Blog

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

Put off holiday shopping again? It happens to the best of us, and the best last-minute gifts have you covered, so no need to fret. Even if you didn't plan your shopping as well as you did last year, there's still time to grab some real gems for the people in your life who deserve it most. So, consider this the procrastinator's ultimate gift guide. Online retailers like Amazon and Sephora are filled with last-minute stocking stuffers and unique gift ideas for everyone on your list: best friends, moms, dads, and teenagers alike. Plus, the prezzies will arrive at your (or their) door before the festivities begin and won't look like hasty picks.

Our Top Last-Minute Gifts

The Viral StylerDyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-StylerJump to review$650 $479 (26% off)

Amazon

Color Outside the LinesOff-White Imprint Crayon Stick 2-Piece SetJump to review$66

Amazon

Sky-High LashesTarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara & Tubing Primer DuoJump to review$56

Amazon

Because shipping delays are often unavoidable, place your orders as soon as possible to ensure your holiday gifts arrive on time. (Each delivery service provider has different deadlines, so we recommend looking into those.) Luckily, if you're an Amazon Prime member or a Sephora Beauty Insider, you’re all set with either next-day shipping or two-day shipping—and even more luckily, most of the gifts below can be found at those retailers.

For your gifting convenience, we've rounded up 21 beauty and lifestyle last-minute gift ideas—plus a few charitable options. These presents will keep your loved ones' skin glowing, hair shiny, sleep deep, makeup done, and their minds at peace.

Need more gift-spiration? Check out our ultimate holiday gift guide for 2025.

Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dyson

Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler

$650 $479 (26% off)

Amazon

$650

Ulta Beauty

$649

Sephora

If you’re shopping for someone who loves styling their hair but hates figuring out how to use a hot tool, the Dyson Airwrap i.d. Multi-Styler is a last-minute gift that’s destined to be a slam dunk. The newest iteration pairs Dyson’s iconic Coanda airflow styling with an app-connected experience that customizes heat, airflow, and timing to the user’s hair type and goals. Whether they want bouncy curls, a smooth blowout, or polished waves, this multitasking tool does it all without extreme heat.

Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Biodance

Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask

$19

Amazon

$19

Soko Glam

For the skin-care obsessive (or anyone who loves a glow-up), the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is the kind of viral favorite that lives up to the hype. This ultra-hydrating face mask is soaked in a collagen-rich essence that deeply moisturizes, plumps, and smooths skin in one relaxing session. It’s especially useful during cold-weather months when dryness is unavoidable. The instant glass-skin effect makes it perfect for pre-party prep or post-holiday/post-travel R&R alike.

Off-White Imprint Crayon Stick 2-Piece Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Off-White

Imprint Crayon Stick 2-Piece Set

$66

Amazon

Know someone who's always coming up with the coolest makeup looks? They're gonna love this chic stocking stuffer. Off-White's Imprint Crayon Stick 2-Piece Set features two creamy formulas in eye-catching red and marigold hues that lend themselves to limitless possibilities. Lipstick! Graphic eye looks! Blush! That's art, baby.

Tarte Tartelette Tubing Mascara & Primer Duo

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Tarte

Tartelette Tubing Mascara & Tubing Primer Duo

$56

Amazon

Tarte’s Tartelette Tubing Mascara & Primer Duo is an easy win for anyone who wants long, fluttery lashes without smudging or flaking. The primer builds volume and length, while the tubing mascara wraps each lash for definition that lasts all day and removes effortlessly with warm water. Ideal for sensitive eyes or anyone who hates raccoon smears, this duo feels practical yet indulgent. It’s the kind of everyday staple that quickly becomes a ride-or-die favorite.

Canopy Filtered Showerhead

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Canopy

Filtered Showerhead

$150 $105 (30% off)

Amazon

$150

Nordstrom

$150

Sephora

A filtered showerhead might not sound glamorous, but hear us out. The Canopy Filtered Showerhead helps remove impurities from hard water that can dry out skin, irritate the scalp, and dull hair. The result? Softer strands, calmer skin, and a spa-like shower experience that feels instantly noticeable. It installs easily (no tools required), making it perfect for renters or commitment-phobes. This is a thoughtful, wellness-forward gift that quietly upgrades someone’s daily routine and everything shower—arguably the best kind of luxury.

Medicube Korean Viral Glass Skin Mask Duo

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medicube

Korean Viral Glass Skin Mask Duo

$49 $37 (24% off)

Amazon

Korean beauty fans will recognize Medicube as a skin-care powerhouse, and the Pore & Glow K-Viral Mask Set delivers exactly what its name promises. Designed to refine the look of pores, smooth texture, and boost radiance, these masks are ideal for anyone chasing that dewy, lit-from-within glow. They’re great for self-care nights, pre-event skin prep, or gifting to someone who loves trying buzzy, results-driven formulas.

RevAir Reverse Air Hair Dryer

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Revair

Reverse Air Hair Dryer

$429

Amazon

Viral products come and go, but for anyone with thick, curly, or coily hair, the RevAir Reverse Air Hair Dryer is a true game-changer. Instead of blasting strands with heat, this innovative tool gently pulls hair into a wand using reverse airflow, drying and smoothing simultaneously. The result is sleek, stretched hair with significantly less heat damage and effort.

Gisou Glow All The Way Hair and Lip Gift Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Gisou

Glow All The Way Hair and Lip Gift Set

$75

Sephora

$75

Kohl's

Infused with the brand’s signature honey, the Gisou Glow All The Way Hair and Lip Gift Set delivers hydration and shine for strands and lips, featuring a fan-favorite hair oil and the brand’s viral lip gloss. It’s perfect for the beauty lover who appreciates minimalist formulas with maximum payoff.

Topicals Like Butter Eczema Hydrating Mask

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Topicals

Like Butter Eczema Hydrating Mask

$34

Amazon

$34

Sephora

Topicals' Like Butter Eczema Hydrating Mask is like a skin-softening blanket for your friend's face. It's packed with soothing and anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, centella asiastica, colloidal oatmeal, green tea extract, and ginseng root, and works wonders on any body area. Despite being a thick, whipped mask, it has the consistency of a gel cream and absorbs instantly without leaving behind any greasy residue.

Olaplex The Full-On Shine Hair Routine Gift Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Olaplex

The Full-On Shine Hair Routine Gift Set

$68

Amazon

$68

Ulta Beauty

$68

Bluemercury

Soft, glossy hair never goes out of style, which makes Olaplex’s Full-On Shine Hair Routine Gift Set a foolproof pick. Powered by the brand’s bond-building technology, this set helps repair damage, smooth frizz, and boost shine with continued use. It’s ideal for color-treated hair, heat-styling devotees, or anyone trying to revive stressed strands.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Laneige

Lip Sleeping Mask

$24

Amazon

$24

Sephora

Your giftee may be counting sheep, but the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is wide awake and hard at work hydrating their lips. The antioxidant formula contains murumuru seed butter and vitamin C to soften, smooth, and replenish their precious pout with much-needed moisture. Tell your loved one to apply a layer before bed, let it do its thing overnight, and gently wipe off their lips in the morning. The Berry flavor is Laneige's original, but the mask also comes in tasty options like Mango and Vanilla, along with special edition picks for the holidays.

Maison Louie Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Luxury Perfume Gift Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Maison Louis Marie

No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Luxury Perfume Gift Set

$125

Sephora

$125

Revolve

Just because your gift is a last-minute purchase doesn't mean it can't be luxe. Give your loved one the Maison Louis Marie No. 04 Bois de Balincourt Luxury Perfume Gift Set to spoil them, no matter how long you procrastinate on holiday shopping. This three-piece set includes a full-size candle, perfume bottle, and perfume oil of the brand's woody gourmand Bois de Balincourt fragrance, which features cinnamon, cedarwood, and sandalwood notes.

Owala FreeSip Sway Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Owala

FreeSip Sway Stainless Steel Water Bottle

$35

Amazon

Hydration gifts are having a moment, and the Owala FreeSip Sway Stainless Steel Water Bottle stands out for good reason. Its dual-function lid lets users sip through a straw or chug from a spout, making it perfect for workouts, commutes, and desk days alike. The insulated stainless steel keeps drinks cold for hours, and the sleek design comes in eye-catching colorways. Practical, stylish, and surprisingly delightful, this is the kind of gift that becomes part of someone’s everyday life immediately.

Nori Press

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Nori

Press

$119

Amazon

$120

Nordstrom

Nori (which is "iron" spelled backward) is our favorite way to unwrinkle. The handheld iron/steamer combo tool is speedy, precise, and super travel-friendly, weighing in at less than 1.5 pounds. The device has two heated plates that steam or iron both sides of a garment simultaneously—no ironing board necessary. Your giftee can give a hotel finish to the pillowcases in the guest room before a visitor arrives or stow it in their carry-on for a quick refresh in the airport bathroom before a cab takes them straight to the party.

Sephora Gift Card

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Sephora

Gift Card

$10

Sephora

If you waited until the honest-to-god, absolute last second to buy something, you can't go wrong with an e-gift card. Any beauty lover on your list will appreciate receiving a Sephora Gift Card, which you can email to them anytime. You can load the digital gift card with as little as $10 and as much as $500 if you're feeling extra, extra generous. It’s the last-minute Christmas gift that gives them all of the options and total control.

Lola Blanket

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Lola

Blanket

$399

Lola Blankets

When in doubt, the gift of coziness is always appreciated, and the Lola Blanket delivers in the chicest way possible. This ultra-soft, generously-sized blanket elevates any couch, bed, or reading nook, thanks to a slew of neutral and vibrant hues that complement virtually any décor. It’s perfect for cold nights, movie marathons, or simply feeling wrapped in comfort.

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Allure Beauty Box

Allure Beauty Box

$65

Allure Beauty Box

This is the gift that keeps on giving with skin care, makeup, hair care, and more delivered to their door every month. Each box comes with at least six products worth $100 or more, and everything has been tested and approved by Allure beauty editors. You can start their monthly beauty gifting with three-month, six-month, and annual gift subscription options.

Headspace Subscription

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Headspace

Subscription

$39

Headspace

Meditation can be challenging to start, so if you know anyone who's looking to take up or fine-tune their meditative practice, get them something that they'd seriously appreciate: a subscription to Headspace. This guided meditation app helps listeners stay focused and excel, whether they're newbies or have been practicing for years. You can purchase a three-month subscription (worth $39), or, if you want to be an impressive gift-giver, you can buy them a full year of access for $70.

The Loveland Foundation Donation

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Loveland Foundation

Donation

Shop at

The Loveland Foundation

Material gifts aren't the only route to go, of course. Instead of fretting over the perfect lipstick for your loved one (which we still support, of course), you can donate that money to a good cause. Founded by writer, lecturer, and activist Rachel Cargle, The Loveland Foundation provides financial support for Black girls and women seeking therapy and generational healing, giving them access to a selection of culturally competent, carefully selected mental health professionals across the U.S. This helps fund recipients receive continuous treatment because, as you might well know, lasting work isn't done in only a handful of sessions.

Equal Justice Initiative Donation

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Equal Justive Initiative

Donation

Shop at

Equal Justice Initiative

It's no secret that racial and economic inequality plagues the nation. Public interest lawyer Bryan Stevenson founded the Equal Justice Initiative to end mass incarceration, challenge racial and economic norms, and protect the civil rights of the country's most vulnerable groups. Donate on behalf of a loved one who would rather have their holiday gift go toward a cause bigger than themselves.

Adopt A Classroom.org Donation

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

AdoptAClassroom.org

Donation

$25

AdoptAClassroom.org

AdoptAClassroom.org is an exceptionally worthy cause to give to in honor of your loved one. You can either make a general donation to direct the money where it's needed most, fund a specific teacher or school, contribute to the Racial Equity in School fund, or choose from several other targeted funds. Through this donation, you'll be investing in the schooling of the kids who will build a better future with the help of a solid educational foundation.

Ingrid FowlerSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Ever wonder what it’s like shopping with a beauty editor? Welcome to Counter Service, a series where we visit our favorite beauty boutiques IRL. We’re visiting the curated spaces and places that make shopping in person oh-so fun—and you’re coming with. On a balmy winter day in Los Angeles, Shanna Shipin, Allure’s senior shopping director, visited Flamingo Estate’s Los Angeles pop-up shop to get into the sensorial holiday spirit.

As enticing as the entrance: Free two-hour parking in the back.

Ingrid Fowler

Floor to ceiling gorgeosity.

Ingrid Fowler

About a quarter block down, you can smell it. Damask rose, peppermint, and rosemary—the scent wafts along Figueroa, the busy Highland Park street where Flamingo Estate’s holiday pop-up is perched in Northeast Los Angeles.

In This StoryAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Bushels to Beauty, and Back Again
• The Holiday Harvest Shop
• Wrapping Up
• Shop Flamingo Estate

Bushels to Beauty, and Back Again

Long before it launched an experiential arm, Flamingo Estate was a farm box company founded by Richard Christiansen, formerly of Chandelier Creative, a legendary New York-based creative agency with a roster including Hermès, Cartier, and, more recently, Rhode. While that last client was post-Christiansen’s departure, his background as a creative director is as crucial as his upbringing on a rural Australian farm; who else could turn humble produce shipments into lusted-after luxury deliveries? I relocated from New York City to my hometown of Los Angeles during the pandemic, and without entirely joking, I would tell people I moved because the hustle was a lot—that, and the lack of good citrus. A real homecoming was had, then, when I returned in 2021 and immediately signed up for the locally famous farm boxes.

A few years later, Flamingo Estate has emerged as a globally recognized lifestyle brand that doesn’t just curate high-quality produce and pantry essentials, but has also launched bath and body products, candles, books, and, oh, just a few cultural moments. The Heirloom Tomato Candle arguably sparked the entire tomato girl movement of painting our fragrance wardrobes a bright, juicy red. (As Christiansen notes, “It has always been our number-one selling product, and much copied by other brands (but never perfected),” a potential Loewe dig that adds to lore). Then there are the various celebrity collaborations, my favorite of which has to be the limited-run Pamela’s Pickles, inspired by a recipe handed down to Pamela Anderson by her great aunt.

Hand cream secured.

Ingrid Fowler

A+ tablescaping.

Ingrid Fowler

As a beauty editor, I’ve found the most fascinating growth to be in Flamingo Estate’s beauty assortment. Take the Manuka Rich Cream—which felt entirely organic to the brand, considering Christiansen’s parents are beekeepers. And just this year, the Exfoliating Peppermint Soap Brick earned an Allure Best of Beauty Award in the body category. I tested the latter for our awards, and there’s always something exciting about seeing a red-seal product in the wild, watching customers discover its magic, too.

The Holiday Harvest Shop

The corner store shares a wall with the company’s LA headquarters and workshop. When I arrived at the mossy green building, I almost walked in through the back door where its soap bars are produced (one hundred at a time). I didn’t miss out on any sort of sensorial or tactile experience, though—the smelling, the touching, the feeling, the tasting! I got it all when I swung around to the front entrance.

The first thing that hits you is the sight of rosemary and sage bunches hanging from the ceiling. Peeking out from above them is a hand-painted mural of pink flowers, a gentle juxtaposition to the green-drenched interior. The space itself is a small footprint, and although it's filled with candles, soap bricks, and jars of honey everywhere you look, it doesn’t feel crowded. There’s one worker set behind a wooden apothecary-like counter, and Flamingo Estate’s office manager, Alex, who is on olive oil-tasting duty in one corner of the store. Above them, dried peppers serve as an edible crown molding.

I wish you had smell-o-vision right now.

Ingrid Fowler

Dream kitchen alert!

Ingrid Fowler

Each wall is flanked by a checkerboard of products and the brand’s holiday gift boxes—each with a cross-stitch design that feels all at once new and nostalgic. The beauty products are on one side; the pantry essentials are on the other, and the center counter is home to a show-stopping floral arrangement. True to the brand’s ethos of respecting the lifecycles of the natural world, the centerpiece isn’t replaced with a new bouquet each week; instead, stems are swapped out organically until it's transformed into a new arrangement entirely.

There are persimmons dotting the base of the vase, which are found all over Los Angeles (including my mom’s backyard), and not coincidentally, in my favorite vinegar from Flamingo Estate. Next to them is an array of treats, including the seasonal (and viral) Spicy Strawberry Fruit Snacks made from Harry’s Berries morsels, which were noted as having “juice-dribbling texture” in The New York Times. It’s just the kind of if-you-know-you-know touch the brand is so adept at bringing to each product. The last thing I notice is a woven basket on the checkerboard floor with dog toys shaped like various Flamingo Estate items, an ode to Christiansen’s two beloved Cocker Spaniels.

Wrapping Up

The shop is curated with precision, yet the effect is one of ease, making it just the sort of space you want to find yourself in when shopping for thoughtful home items or gifts for anyone in your life. No pressure to check out; you feel rich whether you walk out with the $90 fig oil or not. That’s the trick with Flamingo Estate, and indeed anything done well: It’s deceptively simple. There’s a depth you can only capture in person—holding the weight of decadent soap bars, the look on your loved one’s face when they unwrap a candle inspired by their favorite dessert, the warmth of sharing really good olive oil and bread with strangers.

As I’m leaving, my Prinsesstårta Set beautifully packaged in hand, I’m wistful in the way you sometimes get during Christmas. I’m sad it’s over before I’m out of the door. But not to worry: The shop will be open through the end of the year, and the brand has a few more pop-ups planned. There’s one for Valentine’s Day, another for Mother’s Day, and Flamingo Estate’s first permanent location will open in 2026 in Los Angeles. Emerald City, here we come.

I’ll take one of everything, thanks!

Ingrid Fowler

And we’re off—time to wrap these gifts.

Shanna Shipin

Shop Flamingo Estate

You can shop Flamingo Estate directly on its website, at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and surely at a chic boutique near you. Here are some picks I love for the holiday season.

Prinsesstårta Fragrance Oil

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

Prinsesstårta Fragrance Oil

$68

Nordstrom

Holiday shopping isn’t complete without a gift for yourself, right?

Ingrid Fowler

The Prinsesstårta Candle is perhaps my favorite item from Flamingo Estate. I’m a gourmand girl, especially during the holidays, and while you could absolutely gift the candle, let them eat, or wear, cake. This newest iteration of the brand’s Prinsesstårta theme is a lovely oil with marzipan and vanilla notes, along with amber, Oakmoss, and lemon to ground the scent and keep it from becoming cloying. In the store, I went back to roll this fragrance on my wrists no less than three times.

Bestsellers Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

Bestsellers Set

$122

Flamingo Estate

My kind of Jenga tower.

Ingrid Fowler

Yes, Flamingo Estate started in the garden with edible goods, but gifting soap—one of the brand’s signature bricks—is a can’t-miss situation. Accompanying the Allure 2025 Best of Beauty Award-winning Peppermint Soap Brick is the opportunity to help your loved ones laugh in the face of precipitation by lighting up the popular tomato candle in the dead of winter.

Mini Jasmine & Rose Rich Cream

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

Mini Jasmine & Rose Rich Cream

$22

Flamingo Estate

Once you go nice-hand-cream, you never go back.

Ingrid Fowler

The mini Jasmine & Rose hand cream is the perfect stocking stuffer your giftee will not want to leave the house without. This is a fabulous scent as a candle, but the sheen the cream leaves on your hands is sublime. (I prefer it over the Manuka version, which is a bit too rich for me as an everyday product.) You'll also be gifting them the ritual of cupping their just-moisturized hands over their nose and taking a deep inhale with every application.

Three Sisters Candle Set

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

Three Sisters Candle Set

$200 $160 (20% off)

Flamingo Estate

So cute, it’s us!

Ingrid Fowler

I’m one of three sisters, and I hope my siblings don’t read this story too soon, because otherwise their Christmas gift will be spoiled. This gift set completely surprised me in the store—it was so fun to pop open a box and find these petite candles. I love the idea of me and my sisters lighting these candles at the same time in our three different homes.

The Garden Tour

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

The Garden Tour

$245

Flamingo Estate

When you’re tired of that other hand soap, try this one.

Ingrid Fowler

The one product I keep stocked in my bathrooms? Rosemary Clary Sage Hand Soap. It’s what you want your hands to smell like after washing. Plus, Flamingo Estate updated its packaging just eight weeks ago, and while I initially missed the tall jewel-toned bottles the soap and body washes used to be housed in, seeing the new vessels in their glory—meticulously aligned on shelves—was so beautiful. You can get the soap and body wash, along with other garden essentials, in this beautiful gift set to stock their home (and promptly visit).

The Guide to Becoming Alive

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Flamingo Estate

The Guide to Becoming Alive

$50 $40 (20% off)

Amazon

$50

Flamingo Estate

The title says it all.

Ingrid Fowler

While the brand’s first book, Fridays From the Garden, is filled with gorgeous recipes and is an ode to its roots, this latest work is all about food for the soul. You’ll find words, thoughts, and advice from the likes of Jane Goodall, Martha Stewart, Jane Fonda, and so many more inspiring people with unique perspectives on, well, getting your hands in the dirt (literal or proverbial). It’s a lovely kind of sentiment to gift the person looking for renewal in the coming year—and aren’t we all, always?

Photo: Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Like so many of us who answer the gnawing inner voice that asks “Should I get bangs?” with a resounding yes, Kourtney Kardashian was bound to eventually tire of her fringe. She's been wearing blunt, piecey bangs for a couple of months now, but with the help of hairstylist Dimitris Giannetos, she's apparently growing them out in the most iconic fashion.

Giannetos posted a carousel of photos to his Instagram grid, revealing a whole new look for the Lemme founder. After weeks of stick-straight length and brow-skimming bangs, her hair has been totally reshaped into a retro, bouncy blowout.

“New ‘the YSL-haircut,’” Giannetos wrote in the caption. “It’s Farrah Fawcett it’s Fashion it’s Feathery it’s Fluffy and it’s 70s!" He adds that her glossy, darkest-brown, loose curls and newly swoopy curtain bangs have been given a boost by Great Lengths hair extensions.

Instagram content

Emphasizing the seventies-ness of it all are her oversized Saint Laurent aviator sunglasses. We can't tell what she's wearing beneath her coat, but it wouldn't be the least bit surprising if it included dramatically flared jeans.

When Kardashian shared Giannetos's post to her Instagram story, she also tagged makeup artist Jennifer Luney Tioseco, who gave the reality TV star bronzed cheeks and shimmering nude lips—a low-key look that pairs well with her subtle off-white manicure.

Even if you don't have access to Giannetos and ample extensions, Kardashian's new style can definitely serve as guidance for when you decide to grow our your bangs. She proves a flippy, middle-parted curtain bang never fails.

Getty Images/ Ingrid FowlerSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

Everyone loves a deal. But there are certain products and services in life where it could be, let’s say, less than optimal to shop for the deepest discount. Engagement rings come to mind. Criminal defense attorneys. Shellfish. And most people would probably add plastic surgery to the list. The old adage, “you get what you pay for,” carries a particular sting when it comes to your face or your body. And yet you may have noticed some social feeds recently touting a specific kind of aesthetic bargain, for example this TiKTok about influencers getting discounted plastic surgery from surgical fellows at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City.

After talking to plastic surgeons at every level—from residents and fellows to board-certified surgeons—I can confirm that this is a legitimate and longstanding medical practice occurring not just at Lenox Hill, but at teaching hospitals and academic institutions all over the country. Plastic surgery fellows routinely operate at discounted rates in the process of advancing their training and honing their aesthetic skills. Patients of all stripes can take advantage—the opportunity isn’t exclusive to social-media somebodies—and there’s nothing unsavory about it.

Historically, though, “fellows’ clinics” were something of an insider’s secret, my sources say. “It was known within the hospital community that there was this program where you can have surgery done at a lesser cost, but a fellow does the procedure,” explains J. Madison Clark, MD, chief of the division of facial plastic and reconstructive surgery at UNC Chapel Hill, director of the department’s fellowship program, and chair of the fellowship committee for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS). “The nurses would talk amongst themselves to find out which fellows had good hands, and then a nurse who might be ready for a facelift would schedule with that fellow.” But recently, thanks largely to social media, word has spread beyond hospital walls. On the heels of the aforementioned TikTok, Dr. Clark’s office fielded multiple calls from people asking how much his fellows charge for a facelift. In the 10-year history of the fellowship, this is the first time he’s ever received such inquiries.

While many fellowships do offer substantial price cuts—on the order of 50% or less of the particular surgery’s going rate—“I don’t want to give the impression that it’s dirt cheap,” says Mark G. Albert, MD, program director for the Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship at Manhattan Eye, Ear, and Throat Hospital (MEETH), a division of Lenox Hill Hospital. In light of the attention his program has received of late, he says, “I think it's important to set the record straight” about both the costs involved and the quality of care at these clinics. But first…

What exactly is a “fellows’ clinic”?

For starters, “these are not medical students experimenting on you,” says Dr. Clark. Fellows are full-fledged, licensed plastic surgeons who’ve graduated from accredited residency programs and thus have completed their formal training. But instead of going straight into practice, they’ve chosen to devote an extra year to learning the nuances of aesthetic surgery, specifically. “They'd otherwise be out in the community operating, but they're seeking the highest level of training possible,” says Dr. Albert.

While each fellowship has its own flavor (MEETH emphasizes facial surgery, for example, where other programs may focus on breast and body), they’re all designed to offer an intensive deep dive into aesthetic surgery under the mentorship of some of the biggest names in the field. A surgeon who scores a top fellowship “can get, like, a 15-year head start on anyone who goes straight into practice out of residency,” says Faryan Jalalabadi, MD, a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

Surgeons generally play a dual role in fellowship. In the early months, they’re observing in the operating room and helping to care for their program directors’ patients. When they scrub in on a senior surgeon’s case, they’re assisting—holding the retractor, cutting sutures—but they’re not typically doing any portion of the procedure unless the patient has consented to it, which is pretty rare. “If a plastic surgeon is charging $100,000 for a facelift, the person having it done is going to expect that surgeon to be their [only] surgeon,” notes Dr. Clark. “They don’t want to have the quote-unquote medical student doing any part of that.”

“These are not medical students experimenting on you.”

Once fellows have proven themselves to be safe and competent, they’ll usually be given “the green light to start seeing their own patients in the fellows’ clinic,” says board-certified plastic surgeon Bob Basu, MD, who is a fellowship director and the president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “By the time someone is six months into my fellowship, they’ve probably seen at least 200 breast augmentations, just to give an example, and that’s in addition to everything they saw and did in their six to nine years of residency.” In other words: “This is not a newbie dabbling in surgery,” he says.

Fellowships may introduce surgeons to specific techniques they haven’t seen before, though. “I saw zero deep plane facelifts in my residency, and I operated in the biggest medical center in the world,” says Dr. Jalalabadi. The deep plane (an advanced technique that releases and repositions the tissues in a lasting and natural-looking way) was a focus of his fellowship, however, and is now, four years later, a mainstay of his practice. “My fellowship program had a strong clinic built in, where I could book my own cases and I had supervision,” he says. “It’s crazy, the amount of learning that happens when you actually do a technique for the first time.”

Which is precisely the point of a fellows’ clinic: Instead of merely watching or assisting, fellows can devise surgical plans and operate autonomously, but with the safety net of having a mentor nearby. In the clinic, “the co-surgeon model is flipped,” says Tyler Safran, MD, a dual fellowship-trained plastic and reconstructive surgeon in Montreal. “The fellow becomes the primary surgeon of record, and the senior surgeon is assisting or at least available to help.” When Jason Bloom, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and co-director of the Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Pennsylvania, allows fellows to do aesthetic cases in his private surgery center, he’s “always around in case they have questions,” he says. “I could be in the other room operating, or I could be across the parking lot at my office, but I’m nearby to assist if needed.”

Some residency programs offer similar experiences—what’s known as resident aesthetic clinics or chief cosmetic clinics—enabling plastic surgery residents in their final years of training to perform injectable treatments or surgical procedures on patients for a nominal fee. (Residents’ clinics have been around since the late ’80s; today, upwards of 75% of plastic surgery programs have them.) A critical difference between residents’ clinics and fellows’ clinics is the degree of oversight. Residents require direct supervision, as in a senior surgeon (a.k.a., an attending) in the room with them. When a fellow is operating, however, “there’s not necessarily going to be an experienced surgeon looking over their shoulder,” says Dr. Clark. “Some fellowship directors may do that, but that's largely going to be the exception rather than the rule.”

How much experience do these surgeons actually have?

Every plastic surgery resident must log a certain number of surgeries across the breadth of the specialty, including a minimum of 150 aesthetic cases. “By your final years of residency, you’re functioning as a surgeon,” says Matthew Farajzadeh, MD, a plastic and reconstructive surgery chief resident at UC Davis. “You still have supervision, and you still have to answer to the attendings, but you’re fully working as a surgeon in the hospital.” Otolaryngology (ENT) residents, who may be training to become facial plastic surgeons, have their own case requirements. In both fields, each five- to eight-year residency affords its own mix of cases and its own unique ratio of reconstructive to cosmetic procedures.

With certain exceptions, dedicated “aesthetic training is probably the weak point of the majority of plastic surgery residency training programs,” says Jacob M. Marks, MD, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in Gilbert, Arizona. Training tends to focus more heavily on the reconstructive side of surgery. Dr. Clark says the same for otolaryngology: “Most residencies don’t have a lot of cosmetic exposure.” Studies have even shown that graduating plastic surgery residents feel “deficient in performing aesthetic procedures, particularly those of the face.” This is partly due to the fact that patients paying out-of-pocket for elective cosmetic surgery generally prefer to see surgeons in private practice rather than in the hospital setting where residents work.

Addressing the gap in hands-on aesthetic training are resident cosmetic clinics. Here, senior residents take the lead on cases, consulting with patients, planning and executing operations, and handling follow-up care. “I know in the outside world, people are like, ‘Why would anyone go and get something done by a resident?’” says Milind Kachare, MD, a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon in St. Louis. “But you’re not only being taken care of by that resident. They’re fully monitored by an attending surgeon.” As a rule, residents can’t fly solo in the OR because they’re not yet licensed plastic surgeons. “Any procedure they perform is under the supervision of an attending surgeon—a professor, program director, or faculty member,” says double board-certified facial plastic surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, who is a fellowship director and the president-elect of the AAFPRS. “But that supervision can be light or severe”—meaning the attending may observe from the sidelines or be actively involved from start to finish.

“You’re not only being taken care of by that resident. They’re fully monitored by an attending surgeon.”

For residents aiming to specialize in aesthetics after graduation, these clinics can supercharge their training. As a chief resident in plastic and reconstructive surgery at UCLA Health, Kyle Luvisa, MD, says he’s participated in “well over 1,000 cases—everything from cosmetics to reconstructive to cleft lips and palettes.” These were mostly his attendings’ cases. But Dr. Luvisa also sees patients in UCLA’s residents’ clinic, where he performs facelifts, tummy tucks, nose jobs, liposuction, and the like. These procedures are overseen by volunteer clinical faculty (plastic surgeons with practices of their own in Beverly Hills), who review his plan ahead of time and are in the operating room during surgery.

But not every residency offers the same opportunities. Dr. Marks did his residency at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, which, unlike LA, “isn’t a heavily saturated cosmetic surgery market,” he says. And his program didn’t have an operative clinic for residents (though it did have a nonsurgical residents’ clinic). “Had I just left residency and never done a fellowship [at MEETH], my comfort level with facelifts would have been very low,” he says. Immersing himself in the Manhattan plastic surgery scene was an essential next step on his path to private practice.

What do we know about the safety of these clinics?

While research on fellows’ clinics is scant, many studies have been published on residents’ cosmetic clinics—and they’re mostly reassuring. In 2019, researchers at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston reviewed the existing literature and found that, overall, residents’ clinics in the US “provide safe and successful surgical results” and produce “surgical outcomes that closely resemble results seen in the community setting.”

A separate 2022 study looked at a year’s worth of data from the Resident Aesthetic Surgery Clinic at NYU Langone Health. The majority of procedures involved the head and neck, with blepharoplasty being number one. Lipo and tummy tucks were the most common body procedures; breast lifts made up half of all breast surgeries. The authors reported a “low complication rate of 5.5%, with no major complications among the 420 procedures.” Complications were mostly minor and solved nonsurgically. The 1% rate of “moderate” complications—those requiring “small interventions” but not reoperation—was comparable to national benchmarks.

Other studies reveal similar findings. A 10-year review of surgical outcomes from the residents’ aesthetic clinic at Johns Hopkins and the University of Maryland found their rates of major complications to be comparable to those reported by board-certified plastic surgeons. A 2025 study from the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center compared tummy tuck cases led by attending physicians to those led by supervised residents and saw no statistically significant difference in the overall complication rates between the two groups. The surgeries performed by the residents did take longer, however. Other studies have also linked residents' involvement in certain cosmetic surgeries with longer operative times.

Not every paper casts residents’ clinics in a positive light, though. A 2024 study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Global Open found that revision rates were “much higher” when third-year otolaryngology residents participated in the operations. According to the study authors, “10% of revisions were for functional concerns…while the rest were driven by cosmetic or patient satisfaction demands.” In response to the findings, clinic privileges for this particular program were deferred to the fifth year of residency rather than the third.

What sort of discounts are we talking about?

The first thing to know about plastic surgery pricing: Whether you’re seeing a resident in a hospital-based clinic or a veteran surgeon in a Park Avenue practice, the bottom-line cost always includes certain itemized fees. There’s the anesthesia fee (an hourly rate paid to the anesthesiologist), the facility fee (the cost of the operating room, staff, and supplies), and then there’s the surgeon’s fee, which is the number that tends to make headlines. Depending on the procedure, charges for materials may also apply: If you’re having a breast augmentation, for example, you’ll have to pay for the implants. But the biggest variable in all of this is usually the surgeon’s fee, which typically climbs as doctors gain experience and esteem.

This holds true even in the minor leagues: Residents typically charge less than fellows. While every hospital has its own pricing policies, the surgeons I spoke to used words like “massive” and “steep” to describe the discounts offered in residents’ clinics. In the aforementioned study of NYU’s residents’ clinic, the authors state that the surgeon’s fees for all procedures were discounted 60% or more compared with the 2020 ASPS and 2021 Aesthetic Society national averages. Which is pretty remarkable since these averages, published by the plastic surgery societies, are already on the shockingly low side (think: $11,000 for a facelift and $8,000 for a tummy tuck).

Surgeons used words like “massive” and “steep” to describe the discounts.

At UCLA’s residents’ clinic, injectable treatments, like neuromodulators and fillers, are “completely free,” Dr. Luvisa says. For surgery, patients pay anesthesia ($574/hour) and facility costs (high end: $6,000), plus a $500 flat fee, which keeps the clinic running and covers post-op visits, but the typical surgeon’s fee is waived, he says. There are sometimes out-of-pocket expenses related to safety, however. For example, patients having bigger procedures, like facelifts and tummy tucks, have to pay to stay overnight in the hospital’s surgery center, where they can be monitored by nurses (in accordance with UCLA’s standard of care). Dr. Luvisa estimates this cost to be about $1,500, for a likely grand total of somewhere around $11,500 for a longer, more involved surgery like a facelift.

In fellows’ clinics, pricing is more variable. “Some fellows are just charging for the operating room and anesthesia fees,” says Dr. Azizzadeh. “Others are charging a percentage of what their fellowship director is charging.” Even so, he adds, “the costs can still be significant,” especially in cities like Beverly Hills, where “operating room and anesthesia costs on their own can run between $10,000 and $15,000.”

Dr. Basu tells me his fellow’s fee is “a little bit lower” than his own, but he makes it very clear: “We don’t deeply discount.” After all, he reminds me, “this is someone who is already a fully trained plastic surgeon.” And at UNC Chapel Hill, facial plastic surgery fellows charge roughly half of what the fellowship faculty would charge for surgery. They administer Botox and filler for a flat fee of $500.

In the fellows’ clinic at MEETH, the subject of the TikTok that sparked our investigation, “patients who have surgery are not charged procedure fees, but they are responsible for an anesthesia fee and for the standard facility fees that all other patients pay,” Dr. Albert says. Those having a facelift or tummy tuck also incur the cost of a mandatory overnight hotel stay with a private-duty nurse. Additionally, “we have every patient go to a professional photographer for before and after pictures, and there are fees associated with that,” he says.

Dr. Marks tells me that when he did his fellowship at MEETH in 2023, “facelift prices were a steal compared to anywhere else in New York.” Patients were paying around $5,000 or $6,000 for a facelift with blepharoplasty, and that included anesthesia and facility fees.

At Dr. Safran’s fellows’ clinic (with the Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship of Los Angeles), “the prices were much more than you’d pay in a residents’ clinic, but much less than what senior surgeons were charging for pretty much the same treatment—probably 25% of that or less,” he says. When Dr. Jalalabadi was a fellow in the same program in 2021, he says patients paid for the OR and anesthesia, “but it was up to the surgeon if they wanted to charge a surgeon’s fee.” He’d typically waive that fee, but in return, ask patients for photo consent—permission to share their before-and-after pictures online or in the office.

This is a common ask among younger surgeons aiming to build their portfolios and advertise their work. “I’m going into private practice after I graduate [from fellowship], and one of the biggest things on my mind is collecting good before-and-afters,” says Victor Hsue, MD, a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow in Beverly Hills. Dr. Hsue’s fee for a deep plane facelift (including the OR and anesthesia) is $30,000. His mentors charge at least five times that. In exchange for the discount, patients must be willing to share their photos.

Another need-to-know about trainee clinics: Generally speaking, if you’re unhappy with your results, there are no free revisions. “It may sound harsh,” says Dr. Marks. “But, at the same time, when you look at the fellow’s price versus that of the surgeon down the street, you could do the whole operation multiple times and still be saving money.” Dr. Clark makes the point that plastic surgery results aren’t considered final until one year post-op, and since most fellowships only last one year, the surgeon who performed the initial operation likely won’t be around to do the revision. In such cases, the responsibility falls to another fellow or the program director.

How can I find a clinic offering discounted surgery?

Most plastic surgery training clinics are sustained by word-of-mouth referrals. Some programs, like the Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship of Los Angeles and UT Southwestern Aesthetic Fellowship, promote fellows on their websites and social media, while others rely more heavily on buzz in the community. As one of the oldest programs in the country, the MEETH Aesthetic Surgery Fellowship “is well-known in Manhattan as an option for affordable surgery,” says Dr. Marks. Still, it plugs its fellows on Instagram. Many fellows will advertise on their own social media pages, too (residents generally aren’t allowed to do so while in training).

Another way patients learn about clinics is through the program directors. If a senior surgeon meets with someone who can’t afford their fees or wants to skip the waitlist, they’ll commonly refer them to a resident or fellow. Which isn’t a bad deal, since “you may be getting a resident under the guidance of that same surgeon you wanted to have surgery with in the first place,” says Keon Parsa, MD, a fellowship-trained facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills.

If you’re not lucky enough to stumble across one of these clinics, there are ways to seek them out. First, “most major cities have an academic medical center,” says Dr. Farajzadeh. If you live near one, call the plastic surgery department directly to ask about their residents’ and fellows’ clinics. Alternatively, you can browse fellowship programs on the Aesthetic Society and the AAFPRS websites. The societies list all the aesthetic fellowships they endorse, along with their respective directors and contact info. If you see that a surgeon in your area has a fellow on staff, set a time to meet with both doctors as part of your vetting process. The supervising surgeon is going to be the “best judge” of that fellow, says Dr. Azizzadeh.

The bottom line: Ordinarily, we’d never recommend price-shopping for plastic surgery. But as escalating costs continue to push procedures out of reach, driving some patients to explore dicey workarounds like medical tourism, residents’ and fellows' clinics are making cosmetic surgery more affordable without compromising quality or safety. We still highly recommend you avoid steep discounts on criminal defense attorneys and shellfish, though.

Courtesy of Chad BarrettSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

As someone who has long struggled to grow my 4C hair past my shoulders, long natural hair has always been aspirational. So, when one of my co-workers announced that the Guinness World Record for the biggest afro had been awarded, I scurried over to record holder Jessica Martinez‘s Instagram page. There, I found post after post featuring Martinez’s voluptuous curls, often brushed out into a poufy ‘fro that takes up the bulk of the frame. In real life, her afro measures 11.42 inches tall, 12.2 inches wide, and 6 feet, 2.87 inches in circumference—which is about the size of a large beach ball.

I couldn’t help but wonder: How’d she grow her hair so long? While my goal isn’t record-breaking length, I could definitely benefit from a few tips on how to grow and retain long healthy curls. A heart to heart with Martinez revealed that her approach, like that of many hairstylists, is to treat her scalp like a garden and her hair as its blooms: “It’s all about creating a good environment for hair to grow,” she tells me over Zoom.

Courtesy of Karl Jean Baptiste

As simple as that sounds, there are still quite a few hurdles Black women face when trying to grow their hair—one of the main ones being the misconception that natural hair can’t grow long. Los Angeles-based hair colorist and co-founder of Highbrow Hippie Kadi Lee theorizes that this stigma exists because “the beauty industry doesn't show many examples of healthy, long natural hair, which quietly reinforces certain ideas about textured hair.”

South Carolina-based hairstylist Maya Smith says the way natural hair behaves also plays a role in this stigma. “Shrinkage [which refers to how tightly curls form] contributes to the illusion that our hair is short,” says Smith. “With un-manipulated hair, it’s often hard to get an accurate visual of someone’s actual length.”

Of course, external factors like heat and chemical damage play a role in how long your hair can grow. But in general, both stylists and Martinez agree that consistency and low manipulation are key in growing long natural hair. Ahead, the experts share their tips for growing your curls and coils while keeping as many inches as possible.

Know that protective styles don’t always equal protection

“A surprising amount of people seem to misuse protective styles,” says Smith. “Protective styling does not mean tuck it away and forget about your hair for the next three to six weeks.” Smith explains that your hair will absolutely dry out if you do this.

Keeping your style in for two months isn’t a crime, but be sure to moisturize and even cleanse your scalp if you can. Whitney Tolpinrud, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Curology medical director suggests using an anti-fungal shampoo with ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione, which help clarify the scalp. Mizani Scalp Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo contains pyrithione zinc, plus peppermint oil and cucumber oil, which can be soothing. An apple cider vinegar cleanser like R+Co Lost Treasure Apple Cider Cleansing Rinse can also help clarify the scalp when you're wearing a protective style. Pharm to Table Scalp Relief Tea Tree Leave-In Conditioner and Camille Rose Mint Condition Spray contain tea tree oil, peppermint oil, and aloe which can help relieve itchy scalps.

I love braids as much as the next Black girl, but I have recently come to terms with the truth that braids aren’t the best protective style for me due to the tension they put on the scalp. “I often see individuals with textured hair struggle to grow it long because the hair has been over-manipulated with constant restyling, overuse of hot tools, and only giving their hair small breaks from protective styles,” says Lee. “This all creates unnecessary breakage.” Dr. Tolpinrud echoes this, adding that this sort of damage can lead to traction alopecia, which is hair loss caused by repeated pulling or tension on the hair, often from tight hairstyles worn over time.

For Martinez, completely cutting out styles like box braids, wigs, and weaves was essential to her hair growth journey. “I limit my styles to super low-tension. I would even call them no-tension,” says Martinez. The content creator relies on styles like simple plaits (she puts her hair in two braids after each wash day), mini twists, the occasional half up half down style, and, of course, her signature afro.

Keep wash days simple

You’re less likely to be consistent with a routine that you don’t enjoy or can’t find time for—which is why Martinez simplified her routine. When first learning how to do her hair, Martinez recalls, it would take “forever.” “It took me many hours to do all the things. And then I decided to get rid of all the steps that I hate and just focus on the things that I need,” she says.

According to Lee, what every person with textured hair needs on wash day is a deep cleanse, a deep conditioning treatment, and a leave-in product. For her part, Martinez uses a prescription 2% ketoconazole shampoo for her seborrheic dermatitis, Aussie 3 Minutes Miracle Curls Detangling Deep Conditioner, Mielle Organics Kalahari Melon & Aloe Vera Deep Hydration 2-Minute Deep Conditioner, and Pattern Detangling Nectar. She washes her hair once a week, and she’s able to maintain that cadence because she doesn’t dread it.

Manage your expectations

Breakage is bound to happen from every day wear and tear—even to those with the most resilient strands. Martinez says she sometimes experiences a little breakage when she wears her hair in a half up half down style—at which point she doesn't “freak out about it.” “I'm not like, ‘Oh my God, I need this miracle hair product,’” says Martinez. “It's like, ‘No, okay, girl, maybe don't wear your hair like that for the next few weeks because you done messed up.’”

Many haircare brands market creams and oils that claim to grow hair and while some can help, they can’t replace the basics of a consistent, nourishing hair care routine, says Smith. Martinez warns against falling for the trap that any one product can grow your hair (especially if it claims it can do so quickly).

Part of Martinez’s hair growth journey has involved patience and making peace with the fact that even though her hair can break world records, it won’t always behave or grow the way she wants it to.

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

Wrinkles tell a story of your life—all the smiles, laughter, and wisdom you’ve earned over the years. But hey, if we said the best wrinkle filler could bring your skin back to baby-soft and smooth status—similar to so-called “Botox in a bottle”—would your ears perk up? We thought so.

Wrinkle fillers, which are not to be confused with injectables, like a filler treatment, that you can get at a derm’s office, are “topical products designed to temporarily plump the skin and smooth out the appearance of fine lines,” says Margarita Lolis, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Hackensack, New Jersey. “These products attract water and seal it in the skin, thereby ‘filling in’ wrinkles.” The hydration gives your skin an instant boost, making it look plumper and more refreshed. For long-term results, other formulas also use retinoids, like over-the-counter retinol or prescription-strength tretinoin, to help spur collagen production and restore lost volume. (PSA: It's worth keeping in mind that topical treatments can only do so much, and they definitely cannot deliver the same taut or super-smooth look that an in-office procedure can.)

Our Top Wrinkle Fillers

• Best Overall: Alastin HA Immerse Serum, $134
• Best for Deeper Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox, $150
• Best for Dry Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrator, $192
• Best for Early Signs of Aging: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum, $92
• Best Retinol: Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum, $37
• Fastest Acting: Isdin Instant Flash Firming and Lifting Serum Ampoules, $45
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum, $75
• Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream, $20

Wrinkle fillers can be a game-changer for anyone with dry, dull, or mature skin who wants a quick, temporary boost of plumpness and radiance. “You could even start to slowly incorporate wrinkle fillers in your mid-twenties as that’s when collagen production starts to decline by about 1% every year,” says Martha Viera, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Coral Gables, Florida. That said, if fine lines and wrinkles aren’t yet a concern, there’s no need to rush into using wrinkle fillers. Instead, “it’s more beneficial to focus on building a strong skin-care routine with essentials like sunscreen, moisturizers, antioxidants, and retinol to keep skin happy and protected for the long run,” adds Dr. Lolis.

So: Go ahead and own your wrinkles, but if you’re ever in the mood to smooth them out, these expert-approved wrinkle fillers are an easy way to refresh your look.

Frequently Asked QuestionsAccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Do wrinkle filler creams really work?
• How long do wrinkle fillers last?
• What ingredients can help “fill” wrinkles in a topical product?
• Meet the experts
• How we test and review products
• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Alastin HA Immerse Serum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Alastin Skincare

HA Immerse Serum

$134

Amazon

$134

Alastin

Why we love it: We’ve waxed poetic about Alastin HA Immerse Serum before, but let’s be extra clear: This isn’t your run-of-the-mill serum. It goes beyond simply plumping your skin with a quick hit of hyaluronic acid. Instead, it’s like a skin-care trainer, teaching your skin to boost its own natural hyaluronic acid production for long-lasting hydration, all thanks to a genius peptide formula. “This is one of my favorite hyaluronic acid products because of its effects due to its high molecular weight. Its technology and mix with other ingredients, such as a proprietary peptide, give the skin an immediate refreshing and plumping effect,” says Dr. Viera. Translation: Instant hydration and glow with long-term benefits.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

"To me, the mark of a noteworthy product (especially a serum) is one that your routine feels truly lonely without. That's how I feel about Alastin’s HA Immerse. It makes any moisturizer I layer over it all the more soothing, hydrating, and effective, but even without any next step, this serum helps me avoid the too-tight feeling I get when I wait too long to moisturize after washing my face. As someone with facial eczema flare-ups and borderline-mature skin, ever since using this serum, I've noticed fewer flakes and an all-over more supple look and feel." —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, silver mushroom extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Deeper Wrinkles: SkinCeuticals P-Tiox

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

SkinCeuticals

P-Tiox

$150

SkinCeuticals

$150

Dermstore

$148

Bluemercury

Why we love it: This isn’t the first time you’ve heard us talk about SkinCeuticals P-Tiox—and it definitely won’t be the last. Consider this your refresher: Peptides take the lead here, working hard to soften expression lines and give skin that plump, glassy finish. Your skin will appreciate the power trio of 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, and 1% laminaria extract, which zeroes in on the spots where fine lines love to show up (think cheek folds and the glabella between your brows). “P-Tiox is my secret weapon to keep wrinkles in their place,” says Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It glides on very smoothly, so you can easily layer on your other skin-care products afterward.”

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I use this in between my neuromodulator appointments and when I just can’t get Botox, like during pregnancy. I’ve found that it helps slow the roll of my forehead lines and can target expression lines where injectables can’t, like around my mouth.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: 5% polyhydroxy acid, 5% niacinamide, 1% laminaria extract
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Dry Skin: SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrator

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

SkinMedica

HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish + Restore Hydrator

$192

Dermstore

Why we love it: Chances are you know by now (or should) that hyaluronic acid is an MVP for softening the look of wrinkles, and SkinMedica HA5 Hydra Collagen Hydrator doubles down with multiple forms of HA. Its proprietary HA5 Hydra Collagen Complex is a blend designed to visibly “fill” and cushion lines. You get sodium hyaluronate for deep hydration, hydrolyzed HA in smaller fragments that can slip more easily into surface-level creases, and crosslinked HA, a gel-like form that holds water longer, keeping skin looking plump throughout the day. The formula also includes vegan collagen, which helps attract and retain moisture for an extra bump of smoothness. “I love the silky-smooth texture—it layers so easily that I often mix it with my retinoid at night to tackle wrinkles from all angles, but it also helps if you’re prone to irritation from retinoids,” says Dr. Yoo.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I have dry skin year-round, so I’m always on the hunt for something that actually hydrates and sticks around. SkinMedica’s HA5 Hydra Collagen Replenish and Restore Hydrator has a gel-cream texture that—wait for it—doesn’t instantly absorb, which I actually love. It gives me a chance to really see where I’ve applied it (and where I’ve missed). It takes a minute or two to fully settle in, which feels more intentional than hydrators that disappear as soon as they touch your skin. Once it sinks in, my skin looks noticeably plumper, and it soft-focuses wrinkles around my cheeks, smile lines, and crow’s feet—so much so that I’ve even skipped moisturizer a few times.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, vegan collagen
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best for Early Signs of Aging: Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Medik8

Liquid Peptides Advanced Face Serum

$92

Amazon

$92

Dermstore

$92

Medik8

Why we love it: Medik8 has no shortage of standout formulas when it comes to blurring the look of wrinkles, but the Liquid Peptides Advanced MP Serum “is truly one-of-a-kind, drawing inspiration from in-office aesthetic treatments,” says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. What sets it apart is its proprietary Growth Factor MiniProtein and an Expression Line MiniProtein, which, she explains, are “perfectly crafted to fit into cell receptors responsible for producing collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.” Working together, they help slow down subtle expression lines before they settle into deeper wrinkles.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“I may not be the target target audience for this product (I’m only 32), but I’ll be darned if I don’t stave off fine lines (especially those creeping up on my forehead) as much as possible—without, as a personal preference, turning to in-office procedures such as filler and Botox. Liquid Peptides Advanced has a wonderfully lightweight, watery-gel consistency that fits in perfectly with my extensive nighttime routine. I’ll even pair it with retinol for a one-two, texture-smoothing, skin-plumping punch. What follows (my night cream) sinks in quickly, and my face doesn’t feel like I’ve glooped on seven layers of product (even if I actually have)." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptide complex (13 types, including matrixyl 3000 and copper peptides), multi-weight hyaluronic acid, carnosine, growth factor miniprotein
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Retinol: Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Innisfree

Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum

$37

Amazon

$37

Sephora

Why we love it: Some products leave you guessing as to what makes them work, but Innisfree Retinol Green Tea PDRN Firming Serum says it all in the name. “This vegan formula uses green tea PDRN rather than salmon sperm PDRN, plus green tea peptides, low-molecular hyaluronic acid, and that 1% triple retinol complex to firm skin, smooth fine lines, and refine texture,” says Dr. Yoo. It also fits right into K-beauty’s slow-aging philosophy—the idea that skin does best with steady, supportive care rather than harsh overhauls. This serum plays that long game with ingredients that rebuild and replenish over time, but it still gives you that satisfying glass glow right away.

Tester feedback from Han

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

“To be totally transparent, I'm still a little on-the-fence about PDRN but when you pair it with a gold-standard, well-researched ingredient like retinol, I'm more convinced that the product is doing something. Plus, PDRN is at the very least a soothing ingredient, so I like the balance it brings with the retinol. I'm no stranger to Innisfree serums and the silky, fast-absorbing textures don't disappoint. I've started to really zone in on my forehead to keep the most prominent (as of now) evidence of lines at bay as best as I can—and the results are promising. No irritation, just good 'ol plumping hydration.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: green tea PDRN, 1% triple retinol complex, green tea peptides
• Fragrance-free: yes

Fastest Acting: Isdin Instant Flash Firming and Lifting Serum Ampoules

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Isdin

Isdinceutics Instant Flash Firming and Lifting Serum Ampoules

$45

Amazon

$45

Dermstore

Why we love it: Don’t let the size of these teeny-tiny ampoules fool you—a little goes a long way in making skin look plumper and bringing back that bounce. Isdin Instant Flash Firming and Lifting Serum Ampoules have peptide Q10, a peptide paired with coenzyme Q10, an antioxidant your skin naturally produces but loses over time. Together, they help support firmness and smooth the look of fine lines while boosting radiance, especially when skin looks tired or dull. Add in hyaluronic acid, which floods skin with hydration for an instant plumping effect. “This serum gives a lifting and radiant effect, promotes hydration, and helps the skin look firmer and smoother,” says Dr. Viera. Plus, the rejuvenating lift lasts up to eight hours—plenty of time to convince everyone you got a full night’s sleep (even if you didn’t). And, if you’ve ever had the heartbreak of shattering your favorite skincare container on the bathroom floor, you’ll love how these little ampoules are practically spill-proof.

Editor's tip

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Apply only half of the ampoule onto your face, neck, and neckline. They’re resealable—and good for up to 48 hours after opening—so they’re perfect for throwing one in your bag for a weekend getaway.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptide Q10, lentil seed extract
• Fragrance-free: no

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare

DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum

$75

Amazon

$75

Nordstrom

$75

Dermstore

Why we love it: Hyaluronic acid has long been a star player when it comes to tackling fine lines, sagging, and boosting elasticity—and Dr. Dennis Gross DermInfusions Fill + Repair Serum doesn’t just include one form, but four. But that’s just the beginning of what makes this product a derm-favorite. “This serum has the holy grail of all my favorite ingredients: ectoin, which works synergistically with hyaluronic acid to give your skin nice plumpness and help repair your skin’s moisture barrier,” says Dr. Lolis. “Plus, it includes peptides, antioxidants, and niacinamide, which work together to plump your skin and stimulate protein production.”

Editor's tip

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Don’t forget your neck. Smooth your wrinkle-filling products down your neck and décolleté. The thinner skin of your neck often shows signs of aging faster than your face.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide, ectoin
• Fragrance-free: yes

Best Drugstore: Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream

Save to wishlistSave to wishlist

Cetaphil

Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream

$20

Walmart

$26

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: While you probably know by now that retinol is the gold standard for smoothing wrinkles, people with sensitive skin types often need a softer approach. “Cetaphil Healthy Renew Purified Peptides Night Cream is a great retinoid alternative that uses purified peptides to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while hydrating and protecting the skin barrier,” says Dr. Yoo. Those peptides get to work overnight—the ideal time, since skin naturally shifts into repair mode and becomes more receptive to moisture. The formula also features niacinamide (B3) and panthenol (B5) to strengthen your barrier further, helping you wake up looking smoother and more refreshed.

Editor’s tip

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

Shea butter, coconut oil, and rice lees extract work together to form a soft, cushiony barrier that locks in moisture while helping shield sensitive skin from irritants.

More to know

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Key ingredients: peptides, niacinamide, panthenol
• Fragrance-free: yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Do wrinkle filler creams really work?

Yes, but with some important distinctions compared to their injectable counterparts. “There are many amazing topical wrinkle ‘fillers’ that can really plump your skin. But, these are not as effective as injectable dermal fillers,” says Dr. Viera. The main difference between wrinkle fillers that anyone can buy at a store and injectables lies in the depth of penetration, with “over-the-counter creams working at the surface level and injectables affecting the deeper layers of the skin,” she adds.

How long do wrinkle fillers last?

The effects of wrinkle fillers are temporary: “Usually anywhere from a few hours to a day,” says Dr. Lolis. While they don’t last long, “the benefits over over-the-counter wrinkle fillers are primarily that users see immediate effects. They are needle-free options, and more affordable over injectable fillers,” she adds.

What ingredients can help “fill” wrinkles in a topical product?

When it comes to wrinkle-filling topical products, the key ingredients to look for are all about giving your skin a plumper, smoother appearance. Dr. Viera highlights hyaluronic acid's “ability to retain and attract moisture—making skin look fuller and reducing fine lines.” Antioxidants like “niacinamide, peptides, and vitamin C help improve skin texture, pigmentation, and fight free radicals while boosting collagen production,” she says. A newer ingredient popping up on ingredient lists is argireline, “sometimes referred to as ‘topical Botox’ for its ability to partially relax muscles and stimulate collagen and elastin production,” she says. Lastly, over-the-counter retinoids “have many important functions in slowing collagen breakdown, increasing cell turnover, and improving skin texture,” she adds.

Meet the experts

• Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic, based in New York City
• Martha Viera, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist in private practice in Coral Gables, FL
• Margarita Lolis, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Group in Hackensack, NJ
• Jane Yoo, MD, a dual board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon based in New York City

How we test and review products

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that's included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best wrinkle fillers, we considered each product's performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read 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.

Source Images: Courtesy of Launchmetrics and @sansungnailsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

You know the top-of-the-world feeling when you’ve been upgraded from economy to first class? Suddenly, you’re not just getting from point A to point B. You’re being served complimentary champagne and have plenty of room to stretch your legs. That’s what 2026 is going to do for your nails.

The classic French manicure is leveling up with sparkly, bejeweled tips. Dainty polka dots have become bold, San Tropez beach-worthy stripes. We’re giving our go-to black manicures a piercing (or five) for a little extra edge. And glass nails have become blown-glass nails—not just shiny, but sculpted, holographic, and three-dimensional.

There’s nothing wrong with the classics, of course. But if you could cash in your frequent flyer manicures for a little luxury, why wouldn’t you? Below, we asked the experts to break down the biggest nail art trends they expect to see in 2026.

Stripes

Courtesy of @madnailsCourtesy of @manicuredbysimoneCourtesy of @unghiedellamadonnaCourtesy of @unghiedellamadonna

The entirety of 2025 belonged to the polka dot. For 2026, a different design has, well, earned its stripes. Pinstripes were a major touchstone at the last Met Gala, and since then, the sartorial-inspired pattern has been on runways and celeb fingertips.

Miss Pop created white and red stripes for Alice + Olivia’s spring/summer 2026 runway that ran the gamut from thick, bold, vertical lines to sporty “athletic sock nails” that feature two thin, horizontal red stripes on the tips. But, as with polka dots, there are a thousand ways to do it. Draw inspiration from wide, beach umbrella awning stripes, the varied width and colors of barcode stripes, or diagonal candy stripes. All you need is a steady hand and a striping brush. This nail art tool from Olive and June is dual-ended, so you can make teensy hairline stripes or lay it on thick.

Glitzy French

Courtesy of @nailsbyzolaCourtesy of @naominailsnycGetty Images

This trend is magic. It’s like you gently dipped your fingertips into a martini glass filled with glitter and gemstones and somehow emerged with this dainty, glitzy French manicure. “It’s like jewelry for your nails,” says Sofi Mazur, a Scottsdale-based nail artist. “It’s the kind of manicure that catches the light when you move your hands.”

Getting this done in real life will take a little more time than a wiggle of your fingers, but the results are worth the wait. Start with a super-crisp neutral base (Hermès Nail Polish in Rose Porcelaine will add a little extra luxe to the manicure) and use a professional crystal adhesive instead of popping the gems directly onto the gel, says San Diego-based nail artist Valeriia Telemaniuk. (“Those will pop off in two days,” she warns.) Then customize to your heart’s content. Rows of silver studs or a smattering of multicolored rhinestones look equally as high-end.

Nail piercing

Courtesy of LaunchmetricsCourtesy of LaunchmetricsCourtesy of @the.fingersofgodCourtesy of @nails_of_la

An ear is just for hearing until you pierce it. Suddenly, it’s hearing and talking. It says, “I’m tough enough to put a needle through my body,” and that toughness increases with every new high-shine addition (even if some of those piercings came from a mall kiosk when you were 12. That’s between you and the bored teen who pierced you). The same goes for your nails. A nail piercing is a signal that you have claws, and you aren’t afraid to use them.

Like with all body piercings, you’ll probably want a professional to do it. The holes will need to be drilled through a hard gel overlay or acrylic nail, says Mazur, and it’s better if your nails are long. Try a single gold hoop for something classic or attach chains for a more runway-inspired look. If you’re committed to DIY, two small silver studs glued on either side of the nail give the look of a true piercing without any of the fuss.

Mixed maximalist

Courtesy of @nail.foolCourtesy of @nailed.by.nikaCourtesy of @nail.fool

Who said you need to know what you want? If you like a bejeweled French, and a nail piercing, and silver chrome, and tortoiseshell, and, and, and.… Well, why not have it all and give each finger its own personality? After a year of “clean” and “soap” aesthetics, it’s a welcome shift to throw everything at the wall.

“To make it look elevated instead of messy, there still has to be a rhythm behind the chaos,” says Mazur. “I usually choose a unifying color palette or one repeating element that ties the whole set together, like keeping everything in warm tones or repeating one metallic accent across the nails.”

Blown glass

Getty ImagesCourtesy of @sansungnailsCourtesy of Launchmetrics

If you’re the type that can’t resist the gentle tip-tap of your nails on the side of a champagne flute, consider a manicure to match. Blown-glass nails are a delicate work of art worthy of a Baccarat table setting and a toast with Chihuly himself. (He probably loves glass-tapping ASMR.)

“Blown-glass nails is one of those rare trends that can be interpreted a hundred different ways and still look stunning,” says Telemaniuk. You can sculpt 3D designs with hard builder gel, or simply buff chrome powder over clear polish to give it a crystal-like shine. (We like Dior Nail Glow or Londontown Kur Bare Illuminating Nail Concealer for this.) “It can be subtle, dramatic—or both.”

Meet the experts

AccordionItemContainerButtonLargeChevron

• Sofi Mazur is a nail artist based in Scottsdale, Arizona.
• Valeriia Telemaniuk is a nail artist based in San Diego.

Getty ImagesSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

A lot of ink has been spilled about how Apple Martin, 21, is her mom Gwyneth Paltrow's mini me. The two have the same buttery blonde hair and simple, elegant style, and it does seem like Martin is taking a few cues from her mom's now-legendary ‘90s style—and it’s not just limited to her closet. Hairstyles are fair game too, as evidenced by their recent red carpet appearance!

For the New York City premiere of Paltrow's new movie Marty Supreme, both mother and daughter took a ‘90s-esque approach to their hair, pairing their sleek black dresses with two very different takes on a red carpet updo. Let’s start with GP, shall we? The Oscar winner's hair was styled by Owen Gould, who prepped her clean, damp hair with Nulastin's NuProtect Leave-In Primer, then blew it dry with a large round brush, softly curling the ends under to frame her face. Once the hair was fully dry, Gould gathered the lengths loosely at the nape of Paltrow's neck and loosely braided it, then left “about three inches” loose and fastened the braid with a long black velvet ribbon. From the front, it looks like she's wearing a loose, low ponytail, one Paltrow might've worn with a Calvin Klein slipdress and mules on a red carpet circa 1996.

Getty Images

However, we're gonna have to go ahead and give this one to Martin, since her head-to-toe look was actually an homage to Paltrow's 1996 Emma premiere look, down to the very same Calvin Klein dress, with the bun ever-so-slightly updated for 2025. Martin went for a more casual vibe than her mom did nearly 30 years ago, skipping the cool-toned smoky eye and brick red lip for peachy blush and minimal eye makeup, plus an effortlessly cool, simple high bun. Her blonde hair was parted subtly to one side and pulled up in a bun with the ends loosely pinned for added volume. Instead of loose, face-framing tendrils, Martin tucked each portion of hair behind her ears, just like Paltrow did in 1996.

Getty Images

Mother and daughter may not be wearing matching black velvet bows like they did for Thanksgiving in 2023, but this mother-daughter moment is equally adorable—definitely one for the family album!