WH Beauty Awards 2025

On the hunt for a streamlined routine? Look no further. We promise there’s zero fluff here – just the best of the best. The results of our labour: these 55 standouts.

Meet The Experts

Botlhale Tshetlo

Clinical trichologist based in Bryanston

Dr Tarryn Jacobs

Specialist dermatologist based in Pretoria

Lerato Seuoe

Former Beauty Editor and lifestyle content creator

Arianna
D’Alessio

Cosmetic chemist and skincare beauty bestie

Laria van Wyk

Professional hairstylist at ThatHairGirl Salon, Pretoria East

Lizzy Ferret

Fragrance expert for women & men

Juli Kleinhans

Athlete, PT and Cover Search 2024 Top 8 Finalist

Azeez Jacobs

Grooming director of JacobsMan

Best Face Cleanser

Yearn Skin 8% Glycolic Cleansing Gel

A gentle exfoliating cleanser that cleanses without stripping skin of its moisture, this product is perfect for oily skin.

Best Face Moisturiser

Aloe Unique Everyday Facial Lotion

This cruelty- and paraben-free vegan lotion absorbs instantly, providing a refreshingly clean feel and a matte finish as it combats office air-con dryness.

Best Anti-Blemish Serum

ISDIN Acniben Night
Concentrate Anti-Blemish

This anti-blemish serum contains actives: retinaldehyde, niacinamide and zinc for top results while you sleep. The pump delivers the right amount.

Best Eye Cream

Avène Hyaluron Activ B3 Eye Cream

This silky formula with vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and hyaluronic acid firms, hydrates and brightens the eye area while improving the skin barrier function.

Best Face SPF

Esthederm Photo Reverse Anti-Spots Face Care Brightening SPF 50

This SPF impressed me. It absorbs quickly and leaves no white residue. Warning: Your partner might just steal this SPF and use it faster than you.

Best Body Wash

Earthsap Body Wash Wild Rose & Vanilla

Treat your skin to a foamy, cleansing hug from Mother Nature, with a relaxing rose and vanilla scent and nourishing coconut oil.

Best Body Cream

E45 Daily Care Rich Lotion

Don’t just moisturise, pamper your skin with lotion that delivers intense hydration, leaving even the driest skin feeling soft and smooth. It’s super creamy.

Best Shampoo

Creme of Nature Pure Honey Moisturizing Dry Defense Shampoo

Silky texture with dense foam and slip. I was able to detangle knots easily while cleansing my hair.

Best Conditioner

OGX Argan Oil Of Morocco
Conditioner

This conditioner is infused with hair-loving argan oil. I loved the formula. The application was easy and it spread through my hair beautifully, leaving it soft and smooth.

Best Vitamin C Serum

Vitaderm Radian-C Serum

An oil-free vitamin C serum with hyaluronic acid that illuminates and hydrates skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Your Gym Bag MVPs

Best products for your workouts.

Best Lip Balm

Kylie Cosmetics Kylie
Skin Lip Butter

This one melts onto your lips, providing deep hydration and a plush, irresistible pout that’s perfect for soothing dry lips after a sweaty workout.

Best Body Mist

Dermalogica Clear Start
Clarifying Body Spray

A game changer, as I spend most of my time coaching clients or on the athletics track. It’s great to spray on post workout to prevent body breakouts!

Best Skin Tint

Revlon Illuminance
Serum Tint

Get that lit-from-within glow without the heavy feel. This is the perfect marriage of skincare and make-up for a natural finish and a gorgeous post-workout glow.

Best Soothing Face Cream

Environ Ionzyme
C-Quence Créme

A light moisturising crème containing vitamins C and E to help combat free radical damage, it’s perfect for replenishing skin after your shower.

Best Roll-On

Mitchum Women
Natural Roll-On
Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus roll-on keeps you feeling fresh and dry with a clean scent that’s truly invigorating – the perfect post-workout refresher.

Best Concealer

NARS Radiant Creamy
Concealer

This concealer effortlessly hides fatigue and imperfections, leaving you looking awake and polished for those important morning meetings.

Best Foundation

Catrice Invisible Cover
Foundation

A totally affordable foundation with a breathable texture that  blends seamlessly for a natural look – you’ll focus on your work, not your make-up.

Best Oil Cleanser

Bioderma Sensibio
Micellar Cleansing Oil

Dry-skin squad, we’ve found the holy grail! This super-gentle cleansing oil melts away make-up in seconds without stripping hydration. Skin feels squeaky-clean yet nourished.

Best Blush

Essence Baby Got
Blush

I use this product on my lips and on my cheeks – and I am obsessed! It’s easy to apply and lasts all day long! The twist-up stick is great for on-the- go application.

Best Mascara

Wet n Wild So Defined
Volumizing + Defining
Mascara

Make an impact with your eyes, not your budget. This mascara gives you defined, voluminous lashes in a flash – perfect for a subtle and professional look.

Best Lipstick

WBeauty Longwear
Lipstick

Creamy, long wearing and buildable, it stays through coffee and lunch, ensuring a polished, professional look that lasts all day.

Best Liner

Revlon ColorStay Multi-
Liner

Spreads like butter on the skin and comes in eight gorgeous shades. As the name suggests, this multitasker works for lips, eyes, freckles – basically anywhere you want to play with colour.

Best Hand Cream

African Extracts Rooibos
Moisturising Hand And
Nail Cream

Revitalise your hands between emails with a non-greasy cream that quickly absorbs and hydrates, ensuring your hands stay properly moisturised.

After-Hours All-Stars

Night-out must-haves you’ll love.

Best Night Cream

Lamelle Ultra
Renewal Cream

A serious powerhouse that stimulates collagen production. The addition of ceramides restores the skin barrier and may help minimise any potential irritation from the other actives. It has a rich, luxurious texture that feels deeply nourishing on the skin.

Best Night Serum

Fundamentals
Skincare 0.5%
Retinol + 2%
Tranexamic Acid +
2% Licorice
Extract Water
Serum

This serum glides on smoothly and feels as nourishing as facial oil. It’s loaded with moisture-boosters, so you feel moisturised while the retinol gently does its thing.

Best Body Exfoliant

Lelive. Good To
Glow Smooth +
Renew Body
Exfoliator

I love their whole body range – but this exfoliant is a stand-out. Vegan and locally produced, it buffs, brightens and softens your skin with the help of alpha hydroxy acid, polyhydroxy acids and jojoba beads. Bliss!

Best Body Oil

Bio Oil Dry Skin
Gel

An OG in the skin nourishng game and a must-have in winter, it’s super moisturising and I feel like it’s the only thing that helps with my dry skin in this weather! The unique “gel-to-oil” texture has a nongreasy feel and absorbs quickly.

Best Eye Oil

HAYLO BOTANICALS Radiant Eye
Oil

To say I’m pleasantly surprised is an understatemet. It’s visibly reduced my dark circles and smoothed my fine lines. It feels like a little spa treat for your eyes, plus it’s vegan, cruelty free and 100% natural.

Best Hair Oil

Kerasilk Multi Benefit Hair Oil

My hair loved this oil – amazing for before and after heat styling. It gave my hair a stunning shine, it was so light and didn’t create a product build-up. I could use it daily. It’s vegan and provides heat protection.

Best Hand Exfoliator

Bio Sculpture Apricot Kernel Scrub

Scrub away the day and reveal a softer you. This gentle scrub packed with shea butter, natural apricot kernels, sweet almond oil and vitamin E buffs away dead skin cells.

Best Razor

The Laser Beautique BeauRaze Bio-
Degradable Razors

Shave with a clear conscience. These eco-friendly razors provide a smooth, finish. They come with one handle and three replaceable heads.

Best Body SPF

Nivea Sun Sensitive
Immediate Protect Spray
Sun-Allergy

This unperfumed formula contains bio-aloe vera. Your only holiday souvenirs are going to be great memories, not sunburns.

Best Ingrown Repair

WAXIT Ingrown Repair

The combo of sun, salt water and new climates can make your skin more prone to ingrown hairs. Designed to be both reparative and preventive, this keeps your skin feeling  good.

Best Lip Treatment

Letibalm Nose & Lip
Repair Balm Jar

Consider this powerful balm your secret weapon against hot or dry holiday air. It soothes and repairs chapped lips and noses. Ah, that’s better.

Best Acne Spot Treatment

GloPotion Skin Republic
Salicylic Acid Pimple
Patches

I’m a sucker for a pimple patch and these patches just really work well. Star ingredients salicylic acid and tea tree help with pesky breakouts.

Best Eye Mask

Lumi Glo The Eye
Brightener Eye Mask

Look like you’ve had a full night’s sleep, even if you haven’t. These masks instantly brighten tired eyes, so you can look fresh and ready for every adventure. Instant bright eye boost.

Best Face Oil

SKN Logic Omega Face
Oil

Keep your skin barrier strong against new climates. This oil contains Omega 3, 5,6,7 & 9 and  provides a deep drink of hydration, protecting your skin from holiday dryness and environmental stressors.

Best Deodorant

Shower to Shower Even
Tone Ladies Deodorant
Spray

Go from adventure to dinner with your confidence intact. What we love is that it restores underarm skin tone with vitamins B3 and C.

Best Hair Duo

INOAR Glycolic Force
Shampoo & Conditioner

Defy humidity and travel frizz. This duo deeply cleanses and smooths, giving you effortlessly sleek and healthy hair, no matter where your travels take you.

Best Face Tan

Azure Tan Hydrating
Watermelon Face Tan
Spritz

Get a natural-looking glow without the sun damage. It gives you that perfect sun-kissed look, making it the ultimate holiday beauty hack.

Best Sheet Mask

Skin Republic Overnight
Bio-Collagen Hydrogel
Mask

After a long day of travel or sun exposure, this mask recharges your skin overnight, so you wake up looking refreshed and radiant.

Best Barrier Repair Cream

SVR Laboratories Cicavit+
Creme

A skincare game-changer! With all the product testing I do, the likelihood of damaging my skin barrier verges on inevitable. SVR Laboratories Cicavit+ Creme came and swiftly repaired my
sensitised skin.

Special Award Mentions

We’re loving these homegrown heroes that made it to our beauty edit list. Here we’re celebrating Mzansi’s finest.

Portia M Marula Skincare TissueOil

This body oil glides on smoothly and absorbs easily. It contains omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids to even skin tone. It is an amazing and effective part of any skincare routine. Smells delicious.

Simply Bee Propolis Serum

This richly repairing micro-emulsified serum contains a high concentration of propolis from the Fynbos of the West Coast. Combined with Neroli, propolis concentrate calms and heals. It’s also anti-bacterial and strenghtens skin.

Lily’s Skincare Sugar Body Scrub

A lovely body scrub with a captivating Champagne rose scent, this one is for a truly indulgent exfoliation experience. Perfect for a relaxing spa day at home, this is a WH fave.

SugaMama SugaBright Niacinamide &
Vitamin C Body Lotion

Unveil a luminous glow with this lotion, crafted with a blend of skin-loving ingredients to enhance your complexion. Glow-up on another level.

Salvatore Ferragamo
Ferragamo Fiamma
EDP

Wow factor alert! A signature fragrance in the making, it opens fresh with notes of white pear, saffron and cherry. In the heart, jasmine and gardenia bloom. At the base, ambrox, patchouli and musk. Run – don’t walk for this.

Gucci The
Alchemist’s Garden
Vanilla Firenze Eau
de Parfum

Not your typical sweet vanilla; this brand-new release is sophisticated, complex and beautifully balanced. The star is creamy vanilla, while its deep middle notes are woody. As it settles, a clean, soft musk lingers.

Kylie Jenner Cosmic
EDP

This versatile fragrance bursts with blood orange and jasmine, transitioning into a warm heart of golden amber and peony. It finishes with a blend of cedarwood and vanilla musk. A crowd-pleaser.

Chloé Atelier des
Fleurs Cèdres Intense
EDP

Even though this is categorised as a woody fragrance it’s got a bright, fresh opening that makes one think of warm days. It absolutely deserves a place in anyone’s collection.

Elie Saab Le Parfum
EDP

Uplifting and romantic, this scent opens with radiant orange blossom, leading to a heart of jasmine and patchouli. It finishes with a woody, honey-rose base, creating a timeless. Perfect gift for gifting.

Rochas Audace
EDP

Forget everything you know about the vintage version; the 2025 scent is bold and modern. It opens with sweet mandarin and raspberry, has a heart of white florals and a creamy, warm base of tonka and musk. It’s an unapologetic on-trend scent.

Sisley Soir de Lune
EDP

This could easily be mistaken for a vintage scent from a bygone era. Not for the timid, it opens with spicy citrus, blooms with floral notes and finishes with a strong, woody musk. It’s a true statement scent.

Roberto Cavalli Paradiso
Rosa EDP

A gorgeous spring fragrance, perfect for warm days and evenings. Expect a bright and vibrant introduction of pink grapefruit and raspberry. It settles into its floral heart, then the base of the fragrance is where it gains its sensual, lasting power.

Kate Spade Bloom EDT

A bright and charming floral-fruity scent. Crisp, zesty citrus and green fruit notes provide an invigorating burst that is the hallmark of a “fresh” perfume. Even as it dries down to a soft, woody base, an airy quality remains. A feel-good fragrance for sure.

Gucci The Alchemist’s
Garden Osmanthus Nectar
EDP

We guarantee love at first sniff. Instead of traditional citrus, this has vibrant apricot notes, which is a core part of the osmanthus flower’s natural aroma. It’s given a lift by a delicate tea note, adding an aromatic and slight greenness. Very unique, very refined.

Jimmy Choo I Want
Choo Le Parfum

Top notes of pear and bright blackberry, which create an immediate, uplifting fruity accord. The fragrance evolves due to the jasmine and ambrette notes, but it ultimately settles into a warm, amber-floral and woody base. This strikes a beautiful balance between fresh and creamy, making it a versatile choice.

Lacoste L.12.12 Silver
Rose EDP

A modern and elegant floral scent with a clean, sophisticated feel. It’s a fresh take on a classic rose perfume. What makes it fresh? Citrus accords create a crisp, sparkling and slightly tangy scent that contrasts with the softness of the rose.

The Body Shop Rebel
Rosebud Fragrance
Mist

A light and affordable mist that offers a spicy, sensual take on the rose. It’s designed for a quick refresh and a bold and energising vibe. Love it!

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