Table of Contents
For seven years, TODAY and People’s very own have teamed up to try hundreds of beauty products in search of the cream of the crop. Now, the wait is over: The winners of the People and TODAY Beauty Awards are finally here!
This year, 40 staffers tried over 300 face, body, hair and makeup products in search of the best-of-the-best. On Wednesday, TODAY Lifestyle and Commerce Contributor Jill Martin and People Style and Beauty Director Andrea Lavinthal shared the products that took home ribbons in the face and body categories with Hoda & Jenna. Now, they’re sharing the winners in the final categories: hair and makeup.
These picks prove that you don’t need to splurge on beauty products to get the results that you want; We found them all at stores like Target and Walmart for $25 or less. Whether you need to quench your dry skin or show some love to your locks, we’ve got a pick that won’t disappoint. Keep scrolling for the 2021 People and TODAY Beauty Award winners.
People and TODAY Beauty Awards 2021: Hair and makeup
Aveeno Sunflower Oil Blend Shampoo
In this shampoo, oat and sunflower oil combine to soothe your scalp. It works to nourish heat-damaged hair and give your strands life again.
Aveeno Sunflower Oil Blend Conditioner
Staffers say the notes of red currant, sugared peony and vanilla make the second part of this duo smell delicious. Apply it generously to your hair, let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse to reveal soft and hydrated hair.
Pantene Gold Series Anti-Breakage Combing Crème
One People staffer said that they had their “best hair day of 2021” after using this. Since it helps to detangle hair, it also gives strands a bit more length as you comb through.
TRESemmé Hair Care Curl Defining Cream
For some shape and shine, staffers with curly hair loved this coconut-scented cream. It helps hair resist humidity and acts as a leave-in conditioner, delivering hydration without weighing curls down.
Milani UnGilded Most Loved Mattes Eyeshadow Palette
Rich pigments in this palette make it so you can create a range of eye looks that won’t fade as the night goes on. Since the colors are mostly neutral, you don’t have to worry about a shade going unused.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara
This mascara went viral over the summer and staffers say it lives up to the hype it received on TikTok. Even short lashes got a dramatic lift, without any unwanted clumping.
Joah Air Light Satin Lipstick
Creamy and matte collide in this lipstick that one staffer says feels like a “cushiony cloud” on your lips. The dreamy colors don’t err on the bright side, so you’ll find a shade to fall in love with.
Flower Beauty Jet Set Invisible Powder Spray
Founded by Drew Barrymore, Flower Beauty covers everything from hair to makeup. This setting spray from her brand is a standout and even converted a staffer who didn’t think setting sprays made a difference in their makeup routine. “This sheer blast of fine powder gives your face a smooth, silky finish,” they said. “Bravo, Drew Barrymore!”
People and TODAY Beauty Awards 2021: Face and body
Winky Lux Orange You Bright Exfoliator
Staffers loved that this exfoliator smells like “freshly-squeezed orange juice.” It’s a bright scrub that contains three different forms of vitamin C and other skin-loving ingredients, such as lactic acid, that help to slough off dull skin and brighten your complexion.
RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate and Plump Night Serum Capsules
Hyaluronic acid has been a buzzword in skin care lately, and for good reason. The hydrating ingredient locks in moisture and helps to make skin appear plumper. After using the biodegradable capsules, one staffer said her face looked “less bed-wrinkled” in the morning.
E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Hydro-Gel Moisturizer
The dry winter air can leave our skin feeling like it needs a tall glass of water — and one staffer said that’s exactly what this moisturizer is. Hyaluronic acid, ceramides and peptides work together in this formula to deliver hydration that you can apply daily.
L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives Hyaluronic Acid and Caffeine Eye Serum
This serum has been dubbed an “eye lift in a bottle.” Combined, the hyaluronic acid and caffeine reduce puffiness and, after two weeks, the under eye area appears firmer and brighter. Plus, the roller applicator makes the process feel a little more luxurious than if you were to apply it with your fingers.
Olay Firming & Hydrating Body Lotion with Collagen
Lotion that takes forever to dry can get in the way of you getting dressed in the morning or slipping into pajamas at night. This fast-absorbing lotion not only leaves your body feeling noticeably softer, but one staffer said it actually made her legs look firmer.
Bio-Oil Natural Skincare Oil
Bio-Oil isn’t new to the beauty scene, but this updated take on a classic product won our approval this year. The “natural” oil is free from fragrance, preservatives, parabens and phalates, according to the brand, making it safe for all skin types, so users can enjoy its softening effects.
For more stories like this, check out:
Subscribe to our Stuff We Love and One Great Find newsletters, and download our TODAY app to discover deals, shopping tips, budget-friendly product recommendations and more!
