If you’re anything like me, you know that navigating the beauty aisle—whether online or in-store—can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language filled with buzzwords and miracle claims. But here’s the thing: our expert beauty editors really get it. They dig deep into the latest trends—from those buzzy toner pads you’ve been hearing about to the ever-reliable retinol serums that have stood the test of time. Because when you’re ready to splurge on something like a specialized acne treatment or a curl cream that promises miracles, you want to be armed with the real deal, not just hype. But what if the journey to flawless skin or luscious locks could be as delightful as the results? That’s exactly what the 2026 Women’s Health Beauty Awards set out to discover—products that deliver the goods and make the experience a little more fun, luxurious, and yes, joyful. Trust me, you’ll want these goodies in your daily routine. Ready to dive in? LEARN MORE
2 min read
You can say one thing about our beauty editors—they know their products. From the latest trends (toner pads, anyone) to tried-and-true performers (what do you mean you’re not using a retinol serum?), you count on them to give you the goods on what works. Because if you’re going to lay down some serious cash for an acne treatment, curl cream, or body lotion, you want something that’s going to get the job done. Period.
But wouldn’t it also be nice if the product in question made the process of fighting pimples or styling your hair more pleasurable too? Of course it would. So, for the 2026 Women’s Health Beauty Awards, Team WH Beauty sifted through thousands of submissions to find the standouts across hair, skin, makeup, and more that deliver results—and are fun to use.
Happy shopping.
How we chose the winners.
In November 2025, the Women’s Health beauty team officially put out the submissions call for our 2026 beauty awards—and more than 2,500 products were entered. We scoured these submissions, looking for products with innovative technology, cutting-edge science, or new-to-market ingredients to narrow down the list to a group of finalists that included close to 500 products.
Then, we put those finalists to the test: beauty director Brian Underwood, beauty editor Nicole Saunders, beauty assistant Katie Mogg, and countless Women’s Health contributors swiped, slathered, and lathered up to find the products that delivered results. But we were also looking for something different this year: in addition to backing up their claims with performance, a product had to also be a joy to use. So, whether it’s an uplifting scent, a cool texture, or just a beautiful bottle that makes you happy to look at when it’s in your bathroom, this year’s winners are ones you’ll want to incorporate into your day-to-day.
It’s face time, friends. These high-tech formulas firm, soothe, and refine for a complexion that says, “let’s glow.”
Best Cleanser
Aunu Beauty Mānuka Cleanser
Enriched with soothing antimicrobial manuka honey, this lightly foaming cleanser removes dirt and grime without over-stripping skin. The proof: It has the National Eczema Association seal.
Best Makeup Remover
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Le Prunier
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Le Prunier
Plum Cleanse Biome Balancing Oil Cleanser
An oil-based cleanser (plum oil, to be exact) that gently lathers, so you get makeup-dissolving power and the satisfaction of a gentle froth in one product (no need to double cleanse, ladies). And oily folks need not be leery: This one’s suitable for all skin types.
Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin
Neurae Harmonie The Caring Cleanser
If your outer layer is easily irritated, here’s a solution that calms both outside and in. Glide this nourishing gel over your face, emulsify into a milk with water, and watch the day’s makeup, sunscreen, and grime be gently whisked away. The neuroscience-inspired scent will help relax the mind.
Best Toner
Bloomeffects Royal Tulip Hydrating Bi-Phase Tonic
One quick shake combines the moisture-locking oil base with the clarifying water layer to give you the best of both worlds: a complexion refiner that also hydrates.
Best Face Mist
Keren Bartov Hydration Glow Spray
No plans to spend some time at a swanky spa? No problem—this spritz is your ticket to relaxation. Infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm skin and boost its moisture, the product also has the most incredibly soothing aroma. Keep one at your desk, in your bathroom, anywhere you need a little bliss break.
Best Exfoliator
Chanel N°1 De Chanel Refining Youth Emulsion
Many exfoliating products are too harsh. Here’s a comforting milky lotion that smooths texture and minimizes the appearance of pores without any irritation.
Best Face Scrub
Fully Red Tomato Jam Mask Cleanser
This mask-cleanser-scrub hybrid does what most cannot: gently buffs away dead skin cells without making your outer layer cranky. Demerara sugar granules slough skin to make it glow as tomato extract hydrates and revitalizes.
Best Eye Cream
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Lift + Sculpt Eye Cream
“I love everything about this product—it pumps out just the right amount for a precise application, doesn’t cause irritation, and brightens and firms.” —Brian Underwood, beauty director
Best Eye Patches
Sweed Peptide Ice Lift Firm Hydra Gel Eye Patches
These under-eye patches boast a who’s who of ingredient heavyweights: vitamin C for brightening, caffeine for tightening, hyaluronic acid for moisturizing, peptides for firming, and many more. But the biggest draw: They’re comfortable to wear and won’t budge once you put them on.
Best Essence
Mara Pearl Peptide Glaze Hydrating & Brightening Facial Essence
Like a tall glass of water for your face, this liquid bathes skin in soothing hydration (marine-inspired collagen peptides and algae extract work their magic) and leaves it glowing and immediately soothed.
Best Serum
Aeston West Signature Serème
“I’m in love with this cream-serum, which takes a gentler approach to aging skin—no potentially irritating active ingredients here. You can use it on its own, and let the product’s unique combination of growth factors, next-generation peptides, and hyaluronic acid do the plumping and firming, or take my approach and pair it with the power-packed products you’re already using, like retinol or vitamin C. It’s nourishing and delicately scented, easily elevating a humdrum routine.” —Underwood
Best Dark Spot Corrector
The Outset Total Clarity Dark Spot Serum at Nordstrom
Now 15% Off
WH writer Lisa DeSantis tested this formula for two months and was amazed when it faded two stubborn dark spots near her eyebrow. “Bottom line: I’m going to stick with this one,” she says.
Best Acne Treatment
La Roche-Posay Effaclar A.Z. Gel Salicylic Acid Acne Medication
This weightless gel clears pimples courtesy of salicylic acid and fades acne-related hyperpigmentation with azelaic acid. Take that one-two punch, stubborn blemishes.
Best Acne Spot Treatment
Banu Skin 10% Sulfur Spot Treatment
Picture it: You, with a red, angry pimple. Sound familiar? If so, cover that baddie with this treatment, which tackles blemishes with sulfur to clear pores, niacinamide to calm redness, and kaolin and bentonite clays to absorb excess oil.
Best Retinoid
Neutrogena Evenly Clear Retinoid Adapalene Gel 0.1%
Now 10% Off
Adapalene (a vitamin A derivative like retinol) is a proven acne and age fighter once available only by prescription. Here’s a treatment that uses the clinically efficacious amount to treat existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
Best Lightweight Moisturizer
IS Clinical Daily Dynamic Hydrator
On its surface, this is a fantastic weightless moisturizer for those who need hydration but can’t tolerate anything that’s too rich. But inside the formula are powerful ingredients that improve the look of skin over time, including vitamin C to brighten along with exosomes and peptides to firm.
Best Rich Moisturizer
Bubble Soft Swerve Barrier Restore Balm
Now 25% Off
Twist the top and the tub dispenses thin ribbons of cream, which allow the thick, water-sealing balm to be absorbed into skin almost instantly—no greasy residue.
Best Night Cream
Elm Biosciences A3O Elemental Night Cream
We’re big fans of anything Martha Stewart does—and the new night cream from her skincare line Elm Biosciences is no exception. It provides the benefits of retinoids without the irritation by leveraging a kinder, gentler molecule called trifarotenyl caprylate.
Best Neck Cream
Olay Regenerist Face & Neck Lifting Treatment
Your neck is one of the first spots to show the visible signs of aging, and this ingenious product tackles them head-on. The targeted roller tip does some of the work; the formula, infused with NAD+ and a triple collagen peptide complex, does the rest. It’s luxury skincare for a beautifully accessible price.
Best Chemical Sunscreen
Clinique UV Solutions Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50
“My face gets unbearably dry in the winter, and you wouldn’t think a sunscreen could help. But this formula hydrates and leaves me feeling smooth, never greasy, and noticeably glowy.” —Katie Mogg, beauty assistant
Best Mineral Sunscreen
SkinCeuticals Future Mineral UV Defense SPF 50 Invisible Sunscreen
“Sunscreens that manage to provide strong protection from the sun without feeling oily or greasy always get a gold star in my book. The lotion-y texture feels weightless on the skin and manages to melt into my olive complexion without leaving behind any sort of white-cast. Plus, the formula contains skincare actives such as niacinamide and panthenol, allowing the product to fend off signs of skin aging as well. What more could you ask for?” —Mogg
Best Face Mask
Borghese Fango Purificante Purifying Mud Mask
Borghese’s original Fango mud mask is the stuff of legend (Bethenny Frankel is a fan) and the brand’s new version is no different. This one is focused more on purifying skin, with Tuscan mud to help pull dirt and other impurities out of pores.
Best Sheet Mask
Timesavvy Sealing-in-Moisture Mask
“A trifecta of niacinamide, collagen, and adenosine helps transform my complexion into a dewy base that’s primed for makeup. The secret is the high-viscosity cream that prevents evaporation, so my face can absorb every drop.” —Nicole Saunders, beauty editor
Best Lip Treatment
Irene Forte Bio Peptide Lip Treatment
Now 15% Off
Peptide-infused lip treatments and balms are one of the biggest skincare trends of the year, and this one is a worthy addition to the category. In this case, green pea peptides join forces with hyaluronic acid olive triglycerides to plump—both instantly and over time. How does it wear? Brilliantly, without even a hint of stickiness.
Best Face Oil
Outside In Floral Reserve Face Oil
If you’re intimidated by face oils—as anyone with acne-prone skin may very well be—here’s an option that’s sure to calm your trepidation. It’s a thoughtful blend of seed, nut, and flower oils that was tested to absorb into skin near-instantaneously, so your face will never feel greasy. You can also layer it under your foundation for that dewy look.
Best Peel
G.M. Collin Peel Toner Exfoliant
Smoother, softer skin is just a few splashes away thanks to an exfoliating liquid formulated with alpha hydroxy, beta hydroxy, and poly hydroxy acids that hydrates as it sloughs away dulling dead cells.
Best Skin Supplement
Broc Shot Capsules
Now 13% Off
You can feel confident taking this supplement knowing that it carries the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition. The secret is whole broccoli seed powder—it yields a compound known as sulforaphane, which supports anti-inflammatory pathways for improved skin health.
Jungmaven tank; Free People bralette (worn underneath); Astrid + Miyu hoops
It’s never been easier to get strong, healthy strands. These products cleanse, soften, nourish, and offer a luxurious self-care experience you’ll crave time and time again.
Best Shampoo
Pantene Abundant & Strong Shampoo
Now 17% Off
“As someone with curly tresses, I value shampoos that don’t dehydrate. This one creates a creamy lather that leaves my hair feeling increasingly hydrated and nourished with every wash.” —Mogg
Best Conditioner
Maelove Full Follicle Conditioner
Dryness, thinning, and damage are no match for this conditioner thanks to its powerful active ingredients, like murumuru butter, biotin, and panthenol.
Best Clarifying Shampoo
tgin Scalp Clarifying Shampoo
Now 30% Off
Regular ol’ shampoo doesn’t always cut it, especially when you’re dealing with buildup on. This one manages to remove weeks worth of buildup and still leave your hair feeling smooth and moisturized.
Best Toning Shampoo
K18 Biomimetic Hairscience TripleBright Oxidation Defense Purple Shampoo
No one wants blonde hair that turns brassy and yellow over time. This purple shampoo supports longer-lasting color using proprietary technology that removes metals and minerals to fight and neutralize brass. The foam formula means every strand is coated for even application—and results.
Best Dandruff Shampoo
Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-Exfoliating Shampoo
Let’s face it: Living with dandruff is a drag. That doesn’t mean your treatment has to be. This elevated formula is designed to help get itchiness and flaking under control using ingredients like charcoal, microcrystalline cellulose, tea tree oil and coconut oil.
Best Dry Shampoo
Color Wow Insta-Wow Advanced Dry Shampoo
“This light mist is my favorite way to refresh my style between workouts and wash days. It dissolves oil, neutralizes odors, and creates a touchable texture without leaving behind a white powder on my dark tresses.” —Saunders
Best Color-Safe Shampoo
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Leonor Greyl
Bain Sublime Couleur
If you color your hair, you need a shampoo that protects your investment. With a sulfate-free formula that ensures your scalp won’t become irritated, this one contains ingredients that soothe, repair and rejuvenate like grapeseed sterols, chia seed, and hook seaweed.
Best Hair Mask
Highbrow Hippie Instant Silk Vitality Mask
It can be hard to find a hair mask that makes your tresses soft and smooth without weighing them down. Here’s one that manages the impossible, hydrating and conditioning using a lightweight, non-greasy formula that includes pataua fruit oil, tsubaki seed oil, and shiitake mushroom extract.
Best Leave-in Conditioner
Beekman 1802 Milk Therapy Peptide Leave-In Treatment
If you’re looking to revitalize your scalp and hair at once, this leave-in treatment is a must-have. It uses goat milk proteins to make hair less stressed and fortify the scalp barrier.
Best Scalp Serum
OGX ProGrowth + Peptide Hair Strengthening Scalp Serum
Now 30% Off
“After using this pump-bottle serum for a month, the strands around my hairline and crown were noticeably healthier and thicker—and I’ve got the scalp photos to prove it. You’ll also be pleased to know that the watery consistency doesn’t dry down to a funky, crispy texture, so you can blow dry and style as you normally would.” —Underwood
Best Hair Growth Supplement
Doc & Glo Healthy Hair Nutraceutical Hair Support Supplement
These capsules support fuller-looking hair with strengthening biotin and shine-enhancing bamboo extract.
Best Hair Oil
Phyto Paris Phyto 7 Elixir Universal Enhancing Oil
Many hair oils tackle frizz but make strands look wet and feel greasy. Not this one: It’s a nourishing elixir that utilizes botanical oils to smooth hair without weighing it down.
Best At-Home Hair Color
Clairol Nice’n Easy Perfect 10 Permanent Hair Dye
With this dye, you can achieve salon-level shine, dimension, and glossiness in just 10 minutes. Pretty impressive, right?
Best Hair Spray
Blake Brown Beauty Classic Hairspray
Certain products are classics for a reason. This weightless hairspray deserves that title because it adds noticeable shine and a flexible hold to the hair. Plus, it adds an elevated fragrance to your tresses that contains notes of vanilla, musky, peony, and strawberry.
Best Texturizer
IGK Beach Club Instant Texture Powder
Short hair sometimes needs a little extra lovin’ to get volume and lift. Texturizing sprays can help, but many leave behind a white residue. Not this invisible marvel, which manages effortless-looking beachy waves with just a few shakes.
Best Volumizing Product
Saphira Volume Boost Volumizer Spray
Sure, it gives fine, wimpy strands a boost, but this spray is so much more. It features an addictive rosemary scent, plus ingredients that work to condition and strengthen strands.
Best Root Cover Up
Madison Reed The Gray Escape Hair and Brow Mascara
Getting rid of grays has never been so easy. This argan oil–infused hair mascara is smudge-free and blends effortlessly. Plus, the quick-drying formula lasts all day and can be used on your brows.
Best Heat Protectant
Suave All In One Magic Mist Leave In Spray
The best hair products are often the multitaskers. Here’s one that detangles, conditions, smoothes and protects hair from heat styling. But wait, there’s more: It also helps tame frizz without making hair look or feel greasy.
Best Hair Brush
Wet Brush Frizz-Free Detangler Brush
Having to manage hair that tangles easily is a chore. No more! This brush can be used on dry or wet hair and is effective on all hair types regardless of texture or thickness.
Best Scalp Treatment
Dr. Groot Scalp Revitalizing Solution Scalp Exfoliating Detox Water
A powerful pre-shampoo solution that instantly whisks away product buildup and excess sebum, encouraging a healthier scalp, improved hair growth, and a fuller look overall.
“Beyoncé hit another beauty home run with her new edge control brush. The dual-ended powerhouse helps me achieve a salon-worthy look without the pricey appointment. One side features a fine-tooth comb to create intricate details, and the other boasts tightly packed nylon bristles that slick down my delicate baby hairs without being too rough on my tender-headed scalp. I can lay my edges down and tame flyaways along my part with a single tool. Plus, the pointed tip makes it easy to part my hair with expert precision,” —Saunders
Best Styling Product
Chris McMillan The Hair Styling Balm for Light Hold
Day-old hair is the best kind of hair—and celebrity stylist Chris McMillan knows that better than anyone? That’s why he created this styling balm—to help you achieve the same look by defining texture and smoothing frizz, all while providing heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Best Shine Spray
Garnier Fructis Diamond Sleek Hair Shine Spray
Now 11% Off
Blow-drying activates this spray to give glass-like shine and long-lasting protection from frizz.
Spray this flyaway-smoother onto damp hair, blow-dry, and bask in the silky-smoothness. This spray also boasts color protection, makes hair look bouncy and shiny for up to four days, and works on all hair types.
Best Curl Product
Oribe Eternal Curls Polish & Protect Oil
“Whenever my curls need an instant refresh, I immediately reach for this hair oil. It manages to banish frizz and bring definition to my hair when it’s feeling especially dry. The oil also works to form a protective barrier around the hair shaft, meaning my curls stay looking and feeling refreshed and moisturized for hours on end. Simply put, the bounce and shine this oil provides is unmatched, making the product worth every penny.” —Mogg
Best Smoothing Product
SheaMoisture Silk Press In a Bottle Prep Cream
Silk presses are a surefire way to feel like your best self, but it’s important to protect your hair in the process. This prep cream coats every strand with moisture, leaving your tresses soft and smooth while also offering heat protection up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the cream delivers a bright and fresh fragrance containing notes of mandarin and bergamot.
Best Hair Mist
Moroccanoil Treatment Hair Oil Mist
“I’ve used the brand’s argan oil for years, and I love it in spray form. It’s a great leave-in, heat protectant, and style refresher, and it’s lightweight on my daughter’s fine curls. The scent? Addictive.” —Underwood
Beyond Yoga sports bra, Machete hoops, stylist’s own shrug.
The caked-on look? So not our vibe. To take the prize, products had to be lightweight, skin-friendly, and a breeze to use. Meet the title holders.
Best Foundation
Counter Skin Twin Featherweight Foundation
“I’m not a huge foundation girl. But this one is basically my dream come true. It feels incredibly light on the skin and is infused with ingredients that improve its quality over time.” —Mogg
Best Tinted Moisturizer
IT Cosmetics Do It All Sheer Tint Face Balm
Now 20% Off
Tinted moisturizer…in a pot? Yes! The 15 shades of this next-gen solid serum formula are buildable and infused with ingredients (hyaluronic acid…check; collagen peptides…check) that improve skin’s quality over time.
Best Primer
Coola Sun Blur Primer SPF 50
Now 15% Off
Until recently, primer had one job: To help the rest of your makeup stick around for longer than an hour. This ones gives delivers that and more, with SPF 50 protection and a mattifying and blurring effect courtesy of plant-based tapioca,
Best Color Corrector
Embryolisse SOS Corrective Cream
Don’t let the green hue scare you, it blends in completely sheer to neutralize redness all over the face. Also worth noting: It’s fragrance-free and doesn’t contain ingredients that will further irritate skin (it was tested on sensitive types).
Best Concealer
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer
Dark circles? Erased. Red blemishes? Neutralized. Visible pores? Smoothed. There’s nothing this flexible, weightless concealer can’t cover. The best part: It feels as if you have nothing on.
Best Bronzer
CoverGirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Baked Luminous Bronzer
Look closely at this bronzer and you’ll notice something unique—it’s a blend of tones rather than just a single shade. What that means for you is that the finish is dimensional and natural-looking so you look like you got a little IRL sunlight—not dirt—on your face.
Best Highlighter
Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pro Glow Crème Highlighter Stick
This easy-to-apply glow getter can help you draw attention to your best features. You’ll also be happy to know that the clean formula contains advanced skincare ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Best Blush
Maybelline Cloudtopia Whipped Blush
A buildable blush in 10 natural-looking shades that you can easily tap on with your fingers—what’s not to love? The bouncy, frosting-like texture is inspired by beauty trends in Korea, where the product was made.
Best Setting Powder
Versed Smooth Finish Brightening Setting Powder
Sheer powders are great for locking makeup into place. The problem: On some skin tones, they aren’t so sheer. This one comes in four two-toned shades to blend seamlessly into all complexions.
Best Eyeshadow
Tower 28 Beauty GoGo Cooling Shimmer Eyeshadow Stick
Anything you put near your eyes needs to be safe and gentle, which is why we love these clever color sticks. Instead of glitter (it can get lodged in your tear film and cause major problems), they rely on a blend of superfine crystals and pearls for their multi-dimensional shimmer. A biomimetic sugar complex and Irish moss nourish eyelid skin and ward off irritation.
Best Eyeliner
Hung Vanngo Beauty Soft Velvet Creamy Kohl Eyeliner
You can use this pencil to create simple lines or elaborate wings—either way, it glides across skin without skipping thanks to the squalane, coconut oil, and silica in the formula. It takes a few seconds to set, so feel free to smudge and blend to your heart’s content.
Best Mascara
L’Oreal Paris Extensionist Mascara
Now 20% Off
“I have sensitive eyes, so lash extensions are a no-go. Here’s the next best thing: The wand stretches and separates, and the flake-free formula with magnetic pigment has the falsie effect without glue.” —Saunders
Best Lash Serum
Grande Cosmetics GrandeLASH Sensitive Peptide Lash Enhancing Serum
Yearning for longer, fluffier fringe? You’ve come to the right place. The latest serum from viral darling Grande Cosmetics is formulated for those with sensitive eyes, pairing the brand’s patented growth peptide complex with soothing chamomile flower and green tea leaf extracts for noticeably bolder lashes with no irritation.
Best Brow Product
Laura Geller Waterproof Double Ended Brow Marker Duo
On one end of this brilliantly-designed marker is a three-pronged tip for filling. On the other, you’ll find a single tip to shape and sculpt. It’s your one-and-done solution for the best-looking brows of your life.
Best Lipstick
Tilt Beauty The Easy Way Hydrating Satin Lipstick
Created by a founder who struggled with psoriatic arthritis, Tilt’s products are ergonomically designed for ease of use. The new satin lipstick comes in eight creamy, wearable hues (like Espelette, the bright coral shown here).
Best Liquid Lipstick
Violette_FR Lip Nectar Hydrating Lip Stain
This one’s got all the good stuff: Six beautiful, long-lasting shades (with two new colors—an orange-y red and a deep plum), skin-nourishing ingredients squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, and a cute-to-boot tube that slips nicely into your handbag or gym tote.
Best Lip Balm
Patrick Ta Major Moisture Smoothing Lip Balm
“Part balm, part gloss, part treatment, this formula bathes lips in a nourishing, sheer wash of color. But wait, there’s more: peptides plump and bakuchiol smooths and softens.” —Underwood
Best Lip Gloss
Sarah Creal No Further Questions High Glide Peptide Lip Gloss
Meet the lip gloss of our dreams. First, the shades are all incredibly flattering and designed for everyday use (even the shimmer finish is subtly shiny, not offensively glittery). Second, the color payoff is significant enough that you could wear it on its own but the formula is forgiving enough to be layered over lipstick without smudging. Last: Look at that bottle—it’s a pretty little package that will bring you joy every time you pop the top.
Best Lip Oil
e.l.f. Cosmetics Glow Reviver Slipstick
e.l.f.’s viral Glow Reviver lip oil is worthy of the hype: it nourishes and hydrates, deposits enviable shine but no stickiness, and leaves behind a sheer wash of color that can be built up to a bolder look. Now, it comes in this hybrid lipstick-oil formula that deposits medium buildable color and a natural-looking shine. Fuss-free and completely intuitive to use, it’s bound to become your go-to daily lip tint.
Best Lip Liner
m.ph by Mary Phillips The Overliner Lip Liner Pencil
Inspired by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips’ signature overlining technique, this pencil is designed to define and contour your lip line to perfection. It glides across skin without tugging (you can thank the hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for that).
Best Makeup Brush
Rose & Ben C40.5 Bronzer Brush
The curved design makes applying bronzer to the contours of the face a cinch, but you can use this brush for all types of liquid or cream products (blush, setting powder, highlighter).
Hunza G swimsuit, Reebok sneakers, Astrid + Miyu hoops, Aerie socks. // Hunza G tube top, Left on Friday bottoms.
The skin below the neck deserves just as much love as our faces, people. These picks take your body-care regimen to the next level with their high-performing formulas.
Best Body Wash
OLLY Renew Mood + Skin Body Wash
This gel cleanser washes as the scent lifts your spirits. Its clinically proven vitamin complex, fortified with ginseng, caffeine, and vitamin C, serves up good-looking skin and an even better mood. Yes, please.
“This body scrub made with refined bamboo powder and caffeine smooths my rough skin while jojoba oil nourishes it. Plus, a blend of citrus paired with lavender leaves behind an uplifting yet soothing aroma in my bathroom.” —Saunders
Best Shower Oil
Dove Serum + Radiance Oil Body Wash
“I can’t get over how incredible this oil wash is. It makes me look forward to every shower, thanks to its creamy, silky texture that leaves my skin feeling smooth and looking radiant.” —Mogg
Best Body Serum
bdy Renewing Overnight Body Serum with Bakuchiol + Hyaluronic Acid
If you’re looking to deliver nourishing active ingredients to the skin below your neck, give this body serum a try. It’s fortified with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that boosts skin elasticity and firmness, as well as hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that offers long-lasting hydration.
Best Cleansing Bar
MALIN+GOETZ Vitamin B5 Hydrating Bar
Transform your bathing experience with this cleansing bar that’ll rid your skin of dirt and debris while locking in moisture. The bar creates a creamy lather that makes skin feel velvety smooth and it comes in three deliciously indulgent and fresh scents: strawberry, dark rum, and eucalyptus.
Best Body Lotion
Hempz Serene Waters Magnesium Body Moisturizer
Now 20% Off
“If you’re looking for a quick way to add extra luxury and self-care to your nighttime routine, I can’t vouch for this body lotion enough. The scent instantly calms my senses and preps my mind and body for rest. Plus, the product provides my dry legs with long-lasting hydration that lasts well into the next day.” —Mogg
Best Body Butter
Oak Essentials Dew Body Butter
All winter, WH writer Deanna Pai smoothed this hydrator everywhere, describing the airy texture as “a memory foam mattress, but in skin care form.” It absorbs instantly and kept dryness at bay with no greasiness, she notes.
Best Body Oil
Saje Natural Wellness Vibrance Collection Body Oil Mist
What if a fragrance could not only leave you smelling divine, but make you feel that way, too? That’s exactly what this collection claims to do. The body oil mists come in 7 scents that leverage various natural ingredients such as spearmint, grapefruit and bergamot to calm your mind, ease stress, or boost your mood.
Best Mineral Sunscreen
Brush On Block SOL Spray On Lotion Mineral Sunscreen
If you want a sunscreen that really works, consider this SPF 50 spray-on lotion that leverages zinc oxide to fend off the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It doesn’t leave a white-cast, and it’s fortified with niacinamide, a popular skincare active that supports skin barrier health. Plus, it provides 80 minutes of water-resistance, making it a great option for active women.
Best Chemical Sunscreen
Banana Boat Sheer Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion
Now 10% Off
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people wear a daily sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30. This chemical sunscreen, formulated for those with sensitive skin, has an SPF of 50, feels lightweight and isn’t greasy. Plus, it melts seamlessly into the skin leaving a clear finish and provides water-resistance for 80 minutes.
Best Unisex Frgrance
No Makeup Makeup No Fragrance Fragrance
One scent. Endless results. This essence adapts to your skin’s pH for a fragrance that’s uniquely you. Plus, its gentle formula ensures an enjoyable, irritation-free experience.
Best Fragrance Collection
Pixi PixiPerfume Eau de Parfum
There’s something special about fragrances that manage to capture the essence of natural scents. This collection includes individual fragrances that highlight fig, mimosa and rose. The delicious scents stand alone, but they can also be layered to create a custom blend that’s uniquely you.
Best Hair and Body Fragrance
Sisley Paris Hair Rituel Le Parfum
It can be pretty frustrating when you spray a fragrance onto your skin, and within minutes you can hardly smell it anymore. But this one was designed for both the hair and body, allowing the brand’s cult fragrance to linger for hours without being overpowering. It’s bright and energetic, emphasizing scents such as lemon, lavender and mimosa flower.
Best Clean Fragrance
Uni Rain Water-Based Perfume
“Always impressed with Uni’s clean formulas and closed-loop environmentally-friendly packaging, I was thrilled to try the brand’s first foray into fragrance—and it does not disappoint. The marine-inspired bouquet is universally appealing and easy to wear. Plus, it’s a water-based formula, free of potentially drying alcohol and infused with moisture-loving humectants like glycerin. Your skin will smell and feel better after spritzing this one on.” —Underwood
Best Solid Fragrance
Sol de Janeiro Jelly Perfume Balms
For those who want to smell good all day long, oftentimes the most convenient option is a solid fragrance. This balm fits in your pocket, allowing for quick and easy reapplication whenever needed. It also comes in three gourmand scents, Cheirosa 62, Cheirosa 68, and Cheirosa 40, featuring notes of pistachio, brazilian jasmin, and black amber plum, respectively.
Best Deodorant
Surface Deep Anti-Odorant Pads
“Now that the weather has finally warmed up, I’ll be heavily relying on these dermatologist-developed deodorant wipes to help me win the battle against body odor. Since they’re individually wrapped, I can keep a few in my gym bag, work tote, and carry-on bag so my pits are quite literally covered. Their genius lies in the trifecta of odor-neutralizing enzymes, soothing aloe vera juice, and exfoliating glycolic acids that don’t sting or tingle my sensitive skin.” —Saunders
Best Antiperspirant
Degree Clinical 5X Strength Original Soft Solid Antiperspirant Deodorant
Now 10% Off
An updated aluminum formula means this standby now provides five benefits, including clinical-strength wetness protection, long-lasting odor control, and a guard against stress sweat.
“This razor stands out for its palm-fitting design, giving you better control for larger areas, like the legs, and allowing you to use your nondominant hand. The convenient case and stand make it travel-friendly.” —Underwood
Best Shaving Cream
billie Shave Glaze Shaving Oil
Now 30% Off
Shaving your legs just got a whole lot more luxurious with this oil-to-milk shave protection product. It makes the hair removal process quick and easy, while helping to prevent dreaded post-shave skin irritation. It comes in two delicious scents: Coco Villa and Lavendar Milk.
Best Self-Tanner
Vita Liberata The Glaze Peptide Tanning Serum
Getting a tan doesn’t have to mean damaging your skin. This serum stimulates elastin and collagen production using Tripeptide 1 and Tetrapeptide 7 while tanning your skin with hihydroxyacetone to give you a flattering, moisturized, modest glow that can be built up over days.
Best Bath Product
C. O. Bigelow Herbal Comfort Soak No. 122
Nothing beats a hot bath…except one enhanced with this therapeutic herbal blend. Add a few capfuls to a tub of hot water and unwind as eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger, and echinacea release their soothing aroma.
OakleySplits59 bra, stylist’s own hoodie.
Our outer extremities take quite a beating (it’s not your butt that’s picking up that kettlebell or pounding the pavement every morning). Show them a little love.
There’s no tiptoeing around it: OPI’s latest lacquers—in 30 cheery, saturated shades—makes easy at-home manis achievable. Just one or two coats of these rich, durable colors is all you need to make a statement.
Best Polish Remover
ONYX Professional Non-Acetone Remover Cream Drops
A smart solve for a lot of the pain points associated with polish remover: The cream formula won’t leak or spill and swaps common irritants with ingredients that nourish and soften nails and cuticles (think shea butter and vitamin E).
Best At-Home Manicure Kit
Olive & June Builder Gel Starter Kit
Sick of short, wimpy stumps? This kit makes it possible to get the natural-looking nails of your dreams. Use one of the shaping forms and the builder gel polish to get added length and strength. It’s a revolutionary system that helps you hack your way to longer, stronger tips
Best Nail Treatment
Essie Break Fix Liquid Nail Patch
Think of this formula as a Band-Aid for snagged, cracked, or chipped nails: Brush it on and watch it instantly cure into a solid seal that lasts for up to five days.
Best Cuticle Oil
Nail Thoughts Summer Forever Nail Oil
This one performs all the basic functions of a top-notch nail and cuticle oil—it nourishes with a blend of sweet almond, jojoba, vitamin E, and coconut oils. What sets it apart, though, is the tropical scent, which takes you on an instant vacation.
Best Press-On Nails
Sally Hansen Salon Effects Short’Ease Perfect Press-On Nails
Perhaps your nails are looking a little rough, but you don’t want super-long claws. That’s the beauty of these press-ons—they come in shorter lengths if that’s your preference and the option to affix with glue or adhesive stickers.
Best Nail Clippers
EDJY Toenail Cutter
Now 48% Off
Meet the Rolls Royce of nail clippers. Designed specifically for your toes, which—let’s be honest—can be trickier to trim, it comes outfitted with several features that make the job safer and easier. There’s a single blade that cuts cleaner, a safety stop to prevent ingrowns, and an ergonomic press-down lever to eliminate the need for contortionist-like skills.
Best Hand Wash
Dries Van Noten Liquid Soap
In sophisticated scent offerings like Pepper & Rose (shown here), Basil & Hinoki, and Soie & Amber, these soaps elevate an ordinary task to I’m-looking-forward-to-this levels.
Best Hand Cream
Naked & Thriving Replenish Velvet Hand Cream
Now 50% Off
A perfectly nourishing, blissfully non-greasy hand moisturizer in scents like lavender and orange, coconut and vanilla, and rosemary and lavender. Just a peek at the botanical design on each tube is enough to make you crack a smile.
Best Hand Treatment
Joonbyrd Confetti Sky Hand Treatment
“Tiny microspheres of vitamin E join forces with licorice root and peptides to brighten, rejuvenate, and moisturize your hands. And the scent? Trust me, it’s heavenly.” —Underwood
Best Hand Sanitizer
Paume Hydrating Antibacterial Hand Mist
“I’m a low-key germaphobe and take public transportation in New York, so hand sanitizer is essential. I rely on it for commuting, grocery shopping, and just dealing with life’s little messes. Most are drying and sticky, but Paume is a lightweight mist that packs plenty of ethyl alcohol to kill germs, while glycerin and aloe leaf extract keep my hands hydrated. It even taps into the skin-soothing benefits of niacinamide, making the hand sanitizer feel like a treat rather than a mundane chore. The light and refreshing aroma doesn’t hurt either. Plus, the gentle formula leaves my hands feeling softer, which is a welcome reprieve after using my mist several times daily.” —Saunders
Best Foot Cream
Ontu Your Hands & Heels Miracle Moisturizing Treatment
To tackle calluses and cracked heels, this cream uses 15 percent urea and glycolic acid. Others are also effective, but not nearly as nice to use—think a luxurious texture and a vanilla scent.
ADD GALLERY
Alo bra, Jenny Bird earrings.
A bright, fresh smile is one of the simplest ways to boost your confidence. Here’s your path to just that.
Best Toothpaste
Hello Whipped Fluoride Toothpaste
Brushing just became a lot more fun with the unique mousse-like texture of this toothpaste. Plus, it boasts a minty-fresh flavor that pleases the taste buds without the use of artificial sweeteners.
Best Mouthwash
Listerine Clinical Solutions Sensitive Teeth Mouthwash
“Sometimes brushing isn’t enough to get that completely fresh feeling. This mouthwash instantly does the trick for me, all while providing relief for my sensitive teeth.” —Mogg
Best Toothbrush
Quip Ultra Lite Sonic Electric Toothbrush
This minimalist electric toothbrush boasts three intensities and removes plaque without irritating sensitive gums. It features a silicone handle and neck, making it comfortable to maneuver while brushing.
Best Whitening Product
Rose Code Smile Alchemy Teeth Whitening Stylus
The brush-tip applicator makes it easy to apply the urea peroxide–rich whitening formula with precision (important for avoiding pain and sensitivity). Green and black tea extracts offer more soothing support.
Flossing just got an upgrade with this electric flosser. The tool flaunts 400-strand woven floss heads, as well as built-in gum brushes that get in hard-to-reach spots in between the teeth. It also comes with a tongue scraper to help banish bad breath. A clean, fresh smile has never been easier.
Best Oral Care Innovation
Toothpod Functional Chewing Gum Table
Forgot your toothbrush? These chewable tablets are an easy on-the-go solution. Pop one in after a meal and chew to freshen your breath while active ingredients help remineralize enamel and support gum health.
Give your routine a high-tech upgrade that’ll make your bathroom feel like an at-home spa.
Best Skincare Device
Shark Beauty FacialPro™ Glow Facial System
Say goodbye to clogged pores, rough texture, and dry, puffy skin. This system gives you a comprehensive at-home facial treatment that’ll leave your complexion looking more radiant and glowy than ever.
Best Blow-Dryer
Revlon PowerMove Hair Dryer
Expect a salon-level blowout using this high-performing hair dryer. The sleek, lightweight design and various heat and speed options make drying hair and smoothing frizz simple and easy.
Best Hair Straightener
Doc & Glo 8° Hotter: The Sleek Hair Iron
Straightening your hair on a regular basis isn’t a chore with this hair iron. It heats up in just 30 seconds, allowing you to smooth quickly and easily. It also offers even heat distribution and won’t snag on your hair.
Best Curling Iron
ghd Chronos Curve Curling Iron
Salon-level curls are within reach with this curling iron. The 1.25 inch barrel will help you easily create big, bouncy and glamorous curls, minus the frizz. Plus, it maintains a consistent temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit across the barrel, meaning you don’t have to worry about heat damage.
Best Blow Dryer Brush
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush
Say goodbye to frizz and hello to versatile hair styling with this blowout brush. It makes hair appear smoother by reducing static, and has interchangeable attachments allowing you to increase hair volume, smooth down tresses, direct airflow and boost root volume.
Best Multi-Styler
Dyson Airwrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler and Dryer
You’ll never have to step foot in a salon again after investing in this multitasking hair styler. It can deliver on practically any desire such as enhancing curls, straightening tresses, and smoothing frizz. And it also includes intelligent technology that remembers your preferred styling settings and offers a personalized experience.
Best LED Mask
Solawave Neck & Chest Pro Light Therapy Mask
“In just three minutes, Solawave emits a powerful blend of four LED wavelengths—red, near-infrared, deep red, and amber—to smooth lines on my décolletage. After a month, my skin is glowing.” —Saunders
Best Sculpting Tool
LADUORA Lumeo SkinLift 4D Current™ Red Light Therapy Kit
“I’ve ditched my bulky microcurrent devices and LED face masks in favor of this 4-in-1 device. Microcurrent gently lifts and defines my cheekbones, while electroporation helps my face serum and cream penetrate more effectively. It also taps into red LEDs to soften my fine lines and wrinkles, while near-infrared light penetrates beneath my skin’s surface, helping it feel firmer. The best part? Zero downtime! I can rely on this travel-friendly device before special events without any irritation, like redness. Hello, wedding season prep.” —Saunders
Best At-Home Laser Hair Removal
Nood Flasher Pro
Now 13% Off
Waxing and shaving your legs is a thing of the past thanks to this hair removal device. It uses intense pulsed light therapy to destroy hair follicles and reduce hair growth permanently. Plus, you can swap a second lens onto the device to also support firmer, younger-looking skin. It’s hair removal and anti-aging all in one device.
Gua sha tools are known for lifting and de-puffing, but this one comes with bells and whistles that the others don’t: LED light, infrared technology, and soothing vibrations that turn 10 mundane minutes in your bathroom into a luxury spa experience.
Best Mirror
Swan Beauty AI-Powered Smart Mirror
“Swan Beauty AI-Powered Smart Mirror is like having a skin coach and a makeup artist in my apartment. It snaps a bare-faced photo and flags everything from dehydration around my cheeks to skin redness and pigmentation. The data helps me tweak my routine without overthinking it. Even as our beauty editor, I sometimes struggle to nail a vibrant flush, but the tutorials from three celebrity makeup artists are genuinely useful and easy to follow when I’m short on time.” —Saunders
Thinning hair is no match for this helmet that uses targeted LED light therapy and medical-grade lasers to support scalp health. The best part? You only need to wear it for 12 minutes a day to see results.
Photographs by Rona Liana Ahdout
Stills by Hanna Hillier
Styling by Rose Lauture
Hair Ginger Leigh Ryan using R+Co/MUSE Management
Makeup Deanna Melluso using Charlotte Tilbury/Forward Artist
Nails Nori using Chanel Le Vernis/See Management
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women’s Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper’s BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Katie Mogg is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Since starting college at Northeastern University in 2020, her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News and The Boston Globe. She strives to help readers lead happier and healthier lives through science-backed stories that explain how to care for hair, skin and nails. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys live music, strolling through Central Park, planning her next beach getaway, and sharing hotpot with friends.
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