The People x TODAY Show Beauty Awards (exclusive to People) is back for the 8th year, where the two teams paired up to try hundreds of beauty products in search of finding the best-of-the-best in hair, makeup and skin care.
TODAY Lifestyle and Commerce Contributor Jill Martin-Brooks and People Style and Beauty Director Andrea Lavinthal stopped by TODAY and TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to share their favorites of the winning picks in hair, makeup and skin care, from a smoothing shampoo to tame frizzy hair to smudge-proof liquid eyeliner that creates the perfect cat eye. Not only will you find this list full of impressive items, but you’ll find these picks to be rather affordable, too. After all, everything can be found at Amazon, Target and similar retailers — starting at just $4!
Keep reading to see our 19 favorites, and to see the entire list from the People x TODAY Show Beauty Awards, visit People.com or pick up People available on newsstands nationwide.
People and TODAY Beauty Awards 2022: Skin and body
Covergirl Clean Fresh Skincare Weightless Water Cream
Containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and cactus water, the brand and staffers say you can expect all day hydration with this water cream moisturizer. One staffer also noted this product works really well as a primer underneath her makeup.
Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Pro+ Eye Cream
This powerful retinol formula is meant to target under-eye wrinkles and alleviate dark circles. The brand also mentioned you will notice an improvement in crow’s feet after one week of use.
Hero Cosmetics Mighty Patch Face
Mighty Patch takes pimple patches to the next level with larger hydrocolloid facial patches that are meant to target the five acne zones, says the brand. They also mention that the patches will absorb the gunk from clogged pores in acne in just six to eight hours, and one staffer said it left her skin looking poreless.
Andalou Naturals 1000 Roses Sleeping Mask
Staffers loved the relaxing rose scent of this sleeping mask almost as much as they loved how soft their face felt in the morning. According to the brand, the mask is formulated with rose stem cell and rose water.
Gold Bond Body Bright Daily Body and Face Lotion
As we head into dry season, you might want to think about upgrading your moisturizer. This Gold Bond option contains alpha-hydroxy acids, antioxidants and vitamin C, and will leave your skin feeling hydrated for up to 24 hours, notes the brand. Staffers said their skin felt extremely moisturized and velvety, even for a lightweight formula.
Soap & Glory Perfect Zen Body Scrub
Staffers loved the thick consistency and hydrating effects of this body scrub. According to the brand, this scrub heats up when applied to wet skin and will exfoliate away dead skin cells and impurities, leaving you with a silky smooth finish.
People and TODAY Beauty Awards 2022: Best of Beauty
L’Oreal Cell Renewal Midnight Cream
Staffers raved how rich and luxurious this anti-aging night cream felt on their skin. According to the brand, it’s infused with antioxidants and vitamin E, which is meant to smooth fine lines, as well as replenish the skin barrier overnight.
Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Glass Hair Water Rinse Out
Looking for a quick fix for dry hair? This rinse out treatment will give you “glass-like shine” in just 10 seconds, says the brand. One staffer said she used two doses for her long hair and her locks instantly felt sleeker and shinier.
Hairitage Up In The Air Volumizing Brush
Get blow-out worthy hair every time with this hair dryer brush. Staffers loved how smooth and lifted their hair look post-use, even after sleeping on it. Plus, one staffer said this brush was comparable to another popular hot air brush that frequently sells out, making this an easier option to get your hands on.
WinkyLux Extrava Lash Mascara
Staffers said the unique ball-shaped wand worked magic on their eyelashes, giving them a dramatic and lush look. They also noted that the wand allowed them to easily get within hard-to-reach spots like the corners and lower lash line.
Pacifica Kind Tint Tinted Serum
Staffers noted this tinted serum felt extremely light weight, with one staffer even noting that it’s great for a “no makeup makeup look.” According to the brand, the formula is infused with skin-loving ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C and more.
People and TODAY Beauty Awards 2022: Hair and makeup
Flower Beauty Chrome Crush Pressed Pigments
TODAY staffers raved about how pigmented, long-lasting and buildable this gel-powder eyeshadow is. From earthy hues to a bold blue, you can choose from six different shimmery shades and apply it with a brush or finger.
CoverGirl Exhibitionist Lash Enhancing Liquid Eyeliner
This multi-tasking, award-winning liquid eyeliner is infused with vitamins and aloe vera, and applies with a matte finish, says the brand. One staffer said it glided on easily and didn’t budge. She even mentioned it was comparable to a high-end brand she frequently used.
L’Oreal Paris Glow Paradise Balm-in-Lipstick
If you’re looking for a lipstick that’s both nourishing and pigmented, this L’Oreal pick contains natural hydrating ingredients and will leave your lips feeling moisturized, says the brand. Staffers loved that it didn’t dry out their lips and still had a “lipstick look.”
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Shampoo
Tame frizzy hair with this sulfate-free, smoothing shampoo. According to the brand, the protein-infused formula will block out up to 98 percent of humidity and staffers said it left their hair feeling super clean with a great scent.
Nexxus Ultralight Smooth Conditioner
For the full effect, complete your wash routine with the accompanying smoothing conditioner. The brand says you can expect smooth hair for up to 72 hours without it feeling heavy.
Sunbum Revitalizing Detox Scalp Scrub
Staffers not only loved the amazing and beach-y scent of this scalp scrub but also raved about how clean their scalp felt after use. According to the brand, it contains apple cider vinegar and sugar to gently break down excess oil and dirt build-up, leaving your scalp feeling exfoliated and revitalized.
Pantene Pro-V Booster Collection (Color)
These Pantene boosters are meant to be added to your favorite conditioner to give your hair multiple benefits, including a color boost, hydration and strengthening. Staffers said they noticed an instant difference with their color in just one use.
Herbal Essences Detangling Cream
This detangle cream will take care of unruly strands, leaving your hair silky and looking its healthiest, says the brand. The sulfate-free formula is infused with argan oil and aloe and staffers loved the scent.
