We polled our audience about their favorite skin care, makeup, hair care, fragrance, and nail products of all time. Here, you can discover—and shop!—all of this year’s winners and hear directly from fellow readers about what makes the items industry icons.

Celebrating the products our readers can’t get enough of.

and Kara Jillian Brown

As InStyle beauty editors, we live and breathe products; it’s our job, after all. But while trying and testing is our cardio, we relish learning what our readers not only love (we’re talking can’t-shut-up-in-your-group-chat status) but keep coming back to. It’s the inspiration behind our annual Readers’ Choice Beauty Awards, wherein we poll our audience about their favorite skin care, makeup, hair care, fragrance, and nail products of all time. It’s a chance to not just crown the winners, but also to celebrate our amazing community.

Below, you can discover—and shop!—all of this year’s winners and hear directly from fellow readers about what makes the items industry icons.

Best Cleanser

This foaming cleanser blends alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) and polyhydroxy acids (PHA) for a deeply exfoliating wash. “My face actually feels clean after use and doesn’t seem oily later that day,” says Angela, 40. $32

Best Skin Tool

Readers are a huge fan of the first iteration of this mask—“This is a facemask that I love and will constantly use because it gives skin a radiant glow,” says Lisa Rosa, 27. So, there’s no question that the new version, which launched in September, will become their new favorite. The Series 2 mask uses three different wavelengths of LED light (compared to its predecessor’s two) to stimulate collagen production. $469

Best Face Mask

This cult-favorite mask floods skin with plumping hydration, making it the perfect prep for a big event. “Nothing I’ve tried has kept my skin softer or smoother,” says Elyse, 38. “The smooth texture also helps my makeup lay on my skin in a very natural-looking way.” $30

Best Lip Mask

Out of all the skin-care products we put in front of our fleet of readers, this was their top pick. “I keep one of these on my bedside table year-round,” says Mallory, 27. “This is the only lip balm that keeps my lips deeply hydrated and nourished overnight, because it hasn’t completely evaporated or dried down by the time I wake up. They also keep me coming back with the fun, limited-edition flavors they release consistently.” $25

Best Face Serum

This multitasking serum blends niacinamide, collagen peptides, vitamins C and E, and AHAs to give your skin everything it needs. Plus, using it is such a sensorial experience, notes Em, 51. “The product itself is beautiful—a pearly purplish smooth serum with great viscosity and excellent absorption,” she says. “The scent is soft and slightly fruity, which makes sense because of the fruit ingredients!” $35

Best Retinol Treatment

This serum was a bestseller among InStyle shoppers. “I have huge pores and am always so self-conscious about it,” says Amanda, 30, who loves how this serum is affordable and easy to find. “I used this religiously for a month and noticed a big difference in my skin and pore size.” $18

Best Lash Serum

"I was losing my eyelashes due to perimenopause. Grande Lash Serum gave me long, full lashes and less fallout,” says Teisha, 48. In just four to six weeks, the serum’s mix of vitamins, peptides, and amino acids allows lashes to get longer, stronger, and thicker. $68

Best AM Eye Cream

This eye serum went viral a few summers ago for its extreme efficacy—and readers still can’t get enough of it. “As I get older, I need to tighten the skin under my eyes,” says Holly, 54. “I use this product when I go out in the evening, and it makes me feel a bit more confident.” $38

Best PM Eye Cream

“This has been a staple in my routine for over 10 years for its anti-aging properties and depuffing action,” says Catherine, 60. And she’s not alone—we’ve heard similar sentiments from many readers and dermatologists that once you start using this eye cream, it’s hard to use anything else. $125

Best Moisturizer

“I love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Moisturizer because it offers the perfect balance of hydration and lightweight feel,” says Gracelyn, 23. “It keeps my skin moisturized all day without feeling greasy or heavy. If I were to recommend it to a friend, I’d say it’s ideal for anyone looking for a simple yet effective moisturizer that works for all skin types.” $39

Best Neck Cream

This neck cream is a true holy-grail buy. Ora, 47, turned to it once she noticed that the skin on her neck had lost its firmness. “After two weeks, I experienced the effectiveness,” she says. “I could visibly see my skin tightened and smooth. My neck wrinkles are reducing as well.” $99

Best Face Oil

Made with 12 different oils (including avocado, lemon peel, and hazelnut seed oils) and a host of other botanicals, this serum floods skin with glow-enhancing nutrients. “I saw a noticeable improvement in skin brightness and hydration after using this,” says Laura, 56. “It feels great on the skin and is my serum of choice to prep my skin.” $195

Best Sunscreen

Supergoop! is the brand that made sunscreen cool. And its Unseen Sunscreen is the most popular of them all. “It never leaves a whitish cast on my skin, and it feels really velvety going on,” says Shali, 51, who uses it to protect her skin from the strong California sun. “It doesn’t sting, even when I get sweaty and the sweat runs in my eyes. It’s an all-around really great product.” $22

Best Body Wash

“This is the best body wash ever,” says Michelle, 25, “because it really hydrates my skin and leaves me feeling refreshed. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and smelling good.” The wash is formulated with a trio of moisturizing powerhouses—glycerin, linoleic-rich oils, and plant-derived squalane. $16

Best Body Moisturizer

When it comes to body care, this is the product InStyle readers love the most. “This cream will have you smelling like a tropical beach vacation,” says Lexie, 24. “The scent is warm, sweet, and intoxicating, causing people to stop in their tracks and ask what you’re wearing. The cream itself is extremely moisturizing without being greasy or heavy.” $48

Best Self-Tanner

“St. Tropez self-tanner is a wonderful way to add some color to my pale winter skin,” says Tara, 50. “The scent is not as strong as other brands, and the color, in my opinion, is the best—it never turns me orange. I have very sensitive skin and eczema, so it can get tricky finding the right product, but this one does not irritate my skin.” $44

Best Hand Cream

Especially as we enter the cooler months, a good hand cream can go a long way. Mel, 56, loves this one from Epionce—it’s perfectly creamy without going overboard. “I use mine regularly so when wintertime comes, I don't have to play catch-up to overly dry hands,” she says. “Plus, it has a lovely scent that doesn’t overpower.” $21

Best In-Office Treatment

Botox isn’t the most popular non-surgical treatment on the market for nothing. Any fine lines and wrinkles will be smoothed in just under a week after injection, giving a more youthful appearance. For Lisa, 64, “a little perfectly placed [Botox] around the eyes made just enough of a difference that I looked less tired and better rested during a very difficult time.”

Best Mascara

This volumizing mascara is a tried-and-true favorite for virtually every kind of lash look. “It coats my lashes with the right amount of volume and fluff without any clumping,” says Olivia, 32. “If I apply it just right, it looks like I’m not wearing any mascara, which is a bonus.” $29

Best Brow Pencil

This brow pencil has been deemed “can’t live without it” by more than one reader. “I have fine, blonde hair, and my lashes and brows can disappear; this pencil allows me to draw the perfect thin strokes that mimic my brows without over-drawing,” says Pamela, 66. “I can look like myself with pretty brows.” $25

Best Brow Gel

This obsessed-over brow gel boasts tiny microfibers that adhere to skin and brow hairs for a full, brushed-up effect. “I won’t use anything else for my brows,” says Jen, 32. “It gives the perfect tint and lift for my brows to look gorgeous each and every day!” $26

Best Eyeliner

“This is the greatest eyeliner ever,” says Kim, 47, of this kajal-inspired, highly pigmented pencil, which comes in an array of stunning classic and vivid shades. “It’s so easy to apply and blend, and stays on all day. The variety of color options are out of this world.” $34

Best Eyeshadow

As Francheska, 37, says, “If you’re looking for a bold look, you want MAC!” A mainstay in makeup artists’ kits and beauty diehards’ makeup bags alike, this ultra-pigmented eyeshadow comes in virtually every color and finish and goes on like butter. $25

Best Primer

E.l.f. Products are incredibly popular with InStyle readers, but the top favorite, hands down, is this primer, a marvel for both its value and staying power! “It helps keep my makeup on all day,” says Shirley, 57. “The price is great as well!” $10

Best Foundation

Luminous really is the word for this cult-status foundation, which supplies hydration, buildable coverage, and a silk-like finish. “I always end up going back to this foundation,” says Dianne, 68. “It offers a flawless finish and does not look heavy.” $69

Best Skin Tint

The ultimate accolade? “I get so many compliments when I use this,” says Arielle, 53, of this skin tint infused with SPF 40 sunscreen, adding that the range of shades is phenomenal. “It leaves a beautiful dewy finish and provides just the right amount of coverage to still let your skin show through, so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing foundation.” $48

Best Concealer

This three-in-one product (an eye cream, brightener, and under-eye concealer) is the crème de la crème for the under-eyes. “It’s great for minimizing my dark circles because it’s not too thick or greasy but still has good coverage,” says Priscilla, 64. $105

Best Face Powder

This universally beloved, finely milled setting powder is beloved for its silky texture and flawless finish. “I lightly tap a little powder over the top of my makeup, and it lasts all day without settling, separating, or drying me out,” says Alyssa, 39. “It’s the perfect finishing step in my makeup routine.” $47

Best Highlighter

“I love the natural-looking highlight it gives me,” says Alex, 32, of Dior’s luxe longwear highlighter. This buttery powder is saturated in pearlescent pigments and comes in six super-flattering shades, each delivering an iridescent, soft-focus glow. $50

Best Blush

The “exceptional pigmentation” makes this best-selling powder blush a mainstay of 22-year-old Shania’s makeup bag. “It’s easy to apply and gives a smooth-finished look.” Never mind that the peachy-pink Orgasm shade is among the most famous of all time. $34

Best Bronzer

“Whether over makeup or bare on the skin, it always looks natural,” says Cami, 26, of this complexion-warming bronzing powder. “It’s blendable and soft on the skin,” she adds of the texture, which supplies a velvety matte finish. $36

Best Lip Balm

“It feels so luxurious with a silky, non-sticky texture that glides [on] effortlessly and leaves my lips feeling smooth and supple,” says Brandi, 38, of the OG lip oil. “It’s not overly glossy, but just enough to make my lips look healthy and plump, which I find perfect for both everyday wear and more dressed-up occasions.” $30

Best Lipstick

Mother ( a.k.a. Pat McGrath) knows best! InStyle readers agree, especially when it comes to this gorgeous, richly pigmented lipstick. “It glides on smooth with beautiful rich color and a velvety matte finish that doesn’t dry out the lips,” says Sana, 52. “The packaging is very nice too!” $39

Best Shampoo

InStyle readers love this gently cleansing shampoo for its plumping, bouncy effects. “I have three children, and [postpartum], my hair went from thick and curly to dull, thin, and wavy,” says Sara, 34. “This product line gives me back some of the appearance of fullness that I have lost.” $17

Best Conditioner

This deep conditioner makes good on its promise of intensive ​​short- and long-term repair. “It’s very evident based on how my hair feels before vs. after using this conditioner,” explains Ronetta, 31. “Not many products leave my hair feeling soft, smooth, and hydrated, but this does.” $6

Best Hair Treatment

This pre-shampoo treatment is a wonder for reducing damage and making hair look and feel more robust. “It helped strengthen my hair quite a bit, and after a few months, I noticed that not as much hair was coming out when I brushed it,” says Kendall, 26. $30

Best Hair Mask

This weekly deep conditioning protein mask works like magic for strengthening strands across different textures and hair types."This mask delivers intense hydration without weighing my hair down, which is a big deal for me," says Brandi, 38. "I've noticed that it really helps to repair and prevent damage, especially when my hair's been through a lot of heat styling or color treatments." $39

Best Hair-Growth Supplement

Both InStyle readers and our editors can’t get enough of Nutrafol, widely considered the gold standard for a hair-growth supplement. Its nutrient-rich formulation includes vitamins and minerals that are crucial for maintaining healthy hair follicles and encouraging growth. That’s why Eva, 30, swears by it to enhance her thin, fine hair. “Nutrafol is a key part of my daily routine,” she says. “I take four tablets a day with a meal, and after consistent use, I’ve noticed less hair in my shower drain and stronger, shiner-looking strands.” $88

Best Smoothing Cream

Humidity—and, in turn, flyways—are no match for this styling cream, which is infused with bond-building technology that helps bring damaged hair back to life. “I live in Florida, which is humidity central, and my hair needs lots of help, which is exactly what this product gives me: no frizz and super soft hair,” says Hannah, 24. $30

Best Curl Cream

Earlier this year, Aveda updated its much-loved curl cream, and its longtime lovers are still delighted by the results. "Gives my curls a life they haven't had in years,” says Rene, 38. “It's not sticky, holds the curl, and doesn't make them feel or look crunchy. They feel soft and look fantastic." $36

Best Scalp Serum

Infused with 2 percent apple stem cells, which support the regeneration of hair follicle cells, this scalp serum is a favorite for boosting hair growth. “I have a very sensitive scalp, and Act+Acre products are one of the few lines that do not irritate my scalp,” says Marcie, 58. “This product is soothing and promotes great growth.” $165

Best Hair Oil

“It’s a big—and affordable—treat for my scalp and hair,“ says Robin, 43, of this zesty, scalp-stimulating infused with hair growth-supporting rosemary and mint oils. “Using it, I’ve seen reduced hair fall when I brush it and more root volume after washing.” $10

Best Texture Spray

“It makes me look like I somehow have a ton of hair—I don’t, it’s very fine and thin!” says Mackenzie, 38, of the lifting and texturizing wonders of this Oribe styler, which is just as adored for its luxurious scent. $52

Best Hairspray

“I hope they never stop making this; it provides perfect hold throughout the day,” says Dawn, 57. InStyle editors wholeheartedly agree. This legendary hairspray is widely loved for its flexible (never crunchy!) hold, long-wear durability, and, of course, its unmistakable floral fragrance. $35

Best Dry Shampoo

There’s no denying that Living Proof set an industry standard when it debuted this top-selling dry shampoo, revered for its impressive oil absorption and imperceptible finish. “It doesn’t flake or leave a weird residue in your hair,” says Mandy, 40. “I also love that it gives hair a nice refresh to make a style more long-lasting.” $33

Best Edge Control

“When I slick my hair back I want it to stay, and Cantu Extra Hold does just that!” says Chastiti, 47, of the smooth, strong-hold gel our readers love for everything from taut buns to swooping baby hairs. “No flakiness and no lifting! Keeps my edges glued!” $5

Best Hairdryer

Since debuting in 2016, the Supersonic has widely been considered the holy grail of hairdryers. From its lightweight, ergonomic design to its fast-drying and heat-control technologies, it’s a true game-changer. “I’ve had it for six years now and it’s still going strong with no signs of slowing down,” says Fong, 42. “It’s definitely been worth the investment, and I couldn’t imagine going back to anything else. I cry whenever I have to travel without it!” $500

Best Hot Tool

InStyle readers love to tout this ionic straightener’s benefits, including how fast it heats up, its damage-preventing titanium plates, and its smooth glide for a pin-straight finish. “I have been using it for the past seven years,” says Melissa, 34. “I have tried others and always go back to this one. It straightens hair very quickly without damage. There is nothing better!” $160

Best Woody

Pine needles and sandalwood complemented by amber and citrus make this a scent unlike any other. “This is such a beautiful scent,” says Kioki, 34, who rates the fragrance a 10 out of 10. “I love all of the notes—especially vanilla, sandalwood, and pink pepper—and I truly love the lasting power as well.” $320

Best Amber

Readers love this fragrance for its scent (which combines neroli, amber, and white musk) and its refillable vial. “This fragrance is a beautiful floral musk fragrance with pizazz,” says Denaris, 59. “I've gotten compliments galore when I wear it, and after I leave rooms people tell me that they know that I’ve been there.” $165

Best Fresh

“Chance has always been my scent,” says Katie, 34, of this fragrance that mixes citron accord, jasmine, teak wood, and amber. “Refreshing and classy, it reminds me of spring mornings and sunshine. I love it.” $172

Best Gourmand

“I’m not a gourmand scent kind of person, but I love Vanilla 28,” says Claire, 28, of this warm scent that blends vanilla orchids, tonka absolute, and amber woods. “The musky notes keep the vanilla from being too sweet, plus it’s a nice base for layering scents.” $138

Best Spicy Gourmand

Sweet, spicy, and seductive, this perfume is the one InStyle readers love the most. “This fragrance fills any room you step into,” says Jaliciaa, 30. “It is powerful without being overwhelming. An absolute favorite.” The fragrance mixes black coffee, white flowers, and vanilla. $160

Best Floral

“This is a wonderful deep scent and doesn’t take much time to reveal its true notes,” says Karen, 73, of this combination of peony, centifolia rose, and freesia. “It’s also long-lasting.” $180

Best Nail Polish

InStyle readers and editors agree—OPI’s nail lacquer is truly unmatched. “If there is a color you’ve imagined in your head, OPI is sure to have it,” says Jasmyn, 35. “The polish lasts for just as long as a gel mani and the finish is salon quality every single time.” $12

Best Cuticle Oil

“I am a clinical audiologist and use sanitizing gel on my hands throughout the day, so my cuticles get dry and ragged,” says Karen, 61. “I massage this oil into my cuticles and nails at night, then wear white cotton gloves. When I wake up, my cuticles are softened and my nails are stronger.” $14

Best Nail Treatment

This treatment is just what you need to nail the at-home manicure. Chanel, 30, is a huge No7 fan, and especially loves the brand’s nail products. When she uses this product, she says, “My nails always feel rejuvenated!” $10

Credits

• Creative Director:
• Jenna Brillhart

• Photographer:
• Tina DiRosa

• Prop Stylist:
• Amanda Lauro