The new categories are a direct result of the magazine's enhanced beauty coverage, which has further established the magazine as a reliable user-friendly source of the latest trends and products for today's woman, says editor Suzy Brokensha.
"We want to pay special attention to new and iconic products that captivate our readers and to nails, which are a strong beauty focal point and a large category on their own. We also want to give a special nod to beauty bloggers, whose cutting-edge and well-informed perspectives have added a fresh and complementary dimension to our print coverage of beauty."
The call for entries appears in the April issue and the entry process has been simplified to make it accessible for entrants and speedy. The entry format now allows one brand manager to add multiple entries on one entry form, making it easier for big brands to enter many products.
The panel of judges includes editor Suzy Brokensha, beauty editor Candice-Lee Kannemeyer and beauty assistants Catherine Zachariou and Kelli Clifton. Adding to their expertise is the input of a judging panel of industry experts, made up of a prominent South African hairstylist, make-up artist, beauty therapist and dermatologist.
"Beauty is ever-changing and evolving, propelled both by new and retro styles, as well as ever-increasing numbers of innovative products," says Kannemeyer. "Our readers want to know what is best before they pay for beauty products, particularly in these times. A win is an endorsement of a product's excellence that is respected by the South African female consumer.
"Skin is probably the biggest beauty trend this year, with new amalgamations of skincare and make-up on the market. Foundation formulas that address just about any concern are now available, making perfect-looking skin achievable."
Eyeliner continues to be a dominant trend, but its silhouette is changing from the cat-eye shapes of the past to bolder, more squared-off architectural styles. "Also new is the trend of subtle colour washed over eyes, cheeks and lips. It is beautiful, feminine and simple to achieve, but application is key. To achieve this gorgeous undone look, simply blot lips with colour using fingertips, apply shadow around the whole eye area right up to the brow, and bathe cheeks in colour by using a cream blush," she concludes.
The winners will be announced in the November 2012 print edition of the magazine, on sale from 22 October. There will be a reader competition attached to the announcement, with one lucky reader winning a beauty bonanza that includes all the winning products featured in the awards.
For more information, go to www.fairlady.com.
