Game Changers

Did you say you want the ‘be-all and end-all’ beauty products that you *really* should own, RN? Well! Here you go: WH editors tested hundreds of must-haves that were chosen by you, dearest readers. Here, the products that made the cut: our standouts for 2024!

Face

In search of A+ skincare? These formulas came out on top and…truly deliver!

Best Cleanser

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Novexpert Cleansing Oil with 5 Omegas

100 percent vegan and formulated by doctors, this hydrating cleansing oil actually makes you look forward to removing make-up – a total breeze, ya’ll!

Best Micellar Water

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Garnier All In 1 Brightening Micellar Cleansing Water Vitamin C

This non-drying, hydrating micellar is the best around. With vitamin C, it cleanses skin, removes make-up and also boosts glow in one swipe.

Best Toner

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Pixi Glow Tonic

A toner that does it all! Exfoliate and purify the skin with glycolic acid. This gem improves circulation and energises skin with ginseng and soothes and hydrates with aloe.

Best Exfoliator

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Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Anyone with breakouts or discolouration should pick up this bottle of liquid gold, which gently sloughs it all away.

Best Serum

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Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate

Hydrates and defends skin against the effects of stress, natural ageing and pollution. I felt and saw a real difference with my skin tone.

Best Moisturiser

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Environ Super Moisturiser

A powerhouse moisturising booster that improves the skin’s soft supple appearance. We love it for it’s healthy-looking glow capabilities.

Best Lip Balm

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E45 Lips & Dry Skin Balm

Sets the bar sky-high for any lip care product out there. It’s so thick and luxurious, you can just feel those dry and cracked lips getting the moisture they crave.

Best Balm For Sensitive Skin

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Avène XeraCalm A.D Lipid-Replenishing Balm

This lipid-replenishing balm reduces symptoms of eczema/atopic dermatitis: itching and dryness gone.

Best Eye Cream

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AQ Skin Solutions Eye Serum

Peptides stimulate collagen production, antioxidants protect from environmental stressors and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps. A small amount goes a long way.

Best Mask

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Laneige Water Sleeping Mask Brighten & Hydrate

An overnight hydrating gel mask that absorbs while you sleep. It nourishes and strengthens the skin’s moisture barrier for a brighter, clearer complexion.

Best Sunscreen

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Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF

A high-protection sunblock in gel form, which I also love. My skin feels so smooth and hydrated when I apply this to my face. It’s non-greasy and stays put during sweaty days.

Best Blemish Treatment

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Hyaestic Spot Treatment 2.5% Benzoyl Peroxide

A topical treatment that targets breakouts by fighting acne-causing bacteria, with clinically-proven effectiveness. I put a tiny bit on my pimples. The next day: gone.

Best Anti Ager

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FILORGA Time-Filler 5XP

Light, silky, easily-absorbable and leaves skin feeling hydrated for hours on end. It gets to work asap (provided you’re consistent) to ease all face and neck wrinkles.

Best Retinol

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Vitaderm Retin-Glow Skin Capsules

Couldn’t wait to try this: formulated with a triple-effective combination of retinol, vitamin C and lipochroman. These actives stimulate cell renewal and improve skin appearance!

Best Brightener

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Yearn Skin Niacinamide and Turmeric Brightening Cream

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation doesn’t stand a chance against this ingredients list: niacinamide, turmeric, peptides and hyaluronic acid, I knew it was going to be goody – and boy, did it deliver.

Best Vitamin C

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Lamelle Vita-C Lipid Serum

This one contains a unique form of lipid-soluble vitamin C at a high, yet non-irritating 20 percent concentration, along with soothing jojoba and ginger root extract.

Body

Indulge your skin from top to toe. These goodies will make you want to take care of it all.

Best Gentle Wash

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

Aveeno Skin Relief Body Wash

This softly cleanses and soothes sensitive skin with its triple oat complex. It maintains the skin’s natural balance, providing relief and hydration. Dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free.

Best Moisturiser 

Eucerin UREA Repair PLUS

A product that is clinically proven to replenish both lipids and moisture in the skin to give immediate relief. It also delays the symptoms of dry skin for up to 48 hours.

Best Gel

Bio-Oil Dry Skin Gel

Just when you thought there could be nothing better than the OG, this epic gel version came along. It moisturises deeply, absorbs super fast and isn’t the slightest bit greasy or messy.

Best Sunscreen

Techniblock Active Performance Sun Protective Spray SPF50

Developed especially for active, outdoorsy and watersports people, this spray stays on even when breaking a sweat or time in water. Plus, it’s reef-safe.

Best Razor

Dorco Eve 6 Mini Kit

Don’t let the size fool you: it effortlessly moves with the contours of your legs. Plus, it has a moisture bar with aloe vera, argan and avocado oil.

Best Instant Tan

Caribbeantan Tinted Body Bronzer Shimmer Cream

This velvety-smooth shimmer cream gives you a pro-worthy tan at home, enhancing your natural tone for that sun-kissed glow.

Best Bath Soak

Tree Hut Mediterranean Salt Soak Fig & Olive

Packed with soothing essential oils such as activated charcoal, fig extract and oil fruit – just dreamy. Shea butter and magnesium help relax and ease a tired body.

Best Shower Gel

Dove Deeply Nourishing Moisturizing Body Wash

Whatever activity you’re hot and sweaty from, this shower gel will freshen as it cleanses. Win-win.

Best Body Cream

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Daily Hydrating Body Lotion

Winter dry patches, be gone! This lotion smells amazing and works wonders on dry skin. It absorbs quickly – perfect for summer.

Best Hand Sanitiser

Nuxe Rêve de miel Clean Hands Spray

Clean hands will never not be important. This hand spray cleanser is an ideal ally for soft, clean hands. Smells so good – like honey with refreshing citrus notes.

Best Body Mist

Dermalogica Clarifying Body Spray

A spray that helps to clear clogged pores and minimise breakouts. Contains exfoliating salicylic acid, soothing witch hazel, tea tree oil and Moroccan argan oil to reduce redness. We love it!

Best Body Oil

lelive. Brighten + Glow Body Oil

The best oil I’ve used, thanks to its thirst-quenching blend of vitamin C, bakuchiol and moringa.

Best Deodorant

Mitchum Invisible Roll-On

Clear application, dries quickly and keeps you feeling fresh. A total lifesaver if, just like me, you start sweating within minutes of stepping outta the shower! Gym bag essential.

Best Body Scrub

Fundamentals Skincare Body Scrub Watermelon

This scrub, with retinol, aloe and jojoba, moisturise as well as rejuvenates skin.

Best Pain Relief Oil

Deep Heat Arnica Massage Oil

The initial smell and sensation might be a bit strong for some, this oil gradually mellows out, leaving behind a subtle and long-lasting pain-relieving effect that sticks around for a few hours.

Best Body Spray

Garnier Mineral Clean Sensation Body Spray

A gift for your pits. This spray is an anti-bacterial and anti-odour refresher that contains zero alcohol and naturally absorbent mineralite.

The Beauty Princess Diaries

There’s nothing quite like the rush of optimism you feel flipping the top on a new product. Is this the one that’ll finally clear up your skin, or make those curls pop, or impart a fresh-from-the-gym flush even on rest days? You’re looking at the results of our efforts. Here’s a sneak peek at the team that made the magic happen.

Women with different skin concerns and types tested products – so these awards mean everyone can find a go-to.”

– Gotlhokwang Angoma-Mzini, Editor

Make-Up

These fab essentials have more than earned their spots in our summer make-up bag.

Best Foundation

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Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Nothing beats this foundation: it’s silky, glowy, lightweight, hydrating and buildable. With 30 shades, the virtual try-on matched my shade perfectly.

Best Skin Tint

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Catrice Nude Drop Tinted Serum Foundation

Feels like a second skin. It’s barely there but covers all sins. It also does double-duty: vitamin E eases damage and hyaluronic acid boosts hydration.

Best Concealer

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Revlon ColorStay Flex Wear Full Cover Concealer

Contains ‘Adapti-Flex Technology’ that delivers a 100 percent full-coverage finish, while being breathable. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while vitamin E nourishes.

Best Highlighter

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Chanel N°1 De Chanel Skin Enhancer

Leaves skin uuum… very expensive-looking. The sheeny pearlescent shades provide a healthy glow. Can be used on its own or applied as a primer under foundation.

Best Matte Lipstick

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Kylie Cosmetics By Kylie Jenner Matte Lipstick in Apple A Day

This silky matte lipstick delivers a highly pigmented, weightless colour in just one swipe. Featuring a moisture-rich formula with hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration.

Best Eyeshadow

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Avon Ultra Earths Eyeshadow Palette

We heart this palette: nine high-impact colours; comes in four fabulous finishes (buttery mattes, soft pearls, intense metallics and glowing glitters) and blends like a dream on all skin tones.

Best Mascara

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essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

Iconic, to say the least, not only for its cute stand-out packaging – but also for the way it makes lashes pop!

Best Blush

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NARS Afterglow Liquid Blush

This is a bestseller for a reason. It’s a liquid blush that effortlessly glides onto the skin. You get a natural-looking colour and best you can layer over powder blush for high-impact colour.

Hair

Moisture and protection is the name of the game. These picks do it all – and then some.

Best Hair Mask

Shea Moisture Manuka Honey & Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Hair Masque

Soothes the scalp and replenishes the hair’s natural oils, breathing new life into strands. African rock fig, a strand fortifier and Baobab oil are the total stars of this masque.

Best Hair Oil

Moroccanoil Treatment Original

An OG for a reason: argan oil-infused hair treatment to smooth, condition and detangle. Tip: use before bed to have soft, silky locks in the a.m.

Best Shampoo & Conditioner

Olaplex Nº.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo & Olaplex Nº.5 Bond Maintenance Conditioner

Olaplex formulas penetrate each hair strand to repair bonds that have been damaged from bleaching, straightening and heat treatments. Bonus: it smells like a fruity cocktail.

Best Hair Moisturiser 

Aunt Jackie’s Quench Moisture Intensive Leave-In Conditioner

This mega-moisturising and conditioning treatment helps with dry hair – isn’t thick, heavy or greasy. Leaves hair really soft and feeling smooth.

Best Leave-In Treatment

It’s A 10 Miracle Leave-In

This cult-classic restores your hair’s natural body. We love it for the natural ingredients like sunflower seed and green tea leaf extract, bringing out the sheen in all hair types.

Best For Hair Growth

Growth Bomb Supercharge Shampoo and Growth Bomb Supercharge Conditioner

Fast-track your hair goals. Both contain natural caffeine, shown to help stimulate hair growth and stop hair loss, with vitamin B3 to protect against breakage.

Best Heat Protector

Mizani Miracle 25 Milk

This leave-in conditioner provides a protective shield against heat damage and primes waves curls and coils for a perfect frizz-free finish.

Best Dry Shampoo

Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Shampoo

Contains citrus and peel oil, which have antioxidant benefits. Your go-to when you’re torn between hitting the gym and preserving your morning hair wash.

Best For Curly Hair

Curls In Bloom Body Me Curl Mousse

This is very cool. Leaves curls feeling soft and defined. Use generously!

Best Hair Tool

ghd Duet Style Hot Air Styler

A 2-in-1 multi-award-winning hot air styler that transforms your hair from wet to styled with no damage? Take. Our. Money. This hair-dryer/straightener combo will simplify your styling routine.

Best Hair Accessory

Evolve Luxe Satin Wide-Edge Bonnet

A must-have hair accessory for every hair type. This bonnet has a fitted edge band to keep edges smooth and secure at night. The satin material keeps your tresses protected and neat.

Best Innovation

ghd Sleek Talker

Pair your multitasking Duet Style with a hard-working heat protector. The ghd Sleek Talker is a wet-to-sleek styling oil that offers heat protection, plus: it has 25 percent longer-lasting frizz control.

The local beauty space is exploding – and the thing I love the most? The attention to indigenous ingredients, sustainability and effective functions.”

Michelle October, Features Editor

Beauty In Numbers

The WH Beauty Survey confirmed what we already knew: South African women are shrewd shoppers. We’re not just buying into skincare and cosmetics; we’re doing the research, watching TikTok and Instagram and making sure our routines deliver.”

Chamain van Zyl, Online Editor

%

of readers check the expiry date on their make-up and skincare products.

%

of our readers are between the ages of 40-49.

%

of our audience is influenced by the latest social media trends when it comes to beauty buys.

%

of readers say packaging is important to them.

If the product expires, do you throw it away?

  • No 48% 48%
  • Yes 52% 52%

Curious about the monthly beauty budget of South African women? We’ve got the numbers.

Perfume

Here are the scents that deserve a spot in your collection. We share our faves!

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Burberry Goddess Eau de Parfum

Everyone will be remarking on how delicious you smelll. Don’t believe us? Take one Uber driver’s word for it then. In the words of Michael: “Wow, your perfume smells incredible. If you haven’t found Mr Right yet, you’re guaranteed to find him tonight!” Oozes luxury with a trio of vanillas and lush lavender.

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Creed Queen of Silk Eau de Parfum

If you like headier scents, this one’s for you. The embodiment of the ethereal softness of silk, this fragrance is crafted with Chinese osmanthus, saffron, tuberose, passion fruit and Madagascar vanilla notes, all combined to create
this warm-spicy-sweet bouquet.

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Elizabeth Arden White Tea Eau de Toilette

Great way to describe this scent? Musky-woody-floral; a perfect blend of sea notes, white tea and exotic woods create the feeling of bliss and solace when having your first sip of tea. A very classy and affordable fragrance to own.

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Jimmy Choo Rose Passion Eau de Parfum

The whole office agrees: this is our classic go-to; the safest blind buy. Notes of frangipani and jasmine, middle notes are coconut milk and orchid, base notes are vanilla and sandalwood. For the free-spirited modern woman living and loving life on her own terms.

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Justine Pure for Her Eau de Parfum

This one is proof that you don’t have to blow the budget to smell amazing. The nature-inspired scent contains cedar wood, musk and floral notes like bergamot and rosewood, creating a balanced and fresh scent.

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Kate Spade New York Bloom Eau de Parfum

Irresistibly fresh and radiant, thanks to the floral, green yet musky fragrance, with notes of bright lemon symbolising the first bloom of spring. A crisp Granny Smith apple is based in notes of cashmeran cedar wood; it’s lively and strong.

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Oscar De La Renta Bella Tropicale Eau de Parfum

Just one spritz is enough to transport you to a sunset in Zanzibar. Sweet and floral meets woody and musky, a tropical getaway in a bottle. Pineapple, coconut water, musk and sandalwood notes make this scent enticing and sensual.

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Salvatore Ferragamo Signorina Libera Eau de Parfum

The perfect option for those with a sweet tooth. This syrupy scent blends juicy pear with bergamot, orris and rose accord. With a firm sugar base, this highly playful and youthful scent brings energetic, juicy notes.

Nails

We’ve got a handful of ingenious products.

 

Best Hand Cream

Avène Cicalfate Hand Repair

Its job? To repair damaged skin, promote healing and leave skin feeling soft and refreshed. Use it on lesions and dry skin folds.

Best Cuticle Cream

Bio Sculpture Cuticle Cream

Ragged cuticles catching on everything? With regular use, this creamy, nourishing blend tames cuticles in no time.

Best Nail Art

Essence Happiness Looks Good On You Nail Stickers

Convince everyone you’re an actual nail pro by slapping on a couple of these long-lasting stickers. You can make a statement every day!

Best Cuticle Scrub

Bio Sculpture Ethos Passion Berry Scrub

This invigorating scrub removes dry, dead cells while kukui nut oil and ginseng root extract nourish nails and cuticles, leaving them refreshed and revitalised.

Best Nail Buffer

Essence Mini Nail Buffers

Four different grain sizes for shortening, smoothing, buffing and polishing bring your nails into the best shape. Their handy size makes them perfect for travelling and they fit into any handbag.

Best Nail Strengthener

ISDIN SI-NAILS Nail Strengthener

A swipe-on pen that helps remineralise, restructure and moisturise weak and brittle nails with an invisible finish.

Best Hand Mask

Skin Republic Hand Repair Mask

Helps soothe and soften dry and rough skin. With collagen and vitamin E, your hands will feel instantly softened post-use. Gloves be gone!

Best Nail Polish

Essie Nail Lacquer Sugar Daddy

Nails are left super shiny without streaks or bubbles and this polish is chip-resistant (hello weeks-long hot nails). Plus, this colour is THE colour for 2024.

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