Best beauty of 2021: Announcing our woman&home Beauty Awards winners!

The 100 best beauty products of the year, as selected by our panel of expert judges

Best Beauty Awards logo
(Image credit: Future)

The power of the best beauty products to make you look and feel 100% better is undoubtable. 

From the best foundation that boosts your confidence or a new perfume that lifts your mood to a skincare routine that adds a glow to your skin. But with so many products on the market, how do you know what are the best ones to invest in, that really work and make a real difference? 

That’s where we come in. Whether you want to invest in new skincare, try out some different make-up or invest in a high-tech beauty tool, our panel of beauty experts has tested each and every one of these winners to bring you 2021’s 100 best beauty products to help you look and feel like a better version of yourself. 

With thanks to our judging panel 

The woman & home best beauty awards judges

(Image credit: Future)

Best beauty of 2021: Announcing our woman&home Beauty Awards winners! 

Why you can trust Woman & Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Beauty classics

Bioderma

(Image credit: Bioderma)

1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

Best micellar water

Specifications

RRP: £16.10 for 500ml

'Gentle, doesn’t irritate the skin and removes make-up well.’

Jess Beech, deputy beauty editor

tweezerman

(Image credit: tweezerman)

2. Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer

Best tweezers

Specifications

RRP: £20.95

‘I don’t pluck my eyebrows with any other tweezers. Sharp, accurate and easy to get one hair at a time. A must in any kit—they last forever.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

OPI

(Image credit: OPI)

3. OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red

Best nail polish

Specifications

RRP: £13.90

‘I love OPI’s long-lasting formulas and wide brushes that coat your whole nail in one swipe. Everyone should have this classic shade in their stash.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Pixi

(Image credit: Pixi)

4. Pixi Glow Tonic

Best skin treatment

Specifications

RRP: £18 for 250ml

'A winner for smoother, brighter skin. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use every day.’

Jess Beech, deputy beauty editor

Prai

(Image credit: Prai)

5. PRAI Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme

Best neck treatment

Specifications

RRP: £25 for 50ml

‘This definitely left my neck and chest smoother.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

GHD

(Image credit: GHD)

6. GHD Max Hair Straightener

Best hair tool

Specifications

RRP: £179

‘Great product, good wide plates and temperature control.’

Jennie Roberts, hair stylist

Beauty Innovation

Flat lay co

(Image credit: tribalm)

7. Frances Prescott Tri-Balm

Best cleanser

Specifications

RRP: £49 for 70g

‘A cleansing balm that you just roll onto your face. Genius! No mess, easy to use and left my skin smooth. Really like this!’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

ghd

(Image credit: ghd)

8. GHD Unplugged

Best hair tool

Specifications

RRP: £299

'Great size, styles the hair well and looks great. Nice and compact for handbag and travel.’

Jennie Roberts, hairstylist

Foreo

(Image credit: Foreo)

9. Foreo Bear Facial Toning Device

Best skin tool for facial toning

Specifications

RRP: £279

‘Used regularly, this noticeably firms and tones your face without the ouch factor that other devices can have. Plus, the cost per use makes it a savvy purchase compared with salon facials that do a similar job.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Kristen ess

(Image credit: Kristen ess)

10. Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint

Best DIY hair colour

Specifications

RRP: £11 for 200ml

‘Clever and easy to use—spray on wet hair, then rinse out and condition. Gives blondes a lovely classy shade of pink. A fun product for a temporary pick-me-up for your hair.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

lashtify

(Image credit: lashtify)

11. Lashify Control Kit

Best DIY lash extensions

Specifications

RRP: £115

‘An extraordinary innovation in the world of false eyelashes. The Lashify system allows you to have natural, fluttery lashes that are delicate and so easy to apply yourself at home.’

Caroline Barnes, makeup artist

Dermalogica

(Image credit: Dermalogica)

12. Dermalogica Smart Response Serum

Best anti- ageing serum

Specifications

RRP: £130 for 30ml

‘This serum uses clever technology that adapts to your skin’s needs to leave it plump and smooth.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

The Light Salon Boost LED Mask

(Image credit: LED Light Salon)

13. The Light Salon Boost LED Mask

Best skin tool for all-round anti-ageing

Specifications

RRP: £395

‘Use a few times a week to noticeably calm redness, boost collagen and leave skin looking rejuvenated. There’s nothing to do except lie back and relax when you use this device, which is perfect for a little bit of TLC!’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Floral street

(Image credit: Floral street)

14. Floral Street Scentschool In A Box

Best fragrance innovation

Specifications

RRP: £24

‘This online masterclass is a lovely way to discover your new signature scent. Great fun (I did it with my mum, over a glass of wine), and would make a nice gift.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Flat lay co

(Image credit: Flat lay co)

15. The Flat Lay Co. Open Flat Makeup Bag

Best make-up bag

Specifications

RRP: £19.99

‘Such a simple idea, but so clever. Keep all your make-up in one place, but see it at a glance when you lay the bag flat on a surface. I really like that it’s easy to throw in the wash too.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Best new launch

innersense

(Image credit: innersense)

16. Innersense Detox Hair Mask

Best for healthy hair

Specifications

RRP: £28 for 118ml

‘For shiny, healthy hair, this is lovely. So gentle for a detox product and has a divine smell too.’

Jennie Roberts, hairstylist

Biolage

(Image credit: Biolage)

17. Biolage ColorBalm Color Depositing Conditioner

Best for DIY hair colour

Specifications

RRP: £22.50 for 250ml

‘Lots of lovely shades to give a temporary change. Left my hair so shiny too.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Dr Esho Lip care

(Image credit: Dr Esho)

18. Esho Lip Care

Best for lips

Specifications

RRP: From £18

‘Everything your lips need, from lip expert Dr Esho. Who knew I needed serums for my lips? Lovely to apply—and thanks to powerful ingredients such as peptides and algae, my lips look better after use, no needles required.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Biolage

(Image credit: Biolage)

19. BioEffect EGF Power Cream

Best moisturiser

Specifications

RRP: £165 for 50ml

‘Smoothed, plumped and left my skin looking fresh.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Ultra Violette

(Image credit: Ultra Violette)

20. Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen SPF 50+

Best SPF

Specifications

RRP: £36 for 50ml

‘This is lovely. Smells nice, applies well, and leaves skin looking glowy and dewy. It’s like using a beautiful skincare product, not a heavy SPF. A new fave discovery.’

Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor

Legology

(Image credit: Legology)

21. Legology Peach-Lite Super Lift For The Derrière

Best for a smoother derrière

Specifications

RRP: £55 for 175m

Launches 8th September

‘I am dubious about things that promise a smoother bum, as nothing can really shift cellulite, but this leaves skin genuinely feeling less lumpy. I’d use it before a holiday.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

NYK1

(Image credit: NYK1)

22. NYK1 Brow Force Eyebrow Growth Serum

Best for better brows

Specifications

RRP: £69.95 for 8ml

‘If you over-plucked and your brows didn’t grow back, stick with this for six weeks, and brows will look thicker and less patchy.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

St Tropez

(Image credit: St Tropez)

23. St Tropez Tan x Ashley Graham Limited Edition Ultimate Glow Kit

Best for self-tan

Specifications

RRP: £38 for 200ml

‘The mousse blends easily and smells less biscuity than other tans. I didn’t get any streaks and the bronze glow lasted for a week before it started to fade. Love this kit.’

Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor

Bodycare

Grown Alchemist

(Image credit: Grown Alchemist)

24. Grown Alchemist Anti-Bacterial Hand Cream

Best hand cream

Specifications

RRP: £18 for 65ml

‘I love the nourishing and anti-bac combo, the cool recyclable tube and the totally ungreasy texture.’

Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor

L'Occitane

(Image credit: L'Occitane)

25. L’Occitane Youth Hand Cream

Best youth booster for hands

Specifications

RRP: £24 for 75ml

‘Great texture, smell, ingredients and results. Love this. It feels like you’re healing your hands!’

Jennie Roberts, hairstylist

Cantu

(Image credit: Cantu)

26. Cantu Skin Therapy Shea Butter Nourishing Body Cream

Best for nourishing skin

Specifications

RPP: £7.99 for 240g

'Smells delicious, is buttery-rich and nourishing, and a bargain to boot.’

Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor

Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

(Image credit: Ameliorate)

27. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion

Best for smoother skin

Specifications

RRP: £40 for 500ml

‘Great for smoothing and refining bumpy, rough skin. Used regularly, it really works.’

Ruby Hammer, makeup artist

Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Body Polish

(Image credit: Neal's Yard)

28. Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Body Polish

Best body smoother

Specifications

RRP: £22.50 for 150ml

‘Full of natural oils and crushed seeds (a nice mix of textures). Smells like an English garden.’

Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor

Dr Lipp BFF Balm

(Image credit: Dr Lipp)

29. Dr Lipp BFF Balm

Best for dry patches

Specifications

RRP: £18 for 75ml

‘Works wonders on dry lips, elbows and knees. A staple in my kit.‘

Emma North, beauty writer

Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Himalayan Salt Scrub

(Image credit: Sanctuary)

30. Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Himalayan Salt Scrub

Best salt scrub

Specifications

RRP: £10 for 300g

‘Satisfyingly “scrubby” and left my skin feeling smooth and coated in a fine veil of almond oil. Very nice.‘

Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor

Flamingo Pomelo & Silver Razor

(Image credit: Flamingo)

31. Flamingo Pomelo & Silver Razor

Best for hair removal

Specifications

RRP: £8

‘Easy to control and a very smooth, non-irritating shave. I’d buy this.'

Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor

NEOM Organic London Real Luxury Magnesium Body Butter

(Image credit: NEOM)

32. NEOM Organic London Real Luxury Magnesium Body Butter

Best for calming body and mind

Specifications

RRP: £36 for 200g

‘Instant luxury. Plus the lavender and jasmine feel utterly relaxing and calming on the soul.’

Caroline Barnes, makeup artist

The Solution Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Body Lotion

(Image credit: Solution)

33. The Solution Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Body Lotion

Best for plumping skin

Specifications

RRP: £9.99 for 200ml

‘Smells light and fresh, soaks in effortlessly. A great everyday body lotion!’

Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor

This Works Stress Check CBD Body Cocoon

(Image credit: This Works)

34. This Works Stress Check CBD Body Cocoon

Best for sensitive skin

Specifications

RRP: £25 for 250ml

‘The scent was immediately calming and it felt cooling on the skin, as well as soothing dry, itchy patches.’

Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor

Patchology Poshpeel Pedi Cure

(Image credit: Patchology)

35. Patchology Poshpeel Pedi Cure

Best for feet

Specifications

RRP: £18

‘More luxurious than your average foot-peeling sock! The combined acids get to work quickly too—I was in shedding mode by day four.’

Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor

Fragrance

Floral street

(Image credit: Floral street)

36. Floral Street x Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop Eau De Parfum

Best fragrance for her

Specifications

RRP: £60 for 50ml

‘I love the scent and its eco credentials.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Floral Street x Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop Eau De Parfum

(Image credit: Miller Harris)

37. MILLER HARRIS RÊVERIE DE BERGAMOTE EAU DE PARFUM

Best unisex fragrance

Specifications

RRP: £115 for 100m

‘A fresh, woodsy scent.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Scented Candle

(Image credit: Rituals)

38. Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Scented Candle

Best candle

Specifications

RRP: £19.90 for 290g

'A good price, chic packaging and a nice, soothing scent. Lovely.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser

(Image credit: Aromatherapy)

39. Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser

Best atomiser

Specifications

RRP: £120

‘Easy to use, and you can charge it up and move it around without a flex–genius.’

Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director

Make-up