In 2025, the Women’s Health beauty team tested nearly 1,000 products—from skincare to cosmetics. They assessed everything for performance, ease of use, and sensory appeal (does it smell and feel as good as it works?). These winners aren’t about hype—they’re about delivering results and joy, whether you want to greet the day fresh-faced or tackle fine lines with a hero serum .
Top Skin Essentials:
Best Cleanser: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Barrier-Hydrating Cleanser ($19) offers creamy yet effective cleansing without overdrying . Best Cleansing Balm: Femmue Extraordinary Beauty Cleansing Balm ($35) melts away impurities and leaves an antioxidant-rich glow . Best Micellar Water: Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid ($12) clears pores while delivering a gentle shine-free finish . Best Toner: Fresh Lotus Youth Preserve Refining Dream Toner ($42) brightens and smooths skin with succinic acid and lotus extract .
Hair, Body & Makeup Standouts: Q-Web Results Unpacked
While skincare took the spotlight, the Women’s Health panel also awarded top performers across other categories:
Haircare: Though specific winners weren’t listed in that WH roundup, Byrdie’s 2025 Hair Awards praised picks like Oribe Hair Alchemy Resilience Shampoo for strength and Dyson Supersonic Nural Hair Dryer for its innovation .
Body Care & Sun Protection: Byrdie recognized Osea Hyaluronic Body Serum and AKT London Foaming Body Scrub as 2025 standouts. And sun care? Nivea’s Water Gel SPF 50 and Vacation’s Orange Gelée SPF 30 spray were called out for lightweight, effective UV protection .
Makeup Must-Haves: Byrdie’s best-of list named Tarte Blur Concealer Stick, Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Blush, and Huda Beauty Icy Nude Palette as top-tier picks. Game-changers: Danessa Myricks Glow Serum Primer, Pat McGrath Labs Glass 001 Setting Spray, and Merit Hydrating Lip Oil rounded out the list .
Why These Products Made the Cut—and Should Make It into Your Routine
1. Tested by Real People
Women’s Health and Byrdie editors didn’t just read specs—they tested these products daily, assessing texture, scent, ease of use, and results .
2. Balanced Performance + Experience
It’s not just about visible results—products needed to feel luxurious, smell pleasant, and feel effortless to use. This holistic view ensures each selection isn’t just effective but joyful to use .
3. Range of Budget and Benefit
From under‑$35 gems like Olay Super Cream with SPF 30 to higher‑end standouts like Kate Sommerville’s sulfur cleanser, the awards reflect value at every price tier .
4. Holistic Coverage
Winners span every category—skincare, haircare, body, sun protection, and makeup—offering a comprehensive toolkit to build routines that match your lifestyle and goals .
What to Do Next
Start small: Pick one top-rated product in a key area—like the Kiehl’s Cleanser or Rare Beauty Blush—to test. Build with intention: Layer products based on your needs—hydrating toner, targeted serum, and a versatile blush. Trust your senses: Enjoy how it feels, smells, and makes you feel. These are designed to lighten your routine and brighten your day.
By blending authority (Women’s Health testing), expert curation (Byrdie and Byrdie Hair Awards), and accessibility (including budget-friendly picks), this beauty roundup helps you invest in your self-care with confidence. Every pick is about simplicity, delight, and performance—making your routine feel like a daily win.
