In a world overflowing with beauty launches, only the best break through the noise. This year’s Beauty Awards 2025 brings together an expert panel of editors, artists, dermatologists, and influencers to test, wear, and weigh in on the industry’s most exciting new arrivals. From makeup that lasts from sunrise to last call, to skincare that delivers real results, here are the game-changers that earned our highest praise. Whether you’re a beauty minimalist or a full-face maximalist, there’s something here to transform your routine.
Makeup: Winners that redefined glam
Primers That Go the Extra Mile: The base of a flawless beat starts with the perfect primer. E.L.F. Power Grip Matte Primer took home top marks for its long-lasting grip and shine-free finish. A judge raved, “My makeup didn’t budge, even after hours.” Equally impressive, Milani’s Conceal + Perfect Blur Out Smoothing Primer lives up to its viral reputation—delivering filtered skin IRL with blue algae and Korean-pear extract that smooth and hydrate in one swipe.
Foundation Meets Function: This year saw a major shift toward hybrid formulas that act like skincare but perform like pro makeup. Charlotte Tilbury’s Unreal Skin Sheer Glow Tint Hydrating Foundation Stick was a standout for its dewy finish and skin-loving ingredients. Meanwhile, Bobbi Brown’s Weightless Skin Foundation SPF 15 delivered a “no-makeup makeup” vibe that held strong all day.
Still, some classics reminded us why they remain in every artist’s kit. Estée Lauder’s Double Wear Stay-in-Place Makeup continued to wow with its vast shade range and bulletproof matte coverage. One judge called it “a foundation that’s stood the test of time because the finish is so flawless.”
The Glow Factor: When it came to radiance, the glow-up was real. Dr. Hauschka’s Illuminating Fluid delivered a megawatt shimmer or subtle luminosity, depending on how it’s applied. For those chasing that sunlit warmth, Fenty Beauty’s Sun Stalk’r Instant Warmth Bronzer provided a matte tropical flush in nine diverse shades. And Rare Beauty’s Soft Pinch Liquid Contour won over judges for its buildable, non-muddy formula that compliments every skin tone.
Concealers & Setting Heroes: MAC Studio Radiance 24HR Luminous Lift Concealer didn’t just cover—it treated. Packed with niacinamide and vitamin C, it blurred dark circles instantly while brightening them over time. Bare Minerals Original Mineral Veil Loose Setting Powder locked in all the magic, leaving no trace but a photo-ready canvas. And Makeup by Mario’s SurrealSkin Soft Setting Spray finished it all with a feather-light mist and hydration boost.
Blush, Lips, and Liner Legends: Nars Powder Blush, now talc-free and more long-wearing than ever, brought a natural flush that lasted up to 16 hours. On lips, Nars Explicit Lipstick wowed with intense color payoff and a luxe satin formula in a refillable tube. Other buzzworthy picks included Maybelline SuperStay Vinyl Ink, Clarins Lip Oil Balm, and Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Big Lip Plumpgasm.
For definition, Clinique’s High Impact Gel Tech Eyeliner in Black Honey emerged as a dark horse favorite, while Watier’s Eye Opening Vegan Liquid Eyeliner earned kudos for its precision and plant-based formula. Benefit’s Precisely, My Brow Pencil and Milk Makeup’s Kush Fiber Brow Gel helped frame the face with ease.
And for lashes? Marcelle’s Lash Loving Serum & Volumizing Primer worked overtime to boost volume while nourishing lash health. For on-the-go glam, Ardell’s Naked Press On lashes offered drama without the drama.
Skincare: Science, simplicity, and sensory joy
Barrier Builders & Glow Getters: This year was all about the skin barrier—and the products that protect it. Glow Recipe’s Cloudberry Bright Moisture Cream delivered radiance and hydration in equal measure, while Rhode’s Barrier Butter earned loyal fans for its ultra-nourishing, skin-soothing formula. Skinfix’s Barrier+ Triple Lipid-Peptide Cream and Drunk Elephant’s Bora Barrier Repair Cream further proved that barrier care is here to stay.
Anti-aging got a serious upgrade with Sisley’s Sisleÿa L’Intégral Fresh Gel Cream, IDC Dermo’s 16-in-1 Global Cream, and SkinBetter Science’s AlphaRet Clearing Serum—all combining luxurious textures with advanced actives.
Tailored to You: Personalization was another key theme. Omy’s Personalized Day Cream and Koope’s Lightweight Moisturizer delivered custom hydration solutions, while Éminence Organic’s Bakuchiol + Niacinamide Moisturizer proved that plant-based can still be potent.
Brightening Stars: Vitamin C made a strong showing, notably in Marcelle’s Vitamin C + Squalane Brightening Mask With Probiotics and Vivier’s Radiance Serum. These products targeted dullness and discoloration with both elegance and efficacy.
Cleansers, Masks & Resurfacers: The best cleansing products doubled as rituals. Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm was a sensorial favorite, melting away makeup while nourishing the skin. Meanwhile, Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser and La Roche-Posay’s Effaclar Foaming Gel offered gentle, effective alternatives for daily use.
For exfoliation, U Beauty’s Resurfacing Flash Peel and AlumierMD’s Bright & Clear Solution delivered glow-boosting results without irritation. And masks like Summer Fridays’ Jet Lag Mask and My Sheen Skin’s Nora LED Light Therapy Mask turned self-care into skin care.
Eye Creams, Sunscreens & Lip Care: The eyes had it this year, with Belif’s Aqua Bomb Eye Gel and Functionalab’s Tensing Eye Complex taking top honors. Lips weren’t left behind—Ole Henriksen’s Pout Preserve, Ghlee’s Lip Mask, and CoverGirl’s Yummy Gloss ensured every pout was pampered.
When it came to sun protection, innovation reigned. Ultra Violette’s Queen Screen SPF 50+ offered glow and coverage in one, while Vichy Capital Soleil UV+AGE Daily SPF 60 and Clé de Peau’s Protective UV Cream combined skincare and high-performance protection. Nuda’s Cloudmist Face Tan Water even brought sun-kissed vibes without UV exposure.
The Beauty Awards 2025 isn’t just a roundup—it’s a reflection of where beauty is going: smarter, more inclusive, and endlessly innovative. Whether you’re a loyalist to classics or someone who lives for the thrill of new releases, this year’s winners prove one thing: great beauty doesn’t just enhance the outside—it elevates how we feel within.
