Lauren Balsamo
Deputy Beauty Director
Lauren Balsamo is deputy 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 nine years at Cosmopolitan and has contributed to Women’s Health and Seventeen magazines as well. Follow her on Instagram.
15 Best Shampoos for Damaged Hair in 2024 to Strengthen and Moisturize, Tested & Reviewed
Don’t even think about washing without one.
12 Best Hair Straightener Brushes for Smoother, Shinier Hair, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
Stop struggling with your DIY blowouts.
14 Best Retinol Creams for Fine Lines and Wrinkles (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)
A beauty editor’s top picks for smoothing, brightening, and firming skin.
12 Best Hair Straighteners for Every Hair Type, Budget, and Styling Preference
Meet the flat irons that Cosmo staff are currently using.
A Review of the Madeline Hotel, AKA the Best Place to Stay in Telluride (Says Me)
Trust me when I say this place is totally worth the visit.
13 Best LED Face Masks for Smoother, Firmer Skin—Stat
PSA: These light masks actually work, according to dermatologists—and myself.
12 Best Melasma Creams and At-Home Treatments, Tested and Reviewed for 2024
Plus all the best in-office options for fading your melasma too.
Eyelash Tinting 101: Everything You Need To Know Know About Tinted Lashes
My results were...interesting??
20 Best Makeup Products on Amazon to Add to Your Vanity Right Now
Brb, refreshing my GRWM routine with Prime shipping.
15 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Seriously—not one of these formulas stung my skin.
13 Best Anti-Wrinkle Creams and Moisturizers for Aging Skin (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)
I’ve tried basically every formula on the market and these ones are worth the $$$.
It’s Time to Vote for the 2024 Cosmopolitan Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards
Yup, we wanna hear from YOU.
15 Best Exfoliators for Sensitive Skin, According to Dermatologists
Plus, how to apply them without irritation.
9 Best Microcurrent Devices for Face and Body, Tested and Reviewed for 2024
You def don’t wanna buy a microcurrent device without reading this first.
15 Best Silk Pillowcases to Upgrade Your Nighttime Routine
Get ready to wake up with soft hair and balanced skin.
How Much to Tip Your Hairdresser for a Cut, Trim, or Color
Your foolproof guide to tipping for *every* salon service.
10 Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal Devices (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)
I canceled my waxing appointments after I started using Smoothskin's IPL device.
15 Best Tubing Mascaras That Won’t Smudge, Tested and Reviewed for 2024
Raccoon eyes are a thing of the past.
The 9 Best IPL Hair Removal Devices to Try for 2024 (Tested & Reviewed)
Your ultimate guide to my favorite DIY hair removal method.
20 Best Mascaras for Thicker and Longer Eyelashes, Tested and Reviewed in 2024
I've tested dozens of formulas over the years—but Maybelline Sky High is the best.
45 Black-Owned Skincare Brands That Should Be on Your Radar
Time to clear some space on your vanity!
16 Best Pregnancy-Safe Sunscreens for 2024, According to Experts
Derms weigh in on what to use and what to avoid.
9 Best Acne Body Washes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
It's time to say goodbye to bacne once and for all.
18 Best Tinted Sunscreens of 2024 to Add to Your Makeup Routine, Tested and Reviewed
Where skincare and makeup become one.
13 Best Acne Spot Treatments of 2024 (Tested and Reviewed by Dermatologists and Editors)
These formulas are basically zit-fighting magic.
13 Best Skinceuticals Products To Try in 2024 (Tested and Reviewed)
Coming in at #1? The iconic C E Ferulic Serum.
Cosmopolitan Awards
All the need-to-know info on how our awards programs work, including details on timing and what to expect if your product or brand is crowned a winner.
18 Best Over-the-Counter Retinols (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)
Get ready for clearer, smoother skin.
17 Best Anti-Aging Serums, Tested and Reviewed for 2024
There are top-rated options for firming, smoothing, brightening, and more.
Rosewood Miramar Beach Hotel: One Editor's Review of the Rooms, Restaurants, Amenities, and More
Read this then book yourself a stay at the dreamy California resort ASAP.
18 Best Eye Creams for Wrinkles, Fine Lines, and Crow's Feet (Tested and Reviewed for 2024)
All the must-try picks, according to dermatologists and beauty editors.
The Seabird: One Editor's Glowing Review of the Beachside Resort in Oceanside, CA
This is SoCal at its finest, folks.