2012 Marie Claire beauty winners

"The South African awards run in conjunction with the International Prix d'Excellence de la Beauté, which is coordinated by Marie Claire France," says Aspasia Karras, editor of Marie Claire. "In more than 25 years, these beauty awards have become a global reference point in the beauty universe, and here in South Africa it's no different."

Local winners

Skin-care Category

• Winner: La Prairie Cellular Power Infusion
  
• Runners-up:

  • Perricone MD Acyl-Glutathione
    
  • Givenchy Vax'In for Youth Infusion Serum

  • Dr Brandt Detoxygen Experience

Make-up Category

• Local Winner: Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm
  
• Runners-up:

  • Guerlain Rouge Automatique
    
  • Inglot Freedom System Palette

  • Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara

Local Category

• Winner: Lamelle Correctives Home Exfoliation System 1&2
  
• Runners Up:

  • Savane Organic Skincare
    
  • Africology Shimmer Butter

  • Charlotte Rhys Energising Sea Salt Body Polisher

International winners

Skin-care Category:

• Estée Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
  
• Clarins Extra-Firming Body Cream and Lotion
  
• Vichy Liftactiv Serum 10
  
• Lancôme Visionnaire (LR 2412 4%) Skin Corrector

Make-up Category:

• Guerlain Lingerie De Peau Foundation and Concealer
  
• Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB Cream

Retail Innovation winner

"Last year we created the inaugural Edgars Choice Award for Retail Innovation," remarks Hugues Witvoet, chief executive; Edcon Department stores division. "This year, in recognition of the re-launch of this powerful fragrance brand, Edgars has awarded Aramis the award for Retail Innovation.

"Not only did it showcase its Gentleman's Collection range in alluring new-look packaging, it also introduced the first-in-South-Africa concept of gentlemen's bars in store and shoe-shine events countrywide - combining must-have glam with a touch of theatre... Inspired! Using liqueur chocolates as shopper stoppers, its fragrance specialists also interacted with customers encouraging them to visit the bar and test a variety of fragrances from the Gentlemen's Collection. Congratulations and a job well done to all involved," concludes Witvoet.

Judges

• Mathahle Stofile, Marie Claire
  
• Nicolene Strydom, Cosmopolitan
  
• Mariska van Rooyen, Sarie
  
• Candice Lee Kannemeyer, Fairlady
  
• Thami Kwazi, True Love
  
• Cathi Trevor, Good Housekeeping/Goeie Huishouding
  
• Chereen Gibson, O, The Oprah Magazine South Africa

All the local and international winners are profiled in the special edition April issue of Marie Claire, on sale from 19 March 2012.

Readers now have the opportunity to sample the nominated products at a readers' event on Wednesday 18 April at Edgars Melrose Arch in Johannesburg. To book a place, e-mail az.oc.sgamcossa@stnevecm.