The Lo Down: cream of the crop

Highly contested, the award recipients are this year’s must-have products that you need in your beauty kit – from anti-ageing moisturisers and cleansing gels, to lipsticks and hair treatments.

Speaking at the Beauty Awards ceremony held at 54 on Bath in Johannesburg, editor Jackie Burger said this year’s awards were tough to decide on – making the winning brands and products ones that are well worth trying, if you don’t use them already.

From expensive, high-end products to more accessible options, there is something for everyone in this year’s winners’ circle.

Say hello to the best beauty buys as voted for by a panel of 12 beauty industry experts:

Best in haircare

Dove Damage Therapy Intensive Repair Conditioner, R37

Best in body treatment

Woolworths Love Your Skin Extreme Moisture Dry Oil Spray, R60

Best in bodycare

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment, R245

Best in hairstyle

Moroccanoil Treatment, R420

Best in anti-ageing

Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant, R685

Best in lipstick and gloss

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain, R105

Best in moisturisers

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturiser, R415

Best in mascara

Maybelline The Colossal Volum’ Express, R121

Best in perfume

Elie Saab Le Parfum, R795

Best in nail colour

Chanel Le Vernis in Frenzy, R290

Best in foundation and concealer

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place, R415

Best in cleanser and exfoliator

Clarins Pure Melt Cleansing Gel, R305

With all the choices out there, it is helpful having an expert panel’s stamp of approval to guide you. So, for just under R4 000, you can make these products yours. A more realistic option, though, is to start slow and try out a new product each month to see what works best for you and your budget.

For next year’s awards, two new categories will be added to the mix: Local and Green to acknowledge products that are home-grown, as well as those that are eco-friendly.

Watch this space!

To stand a chance of winning a beauty awards hamper filled with the winning products from each round of the ELLE Beauty Awards, visit www.Le1ghLo.com.