Between TikTok trends, the latest beauty buzzwords, and the constant stream of brand-new buys hitting the shelves, it can be hard to whittle down the best products to add to your everyday beauty routine.
But we’ve got you covered. Our beauty team and panel of industry experts have spent the last few months swatching, scrubbing, swiping, and spritzing on the top drops across haircare, skincare, makeup, fragrance, and beauty tech to help you find the 100 very best buys. Rest assured, there’s something to suit every skin type, hair texture, and budget in the 2025 woman&home beauty awards.
Fancy trying something new but not sure where to start? Whether you’re looking for the best mascara or long-lasting perfume, you’ll find your future favourites from our tried and tested list of the 100 best beauty buys.
Our 2025 woman&home beauty awards winners
Makeup
RRP: from £23
This clever bag opens totally flat so you can see all your products at a glance without having to dig for your favourite lip liner. We love the bold and beautiful designs and colours it's available in.
“This is the perfect makeup bag,” proclaims hair and makeup artist Bryony Blake. “There's no need to rummage around your bag – everything lies flat and is easy to find.”
RRP: £22
No fuss, or a massive palette to squeeze into your makeup bag – just four perfect everyday shades with shimmer and matte finishes.
Celebrity makeup artist and brand founder, Joy Adenuga rates the “impressive colour payoff and long-wearing formula. The shades provide a sophisticated and versatile range for both day and evening looks.”
RRP: £25
What’s brilliant about these individual lashes is that you can gradually build up the volume. They’re impressively long-lasting, staying put for days, not hours.
Lan Nguyen-Grealis, makeup artist and author, found them easy to use. “The perfect amount of lashes and the right natural length to add drama to the eyes.”
RRP: £6
These lashes impressed judges with their ease of application, flattering shape, and the overall finished look, which didn’t look or feel like false lashes at all.
According to Bryony, “they give a gorgeous almond shape to the eye. A great option for anyone who usually finds strip lashes too much.”
RRP: £25
This keeps your brows in place without any crispiness, while also nourishing and softening, for healthier, fuller-looking brows over time.
“This stayed put so well and was actually quite difficult to remove, which in my eyes is a good thing,” raves Nicola Chapman, makeup artist and content creator.
RRP: £19
This quenching formula immediately overhauls dry, chapped lips, leaving them feeling much softer and looking plumper, with a glass-like glow – all without stickiness.
“This balm feels almost like water on the lips,” says Lan. “It keeps everything hydrated with a glossy shine that gives the illusion of fuller lips.”
RRP: £25
You can cheat eight hours of sleep with this little pot of wonder. A little goes a long way to make eyes look brighter in seconds.
Beauty Editor, Jess Beech was wowed. “I am obsessed with this! The first time I used it, I kept looking in the mirror because I couldn’t believe how awake I looked.”
RRP: £23
This velvety lippie wraps lips in long-lasting pigment that builds intensity with each layer. Its airy mousse-like texture creates a soft matte finish that makes lips look pillowy-soft.
Lan was impressed by the weightless texture. “This is a brilliant formula that you can't even feel on the lips,” she says.
RRP: £12.99
Get a fuller, longer-looking flutter with just a few sweeps of this wand. It didn’t clump, transfer or smudge.
“A brilliant mascara - especially for the price,” says makeup artist Caroline Barnes. “The formulation is ultra-rich, and the wand delivers lots of mascara onto your lashes without overpowering them.”
RRP: £6.20
Give short, straight lashes an immediate lift with these easy-to-use curlers that don’t tug or pinch. The curling effect lasts all day.
According to James Butterfield, makeup artist and hairstylist, “The design made it easy to fit around the eye, and the curl was a gentle curve, without that sharp right-angle lift other curlers can give.”
Complexion
RRP: £35
This is the perfect brush for applying a flawless-looking base, and it also works brilliantly with cream or liquid bronzers and blushers.
“This is a beautifully designed brush that feels as good as it looks, and it delivers!” raves makeup artist Ruby Hammer MBE. “It gives a smooth, natural finish that feels effortless.”
RRP: £22
The stick formula means it’s quick and easy to apply this glowy base. Sweep on to skin before blending with a brush or your fingertips.
Lan loved how effortless this was to work into the skin. “It’s probably the most efficient applicator on the market, and the beautiful formulation makes it easy to blend and reapply for extra coverage.”
With a lightweight and velvety soft texture, this bronzer gives skin a believable sun-kissed appearance and blends out beautifully.
“This is a great sheer bronzer that looks natural on the skin,” says Caroline Barnes. “There’s a good selection of shades, and the pigments last quite well.”
RRP: £29.50
This ticks all the boxes you'd want from a concealer. It helps imperfections vanish without sinking into wrinkles, and won’t budge all day.
“The formula is ideal for combination and oilier skins, providing long-lasting, all-day coverage,” explains makeup artist Jo Clayton. “It’s a product I trust on my brides and those needing their makeup to last from day to night.”
RRP: £24
Judges were impressed by the hydrating formula’s buildable colour, the ease of application, and its impressive staying power.
“This blush blends out beautifully, gliding effortlessly onto the skin for a seamless, natural-looking finish,” raves Joy Adenuga. “The colour payoff is impressive with just a small amount delivering a vibrant flush of color that suits a range of skin tones.”
RRP: £27
This formula applies like a dream, providing the most beautiful pearly glow that will perk up your complexion instantly.
It’s earned a permanent spot in the makeup bag of Beauty Director Sarah Cooper-White. “It glided on beautifully and left my skin with a gorgeous sheen and a soft dose of colour.”
RRP: £34
The tones were what made this bronzer a winner. It’s available in five shades, all of which provide a natural-looking golden glow - no orange tones in sight!
“I haven't used a powder bronzer for ages and using this made me wonder why," enthuses Rhiannon Derbyshire, senior beauty editor. "This is fab - it has great colour payoff and blends really easily.”
RRP: £39
A brilliant multitasker, the matte finish evens out complexions, while blurring blemishes and protecting with SPF 30.
“I loved how lightweight this skin tint was and the SPF30 is a brilliant bonus,” says beauty writer Annie Milroy. “ It provides just enough coverage without looking or feeling too heavy.”
This provides your complexion with the ultimate ‘your skin, but better’ gleam with just a couple of dabs. It's perfect for those who don’t like the heavy feeling of some liquid foundations.
According to Ruby Hammer, “With just a few pats, it enlivens the skin instantly. It looks great on - it's very natural and not too heavy.”
Skincare
RRP: £9.99
A brilliant targeted treatment for spots. These patches stop them in their tracks, tempering any swelling and soreness, and protect from picking.
According to skin expert Debbie Thomas, “these patches sit nicely on the skin, with ingredients that are calming and healing. They're perfect for milder acne breakouts.”
RRP: £60
Made with heavy-hitters including Azelaic Acid and Tranexamic Acid, this soothes and calms inflammation in skin prone to redness, spots and irritation. It also improves skin clarity and fades pigmentation.
“An excellent anti-inflammatory serum with excellent anti-pigmentary actives,” raves Dr Angela Tewari, consultant dermatologist, who hails it as one of her favourites.
RRP: £130
A worthy investment, the watery texture leaves no residue, leaving noticeable plumpness and a flattering glass-skin effect.
Sarah Cooper-White is a long-time fan of this formula. "I have already used a whole bottle of this previously, and I loved it. It really does make a huge difference to the texture and condition of your skin. You can rely on Skinceuticals for quality and results."
RRP: £3.79
Providing an immediate hydration hit, this affordable sheet mask quenches parched, dehydrated complexions, leaving a luminous peachy glow.
“This sheet mask is drenched in seven types of hyaluronic acid,” explains leading facialist Charlotte Connoley. “There was plenty of serum to spread over the neck and chest, too.”
A repeat winner, we all love the rich texture, which nourishes deeply while providing skin with a dewy radiance.
“I love everything about this product - especially the consistency and the fragrance,” exclaims Jules Von Hep, global beauty expert, author, and founder. “Skin is left hydrated and glowy all day long.”
RRP: £45
A consistent w&h award-winner for a reason – it’s the gold standard of exfoliants. It buffs away dead skin with ease, with no soreness or scratchiness.
Jess Beech has used this for years. "One tube lasts ages as you only need a small amount. It makes my skin look instantly brighter and fresher, and it feels soft. You can tailor how much exfoliation you want by adding more or less water."
Judges loved the texture of this cleanser, which melted into skin, rinsed off easily and made makeup removal – even stubborn mascara – easy. Afterwards skin feels soft and soothed, not dry or tight.
“I can see why this has cult status,” enthuses Sarah Cooper-White. "It left my skin feeling deeply cleansed but not tight and dry. It’s my new fave!”
RRP: £46
A buy that makes you understand the point of using an essence. We loved the extra layer of hydration and how plumped our skin felt.
Beauty Editor Stephanie Maylor is a convert. “I’d never used an essence before, but my skin has never felt softer or bouncier, and it sits beautifully under makeup.”
RRP: £69
Judges were blown away by the results and how quickly they happened. Skin was brighter, firmer, and radiant, without the irritation that can often happen with vitamin C.
Aesthetic physician, Dr Catherine Fairris hails it as “An all-round power product that targets multiple pathologies with high-grade ingredients.”
RRP: £62
Peptides and proteins strengthen cells for younger-looking skin. It feels plumper and bouncier in minutes.
“Considering the lightweight formula, it hydrated my dry skin really well,” notes Jo Clayton. “It is a lovely base for makeup, with a subtle glow. It’s a must-have for my kit!”
RRP: £50
This transforms the chore of cleansing into a pampering ritual, thanks to the mood-lifting scent, luxurious lather and the soft, smooth after-effects.
“I can’t believe how many actives this has crammed in,” enthuses Stephanie Maylor. “The silky serum-like consistency blasts through makeup, and leaves skin silky and smooth.”
RRP: £16
Suitable for all skin types, this creamy formula cleans without stripping skin of moisture. Faces felt smooth and soothed after every use.
Caroline Barnes was impressed. “I love this cleanser, from the packaging to the price. It feels silky on the skin and removes makeup gently, leaving everything feeling soft.”
This does what a lot of retinoid serums can’t – it provides impressive, noticeable results without irritation or dehydration.
“This is an excellent retinoid serum,” according to Rhiannon Derbyshire. “It has a really vivid yellow formula, which shows the retinoid is highly concentrated and well-formulated. My skin feels smooth the next day and looks bright.”
RRP: £29
A game changer for travel, especially for cabin bags or camping, these pre-soaked cleansing pads will sweep away make-up and grime, leaving skin totally clean.
Jo Clayton appreciated the convenience of the cleansing pads for her makeup kit. “The wipes were really generous in size and also well saturated too.”
Hands, feet & nails
RRP: £13.99
Apply these stickers to nails, trim, shape and you’re good to go. There’s no mess, no faff and no UV cure – and they last up to 14 days.
“These wraps are clever and look like a pro mani,” says Sarah Cooper-White. “They are easy to apply, and will save you money if you usually go for a gel manicure.”
RRP: £8.95
Two coats provide flawless coverage with no streaking. These polishes are also vegan-friendly and cruelty-free, with a kind-to-nails formulation.
Charlotte Connoley was impressed. “It provided a lovely, even coverage to the nail. I also liked the nice small bottle - it would travel well and not dry out.”
RRP: £4.99
Get a high-shine finish that lasts almost as long as a salon gel manicure with this range, which is available in a vast rainbow of shades.
“This lasts up to 10 days without the faff of curing with a lamp,” explains Charlotte Connoley. “It applies smoothly with great coverage and a lovely shine.”
RRP: £5.69
A small step that makes a huge difference to the health and smoothness of nails. It also prevents snags and hangnails, and smells delightful.
“The delicious fragrance kept me using it consistently and reaping the benefits,” raves Jennifer Hirsch, aka The Beauty Botanist. “It elevates a basic home manicure into a moment of indulgence.”
RRP: £9.99
Judges loved the instant softening effects and the lightweight formula that leaves no residue. Even more commendable is the brand’s commitment to donating a month’s supply to NHS nurses with each purchase.
Dr Fiona McCarthy, consultant medical oncologist, hails it as an “Excellent product, and soothing on dry hands. It contains allantoin, which is great for calming irritation.”
RRP: £22
Who knew a foot file could be so exciting? Judges were wowed at the difference it made to hardened skin – it’s immediately gratifying.
“This is a deceptively simple, incredibly effective tool that has transformed my feet,” enthuses Jennifer Hirsch. “Gone are the leathery heels and cracked soles, replaced by smooth, silky toes.”
RRP: £16
This is perfectly described as a CC cream for your nails – it makes everything look better while treating your nails with healing ingredients.
Rhiannon Derbyshire is a fan of this brand. “It helps nails look immediately better while treating them to a dose of healing ingredients. It did a great job of smoothing over my battered post-gel nails.”
RRP: £14
Whether you want to tap into the ballerina nail trend or you simply fancy the ideal barely-there nude tone, this sheer shade will fit the bill.
“A really pretty tinted treatment that looks after your nails whilst you wear it,” explains Annie Milroy. “It looks lovely on nails, and keeps them looking healthy and shiny.”
Haircare
RRP: £28
Tried, tested, and trusted, this super supplement delivers healthier hair from the inside out, helping to prevent shedding and encourage growth for fuller, thicker hair.
“Since using these, I’ve noticed my hair isn’t moulting as much, and I’m seeing less shedding in the shower,” explains Rhiannon Derbyshire.
RRP: £16
Using a combination of flexible pins and soft bristles, it smooths through tough knots without tugging or snagging, and helps distribute natural oils from root to tip for stronger, healthier hair.
James Butterfield has added the brush to his own hair kit. “I love the design, and it detangled very knotted extensions with ease, which is so handy when I'm on photoshoots!”
RRP: £49 each
Dyson’s innovations in its styling range are just as cutting-edge as its tools, using state-of-the-art ingredients that provide long-lasting moisturising and style-defining benefits.
Jason Collier, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Studio23, also rated the range’s aesthetic appeal. “The packaging felt expensive,” he explains. “The texture of the products felt really beautiful and were easy to apply.”
RRP: £26
This is an elevated essential – it smells like a luxe perfume, and it does a brilliant job of helping hair look freshly washed and feel clean.
“I’m quite fussy about dry shampoos,” admits Annie Milroy, “but this really impressed me. It absorbed any grease well and left my hair looking 100 times better.”
RRP: £11
A gentle but effective solution to deeply clean the hair and scalp, leaving it soothed from dryness and free from flakes.
“It lathers up well,” explains James Butterfield, “so you don't need to use a lot of it. It smells great, and leaves the scalp looking healthy and dandruff-free!"
RRP: £18.95
Prevent puffiness, frizz, and flyaways with this one-and-done prepping spray, which also promises to boost shine and protect hair from the heat damage inflicted by styling tools.
As hair artist Charlotte Mensah succinctly puts it, “The formula controls frizz, adds softness to the hair, and has an amazing sheen.”
RRP: £18
An essential for curly hair, to help create long-lasting definition, hold, and springiness at an affordable price point.
Our in-house curly hair expert, Rhiannon Derbyshire, is a fan. “I've gone through so many bottles of this. It provides excellent hold to my flyaway, frizz-prone curls, even during rain and humidity. I recommend it constantly.”
RRP: £32
Clean and nourish your hair in one fell swoop. It leaves hair noticeably softer before you even reach for conditioner.
“This is an indulgent experience,” enthuses Jason Collier. “For anyone who values a shampoo that not only cleanses but starts the repairing process from the first step, this is a real standout that restores suppleness and hydration.”
RRP: £14
For waves, it creates a beautifully beachy effect, and for straighter styles, it adds immediate texture and body – all without crispiness.
According to Beauty eCommerce editor Aleesha Badkar, “This ticked all my boxes for a salt spray. It has a good mist function, it’s lightweight and comfortable, and leaves hair with the perfect frizz-free wave.”
RRP: £29.50
Give your style ultimate staying power with this humidity-resistant high-performance hairspray, which promises to withstand all weather conditions.
Unlike some hairsprays that leave hair crispy and stiff, Jess Beech found this spray helped “retain a good amount of movement. It brushes out really well, and kept frizz at bay on a humid day.”
RRP: £26.40
Makes a noticeable difference to damaged, frazzled locks – the repairing bond-building benefits are visible after the first use.
“As a stylist, I’m always on the lookout for treatments that deliver instant results without weighing hair down,” explains Jason Collier. “This does exactly that. It leaves strands stronger and incredibly smooth.”
Tools
RRP: £199
Combining both red and near-infrared light, this mask stimulates the cellular renewal process and promises brighter, firmer skin thanks to 112 medical-grade LEDs. Use for 10 minutes a day to help improve lines and wrinkles.
Jules Von Hep described this mask as, “super easy to use, with great results and perfect for travel!”
RRP: £80
A clever innovation that makes a huge difference, this filter removes 99% of chlorine and heavy metals in your water. It's a must-try to improve skin and hair health.
“Living in a hard water area, I immediately noticed that my soap suds washed away more easily, my skin was softer, and my hair felt cleaner,” says Dr Catherine Fairris.
RRP: £79.99,
We loved the sleek design, while 40,000 sonic pulses per minute leave teeth and gums sparkling clean.
According to Jo Clayton, “Teeth were left feeling super clean and fresh without needing to scrub like I usually would. The portability and charging functions are amazing for travel.”
RRP: £199.99
This compact, lightweight dryer comes with four attachments, and its powerful motor dries hair speedily. This is a brilliant buy that works well on all hair types.
“One word - fantastic,” proclaims Sarah Cooper-White. “It’s small and compact, so great for travel, and comes with a great range of attachments.”
RRP: £139.99
With a speedy heat-up time, five adjustable heat settings, smooth plates that glide through the hair, and results that last all day, our judges absolutely loved these straighteners.
Digital Beauty Writer, Sennen Prickett, is sold. “It smoothed over my strands with no tugging, and straightened in a single pass, leaving my hair sleek, straight, and with absolutely no flyaways.”
RRP: £14.99
Made from 100% pure, naturally antibacterial copper, this easy-to-use tongue scraper promotes better gut health, helps remove the bacteria that cause plaque, and improves overall well-being.
Annie Milroy found this tool, “easy and quick to use. It left my mouth and tongue feeling fresh and so, so clean!”
RRP: £109.99
An excellent multi-functional tool at a great price. It dries hair quickly, and leaves it looking smooth and silky.
Jason Collier recommends this, “for clients who want the look of a round-brush blowout without the arm workout. It takes a little practice to handle, but the lift it delivers is worth it.”
RRP: £379
Smooth and dry your hair in one easy step with this handy heated brush. Hair glides out shiny and bouncy – and with zero damage.
“This makes it easy to get a bouncy blow-dry at home,” explains Jess Beech. “Hair holds its volume, with a shiny, frizz-free finish.”
RRP: £26.99
This contains everything you need to gently clean gums and between the teeth for a healthier, happier smile. Your dentist will thank you.
Dr Leah Totton, a medical and cosmetic doctor, would recommend it. “It works well, with clear instructions for use. It's easy to add to your routine."
Special recognition
RRP: £39.95
Results-driven skincare at a great price, this works with your body’s circadian rhythms to help boost your skin’s ability to repair itself at the optimum time overnight.
“Lightweight, rapidly absorbing and oh so active,” shares Jennifer Hirsch. “There’s a lot to be said for accessible skincare that delivers on its promises.”
RRP: From £45
This cult serum smooths wrinkles, fights dark spots, and firms. As your skin gets used to the formula, you can move up to the next strength.
Annie Milroy has only good things to say: “I think it’s one of the best, if not the best anti-ageing serum on the market, with visible smoothing results after a couple of uses.”
RRP: From £65
There’s a reason this product wins w&h awards time and again. Judges consistently love the potent dual formula that targets signs of ageing, and leaves skin looking plumped and dewy.
“The dual-phase formula means you get barrier support from the lipids, while also delivering peptides and hydration,” explains Debbie Thomas.
RRP: £30
A salon-style shine treatment at a fraction of the price, this transforms dull hair thanks to a clever silicone-free formula.
“My hair was so shiny and soft,” shares Jess Beech. “I really like that you can use it right up to the roots to get the shine all over.”
Described as an ‘ethical pioneer’, the health and beauty brand strives to do better in every aspect of its business practices, from being the world’s first CarbonNeutral high street retailer to a global leader in sustainability.
“This is a brand I really trust,” says Sarah Cooper-White. “They have such beautiful products with a caring ethos. They make great guilt-free gifts.”
RRP: £65
This is haircare that works like skincare thanks to peptides that work to repair and revive frazzled strands while you sleep.
Jo Clayton was impressed. “An easy-to-use, delightfully-smelling and effective solution for moisturising hair overnight. I loved that, like my usual nightly skincare routine, my hair was getting some overnight care too!”
RRP: £60
This is an incredible, must-try product. The blend of oils is truly therapeutic and mood-boosting, whether you want to de-stress, relax or get a better night’s sleep.
“This smells like heaven in a bottle!” raves Dr Fiona McCarthy. “My skin felt incredibly soft and hydrated. I have recommended this to many of my friends already!”
RRP: £1,999
Pricey, yes, but you’ll be wowed by the results of this clinical-grade laser. Just three minutes a day will transform skin in 30 days.
“This is the easiest gadget I’ve ever used,” says Stephanie Maylor. “It works over makeup, skincare and SPF, and there’s no pain or downtime. After three months, my skin looks healthier and more even-toned.”
RRP: £65,
A whitening toothpaste and toothbrush with a difference. Colour-correcting pigments brighten yellow tones over time, while vibrant blue pigments give a temporary instant whitening effect.
“I was genuinely impressed at the way this brightened my teeth,” admits Sarah Cooper-White. “It’s like a purple hair toner but for your teeth.”
Fragrance
RRP: £6.99
This bargain buy really surprised our judges, who loved the sweet – but crucially not sickly – scent with notes of cocoa, coffee, and lingering sandalwood, with pretty packaging worthy of a spot on your dressing table.
"When we sprayed this during our first round of testing, we were wowed by how lovely - and expensive - it smells," describes Rhiannon Derbyshire. "What also wowed us was the price. It's a real gem!"
RRP: £24
It’s much-loved for a reason – one spritz of this mist transports you to a faraway holiday destination, thanks to warm, sunny notes of pistachio and salted caramel.
“The fragrance took me to the best holiday of my life,” raves Jules Von Hep, “it stayed in my hair and on my skin longer than I expected.”
RRP: £42
Zingy, crisp and uplifting, with layers of orange blossom, neroli, bergamot and vetiver. This fresh, citrusy scent is unisex and an instant mood-booster.
"Scents have the power to really overhaul your mood, and this perfume is the perfect example of that," says Rhiannon Derbyshire. "With just one spritz, I feel immediately and jollier - it'll really come in handy during the grey winter months."
RRP: £99
Skin scents smell different on each wearer, and each tester loved the result of this formula. It’s warm and understated, thanks to the combination of sandalwood and musk.
“I am obsessed with this perfume," says Sarah Cooper-White. "I've worn it every day since trying it. It's so comforting and cosy, like a hug in a perfume bottle. If you like warm fragrances, you'll love this blend of musks, florals, and woody notes."
RRP: £24.90
The ideal gift for yourself or a loved one, this has a clean, fresh scent that lingers hours after it’s been blown out.
“I love the look of Rituals candles - this fluted white glass goes with my decor,” admits Stephanie Maylor. “I can’t imagine anyone not liking this soft, sunshine fragrance.”
RRP: £8
The team all loved this formula for its subtle, warming blend of cardamom, iris and sandalwood. In fact, we fought over who took it home!
"This bargain buy totally blew me away," says Annie Milroy. "The earthy yet floral scent smells like something you would pay way over £100 for. What a pleasant surprise - I love, love, love this!"
RRP: £99
Crisp and refreshing, and using sustainable ingredients, this formula is lightweight, joyful and perfect for year-round wear.
“Delicate, feminine, lovely and bound to be a classic in the summery floral space,” raves Jennifer Hirsch. “It’s easy to wear and lasts about six to eight hours on skin, and longer on fabric.”
RRP: £140
Invigorating, fresh and uplifting, like a walk through a meadow in full bloom, it packs an impressive petal-powered punch that lasts through the day.
According to Rhiannon Derbyshire, "Florals are (unfairly) often seen as traditional or boring - but this scent proves why that's not the case. It's punchy, fresh and inviting."
RRP: £245
The original is hard to beat. It sits between the amber and woody fragrance families, with an alluring and addictive blend of jasmine, amberwood, and cedar notes.
"Baccarat Rouge is an icon within the perfume industry," according to Annie Milroy. "It's much-copied, but you can't top the original - it's so warm and inviting. It's cult for a reason."
RRP: £88
This is a beautiful product that can be used for years to come. The matchbox design cleverly retains the scent, which is inspired by the Amalfi coast.
“This is an utterly charming item and elevates my bathroom no end,” enthuses Jo Clayton. “The beautiful scent reminds me of summer holidays.”
Sun & Tan
RRP: £52
Forget tights, this blurs imperfections and veins, thanks to a light-reflecting formula that also relieves any leg puffiness.
“This product saved me on a surprise sunshine day,” says Annie Milroy. “It turned my pasty legs from drab to fab in seconds. A must-have for giving you a little extra confidence about your body.”
RRP: £30
Add serious glamour with this shimmering sunscreen. It gives a gorgeous gleam to your skin, all while delivering powerful sun protection. It's the perfect confidence-booster if you're lying on a sunlounger, or if you want to add some shimmer to your legs when wearing shorts.
Jo Clayton enjoyed using this formula. “So pretty to use, leaving a sparkle on the skin, with great protective benefits. I’ve been using it to lift and brighten summer skin.”
RRP: £25
The brand creates some of the best sunscreens in the business, and their newest formula is no exception. It has an ultra-light, non-greasy texture that sits well under makeup.
“It is incredibly lightweight, and does not leave you shiny or greasy,” explains Dr Fiona McCarthy. “Both my children have taken this from my handbag to use, which is a very good sign!”
RRP: £20.99
Dry skin will love this hydrating body SPF that packs a protective punch. It sinks in beautifully and is water-resistant too.
Jennifer Hirsch hails it as, “Easy to use and packed with ingredients you’d expect in skincare products like hyaluronic acid, making it a no-brainer swap for my morning moisturiser.”
RRP: £44
A replenishing blend of hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and fermented mushrooms – plus a plant-based DHA – to give you a glow from top to toe.
“I love the ease of this tinted tanning serum,” raves Jules Von Hep. “It's buildable and customisable. You can always judge a fake tan on its final colour, and the end result was completely natural-looking.”
RRP: £24.99
No scrubbing needed - a 20-minute soak in the bath with this clever product is all you need to quickly wash away a build-up of streaky or patchy tan, ready to start afresh.
“Its easy to use, with a good price point, and removes tan without drying out the skin,” summarises Dr Leah Totton.
RRP: £29
Complexion in need of a glow-up? This serum delivers a big slurp of hydration as well as DHA to transform skin from dull to radiant.
Jess Beech describes this as, “Buildable, natural, and really moisturising - so much so I used it overnight without moisturiser and my skin was still soft and comfortable in the morning.”
RRP: £32
This swipe-on sunscreen is perfect for UV protection on the go. The water-resistant filters are strengthened by heat, water and sweat for the ultimate shield against the sun.
“Exceptional product,” raves James Butterfield. “It’s a fantastic formula, very lightweight, and absorbs immediately leaving the skin glowing.”
RRP: £17
We can see why this went viral earlier this summer. You can protect and perfect skin with this lightweight SPF that blends beautifully with any complexion. It's available in 12 adaptable shades will suit all tones.
"I'm so impressed with this formula," writes Sarah Cooper-White. "It feels so light, providing a sheer veil of colour to even out complexion, while protecting skin. It's quite the bargain, too."
Body
RRP: £3
The rich lather and moisturising ingredients leave skin feeling silky smooth and sweet-scented with warm vanilla, musk and jasmine.
Rhiannon Derbyshire was impressed. “This is a really lovely shower cream. It has a silky texture, and it left my skin feeling really soft. It’s a wild bargain, too!”
RRP: £23
Enjoy a proper pampering experience, thanks to the heavenly scent, silky texture and the softness it leaves your skin with.
“The oil texture was excellent for nourishing dry skin,” explains Sennen Prickett. “It does a stellar job at banishing dirt, grime and body odours, while remaining completely gentle on the skin.”
RRP: £47
This cult classic has been reformulated to better nourish skin, but with the same beloved honey scent.
“I’m a bath girl and this is always in my routine,” enthuses Stephanie Maylor. “I love the ritual of swirling it into the water, and it always leaves my skin feeling soft and silky.”
RRP: £26
We have long loved this multipurpose oil for its nourishing benefits and delicious scent, but with the new roll-on bottle, it’s even easier to use.
“I’m so glad we finally have a roll-on of this iconic product,” says Annie Milroy. “It smells amazing, leaves skin soft and smooth, with no greasy feeling.”
RRP: £79
A skincare-grade retinal that firms skin, and smooths wrinkles, dimples and stretch marks. When used consistently, the results are impressive.
According to Dr Catherine Fairris, “Retinal for the body makes sense and will improve skin quality over time with consistent use. The formulation absorbs well, and it slotted in easily with my normal skincare routine.”
RRP: £7.49
This company has managed to do the almost-impossible - create an aluminium-free, pleasant-smelling deodorant that actually works. If you're looking to make the swap, this formula will really impress you. We're converted.
“Great price, lovely coconut scent, and most importantly, does the job you need it to do, whilst softening this delicate skin”, sums up Stephanie Maylor.
RRP: £3.50
Helps prevent sweat and odour for up to 72 hours, while softening and soothing the delicate skin on your underarms, with a hyaluronic acid complex.
“This felt very gentle, even on just-shaved skin,” says Jess Beech. “The scent options are all nice - I like the cucumber one best. A good budget buy.”
RRP: £12.50
Sanctuary’s new scent is fresher than its original. This lightweight cream feels cooling and refreshing, sinking into skin in seconds.
“This is great value for a big tub,” says Sarah Cooper-White. “I loved the smell - fresh and watery - and the light texture was lovely on hot days.”
RRP: £34
The judges particularly loved the texture of this cream. Bouncy is the perfect word to describe it – skin felt immediately firmer and springier.
“The delightful texture in the pot transforms on skin, melting in easily and leaving hydrated, smooth skin in its wake,” raves Jennifer Hirsch. “A joy to use!”
RRP: £45
This feels like a spa break in a jar, thanks to the uplifting, zingy scent and the satisfying slough that leaves you with impossibly soft skin.
Jo Clayton was wowed. “The dreamiest-smelling, most luxurious, shower-elevating experience. The texture left my skin the softest it has ever been!”
RRP: £16
Made with a blend of 10 essential oils, this is a treat for the mind as well as the body. Skin is left silky, with a flattering sheen.
“I like an exfoliator that really gets to work,” admits Stephanie Maylor. “This one delivers, with a satisfyingly scrubby grain suspended in oils that left my skin smooth but nourished.”
