To help you, we enlisted a panel of independent industry experts who tested more than 500 products to find the best beauty products of 2020 for women over 40.
This year you’ll find new favourites for your face, hair and body, from eye creams and anti aging serums, to budget beauty buys, frizz fighters and body smoothers PLUS new clean beauty products that are not only good for you, but for the earth too. The Best of Beauty Awards is truly the definitive list of beauty products for Australian women!
Some of the highlights of the awards are listed below, but if you're curious to see all the winners (and perhaps even tick a few gifts off your list) check out - and shop! - the full list here.
The smoothing eye cream

Jurlique Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm, $99
This rich, buttery eye balm smooths and hydrates, reducing the appearance of lines and shadows. It’s deeply moisturising with a powerhouse of botanical ingredients, handpicked from Jurlique’s biodynamic Adelaide Hills farm.
The amazing face oil

Dr Naomi Lift Off Firming Super Oil, $139
“I’m so enamoured with this plant oil blend, which includes jojoba, macadamia seed, camellia, grape seed, apricot kernel and avocado,” says Prevention beauty editor Cecily-Anna Bennett. “It sinks in without feeling oily, leaving skin feeling instantly plumper.”
The mineral foundation

Aspect Minerals Powder, $59
“This powder foundation is great for oily skin types and also menopausal skin,” says make-up artist Amanda Ramsay. “It buffs in easily, leaving a velvety finish.” It contains kaolin clay to absorb oil and hyaluronic acid for hydration.
The sensitive cleanser

QED Skincare Ultra-Sensitive Treatment Cleansing Oil, $60
This gentle cleansing oil doesn’t require water, since jojoba, sunflower and non- palm vegetable oils do all the heavy lifting – just swipe off with a cotton pad. “Perfect for all skin types, it does an excellent job of removing make- up and leaves skin feeling hydrated, plus it’s fragrance free,” says Amanda.
The ultimate hair tamer

ColorWOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray, $57
Not only does this leave-in treatment protect your hair from humidity and frizz, it also works wonders on texture. Whether you want sleek, glass- like shine or smooth, glossy volume, spray this on before blow-drying for results that last for up to three washes.
The SPF primer

Naked Sundays Collagen Glow SPF 50+ 100% Mineral Sunscreen, $39.95
This three-in-one SPF, primer and moisturiser, featuring vegan collagen, is first-rate. It feels like skincare, shields like a sunscreen and contains vitamin C and amino acids for extra protection.
The 4-in-1 foundation

Synergie Skin MineralWhip, $69
Buildable and blendable for medium to full coverage, you’ll get a flawless, dewy finish with this clever cream foundation that also works as a primer, concealer, UV protector and antioxidant.
The handmade body oil

Arithmos De-Stress Superfine Body Oil, $72
This luxury handmade body oil combines mood-enhancing aromatherapy with certified organic botanical oils to melt away tension. Smooth all over your body for skin that looks and feels nourished and soft.
The organic moisturiser

Clémence Organics Protect + Clarify Daily Face Lotion, $79.98
This terrifific daily moisturiser is packed with nourishing ingredients, including native Australian botanicals, plant and essential oils, biofermented hyaluronic acid and zinc oxide and Karanga seed oil for natural UV protection. Glides on and melts in like a dream.
The budget moisturiser

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel, $26.99
This affordable moisturiser has hyaluronic acid and antioxidants for long-lasting hydration, plus the cooling gel is a pleasure to apply. “The oil-free, hypoallergenic and hydrating ingredients are suitable for people with acne and rosacea-prone skin,” says dermatologist and surgeon Dr Eleni Yiasemides.
The radiance-boosting serum

Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting, $101
If you have pigmentation or dull skin, you’ll love this silky serum, which really does improve your natural radiance and dial down uneven skin tone. The hero ingredient? Viniferine (from grapevine stalks), which Dr Yiasemides says is a potent antioxidant, similar to vitamin C.
The multitasking colour pot

Ere Perez Carrot Colour Pot, $36
“This is a really great pot of colour,” says Amanda. “It’s a cream blush, but can be used all over the face, including cheeks and eyes.” It blends effortlessly, thanks to a silky combo of plant oils and waxes.
SHOP ALL THE BEST OF BEAUTY AWARD WINNERS: HERE
Meet our panel of expert judges
Dr Eleni Yiasemides: Consultant dermatologist specialist and Mohs micrographic surgeon.
Amanda Ramsay: Award-winning make-up artist, who runs online beauty masterclasses for women 40+.
Sue Caires: Hairstylist and educator, who runs acclaimed Sydney salon Cabelo Culture.
Cecily-Anna Bennett: Prevention beauty editor