Announcing our 2022 woman&home clever skincare awards winners!

After testing hundreds of products, we reveal the woman&home clever skincare award winners, hand-picked by our judges

model shot of four women of all different ages, with a logo for the woman&home clever skincare awards, where we picked the best skincare products 2022
(Image credit: Future/Canva)

The time has come to announce the 2022 woman&home clever skincare awards winners! Our panel of industry experts, with decades of experience testing thousands of products between them, have hand-picked 62 of the best skincare buys around. 

A good skincare routine that suits you and your skin’s needs is the cornerstone of a great complexion. Not only will it boost your self-confidence and help your makeup glide on more smoothly, a regimen you love is also an important part of daily self-care – taking some time out for yourself in this busy world we live in is vital. 

But the skincare market can be a confusing and expensive one to navigate. How do you know what ingredients will suit you? What’s worth spending your hard-earned cash on? Well, that’s where we come in. 

woman&home clever skincare awards 2022: the categories

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.

  • Cleansers
  • Exfoliators
  • Toners
  • Eye care
  • Lip care
  • Masks
  • Moisturisers
  • Neck and décolletage
  • Oils
  • Problem solvers
  • Serums
  • Tools
  • SPF
  • Supplements
  • Special Recognition

Our judging panel

Special thanks to our panel of judges whose hard work and expert insights made the woman&home clever skincare awards 2022 possible. This year's judging panel included:

SARAH COOPER-WHITE

Group Beauty Director

CHARLEY WILLIAMS-HOWITT

Group Beauty Director

FIONA MCKIM

Beauty Channel Editor, womanandhome.com

RHIANNON DERBYSHIRE

Senior Beauty Editor

STEPHANIE MAYLOR

Beauty Editor

EMMA NORTH

Senior Beauty Writer

DARCY BROWN

Beauty Assistant

CATHERINE WESTWOOD

Editor in Chief, Woman & Home

CHARLOTTE RICHARDS

Lifestyle Content Director, Woman & Home

PAMELA MARSHALL

Clinical aesthetician and co-founder of Mortar & Milk

DR SOPHIE SHOTTER

Skin expert and founder of Illuminate Skin Clinic

DIJA AYODELE

Clinical aesthetician and founder of West Room Aesthetics

THE BEST SKINCARE PRODUCTS OF 2022, CHOSEN BY OUR woman&home clever skincare awards JUDGES

Cleansers

 Best for oily skin 

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Avant Skincare Blue Volcanic Stone Purifying & Antioxidising Cleansing Gel | RRP: $104.32/£77

This gives a good purifying cleanse eliminating oil, dirt and make-up without leaving skin feeling dry or tight, just clean and clear. 

 Best for sensitive skin 

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BIODERMA Sensibio H2O Micellar Water | RRP: $16.99/£11

There’s a reason why this is a cult buy; it’s a cleanser, make-up remover and moisturiser in one that manages to suck grime out of pores without upsetting the skin's moisture barrier. 

'A hero product, Bioderma Sensibio removes make-up beautifully without drying or irritating the skin’

Dr Sophie Shotter

Best everyday use

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Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser | RRP: $14.99/£8.99

Creamy, softening, sulphate-free and packed with lovely niacinamide, this product conditions and brightens even the most sensitive of skins.

 Best for stubborn make-up removal  

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Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm | RRP: $22/£25.50

This makes removing long-wear foundation, waterproof mascara and matte lipstick a doddle, thanks to the melting balm to oil formulation. No double cleanse required with this one.

 Best for a does-everything cleanse 

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Frances Prescott Tri-balm | RRP: $64/£55

Packed with natural skin brightening ingredients to clean, freshen and hydrate - all in a nifty push-up stick. It’s honestly one of the nicest multi-use products we’ve discovered.  

 Best for a spa-like cleanse 

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Temple Spa In The Beginning Deep Cleansing Melt| RRP: $48/£32

You only need to use a tiny amount of this buttery balm to melt away make-up, and the fatty beads give a satisfyingly gritty exfoliation. Skin feels thoroughly clean and plump. 

‘TempleSpa is simply the best cleanser!’

Catherine Westwood, Editor in Chief

Exfoliators

 Best for instant results 

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Alpha-H Generation Glow Daily Resurfacing Essence with 5% AHA Complex | RRP: $75/£55

A gentle AHA essence that gives real results. There was no stinging when patting it into the skin, and had an immediate softening, radiance-boosting effect. 

 Best for radiance  

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Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Extra Strength Daily Peel Pads | RRP: $17/£18

This takes the guesswork out of home chemical peels thanks to the preloaded two-step pads, which give an instant hit of smoothness and glow. 

 Best for breakouts 

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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant | RRP: $32/£31

A gentle yet effective BHA exfoliator that can be used daily to shift dry skin and clear out clogged-up pores.

‘Paula's Choice absolutely excels at exfoliators!’

Fiona McKim, w&h.com beauty editor

Toners

 Best gentle toner 

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Herbal Essentials Refreshing Toner | RRP: $20/£14.99

Sweep over your skin after cleansing to remove any last trace of grime. Skin is prepped and ready for skincare – plus, it smells like summer!

Best skin refining toner

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Emma Hardie Exfoliating Brightening Tonic | RRP: $40/£28

Gentle enough to use morning and evening after cleansing. This hardworking toner sweeps away dead skin cells and will help even out skin tone and boost luminosity.

Eye care

 Best for the whole eye area 

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Avon Anew Dual Eye Systems with Protinol | RRP: $40/£13

A clever two-step concept; an upper eye gel to tighten and lift and an under eye cream to nourish and firm. The results are impressive!

‘I’m actually blown away at how effective Avon Anew is!’

Pamela Marshall, aesthetician

Best for dryness

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Biossence Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream | RRP: $54/£43

This is a sumptuous, super-rich cream that instantly brightens and hydrates the eye area. Dark circles definitely seemed less prominent after a few uses. 

 Best for waking up tired eyes 

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Dermalogica Awaken Peptide Eye Gel | RRP: $56/£55

Puffiness and fine lines were softened, and we especially loved how quickly the gel dries, meaning makeup could be applied almost immediately after use. 

Best for amazing results

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MZ Skin BRIGHTENING & HYDRATING EYE AMPOULES 5-Day Intensive Eye Regime | RRP: $233/£155

You get a whole lot of bang for your buck with a generous amount of product in each ampoule. Crow's feet were significantly reduced and crepiness on upper lids gone. One word – wow!

Lip care

Best for thirsty lips

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ESHO Drench | RRP: $22.79/£18.99

This does exactly what the name suggests, dowsing lips with a hit of hydration leaving them juicier, softer and plumper – flakiness will be a thing of the past!

 Best for overnight repair 

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StriVectin Hyaluronic Omega Moisture Lip Mask | RRP: $28/£26

Slather on, sleep and let the Omega-Rich Fatty Acids replenish and soothe dry, chapped lips. Definitely a new addition to our bedside table.

'Strivectin's lip mask is lightweight, non-sticky and a lovely ritual to add to my nighttime routine’

Darcy Brown, Beauty Assistant

Best for a volume boost

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Tropic Lip Fudge Plumping Lip Conditioner | RRP: £12 (UK only)

If you like the zingy sensation of a plumping balm, you’ll love this. Lips feel pleasantly tingly and are enhanced subtly, as well as looking glossy and hydrated.

Masks

 Best for brightening 

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Emma Hardie Purifying Pink Clay Detox Mask | RRP: $40.80/£40

This pink clay sits pleasingly without feeling tight, and once removed with a warm damp cloth, our complexion looked instantly brighter and clearer. 

Best for a complexion pick-me-up

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ESPA Tri-Active™ Regenerating Phyto-Collagen Plumping Mask | RRRP: $81.60/£60

Make tired complexions a thing of the past with this gorgeously cooling, uplifting and illuminating mask. Packed with quality ingredients, like marine actives, plant extracts and essential oils, it’s a dream to use. 

Best for a deep clean

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Katherine Daniels Smoothing Resurfacing Mask | RRP: £33 (UK only)

We loved the soothing qualities of this deep cleansing mask. Pores are purged of impurities and skin looks clearer, with a more even texture and tone. 

‘My skin looked remarkably better after using this Katherine Daniels' mask. Bright, smooth and glowing.’

Charley Williams-Howitt, Beauty Director

Best for calming irritation

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Pixi Beauty Rose Remedy Mask | RRP: $24/£20

This has a cooling jelly texture that’s a joy to use. It drenches skin in a heap of goodness; rose, argan oil and cica for a refreshing hit of hydration. Like a wonderful drink for parched skins.

Best for versatility

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The Seated Queen Cold Cream | RRP: $49/£39

Don’t discount cold cream as old-fashioned. This one is decidedly modern. From cleansing and dissolving make-up to nourishing your skin as you sleep (we tried it as a sumptuous overnight mask), this multitasking hero is a keeper. 

Moisturisers

Best for mature skin 

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BIOEFFECT EGF Power Cream | RRP: $215/£165

An extremely luxurious, rich cream that felt like a real treat to use. And the results were just as impressive, working miracles to target fine lines, age spots and dehydration. Only a small amount is needed to add that cushiony bounce to your skin.

Best for all round care 

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Caudalie Premier Cru Anti-ageing Cream Moisturiser | RRP: $119/£85

A multi-tasking masterpiece that can be used morning and night to target lines, wrinkles, dark spots, while boosting firmness, radiance and hydration. 

Best for instant hydration  

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Curél Deep Moisture Spray | RRP: $23.40/£19.50

We’ve always been a bit cynical about beauty mists, but this one delivered a fine cloud of tiny ceramide particles that penetrated deeply into our skin to leave it hydrated, replenished and soft.

‘Curél is a face mist on steroids! It actually feels like it's doing something, rather than just being a refreshing desk buddy.’

Stephanie Maylor, Beauty Editor

 Best for night-time recovery 

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Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift and Firm Night Cream | RRP: $88/£68

With a concoction of clever ingredients, this nighttime moisture treatment means you’ll awake to plumper, softer skin. An excellent addition to any routine. 

Best for smoothing

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Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Total Repair Cream | RRP: $140/£110

There’s a reason why Kate Somerville is a big deal in the beauty world – her products just work. And this is no exception – intensely nourishing but not greasy, and packed with active ingredients.  We love the hygienic pump packaging too. 

Best for dry skin

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Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream | RRP: $33/£28.50

If you’re unsure which moisturiser to choose, this is a go-to classic loved by beauty editors worldwide. It’s fuss-free, quenches thirsty skin and makes it feel supple and soft all day long. 

‘Ultra Facial Cream is one of my all-time favourite hydrators and I'm constantly recommending it.’

Fiona McKim, w&h.com Beauty Editor

Best for calming

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Skin Proud Sorbet Skin Everyday Jelly Moisturiser | RRP: $13.95/£13.95

The lightweight, gel texture is intensely hydrating and cooling without being sticky or greasy. Ideal for oily skin, or post exercise, and especially menopausal skin prone to flushing and redness.

Best for sensitive skin

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Skingredient Skin Good Fats | RRP: $62.70/£49

This ceramide-rich barrier balm gives back to skin when it needs it the most, enveloping it in all the good stuff; Shea Butter, niacinamides and vitamin E. It’s like a cuddle for sensitised skin. 

Best for a noticeable difference

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Transformulas Marine Miracle Creme | RRP: $82.80/£69

We love the whipped gel texture and the way it feels instantly cooling on application. Containing a cocktail of marine algae, giant sea kelp and sea salt extracts, it helps to heal and transform skin, so it looks cushioned and plump, with fine lines noticeably softer. 

Neck and decolletage

Best for toning up 

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Alphascience Ultra Firm | RRP: $89/£62

This is full of powerful ingredients to help iron out crepiness and firm up saggy skin. It’s not a replacement for surgery, but it’s very impressive. 

Best for smoothing lines

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StriVectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream PLUS  RRP: $86.99/£79

This product created a remarkable difference in horizontal lines and tone and texture of both neck and decolletage. Continual use definitely equals payoff! 

‘I noticed a distinct firming effect after using StriVectin's neck cream, on both my neck and under my chin.’

Charlotte Richards, Content Director

Facial oils

Best for brightening

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Gatineau DefiLift Firming Facial Oil | RRP: ££69 (UK only)

Using a smart mix of natural oils, this is a godsend for those with dull complexions as it enlivens and firms without leaving any residue. 

‘DefiLift Firming Facial Oil is lightweight and absorbs well with a good ingredient blend.’

Dr Sophie Shotter

Best for retinol first-timers

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Naturopathica Holy Basil & Retinol Ageless Night Oil | RRP: $130/£116

The benefit of using an oil over cream is the ability to minimise the irritation retinol itself can cause. Because of its moisturising properties, this delivered results with no dryness at all. 

Best for a holistic approach

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NEOM Perfect Night's Sleep Face Oil | RRP: $48/£43

Bursting with vitamins and antioxidants this is a delight to use before bed as it has a beautiful calming aroma to ease the mind, while working its magic on your skin. It’s heavenly!

Problem Solvers

 Best for irritation  

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Cetaphil PRO Redness Prone Moisturising Night Cream | RRP: $11.99/£14.99

A lovely soothing formula, that doesn’t feel too heavy. It calms the skin and reduces irritation. It’s a great option to layer over the top of any actives you may use first, like retinol.

Best for scars

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Kate Somerville EradiKate Blemish Mark Fading Gel | RRP: $68/£58

It's not just spots that are a pain, it's the lingering marks they leave behind. This gel speeds up the healing process to leave your skin looking clearer and blemish-free, faster.

Best for arm toning

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PRAI Ageless Upper Arm Creme | RRP: $30/£20

It’s not just our faces that suffer from sagging, our bodies can too. This cream targets ‘bingo wings’ helping to firm and tone the skin there. Combined with a few daily bicep curls, you’ll feel more confident in sleeveless tops in no time.

Best for breakouts

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The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution | RRP: $6.50/£5.60

Everyone should have a bottle of this for emergency spot moments! Add a few drops to your day cream, or use it as a targeted treatment. There’s a reason why it’s such a bestseller – it works! 

‘The Ordinary Salicylic is my go-to spot treatment – I always see a difference by the next day.’

Rhiannon Derbyshire Senior Beauty Editor

Serums

Best for a complexion boost 

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Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Texture Renewal Serum | RRP: $72/£74

This silky serum has a considered mix of ingredients, teaming two types of retinol with bakuchiol and ferulic acid. My skin slurped it up and looked exceedingly happy.

‘High performance ingredients that deliver good results.’

Dija Ayodele, clinical aesthetician

Best for rested complexion 

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L’Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum | RRP: $65/£50

After a few days, skin looked better on waking; brighter, clearer and just nicer. The tiny bubbles hovering in the serum are antioxidant immortelle essential oil (a flower from Corsica) which bursts onto the skin and works its magic.  

Best for even skin 

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Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum | RRP: $76.50/£74

A must-have for brighter, more even-toned skin. You’ll see a marked improvement in dullness and dark spots after a few weeks of use.

Best for smoothing lines - luxe

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No7 Advanced Retinol 1.5% Complex Night Concentrate | RRP: $39.99/£34.95

A brilliant all-round retinol, working just as well for beginners as it does for seasoned active users. It helps skin look refreshed, radiant and smooth.

‘No7s retinol infused my skin with a youthful radiance’

Catherine Westwood, Editor in Chief

Best for smoothing lines - high street

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Primark PS...Retinol Booster Serum | RRP: £3.50 (UK only)

This is a great way to kickstart your retinol journey. The 0.5% retinol complex leaves skin glowing and the lovely oil formula negates any drying side effects. The price is brilliant too. 

Best for plumping

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RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Serum Capsules RRP: $32.99/£35.99

The perfect single dose capsules for face and neck. Visibly smooths lines after just one use, and plumps hydration levels.

Best for brightening

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Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Antioxidant Serum | RRP: $169/£145

Every Beauty Editor has this powerful serum in their skincare arsenal for a reason. It fades sun damage, firms and smooths and combined with SPF, gives you superior protection against environmental damage. A true beauty hero. 

Best for immediate effects

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Strivectin Lactic Acid Nightly Retexturizing Serum | RRP: $79/£60

You’ll see a difference after just one use with this overnight treatment. Skin looks smooth, pores are refined and your make-up will just glide on.

‘One word. Amazing! Strivectin Lactic Acid is like a holiday in a bottle. Left my skin smooth and radiant.’

Sarah Cooper-White, Beauty Director

Facial Tools

 Best hands-free LED mask 

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Dr Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro| RRP: $435/£430

This is a big investment, but the results speak for themselves. Simple to operate, it only requires a three-minute treatment per day to see a marked difference resulting in clearer, firmer and brighter skin.

Best at-home facial device

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Foreo UFO | RRP: $219/£169

Amp up your at-home facials with this little device that works together with Foreo’s mini sheet masks and uses sonic pulsations and LED light for a 90-second treatment that will leave your skin looking like you’ve had a pro facial.

‘I am completely sold on UFO. It warms up, it cools down, it vibrates, it uses LED light therapy to target different concerns. It feels like a mini facial, and it had an immediate effect on my skin.’

Dr Sophie Shotter

Best face massager

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PMD Clean PRO Jade | RRP: $179/£165

Cleanse and massage your skin with this neat, simple-to-use device, which uses sonic vibration to deep clean and reduce blackheads. It also provides a relaxing, warming massage to help firm the skin and aid the deeper absorption of your skincare products. 

SPF

 Best natural SPF 

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Athletia Skin Protection UV Cream SPF30 | RRP: £35 (UK only)

Chemical-free and containing natural essential oils, this isn’t thick and heavy like traditional physical sunscreens can be. It’s light and gives skin a luminous glow. 

‘I genuinely can't fault Athletia's SPF. Such an elegant, light texture, robust broad spectrum protection and a gorgeous (all natural) botanical scent.’

Fiona McKim w&h.com beauty editor

Best for over makeup

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Garnier Ambre Solaire Over Makeup Super UV Protection Mist SPF50 | RRP: £6.50 (UK only)

An SPF you can top up throughout the day without ruining your make-up. This is a handbag essential. Now there’s no excuse to get burned in your lunch hour.

Best for lightweight protection

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Glossier Invisible Shield Daily Sunscreen SPF 30 | RRP: $25/£20

The perfect final flourish to your morning skincare routine. It’s lightweight but packs a protective punch. Doesn’t leave a white cast to your skin and sits nicely under make-up. 

Best SPF day cream

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Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF 50+ Luminising Serum SKINSCREEN | RRP: $40/£36

Want something you can use as an SPF and day cream in one? This glow-giving, rose scented formula is the one. The non-sticky formula melts into skin, leaving it looking radiant while protecting from UV rays. 

Supplements

Best liquid drink

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Absolute Collagen Marine Liquid Collagen Drink - Original Lemon | RRP: £33.99 for two weeks (UK only)

Stick with the daily dose and you’ll see a marked improvement in skin plumpness and hair thickness too, after around four weeks of use.

Best tablets

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Vitabiotics Perfectil Platinum Radiance | RRP: $48.30/£23.95 for 30 

Helps maintain skin plumpness and elasticity. Stick with it for a few weeks to see results – they’re definitely worth the wait.

Special Recognition

Best new launch

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Fenty Skin Pre-Show Glow Instant Retexturizing 10% AHA Treatment | RRP: $32/£28

Leaves skin feeling firm and glowing. Pores are refined and makeup goes on beautifully after use.

Best innovation in skincare

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Rose Inc Hydration Replenish Microencapsulated Moisturiser | RRP: $68/£53

The unusual texture features microencapsulated technology to deliver intense hydration without feeling greasy. It plumps, yet refines the skin and leaves incredible radiance.

‘Love, love, love! Interesting texture, smells great. I've had so many compliments about my glowing skin since using Hydration Replenish!’

Sarah Cooper-White Group Beauty Director

One to watch

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This is Silk Skincare | RRP: £39.99 each (UK Only)

Beautifully scented with calming essential oils, this range harnesses the power of silk peptides to leave skin soothed and feeling like silk –  just as the name suggests!

Best sustainable brand

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Pai Skincare

Not only do they make lovely, natural products, Pai is constantly striving to make the brand more sustainable and keep their packaging out of landfills. Over 80% of their retail packaging contains recycled materials, and they are introducing a new recycling scheme.


Main photo credits: Iulia David, Art Direction: Sarah Cooper-White; Styling: Becky Joiner O’Riordan; Make-up: Dani Guinsberg, Julia Wren; Hair: Alex Szabo, Jenni Davis; Models: Ailar Ershadi, Irena Tyshyna, Janey Goddard and Jesse De Corre

Rhiannon Derbyshire
Senior Beauty Editor

Rhiannon Derbyshire is the Senior Beauty Editor for Woman & Home and other publications. 


She started interning for glossy magazines while working alongside her Fashion Journalism degree. There, she was lured to the beauty desk, seduced by matte lipsticks, posh shampoos, and every skincare product imaginable. 10+ years into her career, she can confidently tell you why the best mascaras are always high street, and why SPF is a non-negotiable all year round. Ask her about her curly hair routine, skincare minimalism, and how to find the exact right red lipstick