Editors Tested Hundreds Of The Latest Beauty Products For Months. These Are The Best.

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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.

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women's health beauty awards 2024 — Jenn Collins

Body Products

The skin below the chin can get short shrift. These goodies will make you want to take care of it all

Hydration Boost Serum Body Wash

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.

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Hydration Boost Serum Body Wash

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Radiant X Even Tone Nourishing Body Lotion With 1% Niacinamide

A budget-friendly moisturizer with a lot of value: It reduces dark spots and evens tone while leaving behind the most radiant finish. You’ve got to try this glow-getter.

Skin Solutions Body Wash with Salicylic Acid

Salicylic acid unclogs pores to show pimples and ingrown hairs the door, while vitamin B3 (aka niacinamide) addresses uneven tone and texture.

Good Aura Weightless Body Oil

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.

Smoothing Body Serum

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.

The Body Retinol

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.

Resurfacing Body Compound

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.

KP Care Texture Smoothing Body Cream

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.

J’adore L’or

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.

Daisy Drops Signature Eau de Toilette

If your perfume tends to fade, grab one of these fruity-smelling capsules. Just twist off the top, squeeze out the juice, and dab it onto your pulse points.

Unseen Sunscreen Body SPF 40

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.

UV AOX Mist Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 40

A mess-free mist that shows up on skin when it’s first sprayed (so you know what spots you may have missed) but disappears immediately after. No white residue here!

Coconut & Hibiscus Whole Body Deodorant Cream

Whole-body deos are all the rage right now—this one keeps you dry with cornstarch and smells like heavenly coconut and hibiscus.

Whole Body Deodorant

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!)

10% AHA + Yerba Mate Smoothing Energy Body Scrub

Some scrubs are too gritty to be pleasant—this one smoothes with finely ground olive seed powder and alpha hydroxy acids.

Pubic Razor

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.

Cashmere Skin Collection Shave Oil

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.

FIRMx Tight & Toned Cellulite Treatment

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.

Heal + Hydrate B3 Cleanser

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.

SkinActive Micellar Gentle Peeling Water Facial

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.

Skintreats Antioxidant Tonic

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.

Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic Acid + 2% Lactic Acid Liquid Exfoliant

Anyone with breakouts or discoloration should pick up this bottle of liquid gold, which gently sloughs it all away.

Super Serum

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.”

Moisture Boost Hydrating Cream

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.

Lip Jelly Balm

“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.*

HydraLuminous+ Cooling Eye Gel

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.

High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Mask

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.”

Ghost-Buster 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 42

This tinted mineral formula was developed by women of color to blend invisibly into all skin tones—and it delivers.

Melt Down Cleansing Balm

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.

Eventide Retinol Renewing Serum

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.”

Pore Perfecting AHA & Blackhead Exfoliator Stick

“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.

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.

Water Slide Hydration Boosting Serum

“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.”

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.

Better Screen UV Serum SPF 50+ Sunscreen

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.

Aqua Bomb PHA Exfoliating Toner Pads

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.

Dream Lip Oil

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.

Zits Happen Hydrocolloid Acne Patches

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.

Wrinkle Erasing Retinol Patches

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.

Le Lift Retexturizing AHA Peel

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.

Real Clean XL Makeup Removing & Cleansing Wipes

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.

KIWI Derma Diamond Microdermabrasion & Pore Vacuum

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.

women's health beauty awards — Add TK Caption HereJenn Collins

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.

Honey Sulfate Free Moisturizing Shampoo

This light wash moisturizes and softens using honey and camelia oil. One tester: “A small amount gives you such a generous lather.”

Hair Filler Moisture Repair Conditioner with Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid helps hair retain moisture to send frizz and flyaways packing. “My fried ends soaked this conditioner right up,” one tester says. “The result? Silkiness.”

Bare Pure Clean Dandruff Shampoo

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

Dry Shampoo

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.

Miracle Rescue Deep Conditioner

The water-soluble pearls in this treatment are meant to dissolve when applied, releasing vitamins and nutrients into strands to address damage and moisture loss.

Scalp Revitalizing Solution Hair Thickening Shampoo

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.

Reconstructing Treatment Mask

With vitamin E and patent-pending “bioactive keratin ferment,” this treatment (from Beyonce’s brand) strengthens hair that’s been damaged by color and chemicals.

GlaziPlex Super Bond Repair Treatment

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.

Keratin Smooth Weightless Perfecting Leave-In Lotion

Dryness and split ends can leave your blowout looking less than silky. This light keratin lotion locks in moisture to give your style staying power.

hair-foam

“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.”

Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-wash Oil

Nourish your scalp and strands with this lightweight rosemary-based oil that can be used pre-shampoo or as an overnight treatment. Bonus: It won’t weigh hair down.

Microbiome Cooling Scalp Serum For Dry Itchy Scalp + Loose Flakes

Feeling itchy? Your scalp microbiome—which defends against dandruff and dermatitis—may be off. Use this (with peppermint oil and a balancing amino complex) as a solve.

Deep Scalp Detox

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.

GrandeBROW-LAMINATE Brow Styling Gel with Peptides

Want fuller, fluffier, laminated brows on a DIY budget? This gel does it all—it shapes and holds brows into place while promoting healthy growth thanks to the inclusion of peptides.

Lashbond Building Serum

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.

Hair Rituel The Invisible Hold Hairspray

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.

The Ultimate Detangler Plant Brush

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.

INFINITIPRO DigitalAIRE Hair Dryer

A cold shot button, three heat and speed settings, frizz-defying technology, lightweight—there isn’t much about this small-but-mighty tool that we don’t love. Worth the splurge.

Chronos Styler 1″ Flat Iron

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.

LED Hair Growth Helmet

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.

Slick Stick Strong Hold Hair Wax

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.

Smooth Over Frizz-Fighting Hair Treatment

Glycolic acid—fyi, it’s not just for your skin—seals the cuticle and fights frizz. Apply in-shower, wait a minute, then rinse.

Vibes Hair To Slay Split End Mending Conditioner

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.

Stretch Fluid Foundation

This base hydrates thanks to squalane and glycerin, and cloaks skin in a non-cakey, natural-looking finish.

Simply Ageless Skin Perfector Essence Foundation

“The coverage is transparent 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.

Triclone Skin Tech Hydrating + De-puffing Concealer

Blur imperfections, de-puff undereye circles, and brighten with this incredible skincare-infused multitasker. “This blends out so easily, and lasts all day without creasing,” says a tester.

Liquid Poreless Putty Primer

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.

Studio Fix Pro Set + Blur Weightless Loose Powder

This ultra-fine powder is sweat and humidity-resistant—meaning it can withstand an intense evening run or gym session—and it locks makeup into place without clogging pores or causing breakouts.

Next to Skin Setting Mist

This super-fine mist locks makeup into place while giving the skin a fresh, dewy glow. What more could you want?!

Luminous Silk Glow Liquid Bronzer Drops

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.

Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

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.”

Linework Paintbrush Fluid Liquid Eyeliner

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.

The Falsies Surreal Extensions Waterproof Mascara

“My lashes never look this long when I use other mascaras,” one tester says. “It adds volume and length, even after just one quick pass.”

Dimensions Multi-Effect Refillable Eyeshadow Palette

A mini palette with three neutrals (for when you want a subtle hint of color) and one accent shade (for when you want to make more of a statement).

Unlocked Soft Matte Lipstick

You’ll be impressed with this matte formula’s rich color payoff. “The texture is light and silky, and it stays on all day without slowly peeling off,” says our tester.

Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick

Matte lipsticks have a reputation for being drying, but this smudge-proof formula is infused with hydrating hyaluronic acid to prevent the lips from feeling parched.

Peptide Lip Tint

It’s the brand’s same beloved lip-softening formula, with peptides for plumping—in a variety of transparent colors.

Waterproof Lip Liner

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.

Clean Fresh Brow Nano Eyebrow Pencil

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.

Brow Freeze® Gel

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.

Gel Couture Bedazzled Longwear Nail Polish

For a shiny, gel-like finish, try this polish along with the top coat (not pictured). UV lamp not required.

Salon Effects Perfect Manicure

Get salon-quality nails in the comfort of your home with these fun press-ons. They’re easy to put on and last for up to two weeks.

Nourishing Cuticle Oil

No drips or spills here! The sunflower and jojoba oils in this treatment are packed into a no-muss, no-fuss rollerball.

Repair Mode Bond Building Nail Serum

Bond-builders aren’t just for your hair: The patented strengthening technology in this serum addresses cracking from inside the nail.

Extracts 3-in-1 Soy Nail Polish Remover Wipes

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.

Nail Brush And Callus Remover

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.

Overnight Hand Hydration Mask

This super-hydrating hand mask achieves the same results as leaving petroleum jelly on your hands all night—without the awkwardness.

EGF Hand Serum

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.

Rough, Dry Foot Renewal Ultra Overnight Treatment Kit

Bringing rough, dry feet back to life is as easy as…falling asleep. This overnight kit addresses dryness with aloe and coconut oil—apply the cream to your feet and throw on the added pair of toeless socks to seal in the moisture while you dream.

Tired, Achy Feet Soothing & Reviving Foot Mask

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.

iO Series 10 Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush

A two-minute timer and a sensor that flashes when you scrub too hard—this smartbrush has it all.

Total Plaque Pro Release Whitening Toothpaste

Fight plaque with a paste that “gets into every crevice,” per our tester.

Expanding Dental Floss

This floss magically expands in between your teeth to remove gunk from your chompers with absolute ease.

Rapid Radiance Whitening Kit

A noticeably brighter smile in 15 min? It’s possible with this LED whitener.

a person smiling and wearing a black tank top — Jenn Collins

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 swimsuit 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

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