Category: HEALTH

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You couldn’t escape the aughts without overhearing someone say, “You don’t put a bumper sticker on a Bentley.” I think of that 2009 quote by Kim Kardashian a lot, as it perfectly captures how far we’ve come in our appreciation of tattoos. What was once seen as taboo or tacky is now a commonly accepted form of expression. Tattoos capture feelings (even if it’s just “I’m bored after work”), honor the people who’ve had a hand in shaping our personalities (think: a tribute to a relative who has passed or, in my case, the Spice Girls ink on my left bicep), and freeze moments in time.

Tattoos also tell stories. They reflect a sense of time, place, and our cultural experience. The trends of 2026 will capture the coming year’s vibes, just as the fingerstache summed up the obsession with hipster and twee culture in 2011. See also: the lavender sprig that took over forearms after 2015, the disco ball boom of 2020 (Taylor Swift’s “Mirrorball” might have had something to do with that), and the soaring number of angel-number flash tattoos in the last couple of years.

“I think if you are trying to get a trendy or ‘Pinteresting’ piece, you need to realize just that: It’s trending,” says Jes Valentine, a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Studio. “Will that thing you’re thinking of inking matter to you in eight or so years?”

If the lavender sprig is still calling you by your full government name, then book the appointment and wear it with pride. “Own it with intention. If you love a lavender sprig, make it yours—change the flow, add texture, integrate meaning,” says Emmanuel Fortunato, a New York City-based tattoo artist, who adds that the goal shouldn’t be to avoid trends. “Your story makes the tattoo timeless.”

We spoke with tattoo artists regarding the trends they expect to dominate the new year, and if tattoos are any indication, 2026 is shaping up to be a nostalgic and romantic year.

Your Pet in a Locket

Getting a pet portrait is classic, but Valentine says that more and more of her clients are asking to have them inked inside heart-shaped locket designs. “It’s a trend that the client makes super personal,” she explains, because both elements of the tattoo are highly customizable. Your fur baby can have its toothy smile, for instance, and the locket can be as ornate or understated as you want.

Courtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @kimi.pokesCourtesy of @soff_carrillo

Nostalgic Themes

Here’s your sign to get that Titanic-inspired “Heart of the Ocean” tattoo or the vibrant Lisa Frank dolphin you once had on your math binder. There’s a growing interest in imagery from the early 2000s, the ’90s, the ’80s, and the ’70s across all ages, says Lindsee Boyer, a tattoo artist in Minneapolis.

Even people who didn’t live through these eras have been getting tattoos inspired by them, Boyer notes: “Young people get excited because the style feels new and fresh to them.”

Valentine echoes this, adding that she’s seeing an interest in motifs from the late ’90s and early ’00s, specifically. “Think tribal designs, cherries, and bows,” she says. “Basically, all the things I got when I was 18, which is fun, but makes me feel super old.”

Courtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @jesvalentinetattoosCourtesy of @lindseebeetattooCourtesy of @lindseebeetattoo

Microrealism

If you love the idea of a detailed depiction of your favorite trinket or your go-to bagel order inked onto your person, you’re not alone. This tattoo style has become extremely popular in our artist friends’ shops.

“Microrealism designs are so impressive,” says Kayla O’Connor, a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire’s San Diego studio. “They can be done in full color or black and gray, and are a great option if you decide to go small-scale with your tattoo.”

Carefully consider the placement of this delicate style, O’Connor continues: “You want to avoid getting it in a place that gets a lot of sun exposure, like the top of the forearm, or a place where tight clothing often rubs, such as near your bra and along your waistline,” she says.

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @girlknewyorkCourtesy of @tattooer.ariCourtesy of @law_ink and @atelier.evaCourtesy of @crybabyricecakeCourtesy of @crybabyricecake

Fine-Line Florals

Delicate, airy, floral pieces are in full bloom. “This style of tattoo shows just enough negative space to highlight both the artwork and the person wearing it,” says Jojo Lu, an Orange County-based tattoo artist at Playink Tattoo Studio, adding that the beauty is in the detail of these designs.

Thanks to the organic shapes created by florals, each piece can be tailored to flatter any placement area. “Floral, geometric, and fine-line pieces are quite versatile,” Lu says. “They work beautifully on the arms, legs, ribs, back, and sternum. These areas provide natural flow and movement that complement these designs well.”

Courtesy of @addy.tattooCourtesy of @nicetattooparlorCourtesy of JK Kim

Ornamental Designs

Ornamental tattoos use fine lines, pointillism, and shading techniques to adorn and enhance the natural contours of your body. With patterns that call back to Art Nouveau aesthetics and lacework, they are as detailed as they are stunning—but it’s important to recognize and understand the significance of motifs rooted in specific cultures. “Sacred geometry has that meditative, almost spiritual quality, and every line has a purpose,” says Fortunato. Before springing for that Mandala or Celtic knot design, make sure to read up on its meaning to avoid appropriating any cultural or spiritual themes.

Courtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of @miss__jslCourtesy of JK Kim

Meet the experts

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• Lindsee Boyer is a Minneapolis-based tattoo artist and owner of Bee Tattoo Studio.
• Emmanuel Fortunato is a New York City-based tattoo artist and ambassador for Hustle Butter tattoo aftercare.
• Jojo Lu is a tattoo artist based at Playink Tattoo Studio in Orange County, CA.
• Kayla O’Connor is a tattoo artist at Fleur Noire Tattoo in San Diego.
• Jes Valentine is a New York City-based tattoo artist and owner of Haven Tattoo Studio in Brooklyn.

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In the nearly two and a half years since three of Lizzo's former dancers filed a lawsuit against her and her production company for sexual harassment and fat-shaming, the singer has said very little about the allegations. But now, after a new development in the case, Lizzo is addressing it with a new statement on her social media channels.

On August 1, 2023, the dancers in question allege that Lizzo created a hostile work environment, pressured one of them to touch a nude performer, and shamed—then ultimately fired—one of them over weight gain. Lizzo is addressing the latter of those accusations now that the plaintiffs have rescinded that aspect of their complaint.

Videos posted to Instagram and TikTok on December 15 show Lizzo in a blue dress, standing silently while overlay text speaks for her. “The-fat shaming claims against me have been officially dropped by my accusers. They conceded it had no merit in court,” the statement starts. “There was no evidence that I fired them because they gained weight. Because it never happened. Now the truth is finally out.”

The text continues, “They weren’t fired for gaining weight. They were fired for taking a private recording of me without my consent and sending it off to ex-employees. I have never fired an employee for gaining weight. I have only encouraged and supported people with bigger bodies and shared my platform with them.”

Soft instrumental music plays as the statement goes on to read, “This claim has haunted me since the day it came out. It has been devastating to suffer through this in silence but I let my lawyers lead and I'm so grateful for this victory. I am still in a legal battle. I am not settling. I will be fighting every single claim until the truth is out.”

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Representatives for West Coast Employment Lawyers, the attorneys representing the plaintiffs, shared a statement with Allure regarding the choice to drop the fat-shaming claims in their suit. “We are maintaining that Judge Epstein was correct in his ruling denying Lizzo's special motion to strike the vast majority of claims they attacked, including false imprisonment and harassment," attorney Ron Zambrano says, referring to how the case will continue with the other claims. "Of the couple of claims Judge Epstein did dismiss, the plaintiffs have taken a considered approach to leave that be. One would hope to see the same level of intellectual honesty and neutral assessment from the defendants, but that hasn’t been the case thus far and it’s disappointing.”

The lawsuit, as Lizzo noted in her video, is still ongoing. The singer and her production company still face allegations of creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment.

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Is it really the holiday season if you don't paint your nails red? While metallics, champagne sparkles, jewel tones, and evergreen hues are right at home amidst the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, there's something about cheery red that practically screams “Let's watch a Hallmark movie and drink hot chocolate!” But if candy cane red feels a little too expected for you, may we present Selena Gomez's new “brickhouse” red as a stylish alternative that still feels festive?

After rocking a beautifully detailed jeweled manicure for Thanksgiving, Gomez and manicurist Tom Bachik changed things up and opted for a creamy red shade. But this isn't Santa suit red, which is what you'd expect to see from a holiday manicure. Instead, it's a brick red with the sliiiightest hint of dusty brown undertone for an earthier take on holiday nail color. According to Bachik, he used Aprés Gel Couleur polish in the shade Brickhouse, then added brilliant shine with his Click Colors topcoat in Super Clear. Gomez kept her nails short and styled the mani with a high ponytail, winged liner, and glowy skin. And is that her custom glam room Christmas tree we spy behind her?

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Gomez's brick red nails are a subtler take on traditional holiday nails, but if you want something more overtly on-theme for parties and white elephant gift exchanges, why not follow Christina Aguilera's lead with a sophisticated and adorable retro holiday mani in shades of frosty white and red? You could also choose something completely unexpected, like one of our top winter nail polish colors; a rich, shimmery violet would be so cool for decorating, gift wrapping, and toasting the year come December 31. Either way, you've still got time to decide, but Gomez makes a very compelling case for a chic brick red.

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My hair has been through a lot in my 26 years on Earth: a perm at two, a big chop at 16, highlights at 22, a dye job at 23, a keratin treatment at 24, and another big chop this year. And between all of these hair changes, I’ve worn protective style after protective style. My hair has historically stayed resilient despite all I’ve put it through, but it recently started to lose some of its shine and bounce, leaving me wondering what I should do with it. Then, right after taking out my umpteenth set of box braids, I came across the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment: a three-step system the brand says can “repair, rebuild, and redefine natural curls.”

The steps go as follows: Repair, a liquid bond-building solution, Enhance, a curl-boosting spray, and Define, a curl-shaping gel. Unlike texture release or keratin treatments, this one doesn’t require putting heat on the hair and isn’t intended to change or manipulate one’s hair texture. It’s exclusive to professionals, meaning it’s only available at salons (sorry, DIYers). Depending on your location, it can cost anywhere from $100-400. Most salons offer it as an add-on to another service, like a haircut or basic wash-and-style.

Now, a moment of transparency: I’ve always struggled to love my natural curl pattern. My kinky 4C coils aren’t the easiest for me to manage, which is why I often tuck them into protective styles. But after having my daughter and watching her own curls and coils spring to life, I’ve resolved—for both our sakes—to make peace with my hair, learn to love it, and stop hiding it so often. Priming my natural texture to be on display with this Olaplex treatment sounded like a perfect first step.

I made an appointment at the New York City-based curly hair salon Rëzo to get the curl bonding treatment (transparently, my treatment was comped). You may have to do some digging around to find salons near you that offer the treatment, but Olaplex has a salon locator on their website to help you find a salon that offers the treatment. You can get the treatment at most Ulta Salons, too. (I recommend asking your chosen salon in advance if the stylist administering the treatment specializes in curls.)

The prep

I arrived at Rëzo (a swanky spot with lots of bright white lighting and glossy floors) with my hair freshly out of braids and full of product buildup. My stylist, Iandra Regalado, immediately took me to the shampoo bowl and began washing my hair with clarifying shampoo, which she rinsed and repeated. My hair and scalp needed to be thoroughly cleansed before she applied the treatment, she explained, or else it wouldn’t effectively penetrate the hair shaft and leave the intended effect: shiny, lively curls.

Annie Blay-Tettey

On her second round of shampooing, Regalado detangled my coils with a Denman brush, a task that, in my experience, is usually done during the conditioning phase. “I actually like to detangle with this shampoo instead of a conditioner because the rich lather creates great slip that makes detangling so easy,” Regalado told me. To my surprise, my tight coils slipped right through the brush with no tension. Needless to say, I’ll be using this method in all my wash days moving forward.

The treatment

Once my hair and scalp were clean (but not squeaky clean), we began the first step of the treatment: the Repair solution, which cosmetic chemist Amanda Lam says is pretty simple, formulaically speaking. “The formula includes 23 amino acids that are able to, according to Olaplex, penetrate the hair cortex to replenish keratin and re-link disulfide bonds to improve curl-ability of hair,” she explains. Regalado applied it to my hair in sections and raked through until each strand was evenly coated.

After we waited 10 minutes for that to sink in, she applied Enhance, a curl-defining spray that Lam says contains trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate. That’s a chelator that binds to free metal ions found in tap water. “This helps prevent free radical damage on the hair and reduces hair breakage, which then would correlate to enhancing the curls because healthier hair equals less frizz,” she says.

Regalado spritzed it onto my hair in small sections, brushed it through, then let it sit for another 10 minutes. Many hair treatments (like keratin, for example) take three to six hours because each product involved has to “marinate” for about 30 minutes, so I was pleasantly surprised when Regalado explained that each step of the Olaplex treatment only needs to sit for 10 minutes. (There was no rinsing between steps, either.)

The last product and step of the process is Define, a hair gel that Lam notes is chock-full of moisturizing and hydrating agents like olive oil, coconut oil, and glycerin. Regalado raked it through my damp hair in sections before putting my hair in finger coils. I mentioned that I wanted my hair styled in finger coils while Regalado applied step two. (It's best to mention your desired style at the start of the appointment or anytime before the last step starts).

The styling step took the longest—and I mean the longest, because Regalado twisted very small—like, pencil-width—sections to achieve an ultra-defined look. She started at 4:30 p.m. and wrapped the last strand around 5:47. The gel seemed fairly light as I watched her apply it, and I was impressed by how well my hair absorbed it. It did give me a little heart attack at first because it went on white, but it disappeared by the time I’d even sat down at the hooded dryer.

The results

The best word I can think of to describe how I felt once my hair was done is: Cute. After my hair finished drying, each twist looked delicate, detailed, shiny, and bouncy—a far cry from the brittle, frizzy curls I walked in with. I never thought my hair could look this healthy.

My hair before the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment.

Annie Blay-Tettey

My hair after the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment.

Annie Blay-Tettey

I can’t help but touch my coils throughout the day. As I’m writing this four days after the appointment, they’re still very much bouncy and defined. They have shrunken a bit (c’est la vie!), and there are a few uncooperative pieces that like to stick up at weird angles, but otherwise, I’ve been able to keep everything in place by wrapping my hair in a satin scarf every night. Oh, and I haven’t had any of that dreaded flaky residue that can come from heavily gelled, well-defined styles like this.

My hair five days after the Olaplex Bond Shaper Curl Rebuilding Treatment on My 4C Hair.

Annie Blay-Tettey

Regalado encouraged me to do the treatment again (which I totally would!) after my next protective style and said it's especially great for hair that’s just come out of braids and hasn’t been thoroughly hydrated for a while. Now that I think about it, after getting this treatment, my hair has shed significantly less than it usually does after taking braids down.

I was nervous that this treatment wouldn’t be truly curl-inclusive and would leave me feeling even more insecure about my texture—a fear I’ve adapted over the years as I’ve tested different curl products only to find that many don’t cater to 4C hair. But, thankfully, I couldn’t have been more wrong. While I’m still getting used to my hair being short and in its natural state, the results of this treatment have undoubtedly made it easier to embrace my natural coils.

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We all already know that tanning beds are bad and that soaking up faux sunshine puts you at higher risk for skin cancer. Those of us who participated in the tanning salon craze of the 2000s (guilty), have been reckoning with that for years. But a new study from Northwestern Medicine and the University of California, San Francisco reveals that the cancer risk from tanning beds is even worse than we ever knew—uniquely bad, in fact.

Let's start with what we already knew: If you've used a tanning bed at any point in time, you've increased your risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of cancer. Before now, the belief was that indoor tanners were 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors, and that just one session in a tanning bed could increase the risk by 20 percent. But this new research suggests that tanning bed usage actually triples the risk of skin cancer—a 200 percent increase. It also offers new insights on the alarmingly unique way tanning beds cause cancer.

The study analyzed thousands of medical records, comparing melanoma rates in tanning bed users versus non-users. Researchers also used single-cell DNA sequencing to investigate 182 skin biopsies from tanning bed users and control subjects on a cellular level. Its findings show that the UV light from tanning beds mutates skin cells and causes “melanoma-linked DNA damage across nearly the entire skin surface.”

It’s already a known fact that indoor and outdoor tanning alike can cause DNA damage, but what these new findings tell us is that the DNA damage caused by tanning beds is on a wholly different level compared to regular sun exposure. “This study is interesting in that it shows more mutations and unique mutations associated with tanning beds [than previously known],” says Caren Campbell, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco. “Genetics put us at risk, and then high-risk behaviors put us at risk for cancers. At a DNA level, [tanning bed use] is a high-risk behavior, which we knew, but this proves… it's changing the DNA.”

According to Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine Department of Dermatology, a cell mutation is a “permanent mistake” in a cell’s DNA. “Think of DNA like a spell-check for your skin: when tanning beds hit cells with intense UV radiation, they introduce typos. Most typos are harmless, but some land in dangerous places—genes that control growth—and that’s where cancer can begin,” she says. “This study shows tanning bed users had twice as many of these dangerous typos as non-users, which helps explain why their melanoma risk is so much higher.”

“The takeaway is simple: tanning beds don’t just age your skin, they biologically shift your cells toward cancer.”

As we know, skin cancer is generally identified via moles and other skin lesions, but the study found that DNA changes among tanning bed users were present in areas of the skin that looked entirely normal. “Even in normal skin from indoor tanning patients, areas where there are no moles, we found DNA changes that are precursor mutations that predispose to melanoma,” Pedram Gerami, MD, a professor of skin cancer research at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and one of the study’s authors, shared in a press release. “That has never been shown before.”

It’s an unsettling finding, Dr. Gohara says. “It means tanning beds don’t just damage the skin you expect, like spots with visible sun exposure or moles; they quietly alter the DNA across nearly the entire skin surface, even in areas that look unaffected.” And, of course, when there’s nothing notable or suspicious happening on the skin’s surface, cancer is more difficult to detect, diagnose, and therefore treat. “Second, it reinforces why full-body skin exams matter so much,” Dr. Gohara adds, “Cancer doesn’t always announce itself where you’re watching—it can start backstage long before it shows up under the spotlight.”

Tanning in the sun, of course, still presents skin cancer risk, but the study findings show that there’s a significant difference between the effects natural sunlight and the artificial light of a tanning bed. “For years, the tanning industry argued that beds were no worse than sunlight,” Dr. Gohara says. “This research irrefutably shows that indoor tanning causes broader, more intense DNA damage than everyday sun exposure.”

The study also noted that tanning bed users were more likely to develop melanoma in places that aren’t typically impacted by everyday sun exposure, like the buttocks and lower back, because most tanning bed users tan naked or in their underwear. “In my dermatology practice, I see multiple skin cancers every single day,” says Laurel Geraghty, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Oregon. “I've seen a handful of melanomas on the buttocks of young women—every one of them has used tanning beds.”

Many of us have given up the tanning bed habit, but that doesn’t mean tanning beds are a thing of the past; people still tan despite knowing the (many, many) risks. If you’re one of those people, consider Dr. Gohara’s input: “The takeaway is simple: tanning beds don’t just age your skin, they biologically shift your cells toward cancer.”

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

Unlike your run-of-the-mill hand cream, the best-smelling hand creams wrap your hands in a delicious scent—turning an ordinary skin-care step into an olfactory treat. However, even a good-smelling hand cream needs to deliver intense moisture without leaving behind a greasy film. We’ve tested tons of formulas (including a few Best of Beauty winners!) infused with rich butters and oils that soften hands and nourish cuticles. However, the scents—everything from bright florals to cozy ambers—are the main event. Keep reading to find the scented hand cream that’ll tie together your moisturizing routine with your fragrance collection.

Our Top Best-Smelling Hand Creams

• Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream, $22
• Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème, $45
• Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream, $22
• Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods, $10
• Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, $105
• Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment, $74
• Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum, $36
• Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream, $50
• Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You, $20

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• Our staff and testers

Best Overall: Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Maison Louis Marie

No.04 Bois De Balincourt Hand Cream

$22

Amazon

$22

Revolve

$22

Anthropologie

Allure senior art director Ingrid Fowler applying the No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream

Why we love it: A 2025 Best of Beauty Award winner, the Maison Louis Marie No.04 Bois de Balincourt Hand Cream is easily one of the best hand creams we’ve tried in the past year. While Maison Louis Marie is foremost known as a perfume label, this one prioritizes hydration with a moisturizing blend of avocado oil, shea butter, and green tea and chamomile extracts—immediately quenching dry skin without the dreaded leftover greasiness. And, of course, the brand’s ambery-woody notes (hi, sandalwood and cedarwood) are the cherry on top.

Tester feedback from senior art director Ingrid Fowler

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“No.04 Bois de Balincourt is one of my all-time favorite fragrances—it's floral, fresh, warm, and earthy—and I'm so happy it comes in hand cream form. I love that it’s ultra-hydrating for dry hands but doesn't leave them feeling sticky. The 1.7 fl oz. tube is perfect for when I’m on the go, and the aluminium packaging feels so much more chic than a plastic tube.” —Ingrid Fowler, senior art director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: avocado oil, shea butter, green tea, chamomile extract
• Fragrance notes: sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, nutmeg, cinnamon, amber wood
• Total scent options: 4 (including No.09 Vallée de Farney and No.13 Nouvelle Vague)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Calming: Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Mienne

Fleurir Hand Crème

$45

Revolve

Allure designer Briana Rengifo applying the Mienne Fleurir Hand Crème

Briana Rengifo

Why we love it: Mienne’s Fleurir Hand Crème has made the rounds at Allure HQ for good reason. Hand cream is usually a practical step, but this one makes the whole routine feel a little more intentional. The brand calls it “aphrodisiac skin care,” thanks to a blend of maca root and ylang-ylang for a warm, cozy whiff, plus ginger, rosehip, and passion flower oils to smooth and nourish. To keep moisture locked in for hours, there’s a nourishing blend of shea and mango butters, ceramides, and sodium hyaluronate. The result is soft, hydrated hands with a subtle scent that makes reapplication something you actually look forward to.

Tester feedback from designer Briana Rengifo

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“This is a staple in my purse since the tube is stunning and sleek. It's such a sensual and smoky hand cream that it transforms such a mundane task into a self-care ritual, leaving my hands hydrated and with a pearlescent effect.” —Briana Rengifo, designer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: ginger oil, rosehip oil, passion flower oil, mango butter, ceramides, sodium hyaluronate
• Fragrance notes: ylang ylang, ginger, passion flower
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 2 fl oz.

Best Floral: Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Moroccanoil

Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

$22

Moroccanoil

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey applying the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream

Why we love it: Moroccanoil’s hair care is beloved for its hydration, and its body line also lives up to that reputation. The Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream is intensely moisturizing yet fast-absorbing, packed with nourishing argan oil, plumping hyaluronic acid, smoothing squalane, and a rich blend of cocoa and shea butters that leave skin incredibly soft. Its scent evokes a stroll through a blooming garden, with notes of dahlia petals, delicate tuberose, and a warm base of sandalwood and musk.

Tester feedback from associate beauty editor Annie Blay-Tettey

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“No one in New York City has time to stop and smell the roses (it's not like the city is filled with them). But the second best thing, for me, is the Moroccanoil Dahlia Rouge Hand Cream. This hydrating cream smells like a lush bouquet of roses. The fresh, floral scent isn't at all overwhelming plus last for hours on end.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: argan oil, hyaluronic acid, squalane, cocoa butter, shea butter
• Total scent options: 8 (including Ambiance de Plage and Oud Minéral)
• Size: 3.4 fl oz.

Best Affordable: The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

The Crème Shop x Peanuts

Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

$10

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème in Citrus Woods

Sarah Han

Why we love it: The Crème Shop proves there’s more to cute packaging than meets the eye. Its holiday collab with Peanuts features a Moisturizing Hand Cream in three scents—Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk—each formulated with a nourishing base of shea butter and vitamin E to keep hands soft and smooth. Lightweight and nongreasy, it’s the rare drugstore hand cream that feels as silky and buttery as many of the higher-end formulas on the market.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

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"Honestly, I'm not a fan of super fragranced hand creams, which is why I've been reaching for the subtly-scented The Crème Shop x Peanuts Moisturizing Hand Crème constantly these days. (I'm also a sucker for cute collabs and packaging, which The Crème Shop excels at!) I like that only I can really smell the woody-musky notes and the formula is straightforward—think glycerin, sunflower seed oil, shea butter, and vitamin E." —Sarah Han, commerce editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 3 (Citrus Wood, Fig, and Wood Musk)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Herbal: Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Aesop

Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

$35

Nordstrom

$35

Revolve

$35

Bluemercury

Allure commerce producer Sarah Hoffmann applying the Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm

Sarah Hoffmann

Why we love it: Before Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm became a staple on nightstands and in tote bags everywhere, it began as an experiment in a Melbourne hair salon, where the brand’s founder started tinkering with essential oils to elevate his styling products. Before long, clients started asking for a hand-care product, sparking the invention of this balm. Packed with sweet almond, macadamia, and coconut oils, as well a shea and cocoa seed butters, this chic tube delivers long-lasting moisture without any slick residue. At the heart is a mix of mandarin rind, cedarwood, and lavender that evokes Aesop’s unmistakable essence of clean, herbal, and grounding.

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 November hits. 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: sweet almond oil, macadamia oil, coconut oils, shea butter, cocoa seed butter
• Fragrance notes: mandarin rind, cedarwood, lavender
• Total scent options: 2 (Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm and Eleos Aromatique Hand Balm)
• Size: 2.6 oz.

Best Amber: Soft Services x Dedcool Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

Soft Services x Dedcool

Theraplush Xtra Milk Overnight Repair Treatment

$74

Sephora

Why we love it: If you’ve never tried Soft Services’ beautifully packaged Theraplush cream, take this as your cue to try the body-care brand’s collab with DedCool. Infused with the dreamy, Best of Beauty-winning Xtra Milk scent—a soft skin-like blend of white musk, bergamot, and amber—this hand cream smells like being enveloped in a warm hug. It’s more reason to love the original formula, which is powered by retinol, colloidal oatmeal, and panthenol to nourish hands and cuticles overnight, even out tone, and plump thin, delicate skin. You also have the option to purchase a mini DedCool Xtra Milk spray with the cream for a full-circle fragrance moment.

Tester feedback from senior beauty editor Jesa Marie Calaor

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“My daily beauty essentials include a spritz of Dedcool Xtra Milk, a fresh-ambery musk fragrance, and lots and lots of hand cream. Between my frequent, aggressive hand-washing and the winter air, I go through tubes and tubs of the latter. It moisturizes and soothes the dry patches on the backs of my hands, but doesn't leave my fingers so slick that I can’t type on my laptop without leaving fingerprints. It also has the lightest hint of Xtra Milk—an essence of it, if you will—that’ll make you say ‘ahh’ every time you get a whiff.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: retinol, colloidal oatmeal, panthenol
• Fragrance notes: white musk, bergamot, amber
• Total scent options: 1
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Lightweight: Sidia The Hand Serum

Sidia

Hand Serum

$36

Amazon

$36

Revolve

$36

Anthrpologie

Why we love it: If you dread a thick cream, hand serums—like the 2024 Best of Beauty-winning Sidia The Hand Serum—will be much more up your alley. Lighter than lotion but just as hydrating, this silky serum taps avocado butter and shea butter to soften hands soft along with aloe vera and cactus flower to calm irritation. Plus, it comes in three different scents that hit every fragrance profile from spa-like to woodsy.

Tester feedback from features director Dianna Mazzone Singh 

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"Half of the hand creams on my shelf are there because I like the way they look, the other half are there because they actually hydrate and nourish. This one is among the few that check both boxes: The sleek tube is filled with a featherlight formula that leaves my hands feeling moisturized but not greasy."—Dianna Mazzone Singh, features director

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe vera, avocado butter, shea butter, prickly pear, cactus flower
• Fragrance notes: cypress, musk
• Total scent options: 3 (Nirvana, Wired, and Soaked)
• Size: 1.7 fl oz.

Best Clean: Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

Byredo

Byredo Blanche Hand Cream

$50

Nordstrom

$50

Bluemercury

Why we love it: Love clean scents? Byredo’s Blanche Hand Cream will quickly become a bedside table/desk/purse essential. With notes of rose, peony, and violet layered over musks and sandalwood, it strikes a floral-woody harmony—think fresh, just-out-of-the-shower skin rather than an overpowering bouquet. Blanche offers a subtle, refreshing lift, especially when paired with the matching perfume. On the skin-care side, the light, non-sticky formula hydrates all day with glycerin and butylene glycol, making it an ole faithful when our hands need some TLC.

Tester feedback from commerce writer Lily Wohlner

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“I’m such a perfume girl, and this is hands-down a scent I always want to wear—especially on days when a super sweet vanilla gourmand isn’t hitting the spot. Whether it’s a night out or a long office day, I keep Blanche in both cream and EDP formats for a quick hydrating hand-care moment or a refreshing, pick-me-up spritz.” —Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

More to know

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• Key ingredients: aloe leaf juice, shea oil, coconut oil, rice bran oil, avocado oil, olive oil, orange peel oil
• Fragrance notes: rose, peony, violet, musk, sandalwood
• Total scent options: 10 (including Rose and Gypsy Water)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Best Musk: Glossier Hand Cream in Glossier You

Glossier

Hand Cream in Glossier You

$20

Sephora

$20

Glossier

Why we love it: The cute, pocket-size packaging of Glossier’s Hand Cream isn’t the only reason to add it to your bag. It comes in four gorgeous scents—our favorite is You, the brand’s signature skin-like blend of amber and musk that smells a little different on everyone—all wrapped into a fast-absorbing formula that feels like silk. Inside, hydrating meadowfoam seed oil, an antioxidant-rich botanical blend, and fermented coconut fruit extract quickly soothe and soften dry, rough hands.

Tester feedback from contributor Christa Joanna Lee

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“This is the hand cream version of the brand’s first fragrance—that musky, warm, salty-clean blend they famously described as smelling like your own skin, but better. So if you’re already a Glossier You fan, you’ll love this lightweight, fast-absorbing cream— but if you’ve never tried the perfume, you’ll still love it. It’s fun to pop open, perfectly palm-size, and the bright red tube makes it ridiculously easy to find in my Mary Poppins bag.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributor

More to know

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• Key ingredients: meadowfoam seed oil, botanical blend, fermented coconut fruit extract
• Fragrance notes: pink pepper, iris, ambrette, ambrox
• Total scent options: 4 (Lilyhaze, Sandstone, You, and Orange Blossom Neroli)
• Size: 1 fl oz.

Our staff and testers

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

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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

Overwhelmed is the only emotion I can muster when I open my spare closet, which is now full of diapers, wipes, and other baby products. When I was carrying my now seven-month-old daughter, there was no shortage of friends and family who were eager to shower me with the best gifts for pregnant women—diapers, wipes, teddy bears, and even big-ticket items like bassinets and strollers. While I was (and still am) beyond excited and grateful for the outpouring of love, my holiday wishlist was admittedly full of products that have less to do with baby and more to do with…well, me.

The Very Best Gifts for Pregnant Women

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly BalmJump to review$29

Amazon

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState TumblerJump to review$40 $35 (13% off)

Amazon

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50Jump to review$64

Amazon

If you have a soon-to-be mama in your circle, chances are they feel the same way, although they may be shy about admitting it. But the truth is, after all the Pampers and bottles are packed away, expectant moms want gifts that make pregnancy—and postpartum—a little more comfortable. Scroll ahead for presents they secretly wish they could put on their registries.

Allure associate beauty editor Annie Blay's picks

Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm

Summer Fridays

Babymoon Belly Balm

$29

Amazon

$29

Revolve

One of the first things people tell you when you become pregnant is to oil up that belly. Stretch marks are a common part of pregnancy, and while creams and oils may not fully prevent marks from forming, adding a silky belly balm to your body routine is a great way to pamper yourself either way. My go-to belly-soothing product is the Summer Fridays Babymoon Belly Balm. This velvety balm squeezes out like a gel but turns into a lightweight oil when rubbed in. It has a light scent (no triggered nausea here!) and leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized for hours.

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

Stanley

Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler

$40 $35 (13% off)

Amazon

$40

Nordstrom

I always felt a twinge of guilt when my OB-gyn asked if I’d been drinking water, knowing that my hydration game could be stronger. Adding a Stanley Cup to my everyday routine was an easy way to make sure I was staying hydrated—plus, it comes in so many cute colors.

Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

Tatcha

The Silk Sunscreen SPF 50

$64

Amazon

$64

Ulta Beauty

$64

Tatcha

I made the switch from chemical to mineral sunscreen in my first trimester and, after trying a bunch of options that all left a white cast, landed on Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen SPF 50. It has a lotion-like texture that blends easily into the skin and leaves a dewy glow behind—plus, the slight beige tint gives it a seamless, undetectable finish on all skin tones.

Momcozy U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

Momcozy

U-Shaped Pregnancy Pillow

$45

Amazon

$60 $45 (25% off)

Walmart

As pregnant bumps get bigger and bigger, a full night of sleep gets increasingly rare. Gift her some better rest with this comfy, supportive U-shaped pillow from Momcozy. The huggable, full-body pillow comes in velvet and cooling fabrics—the former has rescued me from many sleepless nights.

Dagne Dover Large Landon Carryall

Dagne Dover

Large Landon Carryall

$240

Nordstrom

Upgrade her hospital bag with this spacious weekender duffle from Dagne Dover. The padded neoprene bag is comfortable to carry, and the multiple slots, pockets, and holders make it ideal even for the mom who overpacks. Shoe bag? Check. 16-inch laptop sleeve? Check. Exterior phone pocket? Also, check.

H&M Mama Straight Jeans

H&M

Mama Straight Jeans

$55

H&M

I’m frequently bummed out by the frumpy selection of maternity clothes in store aisles, but these bootcut maternity jeans from H&M offered a glimmer of hope for what a maternity wardrobe could be. These jeans come in a trendy dark wash and have a supportive belly band, so you don’t have to choose between style and comfort.

Ugg Disquette Slippers

UGG

Disquette Slippers

$120

Amazon

$120

Nordstrom

She may not always be able to kick her feet up, but these Ugg slippers will make shuffling around the house more enjoyable. The plush sheepskin lining feels like you’re stepping on a cloud, and the neutral color options are versatile enough to pair with any loungewear set.

DoorDash Food Delivery Gift Card

DoorDash

Food Delivery Gift Card

$50

Amazon

Growing a baby is hard work. Help her fuel up by taking care of dinner (lunch, breakfast, and dessert, too). Takeout nights always offer much-needed relief, especially when lower back pain and intense fatigue make cooking a drag.

Calpak Diaper Tote Bag

Calpak

Diaper Tote Bag

$195

Nordstrom

$195

Calpak

This gift might technically be for the baby, but trust: Mom will love having a stylish bag to tote around all that baby stuff. The Calpak Diaper Bag is equal parts functional and fashionable, with six colors to choose from, a pocket for your laptop, and room for just about anything you’ll need to carry.

Willow Wave Wearable Manual Breast Pump

Willow Wave

Wearable Manual Breast Pump

$35

Amazon

$35

Walmart

If the mama-to-be you're shopping for plans to breastfeed, odds are she already has her eye on a breast pump. If she hasn't considered this one, do her a favor and get it in her hands. This first-of-its-kind wearable manual breast pump will be a lifesaver in the early postpartum days, when mom isn't quite pumping yet but needs some relief as her milk supply comes in. This pump fits comfortably in any nursing bra and works without a motor, so she can control the output.

Embrace Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

Embrace

Embrace Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

$55

Embrace

I was gifted this incredibly soft nursing bra in my third trimester and figured it wouldn't hurt to wear before I technically started nursing—and wow, was I right. This wireless bra makes nursing a breeze with its wrap design—there's no need to even unclasp anything. Plus, it's comfy enough to sleep in. Even if you're not nursing, this bra will make all the changes your breasts go through during pregnancy and postpartum a lot more comfortable.

Amazon Kindle Colorsoft

Amazon

Kindle Colorsoft

$250 $190 (24% off)

Amazon

After Allure senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor said great things about the Kindle Colorsoft, I knew I had to get my hands on it. "It's vivid, but easy on the eyes, so you can sneak a moment with a book while baby sleeps," she said. I had a ton of baby books I wanted to read but very little room in my apartment, so this was the perfect way to consolidate my library.

Cozy Earth Cuddle Blanket

Cozy Earth

Channel Cuddle Blanket

$248

Cozy Earth

I spent the bulk of my pregnancy on the couch—between first-trimester fatigue and third-trimester body aches, I always just wanted to lie down with a soft plush blanket. This one from Cozy Earth lives up to its name, evoking the same feeling of warmth and comfort as a snuggle from your favorite person. It's perfect for those days when you want a hug, but your pregnancy rage is also saying, “Nobody touch me.”

Allure social media director Kassidy Silva's picks

The Original Makeup Eraser Cooling Clouds Makeup Eraser Undereye Patches

The Original MakeUp Eraser

Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches

$20 $19 (5% off)

Amazon

$20

Nordstrom

Pregnant people aren’t the only ones who love this product—our entire Allure team loved it so much, we gave it a Best of Beauty Breakthrough Award. The MakeUp Eraser Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches are washable and sit comfortably under the eye without sliding around. Even better, they never have to be refrigerated. “You would never guess the amount of sleepless nights I’ve had, thanks to Makeup Eraser’s Cooling Clouds Undereye Patches,” says Allure social director (and new mom) Kassidy Silva. “A quick 15 minutes in the morning with these patches instantly brightens up my complexion. Plus, they’re reusable, so I can toss them into the fridge and use them time and time again.”

Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket

Bearaby

Cotton Weighted Blanket

$199

Amazon

$199

Bearaby

Weighted blankets provide a source of comfort and warmth, whether you’re pregnant or not. For expecting moms, a weighted blanket can be especially comforting if you don’t want to bother your sound-sleeping partner for cuddles while you turn like a rotisserie chicken through the night. “This Bearaby weighted blanket has become a constant companion at 3 a.m. while endlessly scrolling BeautyTok, thanks to pregnancy insomnia,” says Silva. “It’s the warm hug every pregnant person needs during those late, lonely nights.”

Allbirds Wool Lounger Mule

Allbirds

Wool Lounger Mule

$63

Allbirds

A lot of things get bigger when you’re pregnant—including your feet. So, the right pair of shoes can make all the difference. “My swollen ankles sent me a personal thank-you note after I got my first pair of Allbirds Wool Lounger Mules,” says Silva. “The ultra-soft Merino wool paired with a cloud-like sole has made these my everyday staple.”

AirPods Max

Apple

AirPods Max

$549 $450 (18% off)

Amazon

During the second trimester, babies gain their listening ears in the womb, which means it’s time to start indoctrinating them with all your favorite music. Silva enlisted the help of her Apple AirPods Max for the job. “They’re the perfect investment for pre-and-post-baby; my girl and I had our nightly jam session to Taylor Swift with my headphones snuggly across on my belly," says Silva. "They also helped this mama find some quiet time once baby girl made her debut.”

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Chantecaille

Chantecaille Just Skin Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 15

$72

Amazon

A tinted moisturizer with SPF gives extra polish (and protection) before they head out for a quick walk—with or without a stroller. “I use a separate sunscreen before this, since it only contains SPF 15—but I appreciate any extra protection,” says contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai, who has one toddler and a second baby on the way. “Anyway, I'm in it for the lightweight coverage: It evens out my skin tones, lightly nourishes my skin, and generally makes me look a little more alive.”

Vince Women's Cashmere Jersey Short Sock

Vince

Women's Cashmere Jersey Short Sock

$95

Vince

Correct: This is an absurd price to pay for socks. But they're the softest, thickest cashmere socks out there, guaranteed to keep their feet cozy whether they're out and about or laid out on a couch. “I asked my brother for socks and he got me these, and the only thing I'm mad about is that I only have one pair,” says Pai. “I've tried other cashmere socks but nothing gets close how cushy these are."

The Ten Year Affair: A Novel by Erin Somers

Erin Somers

The Ten Year Affair: A Novel

$28 $22 (21% off)

Amazon

Two suburban parents meet at an infant group and explore the possibility of an affair in this novel, which splits into parallel realities (one in which the affair happens, and another in which it doesn't). It's like John Cheever for millennials. “I've wanted to read this since hearing the author speak about how it explores the ennui of millennials-turned-parents—basically me—but my local library has an extensive waitlist for it,” says Pai.

Trudon Libra Scented Candle

Trudon

Libra Scented Candle

$390

Nordstrom

If they're going to be trapped inside with a baby for a while—it's the reality!—make it smell as incredible as possible with this stunning candle. The scent—a woody amber with warm notes of tonka bean—adds a cozy feel, while the constellation-inspired design makes the vessel stand out. "I've started burning all of my 'good' candles, and it's been a way to treat myself while my kid is napping or at daycare," says Pai. “I'd love to add this one to my collection, too.”

Source images: Courtesy of brandsSave StorySave this storySave StorySave this story

By day, I’m Allure’s senior beauty editor, writing and editing stories on the latest developments in the beauty industry. By night—or sometimes early the next morning—I’m working out. Exercising is one way I prioritize and invest in myself. Whether I’m going for a slow jog around my neighborhood or sweating profusely in a HIIT class, being active clears my head and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

Jesa Marie Calaor

My colleagues share the sentiment, so we put together a list of the best gifts for your active friends, no matter where they are on their fitness journey. Maybe your pals are really into boot camp classes. Perhaps they’re training for a marathon. Does your friend get nervous going to Pilates classes? Read on for more.

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

Floor Workouts: Bala Balance Ball

Bala

Bala Balance Ball

$95

Amazon

$95

Bala

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Why We Love It: “I’ve been going to physical therapy for over a year to rehabilitate an injury, and my doctor emphasized the importance of staying flexible and building core strength outside of our sessions. I wouldn’t be able to do that without a balance ball, and I’ve been loving my Bala. The mesh fabric exterior makes it easy to grip, which is perfect for core exercises, and it’s sturdy enough that I never feel like it’s going to pop or that I’ll slip off while sitting or stretching on it. Even better is that it’s so cute, giving your home a modern, boutique-studio vibe instead of a sweaty, garage-gym atmosphere.” —Jesa Marie Calaor, senior beauty editor

At-Home Pilates: Balanced Body Metro IQ Reformer

Balanced Body

Metro IQ Pilates Reformer

$2,295

Amazon

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

“I’ve been wanting to attend Pilates regularly, but my injury has kept me from keeping up with regular classes (and my wallet can’t handle private lessons). Balanced Body Metro IQ Reformer has been a solid solution. It’s equipped with what I need for a productive workout: a soft and sturdy carriage and headrest that support my neck and spine. With guidance from my physical therapist, I’ve been able to use it for slow (yet sweat-inducing) workouts that don’t cause pain. Best part: This model is so lightweight and easy to store, fitting snugly in the corner of my home gym.”—Calaor

Recovery: Bearaby Warmables Bundle

Bearaby

Bearaby Melt The Day Away Set

$304

Bearaby

Courtesy of Jesa Marie Calaor

Why We Love It: “This bundle is a must-have for anyone just starting out on their fitness journey or easing back into working out, like me. I am careful not to over-extend myself to the point of injury, but soreness is inevitable after weight training. This bundle includes options to help soothe them: a slightly weighted water bottle, neck pad, and lap pad that you can heat up in the microwave or stick in the freezer for your preferred temperature. They feel so good when you lay them across achy areas. I particularly love the bottle, which I use when I have lower back soreness or stomach cramping.”—Calaor

Indoor Cardio: Forme Power+ Bra

Forme

Forme Power+ Bra

$212

Forme

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

Why We Love It: “The number of compliments I’ve gotten while wearing this sports bra (yes, sports bra) is honestly jarring. I’ve even had someone stop me mid-run on the treadmill because they were so intrigued. I mean, the tank-like top is cute and all, but what’s going on? I think it has to do with the fact that a certain singer has worn the bra a few times, but also because of its patent-pending, posture-correcting technology. I can’t say that my posture has drastically improved since adding the top to my workout wardrobe, but every time I wear it, I’m constantly second-guessing my habitual slumping, and I adjust as needed. I really love the design itself, with the cropped fit and oversized shoulder straps. It really is cute!” —Sarah Kinonen, associate beauty director

Strength Training: Barry’s Gift Card

Barry's

Gift Card

$25

Barry's

Courtesy of Sarah Kinonen

Why We Love It: “The strength-training, boot camp-style workout has been a staple in my life for years, and with 1,000-plus Barry’s classes under my proverbial belt, I’m still going strong (pun intended). That means I’d happily accept gifts in the form of Barry’s gift cards this holiday season and beyond (my birthday is in January, FYI!).”—Kinonen

All Workouts: Lululemon Define Jacket

Lululemon

Lululemon Define Track Jacket Luon

$138

Lululemon

Courtesy of Kassidy Silva

Why We Love It: “We all have that one friend who’s constantly hitting a new boutique fitness class that you’ve never heard of, or taking a hike in some far-flung place. This is the perfect gift for them, or you, if you want to emulate them. It’s versatile, durable (no holes after 10 years!), and lightweight while still keeping you warm. Whether I’m going for a walk along the Hoboken waterfront with my daughter or warming up in spin class, the Lululemon Define Jacket remains one of my most versatile workout pieces.”—Kassidy Silva, social director

Wellness: Apple Watch Series 11

Apple

Apple Watch Series 11

$828

Amazon

$299

Best Buy

Courtesy of Kassidy Silva

Why We Love It: “Never underestimate rest as part of your fitness journey. While I use my Apple Series 11 Watch to track daily steps, listen to my Peloton guided runs, and keep an eye on my stress levels, the biggest bonus is that it monitors my sleep. Getting any rest with my one-year-old can make it challenging to open that app in the morning, and while my score has been lacking, the app has helped me set realistic goals for the day and gauge whether I’m giving my body enough time to recover from my last workout.

“Whether you’re gifting for the gymgoer in your life or a loved one who needs to monitor their health a bit more closely, the Apple Watch is a versatile go-to present for the holidays. I always add a few colorful bands to give the gift more personality.”—Silva

Running: Nike Vomero Premium

Nike

Nike Vomero Premium Sneaker

$230

Revolve

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “These are my favorite running shoes. I have them in Blue Tint, Sail Coconut Milk, and Hyper Pink. They look great, make me feel fast, and are incredibly comfortable—especially if you like a stacked shoe. They’re lightweight, offer a nice boost with every stride, and have excellent cushioning with no break-in period needed. I also wear them for long days on my feet. I’ve run in them at least twice a week since September, and they’ve never let me down. They fit true to size, so if you’re between sizes, I wouldn’t size up.”—Katie Gunderman, associate social media manager

Strength Training: Nike Metcon 6

Nike

Nike Free Metcon 6

$125

Nike

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “I have recommended the Nike Metcons to at least five of my friends, and all of them have loved them, like my friend who was a beginner lifter and also needed shoes for HIIT workouts, an occasional short run, and more. My fellow college-athlete friends also love these shoes for our gym sessions because they are truly so reliable for a range of activities. I’m currently on my second pair, and bought the first when I was a college athlete four years ago. They give you great stability in the gym while lifting, but also give you support if you are doing HIIT workouts, sprints, and mobility work. They come in a handful of colorways and are my go-tos for the gym and group classes.”—Gunderman

All Workouts: Free People Quilted Carryall Bag

Free People

Free People Quilted Carryall Bag

$78

Free People

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “It’s the perfect size, fits everything I need, isn't too big, and it has little zipper pockets where I can stash my jewelry and separate any sweaty clothes. I call it my Mary Poppins bag because I'm always shocked at how much I can squeeze in it. I can easily fit shoes, a change of clothes, and my makeup pouch. This is also my bag for long weekends and short trips. I love the long crossbody strap because it's so easy to throw over my shoulder when I'm on the go.”—Gunderman

Recovery: Theragun Mini in Alpine Green

Therabody

TheraGun Mini

$220 $160 (27% off)

Amazon (3rd Generation)

$220

Dermstore (3rd Generation)

$220

Ulta Beauty (3rd Generation)

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “This massage gun is the perfect size. It delivers the power of the larger models without being too heavy or difficult to travel with. I can really feel the benefits after an intense workout (I’m less tight and sore the next day) and even after a long day at my desk, because it helps loosen up my shoulders and back after slouching.”—Gunderman

Long-Distance Running: Bandit Zip Front Race Crop and Striped 5' Compression Shorts

Bandit

Bandit Zip Front Race Crop and Striped 5' Compression Shorts

$82 $78 (5% off)

Bandit

Courtesy of Katie Gunderman

Why We Love It: “Every cool girl who runs has a Bandit set (or wishes she did). It’s a Brooklyn-based company that wants you to PR and look good doing it. Their sets come in fun, bright colorways and offer compression and support while you work out. The features are targeted to performance running, offering places to hold your gels and silicone grippers around the legs of the shorts so they don't ride up.”—Gunderman

Endurance Training: On Endurance Bra Zip in Spirulina

On

On Endurance Bra Zip

$95

On

$95

Dick's Sporting Goods

Courtesy of Kathryne Hall

Why We Love It: “As I look to get serious about building strength and endurance in my 40s, I need both support and motivation. After years of settling for lower-quality sports bras, splurging on the On Endurance Bra feels special when I need a little help getting motivated. The encapsulated cups and long sides provide ample support for intense running or jumping, and the spirulina color is a beautiful green that’s perfect for the holidays. This is a great gift for both experienced athletes and to support someone who’s just getting started.”—Kathryne Hall, visuals director

Wellness: Oura Ring

Ōura

Ring 4

$349

Amazon

Why We Love It: “I’ve been wearing the Oura Ring for a while now, and it’s basically become my tiny, discreet reality check. It tracks my sleep, heart rate, temperature shifts, and daily activity, then quietly nudges me when something’s off. And I won’t lie—people either swear by it or say it stresses them out (honestly, that’s true of any health tracker). Sure, seeing a night of terrible REM after a couple of drinks isn’t fun, but the data doesn’t lie, and it’s helped me spot some real gaps in my routine.

“When I first started using it, Oura made it painfully clear that I wasn’t anywhere near the goals my health coach had helped me set (e.g., 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day and 7.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep). With a desk job that requires a lot of early-morning events, after-work happy hours, and brand dinners, I was missing both by a lot. Wearing the Oura Ring means it’s always tracking, so it’s helped me hit my step goals and fix some of my late-night habits (yes, like going to bed earlier and not drinking cocktails right before). It’s definitely helped me make small, doable shifts that add up, and I’ve also learned that you don’t have to check the app every morning. Sometimes giving yourself a little grace (and not immediately peeking at your sleep score after a 3 a.m. night of dancing) is also a healthy move.”—Lily Wohlner, commerce writer

All Workouts: Set Active LuxForm Lux High-Rise Leggings and LuxForm Lux V Long Sleeve

Set Active

Set Active LuxForm Lux High-Rise Leggings and LuxForm Lux V Long Sleeve

$80 $75 (6% off)

Set Active

Courtesy of Briana Rengifo

Why We Love It: “I appreciate activewear that doesn’t show how much I’m sweating, holds me in, and makes my legs look toned. This set does all of the above. It’s made from buttery-soft fabric that makes putting it on feel special (like you’re not just putting on your go-to gym clothes), and it’s perfectly snug without being too tight. I wore this for a weightlifting class, followed by a 30-minute indoor run, and I couldn’t believe I didn’t have any sweat marks! Gift this to your friend who loves to feel good while she works out. No judgment if that friend is you.”—Briana Rengifo, designer

Walking: Wildbird Aerial Carrier

Wildbird Aerial Carrier

$178

Amazon

$178

Wildbird

Courtesy of Annie Blay

Why We Love It: “After I gave birth to my daughter, I was eager to get moving. So once I was given the okay at my six-week check-up, I started thinking of ways to begin exercising again—but with my new little buddy.

“Enter: the Wildbird Aerial Carrier. I strap my daughter into this comfortable, snug baby carrier and head out for walks. The material is very soft, and the straps are easy to clip in. They also feel very secure. I never have to worry about my little one bouncing around too much or getting loose while I power walk.

“My daughter falls asleep a few minutes after I strap her in, and I pop in my headphones for a serotonin-boosting walk.”—Annie Blay-Tettey, associate beauty editor