12 Best Ilia Beauty Products Allure Editors Swear By

Ilia Beauty has carved out a significant niche in the competitive beauty landscape, consistently earning accolades from both consumers and industry experts. The brand’s philosophy centers on creating "clean" formulas that not only enhance appearance but also actively nourish the skin. This commitment is evident in their product development, which features a robust blend of skin-loving ingredients such as niacinamide, shea butter, and peptides. Allure editors have long championed Ilia, with many of its products gracing the pages of their prestigious Readers’ Choice and Best of Beauty Awards. This enduring success is a testament to Ilia’s ability to harmonize efficacy with ethical sourcing and transparent practices, as articulated by founder Sasha Plasvic, who stated, "Our main mission is to protect and revive your skin. Our core values are transparency and authenticity, and these two things are what I think people are really looking for today." This ethos is reflected in their diverse range, from transformative mascaras and eyeshadows to protective mineral sunscreens, all of which contribute to Ilia’s esteemed reputation.

The Genesis of Ilia’s Success: A Commitment to Clean Beauty

Ilia Beauty emerged in 2011, founded by Sasha Plasvic with a vision to bridge the gap between high-performance makeup and skincare. At a time when "clean beauty" was gaining traction but often compromised on efficacy, Ilia aimed to offer products that were both effective and made with consciously sourced ingredients. This dual focus resonated with a growing segment of consumers seeking makeup that offered tangible skin benefits. The brand’s early adoption of natural and organic ingredients, coupled with a commitment to transparency about their sourcing and formulations, set them apart. This foundational approach has allowed Ilia to build a loyal following and secure its position as a leader in the clean beauty movement, influencing industry standards and consumer expectations.

Ilia’s All-Star Lineup: A Deep Dive into Editor-Approved Favorites

The consistent recognition from Allure highlights specific Ilia products that have become staples for beauty professionals. These selections are not merely based on trend but on sustained performance, innovative formulations, and the tangible results they deliver.

Pocket Protection: Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Ilia’s foray into standalone sunscreens with the Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 has been met with considerable acclaim. This product stands out for its exceptionally lightweight texture, a characteristic often challenging to achieve with mineral-based sunscreens.

• Key Features and Benefits: The Sun Serum utilizes 10.5% zinc oxide, a robust mineral filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against harmful UV rays. Its efficacy is amplified by a blend of seven molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, which ensures deep hydration, alongside soothing coneflower (echinacea) and oil-regulating arctic root extracts. These ingredients contribute to the product’s serum-like consistency, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue or emphasizing dry patches.
• Innovation in Formulation: A significant hurdle for mineral sunscreens is the potential for a white cast. Ilia addresses this by offering the Sun Serum in two shades, light-medium and medium-deep, which effectively counteract any chalkiness. Testers found these shades to be remarkably versatile, with some even blending the two for a warmer undertone, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to inclusivity. The ability to provide high SPF protection without compromising on aesthetic appeal or skin feel is a major differentiator.
• Editor Testimonials: Senior commerce director Shanna Shipin lauded the product, stating, "When Ilia named it ‘Sun Serum,’ I didn’t realize that on top of the SPF, it meant you’d have the kind of radiance found at the center of our solar system. I am a longtime user of mineral sunscreen, and I have never experienced anything like this. This is such an elegant formula that is so lightweight, it performs like a chemical sunscreen—I can hardly believe that there are mineral blockers in it." She further noted the formula’s superior texture compared to other mineral sunscreens, which can often be milky, runny, or watery.

Sky-High Drama: Limitless Lash Mascara

A perennial favorite, Ilia’s Limitless Lash Mascara has garnered multiple Allure Readers’ Choice and Best of Beauty Awards, solidifying its status as a must-have for achieving defined and voluminous lashes.

• Dual-Action Wand: The mascara’s innovative design features a unique two-sided wand. One side, with shorter bristles, is engineered to build volume and coat lashes evenly. The other side, featuring a finer comb, expertly lengthens and separates each lash, preventing clumping and creating a fanned-out effect.
• Nourishing Formula: Beyond its performance, the Limitless Lash Mascara is enriched with conditioning ingredients such as shea butter, beeswax, and keratin. These elements work to keep lashes soft, flexible, and free from the brittleness that can lead to breakage. Available in soft black and rich brown, it offers a versatile option for everyday wear.
• Editor Experience: Senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin highlighted the wand’s precision and effectiveness: "The key to this mascara is the wand, in my opinion. The shorter-bristled side is excellent at applying an even coat of mascara from root to tip, and even does a great job of reaching my inner corners without smudging mascara all over my nose." She also praised its longevity, noting its impressive staying power without smudging or flaking, even on oily eyelids.

Easy Glides It: Eye Stylus Shadow Stick

Recognized with an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2025, the Eye Stylus Shadow Stick offers a versatile and long-wearing eyeshadow experience.

• Innovative Texture and Finish: This shadow stick defies traditional categorization, offering the blendability of a cream with the finish of a powder. Its silky application smooths effortlessly onto the lids, creating a diffused and blurred effect. The formula is powered by beeswax for its smooth slip and upcycled grape extract, rich in antioxidants, which contributes to its skin-smoothing properties.
• Artistic Color Palette: Inspired by Renaissance oil paintings, the 20 available shades offer a spectrum of finishes, from shimmering brights to muted mattes. This allows for a wide range of creative expression, whether for subtle definition with shades like Faun (a matte camel brown) or for a more dramatic look with Oscuro (midnight black) or Patina (shimmery golden-olive).
• Performance and Longevity: The angled tip of the stylus is designed for both broad application and precise lining, making it a versatile tool for various eye looks. Crucially, the waterproof formula ensures longevity, resisting creasing and fading throughout the day, even for those prone to watery eyes. Commerce editor Sarah Han shared her experience, noting the stick’s ease of use and blendability, though she recommended warming the pigment slightly before application for optimal glide.

Chapped No More: Lip Mask

Ilia’s Lip Mask is a hero product for overnight lip repair, transforming dry, chapped lips into a soft, hydrated pout.

• Comprehensive Hydration and Exfoliation: This overnight treatment is formulated with a potent blend of hyaluronic acid, sea succulents, and mango butter for intense hydration. It also incorporates papaya enzymes, which provide gentle exfoliation to slough away dead skin cells and reveal smoother lips.
• Versatile Application: While designed for nighttime use, its nourishing properties make it suitable for daytime application as well. Beauty director Sarah Kinonen attested to its effectiveness, stating, "My perpetually chapped lips need moisture 24/7, even when I’m deep in my REM cycle." She highlighted the mask’s ability to last through the night and its balm-like texture, which becomes satisfyingly "goopy" when layered.

Serving Up Radiant Skin: True Skin Serum Foundation

The True Skin Serum Foundation is celebrated for its ability to provide lightweight, buildable coverage while simultaneously improving skin’s texture and radiance.

• Skin-Care-Infused Formula: This foundation is a prime example of Ilia’s commitment to multi-functional beauty. It is formulated with ingredients like allantoin, aloe, and niacinamide, which collectively smooth, calm, and hydrate the skin. This infusion of skincare benefits ensures that the foundation not only conceals but also actively benefits the skin.
• Lightweight, Natural Finish: The foundation is praised for its airy, serum-like consistency, which allows for sheer to medium coverage that looks incredibly natural. Makeup artist Aaron Barry noted its versatility across different age groups and skin types, emphasizing its "life-like, glowy finish." The blendability is another key advantage, pairing seamlessly with other complexion products like cream blush and contour.
• Editor Insights: Contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee described her experience: "The texture is silky and easy to work with, and there’s none of that obvious demarcation at the jaw you can get with fuller-coverage formulas. It’s so lightweight I barely noticed I was wearing it by the end of the day."

Glazed Donut Energy: Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss

Ilia’s Overglaze Hydrating Lip Gloss delivers a high-shine finish without the typical stickiness associated with glosses.

• Comfortable and Hydrating Formula: The gloss is enriched with fenugreek seed extract and seaweed extract, known for their moisturizing and plumping properties. This formulation ensures a comfortable wear, providing a smooth, glossy finish that does not feel heavy or tacky on the lips.
• Vibrant Color Payoff: Available in 12 opaque shades, the Overglaze gloss offers significant color payoff, ranging from soft pinks and berries to classic reds and rich browns. These shades can be worn sheer for a subtle tint or layered for a more intense, statement look.
• Convenient Application: The product features a doe-foot applicator, which allows for precise and mess-free application, eliminating the need for a separate lip brush or finger application. Managing editor Alessandra Foresto noted the gloss’s impressive color saturation and its ability to stay put without bleeding, making it a reliable choice for all-day wear.

Undereye Magic: Skin Blur Serum Concealer

The Skin Blur Serum Concealer is a standout product for its ability to brighten, depuff, and smooth the delicate undereye area.

• Targeted Skin-Care Benefits: This concealer is formulated with caffeine to combat puffiness and dark circles. It also incorporates Matrixyl 3000 Glyx peptides and sea fennel extract, a plant-based retinol alternative that stimulates collagen production, thereby improving skin firmness and smoothness. This blend of ingredients ensures the concealer offers more than just coverage.
• Seamless Application and Finish: The silky texture glides effortlessly onto the skin, providing buildable coverage that looks natural and avoids creasing. The unique teardrop-shaped applicator is designed for precise application, allowing it to reach the inner corners of the eyes with ease.
• Editor’s Perspective: Commerce editor Sarah Han shared her preference for serum-based concealers, highlighting the Skin Blur Serum Concealer’s ability to offer coverage while allowing the skin to show through. She also appreciated its self-setting, natural finish, which negates the need for powder, particularly beneficial for those with oily skin.

The Complexion Can-Do: Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

A true multitasker, the Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40 combines skincare benefits with lightweight coverage and sun protection.

• Hybrid Formula: This product is a testament to Ilia’s innovation, merging a tinted moisturizer with a serum and SPF. It is infused with moisturizing squalane, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide for evening skin tone. This combination delivers a plumping effect, blurs texture, and provides light coverage, all while offering SPF 40 protection.
• Radiant Finish: The skin tint imparts a healthy, natural glow, making it particularly suitable for those with normal to drier skin types. For individuals with oilier complexions, the brand suggests that powder can be effectively used to set the product.
• Award-Winning Status: Its recognition as a Best of Beauty award winner underscores its broad appeal and consistent performance. Available in 30 shades, it caters to a wide range of skin tones. Senior commerce director Shanna Shipin described it as a "beautiful, glowing, and even coverage" product that effectively conceals discoloration while allowing the skin to breathe.

Are You Blushing?: Multi-Stick

The Multi-Stick embodies Ilia’s philosophy of creating versatile products that serve multiple purposes, offering a flush of color to both cheeks and lips.

• Multi-Functional Design: This award-winning cream blush can be used on the cheeks and lips, enabling a cohesive monochromatic look. Its creamy texture ensures a smooth application, delivering a beautiful wash of color.
• Nourishing Ingredients: Formulated with sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter, and vitamin E, the Multi-Stick provides a comfortable and hydrating feel on the skin. These ingredients contribute to its smooth glide and natural finish.
• Shade Range and Application: Available in twelve blush-highlighter shades, the Multi-Stick offers options for various preferences and skin tones. It can be easily blended with fingers or applied with a brush for a denser finish. Former associate special projects manager Talia Gutierrez highlighted the shade Dreamer as a personal favorite for its warm nude tone, providing a sun-kissed illusion.

Sketch N’ Stay: Lip Sketch Crayon

The Lip Sketch Crayon has revitalized the lip crayon category with its blendable, long-wearing formula and soft-matte finish.

• Innovative Formulation: Despite its matte finish, the crayon is infused with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil, ensuring a comfortable wear that does not dry out the lips. This combination allows for easy layering and blurring of color.
• Extensive Shade Selection: With 15 available shades, the Lip Sketch Crayon offers a diverse palette suitable for both lining and filling in the lips. These shades provide soft-matte color that remains vibrant for hours without feathering or becoming patchy.
• Enduring Performance: The crayon’s ability to last from morning coffee to afternoon snacks without compromising its integrity has made it a favorite among editors. Former senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen praised the shade Case Study, a cool-toned red, for its opacity and velvety finish, noting its impressive longevity.

Eye See Results: Bright Start Activated Eye Cream

Beyond its makeup offerings, Ilia’s skincare line, including the Bright Start Activated Eye Cream, has garnered significant recognition for its efficacy.

• Multitasking Eye Treatment: This eye cream is a potent blend of peptides, caffeine, and antioxidants from ingredients like sea fennel extract and avocado extract. These components work synergically to brighten, hydrate, and firm the undereye area, offering a gentler alternative to retinol that minimizes the risk of irritation.
• Cooling Applicator: A notable feature is the metal applicator, which provides an immediate cooling sensation, aiding in depuffing and soothing tired eyes. This tactile benefit enhances the overall user experience.
• Editor Endorsement: Associate features director Dianna Mazzone highlighted the cream’s dual action: "The creamy formula brightens dark circles over time, while the cooling applicator helps depuff immediately." This immediate and long-term efficacy makes it a standout product in the crowded eye cream market.

Brush, Blur, Repeat: Soft Focus Blurring Blush

Ilia’s Soft Focus Blurring Blush redefines powder blush with its ability to provide a dimensional, blurred finish that lasts all day.

• Advanced Formula Technology: The blush incorporates light-filtering powders that diffuse the appearance of pores and smooth skin texture. This sophisticated formulation avoids the chalky texture often associated with traditional powder blushes.
• Skin-Nourishing Ingredients: Beyond color, the blush is enriched with antioxidant-rich edelweiss, firming kelp extract, and hydrating squalane. These ingredients contribute to a lightweight, non-comedogenic formula that delivers moisture with every application.
• Remarkable Longevity and Versatility: Editors have consistently noted the blush’s impressive staying power, resisting creasing and fading throughout the day. It layers beautifully without becoming cakey, and the shade range offers options for various skin tones, from the fair to the deep. Senior commerce director Shanna Shipin lauded the blush for its dimensional pigment and the lovely glow it imparts, praising its versatility for creating both natural and bold looks.

The consistent praise from Allure editors underscores Ilia Beauty’s commitment to creating high-performance, skin-beneficial products. Their ability to innovate within the "clean beauty" space, offering luxurious textures, effective ingredients, and a diverse shade range, solidifies their position as a brand that truly understands and caters to the modern consumer’s desire for beauty that is both effective and conscious.