Photos: Peter Rosa/David Wyffels

FACE
Decadent creams, supercharged serums, elegant cleansers—these complexion all-stars deliver glowing results.

CLEANSER

Dry: Pond's MoistureClean Towelettes in Original Fresh
Made of a super-saturated textured cloth, these wipes remove all traces of makeup, dirt, and oil.
$5; drugstores

Oily: Peter Thomas Roth Acne Clearing Wash
Formulated with salicylic acid, this alcohol-free cleanser unclogs blocked pores and prevents blemishes—without drying.
$38; peterthomasroth.com

Combination: Lancôme Énergie de Vie Foam Cleanser
For a deep clean, try this dynamic wash. Just add water; the gel transforms into a lush lather.
$35; lancome-usa.com

Sensitive: Simple Hydrating Cleansing Oil
Two to three drops of this moisturizing grapeseed oil–based face wash removes grime and stubborn makeup.
$10; drugstores

DAY CREAM

Dry: Clinique Pep-Start Moisturizer
Algae extract and glycerin in this silky formula soothe and quench dry skin; its blur technology creates a smooth, soft-focus effect.
$30; sephora.com

Oily: Perricone MD Pre:Empt Series Oil-Free Hydrating Cream
This mix of plumping hyaluronic acid, calming green tea, and illuminating vitamin C leaves no greasy residue.
$75; sephora.com

Combination: Philosophy Uplifting Miracle Worker Moisturizer
Stay cool with the refreshing sensation of this cream; glycerin, squalane, and hyaluronic acid banish dryness.
$65; philosophy.com

Sensitive: Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Daily Moisturizer SPF 15
Get radiant with this multitasker: Lipo hydroxy acid gently exfoliates, while vitamins C and E even tone.
$15; drugstores

NIGHT TREATMENT

Dry: Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intensive Recovery Ampoules
When your skin needs damage control, treat it to some TLC with a restorative capsule.
$110; esteelauder.com

Oily: L'Oréal Paris RevitaLift Bright Reveal Brightening Dual Overnight Moisturizer
A powerhouse of vitamin C, glycolic acid, and retinol luminizes lackluster skin and reduces lines.
$20; drugstores

Combination: No7 Early Defence Night Cream
This fast-absorbing, lightweight moisturizer delivers a healthy dose of repairing peptides and free radical–fighting vitamin E.
$21; target.com

Sensitive: Neocutis MicroNight Riche Rejuvenating Balm
Make the most of your beauty sleep with this blend of peptides and glycerin, which firms the skin and improves texture.
$182; neocutis.com for locations

SERUM

Dry: Algenist Elevate Firming & Lifting Contouring Serum
This serum’s beauty is its pearlescence, but its genius is the tightening Alguronic Acid and peptide mix.
$108; sephora.com

Oily: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum
With both fast-acting and timed-release retinols, plus moisturizing hyaluronic acid, this hardworking serum means business.
$88; murad.com

Combination: Clarins Boosters in Repair, Detox, and Energy
Amp up your favorite cream, mask, serum, or foundation with these performance enhancers that calm inflammation, improve tone, and increase radiance.
$39 each; clarinsusa.com

Sensitive: SK-II GenOptics Aura Essence
Illuminate your complexion with this serum containing niacinamide, a yeast extract that encourages cell turnover, and mica.
$240; sk-ii.com

EYE CREAM

Dry: Sephora Collection Instant Awakening Eye Moisturizer
For an immediate eye opener, try this gel; antioxidants and light-reflecting pigments moisturize and brighten.
$18; sephora.com

Oily: Dermalogica Age Reversal Eye Complex
This cream does it all: Retinol boosts collagen production, niacinamide reduces dark circles, and hyaluronic acid hydrates.
$78; dermalogica.com

Combination: Olay Eyes Pro-Retinol Eye Treatment
Packed with retinyl palmitate (a gentler form of retinol), this cream softens the appearance of wrinkles.
$25; drugstores

Sensitive: Aveeno Absolutely Ageless Eye Cream
For delicate skin, try this fragrance-free formula with firming blackberry and dill extracts and brightening mineral pigments.
$22; drugstores
best makeup for skintone

Photos: Peter Rosa/David Wyffels

Four lucky readers will win all the beauty booty from the Fall 2016 O-wards worth more than $2,500. Enter here to win, starting September 13. Here's to a gorgeous you! For official rules, see here.

COSMETICS

Get ready to meet your matches. We've assembled a makeup wardrobe—flattering foundations, shimmery eyeshadows, and lush lipcolors—for skin tones from palest porcelain to ebony.

FOUNDATION

Fair: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Cushion Foundation in Ivoire (C)
This silky fluid evens discoloration and redness, which are more noticeable on pale skin. Bonus: The formula has SPF 50.
$47; lancome-usa.com

Fair to Medium: Chanel Ultrawear Flawless Compact Foundation in Beige
Sponge on this cream-colored powder to get a natural-looking veil of coverage. The lightweight formula imparts a satin finish.
$60; chanel.com

Medium: Clinique Superbalanced Silk Makeup in Silk Honeymilk
With silica (to mattify) and sodium hyaluronate (to moisturize), this liquid foundation creates a perfectly smooth canvas.
$25; clinique.com

Medium to Dark: CoverGirl Clean Matte BB Cream in Medium/Deep
This caramel base contains powders to reduce shine, which can be more visible on darker skin.
$9; drugstores

Dark: Make Up For Ever Water Blend Face & Body Foundation in R540
Water accounts for 80 percent of the formula in this super-sheer espresso base, so it blends beautifully.
$43; sephora.com

CONCEALER

Fair: Bobbi Brown Retouching Wand in Porcelain
This ivory shade camouflages imperfections without chalkiness, and the fuzzy sponge applicator easily buffs the concealer into your skin.
$40; bobbi browncosmetics.com

Fair to Medium: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Concealer in Tan
Hide dark circles and blemishes with this highly pigmented concealer; light-reflecting particles counteract dullness.
$24; itcosmetics.com

Medium: Giorgio Armani Compact Cream Concealer in 3
This compact packs a one-two punch: The brush precisely places concealer; the formula's emollient base melts into skin.
armanibeauty.com

Medium to Dark: Dior Fix It 2-in-1 Prime & Conceal in Dark Honey
Love a multitasker? This hybrid has a balmlike primer at the core to prevent the creamy concealer from settling into fine lines.
$36; dior.com

Dark: Guerlain Multi-Perfecting Concealer in Very Deep Cool
No matter how heavy your application, the rich brown tone of this buildable concealer never looks ashy.
$40; saksfifthavenue.com



BLUSH

Fair: No7 Powder Blush in Peony Mist
Don't be intimidated by this vivid pink: The velvety formula turns sheer on porcelain skin, leaving a subtle flush.
$10; target.com

Fair to Medium: Marc Jacobs Beauty Air Blush Soft Glow Duo in Kink & Kisses
Shimmer can make fair skin look washed-out, but this blend of sparkly pale pink and opaque rose creates a delicate glow.
$42; sephora.com

Medium: Pixi MultiBalm in Wild Rose
Subtle hues or sheer textures may disappear on medium skin tones, but this creamy berry blush leaves a pretty pop of color.
$12; target.com

Medium to Dark: Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Rouge Profond
Warm up your complexion with this terracotta shade—more flattering for dark skin than cool tones, which can look flat.
$45; chanel.com

Dark: NYX Bright Idea Illuminating Stick in Rose Petal Pop
Dramatic hues complement deep skin tones, so go for bold with this vibrant strawberry shade.
$8; drugstores



EYELINER

Fair: Urban Decay Razor Sharp Longwear Liquid Eyeliner in Snakebite
Black liner may look harsh against very fair skin; instead try this soft brown, with a hint of eye-brightening shimmer.
$22; sephora.com

Fair to Medium: Marc Jacobs Beauty Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Eye Crayon in (Cinder)ella
A subtle alternative to ebony, this richly pigmented gray gel pencil glides on without tugging and doesn't budge.
$24; sephora.com

Medium: Elizabeth Arden Beautiful Color Bold Defining 24HR Liquid Eye Liner in Mystic Green
This long-lasting formula stays put for up to 24 hours and contrasts stunningly with olive skin.
$25; elizabetharden.com

Medium to Dark: Givenchy Vinyl Liner in 02 Heroic Blue
Toffee skin tones can gorgeously pull off vivid colors, so try this shiny cobalt liquid liner. The extra-thin brush makes application easy.
$33; sephora.com

Dark: Sephora Collection Contour Brushed Metal Gel Eyeliner in Moscow Mule
This sparkling copper pencil dazzles against a mocha complexion.
$14; sephora.com
best makeup for skin tone

Photos: Peter Rosa/David Wyffels

EYESHADOW

Fair: Sephora Collection Colorful 5 Eye Contouring Palette in Light
With matte and shimmery finishes, this neutral palette is ideal for a wash of color, a dramatic evening eye, and everything in between.
$25; sephora.com

Fair to Medium: L’Oréal Paris Colour Riche Pocket Palette Eye Shadow in Silver Couture
Hit platinum with this quad of three metallic shadows and a gray liner. A numbered diagram shows where each color goes.
$10; drugstores

Medium: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Velour Vixen With sparkly eggplant for the lid, burgundy for the crease, and beige for the browbone, a romantic smoky eye is easy as 1-2-3.
$3; drugstores

Medium to Dark: Clé de Peau Beauté Eye Color Quad in 316
Go for the glow with these silky brown and gold shadows, which add depth and warmth to darker skin.
$80; cledepeaubeaute.com

Dark: Maybelline New York Color Tattoo Eye Chrome in Electric Emerald
Want to strike it rich? One swipe of this emerald cream gives lids crease-free, jewel-tone color.
$10; drugstores



LIPCOLOR

Fair: BareMinerals Gen Nude Matte Liquid Lipcolor in Weekend
For the most sophisticated nude, enhance your natural lipcolor with this slightly deeper, delicate peach, which dries down to a matte.
$18; bareminerals.com

Fair to Medium: Mary Kay Gel Lipstick Semi-Matte in Always Apricot
Thinking pink? This peony shade is a sophisticated twist in a creamy semi-matte formula.
$18; marykay.com

Medium: Nars Velvet Lip Glide in No. 54
This raspberry hybrid looks and feels like a gloss, but has the pigment-packed punch of a lipstick.
$26; narscosmetics.com

Medium to Dark: Shiseido Rouge Rouge in Rouge Rum Punch
Ravishing against a caramel complexion, this deep berry lipstick is sure to become your jam this fall.
$28; shiseido.com

Dark: YSL Vinyl Cream Lip Stain in 411 Rhythm Red
The chicest way to dress up your lips: this fresh formula in a vibrant color that’s stunning on dark skin.
$36; yslbeautyus.com



NAIL COLOR

Fair: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Mauve-olous
Pale pinks can wash out alabaster skin, so choose a hue that’s slightly darker, like this dusty rose.
$10; drugstores

Fair to Medium: Jin Soon Nail Polish in Dandy
Swap your standby pinks and reds for this versatile bluish purple, which creates a flattering contrast on lighter skin.
$18; jinsoon.com

Medium: Essie Nail Polish in Berried Treasures
Summer’s over, but you don’t have to say goodbye to your flashy, bold shades. This juicy pink is gorgeous year-round, especially against olive skin.
$9; essie.com

Medium to Dark: OPI Nail Lacquer in Kerry Blossom
A vivid hue isn’t the only way to create drama. This rich plum proves that dark berries are equally eye-catching against deep skin tones.
$10; ulta.com

Dark: Revlon ColorStay Gel Envy in Lovestruck
Give this periwinkle polish a hand: It looks even brighter (and more beautiful) against ebony skin.
$8; ulta.com

Photos: Peter Rosa/David Wyffels

HAIR
To guarantee good hair days, you need an arsenal of brilliant basics—so we've singled out the most hardworking shampoos, hydrating conditioners, nourishing treatments, and essential stylers for every hair type.


SHAMPOO

Straight and Fine: Pureology Fullfyl Shampoo
Plump stringy strands with this sulfate-free wash, which contains a protein that coats the hair, making it look fuller.
$28; pureology.com for salons

Straight and Thick or Relaxed: Herbal Essences Naked Smooth & Soft Shampoo
This low-lather cleanser is the ultimate frizz fighter, and the silicone-free formula won’t weigh hair down.
$5; drugstores

Curly: Redken Curvaceous Low Foam Moisturizing Cleanser
The key to keeping your curls in check? Deep hydration— which this sulfate-free, oil-infused shampoo delivers.
$19; redken.com for salons

Coarse: Kérastase Nutritive Bain Magistral
Formulated with masterful moisturizers (glycerin and ceramides), this lush cleanser transforms coarse, depleted curls into soft, springy ringlets.
$41; kerastase-usa.com

Colored: L'Oréal Paris EverPure Repair & Defend Shampoo
Ceramides and conditioning polymers in this sulfate-free wash repair brittle strands; a UV filter shields hair from harmful rays and heat styling.
$7; drugstores

CONDITIONER

Straight and Fine: Tresemmé Beauty-Full Volume Pre-Wash Conditioner
The latest body-building trick? Condition before you shampoo. Conditioning agents coat the cuticle, softening your hair without leaving it flat.
$6.50; drugstores

Straight and Thick or Relaxed: Suave Professionals Coconut Oil Infusion Damage Repair Conditioner
Dry, dehydrated hair soaks up the deep moisture from this coconut oil–based conditioner. Hello, bounce and shine!
$4; drugstores

Curly: Ouai Curl Conditioner
You’ll adore the gorgeous magnolia scent—and appreciate how the light formula smooths flyaways, adds shine, and defines curls.
$26; sephora.com

Coarse: Carol's Daughter Almond Milk Restoring Conditioner
Indulge overprocessed hair with this combo of softening almond milk, strengthening vegetable protein, and hydrating shea oil.
$12; target.com

Colored: Goldwell Kerasilk Color Conditioner
The best defense for your fresh-from-the-salon color: this powerful conditioner containing keratin (to repair) and tamanu oil (to keep your new shade vibrant).
$30; goldwell.us for salons

TREATMENT

Straight and Fine: Wella Professionals Elements Hair Strengthening Serum

$22; wella.com for salons

Straight and Thick or Relaxed: John Frieda Frizz Ease 10 Day Tamer
Get to the root of flimsy, flat hair with this sulfate- and paraben-free treatment, which reinforces each strand.
$13; drugstores

Curly: Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Curl Nourish
If your curls get you in a tangle, try this hydrating leave-in mix of coconut, macadamia seed, and jojoba seed oils.
$6; drugstores

Coarse: Dark and Lovely Au Naturale Length Retention S.O.S. Nourishing Scalp Elixir
A healthy scalp supports the hair follicles so they’ll produce thicker, stronger strands. Treat yours to this rich blend of peppermint, ceramides, and jojoba oil.
$9; walmart.com

Colored: Color Wow Coconut Cocktail Bionic Tonic
Restore shine and silkiness with this leave-in serum, rich in fortifying fatty acids and hydrating coconut oil.
$24; colorwowhair.com

STYLING PRODUCT

Straight and Fine: Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast
Elevate your style with this double-duty mist: One shot creates texture and boosts body for lasting volume.
$29; sephora.com

Straight and Thick or Relaxed: Dove Refresh + Care Detox & Purify Dry Shampoo
Breathe new life into your blow-out with this weightless spray, which absorbs oil without leaving a chalky residue.
$5.50; drugstores

Curly: Pantene Pro-V Curl Defining Mousse
You’ll say goodbye to crunchy curls with this light foam, which eliminates frizz and defines spirals.
$6.50; drugstores

Coarse: Ouidad Curl Immersion Hi-Defining Custard
A combo of melon seed, coconut, and other oils in this gel smooths the cuticle; lightweight polymers give you soft hold.
$28; ouidad.com

Colored: Temptu Airbrush 24-Hour Root Touch-Up & Hair Color
Conceal regrowth with this genius touch-up. Pop your preferred color pod into the handheld airbrush device, and spray on the fine transfer- and water-resistant pigment.
$195 for Temptu Air and $35 for Airpod Root Touch-Up & Hair Color; temptu.com

Photos: Peter Rosa/David Wyffels

BODY
Dullness, dryness, protection—whatever your concern, there's a genius skin-saving solution.

CLEANSER

Dove Purely Pampering Sweet Cream with Peony Beauty Bar
The classic beauty bar gets an update with a subtle, sweet scent.
$4 for two bars; drugstores

Olay Ultra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter
When your skin feels rough, flaky, or irritated, make it velvety with this rich cleanser containing glycerin.
$7.50; drugstores

Tatcha Indigo Smoothing Black Sugar Body Gommage
Both practical and sumptuous, this fine scrub gently exfoliates with black sugar, then moisturizes with camellia oil.
$74; tatcha.com

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Yogurt Body Wash
The freshest way to start your day? This lush, creamy cleanser, with soothing oatmeal and nourishing yogurt.
$8; drugstores

MOISTURIZER

Nivea Cocoa Butter Body Cream
A skin-soothing trifecta of glycerin, coconut oil, and vitamin E, this cream softens skin without leaving a greasy film.
$8; drugstores

Curél Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer
Formulated to sink into wet skin, this mix of hydrating ceramides and soothing panthenol has you covered before you step out of the shower.
$11; drugstores

Rodin Olio Lusso Lavender Absolute Luxury Body Oil
The most opulent way to moisturize? Apply this lavender-scented, silky blend of 11 oils after you shower, while skin is still damp.
$130; oliolusso.com

Jo Malone London Cologne Intense Body Crème
When you want to slip into something alluring, layer on this deeply hydrating cream, which comes in four gorgeous scents.
$90; jomalone.com

SPF

Clinique SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Body
This hardworking protector contains only physical sunscreens— titanium dioxide and zinc oxide—so it shields skin from damaging UV rays without irritation.
$32; clinique.com

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Hydrating Shield
This tinted sunscreen is like an elegant, light foundation—but it also has ultraprotective SPF 50 and a blend of antioxidants to defend against harmful free radicals.
$68; elizabetharden.com