Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2013

Happy New Year! Saying farewell to 2013 and welcoming in a New Year can only mean one thing on Skin Deep- it's time for the annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards, which are (somewhat unbelievably!) now in their 4th year!
As with previous years, the awards take a look at my favourite products of the year and recognise both long-standing favourites and new discoveries alike. For the Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2013, you'll notice the introduction of some new categories, making the awards an even more comprehensive view of the best in beauty. Help yourself to a glass of virtual Champagne and raise a toast to this year's winners.

HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO... LA BIOSTHETIQUE

La Biosthetique Shampoos have been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards, testament to how much I love the products which I credit with transforming my hair. The shampoos are sufficiently gentle that they don't irritate my sensitive scalp, with my current favourite being the Dermosthetique Shampooing Actif F.

BEST CONDITIONER... LUSH AMERICAN CREAM HAIR CONDITIONER

A winner for the second year running, Lush American Cream Hair Conditioner contains fresh oranges, strawberries, vanilla and honey along with lanolin, making for a lightweight conditioner which cares for my tresses and leaves them soft & shiny without weighing down my fine hair.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST MASK... NEIL GEORGE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY INTENSE REPAIR MASK

Another winner for the second year running, this convenient, creamy mask treats hair in just a couple of minutes leaving it smooth, manageable and healthy looking.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST HAIR OIL... HEALTHY SEXY HAIR SOY RENEWAL

Winning for the third year in a row, Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal has earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. A little of this treatment oil goes a long way and a bottle usually lasts me for a year, even though I tend to wash my hair on a daily basis. It cares, helps to speed up drying time and doesn't weigh down my fine hair.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST STYLING PRODUCT... BUMBLE & BUMBLE SHINE ON FINISHING SPRAY

One of my most reached for styling products of 2013 has been the Bumble & Bumble Shine On Finishing Spray which lives up to the shine enhancing claims as well as helping to tame flyaways and leave hair delicately scented.

BEST TOOL... CORIOLISS GLAMOUR WAND

I love the attention to detail in the design of this effective curling wand, which features variable temperature control, quick heating in less than 1 minute, cool tip to protect fingers, automatic switch-off, extra long 3m cord and changeable plugs for travel.


SKINCARE

BEST CLEANSER... DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

A winner for the second year running, this basic cleanser is affordable yet effective, helping to melt away makeup and remove dirt and excess oils from the skin. It doesn't strip skin and has a balancing effect on oily and combination types.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL ELLAJANE CELEBRITY ORGANIC FACE WIPES

When I first heard that one of my favourite skincare brands was introducing cleansing wipes, I have to admit that I was rather dubious. However, I've been highly impressed with the quality of these oversized wipes which are sufficiently saturated so there's no temptation to aggressively rub at skin.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... CLARINS INSTANT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

Specially created to quickly remove heavy or water-resistant makeup, this bi-phase eye makeup remover lives up to the instant name, effortlessly removing even the heaviest smokey eye in a matter of seconds. It's not the cheapest but it is the most effective eye makeup remover I've ever used.

BEST SERUM... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH INTENSIVE SERUM BI-PHASE

A winner for the third year in a row, Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase has achieved a well-earned place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. This hydrating serum is a must-have for dehydrated skin and it's an essential in my winter skincare routine.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST FACIAL SPRITZER... NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES WHITE TEA FACIAL MIST

I've been highly impressed with this 92% organic facial spritzer which helps to keep skin hydrated and has a calming effect on both the skin and the senses thanks to the inclusion of Bach Flower Remedies essences.

BEST FACE CREAM... LA ROCHE POSAY ROSALIAC UV LEGERE

A winner for the second year running, this lightweight cream instantly soothes inflamed and irritated skin and reduces redness without clogging pores. It works well as a base under makeup and includes SPF 15 protection.

BEST FACIAL SUNSCREEN... MOLTON BROWN KARANJA TREE SUNSHIELD SPF30

This is a new category for 2013 that recognises the importance of protecting the skin against the sun's harmful rays and I feel that Molton Brown Karanja Tree Sunshield SPF 30 is a worthy winner. Combining UVA and UVB protection, this lightweight sunscreen works effectively to protect skin from the sun's harmful rays without blocking pores.

BEST NIGHT CREAM... RODIAL GLAMTOX NIGHT

Rodial Glamtox Night wins for the third year and earns its place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame thanks to the results driven formula of this luxurious gel-cream.

BEST EYE CREAM... KIEHL'S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY EYE

I made a concentrated effort to use eye cream religiously in 2013, something which I've previously been a little lax at. I tried a number of different eye creams and gels and whilst I found that most delivered the hydrating benefits that I'd expect, I failed to see any other noticeable benefits. That is, until I discovered Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye cream which left an overall improvement in the appearance of my eye area. I've already repurchased.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... OMOROVICZA DEEP CLEANSING MASK

When I first reviewed Omorovicza Deep Cleansing Mask, I raved, "the best deep cleansing mask I've ever used" and over a year later, that remains the case. Despite the high price tag, this mask is a must-have in my skincare collection and it's one that I reach for whenever my skin is less than its best. It feels soothing on application, reduces redness and helps to even out skin tone whilst helping to diminish blemishes.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST HYDRATING MASK... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH CREAM MASK

This creamy mask soothes skin whilst helping to treat dehydration. A little goes a long way and this pampering mask truly delivers results, leaving skin plumped, hydrated and with a more even tone.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST REJUVENATING MASK... GLAMGLOW TINGLING & EXFOLIATING MUD MASK

This is a new category for 2013, with GlamGlow Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask the worthy winner. Dubbed "a facial in a jar" this results driven mask lives up to the name and the claims, leaving skin with a youthful, rejuvenated glow. It's the ideal treatment before a special occasion or night out and although pricey, is worth every penny.

BEST EXFOLIATOR... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL SKIN POLISH EXFOLIATOR

This rediscovered favourite is a winner for the second time. Heaven by Deborah Mitchell Skin Polish Exfoliator contains Aloe Vera and Echinacea along with Glycolic Acid for an effective exfoliation without the need for harsh, physical scrubbing granules.

BEST SPOT/ ACNE TREATMENT... SALCURA ANTIAC ACNE CLEARING SPRAY

I've never heard any hype surrounding this affordable product, which is surprising because it's incredibly effective at helping to treat congested and acne-prone skin.

BEST LIP BALM... EOS

Winning for the second year in a row, these affordable, natural lip balms, which are available in a variety of tempting flavours, are presented in distinctive spherical packaging that makes them convenient and hygienic to use.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... ULTIMATE AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES FACIAL

This indulgent facial treatment uses pure plant-based skincare from one of my favourite brands along with steaming, extractions and massage to leave skin glowing and revitalised.


MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER... RIMMEL FIX & PERFECT PRIMER

A new discovery in 2013, this affordable primer is reminiscent of more expensive favourites and does everything you'd want a primer to do, without clogging pores.

BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER... URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

A winner for the second year running, it's easy to see why this bestselling eyeshadow primer is so popular. It helps to prolong the longevity of eyeshadows, prevents creasing and helps colour to pop. I've lost count of the number of times I've repurchased it.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST SETTING SPRAY... URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING SPRAY

When I want to feel confident that my makeup will last all day or all night, I reach for this setting spray which lives up to its name.

BEST FOUNDATION... MAKE UP FOR EVER HD FOUNDATION

My "holy grail" foundation wins for the second year in a row. Available in a wide range of shades, this feels lightweight on the skin yet gives impressive coverage and a long-wearing, flawless finish. I panic when I'm running low and have resorted to keeping a stash of backups.

BEST BB CREAM... DR JART+ REGENERATING BEAUTY BALM

A new category for 2013 which recognises that BB Creams have been one of the biggest beauty trends of recent years. Their popularity is evidenced by the fact that most brands now offer a BB Cream within their range but one of the best I've tried is Dr Jart+ Regenerating Beauty Balm. This BB Cream offers impressive coverage, helping to disguise redness and imperfections, whilst providing the skincare benefits which BB Creams are known for, including SPF30.

BEST UNDEREYE CONCEALER... RIMMEL WAKE ME UP CONCEALER

I've tried numerous undereye concealers from a range of different brands but when I discovered the affordable Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 2013, I realised that nothing else had come close. The pigmented concealer means that dark undereye circles are effortlessly disguised whilst the awakening formula lends a subtle brightening effect. What's more, the tube lasts for months.

BEST BLEMISH CONCEALER... KAT VON D LOCK-IT TATTOO CONCEALER

A winner for the second year running, this high-coverage concealer blends easily and is an essential within my makeup bag for effortlessly disguising blemishes & imperfections.

BEST PRESSED POWDER... REVLON NEARLY NAKED PRESSED POWDER

Introducing a new category for 2013 and reflecting the fact that Revlon Nearly Naked Pressed Powder transformed the way I thought about finishing powders this year. This finely milled powder is reminiscent of more expensive versions. Whilst it doesn't boast oil control properties, it does help to set makeup without looking cakey and is available in a range of shades.

BEST LOOSE POWDER... BEN NYE BANANA POWDER

Another new category for 2013 which reflects the different formats of powders. Ben Nye's cult yellow-toned powder is a worthy winner.

BEST BRONZER... NARS LAGUNA BRONZER

A winner for the second year running, this beauty blogger favourite works equally well to add a sun-kissed glow to the face as it does to contour and sculpt.

BEST POWDER BLUSH... ILLAMASQUA POWDER BLUSHER

The Best Blusher category from the previous awards has been split this year to recognise the heroes within the different formulation offerings and Illamasqua's popular blushers are the worthy winner in the powder category, with the neutral shade "Naked Rose" being one of my favourites.

BEST CREAM/ LIQUID BLUSH... MAX FACTOR MIRACLE TOUCH CREAMY BLUSHER

This new category has been created following the splitting out of the Best Blusher category. Max Factor's cream blush offering was a surprise discovery during 2013, achieving instant favourite status after the first use. In particular, I was impressed at how long-wearing the blusher is considering the creamy texture. The popular "Soft Pink" shade is the perfect, universally flattering pink.

BEST HIGHLIGHTER... BENEFIT HIGH BEAM

Benefit make my favourite highlighters and it's easy to see why the pearlescent pink High Beam is a bestseller. It adds an instant radiance and gives a lift, helping to perk up dull skin.

BEST BROW PRODUCT... TOM FORD BROW SCULPTOR

Brows have been another key trend this year- blame a certain Ms Delevigne & as such, Skin Deep has introduced a new category for 2013, with my "holy grail" Tom Ford Brow Sculptor the worthy winner. I love the attention to detail that's gone into creating this handy brow pencil, from the believable cool-toned colour of the Taupe shade, to the angle of the pencil, the built-in sharpener and spooly brush. It's eye-wateringly expensive but in my opinion, is worth the money.

BEST POWDER EYESHADOW... URBAN DECAY

A worthy winner for the second year in a row, Urban Decay's eyeshadows and specifically, their palettes have the ability to create a buzz in the beauty industry like no other, as evidenced by the surprise launch of the Naked 3 palette in 2013. It's hardly surprising given the quality of the shadows, which are pigmented yet easy to work with and blend.

BEST CREAM EYESHADOW... MAYBELLINE COLOR TATTOO 24HR CREAM GEL EYESHADOW

One of the gems of the drugstore and a very worthy winner of the Best Cream Eyeshadow category, Maybelline Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Eyeshadows outperform some versions which are more than double the price. They work well worn alone or as a base under powder shadows. The colours are pigmented, with a no-crease, long-wear formula that lives up to the name. The popular "On & On Bronze" shade was one of my most-worn makeup items of 2013.

BEST PENCIL EYELINER... TOO FACED PERFECT EYES WATERPROOF EYELINER

This year, I'm splitting out the previous Best Eyeliner category to create two new categories for 2013 to represent the best in different eyeliner formulas. I discovered Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner this year and it's one of the best eyeliners I've ever used. It's certainly the most long-wearing. The creamy, highly pigmented formula means that it's easy to apply, even on the waterline, without tugging at the delicate eye area and I appreciate the inclusion of a sponge smudger at the end of the pencil.

BEST LIQUID EYELINER... EYEKO LIQUID EYELINER PEN

Having split out the previous Best Eyeliner category to create two new categories for 2013, Eyeko wins once again thanks to the pigmented, long-wearing formula along with a felt-tip nib for effortless application whether going for a subtle effect or creating a dramatic feline flick. What's more, it lasts for a long time without drying out.

BEST MASCARA...MAYBELLINE THE FALSIES FLARED VOLUME EXPRESS MASCARA

This affordable mascara, which has a curved, natural bristle wand helps to create feminine, fluttery lashes with length and volume. What's more, I've been impressed at how well it holds a curl and despite not being waterproof, how long-wearing it is.

BEST LIPSTICK... MAC LIPSTICK

With such a wide range of colours and finishes that there's something for everyone (& who can resist that tempting vanilla fragrance?!), MAC Lipsticks are a worthy winner for the second year in a row. "Modesty", "Plumful" and the Pro-shade, "Show Orchid" have been amongst my favourites for 2013.

BEST LIP TINT... REVLON LIP BUTTER

A winner for the second year running, Revlon Lip Butters are amongst my favourites thanks to the creamy formula which effortlessly glides onto lips and feels comfortable to wear. Many of the shades are sufficiently sheer that they can be applied without a mirror, although they can be built up for a more intense look. My personal favourites include "Berry Smoothie", "Pink Truffle" and "Peach Parfait".

BEST LIP LINER... NO. 7 PRECISION LIP PENCIL

Introducing another new category for 2013, with the No 7 Precision Lip Pencil the worthy winner. With an automatic twist-up functionality and creamy formula which doesn't drag on application, these affordable lip pencils are definitely worth a look, with my favourite being the versatile "Nude" shade.

BEST LIPGLOSS... RIMMEL APOCALIPS

I've been highly impressed with the quality of these affordable, pigmented lip lacquers, which launched at the start of 2013. "Big Bang", a classic kick-ass red that boasts the same high-shine finish as the rest of the line, is a favourite.

BEST NAIL POLISH... CLINIQUE A DIFFERENT NAIL ENAMEL

I'm not usually a fan of the formula of higher end brand nail polishes but was blown away by the Clinique offering when it launched earlier this year. Specially designed for those with sensitive skin, the desirable colours apply smoothly and have impressive lasting power.

BEST TOOL... REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES

Real Techniques Makeup Brushes are a winner for the second year running. There can't be a beauty blogger in the land who doesn't own one of the brightly coloured brushes and their popularity isn't just down to the fact that they were created by one of us (Sam Chapman of Pixiwoo). The synthetic bristles feel super-soft on the skin, are quick-drying and I'm yet to have one of my brushes shed a single hair. They are incredibly good quality, particularly when you consider the affordable price tag.


BODY

BEST SHOWER WASH... DR BRONNER'S ORGANIC PEPPERMINT CASTILE LIQUID SOAP

Boasting 18 different uses, I like to use this versatile liquid soap as a shower gel to help awaken in the mornings. I love how clean it leaves my skin feeling, without any of the dryness or irritation that SLS-laden shower gels can cause.

BEST BATH SOAK...AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH & SHOWER OILS

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils are one of my all-time favourite, can't-live-without beauty products so it's unsurprising that they're once again scooping the award for Best Bath Soak, making it a well deserved four years at the top.
Click here to read my original review of the De-Stress Muscle Oil

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY THE BREAKFAST SCRUB

Soap & Glory's affordable yet effective body scrubs are my go-to choice and this is evidenced by the fact that they've been regularly featured in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards, with the deliciously scented The Breakfast Scrub winning for the second year in a row.
Click here to read my original review

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS FRANGIPANI MONOI BODY OIL

This indulgent body oil, which is solid at room temperature and has to be melted before use, has been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards and with good reason. I love the ritualistic aspect of applying the warmed oil to my skin and the exotic fragrance is to die for.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER... DECLEOR YOUTH REVEALING BODY CREAM

I've been impressed with this luxurious cream which is rich enough to nourish skin, without leaving a greasy or sticky residue.

BEST SUNCARE... LANCASTER

Lancaster has been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards because I know that I can trust the products to protect my skin in the sun.

BEST AFTERSUN... HAWAIIAN TROPIC SILK HYDRATION AFTER SUN

Best Aftersun is a new category for 2013, with the winning product being the wallet friendly Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration After Sun. Combining ribbons of hydrating lotion with soothing aloe vera gel, this works wonders on sun parched skin.

BEST FAKE TAN... XEN-TAN MOROCCAN TAN

Celebrity favourite Xen-Tan's Morrocan Tan is recognised for the first time this year. Easy to apply thanks to a handy guide colour, I've been highly impressed with the deep yet believable colour which this fake tan gives.

BEST GRADUAL TAN... PALMER'S NATURAL BRONZE GRADUAL TANNING MOISTURISER

Best Gradual Tan is a new category for 2013, recognising the popularity of these products, particularly amongst those who are fearful of fake tanning disasters. I've tried a number of good gradual tanners but Palmer's Natural Bronze is the worthy winner as it delivers a realistic colour at a wallet friendly price. This is one of the best value for money products I've come across this year.

BEST INSTANT COLOUR... THIS WORKS PERFECT LEGS SKIN MIRACLE

Another new category for 2013 & this one may have something to do with our increasingly dismal British summers! This Works Perfect Legs Skin Miracle adds an instant hint of colour- nothing dramatic, but a helping hand for pasty limbs- whilst the high quality ingredients treat skin to improve legs' overall appearance.

BEST FOOT CREAM... THE BODY SHOP HEMP FOOT PROTECTOR

This rich cream instantly gets to work, delivering impressive results to make feet appear pedi-perfect.

BEST HAND CREAM... THE BODY SHOP HEMP HAND PROTECTOR

A winter essential that's a bestseller for good reason. The scent of The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector may not be to everyone's liking but it's worth putting up with because the results are remarkable, with the rich cream helping to soothe and heal even the driest, chapped hands in a matter of days.

BEST TOOL/ ACCESSORY... BOURJOIS MAGIC NAIL POLISH REMOVER

The format of this handy nail polish remover, presented as a tub containing a sponge which is saturated with the polish removing solution, isn't anything new but it is the best version I've tried. The acetone-free formula makes light work of polish removal whilst caring for nails and leaves behind a tempting vanilla & red fruit fragrance. It's also a good choice for those who like to experiment with nail art as one nail's polish can be removed without a cotton pad removing polish from other nails. It's no wonder that this has become a beauty blogger favourite- it's certainly one of my favourite discoveries of the year.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING

Winning for the third year running and earning a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame to go alongside their place in my London address book, Strip offer the best Brazilians in the capital and somehow manage to make this beauty chore bearable.


FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL

A winner for the third year in a row (having been previously recognised in the Best New Launch category), this updated version of the classic Shalimar is a sophisticated and sensual floral chypre featuring notes of bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, Tonka bean and Guerlain's signature vanilla, beautifully presented.

BEST NEW LAUNCH... PENHALIGON'S IRIS PRIMA EAU DE PARFUM

The Best New Launch award this year goes to Penhaligon's Iris Prima Eau de Parfum, a sophisticated and elegant fragrance inspired by prima ballerinas and created in partnership with the English National Ballet. It's a worthy winner because every aspect of the fragrance has been well thought out, from the unique concept and story behind the fragrance, to the uber desirable packaging and of course, the fragrance itself. This woodsy floral has top notes of bergamot and pink pepper, a heart composed of iris absolute and jasmine sambac with base notes of leather, vanilla, sandalwood, vetiver and benzoin.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS CANDLES

Neom's luxury candles have been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards. The large glass jars with 3-wicks are a chic addition to any room whilst the fragrances are not only indulgent but also offer truly effective therapeutic benefits thanks to a high concentration of good quality pure essential oils. The "Real Luxury" fragrance is a favourite.


Finally, I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Skin Deep in 2013. At the risk of "doing a Gwyneth", special thanks go to my fabulous blog designer, Faye, who (patiently!) did a wonderful job of redesigning Skin Deep's layout early in the year; the various brands and PRs who have kept me informed of the latest beauty launches and last but by no means least, readers of Skin Deep & subscribers of my YouTube channel. I've thoroughly enjoyed sharing my beauty discoveries with you during 2013 and look forward to an exciting 2014. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year!