Proving that he was just as good at judging beauty as musical talent, Idols favourite Randall Abrahams joined the judging panel of editors Suzy Brokensha, Candice Lee-Kannemeyer (beauty) and Chu (fashion). Prizes were awarded to the best of both local and international beauty products, with emcee Jo-Ann Strauss.
According to Kannemeyer, these awards have evolved from playing a role in a reader-reviewed selection of Consumer and Beauty products with only one winner, to the current grander stand-alone format, which features a variety of categories and winners. A panel of experts, from dermatologists to hair stylists, as well as the magazine's editors, tested the 380 entries in this year's Best of Beauty.
Each of the 10 other categories - Skincare, Body, Colour, Tools, Hand and Feet, Hair, Fragrance, Men's, Anti-Ageing, Sun - was divided into Bargain and Luxury subcategories, to ensure the fairest assessment of all entries. Beauty products valued at less than R250 were categorized as Bargain and those valued above were classified as Luxury.
According to Kannemeyer, all products were judged on their efficacy, communication, innovation, texture and smell. "We noticed an upsurge in multi-tasking products, such as our winner in the hotly-contested Anti-Aging category, Lancome's Renergie Yeux Multiple Lift Ultimate Rejuvinating Eye Duo, which contains an eye cream in one chamber and a concealer loaded with treatment benefits in another. It is these kinds of products that I believe consumers are looking for.
"Our winner in the luxury skincare category, Estée Lauder DayWear Plus Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant Crème SPF 15, was a definite favourite among the judges. It is not a new product, which just further emphasises how successful it is, in that it still dominates. It also clearly demonstrates the trend towards adding anti-oxidants and sun protection into skincare products."
"Unusual ingredients also seemed to resonate with our judges. They all loved the unusual and somewhat earthy soil note contained in our winning fragrance, Hermes Un Jardin Sur Le Toot. All judges conceded that the quality of the budget products were superb. It's really heartening to know that there are wonderful products out there to suit all budgets."
Commenting on this summer's beauty trends, she added that bronzing is always a big trend. "Our luxury colour winner, Smashbox Soft Lights Bronzer was very well received by our judges, indicating that this trend shown no signs of slowing. Also noteworthy were the incredible entrants in our sun category. There really is a sunscreen for everyone, no matter what your preference. From lightweight formulas to organic ones, we were amazed at the options available."
"The magazine has always been a trusted test house for our readers and we are proud to have hand-selected and tested this range of beauty products, which clearly show that beauty should stand on its own," said editor Brokensha. "The time had come for a more formal recognition of these brands, and what better way is there of celebrating them than at an awards ceremony."
The full list of winners and runner's up will be showcased in the November issue, which features actress Amanda Seyfried on its cover.
