Starting November 4, getting a haircut, manicure, wax, and other beauty services in Los Angeles without a COVID-19 vaccination is going to be kind of tough (or at the very least, quite time-consuming). On Wednesday, October 6, the Los Angeles City Council approved a new law that requires proof of vaccination for entry into indoor businesses such as restaurants, bars, movie theaters, gyms, museums — and, yes, hair and nail salons.
The law, which goes into effect on November 4, makes exceptions for those who can't get vaccinated due to medical conditions (like an allergy to the vaccine, for example) or religious objections. If a customer will not or cannot get vaccinated, they will have to provide a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of their appointment time. Some privately owned businesses already enforce this rule independently.
It's not a dissimilar law to that of New York City, the first city in the United States to require proof of vaccination for indoor dining, entertainment, and fitness venues. San Francisco and some other California cities enacted a similar law not long after in which proof of vaccination is necessary for entry into restaurants, bars, clubs, and "large indoor events."
Allure reached out to a number of salon owners in and outside of Los Angeles for commentary on the city's new vaccination mandate, but all declined to comment or did not respond before the publication of this story.
Frequent Sephora shoppers have probably noticed its near-daily refresh of newer, more diverse brands. Last year, Sephora adopted the 15 Percent Pledge policy to serve the dire need for representation in beauty, business, and the intersection of both industries. Under this initiative, the retailer promises to dedicate 15 percent of its shelf space to Black-owned brands — and so far, it's made progress in the right direction.
As part of the initiative, Sephora has relaunched its Accelerate Program to exclusively focus on businesses owned by women of color. Each brand participating in the program — including internet favorites like Hyper Skin, 54 Thrones, and Eadem — is offered a spot in Sephora stores across the globe and online, creating more essential space for brands owned by underrepresented groups while bringing the retailer closer to its goal.
Since Sephora's official announcement in 2020, it's taken steps to increase its initial seven-brand portfolio of Black-owned businesses to 21. Though that number isn't 15 percent of the overall 322 brands Sephora offers, it's certainly a significant increase. Each and every one of these brands bring something refreshing to your vanity, whether it's a high-strength retinol serum from Shani Darden Skin Care, an indulgent leave-in conditioner by Briogeo, or a dewy skin tint à la Fenty Beauty.
There's more work to be done, but Sephora's taking a step in the right direction through its diversity efforts. These moves set a higher standard for other retailers to follow while allowing consumers to be able to shop Black-owned brands at one of the biggest beauty shops on the planet.
Now, keep reading to learn more about every Black-owned beauty brand on Sephora's roster so far.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Fenty Beauty
Does Fenty Beauty even need an introduction? Rihanna's groundbreaking cosmetics line shook the beauty world to its core when it launched in 2017 with a 40-range foundation collection. This marked the beginning of the Fenty Effect, a beauty phenomenon that raised the bar for other brands to supply a wider range of skin tones in complexion products.
Since its initial launch, RiRi was able to release more innovative hits in the beauty industry like the Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder and the Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer. This year alone Fenty Beauty was able to nab an Allure Best of Beauty Award for its latest iteration on the latter, the Cream Color Drip Lip Cream — but we're still waiting on that album.
$30
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Fenty Skin
Rihanna changed the makeup industry with Fenty Beauty, and in 2020, she decided to dive into skin care with Fenty Skin. Rih's collection of transparent sunscreen, whipped body cream, and a hydrating toner instantly became just as popular as Fenty's cosmetics — enough to win an Allure Best of Beauty Award during its first year on the market.
$39
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Pat McGrath Labs
Pat McGrath isn't just a makeup artist, she's a makeup legend — and her beauty products are just as iconic as the looks she's created. Her namesake line of buttery eye shadows, rich lipsticks, and velvety blushes are show-stopping, which is why they're constant Allure Best of Beauty winners (the Skin Fetish: Ultra Glow Highlighter just won this year).
$38
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Adwoa Beauty
No matter what curly hairstyle you're prepping and setting, Adwoa beauty has got you covered. This hair-care brand focuses on curl hydration and maintenance through its array of hair-moisturizing products like the Blue Tansy Reparative Mask, which seals in moisture while providing protein from quinoa to assist in damage control and refresh the vibrancy of your hair color.
$36
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Briogeo
Briogeo has been a go-to for Sephora shoppers of all hair types for quite some time — seven years, to be exact. Though the brand has a slew of leave-in conditioners, hair masks, and oils to choose from, the award-winning Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask will always be the one product we keep slathering on our hair. It has a mix of moisturizing rosehip oil and B vitamins to create softer, fuller, and shinier hair until your next washday.
$38More from Allure
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Shani Darden Skin Care
Aesthetician Shani Darden has an A-list roster of clients, including (but definitely not limited to) Jessica Alba, Kourtney Kardashian, and Shay Mitchell. Darden's namesake skin-care brand is also beloved by celebs, and our editors, too. The Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning Retinol Reform is one of the brand's most popular products for its mix of the fine line-smoothing ingredient with exfoliating alpha hydroxy acids.
$88
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Fashion Fair
Pre-Fenty Beauty, Fashion Fair was one of the few mainstream beauty brands that had cosmetic options for melanin-rich skin — until it shut down in 2016.
The brand relaunched exclusively on fashionfair.com and sephora.com in 2021 with reformulated versions of its most popular products, like the Iconic Lipsticks, as well as some new products, including the Fabulous Face Priming Serum.
$26
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Bread Beauty Supply
Bread Beauty Supply focuses on providing all curl types (but especially 3A to 4C hair) with fortifying products that make your hair feel smooth, moisturized, and clean without weighing it down.
The brand's hair oils have become an internet favorite, but we're particularly fond of a more recent launch, the Scalp-Serum: Cooling Greens Exfoliating Scalp Treatment. This tingly serum is infused with a mix of exfoliating alpha and polyhydroxy acids to break down buildup and excess oil sitting on your scalp, providing sweet flake- and itch-free relief in the process.
$28
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Pattern by Tracee Ellis Ross
We'll say it: We love celebrity beauty brands, especially this one from Tracee Ellis Ross. The actor graced us all with a hair-care brand that'll revamp your curls, kinks, and waves. Now you can shop Ross's under-$50 line of moisturizing leave-in conditioners, hair tools, and strong-hold curl gels at the beauty retailer.
$25
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Danessa Myricks Beauty
This is a gentle reminder to please stop sleeping on the amazing cosmetics that Danessa Myricks Beauty has to offer — which recently launched in Sephora stores, FYI. Makeup artist Danessa Myricks made sure each and every product under her namesake cosmetics line performs with high-quality pigments that won't fade, smudge, or sweat off of your face during the day. The brand's Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment is so versatile that it won an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2020.
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54 Thrones
If you're on the hunt for the most indulgent moisturizer, then allow us to introduce you to 54 Thrones. This brand was founded six years ago and pays homage to the rich culture of Africa's 54 countries, where it also exclusively sources its ingredients. 54 Thrones has a full array of skin-care products, but its most popular products are the array of African Beauty Butters. Each has such a rich, creamy texture and moisturizing feel that even Oprah considers it one of her favorite beauty products.
$24
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KNC Beauty
KNC Beauty popped off the minute its founder, Kristen Nicole Crowley, launched the brand in 2016 with its Collagen Infused Lip Mask. Ever since, her business has become a beauty influencer-favorite, and KNC Beauty's All Natural Retinol Infused Eye Mask nabbed an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2020.
Chapped lips will love the Supa Scrub lip exfoliating duo. It's made with a trio of shea butter, castor seed, and sunflower oils to moisturize while sugar crystals gently scrub away dry patches, leaving behind smoother and plumper lips. If you're feeling especially flaky, then use the scrub with its accompanying silicone pad for added physical exfoliation.
$28
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LYS Beauty
LYS Beauty has a curated selection of under-$25 makeup products that are gentle on your skin and your wallet. Founder Tisha Thompson wanted to create an affordable line of makeup products that actually make your skin look and feel better every time you use them. The results are cosmetics with skin-nourishing ingredients, like moisturizing avocado oil, mattifying kaolin clay, and soothing vitamin E, which you can find in its Higher Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush.
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Eadem
Eadem, which launched earlier this year, is a new kid on the block that's caught our attention. It was a member of Sephora's Accelerate program and winner of Glossier's Grant Initiative for Black-Owned Businesses — pretty impressive, right?
Currently, this brand has only one product, the Milk Marvel Dark Spot Serum, a brightening mixture of niacinamide and vitamin C to make dark spots and hyperpigmentation marks fade. As an added skin-care treat, exfoliating pineapple and papaya enzymes gently slough away dead skin and induce cellular turnover for an allover even tone.
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Forvr Mood
If you'd rather put your Beauty Insider points towards some scents for your home, then take a whiff of Jackie Aina's collection of candles, Forvr Mood. Instead of going the celebrity beauty brand route, Aina crafted a line of luxe coconut oil- and soy wax-based candles. Expect each one to fill up your space with, tropical, delectably sweet, or straight-up sex-inspired notes.
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Grace Eleyae
Grace Eleyae decided to create her namesake brand after her hair broke off after rubbing against a headrest during a bumpy car ride in Kenya. Her first hair-protecting bonnet, the Original Slap, is a satin-lined beanie that can go with just about anything in your closet.
Since its initial launch, Eleyae's brand has expanded to include a full line of hairbrushes and protective caps, including one of our favorite styles, the Satin-Lined Knot Turban.
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Topicals
This Gen-Z brand's packaging is oh-so-cool, and its products are as great as they look. Founder Olamide Olowe decided to inject a fun, more playful aesthetic into the usually serious world of skin care. The results are a handful of products that have garnered praise from all over the internet, including our very own editors.
One of the brand's most sought-after picks is Faded, a serum that's popular in the online beauty community for its ability to minimize the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation. What's in it: a trio of pigment-fading tranexamic acid, acne-fighting azelaic acid, and brightening niacinamide, for an even-toned, radiant complexion.
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Hyper Skin
Hyper may have only two products, but that's all the brand needs to make its mark in skin care — while it fades our dark spots, of course. Its Brightening Dark Spot Serum's main ingredient is vitamin C, which brightens your skin while reducing the look of hyperpigmentation, but you'll also notice the hydrating effects of hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory turmeric.
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Rose Ingleton MD
Rose Ingleton MD, a dermatologist-founded skin-care brand, takes inspiration from the namesake founder's Jamaican heritage through ingredients native to the land, like exfoliating sugarcane and vitamin C-rich oranges and lemons. Ingleton also infused each and every one of its five products with hyaluronic acid for a hydrated feel no matter which product you pick up from her line. Ingleton's skin-care collection includes a lightweight moisturizer and four different serums to address a variety of texture and complexion concerns.
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Sunday II Sunday
Think of Sunday II Sunday's hair-care offerings as a pair of your favorite workout leggings: They're lightweight and great for extra-sweaty days. Most of the brand's products have a focus on absorbing excess oil and sweat and giving your scalp a fresh, cleansed feel without having to shower.
For no-wash days, try using Sunday II Sunday's Revive Me Daily Moisturizing Spray, which is supposed to act as a moisturizing treatment for your curls. Its refreshing feel comes from antioxidant-rich green tea, which fights dryness and inflammation. Meanwhile, your hair feels soft, frizz-free, and glossy, thanks to the moisturizing addition of argan oil, also known as the closest thing we have to liquid gold in beauty.
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Qhemet Biologics
Dry hair types, look no further than Qhemet Biologic's moisturizing hair-care blends. Each product pulls inspiration from African, Mediterranean, and Ayurvedic hair-care traditions to address moisture concerns for drier, damaged hair and 4C curl patterns.
If your hair is starting to feel more like a tumbleweed, the brand's Amla and Olive Heavy Cream is its most hydrating product. This leave-in conditioning treatment has a moisturizing trio of castor, olive, and Indian amla oils for softer, glossier hair with a delightful orange scent to top it off.
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What It Does: Removes makeup and grime while calming and soothing skin
Who It's For: Anyone looking for a cleanser that’s as gentle as it is effective
There are few universal truths in skin care (after all, everyone’s needs are different), but right up there with wearing SPF every single day is the fact that you should always, always remove your makeup before bed.
But doing so can feel like a Herculean task — until you find a cleanser you and your skin absolutely love. For me, that’s long been First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser.
The creamy, fragrance-free formula with calming aloe has the power to remove every trace of mineral sunscreen, makeup, and grime on my face at the end of the day, but never leaves my reactive skin red or irritated. And because it’s so gentle, I also don’t worry about it interacting with the actives — like retinol — I’m using during the rest of my routine.
It’s turned the act of washing my face at night from another item on my to-do list to a soothing ritual — in more ways than one.
You’ll find the First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser in the October 2021AllureBeauty Box.
First Aid Beauty Pure Skin Face Cleanser
$22 at Sephora
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
If you've ever had a pimple pop up in close vicinity to your mouth, chances are you've wondered — even if just for a millisecond — if said blemish could actually be a cold sore, also known as oral herpes. It's not an outlandish thought to have, either. Pimples and cold sores share certain similarities (especially in terms of appearance), which could easily elicit some confusion in someone who's suffering a breakout.
In actuality, pimples and cold sores on the lips share very little in common, making them pretty easy to distinguish from one another once you know what to look for. With that in mind, Allure tapped several dermatologists to find out the differences between pimples and cold sores, what exactly makes them so different from one another, and of course, how you can treat them should they arise. Scroll down for the lowdown.
Cold Sore Causes
Cold Sore Symptoms
Single Bump vs. Cluster
Cold Sore vs. Pimple Treatments
How Long Do Cold Sores and Pimples Last?
Emotional Impact of Lip Breakouts
What causes a cold sore?
Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus-1, also called oral herpes or HSV-1, and they are contagious. The majority of people are exposed to the virus during childhood, but only 30 percent of people actually get clinical cold sores, says Friedman. You can catch the virus through direct skin contact, for example kissing or even using the same cup as someone with an active sore. From there, the virus pops out when your immune system is compromised or worn down, typically during times of emotional or physical stress, or if you're sick, explains Zeichner.
As most of us know, acne can also occur during times of stress, but that's where the similarities come to a halt. "Pimples can develop when hair follicles get infected with bacteria or fungus or blocked with a plug composed of oil, dead skin cells, and potentially other debris resulting in inflammation and bacterial overgrowth," says Shah. Friedman adds that all acne is inflammatory, and when inflammation brews around the sebaceous gland, it causes the area to swell and more sebum to be produced, ultimately resulting in what usually appears as a pus-filled pimple. Those with hormonal acne also experience pimples, most often around the jawline area, during their menstrual cycle or when their hormones are fluctuating. Such is not the case in cold sores, as it's a viral infection not impacted by hormones.
What are the early cold sore symptoms?
The simplest way to determine whether you have a pimple or a cold sore is to pay close attention to the warning signs. For instance, if you feel a tingling or burning sensation before the blemish even emerges, that's your body's way of telling you a cold sore is coming. "Often you may notice tingling, itching, or burning in the area before the blisters appear," explains Sejal Shah, a New York City-based dermatologist. This is known as the prodromal phase in the herpes simplex virus, which is when people experience changes in themselves (such as said burning) but haven't yet acquired any clear-cut symptoms.
Adam Friedman, the residency program director and director of translational research in the dermatology department at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences, explains that this tingling or burning happens when the HSV-1 virus, which causes cold sores, leaves its home in a nerve root, called the dorsal root ganglion, and travels down the sensory nerves to the skin cells.
Can cold sores be a single bump like a pimple?
It's highly unlikely that a single, stand-alone bump is a cold sore. The tingling period of cold-sore development is followed by red, fluid-filled blisters, which Shah says usually come in clusters on or around the lips. The cluster can look like a small group of pimples, as the skin around the area will be quite inflamed and quickly form a scabby appearance, according to Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
An active cold sore caused by HSV-1.
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Pimples do not appear in clusters, nor are they directly on the lips. "Location is helpful with distinguishing acne, as while there can sometimes be free-standing oil glands on the lips, called fordyce spots, typically, there are no oil glands and therefore acne can't occur on the actual lip itself," says Friedman.
A pimple at the edge of a person’s lip.
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What's more: While pimples may be tender or cause discomfort, they're not associated with the same prodromal phase as cold sores, says Shah. Pimples can also occur anywhere on the body, whereas cold sores caused by HSV-1 are resigned strictly to the mouth area.
How do cold sore and pimple treatments differ?
Pimples can be treated with skin-care products containing acne-fighting ingredients, like bacteria-killing benzoyl peroxide and exfoliating salicylic acid, as well as topical retinoids like tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene. In more severe cases, some people turn to drugs like isotretinoin (which you may know as Accutane). Some of our favorite over-the-counter spot treatments include the Best of Beauty Award-winners Vichy Normaderm S.O.S. Acne Rescue Spot Corrector and the Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches, one of the best pimple patches (not to mention one of the cutest).
Vichy Normaderm S.O.S. Acne Rescue Spot Corrector
$18Shop Now
Florence by Mills Spot a Spot Acne Patches
$14Shop Now
Don't expect acne treatments to clear up a cold sore. Because cold sores are sparked by a virus, they need to be treated with antiviral medications, which can sometimes curb them from occurring altogether. "Cold sores can be treated with over-the-counter antiviral medications like Abreva," says Zeichner. "There are actually medications by mouth that you can take at the first symptom of burning and stinging, which prevent the cold store from developing to begin with. (One common treatment is called Sitavig). And needless to say, you should definitely never try to pop a cold sore the way you might try to pop a pimple. (Though you really shouldn't pop a pimple either.)
Abreva Docosanol 10% Cream
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How long do pimples and cold sores last?
Pimples and cold sores can both be considered chronic conditions. Though HSV-1 is never fully eradicated from the body because it's a virus, pimples generally become chronic based on a person's genetics and hormonal makeup. "Acne can be chronic, more often in women than men, as hormones can play a big role in perpetuating what was once thought of as a teenager ailment," explains Friedman.
The first time someone gets a cold sore, it can remain anywhere from two to four weeks; after that first time, it will typically resolve itself in a week or two, says Shah. She also says cold sores commonly reoccur in the same area. Pimples, on the other hand, usually have a shorter life cycle, often lasting a few days to a week.
What are the psychological impacts of cold sores and pimples?
Like any skin affliction, pimples and cold sores can both wreak havoc on people's emotional well-being. "Acne and cold sores are notorious for causing anxiety and stress," says Amy Wechsler, a New York City-based psychodermatologist. "They make people very self-conscious, and sufferers feel like the acne or cold sore is the only thing people see when they look at them."
That being said, if you battle either ailment, it's crucial to know you're far from alone. According to recent reports, 50 million people in the U.S. alone have acne, and 50 to 80 percent of U.S. adults have oral herpes (HSV-1). Though, as Friedman mentioned, only 30 percent of people amass actual clinical cold sores.
All this is to say: Cold sores and pimples are both incredibly common conditions that, while annoying, can be pinpointed and treated accordingly. Talk to your doctor to figure out a treatment solution together.
New York-based piercer Janeese Brooks was, like many people, inspired by her mother — specifically, the dread her mother felt around anything involving needles. That fear drove Brooks to develop a piercing technique to reduce the completely normal uneasiness many clients experience ahead of and during an appointment, whether it's their first, second, or 10th time getting pierced. "Do everything you can to make people feel strong for how far they got [by making an appointment]," Brooks told herself. "Even coming in the door a lot of times, is an ordeal, especially for people and piercings."
At Live by the Sword Tattoo in Brooklyn, New York, Brooks offers a "gentle" piercing method, as she calls it. It's not a separate add-on service; compassionate treatment is central to everything she does. It's built into all of her appointments, which keeps her clientele coming back for more.
Courtesy of Janeese Brooks
Affirmations are shared throughout the piercing process to help console her clients as they experience pain and apprehension. You can even often hear Brooks telling them, "I love you" or "You are strong," as she punctures their skin. If they're used to the quick in-and-out environments of a tattoo shop or booth at the mall, some may find this unexpected and awkward. But Brooks's priority is ensuring her clients' comfort and emphasizing that she doesn't intend to cause them pain. "I tell people [these affirmations] when they wince, cringe, or [show] other small [signs] of pain," she says. "I like to reinforce the fact that I don't like hurting anyone. I'm not here to hurt you, in fact, if I could do it all without any pain whatsoever I would."
By sharing positive statements, Brooks also hopes to help those who have had negative and traumatic piercing experiences in the past heal — which is she says accounts for "so many" of her clients. By way of example, she mentions clients of color who were told their noses are too thick or big for a piercing or folks who dealt with inappropriate touching from a piercer while getting their nipples or belly button done. There are also clients whose apprehension simply stems from a technical piercing error, like the gun getting stuck. Hearing these stories in the past made her think, "How do we build a space where people are safe, all the way around?" Now, Brooks does her best to validate their experiences and build trust with them.
Courtesy of Janeese Brooks
Creating a comfortable and calm environment is central to Brooks' appointments. Even if a client prefers a more silent session, which she says doesn't happen often, she will create a relaxing atmosphere in other ways. For instance, she will offer one of her apprentices to hold the client's hand, play calming music, or even sing to them to ensure they feel some form of reassurance.
In addition to the usual consultation process to determine piercing placements and jewelry, Brooks says she observes her clients during the appointment to ensure the piercing will fit their lifestyle. For instance, if Brooks notices you touch your ear or fiddle with your hair a lot during your initial conversation, she'll suggest leaning away from a cartilage piercing because they take longer to heal.
Courtesy of subject
Brooks didn't start going by the Gentle Piercer until about two years ago. Her clients called her that enough times throughout her career that she finally accepted the title, she says. Before becoming the Gentle Piercer — and a piercer, in general, six years ago — Brooks observed others in the industry. During her junior year of college in 2015, she would often find herself wandering into local shops to watch the piercers out of fascination. The summer of that year, she landed an apprenticeship at a shop in Oneonta, New York, officially starting her piercing career. "I like to tell people it's the only thing that I followed through with by accident," she jokes.
Simplifying the aftercare process is crucial, too, because sometimes all the recommendations can be overwhelming and, at times, unnecessary. Brooks' instructions are straightforward: Pretend the piercing didn't happen and just leave it alone. Let your body heal on its own. "The less you touch it, the better," she adds.
Though Brooks makes her sessions as supportive and serene as possible, she acknowledges that, ultimately, it's still a person sticking a needle through a part of another person's body. "You're still going to be anxious, no matter how many times you've [gotten a piercing], but I don't need to make it worse," she shares. "It should not just be a safe environment but also comfortable. You should feel like you're allowed to be whatever version of yourself you are while you're getting pierced and have somebody that appreciates both versions — the nervous version that came in and the version that's leaving."
We are pretty much obsessed with all of Megan Thee Stallion's nail art over here at Allure. Not a day goes by when we aren't scouring her Instagram page to see her latest manicure. Meg even has a signature pose she often uses to show off her manicures with her hands displayed across her world-famous booty. The rapper loves to experiment with different nail designs and styles; she can give us a hot-pink Y2K-inspired French mani one day and an anime-inspired set the next. So, of course, as spooky season begins, Meg already has a cute-yet-creepy manicure — actually, she's already had three.
The Hot Girl Captain shared her latest Halloween-themed nails, which she calls an " X-ray $et" in the caption, with her 25 million fans on October 6. Like most of her manicures, these long nails were sculpted into a chic lipstick shape. On each lengthy nail is a different part of a skeleton, painted in a blue hue onto a jet-black base. A skull sits on her right index finger and the left middle finger, while parts of the spine can be seen on the left ring finger. The design practically looks like it's glowing in the dark (or under a blacklight, perhaps), which is perfect for the Halloween season. We're really amazed by the nail artistry here.
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This isn't her only recent Halloween-themed set, which shouldn't be surprising considering Thee Stallion switches out her manicures so often. Just a few days prior, on October 1, she shared a white manicure with blood-red polish dripping onto the tips. The pinky and index fingers have a stiletto shape and the middle and ring fingers have a coffin shape, representing vampire fangs.
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Not even a full day later, Thee Stallion was already onto her next set, which she displayed in an Instagram carousel. This colorful manicure looks simple at first except for the multicolored, bloodshot eyes painted on each lipstick-shaped tip. It's obvious that she is killing it in the Halloween nail art department this year, and we can't wait to see what creative manicure comes next.
Ladies and gentlemen, Adele is finally dropping some new music. The singer-songwriter took to Instagram on Tuesday, October 5, to break the news with a clip from the music video for her upcoming song, "Easy On Me." Like many of the singer's famous hits, this one sounds like it's gonna be a tear-jerker, but is it enough to smear Adele's signature winged eyeliner?
In the video, her thick, dark eyeliner makes an appearance as she takes a glance into the rearview mirror of a car. Thanks to the close-up angle, it looks as if the liner was also paired with some long, elegant lashes, though it's unclear if they're false eyelashes or the work of some volumizing mascara. Adele's eyeliner cameo may be short-lived, but it's probably going to make another appearance or two in the full music video.
Adele didn't confirm whose artistic hand was behind her fabulous eye makeup in her post, but makeup artist Michael Ashton seems to be her go-to for all things glam. A look through his Instagram grid reveals that he's done her makeup for a variety of occasions, such as the Golden Globe Awards and the Grammys.
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As of this post, there are only eight more days until the arrival of the video for "Easy On Me," and we'll definitely be looking out for each and every chic eyeliner moment once it drops (with our pack of tissues at the ready, of course). If you're looking to up the ante on your eyeliner game like Adele, check out these makeup artist-approved tips on how to create the perfect cat eye, along with some eyeliner recommendations to help create it.
This story is part of The Beauty of Accessibility, our series on inclusivity and representation for people with disabilities in the beauty industry and beyond.
After I was involved in an accident that paralyzed my left arm a couple of years back, my beauty routine started to feel tedious and frustrating. My everyday struggles regularly included a battle to uncap my mascara or a scuffle to sharpen my eyeliner with one of those tiny makeup sharpeners. (FYI: Those electric pencil sharpeners from elementary school don't do the trick either.) Before my accident, most of the products I was using weren't accessible for people with hand or arm impairments. So I said "nope" to that and set out on a mission to find products that would allow me to single-handedly power through a beauty session like a professional — or at least reduce the number of fights I was having with my makeup.
Due to design, some products are just easier to wrangle than others. But I didn't want to settle at just accessible; after all, you shouldn’t need to skimp on quality to accommodate a disability. Accessibility should be a given, not a bonus. All of the products I've curated here are not only five-finger user-friendly, but all-around winners in terms of quality and efficacy too. Everyone's adaptability journey is different, so you'll need to play around to find which products work best for you. But hopefully, in sharing what's worked for me, I can help you speed up the search process.
All products featured on Allure are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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Olive & June The Poppy
The challenge with applying nail polish with one hand is… applying it to your one hand. I usually sit with one leg crossed over the other and use my thighs to hold the brush while moving the nails from my functional hand under it. Unfortunately, this means I also usually end up with more polish on my legs than my nails because polish brush tops are often short or small and not meant to be held with something other than a hand.
The Poppy is large, round, and flat, which makes it the perfect shape and size for holding the brush securely with your knees, feet, teeth, etc., and it’s made of non-slip silicone to further ensure a good grip. Pop it onto any Olive & June color (or any polish with a similar, slim enough top), and it'll also help you grasp and open your stubborn nail polish with one hand.
$16
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Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Until coming across C-Tango, my experience with eye creams had always involved tiny, tightly secured caps on mini, impossible to hold jars. This often ended in frustration and wasted product in the likelihood that I'd drop the finally opened cream on the floor (or the dog — oops). C-Tango comes in a straight-edged container that makes it easier to hold on to. But the best part? The cap-free packaging. You just twist the top with one hand and a hidden pump emerges, allowing you to apply the product directly onto your skin.
$64
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The Beachwaver
As someone with naturally curly hair, I never desired to use a curling iron until I had my accident and couldn't use two hands to do it. After that, I was set on adapting everything, so finding an accessible curler became a challenge I wanted to win, and The Beachwaver was my prize. It's designed perfectly for one-hand use because the barrel rotates automatically; you use the built-in clip to secure a strand of hair and press a button while the curler does the rest. There's no manual twisting of your hair around the barrel, and you can adjust the settings to achieve anything from loose waves to tighter coils.
$79
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Haus Laboratories Glam Room Palette No. 1 Fame
You'll see Haus Labs on this list several times because I've found it's one of the most arm impairment-friendly brands out there. First: This ultimate palette of gorgeous shades comes in a compact design that's easy to open and hold using one hand. Not only can I get it open without a struggle, but it also stays open. So many beautiful palettes out there are ruined for me by a cardboard case that closes on its own, but this one stays put after I set it on the counter. And it's weighted, so you won't be chasing it around with your brush if you can't use your other hand to hold it down. Plus, the shadow formula is gorgeous.
$34
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Foreo Luna Play Plus 2
Facial cleansing brushes can be difficult because applying cleanser to a device you can't stabilize with another hand can prove tricky. The Luna Play Plus 2 is ideal for this because you can set it flat on a counter (or bathtub edge) and pour the cleanser right onto it. It requires minimal involvement with a charger or batteries because it can last for up to 600 uses. The entire brush is made of body-safe silicone, which provides a good grip (even in the shower) and the single button necessary for operating the brush is easy to reach with the same hand because of how small the device is.
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Lele Sadoughi Headbands
Sometimes you need to bring out your "lazy day hairstyle," and for me, that used to be braids or a messy bun. But having use of one arm now makes those options challenging, so these Lele Sadoughi headbands are my messy bun. Although all headbands are technically "one-hand-friendly," I choose these because of their beautiful array of unique designs. Being limited to simple hairstyles post-accident brought me to tears at first, and discovering these headbands made me proud of my new adapted "easy" look. I throw one on, and no matter what my hair is doing, I feel like I tried, yet minimal (read: no) effort was required.
$150
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Verb Hydrating Shampoo
Pump-dispensed shampoos can highly improve one-handed accessibility in the shower… but they can also make things worse if you're not careful. If the bottle is too light and the pump is too resistant, you'll wind up chasing the container around your tub. But this 32-ounce bottle of Verb comes with a smooth pump and sturdy container. Those factors allow you to efficiently dispense the product right into your functional hand without tipping the bottle. (The smaller, 12-ounce version is OK too, but it comes with a trickier flip-top cap so you have to squeeze the product out.) Plus, it's color-safe and made for use with an array of hair types!
$18
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Slick Solutions Lotion Applicator
This tool changed my lotion-applying game. After my accident, I was constantly asking for help with lotion because I had difficulty reaching some areas of my body. I find it convenient for moisturizing any place on your back that might prove to be out of reach. And it's easy to dispense lotion onto if you hold the handle underneath your armpit or between your knees and apply the cream directly to the paddle on the top.
$10
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Conair Gel Grips Hair Brushes
When relying on one arm or hand to do everything, it's essential to take care of your functioning limb as it can quickly tire out. And hairstyling is something that always tires out my "good" arm: Once I've washed, brushed, applied product, and styled, it's been up in the air for a while! Putting your hair up with one hand is difficult enough, but dropping your hairbrush mid-pony can seem disastrous since that means letting go of everything to pick it up. Conair's Gel Grip Brushes have handles that are comfortable and squishy like a medicine ball, forming to your unique hand shape, therefore becoming easier to hold. Plus, they come in all shapes and sizes, including large paddle brushes and ones made specifically for heat styling.
$9
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Pixi Detoxifeye Depuffing Eye Patches
I love eye gel patches but loathe the packaging they come in. Usually, it's sheets that are then encased in another plastic casing and lined with more plastic or paper that I need to separate from the patches. Tearing those sheets with one hand is a nightmare and then accessing the patches with one hand is a significant challenge. Pixi offers three types of gel eye patches, all of which come with 30 pairs of patches neatly stacked in a large jar that’s simple to hold between your legs and twist open with one hand. The enclosed spatula makes separating them frustration-free, and no additional paper or plastic is used to separate the gels. Tip: Keeping them in the fridge helps firm up the patches a tiny bit which also makes them easier to manage!
$24
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Haus Laboratories Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner
When Lady Gaga says she's all about inclusivity, she means it. This eyeliner is versatile, long-wearing, and draws a hard line at inaccessibility. I dreaded sharpening eyeliner with one hand, so I shifted my attention to liquid liners; it isn't just the fantastic formula that has sold me on Haus Lab's Eye-Lie-Ner, but also its creative cap. All the other liquid liners I tried came with a smooth, often shiny plastic cap that was a nightmare to remove using one hand. But this Eye-Lie-Ner has a thoughtfully designed diamond-shaped, matte-plastic cap that makes it easy to grip and open with two fingers.
$20
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Tarte Babassu Foundcealer Skincare Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20
Out of the way, finicky wand-applicator concealer! Tarte's Foundcealer is way easier to open than a traditional twist-top package, and it also eliminates the precarious task of trying to pour foundation onto a carefully balanced sponge without accidentally pouring half the bottle onto your counter. The brilliant, cap-free bottle is a breeze to use with one hand: Simply twist the top with your thumb and index finger to reveal the pump, dispense the product wherever you need it, and then use your hand or an applicator to blend. (Note: You'll need to layer a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 under the foundation to ensure full protection.)
$39
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Milk Makeup Luminous Blur Stick Primer
Milk Makeup offers an extensive line of disability-friendly sticks that are easy to uncap with one hand and rely on a well-oiled twisting mechanism to dispense the product. I hold the bottom of these products with my middle finger and twist the top with my thumb and index finger. The Luminous Blur Stick triples as a primer, highlighter, and mattifier that you can use on its own or under foundation. If you're looking to make your routine more efficient without skipping products, this stick is a must.
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W3LL People Multi-Use Cream Stick
Products designed for "multi-use" are ideal when working with one hand because it means you’ll be fussing with fewer products. This blush doubles as a lip color and lets me add a pop to my look without needing to pull out a brush or wrestle with a lipstick cap. At just about 2 inches in length, the Nudist Multi-Use Cream Stick is easy to uncap, twist, and apply with one hand. Plus, its shorter length also makes it easier to dispense.
$20
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Too Faced Travel Size Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara
You'll notice that I specified "travel size" and "waterproof" for this product. I’ve found any travel-size mascara will be more accessible with one hand than the full size because the mascara wand is shorter. I go for the waterproof version of Better Than Sex because Too Faced has decorated their waterproof mascara with textured "water droplets" that also cleverly double as gripping aids. When your mascara dries a bit and you're struggling to open it, trying to twist off that stubborn cap from a sleek, smooth tube can be a nightmare. Pro tip: After uncapping, hold the mascara base between your thumb and ring finger, and use your middle and index to pull out the wand.
$14
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Winky Lux Flower Balm
Lipsticks that come in shorter packaging are easier to successfully uncap with one hand without accidentally grazing off the top. This is why I love this little 2-inch bullet-shaped balm. Since it's a tint that develops based on your skin's pH, it's also more forgiving than a solid color. This might also come as a relief to anyone who's adapting to one-handed life with a previously non-dominant hand.
$16
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Ogx Extra Strength Argan Oil of Morocco Hair Mask
Finally, a hair mask that doesn't come in a massive tub or one of those annoying packets that look like GoGo squeeZ and have impossible mini caps. This mask comes in a perfectly sized small container that you can easily open without having to secure it between your feet while desperately twisting with your one hand. The shower already offers many obstacles to accessibility, and this product design can help ease some of those frustrations. Plus, this is hands down the best hair mask I've ever used. I'm a natural dark brunette who keeps her hair dyed the color of cotton candy, but thanks to this mask, my hair is always blissfully soft.
$9
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Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner
I swear by this toner and was overjoyed when I found out Thayers had released it as a facial mist. It's the same formula as the beloved Witch Hazel Facial Toner, but packaged in a convenient spray bottle. If you've tried pouring toner on a cotton pad with one hand, you probably know that most of it ends up everywhere but on the cotton pad. With this, now all you have to do is spritz and go.
$11
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Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Brow Pencil
This is the pencil that convinced me to start paying attention to my brows. Before, I'd decided that I didn't want another product that required sharpening. But this never-fail pencil relies on a twist function, plus the cap is easy to remove with one hand (and somehow stays on in your purse). You won't even need to put down your pencil mid-application to grab a brush to tame your luscious brows because it comes with a precision brush on the other end. I tend to leave the spooley side uncapped to cut down the process even more.
$21
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Haus Laboratories Le Monster Matte Lip Crayon
This lipstick is a game-changer because you can apply it on the go and with one hand. The matte plastic case makes it easy to grip, and the thin cap is easier to open than a Sharpie. I’ve broken more lipsticks than I’m willing to admit while attempting to uncap or cap them single-handedly. Thankfully, the tip of Le Monster Matte Lip Crayon is as wide as a Q-Tip and barely sticks out when retracted, so your chances of grazing the top and breaking it while uncapping are slim to none. You’ll be able to uncap, twist, and apply this luscious formula, all with one hand.
$18
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Supergoop (Re)setting 100% Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++
This setting powder is exemplary when it comes to accessibility. Every setting powder I'd tried before Supergoop came in an inconvenient compact with a sponge or a brush. But this powder comes in a cylinder with an easily removable cap and a hyperconvenient pull-and-reveal brush. You pull down the inner plastic protector and tap the brush directly onto your face to apply. Multiuse products are always a happy find since they reduce the number of packages you have to deal with; this one sets, mattifies, and protects from the sun.
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Tiy Pro Customizable Elastic Hair Tie
Relearning how to tie my hair with one arm was my biggest beauty challenge after my accident. When I finally got it, I realized I could only do it with ties that were already stretched out. But Tiy has created the first customizable hair tie, so no matter what size, length, or tension works best for you, you can have it. The brand’s Pro Tiys come in a portable holder, and each one makes up to six Tiys. You pull out your desired length and squeeze the container to cut the Tiy, and you then follow their innovative tying technique to create the perfect hair tie. I like to have someone help me assemble all of them at once, and then I'm set with an assortment of custom ties that give me the freedom to independently tie my hair.
$13
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Sun Bum Protecting Anti-Frizz Oil Mist
Why is it that most hair oils, shine-enhancing serums, and anti-frizz products come in a bottle with a pump that requires you to dispense it into your palms and rub them together to apply? Fortunately, Sun Bum created this lightweight all-in-one anti-frizz, shine-boosting, nourishing oil in a spray. Basically, it checks all the boxes that a serum or ghost oil would, but with the added bonus that you can spritz it right onto your locks and comb it through with your fingers — no need for two hands.
$15
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Pacifica Beauty Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream
With quality face creams, I've found jarred and potted options are often challenging to open because lids quickly get greasy, therefore becoming difficult to remove. When they come in a tube, I encounter difficulty squeezing from the top, so a lot of product winds up being wasted. But Pacifica Beauty's Dreamy Youth Day & Night Face Cream comes in a cylindrical pump. The cap pops right off, and you can apply the cream straight to your face. It has the thicker texture of a night cream, but isn't too greasy to wear during the day if you like extra hydration.
$16
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Lip Smacker Disney Emoji Lip Balm
I didn't tack this one onto the list just because I never stopped loving and collecting these delicious gems masquerading as a lip balm; I added it because Lip Smacker has lept from the '90s into the future with a lip balm so effortless to open and apply, it'll have you opening and closing it as if it were a fidget toy. The Disney-themed designs aren't just cute, the matte-plastic and oversize shapes make them easy to swivel open with one hand. Plus, the balm and cap stay attached to the base, so you can say goodbye to losing runaway lip balm caps.
Read the rest of The Beauty of Accessibility.
$5
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When you think of glamorous 1980s movie characters that have earned beauty-icon status, you may think of Lisa from Weird Science, Elvira Hancock from Scarface, or any of the Witches of Eastwick. Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street? Not so much. But leave it to Kylie Jenner to see the horror villain through fresh, fully lined eyes.
On Tuesday, October 5, Jenner posted a stunning photo to Instagram in which she's wearing a catsuit made to resemble Freddy Krueger's burn-scarred skin. Her pulled-back hair culminates in sleek bangs separated into four sculpted pieces. And of course, her manicure is made up of super long, metallic silver, pointy nails that recall Freddy's signature knife-finger glove.
It would be understandable if Jenner was just getting off to an early start on Halloween costumes — the Kardashian-Jenner clan is known for going full-throttle on the holiday — but the photo is actually a promo shot for a new Kylie Cosmetics collaboration with A Nightmare on Elm Street. In her Instagram Stories, Jenner revealed all of the products in the collection accompanied by a sufficiently creepy soundtrack.
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First up is a Lip Lacquer Trio in tubes that look blood-splattered. She swatches the nude-pink Only a Dream, peachy-red Elm Street, and mauve-brick Never Sleep Again shades on her arm to show off their rich, glossy color. Next is the Pressed Powder Palette, which contains 12 pans of matte and shimmery neutral and red-toned eye-shadow shades, not to mention a dark teal shade called Gonna Get You.
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Kylie also shows off the false lashes in the collection. "I love pre-cut lashes, so I wanted to do these pre-cut lashes for you guys," Jenner says in the clip. "They're so soft. They look so pretty on the eye, and I just love being able to customize my own lash."
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And finally, there's the Lip and Cheek Jelly Stain, which Jenner says is a brand-new formula. "It has a really cool texture," she says, adding that it gives a light, pretty wash of color.
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The Kylie x A Nightmare on Elm Street collection launches on October 12. Jenner's new launches tend to sell out quickly, but with millions of Freddy fans in the queue, there's no doubt that this will fly off kyliecosmetics.com shelves especially fast, so definitely don't sleep on it.
Folks with hooded and monolid eyes are rejoicing over a new winged eyeliner hack that is all over TikTok, and with good reason. Drawing that coveted cat eye oftentimes poses a challenge for those who have limited eyelid space because the wings have a tendency to hide inside the upper creases. With TikTok user Joni Sann's video, however, people with monolids or hooded eyes now have a simple solution to creating that perfect winged eye — one that might be even easier than the famous "bat wing" trick.
Sann's video, which she posted on September 21, currently has over 4 million views. She tells Allure that she came up with the method back in high school after struggling to find YouTube tutorials specifically for "hooded, almond-shaped eyes, or other tapered eye shapes with deep-set creases."
As Sann explains in the video, she used to begin by drawing the wing directly from the outer corner of her eye. Instead, she now "extends the corner of her eye [first] before drawing in [her] wing," meaning that she creates a downward-sloping line at the outer end of her eyelid that extends slightly beyond the end of her eye crease. Then comes the wing. She goes on to explain that she draws the wing "out and up, instead of… you know, vertical."
Her eyeliner tricks don't end there. If you're into lining your inner corners, Sann has a hack for that as well. Rather than drawing a horizontal line, she creates a diagonal line, which she says aligns with "the natural angle of [her] inner corner."
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TikTok user Momo has also taken a liking to Sann's eyeliner hack. She documented her experience with a video accompanied by the caption, "THIS IS WHY MY EYELINER NEVER SUITED MY EYES," indicating that she's now found a technique that suits her self-described "mildly hooded, downturned, almond-shaped eyes."
Momo says she's always watching eyeliner videos, which is why she thinks TikTok brought Sann's video to her attention. "I struggled a lot with eyeliner making my eyes look strange and misshapen, and I think this method really helps accentuate the features that are already there because it follows the natural line of the upper lid," she explains. She adds that she now only uses Sann's technique when lining her eyes.
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New York City-based makeup artist Tommy tells Allure that extending the line further out isn't necessarily what's making this look work for hooded and monolid eye shapes. It's the fact that "the eyeliner is more horizontal than it is at an angle" and is placed at a "lower angle" than what a rounded eyeliner technique seems to call for. He's all for lining the eye beyond the natural lash line, but he says to "be wary of starting the wing at the corner or bottom lash line up." Placing the wing in these positions "lower[s] the eyeliner." "A harmonious winged eyeliner will meet the top eyelid and no lower, thus lifting one's eyes and face."
Makeup has no rules, but if you have hooded or monolid eyes and are looking to change how you line them, then consider taking some pointers from this TikTok hack and aim the wings in a different direction.
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