9 Best Creams for Dry Hands That Repair and Protect
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Are your hands sending out an SOS? Between constant washing, harsh weather, and dry indoor air, you need one of the best hand creams for dry skin to rescue them from their rough, cracked state. Our favorite, go-with-us-everywhere formulas go beyond basic hydration, packing in barrier-repairing ceramides, moisture-locking butters like shea and marula, and firming peptides.
Whether you prefer a lightweight lotion for easy reapplication throughout the day or a thick overnight treatment for seriously in-distress skin, we’ve rounded up the options our editors swear by for baby-soft hands and hydrated cuticles all year round.
Our Top Hand Creams
- Best Overall: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $35
- Best Scent: Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal, $22
- Best Luxury: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment, $60
- Best With Retinol: Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream, $18
- Best for Cracked Hands: Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream, $25
- Cutest Packaging: Chanel La Crème Main, $62
- Best Overnight Hand Cream: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment, $62
- Best for Eczema: Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream, $25
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What causes dry hands?
- Why should I use a hand cream?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
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Aesop
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm
Nordstrom
Revolve
Bluemercury
Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm.
Sarah Hoffmann
Why it's worth it: Ever wonder how one of the world’s most recognizable hand creams came to be? Fun fact: Aesop’s cult-favorite Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm actually started as a hair product. Back in the ’80s, the brand’s founder—a Melbourne-based hairstylist—began mixing essential oils into his salon formulas to make them smell (and feel) a little better. What began as a small experiment for clients’ hair quickly turned into a global obsession for their hands. The now-iconic balm blends sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils to deeply hydrate, while shea butter and cocoa seed butter soften without any greasiness. Carrot root, rosemary, and aloe soothe and repair, and that signature mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender scent instantly transforms a simple act into a mini ritual. Bonus: It also comes in a jumbo 17-ounce jar with a pump, so you won't run out.
Tester feedback from commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann
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“I can't go to bed (or wake up, frankly) without reaching for this hand cream. It lives on my nightstand, and saves my hands from the lizard-like state they want to be in once it hits November. The scent is fresh and light but not so strong that it announces itself to the room. I've used it before bed so often that it functions like a sleep spray: It signals to my brain that it's time to wind down and hit the hay.” —Sarah Hoffmann, commerce producer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: glycerin, mandarin rind, rosemary leaf, cedar atlas, cocoa seed butter
- Scent: citrus, woody, herbaceous
Best Scent: Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal
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Cyklar
Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal
Cyklar
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin applying the Cyklar Urea Hand Cream in Sacred Santal
Sarah Felbin
Why it’s worth it: If you’ve tried anything from Cyklar—from its body washes to its body oils—you already know the appeal isn’t just in the formulas, but in the compliment-inducing scents. At the top of our list is Sacred Santal, a refined blend of bergamot, cardamom, amber, velvet musk, and cashmere wood. The fragrance evokes an outdoor shower in the forest: clean and fresh, with a subtle, nature-forward warmth that never veers too musky. And while it smells divine, it treats hands just as well: Urea gently exfoliates dead cells, while glycerin, snow mushroom, and ectoin draw moisture into the skin. Smoother skin and healthier-looking cuticles without the stickiness? We’ll take three.
Tester feedback from senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“In the winter, my hands are constantly dry (sometimes to the point of cracking). I slather this on any time they start to feel scaly. It sinks in quickly (no greasy finish here) and immediately makes my hands feel softer. I love the formula—rich and deeply hydrating, but not so thick that it sits on top of my skin. My hands look and feel visibly more moisturized right after I use it, and the more I apply it, the better. I also really like the packaging—it's a large tube, so I know it'll last me a few months, and the marbled cap looks so luxe. Plus, the Sacred Santal scent is divine! I was genuinely surprised that this hand cream is only around $20 a tube. The formula and packaging feel much fancier! I'd recommend it to people with super-dry hands who want a cream that not only performs well, but smells great, too.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: urea, glycerin, ectoin, squalane, snow mushroom
- Scent: bergamont, cardamom, amber, velvet musk, cashmere wood
Best Luxury: Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment
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Augustinus Bader
The Hand Treatment
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Augustinus Bader The Hand Treatment
Jessica Cruel
Why it’s worth it: $60 for a hand cream can be tough to swallow, but an ultra-cushiony, fast-absorbing formula that instantly soothes chapped hands makes it easier to justify. Enter Augustinus Bader’s The Hand Treatment, powered by TFC8, a proprietary formula that acts as a GPS to deliver nutrients to your skin cells. Made up of naturally occurring amino acids, vitamins, and molecules, Bader’s signature blend promotes cellular renewal, repair, and a healthy glow. Rounding out the formula is a conditioning, moisture-locking blend of shea butter, white peony extract, vitamin E, and glycerin—as well as firming peptides to address signs of aging.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“This is the hand cream I keep in my expensive designer handbag, because one luxury item deserves another. I'm always using a nickel-size amount between meetings and subway stops. The consistency is like buttercream icing and easily melts into my hands. I've spent a lot of time focused on my face when it comes to skin care, but now that I’m 35, my attention turned to my hands. My usual drugstore hand cream didn't have the level of actives I need to keep age spots and wrinkles at bay. This one has peptides, niacinamide, vitamin E, and shea butter to moisturize hands instantly and help with signs of aging in the long run. A $60 hand cream is a high price to ask, but I will say that I'm three months in and haven't run out yet.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
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- Key ingredients: TCF8, shea butter, white peony extract, vitamin E, glycerin
- Scent: none
Best for Barrier Repair: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
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L'Occitane
Shea Butter Hand Cream
Amazon
Sephora
Allure managing editor Alessandra Foresto applying the L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream
Alessandra Foresto
Why it’s worth it: The classics always deliver: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Balm is pretty much the Goldilocks of hand creams, rich yet never greasy. Its star ingredient, shea butter, is packed with omega-6 to deliver lasting hydration and heal cracked skin. Sunflower seed oil and glycerin join the nourishing lineup to leave hands soft, supple, and smooth all day. Plus, the light, fresh lemon scent keeps us coming back for more.
Tester feedback from managing editor Alessandra Foresto
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“As someone who goes through a lot of hand sanitizer (I live in New York City!), my hands are only soft because of this ultra-rich hand balm! But while the lotion is thick, it's not greasy—I promise you'll be able to tap your phone right after without leaving sticky stains. This super-rich lotion leaves my hands super soft and absorbs quickly. Because the balm is a little thick, you have to really press on the tube to get it out, but it's nothing a little tube squeezer couldn't help with. I have tried hundreds (no exaggeration) of hand lotions and this is just simply the best!” —Alessandra Foresto, managing editor
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- Key ingredients: shea butter, sunflower seed oil, glycerin
- Scent: lemon
Best With Retinol: Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream
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Remedy
Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream
Target
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Remedy Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream
Sarah Kinonen
Why it’s worth it: Beyond its cute, purse-friendly packaging and easy-squeeze delivery, Remedy’s Hand & Cuticle Repairing Butter Cream tackles signs of aging like a pro. The star ingredient is encapsulated retinol—a stabilized form of vitamin A that penetrates deeply without irritation—targeting dark spots, uneven tone, damaged cuticles, and rough, dry hands. Ceramides and shea butter offer rich moisture, so you wake up with unbelievably soft hands come morning. (Don’t forget to apply sunscreen after!)
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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“I don’t know what I love most about this hand cream: its squeezable, spherical packaging, the thick and creamy texture, or how moisturized it leaves my palms. And it doesn't have much of a scent, which is great for sensitive skin types, like me! It's a bit of a struggle to squeeze out the product at first, but once it warms up, it comes out just fine.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
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- Key ingredients: 0.1 encapsulated retinol, ceramides, 20% shea butter
- Scent: none
Best for Cracked Hands: Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream
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Dr. Jart+
Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream
Amazon
Allure senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen applying Dr. Jart Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream.
Nicola Dall'Asen
Why it's worth it: The primary emollient in Dr. Jart+’s Ceramidin Moisturizing Hand Cream is, you guessed it, ceramides. More specifically, this cushiony cream soothes stressed skin with ceramide NP, a skin-identical lipid that supports moisture retention and minimizes sensitivity. To up the ante on its skin-softening properties, Dr. Jart’s hand cream also contains glycerin to hydrate and antioxidant panthenol to soothe irritation.
Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen
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"My hands get unbearably dry and scaly in the winter, which wouldn't be such an issue if I didn't hate the sensory experience of having moist, cream-covered hands, especially while out and about. Thankfully, Dr. Jart's Ceramidin Hand Cream is light and fast-absorbing enough that I can apply it anywhere without any goopy, lingering wetness while still providing plenty of hydration, thanks to its barrier-building ceramides. Plus, the generous, three-and-a-half-ounce tube can last me months." —Nicola Dall’Asen, senior news editor
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- Key ingredients: ceramide NP, glycerin, panthenol
- Scent: floral
Cutest Packaging: Chanel La Crème Main
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Chanel
La Crème Main
Chanel
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Chanel La Crème Main
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: The adorable, egg-shaped Chanel’s La Creme Main sits so pretty on your bathroom counter, but is also compact enough to toss into your bag or coat pocket for easy post-hand-washing moisture. But she’s not all about looks. At the heart of the luxurious formula is a blend of camellia-derived ingredients: Camellia ceramides help protect the skin barrier, camellia oil deeply nourishes and softens, and camellia yeast delivers lasting hydration. Iris extract adds brightening benefits, helping achieve a more even tone. Why reach for a $62 hand cream over any other? Because you’ll use it to the very last drop.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'll be honest: I've long overlooked the importance of hand care and hand cream—sometimes to the point of painfully cracked hands. This winter, I'm undoing my wrongs and slathering up with hand cream right before I go to bed, and as often as I can manage during the day after washing my hands. One of my go-tos is Chanel La Crème Main, which instantly softens my hands without leaving them feeling greasy—my main gripe with most hand creams. It also has the perfect level of floral notes that's not too subtle nor overwhelming. I can't get enough!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: camellia oleifera seed oil, glycerin, sodium hyaluronate, iris pallida root extract, shea butter
- Scent: soft floral
Best Overnight Hand Cream: Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
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Soft Services
Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment
Sephora
Soft Services
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using Soft Services Theraplush Overnight Repair Treatment.
Deanna Pai
Why it's worth it: The key ingredient in Soft Services Theraplush, a dense overnight hand cream, is retinol, which you might be familiar with from your wrinkle-reducing skin-care routine. This active ingredient is considered the gold standard for treating aging and discolored skin because it regulates collagen production and helps boost skin thickness—so long, sun spots and wrinkles. The cream is infused with calming colloidal oatmeal and panthenol to moisturize and keep active ingredient-related irritation to a minimum. To protect the formula from bacteria and oxidation, it comes in an air-tight, pump-top container that’ll look great on your nightstand.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“I have hand cream everywhere—my car, my desk, my purse—but this is my ride or die. Everything about it is perfect, from the beautiful, sculptural tub to the soft scent. I also appreciate the addition of retinol for my rapidly aging hands. It’s enough to keep them smooth, but not so much that I’ve ever experienced irritation.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
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- Key ingredients: 0.05% retinol, 1% colloidal oatmeal, 0.5% panthenol, ceramide NP, glycerin
- Scent: floral
Best for Eczema: Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream
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Skinfix
Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream
Sephora
SkinFix
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee using the Skinfix Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream.
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it’s worth it: Raise a (cracked, dry) hand if you’re dealing with red, irritated, or eczema-prone skin. Skinfix's Eczema+ Hand Relief Cream, with the seal of approval from the National Eczema Association, was made for exactly that. The formula combines 1% colloidal oatmeal with a 1.5% Triple Lipid Complex of ceramides, sterols, and fatty acids to mimic your skin’s natural barrier and lock in hydration. “I love this because it hydrates deeply without feeling greasy,” says Pooja Rambhia, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. “It contains colloidal oatmeal, shea butter, and allantoin to soothe irritation while strengthening the skin barrier, making it a great choice for anyone with sensitive skin.”
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“With two kids, I wash my hands about 4,543 times a day, and they’re as cracked, patchy, and red as ever. This formula is as nourishing as can be—maybe a tad slick for my palms, but since the real irritation is on the back of my hands, that’s where I focus it. Even my nails feel stronger and less dry since I started using it.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 1% colloidal oatmeal, 1.5% Triple Lipid Complex (ceramides, sterols, fatty acids)
- Scent: none
Best Long-Lasting: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème
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Mienne
Fleurir Hand Crème
Revolve
Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème.
Briana Rengifo
Why it’s worth it: Launched just this year, Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème is already catching everyone’s eye (and nose) here at Allure HQ. While we usually think of hand cream as a utilitarian part of our routine, this one takes hand care to a whole new—dare we say—sensual level. The brand calls its approach “aphrodisiac skin care,” with ingredients meant to awaken the senses through touch and scent. Maca root extract and ylang-ylang oil lend a warm, romantic feel, while ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils smooth and nourish. Shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate keep hydration locked in for hours. Every time you use it, your hands feel silky, smell amazing, and suddenly, moisturizing feels less like a chore and more like a treat.
Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo
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“A staple in my purse since the tube is stunning and sleek. It's such a sensual and smoky hand creme that it transforms such a mundane task into a self-care ritual, leaving my hands hydrated and with a pearl effect.” —Briana Rengifo, designer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ceramides, passion flower, ylang ylang, aloe
- Scent: floral
Best Multipurpose: Malin+Goetz All-Purpose Moisture Balm
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Malin + Goetz
All-Purpose Moisture Balm
Nordstrom
Malin + Goetz
Why it’s worth it: Malin+Goetz’s All-Purpose Moisture Balm isn’t just for the hands—it can be used all over the body to support the skin barrier and deliver lasting hydration. Formulated with 17 botanicals and butters, including meadowfoam seed oil, plum seed oil butter, and sunflower seed oil, this rich balm melts into a lightweight, dry-touch oil, soothing dry patches, chapped lips, and rough cuticles, and even smoothing hair ends and slicking back strands. It never feels heavy—just like a comforting hug for your skin. You’ll want it in your bag, bedside table, and at your desk at all times.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“With chronically dry skin, keeping my hands moisturized during the winter months is a four-to-five-month battle. Finding a hand cream that doesn't leave my hands feeling tacky or oily is an even bigger challenge. The Malin+Goetz cream has been getting me through this extra-cold winter. It’s lightweight, has no sticky residue, and since it’s all-purpose, I work whatever is left into my neck for some extra hydration during the day.” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, plum seed oil butter, sunflower seed oil, rice bran extract, jojoba oil, avocado oil
- Scent: none
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
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Neutrogena
Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
Amazon
Walmart
Why it’s worth it: Inspired by Norwegian fishermen who spent their days braving icy Arctic seas, Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream was made to handle parched, overworked hands. The formula is refreshingly simple—just a few ingredients centered around super-hydrating glycerin. “Glycerin powerfully attracts and seals in moisture even after multiple hand washings,” says Dr. Rambhia. The texture is thick and dense at first, but don’t let that fool you. It sinks in fast and leaves behind an invisible shield of softness. “It creates a protective layer that restores cracked, over-washed hands, perfect for anyone who washes or sanitizes often. I’ve used this one since residency and always keep it in my white coat pocket,” says Dr. Rambhia.
More to know
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- Key ingredient: glycerin
- Scent: none
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes dry hands?
Like anywhere else on your body, dry skin can develop on your hands from environmental changes as the weather becomes colder. "Winter is particularly harsh, as cold, low-humidity air can cause skin to dry out and become itchy, cracked, and irritated," Ross C. Radusky, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Dallas, previously told Allure. "Cold air also tightens pores, reduces circulation, and reduces sebum production." Also worth keeping in mind: General dehydration can lead to dryness, so make sure you’re staying hydrated to keep your skin at its plumpest. “When we're hydrated, our skin cells swell, and this can be a great thing,” he says. “It minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
Why should I use a hand cream?
Hand creams are formulated with some of the best moisturizing ingredients available to soothe, comfort, and moisturize dry skin. Usually, they contain a mix of humectants (ingredients that draw water to the surface layer of skin), emollients (lipids that fill in “gaps” in your skin’s moisture barrier), and occlusives (essentially moisture-sealing cling wraps for your skin) to provide softening moisture at different levels of the skin.
Meet the experts
- Audrey Kunin, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Kansas City.
- Ross C. Radusky, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Dallas.
- Pooja Rambhia, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City.
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist 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 hand creams, 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 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.
Calls Rise for Peter Thomas Roth Boycotts Amid Release of Epstein Emails
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Each day since the Justice Department published 3.5 million new documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case on January 30, we’ve learned of yet another powerful man who was in contact with the convicted sex offender and people in his network. Late last week, the name Peter Thomas Roth surfaced. According to what appear to be emails in the DOJ release, the skin-care brand founder had communicated with Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell from 2004 until 2018. Now, influencers and content creators are publicly disavowing Roth’s brand and—along with some everyday consumers—calling for boycotts in light of this information.
Nothing in the files suggests that Roth was involved in any criminal conduct, but he exchanged many friendly emails with Epstein and Maxwell long after the former pleaded guilty in 2008 to felony solicitation of prostitution and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution. In September 2017, Roth allegedly visited Epstein’s home to “explain to all the girls about skin creams, cleansers and such,” according to an email. The same month, Roth sent Epstein 13 gift bags filled with products. In another email, dated August 2018, Roth sent Epstein the link to a New York Post story headlined Steve Bannon Trying to Get on Disgraced Jeffrey Epstein’s Good Side,” saying “Great picture of you!!!” Epstein responded “fun,” to which Roth replied with three thumbs-up emojis. Epstein was subsequently charged with federal sex trafficking in July 2019.
Roth launched his skin-care line in 1993 after struggling to find products to treat his acne. The brand is now carried in Sephora, Ulta, and QVC. In a statement sent to Allure, representatives for Peter Thomas Roth stated that Roth “gave up the day-to-day operations of his eponymous brand in 2016.” According to the brand’s website, Roth “leads all research and development efforts.” He is still the CEO.
On February 8, skin-care influencer Hyram Yarbro posted a 26-minute YouTube video in which he said he would no longer promote the brand. He says he has featured its products in “hundreds” of his videos. “I just figured out today that one of my favorite skin-care brands that I have featured in hundreds of videos since the very beginning of my channel, Peter Thomas Roth, is all up in the Epstein files,” Yarbro stated in the video. “I personally will not be supporting him or the brand anymore.” At press time, the video has more than 230,000 views and over 2,000 comments, some saying they are going to boycott Ulta and Sephora as long as they continue to carry the brand.
J.C. Dombrowski, a content creator, also posted a video to say he’s severing any connection with the brand, deleting any previous videos he’s made featuring its products, and requesting to be taken off its public relations team’s mailing list. “I feel especially let down, violated, and appalled that my content helped bankroll someone and some brand like that,” he wrote in his caption, where he also described himself as a survivor of abuse.
People across the internet with far smaller followings, including on Reddit, are also denouncing Roth and his brand, calling on others to stop purchasing his products. “I’m genuinely disgusted and angry about this. PTR made one of my favorite moisturizers, but after this, I will be buying no more,” one user wrote in the /BeautyGuruChatter subReddit.
When Allure asked brand representatives at Peter Thomas Roth for comment, they pointed us to a statement that Roth posted to both his personal Instagram profile and the brand’s on February 5. In it, he said that Epstein was his physics teacher at the Dalton School in New York City in the early ’70s. “We stayed in touch casually in the nearly five decades that followed,” he wrote. “I’m horrified by the crimes he committed and the lasting impact they have had on his victims, and I deeply regret maintaining any association with him after leaving the Dalton School.”
Roth also said in his statement that he never attended Epstein’s parties, flew on his plane, or visited his island. He did recall once visiting Epstein’s Manhattan residence to “show him some skin-care products” and leaving after what he described as a “brief meeting” in his dining room. Roth previously mentioned a visit with Epstein to The New York Times in 2019. He described it as “an afternoon gathering” where “everyone present was in their 40s and 50s.” He told the publication at the time that he witnessed no “untoward behavior.”
This isn’t the first time that a beauty brand founder has been named in files related to Epstein. In January 2024, Frédéric Fekkai, hairstylist and founder of his namesake brand, was named in unsealed court documents related to a 2015 lawsuit filed by Virginia Giuffre against Maxwell. Giuffre, a prominent survivor of Epstein’s abuse who died by suicide last year, named Fekkai in the suit as one of the individuals who “has knowledge of [Maxwell’s] conduct.” In one deposition related to the case, an Epstein employee testified, “I heard him call someone, and say, Fekkai is in Hawaii. Can we find some girls for him?”
Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that regular appointments for “undisclosed or redacted individuals” in Epstein’s circle were made at Fekkai’s salon on New York City’s Upper East Side. In 2019, former Fekkai employees told The Daily Beast that Epstein regularly brought groups of young women into the salon, where the outlet reported, “He paid for their services and had them sit on his lap and stroke his hair.” In a statement sent to the outlet, a spokesperson said, “Neither [Fekkai] nor the current management team had any knowledge of the incidents described and, in Mr. Fekkai’s limited acquaintance with Mr. Epstein, he never witnessed any of the deplorable conduct that led to Mr. Epstein’s conviction.” Nothing in the files suggests that Fekkai was involved in any criminal conduct, and he has not been charged with any crime. Allure reached out to representatives for Frédéric Fekkai yesterday for comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
Leslie Wexner, founder of L Brands (previously Limited Brands), has been in headlines for years regarding a longtime association with Epstein. L Brands once owned Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch. (In 2021, the name was changed to Bath & Body Works. Victoria’s Secret was spun off into its own company, and Abercrombie & Fitch was sold nearly 30 years ago.) Wexner stepped down as CEO in 2020. In the January 30 release of documents, an FBI file from 2019, unredacted earlier this week, referred to Wexner as a “co-conspirator” of Epstein. Wexner has not been charged with any crime in connection with Epstein’s sex-trafficking and denies knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.
A legal representative for Wexner sent a statement to multiple outlets on Tuesday, saying, “The assistant U.S. attorney told Mr. Wexner’s legal counsel in 2019 that Mr. Wexner was neither a co-conspirator nor a target in any respect. Mr. Wexner cooperated fully by providing background information on Epstein and was never contacted again.”
While there are many industry players who appear in the files, the release of emails between Roth, Maxwell, and Epstein seems to have sparked sizable outrage from consumers. This may be due to the country’s disgust with the investigation in general—and a perceived lack of consequences—that is growing more intense with the passing of time.
It remains to be seen if this outrage is maintained, if other emails or accusations arise among beauty industry leaders, and what domino effects we might see. Last week, skin-care brand Augustinus Bader reportedly canceled an Upper East Side cocktail event hosted by its cofounder Charles Rosier and self-help author Deepak Chopra just two hours before it was set to begin. We learned of Chopra’s link to Epstein back in November, when another Epstein file release showed that the author had been in frequent email contact with Epstein in the years leading up to his 2019 sex trafficking charges. More of their email correspondence was included in the files released on January 30—among them a 2017 email exchange in which Chopra wrote to Epstein, in part, “God is a construct. Cute girls are real.” In June 2025, Rosier and Chopra launched an AI-based wellness platform called AB Chopra Epigenetics. Chopra has not been charged with any crimes, nor do his emails suggest involvement in any criminal conduct.
In a statement posted to X on February 4, Chopra wrote, “I want to be clear: I was never involved in, nor did I participate in, any criminal or exploitative conduct. Any contact I had was limited and unrelated to abusive activity.” He continued: “Some past email exchanges have surfaced that reflect poor judgment in tone. I regret that and understand how they read today, given what was publicly known at the time.” Allure reached out to representatives for Chopra for comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
A representative for the Bader brand told Puck News this week, “Deepak Chopra is no longer a stakeholder or involved in the development of Augustinus Bader’s longevity platform.” Allure reached out to representatives for Augustinus Bader yesterday for additional comment and did not receive a response before the time of publication.
While the possible damage to brands and reputations seems to grow with each new cache of Epstein releases, in the end, it is nothing compared to the actual damage to the lives of countless abuse victims at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein.
7 Best Eyelash Curlers for a Longer, Lifted Look
Collage: Jemeria Davison / Images: Courtesy of brandsSave this storySave this story
The best eyelash curlers are key to creating and securing brow-grazing lifted lashes. When paired with your favorite mascara (and/or eyeliner, if you want more drama), these essential beauty tools can help elongate and enhance your lashes, adding an instant, enlongating oomph to even the shortest, straightest, and wispiest eyelashes among us.
Even better? Despite the fear that may accompany placing a contraption so close to your eyeballs, high-quality eyelash curlers do the trick without pinching or pulling. So, for your fluttery-lashed pleasure, we scoured the web and talked to editors, board-certified dermatologists, and professional makeup artists to get the skinny on what makes an eyelash curler stand out. Read on to find your perfect match.
Our Top Eyelash Curlers
- Best Overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler, $25
- Best Long-Lasting: Tweezerman Promaster Lash Curler, $24
- Best for Short Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler, $26
- Best Grip: Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler, $20
- Best Tug-Free: Hourglass Lash Curler, $34
- Best for Round Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler, $36
- Best for Beginners: Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler, $20
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What are the benefits of using an eyelash curler?
- How do you find the right eyelash curler for your eye shape?
- Should you curl your lashes before or after mascara?
- How often should you replace an eyelash curler?
- How should I use an eyelash curler?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
Save to wishlist
Shiseido
Eyelash Curler
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: The broad curve and flexible silicone pads make the Shiseido Eyelash Curler catch and curl even the shortest lashes, like the ones nestled along the inner and outer corners of the lash line. "It has an especially good grip and a curved shape that makes it good for most eye shapes, with no worries of pinching the skin on the sides," says New York City-based makeup artist Meredith Baraf. Its large clamp opening, wide slit, and cushiony dent-prone silicone pad make it the ultimate lash curler for just about any eye shape or lash type.
Han before using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler
Sarah Han
Han after using Shiseido’s Eyelash Curler
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Allure commerce editor Sarah Han
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“Asian brands know Asian lashes—who would've guessed? But not just my lashes. Shiseido's Eyelash Curler can coax any lashes—my itty-bitty, stubborn lashes included—out of hiding. With some practice, it's really easy (and painless, despite what you might gather from the video!) to get super close to the lash line before working my way out. My real estate is limited here, so I can sometimes squeeze in two more curls, but usually, it's just one more near the tips of my lashes. I simply don't apply mascara without prepping my lashes with this baby, and it lasts for approximately one million years.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Material: stainless steel, silicone
- Who it’s for: everyone
Best Lightweight: Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
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Tweezerman
Promaster Lash Curler
Amazon
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
Angela Trakoshis
Why it's worth it: The Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler is a repeat Best of Beauty Award winner for a reason. Scratch that—many reasons. For starters, the wide top bar is specifically designed to fit deeper-set eyes, and the silicone pad is plusher than most, making for a more comfortable clamp. The long pad also makes it easy to catch every hair along your lash line, including the teeny-tiny ones along the inner corners, resulting in an elegant, lifted curl that lasts. It comes with three replacement silicone pads to keep everything nice and hygienic.
Trakoshis before using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
Angela Trakoshis
Trakoshis after using the Tweezerman ProMaster Lash Curler
Angela Trakoshis
Tester feedback from Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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"I've had this Tweezerman eyelash curler for years, and it never lets me down. One quick squeeze, and you've got the kind of lift that makes people wonder if you secretly got extensions." —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Material: stainless steel, silicone
- Who it’s for: people with deep-set eyes
Best for Short Lashes: Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
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Kevyn Aucoin
Eyelash Curler
Kevyn Aucoin Beauty
Bluemercury
Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Sarah Felbin
Why it's worth it: It's easy to spot this backstage favorite in a lineup, thanks to the cherry red pad, which helps the curler align with the roots of stubby lashes for a precise, pinch-free clamp. A few gentle squeezes will get you beautifully curled, crimp-free lashes. Kevyn Aucoin's Eyelash Curler is also made of durable, rust-resistant stainless steel to ensure that all you'll need to update are the occasional new replacement pads.
Felbin before using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Sarah Felbin
Felbin after using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Sarah Felbin
Contributor Jennifer Hussein before using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Jennifer Hussein
Hussein after using the Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler
Jennifer Hussein
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin
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“An eyelash curler that actually fits my eyes, doesn't pinch, and is easy to clean? Sounds like a unicorn—or Kevin Aucoin. I use this every single day, and I'm obsessed. It feels so high-quality—a little heavier than drugstore versions, which goes a long way. And the way it lifts my lashes is simply unmatched. You'll never catch me applying mascara without using this first.” —Sarah Felbin, senior commerce editor
Tester feedback from Allure commerce contributor Jennifer Hussein
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“I have extremely straight lashes, and a few squeezes of this lash curler always gives them the lift they need to show off their true length. It fits perfectly across my lid to grab each and every lash without tugging them or causing fallout, another chronic issue I have with my natural set.” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor
More to know
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- Material: stainless steel, silicone
- Who’s it for: short lashes, straight lashes
Best Grip: Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler
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Shu Uemura
Iconic Eyelash Curler
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure social director Kassidy Silva using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler
Kassidy Silva
Why it's worth it: This might look like your run-of-the-mill metal eyelash curler, but the results are anything but average. The silicone pad on LancĂ´me's Le Curler Eyelash Curler has a no-slip grip that gently cushions lashes as you squeeze to prevent tugging and breakage. After each use, you'll dig the difference: a dramatic, lifted, crease-free curl that'll carry you from conference calls to cocktails.
Silva before using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler
Kassidy Silva
Silva after using the Shu Uemura Iconic Lash Curler
Kassidy Silva
Tester feedback from Allure social director Kassidy Silva
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"If you suffer from long-lash envy, this eyelash curler is for you. In less than 20 seconds, you'll have all the lash volume you've been looking for."—Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Material: alloy steel, silicone
- Who it’s for: everyone
More eyelash curlers we love:
Best Tug-Free: Hourglass Lash Curler
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Hourglass
Lash Curler
Nordstrom
Ulta Beauty
Why it’s worth it: Hourglass’s Lash Curler boosts the look of length and curl without tugging or pulling lashes in the process. Designed with a universal-fit shape, it comfortably reaches even hard-to-curl lashes at the inner and outer corners of the eye without pulling. Both Allure editors and Los Angeles–based makeup artist Mezhgan Hussainy frequently use this curler for its controlled, gentle clamp that helps prevent breakage while creating a smooth, long-lasting curl that holds throughout the day.
More to know
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- Material: stainless steel, latex
- Who’s it for: those with fragile eyelashes
Best for Round Eyes: Surratt Relevee Lash Curler
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Why it’s worth it: The Surratt Relevee Lash Curler is one of those “if you know, you know” kind of products. Its a sleeper hit that’s ultra-wide for all lash types, including those with rounder eye shapes. Ariuna Iakovleva, a New York City-based makeup artist, calls the Surratt Revelee Lash Curler one of the most well-made lash curling tools that’s become a poopular standout. “It provides a smooth, controlled curl and feel comfortable to use,” she says.
More to know
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- Material: nickle-free steel, silicone
- Who’s it for: round eyes, wide eyes
Best for Beginners: Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler
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Jenny Patinkin
Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Why it’s worth it: The elegant rose gold-and-white design gives the Jenny Patinkin Lazy Perfection Eyelash Curler extra style points, but this tool is more than just a pretty face. "The carefully calibrated trap opening gives balance and control and accommodates lashes of any length," Tarryn Feldman, a Nashville-based makeup artist, explains. "Additionally, the white bumper pad allows for better user visibility and curler positioning, limiting the likelihood of pinching or crimping." We'd venture to say this is a very worthy addition to your makeup bag.
More to know
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- Material: zinc alloy, silicone
- Who’s it for: everyone
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of using an eyelash curler?
If you've been overlooking lash curlers in your beauty routine, it's time to rethink.—t These small tools can make a significant impact with very little effort. "Besides the fact that a lash curler boosts your lashes for mascara application, it's also really great for making you look more awake when you're going for a no-makeup look," explains Ashleigh Ciucci, a New York City-based makeup artist. Whether going full glam or keeping it minimal, a quick curl can instantly open up your eyes and elevate your entire look.
Despite the benefits, you should still take precautions when using these tools. Connecticut-based board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., previously noted, "Eyelid skin is super sensitive, and lashes are fragile. I would make sure that the device comes nowhere near the skin and that it isn't overused so as to damage eyelash hair."
How do you find the right eyelash curler for your eye shape?
The good news for all eye shapes: According to Iakovleva, most lash curlers are created with a a large, universal fit. That means no matter which curler you grab, there most likely won’t be a dramatic difference between fit. That being said, if fit has been an issue for you in the past, she suggests keeping the the radius of the curve and the width of the curler in mind.
Should you curl your lashes before or after mascara?
You may feel an urge to curl your lashes after applying macara, but Hussainy recommends using your lash curler before you apply any makeup. “Curling before mascara is better to ensure your mascara doesn’t clump or, more importantly, not damage or pull your lashes,” she says, adding that this technique provides an overall more polished look.
How often should you replace an eyelash curler?
Depending on how often you use and clean your lash curler—which should be cleaned after every use to prevent product buildup—Hussainy recommends replacing the tool every six months to a year. “I find that after that period of time, it doesn’t perform quite as well,” she says.
It’s also important to replace the silicone pad regularly. “For maintenance, the rubber pad should be changed every three to six months, or as soon as it starts to harden,” says Iakovleva, noting that regular cleaning is essential for both hygiene and performance.
How should I use an eyelash curler?
For starters, take your time. "Keep the lash curler clamped for a good 20 seconds on each eye," Baraf tells Allure. “If you're not going to hold the curler on each lash for at least 20 seconds, don't even bother.”
Meanwhile, makeup artist Tommy Napoli employs a three-part approach to lash curling. He previously advised Allure readers to start at the base of the lashes using firm pressure before squeezing outward the middle of the lashes—this time, less pressure than is used at the base. Use a touch of pressure at the tips of the lashes to round things out.
Meet the experts
- Ashleigh Ciucci, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Tarryn Feldman, a Nashville-based makeup artist
- Mezhgan Hussainy, a Los Angeles-baed makeup artist
- Ariuna Iakovleva, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Meredith Baraf, a New York City-based makeup artist
- Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
- Tommy Napoli, a New York City-based makeup artist
How we test and review products
Before reviewing any makeup tools, we ask questions about a number of factors: What purpose does it serve? Does it accommodate a wide range of customers? Is it safe for readers who have sensitive skin or wear contact lenses? Is it on the affordable side or more of a splurge? Is its packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful?
For our review of the best eyelash curlers, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, and makeup artists to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different lashes, desired outcomes, and price points. We considered each product's performance across four primary categories: ingredients, wear and longevity, packaging, and inclusivity. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete 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.