Every year we test hundreds of products so you don’t have to. From cult classics to exciting newcomers, our editors and judges have picked the very best in beauty for 2026. The products that truly deliver on their promises, the brands pushing boundaries, and the heroes quietly earning a permanent spot on our bathroom shelves. Welcome to the Hip & Healthy Beauty Awards.
BEST BEAUTY RETAILER
Winner: Space NK
The ultimate beauty destination, Space NK has an unmatched ability to curate the very best in skincare, makeup and fragrance, making it the first place we turn when we want to discover something new. Knowledgeable staff, an impeccable edit and a loyal following that says it all.
Editor’s Comment: “If it’s in Space NK, you know it’s worth buying. The most trusted name in beauty retail.”
Runner-up: Look Fantastic
BEST SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY BRAND
Winner: Evolve Beauty
Evolve continues to set the gold standard for sustainable beauty, proving that organic, eco-conscious formulas can deliver serious results. Refillable packaging, certified organic ingredients and a genuine commitment to the planet make this brand impossible not to love.
Editors Comment: “Evolve is our go-to proof that clean beauty doesn’t mean compromising on performance.”
Runner-up: PAI Skincare
BEST NATURAL BEAUTY BRAND
Winner: Dr. Hauschka
A pioneer of natural beauty for decades, Dr. Hauschka’s holistic philosophy and biodynamic ingredients remain as relevant as ever. Timeless, trustworthy and genuinely transformative.
Editor’s Comment: “There’s a reason this brand has been on our radar for years, it simply works.”
Runner-up: Neal’s Yard Remedies
BEST SPF PRODUCT
Winner: Sarah Chapman Skin Insurance SPF 50
This is SPF done beautifully, lightweight, skin-perfecting and packed with skincare benefits alongside serious sun protection. It layers perfectly under makeup and feels like a treat every morning.
Editor’s comment: “I genuinely look forward to applying this every day. SPF has never felt so luxurious.”
Runner-up: Drunk Elephant
BEST CLEANSER
Winner: De Mamiel Restorative Cleansing Balm A sensory masterpiece. This balm melts away makeup and impurities while leaving skin deeply nourished, never stripped. The ritual of using it feels as good as the results.
Editor’s Comment: “The scent of this is amazing and it’s the perfect evening ritual.”
Runner-up: Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
BEST FOR SUNLESS TANNING
Winner: Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad
Foolproof, streak-free and genuinely glowy, these clever pads deliver a natural-looking tan with the bonus of exfoliating acids for smoother skin underneath.
Editor’s Comment: “Gentle on the skin and one of the few sunless tanners I can actually use.”
Runner-up: Douvalls Argan Self-Tanning Face Drops
BEST FACIAL OIL
Winner: Oskia Restoration Oil
Rich yet fast-absorbing, this oil is a masterclass in facial nourishment. Packed with plant-based actives, it leaves skin visibly plumper and radiant overnight.
Editor’s Comment: “A few drops of this and your skin looks absolutely radiant every morning.”
Runner-up: PAI Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil
BEST FACIAL MIST
Winner: Caudalie Beauty Elixir
A true icon. This cult mist tightens pores, sets makeup and delivers an instant radiance boost, all in one spritz. It’s been a beauty staple for a reason.
Editor’s Comment: “I spray this before, during and after makeup. It’s non-negotiable.”
Runner-up: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist
BEST FACE MASK
Winner: Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
Indulgent, effective and utterly luxurious, this mask is the ultimate treat for tired skin. Black rose extract plumps and restores, leaving a lit-from-within glow that lasts for days.
Editor’s Comment: “This is my desert island mask. Perfect for instant radiance.”
Runner-up: Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Clay Mask
BEST NIGHT CREAM / OVERNIGHT TREATMENT
Winner: Oskia Midnight Elixir
This overnight treatment works hard while you sleep, delivering a cocktail of powerful botanicals to firm, smooth and deeply hydrate.
Editor’s Comment: “I apply this and wake up convinced I’ve had 9 hours sleep. Magic in a bottle.”
Runner-up: Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask
BEST LASH & BROW PRODUCT
Winner: Dr. Hauschka Long-Lasting Mascara
Natural, buildable and genuinely kind to lashes, this mascara delivers impressive length and definition without the harsh chemicals. Your lashes will thank you.
Editor’s Comment: “Clean mascara that actually performs. We’ve been converted.”
Runner-up: BBB London Eyebrow Tint Kit
BEST DAY CREAM
Winner: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion
A timeless classic for good reason. Lightweight, reliable and universally loved, this hero moisturiser has introduced generations to the power of consistent skincare.
Editor’s Comment: “The classics are classics because nothing beats them – this is a perfect example of a product that has stood the test of time.”
Runner-up: Chantecaille Blanc Peony Face Cream
BEST EYE CREAM
Winner: MZ Skin Soothe & Smooth Eye Treatment
Developed by renowned facialist Dr. Maryam Zamani, this eye cream tackles dark circles, puffiness and fine lines with expert precision. Worth every penny.
Editor’s Comment: “I noticed a difference within days. This is the real deal.”
Runner-up: Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream
BEST FACE SERUM
Winner: Niance Premium Glacier Facial Serum
Harnessing the power of Swiss glacier water and rare alpine botanicals, this ultra-premium serum delivers visible results in skin firmness and luminosity. A true luxury investment.
Editor’s Comment: “If you’re going to splash out on one serum this year, make it this one.”
Runner-up: Clarins Double Serum
BEST VITAMIN C PRODUCT
Winner: Oskia Super C Capsules
Freshly activated vitamin C in every capsule means maximum potency, zero oxidisation. Skin looks brighter, more even and genuinely glowing with consistent use.
Editor’s Comment: “The capsule format is genius, you get a fresh, potent dose every single time.”
Runner-up: SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic
BEST EXFOLIATOR
Winner: Rituals Polishing Exfoliator
Gentle yet effective, this exfoliator buffs away dullness to reveal smoother, more radiant skin, all wrapped in Rituals’ signature luxurious sensory experience.
Editor’s Comment: “Exfoliation that feels like a spa treatment. My new Sunday routine essential.”
Runner-up: Evolve Radiant Glow Organic Face Mask
BEST RETINOL
Winner: Medik8 Crystal Retinal
The benchmark for accessible yet professional-grade retinol. Crystal Retinal delivers faster, gentler results than traditional retinol thanks to its clever aldehyde technology, with minimal irritation.
Editor’s Comment: “I love this as it is so gentle and the results speak for themselves.”
Runner-up: Ranavat Firming Bakuchi Serum
BEST BLEMISH BUSTER
Winner: Plenaire Violet Paste This little pot is a cult hero for good reason, a precise, powerful blemish treatment that reduces spots overnight without drying out surrounding skin. A genuine breakthrough.
Editor’s Comment: “A new staple in the bathroom for when you need it – which is alarmingly regular despite my 40 years of age!”
Runner-up: The INKEY List Succinic Acid
BEST FOR SOOTHING SENSITIVE SKIN
Winner: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair So Soothing Treatment
The Cicapair range is legendary for a reason, this treatment calms redness, repairs the skin barrier and soothes even the most reactive complexions with impressive speed.
Editor’s Pick: “This is my sensitive-skin emergency cream. It never lets me down.”
Runner-up: Dr Sam Bunting Flawless Revival Mask
BEST FOR MATURE SKIN / ANTI-AGEING SKIN
Winner:Dr. Hauschka Regeneration Range
Crafted specifically for skin from 50+, this thoughtfully designed range uses potent natural actives to support skin renewal, firmness and elasticity, with a holistic philosophy that sets it apart.
Editor’s Comment: “Skincare that respects and celebrates mature skin rather than just fighting it.”
Runner-up: Clarins Skincare
BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Winner: Tata Harper Hyaluronic Repair Serum
A powerhouse of hydration, this serum layers multiple forms of hyaluronic acid to quench even the most parched skin, plumping fine lines and restoring a healthy bounce.
Editor’s Comment: “Your skin literally drinks this in and looks instantly better.”
Runner-up: ishga Hydra+ Oil
BEST LED MASK
Winner: Correxiko LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Professional-grade LED technology in an at-home mask that genuinely delivers, boosting collagen, reducing inflammation and improving overall skin tone with regular use. The future of home skincare is here.
Editor’s Comment: “Correxiko is Doctor Founded, which is so reassuring. Their new mask is such good quality, like the rest of their products, and covers your mouth boosting collagen in your lips. Game-changer. ”
Runner-up: BON CHARGE Red Light Face Mask
BEST HAIR STYLING TOOL
Winner: Keeo Hair
Innovative, considered and genuinely kind to hair health, Keeo is redefining what we expect from a styling tool. Less damage, more style.
Editor’s Comment: “It really is kind to hair. I now use it nearly daily.”
Runner-up: T3 Aire 360
BEST BODY CARE PRODUCT
Winner: Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Utterly addictive and endlessly effective, this iconic body cream has earned its cult status with its skin-smoothing, firming formula and that signature irresistible scent.
Editor’s Comment: “Once you’ve tried it, you’ll understand the hype. It smells like holidays and keeps my tan for longer – I swear.”
Runner-up: Douvalls Skincare Candle
BEST SHAMPOO / CONDITIONER
Winner: Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Shampoo
From the brand that has been solving hair concerns for decades, this thickening shampoo is a godsend for fine or thinning hair, delivering visible volume and improved density with every wash.
Editor’s Comment: “So great that my husband now keeps stealing it.”
Runner-up: Aveda Scalp Solutions Exfoliating Scalp Treatment
BEST MAKEUP BRAND
Winner: Merit
Pared-back, skin-first and effortlessly chic, Merit has redefined modern makeup with its edit of truly essential products that enhance rather than mask.
Editor’s Comment: “Merit is what we wish all makeup was like. Clean, considered, beautiful.”
Runner-up: ILIA
BEST BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT
Winner: Correxiko Collagen Powder
High-quality, responsibly sourced and genuinely effective, Correxiko’s collagen powder supports skin, hair and joint health from within. Beauty that starts at the cellular level.
Editor’s Comment: “A complete non-negotiable for me. It has done so much for my joints, skin and hair.”
Runner-up: Terramare Derma Renew
BEST TEEN BEAUTY
Winner: Bare La Terre
Thoughtfully formulated for young skin, Bare La Terre keeps things simple, safe and effective, exactly what teen skincare should be. No harsh actives, no overwhelming routines, just healthy skin habits.
Editor’s Pick: “The brand we’d confidently hand to our tweens and teenagers. Finally.”
Runner-up: Spots & Stripes
BEST NEWCOMER (Launched in the past year)
Winner: Correxiko LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Making its mark as both Best LED Mask and Best Newcomer, Correxiko has arrived on the scene with a product that punches well above its weight. A star is born.
Editor’s Comment: “The most exciting launch we’ve tested this year. Watch this space.”
Runner-up: Gem & Tonic Replenish & Rescue Hydrating Face Cream
