The In Style Beauty Awards are one of the most respected honors in the beauty industry.
They recognize high-performing skincare, makeup, haircare, and beauty tools that deliver real results.
Backed by expert testing and editorial integrity, these awards help consumers choose products with confidence.
This comprehensive guide explains what the In Style Beauty Awards are, how they work, and why they matter.
Each section is written individually, in a simple and easy-to-read tone, with SEO best practices in mind.
What Are the In Style Beauty Awards?
The In Style Beauty Awards are annual beauty awards curated by InStyle magazine.
They celebrate beauty products that stand out for quality, innovation, effectiveness, and inclusivity.
Only products that pass rigorous testing earn a place on the winners list.
Unlike popularity-based awards, the In Style Beauty Awards rely on hands-on testing.
Beauty editors, dermatologists, hairstylists, and professional makeup artists evaluate each product.
Their goal is to identify products that perform consistently in real-life conditions.
A Brief History of the In Style Beauty Awards
InStyle magazine has been a beauty authority for decades.
The beauty awards were created to help readers navigate an increasingly crowded beauty market.
Over time, the In Style Beauty Awards became a trusted benchmark for excellence.
As beauty trends evolved, so did the awards.
New categories were added to reflect clean beauty, diversity, and beauty technology.
Today, the awards highlight both innovation and everyday usability.
What Makes the In Style Beauty Awards Different?
Several factors set these awards apart:
- Expert-led judging, not paid placements
- Extensive testing periods, often lasting weeks
- Inclusion of luxury and drugstore beauty brands
- Emphasis on results, not marketing claims
This approach ensures the awards remain practical and consumer-focused.
Beauty Categories Covered
The In Style Beauty Awards cover a wide range of beauty needs, including:
- Skincare: cleansers, toners, serums, moisturizers, anti-aging treatments
- Makeup: foundations, concealers, mascaras, lip products
- Haircare: shampoos, conditioners, masks, styling products
- Beauty tools: facial devices, hair tools, applicators
- Clean and sustainable beauty
This wide scope makes the awards useful for beginners and professionals alike.
Why Consumers Trust In Style Beauty Awards
Award-winning beauty products often experience a 20–40% increase in sales after winning.
This shows how strongly consumers trust the In Style Beauty Awards.
Many shoppers actively look for products labeled as In Style Beauty Award winners.
“When experts test products thoroughly, beauty awards become a buying guide—not just a title.”
Because of this trust, the In Style Beauty Awards influence purchasing decisions worldwide.
Who Organizes the In Style Beauty Awards?
The In Style Beauty Awards are organized by InStyle magazine, a globally recognized authority in fashion and beauty.
For years, InStyle has shaped beauty conversations by highlighting products that combine performance, innovation, and accessibility.
This strong editorial background gives the awards long-term credibility.
About InStyle Magazine
InStyle is known for blending celebrity beauty trends with everyday practicality.
Its beauty team focuses on what actually works for real people, not just red-carpet looks.
This philosophy carries directly into the In Style Beauty Awards.
Key strengths of InStyle include:
- Decades of experience in beauty journalism
- Access to industry experts and dermatologists
- Deep understanding of consumer beauty needs
- Editorial independence from brand influence
Because of this, the awards are not driven by sponsorships or popularity alone.
Who Judges the In Style Beauty Awards?
The judging panel for the In Style Beauty Awards is made up of trusted beauty professionals.
Each product is tested and reviewed by people who use beauty products professionally and daily.
The panel typically includes:
- InStyle beauty editors with hands-on testing experience
- Dermatologists for skincare and treatment products
- Celebrity makeup artists for makeup performance
- Professional hairstylists for haircare and tools
This expert mix ensures products are evaluated from multiple perspectives.
Editorial Testing vs Brand Claims
One major reason the In Style Beauty Awards stand out is editorial testing.
Products are judged on how they perform, not how they are marketed.
If a product claims to hydrate, smooth, or repair, it must deliver visible results.
Editors test products for:
- Texture and application
- Short-term and long-term results
- Skin and hair compatibility
- Value for money
Only products that perform consistently move forward.
How Credibility Is Maintained
InStyle follows strict editorial standards to maintain trust.
Brands cannot buy awards or influence rankings.
This transparency strengthens the authority of the In Style Beauty Awards.
According to beauty industry research, consumers trust editorial-led awards 35% more than influencer-led recommendations.
This trust keeps the In Style Beauty Awards relevant year after year.
How Are Products Selected for the In Style Beauty Awards?
The selection process for the In Style Beauty Awards is one of the most thorough in the beauty industry.
Every product goes through multiple stages of evaluation before earning an award.
This process ensures winners are chosen for performance, not popularity.
Product Nomination Process
Brands, PR agencies, and beauty editors submit products for consideration.
Products must be new or significantly improved within the eligibility period.
This keeps the In Style Beauty Awards focused on innovation and relevance.
Common product requirements include:
- Availability to the public
- Clear ingredient transparency
- Compliance with safety standards
- Proven beauty benefits
Only eligible products move to the testing phase.
Real-World Product Testing
Testing is the core of the In Style Beauty Awards selection process.
Products are used in real-life conditions, not just lab environments.
This helps judges assess how products perform over time.
Testing usually lasts several weeks, allowing experts to observe:
- Consistency of results
- Skin or hair reactions
- Ease of use in daily routines
- Longevity of performance
Products that fail to meet expectations are eliminated early.
Judging Criteria Explained
Each product is scored using defined evaluation criteria.
These criteria ensure fairness and consistency across categories.
Key judging factors include:
- Effectiveness: Does the product deliver on its claims?
- Innovation: Does it offer something new or improved?
- User experience: Is it easy and pleasant to use?
- Value: Is the price justified by the results?
- Inclusivity: Does it work for diverse skin tones or hair types?
Products must score high across all areas to win.
Role of Consumer Feedback
While expert testing leads the process, consumer feedback also matters.
Editors consider verified reviews and common user concerns.
This balance helps reflect real-world user experiences.
According to beauty market studies, 72% of consumers trust awards more when user feedback is considered.
This strengthens confidence in In Style Beauty Award winners.
Final Selection and Approval
Once testing is complete, finalists are reviewed by senior editors.
Only the most consistent performers are selected as winners.
Each winner represents the best product in its category for that year.
This detailed process ensures the In Style Beauty Awards remain credible and results-driven.
In Style Beauty Awards Categories Explained
The In Style Beauty Awards feature a wide range of categories to reflect every beauty need.
Each category is designed to help readers quickly find the best product for a specific purpose.
This detailed classification is one reason the awards are so useful for consumers.
Best Skincare Products – In Style Beauty Awards
Skincare is one of the most competitive categories in the In Style Beauty Awards.
Products must show visible results while being safe for regular use.
Dermatologists play a key role in evaluating these products.
Common skincare award categories include:
- Best cleanser for daily use
- Best hydrating moisturizer
- Best anti-aging skincare product
- Best brightening serum
- Best clean or natural skincare
Winning skincare products often feature clinically proven ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, niacinamide, and peptides.
Fact: Studies show consistent use of award-winning skincare improves skin hydration by up to 30% within four weeks.
Best Makeup Products – In Style Beauty Awards
Makeup winners must balance performance, comfort, and wear time.
Celebrity makeup artists test these products under professional conditions.
Popular makeup award categories include:
- Best foundation (full, medium, and light coverage)
- Best concealer for dark circles
- Best mascara for volume and length
- Best lip product (lipstick, gloss, or balm)
- Best eyeshadow palette
Products are evaluated for blendability, shade range, and long-lasting wear.
Inclusivity is especially important in makeup categories.
Best Haircare Products – In Style Beauty Awards
Haircare winners must work across different hair textures and concerns.
Professional hairstylists test products on straight, wavy, curly, and coily hair.
Haircare award categories include:
- Best shampoo and conditioner
- Best hair mask or deep treatment
- Best styling product
- Best product for damaged hair
- Best color-safe haircare
Winning products often focus on scalp health and hair repair, two major beauty trends.
Best Beauty Tools and Devices
This category highlights innovation in beauty technology.
Products must be effective, safe, and easy to use at home.
Common beauty tool awards include:
- Best facial cleansing device
- Best anti-aging beauty device
- Best hair styling tool
- Best at-home beauty tech innovation
According to industry data, beauty tools improve product effectiveness by up to 40% when used correctly.
Best Clean and Sustainable Beauty Products
Clean beauty is a growing focus in the In Style Beauty Awards.
Products are evaluated for ingredient safety, sustainability, and performance.
Criteria often include:
- Non-toxic formulations
- Eco-friendly packaging
- Cruelty-free practices
- Ethical sourcing
This category reflects rising consumer demand for responsible beauty choices.
Latest In Style Beauty Awards Winners (Year-Wise Breakdown)
The latest In Style Beauty Awards winners showcase the top-performing products across all categories.
Each year, the awards highlight both luxury and drugstore products, helping consumers find high-quality options for any budget.
Skincare Winners
- Best Moisturizer: La Mer Crème de la Mer – Known for deep hydration and skin barrier repair
- Best Serum: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% – Lightweight, reduces blemishes, and improves texture
- Best Clean Skincare: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream – Effective, non-toxic, cruelty-free
Trend Insight: Hydration and anti-aging remain dominant priorities in skincare award selections.
Makeup Winners
- Best Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation – Celebrated for its inclusive shade range
- Best Mascara: Too Faced Better Than Sex – Known for dramatic volume and long-lasting formula
- Best Lip Product: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Lipstick – Universally flattering and hydrating
Fact: Award-winning makeup products increasingly emphasize shade inclusivity and multi-functional use.
Haircare Winners
- Best Shampoo & Conditioner: Olaplex No.4 & No.5 – Strengthens hair while reducing breakage
- Best Hair Treatment: Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask – Intensive repair for dry or damaged hair
- Best Styling Product: Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray – Adds volume without weighing hair down
Trend Insight: Haircare awards show a focus on repair, texture enhancement, and long-term hair health.
Beauty Tools & Devices Winners
- Best Facial Device: Foreo Luna 3 – Deep cleans pores and improves skin texture
- Best Hair Tool: Dyson Airwrap Styler – Efficient styling with minimal heat damage
- Best Beauty Tech Innovation: NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device – Offers at-home professional facial results
Fact: Usage of award-winning beauty tools can enhance the efficacy of skincare and haircare products by up to 40%.
Drugstore vs Luxury Winners
- Drugstore Highlights: The Ordinary, Maybelline, NYX
- Luxury Highlights: La Mer, Charlotte Tilbury, Dyson
The awards show that high performance is not limited by price, giving consumers options across budgets.
Why Winning an In Style Beauty Award Is a Big Deal
Winning an In Style Beauty Award is more than just a badge of honor—it has real influence on brands, products, and consumers.
These awards signal quality, credibility, and effectiveness in a highly competitive beauty market.
Boosting Brand Credibility
When a product earns an In Style Beauty Award, it gains instant trust.
Consumers recognize the award as a mark of editorial testing and expert approval, which differentiates the product from competitors.
- Fact: Brands report a 20–40% increase in sales after winning an In Style Beauty Award.
- Awards often appear on product packaging, websites, and social media, reinforcing trust.
Influence on Consumer Decisions
Shoppers actively search for award-winning products when making purchasing decisions.
Awards simplify choice in an overcrowded beauty market.
- Consumers feel confident that products have proven performance
- Awards reduce the risk of trying expensive or unfamiliar items
- Winning products are often recommended in beauty guides, vlogs, and influencer reviews
Media Coverage and Visibility
The In Style Beauty Awards also provide significant media exposure.
Award-winning products are featured in InStyle articles, digital posts, newsletters, and social media campaigns.
- Increases visibility among beauty enthusiasts, journalists, and industry insiders
- Helps brands stand out in crowded marketplaces
- Attracts collaborations with retailers and influencers
Setting Industry Standards
Award winners often set trends for the industry.
Other brands look to award-winning products for inspiration in formulation, packaging, or marketing.
- Example: The rise of clean beauty and inclusive shade ranges can be traced to award recognition
- Innovations in skincare tech and haircare solutions often appear first in award-winning products
In short, winning an In Style Beauty Award elevates a brand, validates a product, and influences both consumers and competitors
Beauty Trends Revealed by the In Style Beauty Awards
The In Style Beauty Awards do more than recognize winners—they also highlight current and emerging beauty trends.
By analyzing award-winning products, consumers and professionals can see which ingredients, colors, and formulations are shaping the industry.
Skincare Trends
Award-winning skincare reveals that hydration, anti-aging, and clean formulations are top priorities.
- Hyaluronic acid continues to dominate moisturizers and serums
- Peptides and retinoids lead anti-aging treatments
- Clean, non-toxic formulations are increasingly recognized
Fact: Over 60% of award-winning skincare products in 2025 emphasized multi-functional benefits—hydrating while also targeting fine lines or dark spots.
Makeup Trends
Makeup winners reflect versatility, inclusivity, and long-wear performance.
- Inclusive shade ranges dominate foundations and concealers
- Multi-purpose products (lip + cheek tints, foundation with SPF) are popular
- Bold but wearable colors highlight seasonal trends
Trend Insight: Consumers want products that simplify their routines without compromising results.
Haircare Trends
Haircare winners emphasize repair, protection, and style versatility.
- Products focus on damage repair, frizz control, and color protection
- Styling products now offer volume and texture without harsh chemicals
- Eco-friendly formulations are increasingly highlighted
Data Point: 70% of haircare award winners incorporate scalp health and nourishing ingredients, showing a shift toward holistic hair care.
Sustainable and Clean Beauty
Sustainability is a growing trend across categories.
- Cruelty-free and vegan products are now commonly recognized
- Packaging innovations, such as refillable containers, are awarded
- Clean beauty formulations with natural ingredients gain increasing attention
Consumer Insight: 65% of beauty consumers prefer products with transparent sourcing and ethical practices, making this a key award criterion.
Innovation in Beauty Technology
Beauty tools and devices reflect cutting-edge innovation.
- Facial devices and hair tools enhance results of existing products
- Smart, at-home beauty devices are becoming mainstream
- Efficiency, safety, and results remain top priorities
Fact: The adoption of award-winning beauty tech has grown by 45% in the last three years, showing strong consumer interest.
