HWBA 2021: The all-star beauty brands that continue to impress us every year

The secret to the brand’s success is thermal spring water from the mountains in the South of France. Found in its cult favourite, the Eau Thermale Avene Face Mist, and in many other products too, the water is said to soothe, hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier for healthier skin.

From mascaras that keep our lashes full and fluttery to cheek stains that give us the healthiest glow, and brow gels that get our brows perfect with ease, it’s easy to see why Benefit products regularly win in our Beauty Awards. We love its whimsical packaging too.

It’s not only about that coveted label. The formulas are consistently top-notch, comfortable and oh- so-wearable. From lipsticks and glosses for a kissable pout to foundations that feel weightless yet get the job done and, of course, skincare that pamper and nourish at every step, we’re never disappointed.

With the philosophy that every woman can be beautiful, Estee Lauder offers sophisticated formulas that work. After all, its iconic Advanced Night Repair serum has been featured many times in our Beauty Awards, and with good reason too, as its effective formula just keeps getting better with each iteration.

Constant research and innovative formulas have made its products, from skincare to makeup, winners. PS. The brand was the first to launch covetable limited edition couture cushion compacts in the same prints as its iconic fashion pieces – the wait list could possibly rival the one for the Playstation 5.

Recommended by dermatologists globally, La Roche- Posay is well-known for its wide range of face and bodycare products that soothe, protect and nourish skin. And why do we love it? The answer is simple: its fuss-free, sensitive skin-friendly and effective formulas.

The quintessence of French beauty, it’s all about achieving healthy, radiant skin. Our fave is, without a doubt, the Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Serum, one of the first products in the industry that focused on restoring and balancing the skin’s microbiome.

The brand boasts the highest quality products, from brightening and anti-ageing skincare to beautifully crafted makeup and tools, all done with the Japanese wabi-sabi touch. Over the years, we’ve awarded top honours to its White Lucent, Future Solution LX and Shiseido Makeup ranges.

With the late Shu Uemura’s belief that beautiful makeup starts with beautiful skin, the brand’s iconic Cleansing Oils have taken top place in our Beauty Awards, year after year. But that’s not all, the brand’s innovative skincare and cutting-edge makeup are well-loved by many.

Bringing together traditional Korean herbal medicine and cutting-edge technology, Sulwhasoo offers solutions to address your skin woes at the root. And of course, if we can do so and look as radiant and youthful as its long-time brand ambassador, Song Hye Kyo, that’s even better.

Efficacious products that won’t break the bank – that’s what The Body Shop does so well. In addition, the brand is a sustainable beauty champion, introducing ranges that focus on limiting supermarket waste – like its carrot and lemon lines – helping you look good while doing good. And that’s something we can get behind.

Cool and edgy, that’s what the brand is all about. Each product delivers high- performance results. Our all-time faves? Its collection of icons that include the Black Opium Eau de Parfum, Touche Eclat (now in a whole range that includes foundations, primers and powders) and Rouge Pur Couture lipsticks.

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