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Lest we state the obvious: The Korean skin-care industry is a hotbed of innovation, and the best Korean face masks (in all shapes and forms) are essential in helping us look our glowiest. Whether we're masking once a week or daily—hey, daily sheet masking isn't out of the question—these treatments load our skin with barrier-repairing, brightening, clarifying, hydrating, soothing, and texture-smoothing ingredients we can't get enough of. Best of all? They're as gentle on our wallets as they are on our skin—in fact, none of the masks on this page cost more than $45, with tons of $20-and-under picks. Ahead, our editors give us the low-down on their top picks from Beauty of Joseon, Innisfree, Biodance, Sulwhasoo, and more. Time to reap in the glassy skin.
Our Top Korean Face Masks
- Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, $18
- Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask, $19
- Best Peel-Off Mask Overall: Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask, $24
- Best for Mature Skin: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask, $54
- Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask, $18
- Best for Glass Skin: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask, $11
- Best Brightening: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask, $30
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What makes Korean face masks innovative?
- What are the different types of Korean face masks?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Wash-Off Mask Overall: Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Beauty of Joseon
Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Sephora
Olive Young
Stylevana
Why it's worth it: Beauty of Joseon does a lot of things right, from sunscreens to toner-essences. The brand's masks are no exception: The Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, in particular, strikes the ideal balance between clarifying and brightening your complexion—all while being non-irritating. The stars of this formula are upcycled makgeolli lees (a byproduct of Korean rice wine), honey, kaolin clay, and rice hull powder—which together sweep away the gunk residing in your pores, gently buff away uneven texture, and with consistent use, help brighten discoloration.
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Sarah Han
Han after using the Beauty of Joseon Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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"As someone who approaches physical exfoliation a little cautiously, I love how gentle this mask is. It gives my skin an instant brightening effect—as subtle as it may be—and helps even out some texture and redness I experience in and around my T-zone." —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: kaolin, honey, upcycled makgeolli lees, rice hull powder
- Who it’s for: people with oily or combination skin, congested pores
- How to use it: apply a thick, even layer to clean, dry skin for 15-20 minutes and rinse off
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Sheet Mask Overall: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Biodance
Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask
Amazon
Soko Glam
Sephora
Allure contributor Christa Lee applying Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Why it's worth it: You might wonder how a mask could possibly stay on all night without getting serum all over your pillow, but Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask is different: The gel-like consistency makes it far less “juicy” than your typical sheet mask. It goes on opaque, then slowly turns transparent as it absorbs and dries, which is your cue that it’s done its job. Whether you wear it until morning or peel it off after a solid 3–4 hours (hello, WFH perks), Biodance's Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask delivers lasting hydration that parched skin craves. Its ultra-low molecular weight collagen and oligo hyaluronic acid allow for deeper penetration of all that hydrating, plumping goodness. Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City, confirms this mask's popularity, adding, "It leaves the skin more glowy and hydrated for hours after application."
Lee after wearing Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask after four hours
Christa Lee
Lee after removing the Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
Christa Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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"I love this mask for both overnight use and daytime self-care breaks (when I don’t have any Zoom meetings). The jelly-like sheet can be a little delicate and prone to tearing, but once it sets, it clings so well that a few hours in, it’s a tad hard to move your face, which is exactly why it's so effective to lock in the formula. By morning, my skin feels deeply hydrated and looks gorgeously glowy, making it totally worth the effort to stay still in my sleep.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: ultra-low molecular weight collagen, galactomyces, oligo hyaluronic acid, allantoin
- Who it’s for: everyone
- How to use it: leave on for 3-4 hours or overnight
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Peel-Off Mask Overall: Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask
Knours
PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask
Amazon
Soko Glam
Why it's worth it: Peel-off masks rank up there with nose strips in the “oddly-satisfying” category of beauty products, and while this one is undeniably fun to remove, the coolest part is what it does for your skin. The Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask uses a plant-based twist on traditional PDRN (usually a salmon-derived repair ingredient), tapping fermented rice PDRN and green tea PDRN to deliver similar benefits—think skin-barrier repair, soothing, sebum control, and texture refinement. It’s also loaded with brightening and hydrating favorites like rice ferment filtrate (sake), multiple weights of hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and niacinamide to keep your skin smooth, bouncy, and noticeably glowier in just 20 minutes (though it works even harder overnight).
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask
Sarah Han
Han peeling off Knours PDRN Rice & Green Tea Glowing Peel Off Mask
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“There's something so undeniably satisfying about a peel-off mask. I'll admit: I don't use them super frequently—maybe once every two weeks at best—but when I do, I'm so glad I did. My skin gets to absorb all of this goodness that hydrates, strengthens my barrier, and brighten skin, in just 20-ish minutes—and it's the perfect prep for my serum and moisturizer to absorb and work even harder. I'm left with such soft skin that I'm almost tempted to skip the rest of my skin-care routine, but c'mon, you wouldn't catch me actually doign that.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: sake water, rice PDRN, green tea PDRN, clover, vitamin C
- Who it’s for: people with dull skin
- How to use it: leave on for 20-30 minutes or overnight
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Overnight Mask: Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Sulwhasoo
Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Amazon
Nordstrom
Sephora
Why it's worth it: If your mature skin has been feeling under pressure (dry, tight, easily irritated, or all of the above), this overnight cream mask gives an extra boost of TLC before bed. It creates a soft, nourishing seal that helps your skin recover while you sleep. Inside, you’ll find all the good stuff ideal for aging skin: jujube extract to support your moisture barrier, pomegranate extract for antioxidant protection, ginseng for radiance, plus squalane and shea butter to keep everything hydrated and cushiony. It sinks in quickly and never feels sticky, so you’re not going to bed with your skin feeling coated in product. Still, come morning, just rinse with lukewarm water and skip the cleanser. That light film has done its job overnight, and a gentle rinse removes the residue so your daytime routine can absorb properly.
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Lee after applying the Sulwhasoo Overnight Vitalizing Mask
Christa Joanna Lee
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“The texture feels incredibly indulgent and luxe as it goes on—it feels like such a treat for my sensitive skin prone to dryness. It absorbs beautifully, leaving just a hint of dewiness, but never in that uncomfortable, hair-sticking-to-your-face way. By morning, there wasn’t a trace of residue—I even forgot to wash it off—and my skin was unbelievably soft, supple, and deeply hydrated. Cold weather doesn’t stand a chance against this mask.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Key ingredients: jujube extract, pomegranate extract, squalane, shea butter, ginseng
- Who it’s for: people with dry or mature skin
- How to use it: leave a thin layer on overnight and wash off with lukewarm water in the morning
- Fragrance-free: no
Best for Glass Skin: Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask
Dr. Althea
Jelly Seal Dewy Mask
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Han applying the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask
Sarah Han
Why it’s worth it: Instead of a standard cotton sheet, this mask uses a soft gauze infused with gel technology, so it hugs every contour of your face without slipping or bubbling up. The plush, cushiony texture creates a moisture-locking seal that helps actives absorb more effectively while delivering a refreshing cooling sensation that feels truly soothing on skin. Inside, not one but 10 types (!) of hyaluronic acid—ranging from high to ultra-low molecular weights—drench your skin with multi-level hydration, instantly plumping the surface while sinking deep for long-lasting moisture and improved elasticity. To top it off, plant-derived PDRN (derived from salmon DNA) is known for boosting skin repair and regeneration, panthenol calms and strengthens the barrier, and madecassoside soothes irritation, leaving skin recharged, resilient, and glowing.
Han removing the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask
Sarah Han
Han after using the Dr. Althea Jelly Seal Dewy Mask
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from Han
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“Sheet masks are always a treat, but phew, Dr. Althea's masks are just next-level-drenched, and I love it. Because it's a jelly/gel mask, it takes me a little longer to get the mask fully situated, since I have to unfold some stuck corners and nose flaps, but otherwise the fit is fantastic and every inch of it is hugging my face even when I'm staring down at my laptop. The brand recommends 10 to 15 minutes but I always go a little over the higher-end number to really give the mask time to fully sink in. I always expect my skin to be glowing after taking off sheet masks but I was still impressed just how **glowy** I really looked. I took 20 extra seconds to pat in the lotus-derived PDRN and hyaluronic acid goodness. Because the mask is so drenched, there isn't as much essence left in the pouch—but that didn't stop me from slathering what I could onto my neck and décolletage.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: 10 types of hyaluronic acid, plant-derived PDRN, panthenol, madecassoside
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive or dry skin
- How to use it: leave on for 10–15 minutes, then gently pat the remaining essence into your skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Oily Skin: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Innisfree
Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Amazon
Sephora
Yesstyle
Why it's worth it: Clay masks literally draw out dirt and excess sebum from your pores, which means you get the satisfying look at your pores being singled out once Innisfree's Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask has dried down. Then there's lactic acid to swiftly remove dead skin cells and increase cell turnover—resulting in brighter, smoother skin. In turn, "increasing cell turnover also reduces clogged pores and the chances of developing acne lesions," Aegean Chan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California, previously explained. Bonus: Lactic acid has naturally occurring moisturizing properties, so your barrier reaps benefits, too. All in all, this tingly wash-off mask keeps oil, pores, and blackheads in check while soothing the skin—for less than $20.
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai before using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Deanna Pai
Pai after using the Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Deanna Pai
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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"I'm not a hydration girlie. Instead, I look for masks that can suck the gunk out of my pores with abandon, and this mask does exactly that. What makes it great isn't just the combo of bentonite and kaolin clays, but the addition of volcanic ash and lactic acid for dual exfoliation. I liked that I got a little scrubbing action as I was rinsing it off—and my skin looked way more even and radiant after just one use." —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: volcanic ash clusters, lactic acid, bentonite, kaolin, walnut shell powder
- Who it’s for: people with acne-prone, oily skin
- How to use it: leave on for 10 minutes (or until dry) and gently rinse off with warm water
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Brightening: Hanyul Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask
Hanyul
Yuja Brightening Sleeping Mask
Amazon
Soko Glam
Sephora
Han applying Hanyul’s Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: Hanyul's Yuja Vitamin Sleeping Mask smells like it was freshly picked from an orchard—probably because its origins can be traced to the Goheung area of South Korea, where yuja fruit is grown, harvested, and bottled up for your radiance-boosting skin-care desires. The intensely cooling jelly formula is a sensorial delight and absorbs quickly, even if you're heavy-handed like we are. Your skin will immediately look glowier, and even better, the effects will go well into the next day.
Tester feedback from Han
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"In the clip above, you can see me mouthing the words, 'It smells so good,' because there are six yuja fruits (rich in vitamins B, C, E, and P) in a single jar. Aromatherapy aside, this jelly leave-on mask immediately plumps my skin and I wake up looking a little more fresh-faced and less dull. (Nothing's a miracle worker, considering my wonky sleep schedule.)" —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Key ingredients: yuja fruit water, niacinamide, vitamin C
- Who it’s for: people with dry, dull, or combination skin
- How to use it: apply a thin, even layer as the last step of your evening skin-care routine; no need to rinse off in the morning
- Fragrance-free: yes
More Korean face masks we like
Best for Dry Skin: Illiyoon Ceramide Ato Concentrate Gel Face Mask
Illiyoon
Ceramide Ato Concentrate Gel Face Mask
Amazon
Why it's worth it: Think of Illiyoon’s Ceramide Ato Concentrate Gel Face Mask as the overnight sheet-mask version of the brand’s viral ceramide cream, delivering those same barrier-strengthening benefits in a lightweight, hydrogel format. As the name suggests, ceramides are the star of the show here: “They can smooth and soften the skin by filling in the ‘gaps’ between skin cells and help skin retain moisture by fortifying our protective barrier,” Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Beverly Hills, previously told Allure. This mask uses technology that slowly releases hyaluronic acid-infused moisture and nutrients the longer you wear it (ideally, overnight). “This gel mask feels so cooling and soothing and is deeply hydrating without feeling heavy,” says Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: soy-ceramide and low-molecular weight collagen, hyaluronic acid–infused blue capsules, madecassoside
- Who it’s for: people in need of barrier repair
- How to use it: leave on for 1-4 hours or overnight
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Barrier Support: Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask
Round Lab
1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask
Amazon
Stylevana
Why it's worth it: Known for creating one of Korea’s most popular sunscreens, Round Lab brings the same gentle approach to its 1025 Dokdo Hydrating Water Gel Mask. “Thanks to its comforting ingredients and zero fragrance, it’s a great option for sensitive skin,” says Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician based in Fort Lee, NJ. The ultra-thin hydrogel sheet conforms perfectly to your face, locking in moisture as mineral-rich deep-sea water, hyaluronic acid, and amino acids drench skin in lasting hydration. Meanwhile, panthenol and allantoin soothe irritation and strengthen the barrier. In just 10 minutes, skin feels bouncier, calmer, and comfortably dewy.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: deep-sea water, hyaluronic acid, amino acid, panthenol, allantoin
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive or reactive skin
- How to use it: leave on for 10 minutes, remove, then gently pat the remaining essence into your skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Sensitive Skin: Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask
Celimax
The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask
Amazon
Why it's worth it: When your skin is feeling especially stressed, Celimax The Real Cica Calming Ampoule Mask is an instant reset. “If you're a big fan of the hallmark K-beauty ingredient Centella Asiatica, this mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin that needs calming relief,” says Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Seoul, Korea. If you haven’t tried cica before, the ingredient is celebrated for reducing redness, accelerating skin repair, and reinforcing the skin barrier—making it a go-to for irritation-prone complexions. Paired with madecassoside and hyaluronic acid for extra soothing and hydrating powers, this ampoule-soaked mask leaves skin supple and balanced.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: Centella asiatica, madecassoside, hyaluronic acid
- Who it’s for: people with sensitive or reactive skin
- How to use it: leave on for 10–20 minutes, then gently pat the remaining essence into your skin
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best Exfoliating Mask: SkinFood Rice Mask Wash Off
Skinfood
Rice Mask Wash Off
Amazon
Yesstyle
Why it's worth it: SkinFood is famous for its food-inspired formulas, so it’s only fitting that one of its most-loved products is basically a treatment your skin can “snack” on. If your complexion is looking dull or lackluster, the Rice Mask Wash Off taps into one ingredient Korean beauty is devoted to—rice—using rice bran water and rice powder as brightening, softening go-tos. “This mask gently polishes and brightens thanks to finely milled rice and rice-bran water, both rich in amino acids and antioxidants that promote luminosity,” says Christine Hall, MBChB, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics based in London. The creamy, cushiony texture “leaves the skin supple rather than stripped” as it buffs away rough skin for a smoother, glowier finish, she says. Expect a clearer, more hydrated complexion after just a quick 10 to 15 minutes.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: rice bran water, rice powder
- Who it’s for: people with dull skin or uneven texture
- How to use it: leave on for 10–15 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Best for Winter: Abib Collagen Gel Mask Jericho Rose Jelly
Abib
Collagen Gel Mask Jericho Rose Jelly
Amazon (10-Pack)
Soko Glam (1-Pack)
Yesstyle (1-Pack)
Why it's worth it: Even if you don’t have a green thumb, it’s worth knowing a bit about the hero ingredient in Abib’s Collagen Gel Mask Jericho Rose Jelly. The Rose of Jericho plant is famous for looking dried out and lifeless—only to spring back to life the moment it touches water. So, it makes perfect sense that Abib built a mask around its moisture-retaining powers. “This cooling hydrogel formula pairs the resurrection plant with collagen peptides and trehalose to support the skin barrier, leaving skin bouncy and calm,” says Dr. Hall. And because it’s a true gel mask, it adheres snugly, helping the actives absorb more efficiently. “I love this to help recover my skin, which feels parched during cold-weather months,” she adds.
More to know
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- Key ingredients: collagen, peptides, rose of Jericho, ceramides
- Who it’s for: people with dry, parched skin
- How to use it: leave on for 20–30 minutes
- Fragrance-free: yes
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Korean face masks innovative?
"Korean face masks are all about delivering high-performance results that help the skin optimize ingredient absorption," says New York City-based Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You. Adding on, Dr. Chang notes they "use advanced and innovative materials, ranging from bio-cellulose and hydrogel to bamboo fiber sheet masks, as well as overnight masks and peel-off masks," adding that the range of mask types makes the experience fun and hands-on for the consumer.
Similar to other skin-care categories, Korean face masks are known to be gentle and supportive to the skin barrier—popular ingredients include Centella asiatica (also known as cica), ceramides, and fermented ingredients, Cho notes. "There's also been a rise in multi-functional actives like PDRN (salmon DNA) for regeneration, Volufiline for plumping, and micro-spicules for deeper penetration—ingredients once reserved for professional treatments and are now found in serums and masks." As for hydration, birch sap and polyglutamic acid are some of the mainstream, tried-and-true ingredients, Cho adds.
What are the different types of Korean face masks?
We broke down the most common types of face masks in an episode of our The Science of Beauty podcast, with the help of David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. There, you'll find everything you need to know about sheet, clay, charcoal, cream, wash-off, sleeping, peel-off, and bubble masks.
Meet the experts
- Y. Claire Chang, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist at UnionDerm in New York City
- Charlotte Cho, cofounder of K-beauty retailer Soko Glam and founder of Then I Met You, based in New York City
- Christine Hall, MBChB, a general practitioner in medical aesthetics of Taktouk Clinic based in London
- Judy Hong-Jin Joo, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Glassy Skin Clinic in Cheongdam, based in Seoul, Korea
- David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Idriss Dermatology and founder of Lightsaver, based in New York City
- Hee Jin Kim, MD, a board-certified internal medicine physician and medical director of Pureen MD, based in Fort Lee, NJ
- Joyce Park, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Refinery based in Washington
- Ava Shamban, MD, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in Beverly Hills
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 Korean face masks to make your skin feel utterly refreshed, 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 board-certified dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
