Beauty is maxing out on maxxing.

A quick glance at my inbox reveals pitches on scentmaxxing, a note about vaginamaxxing, and dispatches in favor of and staunchly against tanmaxxing (at Allure, we fall firmly in the latter camp). Journelle Skin, the aesthetics arm of lingerie brand Journelle, recently trademarked “Dermmaxxing” as the name of a bespoke treatment comprised of XERF, a fractional laser, radiofrequency microneedling and at-home skin care. Even for the uninitiated, the suffix may be self-explanatory: It’s about optimization at its most extreme. Scentmaxxing, for instance, involves using a frenzy of spritzes of your favorite fragrances, which is rude to anyone standing in a 10-foot radius, and potentially headache-inducing. Tanmaxxing, more dangerously, involves weaponizing the UV index to amplify a tan (read: sun damage), and is often augmented by tanning oils, Sun-In, or the banned peptide Melanotan II.

A chorus of medical professionals and organizations, including the Skin Cancer Foundation, have warned against using Melanotan II and the UV index to get a deeper tan. In an era of extremes, I was reassured by a strong consensus among voices of reason: No, you should not subject yourself to premature aging or put yourself at risk of skin cancer, and you definitely shouldn’t inject yourself with a banned peptide, which can only make things worse. But reaching a sensible conclusion seems so much rarer in the face of a powerful trend that brings self-optimization to a toxic extreme.

These maxxing permutations all hail from the same umbrella term: “looksmaxxing,” which can entail anything from teeth-whitening strips and daily moisturizing to under-the-knife procedures, in the name of self-improvement. The term “hardmaxxing,” on the more extreme end, includes what the internet calls “bone-smashing,” which is exactly what it sounds like. With every iteration, though, looksmaxxing was born in the darker recesses of the internet. (Even the Pope had something to say about it.)

“Looksmaxxing communities are part of the manosphere, a group of male-oriented websites that share a ‘red pill ideology,’” states one study from several Canadian universities, which analyzed thousands of comments on discussion boards in those communities. The term “red pill” is a reference to the 1999 film The Matrix, and “red pill communities support misogyny, embrace traditional gender roles, critique feminism, and suggest that men are victims of misandry [discrimination against men].”

Frequently Asked Questions

What are antiperspirants?

“Traditional antiperspirants do not decrease sweating, but rather block sweat from reaching the skin’s surface,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The various versions of aluminum compounds you may find as the active ingredient in antiperspirants are what do the sweat-blocking.

These include aluminum chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium, aluminum chloride, and aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, which serve a unified purpose. “All aluminum ingredients in antiperspirant products work to control wetness by forming a temporary plug within the sweat gland,” cosmetic chemist Ron Robinson tells Allure.

They function similarly, but to slightly varying degrees of efficacy. Aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly, for example, forms a more stable plug in the sweat glands than other compounds, so it’s most commonly found in clinical-strength antiperspirants, Dr. Tassavor says. Other aluminum compounds are still effective, but are considered less potent—that’s why they’re more likely to appear in standard-strength products.

What are deodorants?

Not all deodorants are antiperspirants, but most antiperspirants are deodorants. Deodorant is considered a cosmetic because, as Shereene Idriss, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, previously explained, it’s formulated with antimicrobial agents to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the armpits.

But sweat itself isn’t what makes you stink. “Odor is released when bacteria come into contact with the thicker, milkier substance produced by apocrine glands in our armpits and groin,” she added—feet and butts included. While dermatologists say daily bathing is critical to combatting body odor, deodorant can still be very useful. “It is helpful to use deodorant in the areas of skin-on-skin contact, like under heavier breasts or stomach, to prevent skin maceration during high humid seasons or to prevent skin irritation from friction,” Julie E. Russak, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC, told Allure.

Are aluminum deodorants safe?

The safety of aluminum as an antiperspirant ingredient has been called into question by clean beauty advocates and natural ingredient enthusiasts. Some believe aluminum can contribute to the development of diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer’s, but there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support those claims.

“We rely on studies done on thousands of women to see if there are links to breast cancer and the suspected culprit,” Sarah Cate, MD, a board-certified breast surgeon and an assistant professor of surgery and breast cancer specialist at Mount Sinai in New York City, told Allure. Ultimately, no one has developed breast cancer as a result of using antiperspirants.

Moreover, the Alzheimer’s Association says the link between aluminum and the neurodegenerative disease is a myth and that “studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer’s.” So, while opting for aluminum-free or natural deodorant has its benefits (especially for people with easily irritated skin), aluminum-based antiperspirants are your best bet for true odor-blocking, wetness-quashing effects.

What is the most effective underarm antiperspirant?

The most effective antiperspirant for you depends on how much you sweat and your personal skin concerns, Dr. Tassavor says. It may take some trial and error to find what active ingredient (and what concentration of it) works best to manage your sweat. Stronger actives like aluminum zirconium tetrachlorohydrex gly may be more likely to cause irritation because “they create a more substantial blockage within the sweat ducts,” Dr. Tassavor explains. He adds that higher concentrations of any active ingredients can also increase your risk of irritation. Then, you’ll need to factor in how your underarms tolerate fragrances and other added ingredients. Finally, you should take your preferred texture into consideration, so applying the product is as enjoyable as possible.

Why am I still sweating even after using antiperspirant?

Good news: Your pits probably aren’t doomed. It’s likely that you aren’t using it at the right time. “Antiperspirants are most effective when applied at bedtime when sweat glands are the least active,” Dr. Dommasch says. She explains that excess moisture, be it sweat or water from the shower, can dilute the product and make it less effective.

It’s also possible that your antiperspirant of choice isn’t strong enough, Dr. Tassavor says. Look for a clinical-strength formula or one with a higher concentration of active ingredients. If switching doesn’t help, he recommends talking to a dermatologist. They can help you find the right treatment for you, like prescription-strength antiperspirants, oral medications, or Botox injections.

What is the best deodorant for hidradenitis suppurativa?

Hidradenitis suppurativa is a painful, inflammatory skin condition that causes boil-like sores in your sweat glands. It’s exacerbated by excess moisture and friction, so keeping the area dry with an over-the-counter antiperspirant can make the symptoms less severe and help you get some relief, Dr. Tassavor says. Look for one with a gentle formula made without fragrances or essential oils, Dr. Dommasch says. “These [ingredients] can contribute to irritation and sometimes allergic reactions, which may worsen hidradenitis suppurativa,” she explains. If you don’t see any improvements, talk to a dermatologist about treatment options.

Meet the experts

• Erica Dommasch, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Jason Miller, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Freehold, New Jersey
• Michael Tassavor, MD, MS, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York and New Jersey

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 deodorants with antiperspirants, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients and efficacy, packaging, fragrance, texture, and product wear. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

Our staff and testers

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

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

Waning estrogen exacerbates the situation. In youth, “estrogen is your hair’s best friend—it keeps hair in the growth phase longer, it supports a healthy follicle, and it acts as a natural counterbalance to androgens within the follicles,” Dr. Idriss says. “But as estrogen declines in menopause, that protective effect fades and you’re left with a state of relative androgen dominance.” Again, it’s not that your androgen levels are high; there’s just less estrogen around to offset them. Contributing to the imbalance is aromatase, yet another wizardly enzyme in our hair follicles. This one transforms androgens into beneficial estrogens, but “it seems to be decreased in the affected scalps of women with pattern hair loss,” notes Dr. Hausauer. But presumably if you’re on menopausal hormone therapy, that estrogen will prevent a lot of this potential hair loss, right? Unfortunately wrong: “MHT may help soften the hormonal drop that can contribute to shedding, but it does not reliably prevent or treat female pattern hair loss,” says Dr. Idriss.

Long story short: “When helpful hormones bottom out and androgens go unchecked, genetic hair loss gets unmasked,” Dr. Finney says. But it’s a gradual process, so you may not notice it right away. “It’s not: ‘My hair just fell out,’” notes Dr. Idriss. “It’s: ‘My ponytail feels thinner.’ ‘I can see my scalp more.’ ‘My hair isn’t what it used to be.’”

Marci can relate. “I never paid much attention to how much hair was in the brush or going down the drain,” she says. “What made me nervous was how much I could see my scalp.” For others, the loss may not register until even later. When Melissa Coleman, the 47-year-old beauty consultant better known as @mrs.derm, started taking oral minoxidil in advance of her tummy tuck, she was simply hoping to stave off post-op shedding. “I didn’t even notice that I had been losing my hair until I saw all this new growth coming in,” she says. “Mushroom head,” she calls it. “I suddenly had two inches of new hair sprouting all over my scalp.”

What are the side effects of oral minoxidil?

Nearly every woman I spoke to for this story has experienced the minor side effects of oral minoxidil—most commonly, excess hair on the face or body. “While studies suggest that maybe 35 to 50 percent of people get hair on their face, in my office, it’s 90 percent,” says Dr. Gendler. Still, she says, “it’s rare for a woman to tell me, ‘I can’t deal with the facial hair; I’m going off of minoxidil.’” Dr. Gendler’s experience aligns with the findings of a 2026 study of patient-reported side effects. In women taking low-dose oral minoxidil, 71.6 percent reported unwanted hair growth, mostly on the face, arms, and legs; 93.2 percent continued to take the drug.

For some, this side effect is subtle: a little extra peach fuzz along the jawline. For others, not so subtle: Dr. Idriss didn’t realize the magnitude of her facial hair until she saw a photo of herself, blown up and unretouched, in a Sephora storefront. (Her skin-care line, Dr. Idriss, is sold there.) “I was like, ‘Uh, why do I have a beard?’” Other women shared similar (albeit less cinematic) stories of hair erupting in unexpected places. Melissa and Marci, for instance, discovered newfound knuckle hairs. “So, I guess we’re shaving our fingers now,” Melissa jokes. Polly noticed dark fur blooming on her temples. It looked very “woodland creature,” she says, particularly in her lighted magnifying mirror. She now routinely dermaplanes her face and plucks any rogue hairs. “It’s been ongoing but manageable,” she says; “worth the tradeoff.”

What happens Off-Campus stays off-campus—at least, when it comes to Belmont Cameli’s blonde hair. The actor tells Allure about the “15 minutes” when he traded his character’s signature dark curls for that of blonde, shaggy Dean De Laurentis (played by Stephen Kalyn). “Everybody has [an extra] wig for doubles or stand-ins, and they’re all on little foam heads in the hair-and-makeup trailer,” Cameli says. “I put his wig on, and I was just doing his character to him.”

Prime Video

The mirror selfie Cameli took on set with swoopy blonde hair had all corners of the internet chatting. At no point in the novels does his character, Garrett Graham, dye his hair blonde—leaving fans of the book-to-screen romance adaptation wondering what prompted the hair change. Cameli says that Kalyn also tried on one of Cameli’s dark curly wigs, admitting that those photos exist, and “honestly, [they] should come out too.”

The chances of the blonde moment making it into season two of Prime Video’s hit show, though, are unlikely. “I was just messing with Stephen, as I usually am,” Cameli says.

Hair and makeup on the set of Off-Campus is intentionally kept simple for the Briar Hawks hockey team. “These boys are college athletes, so we keep hair and makeup pretty minimal,” says Cameli. “We don’t do anything too crazy for Garrett on the show because we want him to feel like an authentically college-aged athlete, a dude living in a house with other dudes. None of the characters would have too long of a routine.” However, if there’s one cast member that takes more time to get ready to film than others, Cameli jokes that it’s Kalyn. “I don’t know what the hell he’s doing in there, but he takes so long to get ready,” he says. “I would say I’m pretty quick.”

Cameli says he shares that desire for simplicity with his character. “I’m somebody who cannot spend too much time on my hair,” he says, explaining that it’s what made his partnership with Tresemmé feel particularly kismet. He stars in the brand’s “Hot Curl Summer” campaign, spotlighting his routine with three of their Bouncy Curls products. “With the defining cream, mousse, and air-dry foam—using those in succession—it doesn’t take very long just to get your hair right… They smell good, too.”

With all the action on set, products that smell good only help. “We stink when we’re playing hockey; but I mean ultimately there’s nothing you can do about that. The [skaters] that come to fill out our teams, as well as our doubles, usually come in their own gear, which they’ve been wearing for years and stink to high heaven.”

The first-ever Allure Beauty Box Luxe Edition has arrived. Housed in a custom red keepsake case, this limited-edition collection features eight luxury beauty products—worth more than $600—for just $125 during the exclusive member presale, running July 21 through August 4.

Inside, you’ll find a lineup worthy of a top shelf: Carolina Herrera’s Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum, Angela Caglia’s celebrity-loved Cell Forté Eye Crème, the glow-boosting Sunday Riley C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil, and your choice of one of four Colleen Rothschild Beauty favorites. Round out your routine with OGEE’s Skin Enhancing Primer SPF 40, LolaVie’s Speed Dry Heat Protectant Spray, Donna Karan’s iconic Cashmere Mist Deodorant Anti-Perspirant Stick, and äz Craft Luxury Haircare’s Remedy Restorative Masque. Every product was chosen to elevate your routine with the kind of luxury beauty staples that earn permanent spots on your vanity—and this exclusive collection won’t be repeated.

Reserve yours now:

Allure readers can access the member price with code ALLURELUXE

Carolina Herrera Good Girl Blush Eau de Parfum

Why We Love It: Blush may not be as bold as its perfume predecessor, but that’s what makes it perfect for everyday wear, no matter what you’re doing—or where you’re going. With a blooming blend of peony, bergamot, and ylang-ylang, mixing with warm vanilla, tonka bean and almond notes, it’s the kind of scent that feels as right on a night out as it does at the office on a Tuesday.

How You’ll Use It: Mist onto your pulse points (wrists, neck, and behind the knees) for a scent that lingers long after your first spritz.

Retail Value: $153

Angela Caglia Cell Forté Eye Crème

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between fruity, citrus, and gourmand fragrances?

The lines can sometimes get a little blurry when it comes to fragrance descriptors, but fruity, citrus, and gourmand scents are not the same thing! According to Jean-Marc Chaillan, VP perfumer at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), citrus scents are defined by notes like bergamot, lemon, grapefruit, and mandarin; they “create an immediate impression of brightness, cleanliness, and energy.” Citrus fragrances, he says, are often characterized by their “sparkling, uplifting identity.”

On the flip side, fruity fragrances are defined by a “succulent, mouthwatering character, creating an immediate sense of pleasure, modernity, and approachability,” he shares. As Chaillan explains it, fruity notes are used to add volume and dimension to a fragrance. There are some cool innovations happening in the fruit fragrance world, too. “Traditionally, it was impossible to have a natural fruit in the perfumer’s palette, but recently IFF introduced a passionfruit and a raspberry to our natural’s palette that add new dimensions to fruit for fine fragrances,” he says.

As for gourmands, they’re all about “indulgence and comfort” and are built around edible notes like vanilla, caramel, chocolate, coffee, and praline, Chaillan explains. “Unlike the brightness of citrus or the juiciness of fruity compositions, the gourmand space is defined by its richness and addictive warmth, creating an emotional connection that feels both comforting and irresistible. These fragrances evoke the pleasure of taste through scent, delivering texture, depth, and long-lasting impact.”

How do you make fruity perfume last all day?

Fruity fragrances have a reputation for not lasting as long as their gourmand, smoky, or woody counterparts; Chaillan notes that this is often because the fruit notes are concentrated at the top and middle notes of a scent, which dissipate faster than the base notes. If you’re concerned about longevity or sillage, consider layering your favorite perfume with its corresponding body lotion or an unscented moisturizer, as moisturized skin absorbs scent better. Concentration matters too: An eau de toilette or cologne will fade fastest, and a parfum will last the longest.

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 fruity perfumes, 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 fragrance experts. 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.

Every time I get a pimple, I tell myself that this is the time I’m finally going to follow all the advice I’ve ever heard—and even written about—and leave it alone. Then, I inevitably catch myself poking and prodding it throughout the day, which, of course, only makes things worse (i.e. bigger, redder, and way more obvious)

That’s where Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original comes in. The tiny sticker has become my go-to, quick fix for all unexpected breakouts. It’s made with hydrocolloid to absorb what’s inside a whitehead (ew), while creating a barrier between my fingers and my face—which, honestly, is half the battle.

Here’s how I use it: As soon as I spot a zit, I’ll apply a sticker to clean, dry skin and leave it on for…a long time (several hours or even overnight). Once it’s time to peel it off (usually the next morning), what was once an angry red dot becomes a shrunken-down version of itself. . In the case of a pimple patch, the best thing you can do for a pimple is to leave it alone—and let the sticker do the work.

Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Original is in the July Allure Beauty Box.

Between the World Cup and the Knicks’ championship run (that’s still living rent-free in my head), it’s been the summer of sports. So when I learned TIY hair ties were originally designed with pro athletes in mind, I took notice.

As someone with fine hair, my hair-tie needs are a little less intense but just as particular. I’m not sprinting down a field or driving to the basket, but I do want my ponytail to stay put without slipping, pulling, or leaving me with a headache by the end of the day.

Here’s how I use it: I reach for it whenever I want to throw my hair into a ponytail or messy bun—whether I’m heading to a workout or just trying to keep my hair out of my face. It holds my fine hair in place without slipping. And that’s what I call a win.

TIY Pre-Tied Hair Ties are in the July Allure Beauty Box.

Not every night is a retinol night. As much as I love the ingredient, there are evenings when my skin is asking for something a little gentler—but that doesn’t mean the rest of my skincare routine has to clock out. That’s exactly where Earth Harbor Obscura Night Repair Concentrate comes in. Powered by bakuchiol, a plant-derived retinol alternative, it helps smooth and replenish skin without feeling too intense.

Here’s how I use it: after cleansing, I’ll press a few drops into my skin before moisturizer. The formula looks almost black in the bottle (thanks to ingredients like bamboo charcoal, black seaweed, and black cumin seed), but it feels surprisingly lightweight and absorbs quickly without leaving behind a greasy finish.

By morning, my skin looks calmer, smoother, and well-rested. It’s proof that a night off from retinol doesn’t have to be a night off from results.

Earth Harbor Obscura Night Repair Concentrate is in the July Allure Beauty Box.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does vanilla perfume smell different on everyone?

It’s not just vanilla that smells different on everyone. “Depending on one’s own scent, natural skin oils, and pH, perfume notes can be brought out differently because everyone’s skin composition is unique,” says Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance.

“Vanilla, for example, can often smell much sweeter on some people’s skin; for others, it might come across as warmer and richer,” Jelk notes. Why? “If your skin is more acidic, vanilla can become sharper or spicier.” While we typically associate gourmand notes with colder weather, vanilla certainly can shine in warmer months, too. “Body temperature can also play a role, as warmer skin can intensify certain base notes, vanilla and amber being two examples,” Jelk explains. No wonder vanilla is a year-round scent for many editors.

How do you layer vanilla perfume with other scents?

As Jelk puts it, “there are no rules with fragrance,” but she says she personally likes to mix vanilla with iris and/or musks. She also prefers the term “fragrance wardrobing” over layering because it “allows you to personalize your trail rather than adding a perfume directly on top of another.” Her tip? One scent for your wrists, another for your neck, and perhaps a third for your clothes. “Create your own olfactive look, just like you would a fashion outfit,” Jelk says.

Meet the experts

• Delphine Jelk, Guerlain master perfumer and creative director of fragrance

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 review of the best vanilla perfumes, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, and contributors to review the products. This ensures our testing base spans different skin tones, genders, and dermatological conditions. 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.