The power of the best beauty products to make you look and feel 100% better is undoubtable.
From the best foundation that boosts your confidence or a new perfume that lifts your mood to a skincare routine that adds a glow to your skin. But with so many products on the market, how do you know what are the best ones to invest in, that really work and make a real difference?
That’s where we come in. Whether you want to invest in new skincare, try out some different make-up or invest in a high-tech beauty tool, our panel of beauty experts has tested each and every one of these winners to bring you 2021’s 100 best beauty products to help you look and feel like a better version of yourself.
With thanks to our judging panel
(Image credit: Future)
Best beauty of 2021: Announcing our woman&home Beauty Awards winners! Why you can trust Woman & Home
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .
Beauty classics (Image credit: Bioderma)
1. Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Best micellar water
'Gentle, doesn’t irritate the skin and removes make-up well.’
Jess Beech, deputy beauty editor (Image credit: tweezerman)
2. Tweezerman Classic Slant Tweezer Best tweezers
‘I don’t pluck my eyebrows with any other tweezers. Sharp, accurate and easy to get one hair at a time. A must in any kit—they last forever.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: OPI)
3. OPI Nail Lacquer in Big Apple Red Best nail polish
‘I love OPI’s long-lasting formulas and wide brushes that coat your whole nail in one swipe. Everyone should have this classic shade in their stash.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Pixi)
4. Pixi Glow Tonic Best skin treatment
'A winner for smoother, brighter skin. Plus, it’s gentle enough to use every day.’
Jess Beech, deputy beauty editor (Image credit: Prai)
5. PRAI Ageless Throat & Decolletage Creme Best neck treatment
‘This definitely left my neck and chest smoother.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: GHD)
6. GHD Max Hair Straightener Best hair tool
‘Great product, good wide plates and temperature control.’
Jennie Roberts, hair stylist Beauty Innovation (Image credit: tribalm)
7. Frances Prescott Tri-Balm Best cleanser
‘A cleansing balm that you just roll onto your face. Genius! No mess, easy to use and left my skin smooth. Really like this!’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: ghd)
8. GHD Unplugged Best hair tool
'Great size, styles the hair well and looks great. Nice and compact for handbag and travel.’
Jennie Roberts, hairstylist (Image credit: Foreo)
9. Foreo Bear Facial Toning Device Best skin tool for facial toning
‘Used regularly, this noticeably firms and tones your face without the ouch factor that other devices can have. Plus, the cost per use makes it a savvy purchase compared with salon facials that do a similar job.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Kristen ess)
10. Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint Best DIY hair colour
‘Clever and easy to use—spray on wet hair, then rinse out and condition. Gives blondes a lovely classy shade of pink. A fun product for a temporary pick-me-up for your hair.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: lashtify)
11. Lashify Control Kit Best DIY lash extensions
‘An extraordinary innovation in the world of false eyelashes. The Lashify system allows you to have natural, fluttery lashes that are delicate and so easy to apply yourself at home.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Dermalogica)
12. Dermalogica Smart Response Serum Best anti- ageing serum
‘This serum uses clever technology that adapts to your skin’s needs to leave it plump and smooth.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: LED Light Salon)
13. The Light Salon Boost LED Mask Best skin tool for all-round anti-ageing
‘Use a few times a week to noticeably calm redness, boost collagen and leave skin looking rejuvenated. There’s nothing to do except lie back and relax when you use this device, which is perfect for a little bit of TLC!’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Floral street)
14. Floral Street Scentschool In A Box Best fragrance innovation
‘This online masterclass is a lovely way to discover your new signature scent. Great fun (I did it with my mum, over a glass of wine), and would make a nice gift.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Flat lay co)
15. The Flat Lay Co. Open Flat Makeup Bag Best make-up bag
‘Such a simple idea, but so clever. Keep all your make-up in one place, but see it at a glance when you lay the bag flat on a surface. I really like that it’s easy to throw in the wash too.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director Best new launch (Image credit: innersense)
16. Innersense Detox Hair Mask Best for healthy hair
‘For shiny, healthy hair, this is lovely. So gentle for a detox product and has a divine smell too.’
Jennie Roberts, hairstylist (Image credit: Biolage)
17. Biolage ColorBalm Color Depositing Conditioner Best for DIY hair colour
‘Lots of lovely shades to give a temporary change. Left my hair so shiny too.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Dr Esho)
18. Esho Lip Care Best for lips
‘Everything your lips need, from lip expert Dr Esho. Who knew I needed serums for my lips? Lovely to apply—and thanks to powerful ingredients such as peptides and algae, my lips look better after use, no needles required.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Biolage)
19. BioEffect EGF Power Cream Best moisturiser
‘Smoothed, plumped and left my skin looking fresh.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Ultra Violette)
20. Ultra Violette Queen Screen Lightweight Skinscreen SPF 50+ Best SPF
‘This is lovely. Smells nice, applies well, and leaves skin looking glowy and dewy. It’s like using a beautiful skincare product, not a heavy SPF. A new fave discovery.’
Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor (Image credit: Legology)
21. Legology Peach-Lite Super Lift For The Derrière Best for a smoother derrière
Launches 8th September
‘I am dubious about things that promise a smoother bum, as nothing can really shift cellulite, but this leaves skin genuinely feeling less lumpy. I’d use it before a holiday.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: NYK1)
22. NYK1 Brow Force Eyebrow Growth Serum Best for better brows
‘If you over-plucked and your brows didn’t grow back, stick with this for six weeks, and brows will look thicker and less patchy.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: St Tropez)
23. St Tropez Tan x Ashley Graham Limited Edition Ultimate Glow Kit Best for self-tan
‘The mousse blends easily and smells less biscuity than other tans. I didn’t get any streaks and the bronze glow lasted for a week before it started to fade. Love this kit.’
Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor Bodycare (Image credit: Grown Alchemist)
24. Grown Alchemist Anti-Bacterial Hand Cream Best hand cream
‘I love the nourishing and anti-bac combo, the cool recyclable tube and the totally ungreasy texture.’
Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor (Image credit: L'Occitane)
25. L’Occitane Youth Hand Cream Best youth booster for hands
‘Great texture, smell, ingredients and results. Love this. It feels like you’re healing your hands!’
Jennie Roberts, hairstylist (Image credit: Cantu)
26. Cantu Skin Therapy Shea Butter Nourishing Body Cream Best for nourishing skin
'Smells delicious, is buttery-rich and nourishing, and a bargain to boot.’
Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor (Image credit: Ameliorate)
27. Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion Best for smoother skin
‘Great for smoothing and refining bumpy, rough skin. Used regularly, it really works.’
Ruby Hammer, makeup artist (Image credit: Neal's Yard)
28. Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Body Polish Best body smoother
‘Full of natural oils and crushed seeds (a nice mix of textures). Smells like an English garden.’
Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor (Image credit: Dr Lipp)
29. Dr Lipp BFF Balm Best for dry patches
‘Works wonders on dry lips, elbows and knees. A staple in my kit.‘
Emma North, beauty writer (Image credit: Sanctuary)
30. Sanctuary Spa White Lily & Damask Rose Himalayan Salt Scrub Best salt scrub
‘Satisfyingly “scrubby” and left my skin feeling smooth and coated in a fine veil of almond oil. Very nice.‘
Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor (Image credit: Flamingo)
31. Flamingo Pomelo & Silver Razor Best for hair removal
‘Easy to control and a very smooth, non-irritating shave. I’d buy this.'
Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor (Image credit: NEOM)
32. NEOM Organic London Real Luxury Magnesium Body Butter Best for calming body and mind
‘Instant luxury. Plus the lavender and jasmine feel utterly relaxing and calming on the soul.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Solution)
33. The Solution Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Body Lotion Best for plumping skin
‘Smells light and fresh, soaks in effortlessly. A great everyday body lotion!’
Fiona McKim, senior beauty editor (Image credit: This Works)
34. This Works Stress Check CBD Body Cocoon Best for sensitive skin
‘The scent was immediately calming and it felt cooling on the skin, as well as soothing dry, itchy patches.’
Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor (Image credit: Patchology)
35. Patchology Poshpeel Pedi Cure Best for feet
‘More luxurious than your average foot-peeling sock! The combined acids get to work quickly too—I was in shedding mode by day four.’
Stephanie Maylor, beauty editor Fragrance (Image credit: Floral street)
36. Floral Street x Van Gogh Museum Sunflower Pop Eau De Parfum Best fragrance for her
‘I love the scent and its eco credentials.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Miller Harris)
37. MILLER HARRIS RÊVERIE DE BERGAMOTE EAU DE PARFUM Best unisex fragrance
‘A fresh, woodsy scent.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Rituals)
38. Rituals The Ritual of Sakura Scented Candle Best candle
'A good price, chic packaging and a nice, soothing scent. Lovely.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Aromatherapy)
39. Aromatherapy Associates The Atomiser Best atomiser
‘Easy to use, and you can charge it up and move it around without a flex–genius.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director Make-up (Image credit: Chantecaille)
40. Chantecaille Just Skin Anti-Smog Tinted Moisturizer SPF15 Best tinted moisturiser
‘Evens out imperfections without being too heavy. Gives a great soft-focus effect.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Erborian)
41. Erborian CC Crème Best CC cream
‘This gives a subtle dose of colour to even out the skin, without masking it. Perfect for a fresh-faced glow!’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Ciate)
42. Ciaté Superfruit Burst Citrus AHA Primer Best primer
‘Brightening and smoothing without being too greasy. Good for oily skin.’
Ruby Hammer, makeup artist (Image credit: Studio 10)
43. Studio 10 Age Repair Perfect Canvas SPF30 Foundation Best foundation for mature skin
‘Great for mature skin. Love the blurring effect it has on skin, and the sun protection too.’
Ruby Hammer, makeup artist (Image credit: Ordinary)
44. The Ordinary Concealer Best concealer
‘Good range of shades. Covers eye circles and blemishes without being too thick and sitting in lines.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Primark)
45. PS...Pro Longwear Natural Luminous Serum Foundation Best radiance- boosting foundation
‘A brilliant formula at an excellent price. Everything you’d want from a lightweight foundation.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)
46. Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Bronzer Best bronzer
‘The huge bronzer pan makes it easy to whisk a brush over, creating a soft tan. I love the matte texture and the chic packaging.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Sculpted)
47. Sculpted by Aimee Connolly Cream Luxe Collection in Blush Peach Pop Best cream blush
‘This has been my coral blush of choice this summer. I love the texture, packaging and color.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Pixi)
48. Pixi On-The-Glow Blush Best sheer blush
‘Easy to apply and blend. Gives a very sheer wash of colour and a nice effect on lips too.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Trish McEvoy)
49. Trish McEvoy Liquid Face Color Best liquid blush
‘A beautiful sheer blush that will look seamless in natural light.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Suqqu)
50. Suqqu Signature Color Eyes Best eyeshadow
‘Beautifully curated, easy-to-blend palettes with great pigment pay-off. Suqqu makes eyeshadow simple.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)
51. Charlotte Tilbury Look Of Love Lipstick in K.I.S.S.I.N.G Best lipstick
‘A classic formula, modern tones and glamorous packaging. Charlotte Tilbury is always a delight to use.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Kiko)
52. KIKO Milano Maxi Mod Mascara Best mascara
‘The small wand gets right into the lashes to curl and volumise—with no flaking
or smudging. Impressive.’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: CND)
53. CND Vinylux 2-in-1 Nail Polish in Negligee Best for nails
‘Great packaging, great colour and the top coat gives a long-lasting shine.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist Skincare (Image credit: Omorovicza)
54. Omorovicza Queen of Hungary Mist Best facial Best spritz
‘Just a few spritzes are all you need for a calming, spa-like vibe. The fine mist delicately sprays your skin, rather than soaking it.’
Caroline Barnes, makeup artist (Image credit: Murad)
55. Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial Best DIY microdermabrasion
My skin was smoother and more radiant after just one use. Friends commented on how fab it looked!’
Sarah Cooper-White, beauty director (Image credit: Alpha H)
56. Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot Serum Best serum for night-time repair
'An interesting combination of glycolic acid and retinol to give skin a boost. I’d really recommend this to transform tired, dull skin overnight.’
Caroline Barne (Image credit: Rhug Estate)
57. Rhug Estate Replenishing Mask With Rhug Honey Best nourishing mask
‘Restored the bounce and glow to my dull complexion. Combination-skin types will love the decongesting clay. Worth the splurge.‘
Emma North (Image credit: Institut Esthederm)
58. Institut Esthederm Osmoclean Gentle Deep Pore Cleanser Best for a deep cleanse
‘Adore! Nourishing and gentle on my skin, but really felt like I had deeply cleansed my pores, especially after wearing make-up and SPF all day.’
Emma North (Image credit: Champneys)
59. Champneys Mini Mask Pamper Set Best gift set
‘A spa weekend in a box. The eye mask really smoothed my fine lines (and the serum smelled amazing), but the star of the show was the hand mask – what a relaxing treat.’
Steph Maylor (Image credit: Liz Earle)
60. Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Best cleanser for all skin
Specifications RRP: £28.50 for 200ml and two cloths
‘The cleanser I always come back to. It blasts away make-up and never fails to make my skin look healthy, with no sign of tightness'
Stephanie Maylor (Image credit: Faace)
61. Faace Menopause Faace Mask Best soothing mask
‘Rehydrates skin without being too greasy, and feels so soothing. It’s fantastic for skin that’s playing up.’
Charley Williams-Howitt (Image credit: Whind)
62. Whind Oasis Fresh Dissolving Jelly Cleanser Best cleanser for a glow
‘A real glow getter and a great lightweight cleanser for hot days. I’d recommend it to everyone!’
Emma North (Image credit: Forever living)
63. Forever Smoothing Exfoliator Best daily exfoliator
‘A brilliant basic exfoliator. Gently buffs off dead cells to leave skin smooth and soft.’
Emma North (Image credit: Palmer's)
‘Lightweight, non greasy and left my skin glowing.’
Charley Williams-Howitt (Image credit: Avant)
65. Avant R.N.A Radical Firmness Anti-Ageing Serum Best Firming Serum
‘Absorbs well and plumps lines. The science makes it worth the price.’
Emma North (Image credit: allies of skin)
66. Allies of Skin Promise Keeper Blemish Sleeping Facial Best problem solver
‘The formula is lightweight and feels good on the skin. Zaps spots, but leaves skin hydrated, not dry, after use.’
Jess Beech (Image credit: Allies of skin)
67. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum Best vitamin C serum
‘Brings a glow to your skin without any irritation.’
Steph Maylor (Image credit: Superfacialist)
‘Punches well above its price bracket – a little goes a long way, and my skin immediately felt soft, silky and plumped.'
Steph Maylor (Image credit: SkinCeuticals)
69. SkinCeuticals Silymarin CF Best serum for oily skin
‘An extremely effective product for anyone with oily skin who is struggling with breakouts and pimples. It reduces the oil in the skin, without drying it out.’
Caroline Barnes (Image credit: Dr Nina Bal)
70. Dr Nina Bal Face Sculpt Serum Best refining serum
‘Give this a couple of weeks and it should soften and refine your skin texture.’
Alice Hart-Davis (Image credit: J'Tanicals)
71. J’tanicals Floral Collagen Magic CBD Face Oil Best luxury face oil
‘For a dry, sensitive skin, this is just lovely. There’s a thoughtful blend of skin- supporting oils and it is mercifully fragrance free.‘
Alice Hart-Davis (Image credit: Patchology)
72. Patchology Serve Chilled Rosé Sheet Mask Best sheet mask
‘I love a sheet mask and this one is amazing. My skin looked glowing and my fine lines were plumped.’
Steph Maylor (Image credit: Kate Somerville)
73. Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Total Repair Cream Best moisturiser for all-round care
‘Smells lovely, feels light and leaves skin velvety and soft. Reduces the look of wrinkles, redness and dehydration.’
Ruby Hammer (Image credit: Charlotte Tilbury)
74. Charlotte Tilbury Invisible UV Flawless Poreless Primer Best pre-make-up moisturiser
‘Perfect for dry skin or anyone lacking glow, this blurring SPF does so many great things - it primes, protects and gives skin a glamorous, rose-tinted gleam.’
Fiona McKim (Image credit: Bioeffect)
75. BioEffect Hydrating Cream Best hydrating moisturiser
‘Top marks! A glossy, unfragranced hydrator with plant-derived epidermal growth factors to stimulate the skin without freaking it out.’
Fiona McKim (Image credit: Cetaphil)
76. Cetaphil PRO Moisturising Night Cream Best night cream
‘Night creams don’t come much more straightforward than this. It’s inexpensive, it’s fragrance free and it has reliable, hydrating ingredients.’
Alice Hart-Davis SPF + Tanning (Image credit: Ultra Violette)
77. Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body + Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+ Best SPF for body
‘My skin felt protected and moisturised. My new fave.’
Steph Maylor (Image credit: SkinShield)
78. Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 Best SPF for face
‘I loved this. High protection without being heavy, and a non-greasy finish. 10 out of 10.’
Ruby Hammer (Image credit: Supergoop)
79. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 30 Best SPF to wear under makeup
‘Leaves zero chalkiness. Easy to blend and sits well under make-up.’
Emma North (Image credit: Gatineau)
80. Gatineau Tan Accelerating Lotion Before/After Sun Care Best aftersun
‘Hydrates skin and adds a subtle glow. Works brilliantly as an aftersun to maintain your colour on holiday.’
Caroline Barnes (Image credit: Coco & Eve)
81. Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam Best self-tan foam
‘So hydrating, gives great colour and fades evenly all over. It also lasts a really long time.’
Emma North (Image credit: Tan Luxe)
82. Tan-Luxe Super Glow Night Repair Best overnight tan
Specifications RRP: £39 for 30ml and 15ml
‘The process was easy – start with the elixir then top with the oil. My skin looked sun-kissed by morning.’
Steph Maylor (Image credit: Vita Liberata)
83. Vita Liberata Heavenly Elixir Best tinted self-tan for face and body
‘A cappuccino scent, a buttery texture and a beautiful bronze colour that keeps getting better for three days, then fades evenly after about five.’
Fiona McKim (Image credit: Tropic SPF)
84. Tropic Skin Shade Tinted Facial Sun Cream SPF 50 Best tinted SPF for face
'Gives maximum protection while evening out blemishes.’
Sarah Cooper-White (Image credit: SkinCeuticals)
85. SkinCeuticals Oil Shield UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 Best SPF for oily skin
‘Mattifying, won’t slide off.‘
Alice Hart-Davis Supplements (Image credit: WelleCo)
86. Welleco The Super Elixir Best for general wellbeing
‘Over 40 natural ingredients help to boost hair, skin, nails, gut health and energy levels.’
Sarah Cooper-White (Image credit: Hairgain)
87. Hair Gain Hair Gummies Best for hair
‘These contain great ingredients to help hair growth over time.’
Jennie Roberts Sustainable (Image credit: Gloved)
88. Gloved Moisture-Replenish Hand Sanitiser Best hand sanitiser
‘These contain great ingredients to help hair growth over time.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Ren)
89. REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic Best skin brightener
'‘This really does make skin glow. Skin looks fab even after just one use.’
Charley Wlliams Howitt (Image credit: Percy & Reed)
90. Percy & Reed All Lathered Up Cleansing Shampoo Bar Best shampoo bar
‘Smells delicious, lathers well, and leaves hair feeling clean and soft.’
Sarah Cooper White (Image credit: Lumene)
91. Lumene [LÄHDE] Nordic Hydra Oxygen Recovery 72H Hydra Gel Mask Best mask
‘Feels lovely and cooling, and leaves skin intensely moisturised and glowy.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Face Gym)
92. Face Gym Supreme Restructure Firming EGF Collagen Boosting Cream Best moisturiser
‘A vegan formula and refillable packaging for guilt-free luxury.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Caudalie)
93. Caudalie Best overall brand
‘Excellent products, and by the end of this year the brand will have planted over
8 million trees in eight countries.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Farmologie)
94. Farmologie Range Best for sensitive skin
‘Lovely products with eco formulas and great prices.’
Charley Williams Howitt Tools (Image credit: Donna May)
95. Donna May London Makeup Brush Cleanser Kit Best Makeup Brush Cleanser
‘If a product can get me to wash my brushes, it can get anyone to do it! Handy, speedy and quite fun, this fruity-scented cleanser is now a regular in my kit.’
Fiona McKim (Image credit: Brow)
96. Hollywood Brow Perfector Best for brows
‘Such a clever little tool–one that's just as useful for quickly and easily shifting facial fuzz on places like the upper lip, as well as for the brows.’
Fiona McKim (Image credit: Lani Blo)
97. LanaiBLO Hairdryer Best hairdryer
‘LOVE! Feels good to hold, with impressive speed and temperature control.’
Jennie Roberts Vegan (Image credit: Nails Inc)
98. Nails Inc Plant Power Vegan Nail Polish Best nail polish
‘Great colour and a long-lasting finish.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Kristen Ess)
‘Smells heavenly, looks cool and left my hair feeling soft and bouncy.’
Charley Williams Howitt (Image credit: Rossano)
100. Rossano Ferretti Vivace Leave-In Conditioner Best conditioner
‘Smells great and my hair seems thicker too.’
Charley Williams Howitt