From sophisticated scents and hydrating serums to the ultimate mascara, the Modern Luxury editorial team shares the best products in beauty and self-care that are well worth the investment.
PHOTO BY FLORIAN SOMMET/TRUNK ARCHIVE
BEST BLUSH DUO
Patrick Ta Beauty Major Headlines Double-Take Crème & Powder Blush Duo
Inspired by Patrick Ta’s viral crème-over-powder technique, this bestselling blush duo is the secret to achieving his signature glowy look. The velvety powder blush provides an airbrushed finish, while the crème formula melts seamlessly into the skin for a radiant glow. Designed to be layered or worn alone, this duo offers both versatility and high performance. patrickta.com
BEST BARE SKIN BLUSH
MERIT Beauty Flush Balm
This sheer, buildable balm adds a natural, dewy flush of color to cheeks and is made for bare cheeks, making it a minimalist’s dream. Fans love the non-pore-clogging formula, available in 13 shades. meritbeauty.com
BEST CONTOUR
Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand
The beloved Hollywood Contour Wand (now offered in expanded shades) offers the perfect lightweight, buildable liquid contour to create a sculpted face. The cushion applicator dispenses the blendable formula to create a natural contour to sculpt those cheekbones. charlottetilbury.com
BEST FOUNDATION STICK
Dior Forever Skin Perfect
This versatile, portable foundation stick offers buildable coverage and a natural finish. It’s perfect for touch-ups on the go, delivering Dior’s signature blend of luxury and performance. dior.com
BEST CONCEALER
Clé de Peau Beauté Concealer
A true icon in beauty, this creamy concealer provides high coverage while blending seamlessly for a natural finish. cledepeaubeaute.com
BEST SETTING SPRAY
Makeup by Mario SurrealSkin Soft Setting Spray
This fragrance-free, alcohol-free and butane-free ultrafine mist sets makeup for up to 16 hours—making it the ultimate lightweight, long-wearing spray to lock makeup in place while keeping skin looking fresh and dewy. makeupbymario.com
BEST BLURRING POWDER
Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder
This beloved ultralightweight powder (newly unveiled in an eye-opening baby pink shade) minimizes pores, blurs imperfections and sets makeup with a soft-focus finish. patmcgrath.com
BEST TINTED MOISTURIZER
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF 30
Reformulated and reimagined over four years, this iconic tinted moisturizer retains its beloved texture and finish while incorporating skincare benefits. It improves skin texture, provides longer-lasting hydration and enhances coverage. lauramercier.com
BEST MASCARA
Diorshow Mascara in Black
The legendary and iconic formula delivers perfectly defined, lash-by-lash volume with 24-hour wear and a transfer-proof finish. The high-precision XXL brush coats each lash, creating a lash-multiplying effect that can be built from natural to a more dramatic look. dior.com
BEST LIP OIL
Guerlain KissKiss Bee Glow Lip Oil
Infused with honey and formulated with 92% natural-origin ingredients, this nourishing lip oil delivers 24-hour hydration while providing a plumping effect with a gorgeous glassy shine—without any stickiness. guerlain.com
BEST LIP PENCIL
ILIA Beauty Lip Sketch Hydrating Crayon
This lightweight, creamy crayon combines the comfort of lipstick with lip liner’s precision. Infused with skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil, it hydrates while delivering long-wear color in 12 shades. iliabeauty.com
BEST LIP GLOSS
Makeup By Mario SuperShine Lip Gloss
Available in 11 nature-inspired shades, this gloss combines pomegranate extract and jojoba oil for nourishment, while hyaluronic acid hydrates for a glasslike effect. makeupbymario.com
BEST SILK LIPSTICK
Hermès Rouge Hermès Brilliant Silky
This ultraluxe lipstick inspired by the house’s legendary scarves offers a veil of color with buildable intensity and a shiny, glossy finish. hermes.com
BEST EYELINER
Victoria Beckham Beauty Satin Kajal Liner
One sold every 30 seconds, this high-performance liner, available in neutrals and modern brights, glides effortlessly for smooth, deeply pigmented results. victoriabeckhambeauty.com
BEST TRAVEL SET
Ogee Contour Collection
Bronze, blush and highlight with three easy-to-apply, balmy sticks. Each Contour Collection includes three crystal-inspired shades, making it the ultimate three-step routine for travel. ogee.com
BEST BROW TINT
Rye Beauty Tinted Brow Milk
This gel-pomade hybrid tints, fills and conditions brows in seconds. Available in four versatile shades and infused with peptides and plant extracts, it enhances volume and covers grays with a soft yet strong hold. ryebeauty.com
BEST EYE SHADOW STICKS
Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Liner Sticks
Fans of Bobbi Brown’s iconic shadow sticks will love this new iteration of the eyeliner-shadow hybrid pencil with everything they love about the original eye shadow sticks featuring a new slimmed-down, fine-tip design for more versatility. bobbibrown.com
BEST SHINE LIPSTICK
Chantecaille Lip Chic Glow
This hydrating, glossy lip color combines sheer pigment with a luminous finish. Its buttery formula feels weightless and nourishes lips, offering a perfect balance of color and care. chantecaille.com
BEST EYE CREAM
Clé de Peau Eye Contour Cream Supreme
This ultraluxe eye cream targets fine lines, puffiness and dark circles with cutting-edge technology, leaving the eye area brighter, smoother and more youthful. cledepeaubeaute.com
BEST CLEANSING FOAM
La Mer The Essence Foaming Cleanser
This luxurious cleanser transforms your skincare routine with rich foam that purifies and nourishes the skin, leaving it perfectly balanced and refreshed. cremedelamer.com
BEST HYDROGEL MASK
Augustinus Bader The Hydrogel Face Mask
Infused with the brand’s signature TFC8 technology, this hydrogel mask delivers intense hydration and a youthful glow in just minutes, making it a new must for pre-event prep. augustinusbader.com
BEST COLLAGEN BUILDER
Dr. Diamond’s Metacine InstaFacial Infusion
Harnessing a proprietary matrix of biomimetic microcollagen and three types of human-identical microcollagen peptides, this breakthrough treatment supports the synthesis of Types I and III collagen—the key to youthful, firm and radiant skin. Designed to lift, hydrate and restore elasticity, it delivers both instant and lasting results. jasonbdiamond.com
BEST ANTI-AGING SERUM
SkinMedica TNS Advanced+ Serum
This next-generation serum targets fine lines, texture and elasticity with a powerful blend of growth factors and peptides for dramatic anti-aging results. skinmedica.com
BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Sisley-Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care
This innovative treatment is designed to calm irritation, reduce redness and strengthen sensitive skin. The breakthrough formula (the first product in Sisley’s Dermatological Responses range) restores balance while improving skin’s barrier function, leaving it hydrated, comfortable and visibly glowing. sisley-paris.com
BEST LIP TREATMENT
U Beauty The Plasma Lip Compound
This advanced lip treatment enhances volume, hydration and smoothness with every application. Its silky formula feels indulgent while delivering visible results, making it a game changer for lip care. ubeauty.com
BEST HAND TREATMENT
Orveda Youth Glove Protocol
This transformative treatment ritual specifically targets the hands with its three integral components—an Intensive Serum Hand Mask, a Filler Hand Cream and a pair of silicone gloves. The results speak for themselves. orveda.com
BEST NEW SERUM
Dior Capture Totale Super Potent Serum
This powerhouse anti-aging serum restores firmness and radiance, powered by Dior’s cutting-edge biocellular technology. dior.com
BEST HEALING SERUM
Omorovicza The Healing Concentrate
This groundbreaking serum has the most potent dose of Omorovicza’s patented Healing Concentrate to date. Clinically proven to increase collagen production by 26% in 24 hours, it hydrates, firms and reduces fine lines, leaving skin radiant and resilient. omorovicza.com
BEST DARK SPOT TREATMENT
111SKIN Dark Spot Correcting Serum
Clinically proven to reduce pigmentation, brighten skin and improve texture, this serum is powered by NAC Y², tranexamic acid and encapsulated nio glutathione. Translation? The science is as strong as the results. 111skin.com
BEST BOTOX IN A BOTTLE
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX Peptide Anti-Wrinkle Serum
This innovative treatment targets fine lines and wrinkles with a peptide-powered serum designed for wrinkle modulation and glass-skin radiance. Its cutting-edge formula provides results that rival in-office treatments, delivering noticeable improvement with consistent use. skinceuticals.com
BEST TINTED SUNSCREEN
Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
This lightweight mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection while delivering a flawless, tinted finish. It blends seamlessly into the skin, offering a natural glow that perfectly replaces foundation on sunny days. fewinstitute.com
BEST NECK CREAM
Natura Bissé Inhibit Tensolift Neck Cream
Experience the reshaping power of this advanced tensor-effect cream, designed specifically for the neck and décolleté. Featuring a sophisticated formula with BioMimetic Complex, double hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, it combats sagging, wrinkles and age spots. Hydrating and firming, this supersized treatment ensures long-lasting results. naturabisse.com
BEST GENTLE RETINOL
True Botanicals Phyto-Retinol Advanced Clinical Cream
A potent yet gentle alternative to traditional retinol, this clinical-grade formula smooths fine lines and brightens skin without irritation. Harnessing the power of phyto-retinol, it combats fine lines and signs of aging without irritation or redness—making it a must-have for sensitive skin. truebotanicals.com
BEST SELF-TANNER
Norvell Venetian Self-Tanning Mousse
Get a flawless, sun-kissed glow with this luxurious mousse, expertly crafted to mimic the bronzed beauty of the Mediterranean. Its cool violet-brown undertones ensure a natural, streak-free tan (no orange in sight), while the quick-drying formula and subtle tropical scent elevate the experience. norvelltanning.com
BEST HOME WELLNESS DEVICE
HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket
This portable infrared sauna blanket reaches up to 175 degrees to boost circulation, promote detoxification and provide a spalike experience, all in the comfort of your own home. higherdose.com
BEST LED LIGHT THERAPY MASK
CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask Series 2
An upgrade five years in the making, the world’s most trusted LED mask has returned with enhanced technology. Endorsed by dermatologists and loved by celebrities, this iconic face mask continues to set the gold standard for skin rejuvenation—even adding a new LED neck and décolletage mask for those who want more full coverage. us.currentbody.com
BEST SUPPLEMENT
Cymbiotika Liposomal Vitamin C
This powerhouse antioxidant uses liposomal technology for superior absorption, delivering a powerful boost to your immune system, collagen production and overall healthy aging. Enriched with biotin (vitamin B7) to support radiant skin, strong nails and luscious hair, it’s a beauty and wellness multitasker. cymbiotika.com
BEST DEBUT FRAGRANCE
Moroccanoil L’Originale Eau de Parfum
Moroccanoil’s first fine fragrance is a transportive escape to the Mediterranean, capturing the brand’s iconic scent in a luxurious blend of sweet florals, velvet woods and spicy amber. With notes of citrus, violet, blooming camellia and warm sandalwood, this captivating scent is equal parts radiant and sensual. moroccanoil.com
BEST NEW FRAGRANCE
Van Cleef & Arpels Encens Précieux
This rich and sophisticated woody amber fragrance is an olfactory tribute to the captivating essence of frankincense. Opening with a burst of black and pink pepper, the scent deepens with notes of myrrh and a leather accord before settling into an enveloping base of incense, tobacco and vanilla-scented amber. neimanmarcus.com
BEST EXOTIC FRAGRANCE
Byredo Mojave Ghost
Byredo’s Mojave Ghost captures the essence of the Mojave Desert with its warm, woody and floral notes. It’s an exotic, intriguing scent perfect for those who appreciate unique fragrances. byredo.com
BEST BODY OIL
Augustinus Bader The Geranium Rose Body Oil
Infused with TFC8 and enriched with olive fruit oil, argan oil and vitamin E for lasting hydration, this fast-absorbing oil hydrates, nourishes and firms skin while soothing with natural geranium and rose. augustinusbader.com
BEST SCENTED SHAMPOO
Lazarus Douvos Rose 1845
The luxurious fragrance of this shampoo embodies timeless elegance, blending the essence of velvety roses with a modern, captivating twist. The intoxicating aroma feels like a walk through a blooming garden at sunrise—pure sophistication in a bottle. lazarusdouvos.com
BEST CLEAN DEODORANT
Nécessaire The Deodorant
This aluminum-free, skin-loving formula neutralizes odor while nourishing sensitive underarm skin with a clean, effective blend. It’s gentle yet powerful, keeping you fresh without any harsh ingredients—an absolute must for daily self-care. necessaire.com
BEST HAIR DRYER
T3 Aire IQ
Twenty years after revolutionizing the hair tool industry with its first dryer, T3 returns with the Aire IQ, its most intelligent dryer yet. Featuring a high-performance BLDC motor for faster, softer drying; smart heat and airflow personalization; auto-attachment recognition; and a lightweight, ergonomic design, this dryer is designed for the quickest, healthiest and most comfortable styling experience—perfect for all hair types. t3micro.com
BEST ON-THE-GO DRY SHAMPOO
Briogeo Style + Treat Dry Shampoo Puff
This compact, portable puff delivers finely milled, clean dry shampoo powder to absorb excess oil and refresh your hair. The custom puff top ensures precise application, while the locking cap prevents spills. Aerosol-free, talc-free and available in two shades—universal clear and brunette—this is the ultimate refresh for all hair types and colors. briogeo.com
BEST HAIR TREATMENT
Oribe Supershine Mirror Rinse Glass Hair Treatment
This high-performance treatment delivers unmatched brilliance, transforming dull strands into mirrorlike shine while deeply nourishing for a silky, polished finish. It’s the perfect solution for anyone looking to elevate their hair’s radiance to red-carpet standards. oribe.com
BEST PLASTIC SURGERY
BOSTON CENTER FOR PLASTIC SURGERY
The practice, founded and led by Leonard Miller, MD, FACS, FRCS, includes a team of plastic surgeons who use the latest technology in both surgical and nonsurgical treatments. Akshay Sanan, MD, FACS, performs deep plane facelifts, offered by few area surgeons. Multiple locations,bostoncenterforplasticsurgery.com
BEST DERMATOLOGIST
APDERM
Visiting a local practice in the network means a highly qualified clinical team, state-of-the-art equipment and facilities and access to the latest medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments. Multiple locations,apderm.com
BEST ANTI AGING
MD ESTHETICS WOBURN
The new Woburn location, owned by a team of nurses, takes pride in delivering anti-aging solutions that look natural. Eager to encourage options like sculpting over filler and laser facials to help improve the appearance of your own skin. 103 Commerce Way, Woburn,mdestheticsus.com
BEST SPA
ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR
Although right in our backyard, time spent at the Encore Boston Harbor spa feels like a true getaway. The grand, lavish interior is chock full of amenities like a steam room, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge, heated lounge chairs, rain showers, a relaxation lounge and tranquil treatment rooms. There’s even a sprawling, state-of-the-art fitness center available to spa guests. Trust us, you’ll want to book a room at the hotel and stay all day and into the evening. 1 Broadway, Everett,encorebostonharbor.com
BEST MEDSPA
SKINHEALTH CENTERS
For 25 years, Skinhealth has been offering the latest technology to its loyal clients. One of the first in the city to offer cosmetic enhancement without surgery, they’ve stayed ahead of the trends for decades, making them one of the most comprehensive medspas in Boston today. Multiple locations,skinhealthcenters.com
BEST FACIAL, CUTTING EDGE
ALXS SKN GYM
Booking an appointment with Alexis Robertson, founder of Alxs Skn Gym, is as good for your soul as it is for your skin. As a skilled esthetician, she employs the latest technology and tools and uses premium products chock full of antioxidants and hydration to achieve solutions. As a warm and engaging person, she adds her special dose of understanding and unbridled honesty to empower clients to share more than their skin woes. You’ll leave with absolutely glowing skin and the confidence to conquer the world. 297 Newbury St.,alxsskngym.com
BEST FACIAL, CUSTOM
BIOLOGIQUE RECHERCHE
The newly opened Ambassade, one of only two outside of France, offers personalized dermo-cosmetic diagnosis through their unique analysis systems Skin Instant, VisioLab and My Beauty DNA, which measure hydration, elasticity, pigmentation, aging and genetic variations, among other factors. All this science is delivered through specialized massage and their acclaimed product line whilst being wrapped in the most luxurious linens 186 Newbury St.,biologique-recherche.com
BEST MASSAGE
GUERLAIN SPA AT RAFFLES, BOSTON
This Guerlain Spa is the only stateside location from the famed French heritage brand. Each treatment room features its own bathroom, shower, and large soaking tub, perfect for enjoying body treatments. Exclusive to this location is the Boston Energy massage, designed to relieve tension through intense, skillful bodywork. 40 Trinity Pl.,raffles.com
BEST BODY TREATMENT
MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Long revered for its ever-evolving menu of unique treatments and specialties, one constant favorite is the CBD Tranquility Wrap, featuring a full body exfoliation, hydrating cocoon and scalp and foot massage to relieve stress and revitalize your skin from head to toe. 776 Bolyston St.,mandarinoriental.com
BEST LYMPHATIC MASSAGE
SELF CENTERX
Founder Andrea Arcari has traveled extensively in the name of research and brought home a lymphatic treatment like no other in Boston. The 50 or 80-minute treatment utilizes both manual manipulation and vacuum therapy for deeper tissue release and better results. 654 East Broadway,selfcenterboston.com
BEST COLD PLUNGE
RELEASE WELL-BEING
The newly-opened Back Bay location is so committed to the benefits of cold plunging that they created an entire space dedicated to it called Bliss. Clients can purchase a Bliss pass that allows them access to the saunas, cold plunge tubs, steam rooms and relaxation lounge. Sign up for a guided cold plunge experience with a professional practitioner. 28 Arlington St.,releasewellbeingcenter.com
BEST WELLNESS MEMBERSHIP
G2O SPA & SALON
New this year, the downtown wellness oasis has expanded its membership, offering new tiers specifically tailored to client’s interests, from sunless tanning to recovery. Members also get exclusive access to any new service offered at G2O before it becomes available to the public. 33 Exeter St.,g2ospasalon.com
BEST STYLIST, SHORT HAIR
DAYNA GAMBA, RECTIFY BOSTON
A true artist who shapes hair with scissors like a sculpture with clay, Gamba worked for top salons in Boston for decades before decamping for the suburbs to open and run her own salon. After six years, she’s back in the city with a new location in Government Center and boy are we glad to have her. 3 Center Plaza,rectifyboston.com
BEST STYLIST, LONG HAIR
ROSSANA CASALE, MARIO RUSSO
For almost 30 years, Rossana Casale has been perfecting long, sexy tresses with a side of humor and honesty. Her tell-it-like-it-is personality is as refreshing as her unstructured cuts with tons of texture and invisible layers. Multiple locations,mariorusso.com
BEST STYLIST, CURLY HAIR
KATY BROWN
Rocking her own set of perfectly coiffed curls, it’s clear that Katy Brown knows what she’s doing. After almost two decades in the industry, she’s learned to offer hourly-priced, gratuity-free services for transparency and the ability to tailor each appointment to her client’s needs. She never double books, and for her curly-haired clients, she allows a minimum of 90 minutes, which always includes time for a diffuser set. 56 Wareham St.,hairbykatybrown.com
BEST COLORIST, BLONDES
LUCY MARTINEZ, LOVE & MERCY
Calling all towheads with dried-out ends, brassy hues and badly blended roots—have a seat in Lucy Martinez’s chair and you will leave with a head of soft, buttery blond hair perfectly matched to your skin tone. Martinez is almost too talented because her blonds grow out so gracefully, you’ll forget the need to rebook. 403 D St.,loveandmercysalon.com
BEST COLORIST, BRUNETTES
KRYSTLE HANSEN, SALON EVA MICHELLE
Krystle Hansen has advanced training from the top educators in the industry and continues to prioritize honing her craft. But her talent is something you can’t teach. She has a sense of what tone, what shade, what drama to bring to her deep, luscious shades that is simply innate. 37 Newbury St.,salonevamichelle.com
BEST BRIDAL STYLING
ROMINA NAIMOV OF ROMINA HAIRSTYLES
Romina Naimov has dedicated her career to ensuring brides shine. Despite styling more than 120 weddings a year, she still makes time in her booked schedule to travel throughout the world to learn the newest techniques and trends. Her creations are more than updos—they’re the perfect accessory to compliment the dress and guarantee all eyes are on the bride. @romina_hairstyles
BEST SALON PRODUCT
METAMORPHOSIS HAIR AND SCALP SERUM, PETALOÚDA SALON
Alexandra Goresh, owner of Petaloúda Salon, recently noticed clients washing their hair less, which is great for hair health and terrible for scalps forced to endure dry shampoo and build-up. Knowing that good hair begins at the root, she set out to create a product that could help. Launched this fall, Metamorphosis serum combines the soothing benefits of milk thistle with Activated Silk 33B, a powerful bioactive peptide that enhances the skin barrier. The result is a formulation that locks in moisture, blocks irritants and recalibrates the scalp so hair can grow healthy and strong. 1646 Beacon St., Brookline,petaloudasalon.com
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST, GLAM
BEAUTY BY NELSE
If you could scroll through Nelse Karini’s contacts, you would find the names and numbers of all of Boston’s high-society ladies. What puts Karini at the top of everyone’s list is that her full glam makeup is never clownish—it’s always you, elevated. She uses the highest quality products and shares skincare tips so her clients’ skin looks and feels great even after all of the liner, shadow and gloss are wiped away. @beautybynelse
BEST MAKEUP ARTIST, NATURAL
SONJA GJOKAJ
Sonja Gjokaj is her own best advertisement. One look at her seemingly untouched glowy skin and vibrant smile, and you’ll want whatever she’s doling out. With a flick of her brushes, she effortlessly has everyone from news anchors to media personalities to musicians looking their very best for the camera. Whether or not there’s a lens pointed your way, her expert hand will have you looking like the best version of yourself every time. sonjagjokajmakeup.com
BEST LASH & BROW TREATMENTS
KARVE SPA
Owner Karen Venezia believes in aging gracefully. You won’t find any needles or lasers at Karve Spa, but you will find a lash and brow menu with treatments ranging from brow tinting and lamination to eyelash tints and lifts. Because growing older doesn’t mean boring—enhance what you’ve got and keep on winking. 416 West Broadway,karvespa.com
BEST NAIL ARTIST
WILD TIGER NAILS
The owner of an awesome vintage store, the stylist at a cool salon and the model in an ad campaign. What they all have in common is their eye-catching nail designs done by Jenny Wallace Johnson, the artist behind Wild Tiger Nails. Working with gel, gel-X and natural nails, she creates masterpieces on tiny canvases. The only problem? Trying to get an appointment. 161 Harvard Ave, Allston,wildtigernails.glossgenius.com
BEST SUNLESS TANNING
SOLEIL TAN & SPA
The ultimate spot for a luxurious and flawless spray tanning experience, Soleil Tan & Spa uses Norvell Professional Spray Tan Products, including the bestselling Venetian Color Collection, which is designed with cool violet-brown undertones and a unique blend of anti-orange bronzers for a natural-looking glow that captures the essence of the Italian Riviera. 673 East Broadway,sunlessinc.com
BEST ORGANIC SPRAY TAN
PURE GLOW
Say goodbye to streaky, orange, sunless tans forever. At Pure Glow, the hand-applied airbrush tailored to your skin tone is done by a skilled professional within a spa-like interior, allowing for a precise application that evenly hits every nook and cranny. The organic ingredients in the formula nourish the skin and the natural-looking results last up to 10 days. Multiple locations,pureglow.com
Photography by: BRAND, KDHTDG/ADOBESTOCK, GROUP4 STUDIO/GETTY IMAGES, ROSSHELEN/GETTY IMAGES, ROBERT DALY/GETTY IMAGES, ATLI MAR HAFSTEINSSON/GETTY IMAGES, COFFEEANDMILK/GETTY IMAGES, FLORIAN SOMMET/TRUNK ARCHIVE, NELSON MARTINEZ/GETTY IMAGES, ANASTASIIA KRIVENOK/GETTY IMAGE
