Vogue Beauty Award winners 2023: 40 best beauty products
This budget cleanser is beloved around the world by beauty editors and dermatologists alike for its super hydrating and no fuss properties.
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When it comes to beauty products, finding the right one these days can be a bit of a mission. With hundreds of products on the market, it’s hard to know which ones are worth the money and which ones are simply not. In times like these, we turn to the experts.
And who better than the team at Vogue Australia. Earlier this year, Vogue launched the Vogue Beauty Awards to find the very best products on the market and we finally have the answers. There are two awards per category, a winner chosen by a panel of experts, which included Melanie Grant, Dr Shyamalar Gunatheesan, Anthony Nader and Kellie Stratton, as well as the People’s Choice winner voted by Vogue readers.
HOW DID VOGUE CHOOSE THE SHORTLISTED PRODUCTS?
“The products were selected by our Beauty Editor Remy Rippon after years of testing and writing about the best in Australian beauty,” Francesca Wallace, digital director at Vogue Australia, tells news.com.au.
“The list was then short-listed by the Vogue team to capture the all-round landscape of the industry across a range of price points.”
TOP PICKS
Despite costing just $13, the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser was chosen as the People’s Choice for Best Facial Cleanser.
“Cerave is such a popular brand and for good reason,” Francesca says.
“For one, it’s one of the most affordable brands on the market, and is a favourite of both beauty editors and dermatologists as a pharmacy and supermarket buy.
“Secondly, the formulas are really well thought out, and are all dermatologist approved, which gives their products that extra edge over your usual supermarket buys.”
She also notes that this cleanser in particular is incredibly hydrating because it includes ceramides (found in much more expensive products) and hyaluronic acid to really plump and nourish the skin.
According to Francesca, it is “perfect for every day cleansing” because it doesn’t strip the skin and instead works to strengthen our own moisture barrier.
Another product that jumps out from the winner’s list is the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C Serum, voted by the panel of experts as the winner for Best Acne Treatment.
According to Francesca, SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C Serum is such a cult favourite, and it’s one of the most widely-used products for the Vogue team.
“This is a high potency vitamin C serum which has been stabilised to last longer in the bottle, which is really hard to do with vitamin C,” she says.
It’s gentle enough to be used for most skin types (although not all — skin prone to sensitivity or redness should steer clear), and helps with fighting pollution and fine lines, and is packed with antioxidants. It can help clear, brighten and firm the skin — and is best used every morning for best results.
She says it is a “product well worth the investment!”
VOGUE BEAUTY AWARD WINNERS
SHOP BY CATEGORY
SKIN
BEST RETINOL-SPIKED SKINCARE
Winner
La Prairie Skin Caviar Night Time Oil, $858 at My Deal
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
As luxe as they come, this night time oil may cost a pretty penny but if you can afford it, the results are pretty incredible. Utilising caviar retinol, it is designed to smooth and hydrate and is ideal for older skin and those worried about fine lines and wrinkles.
People’s Choice
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5%, $13.10 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This product may cost less than your average pub dinner but don’t let that fool you. Containing 0.5 per cent pure retinol, this serum is a true miracle worker. Reviewers rave about how well this works with one writing this glowing review: “I have INSANELY oily skin but after waking up the next day after using this product my skin was almost completely matte but still felt so hydrated and soft. I also have not had a single breakout since using this serum and overall my skin just looks better!”
BEST ACNE TREATMENT
Winner
SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF, $236 at Myer
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
With hundreds of five-star reviews, this serum has well and truly earned its first place position. Perfect for oil and blemish prone skin, the potent serum works to reduce blemishes and oil oxidation. Although users do note there is a little bit of a funky smell, they believe it is totally worth it for the results. “I did not expect such a wonderful transformation. My acne scars, blemishes and even pigmentation were fading in no time, in just a week I actually speechless,” wrote one-five star review.
People’s Choice
Avene Cleanance Concentrate Blemish Control Serum, $25.99 (down from $34.99) at Chemist Warehouse
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This concentrated serum is designed to reduce and limit the reappearance of blemishes and blackheads as well as to regulate the hyperproduction of sebum. It is super fast working too so you can say goodbye to that pesky pimple in no time at all. “I tend to avoid blemish products due to extremely sensitive, dry skin. I have used this serum for a month now and have seen noticeable improvement in my blemishes with no drying or negative impacts, even using it twice a day as the label recommends. This is the only blemish treatment I have ever been able to use successfully this long at this frequency,” wrote one five-star review on Google.
BEST FACE CLEANSER
Winner
Rationale #4 ‘The Cleanser’, $74
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This gentle cream cleanser works to remove makeup and dirt from your skin while maintaining hydration and soothing irritation. After using for 28 days, 77 per cent of users reported greater skin calmness and nourishment, 73 per cent reported more suppleness and 73 per cent reported increased hydration.
People’s Choice
Cerave Hydrating Cleanser, $14.99 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
With over 80,580 five-star reviews on Amazon, it’s no surprise that this pick has won People’s Choice for best cleanser. It is one of those classic products that is simple and effective. The price is low and it does what it sets out to do. What more can you ask for when it comes to a cleanser? “It’s honestly the best face wash I’ve ever used. My skin doesn’t react to it, and looks better than it has in years,” wrote one happy customer. Another said, “My dermatologist recommended this to me many years ago. Love it. It does make your face so very smooth.”
BEST SUNSCREEN
People’s choice
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Rated Amazon’s number one bestseller for sunscreen, this pick is fragrance-free and super lightweight. It also leaves an invisible finish too. It is SPF50+ and has high UVA/UVB protection.
Remember: Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
BEST SERUM
Winner
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic vitamin C Serum, $236 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Despite the higher price, this vitamin C serum has become a true cult product. It combines 15 per cent vitamin C and 1 per cent vitamin E with Ferulic Acid, to optimise protection against damaging UVA/UVB rays, help prevent premature signs of ageing, and stimulate collagen production. Edwina Carr Barraclough, Senior Manager, Ecommerce Content and Strategy, has tried the best selling serum and noticed her skin was “brighter” after six months of use. She also said she would definitely recommend it “if you’re serious about your skincare.”
People’s Choice
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, from $121 at THE ICONIC
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This iconic serum has been designed to address all signs of ageing as well as hydrate and brighten the skin. From comments like “miracle serum” to one five-star review saying, “I have been using this for over 20 years and literally cannot live without it!” This is a product you won’t regret buying.
BEST NIGHT CREAM
Winner
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 15ml, $231.90 at Amazon Australia
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This award-winning daily moisturiser is not only intensely hydrating and nourishing but feels like luxury in a tub. It has been clinically proven to reduce the signs of ageing including the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. Your skin will definitely thank you.
People’s Choice
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow AHA Night Treatment, $64 at Mecca
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Featuring 2.5 per cent pH-balanced AHA complex, this moisturiser is designed to leave smoother, firmer-looking skin. Overnight, it works to not only moisturise but also exfoliate the skin without irritation. “This night time saviour leaves my skin feeling so lush and beautiful, I actually wake up feeling amazing. it coats my skin and protects while sleeping,” wrote one five-star review.
BODY
BEST-SMELLING BODY WASH
Winner
Necessaire The Body Wash, $44.13 at Net-a-Porter
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Add a bit of luxury to your shower time with this fragrance-free body wash from Necessaire. Crafted in a gel texture that works to deeply cleanse, nourish and balance skin, it also features Niacinamide, vitamin C and E so your whole body is truly treated to some self-care.
People’s Choice
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil, $39 at THE ICONIC
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This shower oil is so popular that one is sold every 15 seconds worldwide. Once wet, the oil turns into a silky milk that works to lather and cleanse the body. With a fragrance of almonds and vanilla, you’ll soon wonder how you showered without it for so long. “The most divine shower oil, leaves your skin feeling super soft and hydrated and the smell is amazing!” wrote one five-star review.
BEST FRAGRANCE
Winner
Chanel N5 Eau de Parfum Spray, from $134 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
When you think of classic perfumes, you think Chanel No 5. This signature fragrance has been around for over 100 years and is still just as timeless then as it is today. Featuring scents of May Rose and Jasmine as well as bright citrus top notes, if you’re after something elegant, this is the way to go.
People’s Choice
Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream Eau de Toilette, from $112 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Another best-selling perfume, Marc Jacobs Daisy Dream is a fresh take on the iconic Daisy perfume. Fruity and floral, it works just as well as a teenager’s first ever perfume as it does as a gift for a friend, mother or aunt too.
BEST INGESTIBLE
People’s Choice
Swisse Beauty Collagen Glow Powder, $32 at Woolworths
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Made from important skin nutrients, including collagen peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E, and a blend of acai, goji, and grape seed, this collagen glow powder is a great option for those looking for something extra in their skincare routine.
BEST HAND CREAM
Winner
Chanel La Creme Main, $87 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Hand cream is an often forgotten about skincare item but in our opinion, it is just as important as any retinol or hydrating serum. As anyone with dry skin understands, hand cream is a non-negotiable. This option from Chanel may seem a bit luxe but considering you only use a little bit at a time, we think it is definitely worth it. Crafted to moisturise, smooth and brighten skin and nails, you soon will not be able to go anywhere without it.
People’s Choice
Lanolips Lanolin Everywhere Cream, $18.95 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This rich and gentle cream not only is great for your hands but works for all over your body. Watch your dry skin become nourished, hydrated and silky overnight. “It hydrates my skin and I love the smell as its not overwhelming,” wrote one happy customer. Another five-star review wrote, “This product sits on my desk and is with me all the time. I have really dry elbows and use this at least once a day to make them smooth – it does the job and also absorbs quickly. I also rub these into my cuticles and onto the lips for a nice sheen.”
BEST BODY EXFOLIANT
Winner
Grown Alchemist Smoothing Body Exfoliant, $48 at Grown Alchemist
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Smooth your skin and buff away any dryness with this body exfoliant from Grown Alchemist. It is also specifically designed to target cellulite and rejuvenate dull or ageing skin.
People’s Choice
Frank Body Original Coffee Scrub, $20 at Frank Body
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This best-selling scrub is beloved all around the world for not only its exfoliating properties but also for the way it works on breakouts, scars, cellulite, and stretch marks. Made from a blend of coffee, vitamin E, and antioxidant-rich oils, the scrub helps to keep your skin looking perky and smooth.
MAKE-UP
BEST FOUNDATION
Winner
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, $105 at THE ICONIC
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This iconic, lightweight foundation is perfect for those after that classic glowy skin look. It corrects, unifies and perfects the complexion without looking too caked either. “Medium coverage and buildable, but does not cake up or feel heavy. The one key difference is that this foundation gives you a GLOW which makes you look million dollars,” wrote one five-star review.
People’s Choice
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, $75 at Mecca
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This sheer, buildable foundation is one of Mecca’s most popular foundations and people love how they can wear it for all occasions. It can be used for light coverage on works days or can be built up for a more medium coverage when the need arises. “It gives me healthy and clear, yet natural looking skin. It feels so comfortable on my dry skin, and stays in place throughout a long day at work, with only the lightest dusting of powder,” wrote one five-star review.
BEST MASCARA
Winner
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
A perhaps more lesser known option, the brush on this mascara has small bristles to better reach and coat your lashes evenly. One five-star review said, “Excellent for wayward lashes as has a small applicator. Layers well so works for a natural or more lush finish. I’ve tried many up-market brands and for me it’s the best I’ve found.”
People’s Choice
Dior Diorshow Pump ‘N’ Volume HD Mascara, $62 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Need something long lasting? This mascara from Dior promises up to 24 hours wear time so you can truly party the night away. It’s designed for extra volume too.
BEST BROW TAMER
Winner
Tom Ford Brow Sculptor, $92 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This two-in-one eyebrow tool is truly the best of the best. The thin pencil allows you to easily fill in your brows while the brush helps you to properly groom and shape your brows into your preferred angle. One five-star review said, “The shape of the brow product allows for easy shaping of your brows and the brush allows you to smooth and fix the hairs.”
People’s Choice
Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel, $42 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
I have been using the brow gel for around six months and honestly don’t know how I went without. It styles my brows so well and keeps them in place all day, what more could you want? Plus, it’s clear so doesn’t look like you are wearing any product at all.
BEST BLUSH
Winner
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, $77 at Net-a-Porter
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Whether you’re using this stick on your cheeks, lips or eyelids, this subtle colour is the perfect way to add a bit of vibrancy to your face. We love how easy to apply it is and the natural, youthful glow it gives.
People’s Choice
Nars Blush (Orgasm), $51 at Mecca
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Another cult item, this powder blush is another one of those award-winning, best selling products that people just can’t seem to get enough of. Available in a range of mattes and shimmers, the Orgasm blush is definitely the most popular if you’re after a natural-looking flush and that healthy pop of colour.
BEST LIPSTICK
Winner
Hermès Rouge Hermès Satin Lipstick, $110 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
For a signature red lip, it’s hard to look past Hermes. With a soft satin finish, this lipstick promises to be long-lasting so you don’t have to worry about reapplying.
People’s Choice
YSL Beauty Rouge Pur Couture The Slim Matte Lipstick, $65 at Myer
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Made in a super-slim square shape that is super easy to apply, this lipstick from YSL is not only highly pigmented but also super longwear too. “The first thing I noticed about the Slim Glow Matte was how easy it swiped on; it didn’t feel as heavy, cakey or dry as matte lipsticks often do,” wrote one five-star review on Google. They continued, “it has a super creamy, hydrating feel and gives a soft, velvet-like glow when applied.”
HAIR
BEST SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER
Winner
Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Shampoo, $54 at Adore Beauty
Kérastase Resistance Strengthening Conditioner, $56 at Adore Beauty
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This strengthening shampoo and conditioner is designed to restore hair after breakage, as well as strengthens and fortifies hair to reduce hair breakage in the first place. Crafted to leave hair more soft and firm to the touch and to revitalise the hair fibre to protect against damage, it is hair care that is well worth the money.
People’s Choice
Olaplex No. 4 Shampoo and No. 5 Conditioner, $97 at Amazon
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This best-selling shampoo and conditioner is not only loved by millions on TikTok but also by millions around the world. Including a highly moisturising, reparative shampoo and conditioner that leaves hair better protected, also easier to manager, shinier and healthier.
BEST DRY SHAMPOO
Winner
Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo, $66 at Mecca
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Dry shampoo is a staple in any busy girl’s beauty routine so you may as well invest in something you know is going to give the results you want. This one from Living Prood works to clean your hair by absorbing oil, sweat, and odour and also leaves your hair with a touch of texture and a crisp, long-lasting scent. One five-star review wrote, “cleans hair by absorbing oil, sweat, and odour while leaving hair with a touch of texture and a crisp, long-lasting scent.”
People’s Choice
Batiste Original Dry Shampoo, $9.99 at Amazon
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This classic dry shampoo is one of the most well known and for good reason. It may not be overly fancy but does dry shampoo really need to be? As long as it gets rid of the oil in as little time as possible while we run out the door for work, that’s all we care about.
BEST HAIR TOOL
Winner
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $499 (down from $649) at THE ICONIC
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
I tried out the Dyson Supersonic earlier this year and was thoroughly impressed. It dried my hair so quickly. Hairdressers often tell me that my hair holds moisture really well and so it takes a long time even for them to blow dry. But I was seriously stunned at how quickly the Supersonic worked.
Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer, says of the tool: “The Dyson Supersonic is quick, efficient and saves me time. My hair looks soft and smooth, plus I feel good knowing that I’m not using extreme heat on my hair.”
People’s Choice
GHD Platinum+ Hair Straightener, $306 (down from $395) at Amazon
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
The number one bestseller in hair straighteners at Amazon, this hair tool not only straightens hair but also works for curling, waves and short flicks too. One five-star review said, “this is my third GHD. I thought I would splurge and get the platinum + after having the standard version for so long. So glad I did! it heats pretty much instantly, and its smart functionality means that it modifies the heat for my frizzy chemically damaged hair. So happy with the result!”
BEST HAIR OIL
Winner
L’Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil Treatment, $13 (down from $22) at Woolworths
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Restore your hair back to health with this deeply regenerative hair oil from L’Oreal. Made from six precious flower oils, it is specifically targeted for dry or damaged hair as it penetares the hair fibre to nourish and restore the hair.
People’s Choice
Olaplex Nº. 7 Bonding Oil, $45.30 (down from $54) at Amazon
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This best-selling hair oil has tens of thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon of people raving about how this oil “saved” their hair. Not only does this oil repair and restore damaged hair but also increases shine and softness to ensure that you hair looks and feels its best.
BEST TEXTURISING SPRAY
Winner
Hair by Sam McKnight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist, $49 at Mecca
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
This cult-favourite mist by celebrity hairstylist, Sam McKnight, who counts Kate Moss as one of his clients, helps to give your hair that classic tousled style. Unlike other hair sprays, it is residual free so allows your hair to stay soft too. One five-star review wrote, “this mist did not disappoint – I have a layered bob and this gives a nice, weightless texture to my layers.”
People’s Choice
Eleven Australia Dry Finish Texture Spray, $27.95 at Adore Beauty
More Coverage
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Create lived in texture and long lasting volume with this texture spray from Eleven. It is ideal for that slightly messy, effortlessly cool hair look that we all aspire for. “It smells really nice, it gives good volume and it keeps my hair looking fuller,” wrote one five-star review.
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