You can say one thing about our beauty editors—they know their products. From the latest trends (toner pads, anyone) to tried-and-true performers (what do you mean you’re not using a retinol serum?), you count on them to give you the goods on what works. Because if you’re going to lay down some serious cash for an acne treatment, curl cream, or body lotion, you want something that’s going to get the job done. Period.
But wouldn’t it also be nice if the product in question made the process of fighting pimples or styling your hair more pleasurable too? Of course it would. So, for the 2026 Women’s Health Beauty Awards, Team WH Beauty sifted through thousands of submissions to find the standouts across hair, skin, makeup, and more that deliver results—and are fun to use.
Happy shopping.
How we chose the winners.
In November 2025, the Women’s Health beauty team officially put out the submissions call for our 2026 beauty awards—and more than 2,500 products were entered. We scoured these submissions, looking for products with innovative technology, cutting-edge science, or new-to-market ingredients to narrow down the list to a group of finalists that included close to 500 products.
Then, we put those finalists to the test: beauty director Brian Underwood, beauty editor Nicole Saunders, beauty assistant Katie Mogg, and countless Women’s Health contributors swiped, slathered, and lathered up to find the products that delivered results. But we were also looking for something different this year: in addition to backing up their claims with performance, a product had to also be a joy to use. So, whether it’s an uplifting scent, a cool texture, or just a beautiful bottle that makes you happy to look at when it’s in your bathroom, this year’s winners are ones you’ll want to incorporate into your day-to-day.
Skin Care
It’s face time, friends. These high-tech formulas firm, soothe, and refine for a complexion that says, “let’s glow.”
An oil-based cleanser (plum oil, to be exact) that gently lathers, so you get makeup-dissolving power and the satisfaction of a gentle froth in one product (no need to double cleanse, ladies). And oily folks need not be leery: This one’s suitable for all skin types.
If your outer layer is easily irritated, here’s a solution that calms both outside and in. Glide this nourishing gel over your face, emulsify into a milk with water, and watch the day’s makeup, sunscreen, and grime be gently whisked away. The neuroscience-inspired scent will help relax the mind.
No plans to spend some time at a swanky spa? No problem—this spritz is your ticket to relaxation. Infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid to firm skin and boost its moisture, the product also has the most incredibly soothing aroma. Keep one at your desk, in your bathroom, anywhere you need a little bliss break.
“I love everything about this product—it pumps out just the right amount for a precise application, doesn’t cause irritation, and brightens and firms.” —Brian Underwood, beauty director
These under-eye patches boast a who’s who of ingredient heavyweights: vitamin C for brightening, caffeine for tightening, hyaluronic acid for moisturizing, peptides for firming, and many more. But the biggest draw: They’re comfortable to wear and won’t budge once you put them on.
“I’m in love with this cream-serum, which takes a gentler approach to aging skin—no potentially irritating active ingredients here. You can use it on its own, and let the product’s unique combination of growth factors, next-generation peptides, and hyaluronic acid do the plumping and firming, or take my approach and pair it with the power-packed products you’re already using, like retinol or vitamin C. It’s nourishing and delicately scented, easily elevating a humdrum routine.” —Underwood
WH writer Lisa DeSantis tested this formula for two months and was amazed when it faded two stubborn dark spots near her eyebrow. “Bottom line: I’m going to stick with this one,” she says.
Adapalene (a vitamin A derivative like retinol) is a proven acne and age fighter once available only by prescription. Here’s a treatment that uses the clinically efficacious amount to treat existing blemishes and prevent new ones from forming.
On its surface, this is a fantastic weightless moisturizer for those who need hydration but can’t tolerate anything that’s too rich. But inside the formula are powerful ingredients that improve the look of skin over time, including vitamin C to brighten along with exosomes and peptides to firm.
We’re big fans of anything Martha Stewart does—and the new night cream from her skincare line Elm Biosciences is no exception. It provides the benefits of retinoids without the irritation by leveraging a kinder, gentler molecule called trifarotenyl caprylate.
Your neck is one of the first spots to show the visible signs of aging, and this ingenious product tackles them head-on. The targeted roller tip does some of the work; the formula, infused with NAD+ and a triple collagen peptide complex, does the rest. It’s luxury skincare for a beautifully accessible price.
“My face gets unbearably dry in the winter, and you wouldn’t think a sunscreen could help. But this formula hydrates and leaves me feeling smooth, never greasy, and noticeably glowy.” —Katie Mogg, beauty assistant
“Sunscreens that manage to provide strong protection from the sun without feeling oily or greasy always get a gold star in my book. The lotion-y texture feels weightless on the skin and manages to melt into my olive complexion without leaving behind any sort of white-cast. Plus, the formula contains skincare actives such as niacinamide and panthenol, allowing the product to fend off signs of skin aging as well. What more could you ask for?” —Mogg
Borghese’s original Fango mud mask is the stuff of legend (Bethenny Frankel is a fan) and the brand’s new version is no different. This one is focused more on purifying skin, with Tuscan mud to help pull dirt and other impurities out of pores.
“A trifecta of niacinamide, collagen, and adenosine helps transform my complexion into a dewy base that’s primed for makeup. The secret is the high-viscosity cream that prevents evaporation, so my face can absorb every drop.” —Nicole Saunders, beauty editor
Peptide-infused lip treatments and balms are one of the biggest skincare trends of the year, and this one is a worthy addition to the category. In this case, green pea peptides join forces with hyaluronic acid olive triglycerides to plump—both instantly and over time. How does it wear? Brilliantly, without even a hint of stickiness.
If you’re intimidated by face oils—as anyone with acne-prone skin may very well be—here’s an option that’s sure to calm your trepidation. It’s a thoughtful blend of seed, nut, and flower oils that was tested to absorb into skin near-instantaneously, so your face will never feel greasy. You can also layer it under your foundation for that dewy look.
You can feel confident taking this supplement knowing that it carries the National Psoriasis Foundation’s Seal of Recognition. The secret is whole broccoli seed powder—it yields a compound known as sulforaphane, which supports anti-inflammatory pathways for improved skin health.
Jungmaven tank; Free People bralette (worn underneath); Astrid + Miyu hoops
Hair
It’s never been easier to get strong, healthy strands. These products cleanse, soften, nourish, and offer a luxurious self-care experience you’ll crave time and time again.
No one wants blonde hair that turns brassy and yellow over time. This purple shampoo supports longer-lasting color using proprietary technology that removes metals and minerals to fight and neutralize brass. The foam formula means every strand is coated for even application—and results.
Let’s face it: Living with dandruff is a drag. That doesn’t mean your treatment has to be. This clean, elevated formula is designed to help get itchiness and flaking under control using ingredients like salicylic acid, lactic acid, and sodium PCA.
If you color your hair, you need a shampoo that protects your investment. With a sulfate-free formula that ensures your scalp won’t become irritated, this one contains ingredients that soothe, repair and rejuvenate like grapeseed sterols, chia seed, and hook seaweed.
It can be hard to find a hair mask that makes your tresses soft and smooth without weighing them down. Here’s one that manages the impossible, hydrating and conditioning using a lightweight, non-greasy formula that includes pataua fruit oil, tsubaki seed oil, and shiitake mushroom extract.
“After using this pump-bottle serum for a month, the strands around my hairline and crown were noticeably healthier and thicker—and I’ve got the scalp photos to prove it. You’ll also be pleased to know that the watery consistency doesn’t dry down to a funky, crispy texture, so you can blow dry and style as you normally would.” —Underwood
Certain products are classics for a reason. This weightless hairspray deserves that title because it adds noticeable shine and a flexible hold to the hair. Plus, it adds an elevated fragrance to your tresses that contains notes of vanilla, musky, peony, and strawberry.
Designed specifically for cropped cuts, IGK’s styler helps you effortlessly style bangs and boost the look of layers, all while absorbing excess scalp oils. It’s also buildable and rewardable so you can refresh your look midday (or, well, anytime),
The best hair products are often the multitaskers. Here’s one that detangles, conditions, smoothes and protects hair from heat styling. But wait, there’s more: It also helps tame frizz without making hair look or feel greasy.
“Beyoncé hit another beauty home run with her new edge control brush. The dual-ended powerhouse helps me achieve a salon-worthy look without the pricey appointment. One side features a fine-tooth comb to create intricate details, and the other boasts tightly packed nylon bristles that slick down my delicate baby hairs without being too rough on my tender-headed scalp. I can lay my edges down and tame flyaways along my part with a single tool. Plus, the pointed tip makes it easy to part my hair with expert precision,” —Saunders
Day-old hair is the best kind of hair—and celebrity stylist Chris McMillan knows that better than anyone? That’s why he created this styling balm—to help you achieve the same look by defining texture and smoothing frizz, all while providing heat protection up to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
“Whenever my curls need an instant refresh, I immediately reach for this hair oil. It manages to banish frizz and bring definition to my hair when it’s feeling especially dry. The oil also works to form a protective barrier around the hair shaft, meaning my curls stay looking and feeling refreshed and moisturized for hours on end. Simply put, the bounce and shine this oil provides is unmatched, making the product worth every penny.” —Mogg
Silk presses are a surefire way to feel like your best self, but it’s important to protect your hair in the process. This prep cream coats every strand with moisture, leaving your tresses soft and smooth while also offering heat protection up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. Plus, the cream delivers a bright and fresh fragrance containing notes of mandarin and bergamot.
Beyond Yoga sports bra, Machete hoops, stylist’s own shrug.
Makeup
The caked-on look? So not our vibe. To take the prize, products had to be lightweight, skin-friendly, and a breeze to use. Meet the title holders.
“I’m not a huge foundation girl. But this one is basically my dream come true. It feels incredibly light on the skin and is infused with ingredients that improve its quality over time.” —Mogg
Look closely at this bronzer and you’ll notice something unique—it’s a blend of tones rather than just a single shade. What that means for you is that the finish is dimensional and natural-looking so you look like you got a little IRL sunlight—not dirt—on your face.
This easy-to-apply glow getter can help you draw attention to your best features. You’ll also be happy to know that the clean formula contains advanced skincare ingredients like ceramides, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.
Anything you put near your eyes needs to be safe and gentle, which is why we love these clever color sticks. Instead of glitter (it can get lodged in your tear film and cause major problems), they rely on a blend of superfine crystals and pearls for their multi-dimensional shimmer. A biomimetic sugar complex and Irish moss nourish eyelid skin and ward off irritation.
You can use this pencil to create simple lines or elaborate wings—either way, it glides across skin without skipping thanks to the squalane, coconut oil, and silica in the formula. It takes a few seconds to set, so feel free to smudge and blend to your heart’s content.
Yearning for longer, fluffier fringe? You’ve come to the right place. The latest serum from viral darling Grande Cosmetics is formulated for those with sensitive eyes, pairing the brand’s patented growth peptide complex with soothing chamomile flower and green tea leaf extracts for noticeably bolder lashes with no irritation.
This one’s got all the good stuff: Six beautiful, long-lasting shades (with two new colors—an orange-y red and a deep plum), skin-nourishing ingredients squalane, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid, and a cute-to-boot tube that slips nicely into your handbag or gym tote.
Meet the lip gloss of our dreams. First, the shades are all incredibly flattering and designed for everyday use (even the shimmer finish is subtly shiny, not offensively glittery). Second, the color payoff is significant enough that you could wear it on its own but the formula is forgiving enough to be layered over lipstick without smudging. Last: Look at that bottle—it’s a pretty little package that will bring you joy every time you pop the top.
e.l.f.’s viral Glow Reviver lip oil is worthy of the hype: it nourishes and hydrates, deposits enviable shine but no stickiness, and leaves behind a sheer wash of color that can be built up to a bolder look. Now, it comes in this hybrid lipstick-oil formula that deposits medium buildable color and a natural-looking shine. Fuss-free and completely intuitive to use, it’s bound to become your go-to daily lip tint.
Inspired by celebrity makeup artist Mary Phillips’ signature overlining technique, this pencil is designed to define and contour your lip line to perfection. It glides across skin without tugging (you can thank the hydrating hyaluronic acid and vitamin E for that).
Hunza G swimsuit, Reebok sneakers, Astrid + Miyu hoops, Aerie socks. // Hunza G tube top, Left on Friday bottoms.
Body
The skin below the neck deserves just as much love as our faces, people. These picks take your body-care regimen to the next level with their high-performing formulas.
If you’re looking to deliver nourishing active ingredients to the skin below your neck, give this body serum a try. It’s fortified with bakuchiol, a plant-based retinol alternative that boosts skin elasticity and firmness, as well as hyaluronic acid, a powerful humectant that offers long-lasting hydration.
Transform your bathing experience with this cleansing bar that’ll rid your skin of dirt and debris while locking in moisture. The bar creates a creamy lather that makes skin feel velvety smooth and it comes in three deliciously indulgent and fresh scents: strawberry, dark rum, and eucalyptus.
“If you’re looking for a quick way to add extra luxury and self-care to your nighttime routine, I can’t vouch for this body lotion enough. The scent instantly calms my senses and preps my mind and body for rest. Plus, the product provides my dry legs with long-lasting hydration that lasts well into the next day.” —Mogg
What if a fragrance could not only leave you smelling divine, but make you feel that way, too? That’s exactly what this collection claims to do. The body oil mists come in 7 scents that leverage various natural ingredients such as spearmint, grapefruit and bergamot to calm your mind, ease stress, or boost your mood.
If you want a sunscreen that really works, consider this SPF 50 spray-on lotion that leverages zinc oxide to fend off the sun’s ultraviolet rays. It doesn’t leave a white-cast, and it’s fortified with niacinamide, a popular skincare active that supports skin barrier health. Plus, it provides 80 minutes of water-resistance, making it a great option for active women.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends people wear a daily sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30. This chemical sunscreen, formulated for those with sensitive skin, has an SPF of 50, feels lightweight and isn’t greasy. Plus, it melts seamlessly into the skin leaving a clear finish and provides water-resistance for 80 minutes.
There’s something special about fragrances that manage to capture the essence of natural scents. This collection includes individual fragrances that highlight fig, mimosa and rose. The delicious scents stand alone, but they can also be layered to create a custom blend that’s uniquely you.
It can be pretty frustrating when you spray a fragrance onto your skin, and within minutes you can hardly smell it anymore. But this one was designed for both the hair and body, allowing the brand’s cult fragrance to linger for hours without being overpowering. It’s bright and energetic, emphasizing scents such as lemon, lavender and mimosa flower.
“Always impressed with Uni’s clean formulas and closed-loop environmentally-friendly packaging, I was thrilled to try the brand’s first foray into fragrance—and it does not disappoint. The marine-inspired bouquet is universally appealing and easy to wear. Plus, it’s a water-based formula, free of potentially drying alcohol and infused with moisture-loving humectants like glycerin. Your skin will smell and feel better after spritzing this one on.” —Underwood
For those who want to smell good all day long, oftentimes the most convenient option is a solid fragrance. This balm fits in your pocket, allowing for quick and easy reapplication whenever needed. It also comes in three gourmand scents, Cheirosa 62, Cheirosa 68, and Cheirosa 40, featuring notes of pistachio, brazilian jasmin, and black amber plum, respectively.
“Now that the weather has finally warmed up, I’ll be heavily relying on these dermatologist-developed deodorant wipes to help me win the battle against body odor. Since they’re individually wrapped, I can keep a few in my gym bag, work tote, and carry-on bag so my pits are quite literally covered. Their genius lies in the trifecta of odor-neutralizing enzymes, soothing aloe vera juice, and exfoliating glycolic acids that don’t sting or tingle my sensitive skin.” —Saunders
Shaving your legs just got a whole lot more luxurious with this oil-to-milk shave protection product. It makes the hair removal process quick and easy, while helping to prevent dreaded post-shave skin irritation. It comes in two delicious scents: Coco Villa and Lavendar Milk.
Getting a tan doesn’t have to mean damaging your skin. This serum stimulates elastin and collagen production using Tripeptide 1 and Tetrapeptide 7 while tanning your skin with hihydroxyacetone to give you a flattering, moisturized, modest glow that can be built up over days.
Nothing beats a hot bath…except one enhanced with this therapeutic herbal blend. Add a few capfuls to a tub of hot water and unwind as eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger, and echinacea release their soothing aroma.
OakleySplits59 bra, stylist’s own hoodie.
Hands & Feet
Our outer extremities take quite a beating (it’s not your butt that’s picking up that kettlebell or pounding the pavement every morning). Show them a little love.
A smart solve for a lot of the pain points associated with polish remover: The cream formula won’t leak or spill and swaps common irritants with ingredients that nourish and soften nails and cuticles (think shea butter and vitamin E).
Sick of short, wimpy stumps? This kit makes it possible to get the natural-looking nails of your dreams. Use one of the shaping forms and the builder gel polish to get added length and strength. It’s a revolutionary system that helps you hack your way to longer, stronger tips.
This one performs all the basic functions of a top-notch nail and cuticle oil—it nourishes with a blend of sweet almond, jojoba, vitamin E, and coconut oils. What sets it apart, though, is the tropical scent, which takes you on an instant vacation.
Perhaps your nails are looking a little rough, but you don’t want super-long claws. That’s the beauty of these press-ons—they come in shorter lengths if that’s your preference and the option to affix with glue or adhesive stickers.
Meet the Rolls Royce of nail trimmers. Designed specifically for your toes, which—let’s be honest—can be trickier to trim, it comes outfitted with several features that make the job safer and easier. There’s a single blade that cuts cleaner, a safety stop to prevent ingrowns, and an ergonomic press-down lever to eliminate the need for contortionist-like skills.
A perfectly nourishing, blissfully non-greasy hand moisturizer in scents like lavender and orange, coconut and vanilla, and rosemary and lavender. Just a peek at the botanical design on each tube is enough to make you crack a smile.
“I’m a low-key germaphobe and take public transportation in New York, so hand sanitizer is essential. I rely on it for commuting, grocery shopping, and just dealing with life’s little messes. Most are drying and sticky, but Paume is a lightweight mist that packs plenty of ethyl alcohol to kill germs, while glycerin and aloe leaf extract keep my hands hydrated. It even taps into the skin-soothing benefits of niacinamide, making the hand sanitizer feel like a treat rather than a mundane chore. The light and refreshing aroma doesn’t hurt either. Plus, the gentle formula leaves my hands feeling softer, which is a welcome reprieve after using my mist several times daily.” —Saunders
ADD GALLERY
Alo bra, Jenny Bird earrings.
Oral Care
A bright, fresh smile is one of the simplest ways to boost your confidence. Here’s your path to just that.
Flossing just got an upgrade with this electric flosser. The tool flaunts 400-strand woven floss heads, as well as built-in gum brushes that get in hard-to-reach spots in between the teeth. It also comes with a tongue scraper to help banish bad breath. A clean, fresh smile has never been easier.
Tools
Give your routine a high-tech upgrade that’ll make your bathroom feel like an at-home spa.
Salon-level curls are within reach with this curling iron. The 1.25 inch barrel will help you easily create big, bouncy and glamorous curls, minus the frizz. Plus, it maintains a consistent temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit across the barrel, meaning you don’t have to worry about heat damage.
Say goodbye to frizz and hello to versatile hair styling with this blowout brush. It makes hair appear smoother by reducing static, and has interchangeable attachments allowing you to increase hair volume, smooth down tresses, direct airflow and boost root volume.
You’ll never have to step foot in a salon again after investing in this multitasking hair styler. It can deliver on practically any desire such as enhancing curls, straightening tresses, and smoothing frizz. And it also includes intelligent technology that remembers your preferred styling settings and offers a personalized experience.
“I’ve ditched my bulky microcurrent devices and LED face masks in favor of this 4-in-1 device. Microcurrent gently lifts and defines my cheekbones, while electroporation helps my face serum and cream penetrate more effectively. It also taps into red LEDs to soften my fine lines and wrinkles, while near-infrared light penetrates beneath my skin’s surface, helping it feel firmer. The best part? Zero downtime! I can rely on this travel-friendly device before special events without any irritation, like redness. Hello, wedding season prep.” —Saunders
Waxing and shaving your legs is a thing of the past thanks to this hair removal device. It uses intense pulsed light therapy to destroy hair follicles and reduce hair growth permanently. Plus, you can swap a second lens onto the device to also support firmer, younger-looking skin. It’s hair removal and anti-aging all in one device.
“Swan Beauty AI-Powered Smart Mirror is like having a skin coach and a makeup artist in my apartment. It snaps a bare-faced photo and flags everything from dehydration around my cheeks to skin redness and pigmentation. The data helps me tweak my routine without overthinking it. Even as our beauty editor, I sometimes struggle to nail a vibrant flush, but the tutorials from three celebrity makeup artists are genuinely useful and easy to follow when I’m short on time.” —Saunders
Photographs by Rona Liana Ahdout
Stills by Hanna Hillier
Styling by Rose Lauture
Hair Ginger Leigh Ryan using R+Co/MUSE Management
Makeup Deanna Melluso using Charlotte Tilbury/Forward Artist
Nails Nori using Chanel Le Vernis/See Management
Brian Underwood is beauty director at Women’s Health, where he oversees content strategy for the brand across all platforms, including digital, print, and social. Underwood previously served as beauty and wellness director at Oprah Daily and O, The Oprah Magazine. During his tenure leading beauty content for the Oprah brand at Hearst, stories Underwood commissioned were awarded the Skin Cancer Foundation Media Award and a Fragrance Award for Editorial Excellence (his second). He was the launch Beauty Director of Dr. Oz THE GOOD LIFE, and has held additional editorial positions at Fitness, Organic Style, Good Housekeeping, Life & Style Weekly, and Woman’s Day and has written for Self, Shape, Seventeen, Redbook, Cosmopolitan, and many more. Underwood previously served on the Skin Cancer Foundation’s gala committee and as partnerships director of the Trans Beauty Clinic, a New York-based charitable organization that provided beauty services and workshops to the city’s trans community.
Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Women’s Health and has nine years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like red light therapy for hair growth and LED face masks, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, such as strengthening shampoos and body washes for dry skin on our site.
Previously, she was the beauty editor at Best Products where she tested quite literally thousands of launches for her quarterly column and the Best New Beauty Awards package. She also launched the beauty and wellness coverage at NBC News and contributed to CNN, Cosmopolitan, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and Harper’s BAZAAR.
You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventures.
Katie Mogg is the beauty editorial assistant at Women’s Health. Since starting college at Northeastern University in 2020, her bylines have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, NBC News and The Boston Globe. She strives to help readers lead happier and healthier lives through science-backed stories that explain how to care for hair, skin and nails. When she’s not working, Katie enjoys live music, strolling through Central Park, planning her next beach getaway, and sharing hotpot with friends.
