sliver of strawberry pink peeking out around the cuticle, and I love how the two shades look together on short nails. Neapolitan fans, you know what to do.

Extra Dirty

I’ve had my fill of matcha manicures for the moment. Next drink order? A dirty martini, courtesy of Selena Gomez, who wore this olive shade with help from her go-to nail artist, Tom Bachik.

Leather Weather

This is the nail equivalent of the brown leather bag you pull out every September and carry until spring. No nail art necessary; the rich color and glossy finish do plenty on their own. I love the short, softly squared shape, too.

Jade Glaze

Just when I think I’ve exhausted my interest in glazed nails, Zola Ganzorigt gives me another reason to ask for chrome. This pale jade set has an almost pearly finish, and it's stunning in all lights. If you’re still easing into fall colors, there’s no need to go straight to espresso.

Stone Cold

Someone get me the name of this countertop. The smoky brown veining over a milky base looks remarkably like polished stone, especially alongside those solid charcoal nails.

Foiled

A moment for silver, which I’m increasingly inclined to treat as a neutral this season. These short chrome nails look especially good piled up with jewelry, and I see no reason to choose between silver and gold. Wear both.

French Gone Feral

For anyone who read “earthy” and worried I was about to prescribe eight plain brown manicures: absolutely not. These animal print French tips have plenty of attitude, with a sheer pink base that leaves room to appreciate all the detail.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Growing up, I never gave much thought to my electrolyte intake. A Gatorade after soccer practice? Lemon Lime, please. But the category as a whole was pretty limited. In the past couple of months, though, the industry has exploded—and frankly, rebranded. Electrolytes are now less about supplementation when you're sick or a professional athlete. Instead, it’s a category that’s infiltrated the wellness sector. According to Fortune Business Insights, the market is expected to grow significantly, reaching upwards of $77 billion to $82 billion by the mid-2030s.

There are wellness-forward options from brands like Thorne, which specializes in supplements. Hangover-targeted ones from Waterboy and Liquid IV. There are even more functional electrolytes that are fortified with magnesium, calcium, and chloride. Some are advertised as beneficial for combating GLP-1-related nausea or for helping you acclimate to altitude changes. Basically, there’s an electrolyte for everyone and every concern. But do you need to take them? That’s where the marketing can be a bit confusing.

Electrolytes, at their core, are there to correct a fluid imbalance, not as a daily dietary supplement. “Anyone who is regularly participating in intense physical exercise or those who tend to sweat heavily will have higher rates of electrolyte loss and will benefit from maintaining appropriate electrolyte levels and adequate fluid balance,” says Frank DiLorenzo, the VP of Product Development at Nutrabolt.

So while you may not need them all the time, electrolytes are a nice option to have as a part of your overall wellness routine. I’ve tried my fair share over the past year, looking for an option that makes me feel good and doesn’t taste too salty. Shop my favorites, ahead.

• The Best Electrolytes With Caffeine: C4 Performance Hydration Drink Mix
• The Best Electrolyte Packets: Thorne Daily Electrolytes, Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix
• The Best Electrolytes for a Hangover: Waterboy Weekend Recovery
• The Best Sugar-Free Electrolytes: Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free Hydration Electrolytes
• The Best Electrolytes for Working Out: LMNT Variety Pack
• The Best Electrolytes for Hormone Health: Iris Women's Hormonal Health Daily Electrolyte Mix

Best Electrolytes With Caffeine

Best Electrolyte Packets

Best Electrolytes for a Hangover

Best Sugar-Free Electrolytes

Best Electrolytes for Working Out

Best Electrolytes for Hormone Health

What Should I Look For When Choosing an Electrolyte Drink?

It really depends on your specific routine and needs. “People should look for products that contain appropriate amounts of sodium and potassium for the types of activity they're engaging in or those that would be complementary to support gaps in their existing diet,” says DiLorenzo. “Depending on the individual and their fitness objectives, they may want to avoid products that contain high levels of sugar, especially if the quantity is excessive for their training or activity levels.” If you have any questions about which product is best for you, consult with your physician.

Can I Drink Too Many Electrolytes?

“Yes, you can always consume too much of anything and electrolytes are no different. Electrolytes are part of maintaining proper fluid balance but individuals should still be consuming sufficient levels of water to maintain proper hydration,” says DiLorenzo. Most of the time, electrolytes can accompany a workout, but be cautious of drinking them everyday—too much sodium can be harmful to the kidneys.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

New York Fashion Week S/S '27 is winding down in NYC, and unsurprisingly, the street style set has not disappointed. Editors, creators, and buyers are rushing all around Manhattan (and parts of Brooklyn) to view the upcoming season's collections from buzzy designers like Henry Zankov (who made his debut as the new creative director of Diane Von Furstenberg), Daniella Kallmeyer, Jamie Haller, Maria McManus, Tory Burch and more. As a beauty editor, my eyes are always trained on the hair and makeup moments, especially for the attendees outside the shows, and I'm happy to report that the best street style beauty looks are offering up plenty of inspiration.

Although the New York weather has been behaving itself, the crowds proved that updos are having a moment, specifically chignons—both messy and sleek—braided pigtails, and all variations of the ponytail. Bare skin is also a common sighting this season, with radiant complexions on models and show-goers alike. The occasional pop of color on the lips is another welcome addition to the fashion party.

For more of the week's best beauty looks, keep scrolling, and check back here over the next few days for all the hair, makeup, and nail inspiration you need to enter fall in style.

The Best New York Fashion Week Street Style Beauty Looks

On the Low

Half 'n Half

Power Pony

The Bee's Knees

All Tied Up

Up, Up, and Away

Put a Ring(let) On It

Bless This Mess

All Curled Up

Defying Gravity

Petal Lips

Party In the Back

Braided Beauty

Bold Pout

Top to Toe

Silver Siren

Add a Bandana

Double Up

Cranberry Kiss

Maximalist Mani

It's Giving Glow

All Twisted Up

Bangs, Baby, Bangs

Extra Accessorized

Curly Crop

Matchy Maroon

All About a Bixie

Spaced Out

Beautifully Ballet

Serving Side Braid

Money Piece Chignon

Flirty Pony

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion, and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Henry Zankov made his debut as the creative director of Diane Von Furstenberg at New York Fashion Week S/S '27, and with it came the obvious wrap dresses, flowing fabrics, and gorgeous prints (lots of leopard!). But it also brought an unanticipated, but very fabulous manicure selection. Editorial nail artist Miss Pop is the genius behind what she’s dubbed the “sunglass nail trend,” and mark my words, it’s about to be one of the biggest fall looks for the fashion crowd.

It's a bit on the nose, but the whole idea is that nail polish is akin to sunglasses—slightly tinted, half-sheer, and the finishing touch to any fabulous outfit. “With the glass nail trend taking over, we wanted to give it a more sheer, modern twist,” says Miss Pop, who was in charge of ideating manicures for the show. “It’s effortlessly cool, like your favorite pair of sunglasses.”

Her inspiration came primarily from the collection's color palette. Think: rich browns, striking greens, and sheer fabrics. But the colors have less to do with the trend than the application. You really need two key components: a slightly sheer polish and a high-shine top coat. For this particular show, though, Miss Pop used the Essie Special Effects line, which is a range of holographic, duochrome, and light-reflecting pigments.

If you’re trying to recreate the look at home, it’s honestly pretty easy and can be accomplished in just two to three simple coats. To start, use just one layer of polish—this will ensure that your polish is slightly sheer and jelly-like. If you’re attempting to create a multi-dimensional shade, consider layering a complementary shade on top.

Then, the most important step is a high-shine top coat that delivers an uber-glassy finish. “If a cat eye nail is a shooting star, a glass nail is the Northern Lights,” Miss Pop previously told MC. “It has a ton more depth, thanks to the added glass-like gloss on the nail.”

Want to recreate the look at home? Shop the exact nail polish shades from the DVF show, ahead.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

I’ll be honest: I’m not big on crazy nail trends. I love the funky patterns like polka dot nails and mermaid finishes from afar, but they feel a little too experimental on my own fingers. I’m a year-round Bubble Bath wearer, and the extent of my experimentation is a navy or wine in the dead of winter. But this September, the biggest nail trends are shockingly wearable. So wearable, that I actually think I’ll switch things up at my next manicure appointment.

The colors are rooted in the neutral family. Shades like brown, nude, baby pinks, and whites are the buzziest. But don’t conflate their basic nature with being boring—every single shade is getting a textural twist. Rather than playing with prints and patterns, we’ll be seeing high shine, sheerness, and sparkle. Think glass skin—but for your nails. This fall, we’re seeing a crop of looks that feel elegant, rich, and classic. To see what four September nail trends are going to reign supreme, keep reading. Editorial nail artist Miss Pop is breaking it down ahead.

Chocolate Shimmers

Merlots will never not be in, but the most popular shade for the fall season is bound to be chocolate brown. “I love every shade of brown—I’ve always been a fan. I love ‘em in summer because they’re a whole damn mood, but especially in fall. When you add the shimmer, it gives the vampy vibe of the ‘90s that I love,” says Miss Pop. I personally have been gravitating towards really deep browns that verge on black, but more cashmere camel hues are also very cozy.

Glassy Glaze

Introducing the new It-girl finish: glass. “It’s the next level of cat eye; think of it like the sparklier sister. The whole idea is that you’re pulling the sparkle out into an even deeper, richer space with even more dimension,” says Miss Pop. “If a cat eye nail is a shooting star, a glass nail is the Northern Lights. It has a ton more depth, thanks to the added glass-like gloss on the nail.” To achieve the look, find a super high-shine top coat.

Metallic Moments

Expect NYFW to feature a ton of silver, gold, and mixed-metal energy. “I love a chromey metallic. If it’s not milky, it needs to be shimmery or pearly,” says Miss Pop. You’ll also see a ton of metallic accents this month—from metallic French manicures to accent nails.

See-Through Sets

“If you can’t see through the nail color you’re using, are you even paying attention to trends? Nothing is opaque; everything has a milky finish, a sheer finish, or a semi-sheer finish,” says Miss Pop. “Is it sheer and shimmering? You’re hitting all the notes. Obviously, nudes and milky tones, but it’s going into fall shades like deep, rich purples.” I’m personally loving a sheer navy.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

Meet the Expert

I am, admittedly, a makeup brush snob. I’ve never really bought into applying product with my fingers, and while I’ll occasionally reach for a sponge, brushes have always been my go-to. I still dabble with the staples in my collection that seem like everyone has owned since high school, but becoming a beauty editor has made me much more particular about what I invest in. Once you start paying attention to how a really good brush is made—and how much easier it can make it to create an incredible makeup look—you can’t exactly unlearn it.

Which brings me to Kraum, a line of makeup brushes that launched just under a year ago. It doesn’t hurt that the brand is gorgeous. The chic black-and-white packaging caught my eye first, but there’s real beauty-world pedigree behind it, too. Kraum was created by Annie Kreighbaum, the former executive editor and VP of brand development at Glossier before going on to co-found Soft Services. This time around, she’s turned her attention to makeup brushes, down to the tiniest details—and I mean tiny.

Five of Kraum’s brushes are part of the “Micro” family, and they live up to the name. The brushes are designed with makeup artists in mind, which is obvious when you look at some of the incredibly specific shapes. That said, they’re not so technical that the average makeup lover would have no idea what to do with them.

What also surprised me was how small the collection is. There aren’t endless variations of essentially the same thing; Kraum makes just seven brushes total, and each one has a very specific purpose. Aesthetically, it might be the chicest beauty brand I’m seeing right now. So yes, I wanted to find out whether the brushes were actually that good, or whether I had simply fallen for excellent taste.

Kraum Makeup Brushes

What Kind of Brushes Does Kraum Have?

All seven Kraum brushes are handmade in Kumano, Japan, a city famous for its centuries-old brushmaking tradition, and where many luxury beauty brands have their brushes produced. Five belong to the Micro Brush Set: the Angle, Saber, Swab, Square, and Taper. Most use synthetic bristles, while the Swab combines goat hair with synthetic fibers. They’re designed for very precise work, from liner to spot concealing or getting product right along the lash line. You can buy them individually or as the $149 set, which also includes Kraum’s Brush Soap.

The two brushes outside the set are larger. The Midi Flat Brush ($42) uses synthetic bristles and is designed for cream and liquid formulas, while the Eye Shaper Brush ($50) uses natural goat hair and is made for powders. Kraum also sells the Brush Soap separately.

How Do You Care for Kraum Brushes?

A good makeup brush can last for decades—and Kraum says that, with proper care, its brushes can potentially last a lifetime. The biggest thing is keeping water away from the ferrule—i.e., the technical term for where the bristles meet the handle. Instead of submerging the brush, wet and wash only the bristles, then rinse with them pointed downward.

Kraum recommends cleaning the brushes regularly with its conditioning Brush Soap; for brushes you reach for frequently, a weekly wash is a good rule of thumb. Afterward, gently reshape the bristles and lay the brush horizontally to dry with the head hanging over the edge of a counter. It’s a little more particular than tossing them in a cup to dry, but for brushes you could theoretically own forever, I’d say it’s worth the extra minute.

How Well Do the Kraum Brushes Apply Makeup?

I’m a smokey eye girl through and through. I do some version of one pretty much every single day, so I know exactly where I want my shadow to sit and the shape I’m trying to create. I started with the larger Eye Shaper Brush to lay down the base layers of my smokey eye, then moved on to the Micro eye brushes for the detail work.

The Micro Taper Brush made blending my liner into a soft wing ridiculously easy. If I wanted the end a little pointier, I went in with the Micro Angle Brush to sharpen it up. Then I took the Micro Swab Brush along my lower lash line, where its tiny size let me really push the shadow into my lash line rather than accidentally dragging the color too far down. I wasn’t suddenly doing a different eye look with these brushes; I was just getting to the exact shape I wanted faster, without having to clean up or correct as much along the way. My smokey eye still looked like my smokey eye—I just got it right on the first try instead of correcting my wing ten times.

Are Kraum Brushes Worth It?

Kraum brushes are certainly pricier than what you’ll find at the drugstore, but considering how they’re made, I actually don’t think the prices are crazy. They’re made to last for decades—and potentially a lifetime with proper care—and I noticed a real difference in how easily I could do the makeup I wear every day. The Micro brushes, especially, made the annoying little parts of my makeup routine, like getting my wing exactly right, noticeably easier. And I have to give the brand design its flowers: everything from the cream-and-black handles to the packaging is just so freaking chic. I’m more than happy to leave these sitting out on my vanity for everyone to see.

Why Trust Marie Claire

For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.

It’s the week after Labor Day, and if you’re a beauty obsessive like I am, then you know that this only means one thing: the holiday sales are about to be in full swing. While I’ve found some hero staples this past summer (skin tints, spray sunscreens, new brow products—the works), my fall beauty routine will be all about optimization. Thankfully, Nordstrom’s End of Summer sale will help me to get one step closer to the fall and winter beauty routines of my dreams.

​Until September 15, there are hundreds of products on sale at Nordstrom.com, and from my research, I have to admit: the deals are damn good. Whether you’re a wellness aficionado who loves a gadget (vibration plates or acupuncture mats, anyone?) or simply need to refresh your go-to tools, there is seriously an option here for anyone. Even my bath and body product lovers can get in on the fun, with perfumes, body butters, and even floss being offered at a discounted rate.

​This many products on sale at once kind of feels like a beauty lover’s version of the state fair, but if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, trust me, I completely understand. To help get the best bang for your buck, I went ahead and curated a list of my favorite finds from the 2026 sale. Keep reading to see which products made the cut, from the lens of a beauty editor who’s tried practically every beauty product on the market.

Best Beauty Products at the 2026 Nordstrom End-of-Summer Sale

• Best Makeup Brush: BK Beauty Angie Hot & Flashy A506 Concealer Brush
• Best Blush Palette: Ofra Mini Mix Face Palette - Charm Your Cheeks
• Best Perfume: Ktoret Candy Eau de Parfum
• Best Moisturizer: Kate McLeod Spicy Cacao Body Stone
• Best Body Exfoliator: Luv Scrub Mesh Body Exfoliator
• Best Dry Brush: Pursonic Bath Body Brush With Lotus Wooden Handle
• Best LED Device: Pursonic 7-Color LED Light Therapy Neck & Face Device
• Best Skincare Essence: Haru Haru Black Rice Probiotics Barrier Essence

Best Makeup Brush

Best Blush Palette

Best Perfume

Best Moisturizer

Best Body Exfoliator