Second Annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards

Welcome to the Second Annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards, a round-up of the best products to have crossed my path during 2011. As with the first awards, there's absolutely no glitz and glamour, just 100% honest opinion.
Are your favourites here? Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO...LA BIOSTHETIQUE
A winner for the second year running, this is the shampoo which I repeatedly purchase.

BEST CONDITIONER...SCHWARZKOPF BC BONACURE SENSITIVE SOOTHE
This lightweight conditioner didn't irritate but simply left my hair feeling healthy and easy to style.
Click here for my original review.

BEST MASK... PHYTO PHYTOKARITE ULTRA NOURISHING MASK
This natural mask left my hair sleek and super shiny.
Click here for my original review.

BEST HAIR OIL... HEALTHY SEXY HAIR SOY RENEWAL
A new category this year which reflects the huge popularity of hair oils. My hair has been transformed since I switched from serum to oil and my favourite is this version from Healthy Sexy Hair.
Click here for my original review.

BEST STYLING PRODUCT... JOHN FRIEDA 3 DAY STRAIGHT
I was seriously impressed when I first tried John Frieda's 3 Day Straight styling product early in the year and it seems I wasn't alone as it went on to win rave reviews and become a big seller throughout 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST TOOL... JOHN FRIEDA SALON SHINE IONIC HAIRDRYER
This transformed the way in which I styled my hair and I've recommended it to a number of people.


SKINCARE

BEST CLEANSER... BARE MINERALS DEEP CLEANSING FOAM
2011 saw the introduction of the bareMinerals skincare line which exceeded my expectations. This facial wash offers fantastic value for money and is highly recommended.
Click here for my original review.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... GOOD THINGS TOTAL WIPEOUT CLEANSING WIPES
I still don't really agree with cleansing wipes but if you must use them, these are the ones to go for.
Click here for my original review.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER THE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
A winner for the second year running, I keep coming back to this gentle product presented in functional packaging.

BEST SERUM... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH INTENSIVE SERUM BI-PHASE
Pricey, yes but this serum works wonders to hydrate with immediate effects. I can't get through winter without it.
Click here for my original review.


BEST FACE CREAM... CREME DE LA MER
The cult cream left my skin looking better than ever and although famously expensive, a little of this quality product goes a long way ensuring that the tub lasts for months.

BEST NIGHT CREAM... RODIAL GLAMTOX NIGHT
A new category this year and a suitably worthy winner. The eyewateringly expensive gel-cream is worth every penny. It's the night cream that my fellow beauty writers & I all swear by.


BEST EYE CREAM... YES TO BLUEBERRIES INTENSIVE FIRMING EYE REPAIR CREAM
I've tried plenty of eye creams over the years but was left seriously impressed with this new launch, which costs less than £20.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... ELEMIS DEEP CLEAN PURIFYING FACE MASK
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Brit spa brand Elemis and although not in the target market, I was impressed with the newly launched Fresh Skin range aimed at teens in 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST HYDRATNG MASK... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL HYDRATING AND FIRMING MASK
A winner for the second year running, this helps to rehydrate tired skin. The Heaven brand has gone from strength to strength in 2011 and if you're yet to discover the range, there's no better time to check it out.

BEST EXFOLIATOR...OLE HENRIKSEN WALNUT COMPLEXION SCRUB
I always said that I didn't like physical exfoliants until I tried this scrub. This is the product that I simply couldn't get enough of in 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST SPOT TREATMENT...GOOD THINGS STOP THAT SPOT CLEARING GEL
I've tried other spot treatments this year but kept coming back to last year's winner which offers great results at a reasonable price.
BEST LIP BALM... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES MOISTURISING LIP BALM
Just one slick of this nourishing balm treats chapped lips.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... VAISHALY PATEL FACIAL
If money was no object, this tailored facial is the one I'd have every month.


MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER... URBAN DECAY BRIGHTENING COMPLEXION PRIMER POTION
As with their cult Eyeshadow Primer Potion, this foundation primer ensures the lasting results of any makeup it's worn under.
Click here for my original review.

BEST FOUNDATION... CARGO LIQUID FOUNDATION
A winner for the second year running, my favourite foundation gives good, lasting coverage.


BEST CONCEALER... ORIGINS QUICK, HIDE LONG-WEARING CONCEALER
Ever since Origins expanded their colour range at the start of 2011, this concealer has been a personal handbag essential.
Click here for my original review.
BEST BLUSHER...MAC CREAM BLUSH
A beauty low for me in 2011 was the news that MAC had discontinued my beloved Sweet William shade from their Cream Blush range, which won in the first awards. My favourite colour may have gone but the formula remains my must-have for fresh-faced radiance in an instant.


BEST BRONZER... GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA FOUR SEASONS BRONZER
A winner for the second year running, this cult bronzer provides realistic colour.

BEST EYESHADOW... NARS
An impressive range of highly pigmented shades which apply beautifully.

BEST EYELINER...YSL L'EYELINER
A winner for the second year running, this liquid liner is has become a mainstay in my makeup bag due to its intense pigment, long-wearing formula and ease of application.

BEST MASCARA... TOPSHOP MAKEUP MASCARA
I was initially dismissive of the move into wallet friendly makeup from High Street favourite, Topshop but the range has surpassed my expectations and I'm particularly fond of the mascara.


BEST LIPSTICK... GUERLAIN ROUGE G JEWEL LIPSTICK COMPACT
Uber desirable packaging, rich pigments and a non-drying formula combined to make this my top lipstick of 2011.

BEST LIPGLOSS...NARS
NARS Lipglosses captured my heart this year when I discovered the vampy but wearable Nana shade.

BEST NAIL POLISH... REVLON
The long wearing, quality formula and value for money prices makes Revlon polishes the best on the High Street.


BEST TOOL... TOM FORD BRUSHES
Because it simply doesn't get much more luxurious than this!


BODY

BEST SHOWER GEL...SHIFFA BASIL, MINT AND BLACK PEPPER BODY WASH
The most energising shower gel I've come across, this is what gets me moving in the mornings.
Click here for my original review.

BEST BATH SOAK...AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH AND SHOWER OIL
I swear by the aromatherapeutic benefits of these versatile oils which win for the second year running.

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY SUGAR CRUSH BODY SCRUB
It's not the most indulgent scrub but it has been my most reached-for this year, at least in part due to the amazing cocktail fragrance.
Click here for my original review.

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS EXOTIC FRANGIPANI MONOI MOISTURE MELT
Winning for the second year running, this indulgent oil is one of my favourite beauty products.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER...JERGEN'S NATURALS
Also winning for the second year in a row, these affordable body lotions are a great choice for everyday use.

BEST SUNCARE...LANCASTER
Another one winning for the second year running, this reliable range is the one I use to protect my skin in the sun.

BEST FAKE TAN...SUNBELIVABLE
I don't regularly use fake tanning products although of the ones I've tried, this new launch is by far the best.
Click here for my original review.

BEST FOOTCARE...ELEMIS TREAT YOUR FEET FOOT CREAM
If you dislike the scent of peppermint, finding a foot cream which you'll enjoy using can prove challenging. Elemis stepped up to the challenge this year with the launch of Treat Your Feet Foot Cream from their new Spa at Home range which boasts an addictive scent and works effectively.

BEST HANDCARE...BLISS HIGH INTENSITY HAND CREAM
I'm a big fan of the Bliss Spa range
Fab winter handcare with the signature fresh scent from OPI's avocado inspired range

BEST TOOL...FITFLOPS
Ok, not technically a tool but they are pitched as a beauty item and for me, they're an essential. From the original sandals in summer to the supportive boots in winter, there's hardly a day that goes by without me wearing these.

BEST TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING
The best Brazilians in London.
Click here for my original review.


FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... L'ARTISAN PARFUMER
Fragrance is one of my favourite beauty areas and I particularly adore specialist fragrance houses such as L'Artisan Parfumer. If you're searching for a new fragrance, head here where the wonderful staff will ensure you leave with a signature scent.

BEST NEW LAUNCH... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL
I was initially horrified when I heard that Guerlain were playing around with the legendary Shalimar. That is, until I smelt the stunning results. Shalimar Parfum Initial is a welcome addition to the range from the French house.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS
For the second year running, the natural range of triple wick candles from NEOM takes the prize due to their room filling fragrances which offer therapeutic benefits.