Lauren Balsamo
Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
Editor Vetted: The 10 Best Hair Straighteners and Flat Irons for Silky, Frizz-Free Hair
Cosmo editors get smooth and shiny results after every use.
Best of the Beauty Closet: 20 New Products We Tried and Loved in March
From beloved brands like YSL, Ilia, Tatcha, and more.
Can One Cleanser Really Do the Job of Two? I Put Neuraé’s New Formula to the Test
The multitasker promises to melt makeup and deep-clean pores in one go.
7 Short Hairstyles That Stunned at the 2026 Oscars
Bobs and pixies continue to be the most popular hair looks of the moment.
Our Favorite Hair, Makeup, and Nail Looks From the 2026 Oscars Were a Master Class in Spring Beauty Trends
Including deep side parts, rosy cheeks, pastel lids, and ballet-inspired nails.
The Most Memorable Hair and Makeup Moments From the 2026 Oscars
I can’t stop thinking about these A-listers and their stunning hair and makeup looks. 😍
I’ve Tested Tons of Vitamin C Serums—These 6 Are Actually Worth It
Plus tips for how to choose a vitamin C serum straight from a dermatologist.
The Easy Spring Skincare Routine That Keeps My Face Happy in Unpredictable Weather
Struggling with the winter-to-spring skincare transition? Here’s the simple routine I swear by to keep my skin balanced and glowing.
How Do You Get Rid of Clogged Pores? Dermatologists Suggest These 3 Tricks
Back away from the 10X zoom mirror.
If Retinol Isn't In Your Acne Skincare Routine Already, We're About to Convince You To Add It Right Now
Pair it with other acne-fighting actives for even more power.
Beauty Editors and Dermatologists Share the Best Wrinkle Serums and Creams to Smooth Fine Lines
They're legit like Botox in a bottle.
Is Morpheus8 Still Safe in 2026? I Tried It Twice and Have Thoughts
Everything you need to know about results, recovery, and the risks if you’re considering Morpheus8.
Best of the Beauty Closet: 22 Products We Tried and Loved in February 2026
Including a luxury mask for thirsty curls, a tinted eye cream for hiding dark circles, a one-and-done eyeshadow stick, and drugstore mascara that’s cry-proof.
Can You Make Your Pores Look Smaller? 9 Tricks Dermatologists Swear By for Smoother Skin
And one pore-obsessed beauty editor.
The Only Silk Pillowcases Beauty Editors Trust to Sleep On for Super Smooth Skin and Soft Hair
Once you go silk, you'll never go back.
I Thought Makeup Was Breaking Me Out—So I Went Bare-Faced for Two Weeks
I stopped wearing foundation, concealer, and blush to see if my skin would clear up. The results surprised me, so I asked dermatologists what’s really going on.
Dior’s New Addict Lip Glow Is Here—I Flew to L.A. to Get All the Details
Everything you need to know about the new formula, according to Dior Makeup’s creative director (plus my honest review).
Experts Explain Why Licking Your Lips Actually Makes Dryness Worse
It may seem like a harmless habit, but it’s the fastest way to chapped, flaky lips this winter.
These Milky Toner Pads Are The Easiest Way to Add Hydration to Your Skincare Routine This Winter
No mess, no drips—just super dewy skin.
The 12 Best CeraVe Products of All Time, According to Derms and a Skincare-Obsessed Beauty Editor
Coming in at number one? The iconic Moisturizing Cream.
I Travel for a Living—These are the Top 15 Tips I've Learned to Avoid Skin Freak-Outs and Overweight Luggage
Don't pack your makeup bag before you read.
Consider This Your Ultimate Guide to Microcurrent Devices—From Which One to Buy to How to Use It
We tested all of the popular devices before choosing our top picks.
I Tried Eyelash Tinting—Here's My Honest Review and Before & After Pics
This quick and easy lash treatment makes mascara optional.
I Tried Fraxel Laser at 34—Here’s What No One Tells You About the Pain, Downtime, and Results
Here's what the powerful laser treatment is actually like—plus dermatologist insights.
Red Light Therapy Devices Are Everywhere—Here’s What They Actually Do and How Long It Takes to See Results
Get ready to live in that mask if you wanna smooth your fine lines.
Best of the Beauty Closet: 20 Products We Tried (and Loved) in January 2026
Tested, tried, and genuinely loved by the Cosmo beauty team.
Welcome to Skincare School: Exactly How to DIY an At-Home Facial, According to Celebrity Aestheticians
Including the steps you should definitely leave to the pros.
6 Best High-Frequency Wands Used By Editors and Aestheticians, Tested and Reviewed for 2026
If you’re dealing with breakouts, you need to try one of these.
The Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices of 2026 (We Tested Them All)
See the best picks of 2026, how they work, the results, and the deals you shouldn't miss.
New Year, New Organized You: Exactly How to Declutter and Clean Your Makeup Collection for 2026
If you can’t remember when you bought it, it’s probably time to toss it.
Everything to Know About The Matrix Treatment by Candela (From Someone Who Tried It)
Our beauty director shares her experience—plus info from a dermatologist about the treatment.
Tinted Lip Oils Will Be the Most Popular Makeup Product of 2026—These 11 Are the Best To Try Right Now
All the most hydrating picks, according to Cosmo beauty editors.