The increasing influence of local online beauty expertise was also saluted with a new award for Best Beauty Blogger. The winner was Victoria Tatham for her blog www.kissblushandtell.com, with honours given to Emmy Schofield for www.rougebeauty.co.za and Dimi Ingle for www.stylescoop.co.za.
At the awards, optiphi 2-in-1 Facial Cleanser, Moisture Control Light took top honours for Best South African Product. Other big South African winners were Malée Natural Science Solid Perfume, Treemendous Organic Tea Tree Shampoo and Kalahari Tsamma Nourishing Nail Oil.
The finalists for Best South African Products are: Caribbean Tan Tanning Spritzer in B for White to Beige Skin, Annique Essense Antioxidant Radiance Masque, Spalicious Mandarin & Sandalwood Self Heating Sugar Scrub and Miöja White Clay & Chamomile Skin Polish.
Most categories were divided into Value and Luxury sub-categories, to ensure the fairest assessment of all entries. Beauty products valued at less than R250 were categorised as Value and those valued from R251-R499 were classified as Luxury. This year, in a move to further distinguish the super-elite of beauty products, a Premium sub-category was added for products valued at R500 or more, in the categories of Skincare, Body, Men's and Anti-Ageing.
"In today's climate we've noted that consumers are looking for luxurious beauty products that deliver on their promises, yet are cost effective," said Kannemeyer. "While it is exciting to see how many new products are coming on the market, we can't underestimate the strength of established beauty brands like Estée Lauder, whose Advanced Night Repair won Most Iconic Product, or Lancôme, whose stunning new Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara in 01 was named Best Newcomer Product.
Nine judges presided over the second awards event, with experts from the magazine's beauty team to media personality Jeannie D and Idols favourite Randall Abrahams. Joining these celebrity judges on the panel was editor Suzy Brokensha, Candice-Lee Kannemeyer (fashion & beauty director), Kelli Clifton (best of beauty project manager/assistant beauty editor), Catherine Zachariou (junior fashion & beauty editor), Dr. Dagmar Whitaker (dermatologist), Linda O'Connell (make-up artist) and David Gillson (director of Carlton Hair). Musician and SA Idols judge Unathi Msengana emceed the event.
According to Brokensha, "What really impressed us this year was the 88% increase in the number of entrants since 2011, which not only heated up the competition significantly, but also serves to underscore how influential the 'Best of Beauty' is becoming amongst consumers. As the on-shelf offering of products expands, consumers depend more and more on advice and input before trying out new products, and we are delighted to put our own expert stamp of approval on all of these winners."
"This couldn't be truer than when it comes to fragrances," said Kannemeyer. "Women love fragrance, but with so many launches every year, the choices become rather overwhelming. We help our readers navigate through this maze of fragrance choices and advise them of the best buys." This year's winners are Elie Saab Le Parfum EDP (Luxury), and Malée Natural Science Solid Perfume (Value).
While trends keep the beauty world buzzing, Kannemeyer hopes that the increasingly greater array of quality sunscreen products are here to stay. "Thankfully, more and more consumers are becoming conscious of the dangers of sun exposure and are educating themselves with regards to what constitutes a great sunscreen in terms of efficacy and ingredients."
The 2012 winners in the Sun category include Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream (Luxury) and Nivea Sun Invisible Protection Transparent Spray SPF 50 (Value).
"The range and innovation of this year's entries was remarkable. Even further enhancing the high status earned by the best of the best in 2012. The winners really are super stars," she concludes.
Body
Colour
Tools
Hands and Feet
Hair
Fragrance
Men's
Anti-Ageing
Nails
Sun
Best SA Product
Most Iconic Product
Best Newcomer Product
Best Beauty Blogger
The brands that received awards may use the 'Best of Beauty' logo on their winning products. The full list of winners and finalists will be showcased in the November 2012 issue of Fairlady, which features Amy Adams on its cover. One lucky reader also has the opportunity to enter a competition in the November issue to win each of the featured "Best of Beauty" products.
For more information, go to www.fairlady.com.
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