Good Housekeeping's 2021 Beauty Awards

The next generation of the GH Beauty Lab’s gold standard anti-aging moisturizer, Olay boasts the same best-in-class hydration and firming benefits from peptides and niacinamide, now enhanced by an extra-nourishing balm-like texture with shea butter.

LAB LOWDOWN Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the cream improved skin’s hydration by 22% after six hours and kept it moisturized for 24 hours; 76% of women agreed that it left their skin looking firmer. 

Turn back the clock in your sleep with this mild Philosophy cream made with hyaluronic acid, peptides and vitamin C. The formula was a star in the Beauty Lab’s anti-aging night cream test, effectively hydrating skin and smoothing texture better than the competition.

TESTER NOTES Many liked its silky feel; 95% said it didn’t irritate. “My skin looked better after the first night,” one raved.

LAB LOWDOWN It raised skin moisturization by 34% after six hours and firmness by 29% in four weeks, per Lab measures. 

Zero in on pesky crow’s feet and sagging skin with No7’s retinol and peptide blend, which topped the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-aging eye treatment test for lessening lines and firming.

TESTER NOTE “I noticed a decrease in lines.”

LAB LOWDOWN The cream reduced eye-area wrinkle size and severity by 13% in digital imaging with the Lab’s Visia Complexion Analyzer device, and firmed skin by 28% in Cutometer calculations after four weeks.

This innovative Mary Kay kit with a potent 0.5% retinol serum combats common irritating side effects of the proven collagen-boosting active via a soothing, natural oil–infused milk and a gradual regimen to build tolerance.

LAB LOWDOWN 100% of women saw improvement in skin smoothness and radiance after eight weeks, Lab data analysis found. “My skin felt very plump and smooth in the morning,” reported GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D.

Infused with exotic botanical extracts, this rich face and neck cream scored well for visibly smoothing neck lines in Beauty Lab before-and-after-photo evaluations, and testers gave it top marks for making skin look and feel hydrated. “I see a difference,” a user reported.

A top performer in our tests, the no-rinse glycolic acid peel pads markedly improved skin’s vibrance: 71% of testers reported that they brightened skin, and most remarked on how easy they were to use.

Despite its minimalist formula made of 99% fatty acid–rich camelina plant oil, Skyn Iceland was a winner of the Beauty Lab’s face oil test thanks to strong skin softening.

TESTER NOTES “My skin was plumper — my face has never looked better,” and “I never thought I’d give up a cream for an oil, but this makes it tempting!” two said.

LAB LOWDOWN The fragrance-free oil scored high among testers for making skin feel softer immediately. In Lab measurements with the Corneometer device, it increased skin’s moisture levels by 8% over six hours after application.

Give your face a temporary “lift” with this fast-acting serum; it forms an invisible film on skin that creates a “spandex-like effect,” the Beauty Lab says. Skin feels tighter and lines appear smoother, evaluations found. “I looked refreshed,” a pro said. 

A winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s face wash test, Fresh’s gel formula made of botanical extracts (soybean, cucumber, rose, aloe) thoroughly whisks away impurities without aggravating skin. 

TESTER NOTE “My skin had a glow.”

LAB LOWDOWN 100% of testers said it didn’t irritate even sensitive skin, and it rated best at increasing radiance.

Instantly quench and relieve a dehydrated face with Aveeno’s advanced formula, which melds a next-generation water-based gel texture and nourishing, anti-inflammatory colloidal oat. 

LAB LOWDOWN The light moisturizer “melts in with no greasiness or tackiness and cools and calms dry, irritated skin patches on contact,” Wizemann reports. “My skin looked better the next day: less red and not rough.”

Feed your skin vibrancy-boosting “vitamins” via Roc’s antioxidant serum, blended with powerhouse brightener vitamin C balanced by emollient castor oil and glycerin.

LAB LOWDOWN After four weeks of once-daily use, 94% of users found that their skin tone was visibly more even, and 100% had brighter skin in an expert assessment, GH Beauty Lab data evaluation revealed.

For a face sunscreen that doesn’t look or feel like a sunscreen on skin, take a shine to GH Beauty Lab test winner CeraVe’s featherweight lotion.

TESTER NOTES Many commented on how it was “immediately absorbed into skin.” One reported “It spread on like a normal moisturizer.”

LAB LOWDOWN The fragrance-free SPF scored top points for not leaving a white cast on skin and for providing protection against sunburn. 100% of users agreed that it was easy to apply and didn’t cause redness or breakouts.

Buff your face using GH Beauty Lab face scrub test winner The Body Shop to clarify your complexion and slough away flakes simultaneously, sans irritation.

TESTER NOTES “I could see a difference after the first use; my skin looked clearer, tighter, brighter, smoother,” and “I received many compliments on my skin,” two said.

LAB LOWDOWN The olive seed powder exfoliator earned high marks for deep-cleaning skin in the Lab’s test and with users for reducing the look of pores.

A skincare treatment mask with measurable benefits, these single-use hyaluronic acid–soaked sheets raised skin hydration by 23% in six hours per Lab Corneometer calculations. “My face felt more moisturized than with any cream or lotion and looked five years younger,” a user raved.

This first-of-its-kind roller- ball wand is a reusable, less wasteful alternative to oil-blotting papers or powder, absorbing grease with porous volcanic stone. “It mattified my oily T-zone as if I’d powdered it,” Aral said. GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek marveled “It works so well.”

Based on skin softeners like sunflower oil and glycerin, this new kind of cleanser in comforting milk form also lightly exfoliates with glucono- lactone, a buzzy polyhydroxy acid. “My face felt like silk,” a fan said.

Heal chapped lips and beyond with the GH Beauty Lab’s go-to multipurpose salve. Lab data evaluation confirmed that it effectively decreased skin cracking and dryness. Editor’s tip: Slather it on lips before bed to nourish skin and help prevent moisture loss while you sleep.

Soothe tired undereyes in seconds by sticking on Mary Kay‘s gel patches infused with dozens of fruit and flower extracts, from blackberry to hibiscus—at a little more than $1 per set.  

LAB LOWDOWN 96% of testers agreed they felt instantly refreshing and 80% agreed they diminished the look of eye-area puffiness, Lab data evaluation found.

Alaffia’s silky, lightly sudsing gel formulation is made from just six mild ingredients, including coconut oil and shea butter as well as vanilla extract and spearmint leaf oil for scent.

TESTER NOTE “It smelled invigorating but not overpowering, and my skin didn’t feel tight post-shower,” one commented.

What if you could sanitize and soften hands at the same time? Enter this groundbreaking Vaseline hand lotion, which kills germs sans alcohol while hydrating with vitamin E and glycerin.

LAB LOWDOWN The formulation delivers antibacterial effects without burning or stinging and relieves dryness, Lab analysis found. “It’s not heavy or tacky, and my hands feel both moisturized and clean, which is a rare feat,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Sabina Wizemann.

Save time and money by sudsing with this bar, which marries a gentle shea oil–infused cleansing soap with sugar to exfoliate. Less mess and waste than body scrubs, “it left my skin smoother than usual and feeling moisturized,” Wizemann says.

Say goodbye to heavy, sticky body moisturizers: Nivea’s inventive gel-like formulation with glycerin, shea butter and soybean oil instantly melts in like water when it comes in contact with skin.

LAB LOWDOWN The lotion “absorbs lightning fast yet still moisturized well,” there’s “no wait for it to soak in before dressing” and skin is “velvety smooth,” expert evaluators reported.

A unique liquid body lotion dispensed via a pump mist, the sunflower and soybean oil–laced formula keeps skin moisturized for up to 48 hours and is safe for sensitive skin, Lab evaluations found. The spray format “makes application easier and faster,” Wizemann noted.

As close to a perfect SPF as you can likely get, Hawaiian Tropic’s featherlight lotion shined brightest of all in the Beauty Lab’s test.

TESTER NOTES Many commented that it didn’t leave residue. “It far exceeded my expectations at all levels.”

LAB LOWDOWN The formula rated highest for fast absorption, not feeling sticky or greasy and its “beachy” scent. 100% of users said it didn’t dry or irritate skin.

Dove’s deodorant with one-quarter moisturizing ingredients and 48-hour odor blocking has gone sustainable in sleek, functional refillable packaging that reduces plastic waste.

LAB LOWDOWN The case comes with a lifetime guarantee. “One of the best product launches I’ve seen in my career,” and “The only deodorant without antiperspirant that’s kept me smelling good all day long and feels light,” two expert evaluators raved.

To fake a just-back-from-vacation bronze (safely!), smooth on this GH Beauty Lab test-winning Clarins lotion, which works on face and body. 

TESTER NOTE “The tan looked real,” one marveled, “a very natural-looking shade that was not at all orangey.”

LAB LOWDOWN 100% of testers said it was easy to use and not messy, was absorbed quickly and delivered the desired color. The no-rinse tanner also scored top for not staining hands.

The “gold” standard bar soap is not so basic: It’s made with skin-conditioning glycerin and shea extract to balance the purifying effects, and it can be used on both face and body. “I loved the soft lather, satiny feel and clean aroma it left on my skin,” a tester reported.

This body wash and bath soak in one turns standard shower or tub time into a spa-like experience, thanks to lavender extract plus Epsom salts to relax senses and body. The “scent was like aromatherapy,” and the “lather was incredible,” users said.

The GH Beauty Lab has long used this unscented Curél body lotion as a benchmark for skin moisturization. Its glycerin, oat and shea butter formulation is one of the most consistently effective on the market. 

TESTER NOTES Several reported that it was absorbed quickly and wasn’t greasy. “I like pretty much everything about this,” one said.

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab calculations with the Corneometer device, it boosted skin hydration by 56% for over six hours and earned a perfect score with testers for spreading easily.

More than just a perfume, Giorgio Armani‘s jasmine, orange blossom, vanilla, and cedarwood eau makes strides in sustainability, thanks to a refillable bottle and packaging that’s both made with post-consumer recycled and recyclable materials.

LAB LOWDOWN Lab pros loved the “sophisticated but slightly sweet fragrance” and the brand’s eco efforts that are a rarity for perfume, also including a commitment to carbon neutrality.

A blend of botanical oils like sunflower, hemp, and coconut, Palmer’s relieves parched skin on the body but won’t leave behind a greasy feel thanks to a unique dry-touch finish.

TESTER NOTE “I couldn’t believe how quicky it absorbed,” one revealed. “My skin looked luminous and was no longer itchy.”

Bio-Oil’s cult classic skin-healing oil for scars, stretch marks and irritation is now infused into a lightweight gel with glycerin to soften skin from head to toe.

TESTER NOTE The formula “was comfortable to apply and less messy” than regular oil, a Lab evaluator found.

The gold standard Jergens gradual self-tanner for the, well, most “natural glow” gets an upgrade with silkening coconut oil and an odor-reducing technology.

TESTER NOTE “I like that you can use it every day in place of body lotion to build up a warm tone that looks flattering but not overly self-tanned.”

This KeepItAnchored shampoo and scalp serum set helps maintain hair’s fullness by improving the scalp’s condition with ingredients like niacinamide, zinc and caffeine.

LAB LOWDOWN In a clinical study on the technology, users of it had about 2,400 more hairs on their scalp after six months than those who used a placebo, per Lab data analysis.

Blended with honey and plant oils, Garnier’s pair is proven to nourish dehydrated, breakage-prone hair.

LAB LOWDOWN They significantly reduced breakage of very dry, damaged strands, Lab data showed.

To keep your shade vibrant, suds up with OGX’s sulfate-free duo, a Beauty Lab test winner for preserving hair color.

TESTER NOTE “I didn’t notice any fading while using these.”

LAB LOWDOWN In tests on hair samples, these ranked near the top for preventing color fading after 20 washes and 10 hours of UV exposure, and for conditioning ability.

To keep your shade vibrant, suds up with OGX’s sulfate-free duo, a Beauty Lab test winner for preserving color.

TESTER NOTE “I didn’t notice any fading while using these.”

LAB LOWDOWN In tests on hair samples, these ranked near the top for preventing color fading after 20 washes and 10 hours of UV exposure, and for conditioning ability.

A two-in-one shampoo/conditioner made with a high ratio of conditioning ingredients, Kérastase was a winner in the GH Beauty Lab’s test.

TESTER NOTE “Hair felt so soft, strong and healthy.”

LAB LOWDOWN The rich, time-saving formula for curls was best at leaving hair feeling softer and more manageable than regular shampoo did. It tied for top at defining curls and making them look less frizzy.

Give parched strands a “drink” of moisture without the weight thanks to Joico’s hair mask in an innovative gel form.

TESTER NOTES “Magic” and “a miracle,” mask-wary fans raved.

LAB LOWDOWN Enriched with keratin and glycerin, it gave users with fine to medium hair strong conditioning, smoothness, manageability and movement yet no heavy look or feel.

Inject lasting body and fullness into fine or flat hair by misting this thickening test winner from stylist Kristin Ess.

TESTER NOTE “Fantastic volume that lasted two days!”

LAB LOWDOWN 91% of users agreed that it made hair look instantly voluminous, and it was tops for thickening.

Featuring the most forceful airflow and custom heat settings, InStyler blew away the competition in GH Beauty Lab hair dryer testing.

TESTER NOTE “Light yet powerful and easy to hold.”

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab tests, the tool scored high for drying standardized pre-washed hair samples quickly.

K18’s science-backed peptide mask effectively strengthens chemically damaged hair.

LAB LOWDOWN Pros were impressed by performance data showing that the leave-in formula restored 82% of the strength of overbleached hair samples with two uses.

This state-of-the-art speed straightener earned a rare 100 from Lab expert evaluators. It heated up to 96% of its maximum temperature in 60 seconds, and it scored best for fully straightening hair and keeping it frizz-free all day.

Formulated specially for textured hair, the lightweight moisture cream with amino acids effortlessly untangles knots to protect fragile strands from breakage. “No yanking as I brushed, and I could even use it on dry hair without residue or heaviness,” a tester said.

Create spirals that stay put with this power curler, which had the highest temperature in the Beauty Lab’s test. The model rated tops for making curls that lasted even on thick, coarse hair; easy grip, maneuverability and controls; and its compact size.

Rich in natural oils like argan and coconut, this leave-in conditioner silkens strands and calms frizz in one step. In a study, 86% of users said their hair felt softer and 84% said it felt smoother, Lab data confirmed.

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s anti-frizz styling product test, the Orlando Pita Play cream- serum hybrid kept frizz at bay for an impressive 20+ hours yet felt barely there.

TESTER NOTES “This prevented the Miami humidity from flattening my hair,” one reported. “I can now throw away the drawer full of products I’ve been struggling with,” another said.

LAB LOWDOWN The serum scored highest of the winners for keeping hair swatches smooth for nearly 24 hours in a chamber with up to 85% humidity. Testers also put it in first place for leaving hair soft, not sticky or weighed down.

Keep your style in place from morning to night by spritzing It’s A 10: It won the GH Beauty Lab’s test for having the best hold of all hairsprays tested.

TESTER NOTES “Even with humid days, it kept my hair looking great,” and “It made my hair feel and look natural without any white, flaky dryness I’ve gotten using other hairsprays,” two said.

LAB LOWDOWN The spray ranked highest for ability to hold hairstyles all day in Lab evaluations.

Clairol’s game-changing color kit solves the biggest dye gripes with a gentler, less chemical-scented, conditioning formula.

TESTER NOTE “Easy to apply and left hair extremely soft, even without conditioner.”

LAB LOWDOWN In Lab evaluation, testers found that the at-home hair color gave a natural look and good gray coverage, 79% said it left hair soft and shiny and 90% said it didn’t cause irritation.

Big-time hair drying power in a smaller package, Conair’s on-the-go size dryer with a foldable handle didn’t sacrifice performance in GH Beauty Lab testing— and can double as a primary dryer.

TESTER NOTE An expert evaluator liked that it “offers the most options in controls”, including three heat settings, two speeds, and a cool shot button.

LAB LOWDOWN The tool was a top performer overall in the Beauty Lab’s travel hair dryer test, drying hair fastest compared to other models thanks to good airflow.

Nexxus turns hair treatments upside down with this curl-specific shea butter formula, made to be applied before shampooing to make detangling and softening curls easier, minimizing breakage.

TESTER NOTE “My curls soaked this up and combing was a breeze.”

Shake up this Herbal Essences featherlight dual-phase mist (a cocktail of nourishing aloe juice, vitamin B5 and argan oil), then spritz all over your strands—damp or dry!—to detangle, soften, smooth and protect against damage.

TESTER NOTE “My hair felt so silky, yet there was none of the greasiness or heaviness like I’ve experienced with other oils.”

Customized care for protective hairstyles, braids, and more, the Head & Shoulders water-light lotion is massaged into the scalp before bed to soothe with peppermint extract and flake-flighting pyrithione zinc.

TESTER NOTE “It relieved that itchy dry feeling I get on my scalp without residue that could ruin my style.”

CoverGirl’s beloved mascara gets a fresh formula and look that still topped the charts for the fullest lashes in Beauty Lab testing.

TESTER NOTES “It gives a voluminous, feathery look and is buildable with no fear of clumping.” Some also reported curling effects.

LAB LOWDOWN The wand scored highest for volumizing lashes, not clumping or smudging and adding length. It was the easiest and smoothest to apply and the least difficult to remove.

Sketch on this soft L’Oréal Paris twist-up pencil in black, charcoal gray, and brown to naturally define eyes (no sharpening needed!).

TESTER NOTES “The formula didn’t irritate my eyes” and “was good for creating a smoky look,” two reported.

LAB LOWDOWN GH Beauty Lab data evaluation confirmed that the liner was water-resistant and gentle enough for sensitive eyes.

For precise lines that don’t budge, look no further than Giorgio Armani Beauty, which won the Beauty Lab’s long-wear eyeliner test.

TESTER NOTES “The first I used that went on effortlessly,” and “It dried quickly, and I didn’t need to touch it up at all throughout the day.”

LAB LOWDOWN The felt-tip pen rated high for smooth, rich color that stayed in place without smudging or fading.

This Lancôme magic wand has an ingenious gel formula with less wax that won’t weigh down lashes, plus a curved brush dotted with multiple sizes of bristles to extend and lift in one swoop.

TESTER NOTES “You can create serious length with this,” and “My lashes still looked curled by night,” two said. “It even kept them perfect with no smudging or flaking in wet conditions,” another raved.

LAB LOWDOWN In Beauty Lab testing, it ranked at the top for lengthening lashes without clumping, was buildable and resisted transfer.

Boosted with skincare ingredients including 10 botanical oils, hyaluronic acid and a high mineral SPF, IT Cosmetics makeup was a top performer in the GH Beauty Lab foundation test. The moisturizer-like cream base leaves skin with a dewy finish.

TESTER NOTE “Dispenses nicely and spreads easily.”

LAB LOWDOWN The buildable sheer to medium coverage formula received the only perfect score in the test for smooth-looking coverage.

Brush on this tinted brow gel to fake perfectly full arches in seconds — it fills gaps, defines, shapes and sets simultaneously. “I love this: It gives subtle color and helps hold my brow shape,” Aral says.

Flawlessly apply powder blush, foundation or bronzer with this plush multipurpose tapered makeup brush. Professional makeup artist evaluators gave it perfect marks for being easy to use, soft and gentle on skin.

No stinging or tugging: These cushiony, fragrance-free towelettes infused with aloe sweep away makeup fast without irritating. They effectively remove even waterproof eye makeup while leaving skin hydrated, per Lab data.

The best bargain of the GH Beauty Lab’s concealer test, NYX Professional Makeup’s liquid smooths on with ease and comes in 23 hues for skin tones from fair to dark.

TESTER NOTE It “covers nicely,” and experts praised the tapered sponge applicator.

LAB LOWDOWN Buildable from light to medium coverage, it rated well for dispensing, applying and spreading in pro makeup artist evaluations.

The serum-like No7 liquid base, made with softening glycerin and vitamin E, was a top performer (and the best-priced winner) in the Beauty Lab’s foundation test for blending smoothly and leaving a radiant finish.

TESTER NOTE “Very impressive” and “flawless,” a makeup artist evaluator remarked.

LAB LOWDOWN Per Lab data analysis, 90% of testers said their skin tone was more even after one use, and more than 70% of testers’ skin felt lifted after two weeks of use and looked firmer after four weeks.

Perfect skin and keep it shine-free with Avon‘s matte finish, full-coverage base that includes a handy built-in applicator, in a range of 30 shades.

TESTER NOTE “The large sponge tip reaches and blends into the crevices of the face, and the lightweight formula makes skin look and feel like satin.”

The top bargain in the GH Beauty Lab’s long-lasting lipstick test, No7’s soft matte cream applied smoothly, imparting in a single swipe full, rich color that stayed true even through drinking.

TESTER NOTES The lipstick had “great color saturation” that “stayed so bright throughout the entire day and didn’t come off at all,” two users enthused.

LAB LOWDOWN It was best for maintaining vibrant color in Beauty Lab digital imaging with the Visia Complexion Analyzer before and after testers sipped hot drinks.

The vivid color payoff of a lipstick paired with the fluid glide of a gloss made NYX Professional Makeup a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s liquid lipstick test, proven to have serious staying power.

TESTER NOTE “The color stayed on through a meal!”

LAB LOWDOWN Thanks to its pointed sponge-tip wand, the formula (in 24 shades) was best with testers for precise, even application. It also ranked highly for resisting transfer in Beauty Lab digital imaging evaluation after users sipped hot drinks.

OPI’s iconic polish has stood the test of time (literally!) with its Beauty Lab test-winning quick-dry formula that boasts a rainbow of colors.

TESTER NOTE “It went on thick, so I didn’t really need two coats.” 

LAB LOWDOWN It was the quickest-drying polish in Lab nail polish evaluations, setting in under five minutes.

Not your average gloss, this slick Beautycounter version combines ungoopy shine with lip treatment benefits from natural oils (castor, jojoba, soybean) in a spectrum of shades, from clear shimmer to deep plum.

TESTER NOTES “I don’t know how they made a gloss that doesn’t feel tacky,” and “It felt nurturing, and the sheen lasted until I ate.”

LAB LOWDOWN 100% of testers agreed that it made lips feel hydrated and wasn’t sticky.

Fake a full mani in no time by sticking on these next-level press-on nails from Kiss that offer of-the-moment shades and nail-art designs.

TESTER NOTE “The nails were still in perfect condition after seven days of wear, and I didn’t notice any damage after removal,” a user raved. “I am blown away!”

LAB LOWDOWN Expert evaluators praised the nails, which adhere without glue, for being easy to apply and remove and for their believable look. (The kit includes 30 faux nails to ensure fit, along with a file to tailor the length as desired.)

Dust on this silky-sheer coconut oil–infused powder blush that comes in six shades (neutrals, pinks, peaches, berries) to sculpt cheeks or instantly awaken a tired-looking face. In a study, 92% of women felt that it gave them a healthy look, per Lab data. “I love the subtle, easy-to-apply color,” Wizemann says.

No pro skill, tools or multiple hues needed with this handy cream eyeshadow crayon, in 12 shades ranging from light taupe to smoky charcoal. The formula “glides on smoothly and evenly” and has a built-in sponge on one end for simple diffusing.

A full face of color in one twist-up stick: This tinted balm in three flattering colors can be blended on cheeks, lips and even eyelids for a face that looks polished and refreshed in a flash. It “makes skin glow and lasts forever” a fan raved.

Enhanced with decadent botanical oils like argan and rose, this luxe-for-less lipstick imparts a subtle gleam that won’t dry out lips. “Smooth and easy to apply, the buttery formula feels super moisturizing on lips,” Wnek revealed. It also provides “good color payoff” in 10 vibrant shades.