Good Housekeeping's 2025 Beauty Awards
After evaluating 598 skincare, hair and makeup products, these are the best you can buy.
Updated: 8:41 PM CDT Apr 23, 2025
- Should I still wear sunscreen if my makeup has SPF in it? We are always warning people about this. Hi, I'm Chiara Butler. I'm a health and beauty reviews analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute where we test beauty and personal care products every day. Today I'm answering some of the most frequently asked questions about sunscreen. This is, "Good to Know". (soft music) First question. When is should I wear sunscreen and when is it okay to skip? It's good to wear sunscreen all year round. Even on a cloudy day, a certain percentage of UVA light is still going to pass through the clouds, so it's good to wear sunscreen to protect yourself from that percentage of light that's coming through. UVA light can also pass through windows. So we generally recommend making sunscreen part of your daily routine, so no matter what happens, you have some protection and we recommend wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen. Okay, how often should I be reapplying sunscreen throughout the day? If you're out in the sun, if you're gonna wanna reapply every two hours right after you come out of the water or after you towel off. And if you're sweating, you're gonna wanna reapply more often as well. Even if you're wearing a really high SPF or a water-resistant sunscreen, it's important to reapply every two hours because no sunscreen is fully waterproof or gives you full protection from the sun. This is a really common mistake that people make with sunscreen application. Say if they're going to the beach or something, they think that if they put it on once at the beginning of the day, they'll be good for the entire day. But it's really important to reapply, especially if you're doing activities, like being in the water, like toweling off or sweating a lot. Because that barrier that it creates over your skin is going to start to wear away, so you want to reapply. Next question, what is the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen? Mineral sunscreens use the ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. And a lot of times these ingredients can leave a white cast on skin. So while chemical sunscreens use another group of ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, and those tend to have a clearer appearance on skin. So I have two Banana Boat sunscreens here. Okay, so we have a mineral and a chemical. First, I'm gonna show you the mineral sunscreen. I'm gonna apply a little bit on my hand. As I'm rubbing it in, it tends to leave this white cast on the skin. Mineral ingredients, on their own, they're really like white powders and they're tiny, tiny, solid particles. It's gonna look a little bit pasty. People with deeper skin tones are gonna notice this a lot more. So this can be a concern for some people. Some people really don't mind it, you know, it's a matter of preference. And now I'm gonna show you the chemical sunscreen and I'll rub this one in. And this one really shears out to be completely clear. And that's because these UV absorbers that they use in the chemical sunscreens. They are kind of clear oily liquids. So they're not going to leave that white film or cast over the skin. They're going to really look clear on all skin tones. I personally prefer chemical sunscreens. I think they look better and they feel better on my skin. There's a myth that mineral sunscreens are more natural. The truth is that even these mineral ingredients that go into mineral sunscreens, they're not being harvested from the earth and used as is. They're also, you know, synthesized in a laboratory just like the ingredients that go into the chemical sunscreens. So they're not really more natural than the chemical ones. They're both really effective. So it's more a matter of preference, and they're both great to use. Onto the next question. Do more expensive sunscreens work better? No, thanks to SPF testing, we have a standard for how well sunscreen works regardless of its price. SPF testing determines how well that sunscreen protects you from a certain exposure to UV light. So a more expensive sunscreen might feel better on your skin, meaning it can be less greasy, less tacky, feel lighter, give you a nice skin finish, but it's not going to work better than the cheaper sunscreen. Next question. What does broad spectrum mean? Broad spectrum means that a sunscreen has been tested to protect against both UVA and UVB light. Generally, UVB light is the type that causes burns and UVA light is the type that causes early signs of aging. We recommend wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen because that's going to give you the best protection from both types of UV light. You'll know that your sunscreen is broad spectrum because it will say it on the front of the label. Look for the words broad spectrum, and then you'll be good. Another question is, will sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency? No, the studies that have been done on this haven't found any connection between daily sunscreen use and vitamin D deficiency. So there isn't a sunscreen that blocks a hundred percent of UV light. If you're outside, some light is always going to be hitting your body. Bottom line is sunscreen is not gonna be the cause of vitamin D deficiency. Okay, what types of chemicals should I avoid in sunscreen? Unless you're allergic to a certain ingredient, there aren't really any chemicals that you have to avoid in sunscreens. The risks of sun exposure are much greater than the risks of applying sunscreen. Rather than avoiding chemicals, I would avoid certain sunscreen formats like powders or setting mists. Because as opposed to lotions and creams, it's really hard to apply the proper amount of these products. Odd are you're gonna be left underprotected. Onto the next question. Is sunscreen fully waterproof? No, so you can buy sunscreens that are either water-resistant, meaning they protect you from 40 minutes of time in the water, or very water-resistant, meaning they protect you from 80 minutes of time in the water. You're less likely to get burned while you're in the water with these products. No sunscreen is completely waterproof, so it's really important to reapply when you come out or after you towel off. Next question. Should I still wear sunscreen if my makeup has SPF in it? Yes, we are always warning people about this. With a normal foundation application, you're really not going to apply enough that you're going to get that full SPF protection that's advertised on the bottle. In order to really get that level of protection, you would have to cake on so much that you would look ridiculous. Even if you're gonna be wearing makeup, we recommend applying a broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen underneath. Thanks so much for watching. Head to goodhousekeeping.com for more sunscreen tips. (soft music)
Good Housekeeping's 2025 Beauty Awards
After evaluating 598 skincare, hair and makeup products, these are the best you can buy.
Updated: 8:41 PM CDT Apr 23, 2025
Countless beauty products are crowding store and online shelves (and social media!), making lofty get-gorgeous promises. To cut through the clutter, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists spent nearly a year rigorously testing hundreds of the latest launches to find the skin, hair and makeup buys that really perform. Meet the ExpertsHow We TestedScientists in the GH Beauty Lab evaluated 598 beauty products in seven main categories to determine the best on the market. They assessed performance using specialized equipment in the GH Beauty Lab (see below), collecting 1,869 measurements. Products were also distributed to 819 consumer testers with a wide range of skin tones and types, hair textures and types, and ages, who reported 10,776 points of feedback on their attributes, ease of use and effects. These sets of data were then utilized to identify the winners.Be a product tester! Sign up for a GH+ membership and register for the chance to be one of our consumer testers. Beauty Awards Symbol GlossaryLook for these marks next to the winning products to guide your shopping. Superior Skincare Genius Anti-Agers Remarkable Body Care Hair Must-Haves Exceptional Cosmetics Marvelous MakeupCredits: Photography by Mike Garten. Prop Styling by Alex Mata. Illustrations by Brown Bird Design.Hairstylist Panel: Michelle Hong, founder of NYC The Team Salon; Kevin Kelly, owner of Kevin Kelly Salon in Keyport, New Jersey; Becca Mutchler, hairstylist in North Canton, Ohio; Jennifer Korab, founder of Renaissance Salon & Spa in Hillsborough, New Jersey
Countless beauty products are crowding store and online shelves (and social media!), making lofty get-gorgeous promises. To cut through the clutter, Beauty Lab scientists spent nearly a year rigorously testing hundreds of the latest launches to find the skin, hair and makeup buys that really perform.
Meet the Experts
How We Tested
Scientists in the GH Beauty Lab evaluated 598 beauty products in seven main categories to determine the best on the market. They assessed performance using specialized equipment in the GH Beauty Lab (see below), collecting 1,869 measurements. Products were also distributed to 819 consumer testers with a wide range of skin tones and types, hair textures and types, and ages, who reported 10,776 points of feedback on their attributes, ease of use and effects. These sets of data were then utilized to identify the winners.
Be a product tester! and register for the chance to be one of our consumer testers.
Beauty Awards Symbol Glossary
Look for these marks next to the winning products to guide your shopping.
Superior Skincare
Fab Face Wash
MelaB3 Cleanser
amazon.com
La Roche-Posay topped all other cleansers tested, leaving skin purified and radiant without irritating.
LAB RESULTS: An impressive 100% of users agreed that the gel effectively washed away impurities and excess oil. It scored best for brightening skin in one week.
3-in-1 Cleanser
SkinActive Erase It All Makeup Cleansing Balm with Vitamin C
amazon.com
Melt away both makeup and grime with Garnier’s shea butter balm (it works as a mask too!)
LAB RESULTS: It completely removed waterproof eyeliners in Lab tests, yet left skin “soft to the touch,” said GH Beauty Lab Director Sabina Wizemann.
Polishing Scrub
Exfoliating Scrub
marykay.com
$20.00
This mild Mary Kay exfoliator silkens even sensitive skin with no dryness.
LAB RESULTS: In a weeklong test with 109 women, 95% agreed that it made skin soft and 94% said their skin looked smooth, Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed.
Magic Moisturizer
Soak It Up 80 HR Liquid Moisturizer
ulta.com
$14.99
Lightweight formula, heavy-duty hydration: This Thayers lotion with hyaluronic acid and shea butter was the most moisturizing in Lab tests despite its water-like feel.
LAB RESULTS: In measurements with the Corneometer device, which gauges skin moisture content, it upped hydration 33% in six hours. Testers noted the consistency was similar to that of a serum and said it left skin feeling “smooth.”
Soothing Lotion
Daily Moisturizing Face Lotion
amazon.com
Calm and hydrate reactive skin by gliding on this Beauty Lab test–winning Aveeno moisturizer with anti-inflammatory oat kernel flour.
LAB RESULTS: The fragrance-free lotion, which can also be used on the body, upped skin moisturization 23% over six hours in Lab Corneometer tests. A full 100% of users said it was absorbed quickly. “After I used this, my sunburn was much less red and seemed to heal faster,” a fan enthused.
Brightening Serum
Even & Correct Advanced Brightening Treatment
dermstore.com
$178.00
The winner of the Beauty Lab’s dark spot serum test, SkinMedica’s niacinamide formula outshone the competition at illuminating and evening skin tone.
LAB RESULTS: It earned the highest marks for brightening; making dark spots less visible and skin tone more uniform; and boosting radiance in four weeks of use. “My skin was glowy and brighter,” a tester reported.
Sheer Face Sunscreen
Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen
sephora.com
$18.00
Innisfree’s cream makes daily SPF application a breeze. It was a favorite of both GH Beauty Lab testers and scientists with a range of skin tones and types.
LAB RESULTS: The formula was top-rated for being easy to apply and not causing bumps or break-outs. Several users noted that it didn’t leave a white or oily cast on skin. “Felt like a moisturizer, not a sunscreen,” one said.
Softening Face Wash
Derm Solutions Daily Detox Gel Facial Cleanser
target.com
$12.99
The fragrance-free No7 gel cleanser balances purifying effects with hydrating skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides to coddle the complexion.
LAB RESULTS: Testers with a range of skin types rated it top at effectively removing makeup, not stinging eyes and leaving skin feeling hydrated. “I couldn’t believe how soft my skin was after washing,” one enthused.
Calming Serum
Celavive Postbiotic Rescue Serum
usana.com
$55.00
Whether your skin is inflamed from sensitivity or acne, this “cooling” Usana serum offers soothing relief via nine plant-derived ingredients.
LAB RESULTS: It got high marks for being easy to apply, not irritating, and calming and softening skin. A full 100% of testers agreed the serum had a pleasant texture and absorbed quickly. “The redness on my skin and blemishes are gone,” a user revealed. Another said: “It soothed my stressed-out skin.”
Acne Treatment
Beauty Miracle Patch Advanced Strength Retinol Spot Cover
walmart.com
$7.98
Stick these clear Rael Beauty dots, enhanced with pore-clearing retinol, directly on blemishes to hasten healing.
LAB RESULTS: In a 30-woman study, the patches significantly improved the size, severity and redness of acne lesions after six hours of wear, Beauty Lab data analysis confirmed. GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek appreciated that these “work in two ways: as a pimple cover to deter popping and help draw out moisture, and as a treatment to precisely deliver oil-reducing and hyperpigmentation-fighting ingredients.”
Undereye Patches
Brightening Eye Masks The Overachiever
ysebeauty.com
$36.00
Deflate bags and rehydrate crinkly skin fast with Yse Beauty’s caffeine-boosted gel eye patches.
LAB RESULTS: They received the highest scores for simple application, fitting comfortably and staying put, as well as for reducing the look of puffiness and moisturizing undereye skin. Several testers commented on the “cooling” feel and one said, “bags and wrinkles were greatly reduced.”
Pampering Spa
AWAY Spa W South Beach
W Hotels
Escape to the Away Spa at W South Beach for an array of customized face and body treatments from massages to scrubs to nail services and facials in a “relaxing, luxurious” setting.
LAB RESULTS: “I could have spent all day there,” a tester raved. “The aromatherapy massage was one of the best I’ve had — it made me feel so much better after extensive travel.”
Pro Facial Treatment
Hydralock HA Booster
hydrafacial.com
The buzzy Hydrafacial, which utilizes a device to cleanse skin, exfoliate, clear pores and deliver treatment ingredients, gets a moisturizing supercharge via a booster containing three types of hyaluronic acid.
LAB RESULTS: “Immediately after, my very reactive skin felt smooth, plumped and hydrated with no redness,” Wnek reported. “I had a visible healthy glow that lasted for a full day.”
Genius Anti-Agers
Replenishing Cream
Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream
sephora.com
$54.00
Combat the parched, papery skin that can come with age by layering on Skinfix’s “rich” cream, made with multiple smoothing peptides and three kinds of nourishing ceramides.
LAB RESULTS: It raised skin moisture levels by 32% over six hours in Lab Corneometer tests.
Stellar Night Treatment
TimeWise Nighttime Recovery
marykay.com
$34.00
Maximize your beauty rest with Mary Kay’s novel age-fighting peptide and niacinamide gel. It’s powered by plant-based beads that contain smoothing, brightening antioxidant resveratrol and vitamins A, C and E.
LAB RESULTS: In a 28-person study, the treatment significantly decreased the appearance of forehead wrinkles in four weeks, Lab data analysis confirmed.
Firming Serum
Pro-Max Age Renewal
Dermstore
$221.00
This cutting-edge formula from PCA Skin contains growth factors and five types of peptides to noticeably tighten and silken skin.
LAB RESULTS: It was the best serum tested at leaving skin feeling firmer after four weeks of use. Plus, 100% of users found that it softened skin and was easy to use. “This visibly firmed my skin, including mild jowls,” one said; two others received compliments on their skin.
Ace Eye Cream
Future Solution LX Eye and Lip Contour Regenerating Cream
amazon.com
$165.00
Treat delicate skin to Shiseido’s “luxurious” double-duty formula with vitamin C and botanical extracts, which excelled at tackling nearly every eye-area issue.
LAB RESULTS: It scored highest in Lab testing for reducing the look of undereye wrinkles, crow’s feet and dark circles as well as making skin look and feel firmer and more hydrated. “The best eye cream I have ever used,” a tester raved.
Reviving Eye Serum
Super Eyes Daily Eye Serum
walmart.com
$34.94
Say goodbye to sleepy eyes: This “lightweight” Olay serum awakens tired-looking skin via illuminating vitamin C and niacinamide and depuffing caffeine.
LAB RESULTS: The formula was tops at brightening skin and minimizing the look of undereye puffiness and bags in Lab assessment. “I was shocked at how well it worked,” a tester said. “It felt cooling and hydrating, and my eyes looked brighter.
Lush Lip Treatment
Derm Correxion Lip Volumizer
ulta.com
$29.99
More than a basic lip balm, this clear RoC Skincare gel plumps and softens thin lip skin with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid, the key ingredient in professional lip fillers.
LAB RESULTS: A clinical study on 31 people showed an immediate significant increase in lip volume, per Beauty Lab data review. “It gives lips a smooth and full look without appearing unnatural,” Wizemann noted.
Retinol Treatment
Wrinkle + Texture Concentrate
sephora.com
$108.00
Not just a retinol serum, Matter of Fact combines the hero anti-aging ingredient with antioxidant vitamin C and clarifying azelaic acid for potent smoothing and brightening results.
LAB RESULTS: Testers gave the serum the highest ratings for minimizing the look of wrinkles and making skin appear visibly firmer and more radiant after four weeks of use. Users reported noticeable effects, including “brightened skin tone,” “faded dark spots,” “smaller and clearer pores” and “reduced fine lines.”
Remarkable Body Care
Nourishing Body Wash
Daily Moisture Body Wash Lightly Scented
amazon.com
$9.82
Lubriderm’s gentle but effective cream cleanser for body and face doesn’t require sacrificing lush lather for soft skin (or vice versa!).
LAB RESULTS: It received the best score for sudsing, not causing irritation and leaving skin moisturized. Testers called the scent “fresh”; one said, “It does a great job of cleansing yet leaves skin comfortable and silky.”
Double-Duty Exfoliator
Find Comfort Gentle Exfoliating Body Wash
sephora.com
$24.00
Pamper the skin below your chin with this luxe yet mild Rare Beauty exfoliating cleanser.
LAB RESULTS: The gel scored high for lathering well, rinsing off easily and smoothing skin, and 100% of users said it didn’t irritate. One likened the warm fruity-floral scent to a “fine” fragrance; another said it made for “an elevated shower experience.”
Unbeatable Body Lotion
Intensive Moisturizing Lotion
amazon.com
Loaded with powerful moisturizing ingredients (ceramides, shea butter, hyaluronic acid), CeraVe delivers lasting hydration that’s almost undetectable on skin.
LAB RESULTS: This was the tester favorite: 100% agreed that it spread effortlessly and didn’t feel oily or sticky. It also rated near the top for making skin look and feel moisturized all day so users “didn’t have to reapply” it.
Brilliant Oil
Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil
amazon.com
A gold standard, ʲ’s envelops skin in an indulgent blend of plant oils like argan, sunflower and sesame oil — and its signature lightly sweet scent.
LAB RESULTS: In studies, the oil raised skin moisturization 19% in eight hours; in eight weeks, over 90% of women found that it reduced the look of scars, stretch marks and uneven tone.
Healing Hand Cream
Radiant X Deep Nourishment Hand Butter
walmart.com
A winner of the Beauty Lab’s hand cream test, this “thick and creamy” Vaseline formula with shea butter and coconut oil proved strong enough for even the most dehydrated skin.
LAB RESULTS: The cream increased skin moisture levels by a huge 56% over six hours in Lab Corneometer testing. A full 100% of testers said that it left their hands feeling soft and they would continue using it.
Dazzling Sunscreen
Mineral Skin Nourishing Milk SPF 50
target.com
$14.49
Hawaiian Tropic’s GH Beauty Lab test– winning lotion is proof that mineral SPFs can be a pleasure to apply.
LAB RESULTS: Testers’ most-loved mineral formula, it was easy to use, wasn’t drying (two called it “moisturizing”) and didn’t transfer. Its ”beachy” scent got the top score.
Star Self-Tanner
Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam
amazon.com
$38.00
This airy Coco & Eve mousse was the best faux tanner in the Beauty Lab’s test thanks to its realistic bronzing effects.
LAB RESULTS: It ranked highest for many attributes, including an appealing texture, fast absorption and instantly giving skin a sun-kissed glow. Plus, 100% of testers said the color looked natural.
Decadent Body Cream
Lemon & Sage Body Butter
amazon.com
$14.79
This spa-inspired Bliss body butter is a beloved, thanks to its “relaxing, refreshing” citrus-herbal scent and deep (yet not heavy) skin nourishment.
LAB RESULTS: The shea butter formula was rated 100 on several factors: easy spreading, fast absorption, not feeling oily or sticky and making skin appear hydrated. “I felt so moisturized!” a tester exclaimed.
Anti-Aging Treatment
Retinal ReSculpt Body Treatment
ulta.com
$79.00
Treat your body skin to the same age-fighting benefits as your face with Murad’s cream containing retinal, a more powerful form of the smoothing ingredient retinol.
LAB RESULTS: A full 100% of testers found it made skin feel soft and look moisturized yet wasn’t greasy. Wizemann reported: “It has transformed my irritated skin, making it plumper and smoother.” Another user agreed, noting “my skin feels more supple and bouncy.”
Refreshing Deodorant
Whole Body Deo Coconut & Vanilla Cooling Spray
amazon.com
Not only for underarms, spritzing Dove’s aluminum-free spray deodorant keeps your full body smelling (and feeling) fresh all day.
LAB RESULTS: This outperformed all other deodorants tested, earning top points for applying effortlessly, soaking in fast and not irritating. It also received the best scores for having a non-sticky, comfortable feel on skin and a long-lasting “sweet” scent. Two testers remarked on how “effective” it was at masking odor all over the body.
Luxury Fragrance
Entre Genres
bloomingdales.com
$290.00
The minimalist-chic Infiniment Coty Paris perfume, a pared-down mix of musk and amber, mimics the aroma of clean, warm skin — but better.
LAB RESULTS: “This is the scent equivalent of the perfect pair of jeans: versatile and always in style,” a fan enthused. “Plus, the sculptural bottle is something you want to show off – and is refillable to display for years to come.”
Bargain Fragrance
St. Barts Hair and Body Mist
sephora.com
$28.00
This generously-sized Ouai perfume mist — a mélange of tropical fruits, florals and musk — is proof that there’s no need to break the bank for a premium fragrance experience.
LAB RESULTS: A tester appreciated that this can be spritzed on the body and hair and praised the “beachy but elevated” scent.
Hair Must-Haves
Super Shampoo & Conditioners
Intensive Repair Shampoo, Conditioner and 10-in-1 Serum Mask
$23.99
Comparable to “luxury products” and rich in skincare ingredients (ceramides, peptides), Dove excelled at strengthening and hydrating.
LAB RESULTS: The shampoo and conditioner were the best tested at making hair feel soft, smooth and strong; came out on top for leaving it feeling moisturized and less damaged.
Volumizing Shampoo & Conditioner
UltraFiller+ Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
amazon.com
Boosted by hyaluronic acid and caffeine, John Frieda adds fullness to fine hair in the shower.
LAB RESULTS: This shampoo and set scored well for giving hair more volume and leaving it fully cleansed and manageable. “My hair felt thicker and fuller after the first wash,” a tester reported.
Color Shampoo & Conditioner
Acidic Color Gloss Shampoo and Conditioner
amazon.com
$68.00
Keep haircolor vibrant and glossy longer with Redken’s GH Beauty Lab test–winning duo.
LAB RESULTS: They protected haircolor from fading better than all others in Lab tests on human hair samples simulating a month of wear and were strongly conditioning in the wet-combing test.
Leave-In Conditioner
Mist of Wonders Leave-In
ulta.com
$40.00
DevaCurl’s detangling spray for textured strands not only “moisturizes” but also helps fight frizz.
LAB RESULTS: The mist got a perfect score for leaving hair soft and conditioned; it prevented frizz well in the Lab’s humidity chamber test.
Lustrous Haircolor
ColorSilk Beautiful Color Permanent Hair Dye
$4.97
Revlon was a winner of the Beauty Lab’s at-home permanent haircolor test, performing on par with dyes several times the price.
LAB RESULTS: The kit was tops for being simple to use, having a minimal scent, not irritating and imparting a rich, true color. Among testers, 94% agreed that it left hair shiny, smooth and silky
Shining Hair Serum
Elixir Ultime Original Oil
sephora.com
$62.00
To get sparkly, “expensive-looking” strands, slick on this upgraded (refillable!) éٲ oil-serum, blended with five botanical oils.
LAB RESULTS: A pro hairstylist panel gave it perfect marks for easy application, and 100% agreed that it made hair shinier. “My hair felt healthy,” one said.
Multipurpose Styling Spray
True Professional Grow Long Anti-Frizz Shield Ultimate Blowout Spray
walmart.com
$9.67
Mimic a salon blow out at home with this “lightweight” Marc Anthony True Professional mist, which silkens strands and protects against heat.
LAB RESULTS: It increased shine and produced the intended style with no residue, stylists found. “This cut down on frizz while still giving volume,” noted a pro who used it on fine and coarse hair.
Smooth Styling Cream
Chitosan Pre-Style Cream
sephora.com
$59.00
This “sleek” Dyson styler has versions for straight to wavy or curly to coily hair, with light or rich conditioning.
LAB RESULTS: It was near the top at stopping frizz in Lab tests. Stylists said it created the desired look without leaving residue or weighing hair down.
Defining Curl Styler
Black Vanilla Moisture & Hold Jelly
walmart.com
Shape curls without stiffness thanks to this “soft, light” Carol’s Daughter gel containing castor and jojoba oils.
LAB RESULTS: Stylists gave the “moisturizing” formula high scores for defining and holding curls effectively yet leaving hair with movement and bounce.
Silkening Hair Treatment
Bondbar Lamellar Water Conditioning Rinse
sallybeauty.com
$9.99
Even fine or thin hair types can reap the smoothing, softening benefits of Sally Beauty’s unique liquid spray-on treatment.
LAB RESULTS: A remarkable 100% of testers found the rinse made hair feel silkier and softer to the touch yet didn’t leave strands greasy or weighed down. “My hair felt fully conditioned and manageable with no heavy residue; it can truly replace a cream conditioner,” said GH Beauty Lab Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler. Wnek agreed: “My bleached strands looked amazing — healthy and silky.”
Air-Dry Styler
StyleSign Air-Dry BB Cream
amazon.com
$25.50
Step away from the hot tools and smooth this “featherlight” Goldwell styling cream on strands before air-drying to shape, soften and enhance texture.
LAB RESULTS: This formula is both a GH Beauty Lab scientist and editor favorite. “I almost always air-dry my naturally wavy hair, and no product has made it look better without heat or any other stylers,” a tester said. “My waves have just-right bend and bounce, plus feel supple and look polished.”
Exceptional Cosmetics
Luxurious Lipstick
Beauty Spike Valentino Buttery Matte Lip Color
sephora.com
$48.00
Valentino Beauty’s gilded designer matte lipstick is more than meets the eye: “Just one swipe” gives sumptuous full color with a plush, cashmere-like feel.
LAB RESULTS: In Lab evaluations, it earned the highest marks for even color (in 13 hues) and not irritating or dehydrating lips, rare for a matte formula. “My lips are always chapped, yet the finish was smooth,” a tester reported.
Lasting Liquid Lipstick
Cream Lip Stain Liquid Lipstick
sephora.com
$20.00
In a stunning rainbow of 50 shades, Sephora’s “rich” matte liquid lip color has serious staying power.
LAB RESULTS: The “light-weight” formula received the best ratings of all lipsticks tested for smooth and precise application, lasting color and not transferring, smearing or feathering. “It stayed on for a full workday, even through lunch,” Wnek said.
Glowing Lip Gloss
Acceptance Speech Shimmering Hydrating Lip Gloss
ulta.com
$20.00
This subtly gleamy Wyn Beauty by Serena Williams gloss, created by the tennis star, was the all-around winning formula and comes in nine colors from beige to burgundy.
LAB RESULTS: It scored 100 almost across the board: for easy and smooth application, even color and not bleeding or drying out or irritating lips. It gives “beautiful shine,” Wizemann noted.
Best-in-Class Blush
Powder Blush
sephora.com
$32.00
The newest iteration of the iconic Nars powder blush (in a handy mirrored compact) lives up to its glow-giving reputation and offers a wide selection of 20 shades to flatter a range of skin tones.
LAB RESULTS: The formula was tops for being easy to apply, highly pigmented, non-drying and long-lasting. “It looked natural yet polished and lasted all day!” a user enthused.
Effortless Eyeshadow
ColorLuxe Eye Shadow Stick
ulta.com
$28.00
No brush is needed to glide on this foolproof Jane Iredale eyeshadow crayon, in 10 wearable matte and shimmer colors.
LAB RESULTS: Testers gave it perfect scores for applying and blending easily, and 96% agreed that the color appeared natural. “I got compliments on my look!” Butler said. Wizemann noted, “This will be a staple for me.”
Subtle Lip Tint
Tinted Lip Balm
amazon.com
$4.99
One of the original tinted lip balms, Burt’s Bees coats lips in replenishing plant oils (coconut, olive, sunflower) and beeswax, leaving behind a hint of color in eight sheer shades.
LAB RESULTS: The balm earned top scores for gliding on smoothly and evenly, its “faint” fruity scent and not causing lip irritation. A tester called the hues (including neutrals, pinks, berries and reds) “the perfect amount of color” and the formula “extremely hydrating.”
Shine Lipstick
Loveshine Lip Oil Stick
nordstrom.com
$45.00
A slick of YSL Beauty’s formula gives the sheen of a gloss, comfort of a balm and the wash of color of a lipstick in a large selection of 23 shades, from muted beiges to rich berries.
LAB RESULTS: Testers ranked it tops for effortless application and not drying out or irritating lips; 96% agreed it gave uniform color. Two noted how “comfortable” it felt on lips and another said “this has become my daily lipstick.”
Shaping Lip Liner
New York Lifter Liner
target.com
$7.99
Lip liner has made a comeback, spurred by upgraded formulas like this “soft” defining pencil from Maybelline New York in 10 sophisticated shades.
LAB RESULTS: It performed flawlessly across the board: at drawing on smoothly, imparting full color, and not feathering, smearing or dehydrating lips. Wnek complimented the “very rich pigment” and “no skipping or tugging”; Wizemann liked that it was “easy to blend.”
Believable Bronzer
No Limits Cream Bronzer Stick
sephora.com
$20.00
Lys Beauty’s novel triangle-shaped, twist-up cream bronzer stick comes in seven color options to complement a range of skin tones from fair to deep.
LAB RESULTS: This was the longest-lasting of the bronzers tested (unusual for a cream formula) and scored perfect for seamless application, being richly pigmented and not feeling drying on skin. “I like the shape of this because you can also contour with it and that it goes on super creamy,” Wnek remarked.
Fresh Liquid Blush
Luminous Silk Cheek Tint
sephora.com
$39.00
Liquid blush is having more than a moment and Armani Beauty is the shining star – plus a GH Beauty Lab go-to.
LAB RESULTS: It was the best blush tested for going on evenly, appearing natural and flattering skin’s tone. “This is my new favorite blush,” a tester raved. “I cannot believe how gorgeously it blends into skin for a satiny, natural-looking flush.”
Eyeshadow Palette
Dimensions Eyeshadow
sephora.com
$85.00
This high-quality, “gorgeous” Prada Beauty quad lives up to its designer status, featuring a mix of matte, shimmer, neutral and bold hues to custom tailor looks in a refillable compact.
LAB RESULTS: A tester favorite, 94% agreed the color lasted throughout the day. “This is what eyeshadow dreams are made of!” Wnek exclaimed. “These are some of the most luxurious I have ever used.” Another tester loved the versatility: “I was able to create different styles, from more subtle to colorful and shimmery.”
Essential Face Palette
The Best of the Best Baked Full Face Palette
ulta.com
$69.00
The ideal streamlined makeup wardrobe, Laura Geller Beauty’s convenient palette holds a full face of color cosmetics — three neutral eyeshadows, blush, bronzer and two highlighters — curated by the pro artist.
LAB RESULTS: The powder formulas “apply smoothly” and the shades create a “radiant, natural look,” two testers said. Another loved that it includes a full-size mirror.
Pro-Level Nail Polish
Prima Ballerina System Kit
amazon.com
$39.00
Nail your manicures with Dazzle Dry’s set, which quickly gained a cult following due to speedy drying and color that lasts for weeks.
LAB RESULTS: Wizemann tested it both at home and at a nail salon; despite the four-step system (prep, base coat, polish, top coat), she found “the application was quick and it dried in just five minutes.” Even better, “my manicure lasted 20 days without chipping,” she marveled.
Marvelous Makeup
Wow Mascara
Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
ulta.com
$29.00
Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury’s wand proved to be magic, boasting “dramatic,” “impressive” lash volumizing and lengthening effects.
LAB RESULTS: This was the tester favorite: 100% gave it the highest marks for giving fullness and length and not smudging or irritating eyes. “Lashes looked fluffy and thick without clumping,” Wnek raved. Wizemann said, “It transformed my lashes more than any other mascara I’ve tried.”
Curling Mascara
Hypnôse Drama Mascara
ulta.com
$32.00
Give lashes a lift (and “noticeable” length) with a few swipes of the new incarnation of Գô’s signature curvy-wand mascara.
LAB RESULTS: It received the top score for curling lashes and having a simple-to-use brush. Plus, 100% of testers agreed that it lengthened and didn’t smear or cause eye irritation. “This truly opened up my eyes,” one marveled.
Brow Shaper
Kush High Roll Brow Tint
sephora.com
$24.00
Milk Makeup’s tinted gel borrows tubing technology from mascara to boost individual brow hairs.
LAB RESULTS: The formula scored best at tinting brows instantly, making them look fuller and staying put all day. Testers liked that it was “easy to brush on” and added “fullness and hold.”
Excellent Eyeliner
Stay All Day Smudge & Set Waterproof Gel Eye Liner
ulta.com
$23.00
This Stila Cosmetics twist-up gel pencil “smoothly” glides on “rich” color with almost no effort.
LAB RESULTS: Of testers, 96% said it had bold color, and they rated it high for being easy to apply and not smudging, running or irritating.
Flawless Foundation
Clean Invisible Foundation
amazon.com
True “no-makeup makeup,” this cream base from CoverGirl melds imperceptibly into skin, giving “satin finish” light to medium coverage in 24 shades.
LAB RESULTS: The formula ranked high for smoothing evenly onto skin, having an ideal texture and evening skin tone. “It seamlessly blended in and camouflaged redness while letting my freckles show through,” a tester reported.
Iconic Concealer
Luminous Silk Concealer
sephora.com
$39.00
This silky Armani Beauty liquid cover-up has swiftly become a classic thanks to its superior performance and “fresh” look in a choice of 21 hues.
LAB RESULTS: It got perfect scores on almost all attributes: having an ideal “creamy” texture, being easy to apply, blending well, looking natural and not caking. “My skin looked even and brighter, and it didn’t settle into lines,” Wizemann said.
Setting Spray
Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist
walmart.com
Keep makeup from straying or fading by spritzing on this “fine” L’Oréal Paris mist.
LAB RESULTS: Testers agreed that “makeup did not move” after they applied this. One appreciated that it didn’t feel sticky; another called it “professional-grade.”
Tinted Moisturizer
Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint
lisaeldridge.com
$49.00
Infused with hydrators like squalane and glycerin, makeup artist Lisa Eldridge’s skin tint (in 20 shades) gives “glowy and perfected” coverage that “looks like bare skin.”
LAB RESULTS: It won for spreading easily and uniformly, blending into skin, and providing smooth, lasting color coverage that stayed true throughout the day. “My skin felt moisturized all day and the tone looked more even,” Wizemann commented.
Eye Primer
Matte Veil Longwear Eye Primer
ulta.com
$13.00
No more eye makeup gone astray (or appearing discolored!) thanks to this Ulta Beauty primer.
LAB RESULTS: The tinted cream scored perfect on many attributes, including spreading and allowing makeup to go on smoothly, making color last longer and keeping skin shine-free. “It created an excellent base for my eye shadow, letting its true color come through, and significantly improved the wear and reduced creasing,” Wizemann found. Wnek compared the formula’s performance to her “all-time favorite” eye primer that’s more than twice the price.
Credits: Photography by Mike Garten. Prop Styling by Alex Mata. Illustrations by Brown Bird Design.
Hairstylist Panel: Michelle Hong, founder of ; Kevin Kelly, owner of in Keyport, New Jersey; , hairstylist in North Canton, Ohio; Jennifer Korab, founder of in Hillsborough, New Jersey