At Prevention, we believe in looking and feeling like the most radiant version of yourself – and that means you need the right tools. But we also know that, as technology advances, there’s a seemingly endless procession of new and improved beauty products on the shelves, so it can be tricky to tell which ones work best. That’s where our highly experienced judges came in. The beauty addicts have sampled literally hundreds of products (so you – and your wallet – don’t have to!) in order to determine the most noteworthy buys for your face, hair, and body. So, clear that shelf and begin adding these to your arsenal today.
COLOURS YOU'LL WANT TO WEAR:
Smart formulations, flattering shades and the chicest, most covetable buys.
The winner:
The Quick Flick Intense Black Eyeliner
Perfect for special occasions when you want a touch of glamour or a bolder look, this innovative double-ended eyeliner helps you achieve the difficult winged-eye look in two foolproof steps. Simply use the stamp to create the wing, then line with the pen. It doesn’t smudge or crease and it lasts all day. $35, thequickflick.com.au
The finalists:
Inika Certified Organic Lipstick Crayon
The satiny texture of this lipstick crayon – containing coconut oil and vitamin E – makes it a pleasure to wear for long-lasting, moisturising colour. $35, adorebeauty.com.au
Revlon Ultra HD Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick
Matt without being drying, this lippie has a barely-there velvety texture and lasts for ages. $24.95, Chemist Warehouse
Mavala Soft Kohl Eye Contour Pencil
The soft, creamy formulation moves across eyelids like a dream and is suitable for sensitive eyes. $14.95, mavala.com.au
Jane Iredale PurePressed Eyeshadow Kit
The silky-smooth texture of these five mineral eyeshadows glides over the eye effortlessly for crease-free colour. The gold palette adds a nice touch of luxe. $92, janeiredale.com.au
Karen Murrell Lip Palette
It wasn’t just the natural, nourishing formulation in this nude lipstick palette that we loved, but also the fact that these subtle shades work just as beautifully on the cheeks as the lips. $50, karenmurrell.com
SMARTEST SKINCARE
These products work behind the scenes to keep your skin feeling fresh and looking its best.
The winner:
Synergie Skin Vitamin B SERUM
This potent niacinamide serum not only feels hydrating, it also strengthens skin and reduces pigmentation, excess oil and fine lines while revealing a smoother, more radiant complexion. It’s suitable for all skin types, too. $115, synergieskin.com
The finalists:
Dr Lewinn’s Line Smoothing Complex S8
These tiny vials contain mighty anti-ageing ingredients, including antioxidants and Snap 8, a super-potent peptide that helps to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. $74.95, drlewinns.com.au
Sukin Deeply Hydrating Biodegradable Sheet Mask
Skin need a moisture boost? This hyaluronic acid-fuelled sheet mask will leave it looking plump and refreshed in just 30 minutes. The recyclable packaging and biodegradable mask give this extra thumbs up. $8.95, sukinnaturals.com.au
Avène A-Oxitive Smoothing Water Cream
Delivering intense hydration with a water-light texture, this cream melts into the skin, gradually releasing vitamin C for daily antioxidant protection. $58.95, Chemist Warehouse
Andalou Turmeric + C Enlighten Serum
This refreshingly citrusy serum contains a combo of superfood ingredients, including turmeric, vitamin C and fruit stem cells, to help even out your skin tone, reduce pigmentation and provide a natural glow. $34.99, andalou.com.au
Clémence Organics Lime Caviar Eye Crème
We loved this eye cream for its luxurious texture, which leaves the delicate skin around the eye area feeling smooth and nourished. It’s also organic and 100 per cent natural. $69.95, clemenceorganics.com
Ole Henriksen Goodnight Glow Retin-ALT Sleeping Crème
Retinol can be too harsh for some skin types, so this plant-based alternative containing bakuchiol is an excellent substitute for smooth skin by morning, without the irritation. Did we mention it smells divine? $90, Sephora
BASES TO COVER
Conceal, camouflage, protect and refine with these flawless foundations.
The winner:
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder Foundation
This light liquid foundation was lauded for its barely-there texture, which gives skin a smooth, glowing complexion and feels hydrating on the skin for hours. $65, charlottetilbury.com/au
The finalists:
Skeyndor Age Preventing Foundation
With ingredients that read more like a skincare product, including vitamin C, seaweed extract and a moisturising complex, this medium-to-high coverage foundation hydrates and balances skin tone. $83, skeyndoraustralia.com.au
Asap Pure Mineral Powder
Fans of powder foundations will love this luminous-finish mineral powder, which blends flawlessly without feeling drying on the skin. The no-spill packaging is a bonus! $49 (brush sold separately), adorebeauty.com.au
Clarins Everlasting Youth Fluid
This medium-coverage foundation helps conceal pigmentation, camouflage imperfections and visibly smooth the appearance of your skin. $65, clarins.com.au
Inika Full Coverage Concealer
Beautifully blendable, this concealer has a little bit of luminosity, which is perfect for around the eye area and for hiding pigmentation. $45, inikaorganic.com/au
RELAXING FINDS
The winner:
Neal’s Yard Goodnight Pillow Mist
Sleep can be a real challenge once perimenopause and menopause kick in, but this mist creates a tranquil sleep-time environment with organic lavender, vetiver and mandarin essential oils. $32.95, nealsyardremedies.com.au
The finalists:
Raww Beauty Sleep Bestie pure Essential Oil blend
This soothing combo of lavender, cedarwood, marjoram, orange, valerian and chamomile oils is perfect in a diffuser to set a sleepy mood. $21.99, rawwcosmetics.com
L’Occitane Lavender Foaming Bath
This is your ticket to bubbly bliss. Containing lavender essential oil, it’s deeply soothing for both body and mind. $45, au.loccitane.com
Young Living Tranquil Essential Oil Roll-On
We loved the ease with which you can roll this relaxing blend of lavender, cedarwood and chamomile pure essential oils onto your skin. Inhale for a moment of instant tranquility. $64.90, youngliving.com/en_au
BEAUTIFUL FRAGRANCES
The winner:
Hermetica paris Jade888
This ground-breaking molecular fragrance is 100 per cent alcohol free. The eau de parfum’s moisturising, light oil sits on the skin, providing a clean, green aroma that lasts all day. $299, libertineparfumerie.com.au
The finalists:
L’Occitane Terre de LUMIÈRE
This eau de toilette has a beautiful, floral daytime scent with top notes of bergamot and spicy pink pepper and a base of white musk and tonka bean. $125, au.loccitane.com
Elizabeth Arden White Tea Mandarin Blossom
The vibrant floral fragrance in this eau de toilette with a radiant burst of citrus and a musky, cedarwood base feels sparkly and bright – perfect for parties. $75, David Jones
Versace Eros Pour Femme
Lemon, pomegranate and bergamot top notes mingle with florals and woods to create a sophisticated and sensual mix in this eau de parfum. From $135, Myer
Calvin Klein Everyone
A throwback to CK One from the ’90s, this eau de toilette is Calvin Klein’s first clean fragrance. It’s fresh, light and summery with top notes of organic orange essential oil and ginger. From $59, Myer
Missoni
A bright combination of citrus, florals and woods, the harmonious fragrance in this eau de parfum is both feminine and fun. From $115, Myer
BODY SOOTHERS
Smooth, scrub and moisturise for a bod that’ll feel years younger.
The winner:
Biologi Bf Hydration Body Serum
Containing nothing more than antioxidant-rich finger lime extract, this body serum is a game-changer. Not only does it provide deep, lasting hydration, it also smoothes, brightens and helps reduce pigmentation. It’s suitable for all skin types. $72, biologi.com.au
The finalists:
QV Intensive with Ceramides light moisturising cream
Ceramides are lipids that help the skin retain moisture, so this offering from QV is especially hydrating. It’s suitable for dry skin and various skin conditions, including eczema, dermatitis and psoriasis. $26.99, Chemist Warehouse
Sensori + Detoxifying & Rejuvenating shower oil Toowoomba Carnival
This all-natural shower oil transforms into a light foam, smells divine and leaves skin feeling soft. $49, sensoriplus.com
Dermalogica Thermafoliant Body Scrub
This clever scrub has physical exfoliants and lactic acids to dissolve dead skin cells, leaving your skin feeling fresh, toned and brighter. $67, dermalogica.com.au
Trilogy Exfoliating Body Balm
Enriched with nourishing rosehip oil, sweet almond oil and beeswax, this buttery balm leaves skin feeling impossibly supple. $35.95, trilogyproducts.com.au
Nair Leg Mask
Ten minutes is all you need to apply this innovative clay and seaweed leg mask and let it work its magic before you shower. It hydrates, exfoliates, depilates and minimises regrowth. $14.99, Chemist Warehouse
HARDWORKING HAIRCARE
For softness, shine and body, here’s what really delivers.
The winner:
A’kin Miracle Shine Conditioning Hair Mask Tub
This all-Australian product contains avocado and jojoba oil, along with hydrating squalene, to strengthen, repair, condition, protect, moisturise and boost the health of your hair and scalp. $21.95, akin.com.au
The finalists:
Klorane Scalp Detox Shampoo with Aquatic Mint
This minty-fresh shampoo deeply cleanses and removes product build-up for hair that feels pure and soft. $13.95, Chemist Warehouse
Schwarzkopf Professional Hyaluronic Moisture Kick BB Hydra Pearl
Dry hair will drink up this treatment, fortified with moisturising hyaluronic acid to restore shine, moisture, elasticity and bounce. It smells good, too. $27.95, from selected hair salons
Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother
Apply this before you blow-dry to reduce frizz and enjoy hair that’s smooth and effortless to style. Bonus: it also protects, strengthens and hydrates. $49.95, olaplex.com.au
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