There’s nothing quite like the rush of optimism you feel flipping the top on a new product. Is this the one that’ll finally clear up your skin, or make those curls pop, or impart a fresh-from-the-gym flush even on rest days? These hopes can so easily be dashed when a formula doesn’t perform as promised. And then it’s on to the next. We want you to always grab a winner, so we did the choosing for you. Say hello to the recipients of the 2024 Women’s Health Beauty Awards.
Over the course of the past year, the WH beauty team searched for the best of the best—interesting formulas, luxurious scents, cutting-edge ingredients. Our editors tried nearly 400 finalists and got the entire staff in on the testing fun. After months of living life with them, these are the products that really, truly wowed us.
Body Products
The skin below the chin can get short shrift. These goodies will make you want to take care of it all.
Hyaluronic acid and squalane unite in this lather to keep you silky-smooth. “I didn’t apply lotion after using this, and my skin wasn’t even a little bit dry,” says one tester.
Salicylic acid unclogs pores to show pimples and ingrown hairs the door, while vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) addresses uneven tone and texture.
Love allover oils but hate feeling slimy after you slather one on? This non-greasy formula, which locks in moisture with jojoba, baobab, and coconut, was literally made for you.
Apply this post shower to get rid of body acne and rough texture (exfoliating succinic acid and nourishing blue tansy oil get the job done right). You’ll be bump-free.
This fast-acting serum uses a blend of retinol and acids to address crepiness, scars, dark spots, and more. What really impressed us: It doesn’t leave behind a tacky film like others.
Rough, flaky skin is no match for this cocktail of glycolic and mandelic acids. “I don’t use body scrubs, so to have a serum that exfoliates is great,” our tester says.
Kick keratosis pilaris—also known as "chicken skin"—to the curb with this bump eraser that exfoliates the skin using alpha- and poly-hydroxy acids.
An update to the classic J’adore scent by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian: “Some florals smell powdery, but this one isn’t too overpowering,” says a tester.
Tired of white casts and smelly creams? Us too. This goes on super-light and is 100% invisible. “It’s so good that I turned my SPF-averse partner into a fan,” raves our tester.
This aluminum-free spritz can be used on your pits, your underboobs, your feet—anywhere you want, really. (It was also gynecologist-tested, just to be extra safe!)
Some scrubs are too gritty to be pleasant—this one smoothes with finely ground olive seed powder and alpha hydroxy acids.
The five-blade cartridge on this razor provides an even shave that easily removes coarse pubic hair. It also has a flexible head and an easy-to-grip handle for control.
Razor bumps can make shaving a literal pain—sidestep that with this velvety, non-pore-clogging oil that’ll help your razor glide over skin with ease. Creams? Puh-lease.
Flavoslim and caffeine are the active ingredients in this body treatment that reduces the appearance of cellulite on the butt, belly, hips, thighs, and arms. It's so good that some reviewers report seeing a difference after just two weeks.
Skin Products
Fine lines? Gone! Dark spots? A thing of the past! That zit that won’t quit? Adios, honey. These creams and lotions deliver.
This cream-to-foam wash removes dirt and oil without leaving squeaky-clean tightness in its wake. A tester had softer skin in two weeks.
An excellent makeup-removing micellar water, yes, but this brilliant two-for-one also exfoliates with a blend of gentle acids. Skin is left clean and glowy—a win-win.
The lush serum-meets-essence texture is miles away from the drying astringents you've tried in the past. "It's really hydrating, and it has antioxidants that protect the skin," our tester raves.
This budget-buy firms, hydrates, improves texture, and feels weightless. Our tester's thoughts: "I was pleasantly surprised at how much brighter my skin looked."
Free of common irritants, this allergist-developed cream is perfect for sensitive skin. "The best moisturizer I've tried in a while," says our tester.
"Some gel-balms are a little too glossy, but this one glides on, leaving behind a moisturized, non-sticky finish," our tester says. And the mango and grapefruit scent: *chef's kiss.*
A gel—with hyaluronic acid to moisturize and plump and niacinamide to guard—that's a godsend when you're running on empty. A tiny amount soothes tired eyes instantly.
When you're skin feels extra dry, slather on a thick layer, let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, and rinse. Supple and soft-to-the-touch will be your "after."
This tinted mineral formula was developed by women of color to blend invisibly into all skin tones—and it delivers.
Some of these can leave behind a sticky film, but not here. This balm transforms from a solid to a creamy emulsion to lift away makeup.
Retinol is one of the most effective line-smoothing, collagen-boosting ingredients you can buy, but it can be irritating—especially on darker skin tones. This one was tested on a variety of complexions to be gentle."Obsessed with this," our tester says. "I've been using it for two months and have definitely noticed a difference—and not even a hint of irritation."
"This is genius—it's like a clay mask, but it doesn't get your hands all dirty and gross when you use it," says our tester. You rub it over areas you'd like to refine and de-gunk—your nose, your cheeks—and the clay and exfoliating acids minimize the appearance of large pores and brighten.
L'Oreal Paris Bright Reveal 12 Percent Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum
Niacinamide—a proven, but gentle discoloration fighter—is paired with gentle exfoliators like amino sulfonic and ferulic acids to blast away hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and sun spots. Our tester saw the results in the bathroom mirror after just three weeks of testing.
"I like my skin to feel hydrated, but I really can't deal with thick creams ," our tester laments. But once turned onto this blend of hyaluronic acid and moisture-retaining peptides, it was game over: "That's why I love this lightweight serum. It moisturizes really well, but doesn't leave me looking like a grease-fest."
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Wrinkle Correcting Cream
It's no surprise that broad spectrum sunscreens prevent wrinkles, but this one can actually reverse them too. That's thanks to a blend of cell-communicating peptides that stimulate skin's natural production of plumping collagen.
Sun serums—a relatively new category of lightweight SPF products that protect against damaging UV rays and address other skin concerns—are everywhere right now. This one is the best of the best, with a sun protection factor of 50 and a special collagen peptide that reverses signs of UV damage.
This innovative formula—with star ingredients like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide—takes all the messiness out of applying sun protection. It comes in a retractable tube that's teardrop-shaped to easily reach every crevice of the face and gently glides on without tugging. Bonus: it has an invisible finish!
The brand known for hydration has come to the table with something truly unique: Exfoliating toner pads that gently refine skin and hydrate. The secret: A blend of mild polyhydroxy acids, calming cica, and moisturizing hyaluronic acid.
This plant oil-based formula has become a social media sensation for a reason: It delivers beautiful shine, plumping hydration, and a hint of flattering color with every swipe.
Some patches fold over and get crumbled up when you try to peel them off the backer. Not these, which our tester insists go on easily and seamlessly. Once on your skin, the hydrocolloid technology protects skin to promote healing while salicylic acid sloughs away pore-clogging oil and dead skin.
For targeted treatment for fine lines on the forehead, around the eyes, and near the sides of your mouth, these patches cannot be beat. Tiny cones on the underside of each one help to deliver a potent blend of wrinkle-fighting actives such as retinol, vitamin C, and peptides.
Inspired by professional treatments, this alpha hydroxy peel refines skin to improve texture, tone, and radiance. The fan shaped brush makes application a no-mess process. "I was glowier within just two weeks of using this product," says our tester.
Cleansing wipes are super-convenient, but sometimes they're just not large enough to get off a full day's face. That's why we're obsessed with these—larger dimensions mean you can remove all of your makeup with just one towelette. Plus, they're infused with hyaluronic acid to be super gentle and moisturizing.
Microdermabrasion treatments used to be available solely in a dermatologist's office or medspa, but Foreo is now brining that technology to the comfort of your own home. Three different tips provide unique benefits—small to exfoliate smaller, more specific areas, medium to tackle fine lines and stubborn blemishes, and large to slough sensitive or dryer areas—while special suction clears clogged pores.
Come Along With Us!
Earlier this year, the Women’s Health staff gathered to photograph our 2024 beauty award winners in New York City. You’re looking at the results of our efforts now—here’s a sneak peek at how the magic happened.
The WH beauty team—that’s Sabrina, Brian, and Danielle, from left—cozies up to model Aga Wojtasik.
Gorgeous and glowy skin was the vision, and our pick for best body oil really delivered on set.
Anyone with dark skin knows a good mineral SPF is hard to find. Model Payton Wofford shows off our pick.
Snap a photo. Adjust the look. Snap again. Tweak some more. That’s how the creative process works.
Makeup artist Jewels Grogan adds a kiss of color to Aga’s lips before she takes her spot in front of the camera.
The WH team was one of the first to get their hands on Beyonce’s new line of hair products. This mask wowed us!
Team WH Beauty kicked off the official submission process for this year’s awards in November 2023, challenging brands to submit their superstars. But really, our editors are on the hunt for innovation 365 days a year. You’ll see some splurges on these pages, but you’ll find drugstore dazzlers too.
WH’s pick for best lip & cheek tint gets ready for a close-up: Our on-set makeup artist used it to give the models a fresh-faced flush.
Our models had great skin from the start, but a dab of our winner for best skin tint warmed up their complexions.
Sabrina, Danielle, and Brian swatch product on-set, deciding between peachy pink and full-on fuchsia.
Hair Products
Our strands bear the brunt of our beauty habits. When frying heat, over bleaching, and tight styles come into play, show your locks some love.
This light wash moisturizes and softens using honey and camelia oil. One tester: “A small amount gives you such a generous lather.”
Consider this the only time we'll accept the bare minimum. Just nine ingredients—including zinc pyrithione and citric acid—align to give your scalp a much-needed refresh
No time for a wash? This vitamin-infused spray goes on invisible, meaning no one (and we mean no one) will know you skipped your shower post-workout. Bonus: the formula is clean.
A thickening formula that holds the sulfates and silicones, but is packed with biotin and prebiotics, this simple wash was clinically proven to improve scalp health and remove buildup—which can stunt hair growth—in just two weeks.
With vitamin E and patent-pending “bioactive keratin ferment,” this treatment (from Beyoncé’s brand) strengthens hair that’s been damaged by color and chemicals.
Four is the magic number for this super treatment. It targets four types of hair bonds and repairs damage from heat, color, chemicals, and everyday styling using a blend of strengthening proteins and citric and lactic acids. Just leave on for four minutes and brace yourself for sleeker, smoother strands.
“The product practically melted into my hair,” one tester raves. “I love a formula that will give me major curl definition without any unflattering crunch.”
Buildup can make styling a nightmare. This detoxifying formula uses tea tree oil and pink clay to break up all the gunk in between wash days and protective styles.
You don't need to splurge on extensions for longer, fuller lashes. This serum uses hyaluronic acid, biotin, and Olaplex's proprietary Peptide Complex Technology to support the natural growth cycle of the lashes while also promoting length retention.
Give wispies and flyaways the boot with this flexible-holdmist, which locks hair in place without the helmet effect. Spray on and brush to remove.
A plant-based version—made from sustainably-sourced castor beans—of the brand’s beloved ouch-free detangling brush. “This de-snarls my type 4 hair with zero pulling,” says one tester.
This hi-tech heat tool has a 365 degree temperature setting—hot enough to get the hair bone straight, but still cool enough to avoid damage—and also features a sleep mode that automatically shuts it off after ten minutes of inactivity.
This helmet uses LED light to promote growth, and has built-in speakers so you can listen to music or a podcast during your sesh.
Get a good grip on frizz and flyaways (literally!) with this wax stick that'll hold any style in place for up to 72 hours.
Glycolic acid—fyi, it’s not just for your skin—seals the cuticle and fights frizz. Apply in-shower, wait a minute, then rinse.
Heat, color, and even brushing can be tough on your strands—moisturizing squalane and a special blend of natural extracts seal your ends. Apply for five minutes then rinse, rinse, rinse.
Makeup
A skin tint that perfects in one swipe, a lip-and-cheek stick you can dab on in seconds—these items please with their ease.
This base hydrates thanks to squalane and glycerin, and cloaks skin in a non-cakey, natural-looking finish.
“The coverage is sheer and it adapted to my skin tone for a nice little boost,” our tester says of the eight shades. It also has bakuchiol and tranexamic acid to improve texture and tone.
The more liquid counterpart to the viral formula that took over your Instagram and TikTok feeds in previous years. This primer is infused with hydrating squalane to minimize the appearance of pores and make your complexion look smoother before applying makeup.
This super-fine mist locks makeup into place while giving the skin a fresh, dewy glow. What more could you want?!
You don't need to go to the beach to give yourself a sun-kissed glow. You can use this lightweight serum to add warmth to the entire face or just target areas. Just apply by mixing a few drops into your moisturizer or sunscreen, or take a brush and lightly dust it over your cheekbones, forehead, and chin.
Too much pigment can make some stains hard to work with, but this bouncy jelly formula leaves soft, buildable color on the lips and cheeks. “I love how you can dot this on and just blend it out with your fingertips,” our tester says. “The finish is incredibly natural."
A skip-proof brush tip that glides over delicate eye skin and a formula that won’t budge yet comes off easily with makeup remover. It sounds too good to be true, but this liner proves otherwise.
It’s the brand’s same beloved lip-softening formula, with peptides for plumping—in a variety of sheer colors.
A good lip liner prevents lipstick from bleeding and looking messy when you need it to hold up during a long day. This one does it perfectly, and includes hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep the skin on your lips from drying out.
The key to creating realistic, hair-like strokes? A pencil with a super-fine tip and natural-looking color. That’s why we can’t get enough of this gem.
Fake the laminated look with this flake-free gel that elongates brow hairs and holds them in place for a full and feathery finish.
Nail Products
A handful of ingenious hacks keep your digits at the tippity-top of their game.
For a shiny, gel-like finish, try this polish along with the top coat (not pictured). UV lamp not required.
No drips or spills here! The sunflower and jojoba oils in this treatment are packed into a no-muss, no-fuss rollerball.
Removing polish just got a lot easier with these travel-friendly, acetone-free wipes. The three-in-one formula also conditions your nails and preps them for a new manicure.
This dual-sided brush and stone is exactly what you need in your nail kit. Use the bristles on wet or dry hands and feet to remove dirt or use the stone to get rid of hardened skin.
This super-hydrating hand mask achieves the same results as leaving petroleum jelly on your hands all night—without the awkwardness.
Perfect for treating age spots and dry, cracked skin, this non-greasy serum goes the extra mile to fight wrinkles, even skin tone, and hydrate hands.
This self-heating mask was made to relax and soften your feet with Epsom salt, menthol, shea butter, and essential oils. Just throw on the mess-free booties for quick and long-lasting relief.
Oral Care
Whiter, brighter—you’re on your way there with this collection of problem solvers.
A two-minute timer and a sensor that flashes when you scrub too hard—this smartbrush has it all.
This floss magically expands in between your teeth to remove gunk from your chompers with absolute ease.
A noticeably brighter smile in 15 min? It’s possible with this LED whitener.
Our testers represented all types and textures, so we know everyone can find a go-to.
Photographed by Jenn Collins, Styling: Rose Lauture, Hair: Andrew Chen at Kramer + Kramer, Makeup: Jewels Grogan at The Wall Group, Manicure: Yukie Miyakawa at See Management, Models: Aga Wojtasik at New York Models, Payton Wofford at Wilhelmina
IMAGE 1: DKNY polo, dkny.com; Oye Swimwear bikini bottom, oyeswimwear.com; Nike sneakers, nike.com; Jenny Bird earrings, jenny-bird.com; Lili Claspe ring, liliclaspe.com; Bombas socks, bombas.com
IMAGE 2: Alo Yoga crop top, aloyoga.com; Roxanne Assoulin earrings, roxanneassoulin.com; Miansai ring, miansai.com
IMAGE 3: Gigi C crop top, gigicbikinis.com
IMAGE 4: Etiq earrings,etiqdesign.com
IMAGE 5: Live the Process bra, livetheprocess.com; Fry Powers rings (right hand), fry powers.com; Cled ring (left hand), thecled.com
IMAGE 6: Alo Yoga vest, aloyoga.com; GSTQ bra top, gstq.com; FP Movement shorts,freepeople.com; Machete hoops, shopmachete.com