HAIR: It was most definitely a great hair year. There were a stand-out shampoo and conditioner for every hair type, all promising to infuse hair with hydration and goodness. Impressive was the mouth-watering selection of natural ingredients (pomegranate and soy, anyone?). Curly hair was particularly well looked after, thanks to Bumble & bumble and Redken. For those of us with texture-challenged hair, there were, uh, texturisers … whether you want to go big and blowy, matte and messy, or shaggy and sexy, there’s now a hair hit for you.
> Hair product winners gallerySKINCAREWinning skincare also encompassed a wide spectrum of complexion needs. Forget one be-all-and-end-all anti-ageing cream. There are now a number of formulations that focus in on particular concerns – lines, wrinkles, age spots, sagging, dullness, the list goes on. Given our anti-ageing efforts, it’s little surprise that sunscreens are getting better (easier than ever to wear) and facial fake tans more flawless (who needs the sun?). Also nice to note in the skincare department: great skin is getting cheaper than ever, with the best mask and eye cream just two of the budget-priced buys making the list.
> Skincare winners galleryMAKEUPOver in
makeup, it was a similar there’s-something-for-every-budget story. Olay and Australis mixed it with Lancôme and Bobbi Brown in the best foundation stakes, while Max Factor, M.A.C and Chanel all scored high for lips. Mineral and natural makeup is evidently going nowhere – as proved by two impressive launches from Mineral Fusion and Physicians Formula. But it’s not all about an all-natural look – sultry or smoky black eyes are still very much a must, thanks to M.A.C and Benefit.
> Face product winners gallery
BODY:In the
body category, the winners’ list resembled a product offering from a day spa, with a lemon butter salt scrub, blood orange body scrub, citrus-scented bath milk, white jasmine and mint bath oil, and cocoa-infused massage oil among some of the most coveted concoctions. Another reason you may no longer need a salon: there’s now an amazing array of depilatory and fake-tan options available.
> Body product winners galleryFRAGRANCE:Finally, to
fragrance. While celebrity scents have been the buzz over the past few years, the designers have reclaimed the perfume crown. Chanel scored two big wins, while other catwalk names to bottle themselves beautifully included Chloé, Gucci and Donna Karan.
> Fragrance winners gallerySo what can we ultimately conclude from the 2009 Australian Beauty Awards? There’s something for every skin and hair type, yes. Not to mention for every budget. But this thing’s for sure: we’ve never had a better time – or excuse - to look our most gorgeous.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL THE WINNERS
>> VIDEO: Budget beauty buys