Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2012

Happy New Year! Welcome to the third annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards, a round-up of the best products that I've discovered during 2012 along with some long-standing favourites. This year the awards are even bigger than before, with new categories added! However, as with the first couple of years, this year's awards feature absolutely no glitz and glamour, just 100% honest opinion. Are your favourites here? Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO... LA BIOSTHETIQUE
Now a winner for three years in a row, La Biosthetique has made it into the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. This gentle shampoo cares for my hair without irritating my sensitive scalp, plus the bottle lasts for months.

BEST CONDITIONER... LUSH AMERICAN CREAM HAIR CONDITIONER
Lush American Cream Hair Conditioner was a new discovery mid-way through 2012 and I haven't looked back since. This lightweight conditioner contains honey, strawberries and fresh orange juice to leave hair super soft and shiny, without being weighed down.

BEST MASK... NEIL GEORGE INDIAN GOOSEBERRY INTENSE REPAIR MASK
I love the convenience of this mask which treats my hair in just a couple of minutes, rinses out easily and doesn't weigh down my fine hair.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST HAIR OIL... HEALTHY SEXY HAIR SOY RENEWAL
A winner for the second year running, Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal has transformed my hair. The bottle lasts for absolutely ages. What's more, it's more affordable than better known hair oils and, in my opinion, outperforms them.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST STYLING PRODUCT... JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE 3-DAY STRAIGHT
I remain impressed with this innovative product that was a winner in 2011, following its launch.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST TOOL... JOHN FRIEDA SALON SHINE IONIC HAIRDRYER
Styling hair isn't one of my strong points and this even extends to a lack of patience when it comes to blow-drying. John Frieda Salon Shine Ionic Hairdryer makes this chore a breeze and is simply the best hairdryer I've ever owned.
Click here to read my original review.

SKINCARE

BEST CLEANSER... DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL
This affordable, no frills cleanser outperformed all the others that I tried in 2012. The oil formula means that it has helped to balance my combination skin, whilst effectively removing makeup (including the majority of my eye makeup). I've already repurchased it.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... GOOD THINGS TOTAL WIPEOUT CLEANSING WIPES
Although I disapprove of Cleansing Wipes, I recognise that there are times when they come into their own. If you must keep a pack on hand for such times, these are the ones to opt for.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... NARS GENTLE OIL-FREE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
When I think of NARS, I tend to think of incredible makeup, not skincare so I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this soothing & gentle yet effective eye makeup remover.

BEST SERUM... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH INTENSIVE SERUM BI-PHASE
A winner for the second year running, this easily absorbed serum has become a must-have, winter essential to keep my skin hydrated and nourished as the outside temperature drops and the central heating is cranked up.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST FACIAL SPRITZER... RODIAL DRAGON'S BLOOD HYALURONIC TONIC
A new category this year and a worthy winner. Rodial Dragon's Blood Hyaluronic Tonic may have a gimmicky name but I'm glad that I gave it a chance as this was the facial spritzer that I reached for time and time again this year. I particularly liked it for the hydrating benefits.

BEST FACE CREAM... LA ROCHE POSAY ROSALIAC
La Roche Posay Rosaliac feels soothing to apply to my sensitive skin, is easily absorbed and doesn't clog my pores. What's more, it incorporates an SPF to keep my skin protected and is affordably priced.

BEST NIGHT CREAM... RODIAL GLAMTOX NIGHT
A winner for the second year running, this results driven gel-cream remains a favourite.

BEST EYE CREAM...ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY EYE ELIXIR REPAIRATIVE SERUM
Quite simply, a miracle worker. This lightweight serum is seriously results driven and outperformed all of the other eye products I tried this year.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... OMOROVICZA
When I first reviewed this mask from luxury brand, Omorovicza, I raved, "the best deep cleansing mask I've ever used and possibly even the best skincare product that I've discovered so far this year". It's a product that I continue to come back to and although pricey, I love both the immediate effects on my skin, reducing redness, as well as the benefits that I notice in the days following use.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST HYDRATING MASK...HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL HYDRATING AND FIRMING MASK
Winning for three years in a row, this morning-after skin saviour has made it into the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.

BEST EXFOLIATOR... REN MICRO POLISH CLEANSER
I've long been a fan of REN products but this year, the natural brand's Micro Polish Cleanser really stood out for me. I love that it combines both physical and fruit acid exfoliants for effective exfoliation.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST SPOT TREATMENT...GOOD THINGS STOP THAT SPOT CLEARING GEL
This wallet friendly spot treatment has earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame after winning for three years consecutively. I like that, unlike many spot treatments, it doesn't cause dry patches which concealer can cling to. Trouble is, I have to hide it as Mr. Skin Deep is a fan too!

BEST LIP BALM...EOS
The affordable lip balms from Evolution of Smooth, or EOS, were a new discovery in 2012. Available in a variety of tempting flavours, the formulation isn't greasy, simply nourishing and what's more, I love the innovative packaging which makes it convenient and hygenic to use.

BEST SALON TREATMENT...HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL LIA THERAPY
Deborah's healing hands and infectious personality make her my go-to guru when my skin and soul are in need of t.l.c.

MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER...URBAN DECAY BRIGHTENING COMPLEXION PRIMER POTION
When I want my makeup to last, I know that I can rely on this primer, which wins for the second year in a row. Unlike some, it doesn't clog my pores or leave my skin looking flat.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER... URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION
A new category this year- and it's surprising that it has never previously been featured as I use eyeshadow primers almost daily. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is a can't-live-without product that I've repurchased countless times. I love it for adding intensity and making my eyeshadow colours pop, and ensuring that even cream eyeshadows last all day without creasing.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST SETTING SPRAY...URBAN DECAY ALL NIGHTER SETTING SPRAY
I've tried numerous setting sprays and none are as good as this one which lives up to its name.

BEST FOUNDATION...MAKE UP FOR EVER HD FOUNDATION
2012 was the year that I discovered my "holy grail" foundation, Make Up For Ever HD Foundation.  It offers good coverage yet feels lightweight on the skin and doesn't clog my pores. What's more, it's available in a wide range of shades.

BEST UNDEREYE CONCEALER... LIZ EARLE LIGHT REFLECTING CONCEALER
This year, I've split the Best Concealer category into two, making it more concern-specific. First up is the award for Best Undereye Concealer which goes to a newcomer, Liz Earle Light Reflecting Concealer. Easily blended, lightweight and yet offering just the right amount of coverage to disguise my dark circles, this was a product that I reached for repeatedly in 2012.

BEST SPOT CONCEALER... KAT VON D TATTOO CONCEALER
This concealer offers fantastic coverage, blends easily and doesn't irritate my skin. A can't-live-without product.

BEST BLUSHER... COLLECTION SHIMMER SHADES IN BLUSHALICIOUS
If you'd told me at the start of the year that such a wallet friendly blush would knock MAC off the winning position after two years, I wouldn't have believed you. However, this quad blush has earned the award this year thanks to its highly pigmented, easily blendable formula and pretty, flattering colour.

BEST BRONZER... NARS LAGUNA
This cult bronzer is deserving of its status. It's versatile- working to add an all-over sun-kissed glow, or helping to contour the face- and never looks orange.

BEST HIGHLIGHTER... BENEFIT GIRL MEETS PEARL
When I checked the categories from the previous awards, I couldn't believe that I hadn't included a Best Highlighter award before. My favourites are by Benefit and this year, I reached for the wearable Girls Meets Pearl more than any other when I needed a radiance boost. What's more, the packaging combines fun with functionality.

BEST POWDER EYESHADOW...URBAN DECAY
Their eyeshadow palettes are legendary and with good reason. Urban Decay eyeshadows combine impressive pigmentation with a fantastic, blendable formula that's never chalky.

BEST CREAM EYESHADOW... MAC PAINT POTS
Whether worn as a base to intensify other eyeshadows or simply used as a colour wash over the lid, MAC Paint Pots featured heavily in my makeup routine over the past year. The light, pearly shade, Bare Study was my most worn of 2012.

BEST EYELINER... EYEKO LIQUID EYELINER PEN
This pigmented, long-wear liquid liner features a felt-tip nib for ease of application. It's everything I look for in a liquid liner.

BEST MASCARA...BENEFIT THEY'RE REAL MASCARA
As a Benefit BadGal devotee, it took me a long time to try this bestselling mascara but when I finally did during 2012, it didn't disappoint. I generally prefer traditional bristle wands yet despite They're Real featuring a plastic brush, it gave impressive results, combining lengthening and volumising effects.

BEST LIPSTICK... MAC
A clear winner thanks to the extensive range of shades and finishes, as well as the tempting vanilla fragrance. My personal favourites of 2012 included Craving and Viva Glam V, from which all proceeds go towards the MAC AIDS Fund.

BEST LIP TINT... REVLON LIP BUTTERS
This much-hyped product didn't disappoint. Although some of the paler shades can wear off in a patchy fashion, Revlon Lip Butters were a 2012 beauty highlight for me thanks to the hydrating formula, impressive pigmentation and variety of shades available. My personal favourite is Berry Smoothie.

BEST LIPGLOSS... YSL GLOSSY STAINS
This is potentially a controversial winner as Glossy Stains are more than a traditional gloss. Combining intense colour with a high-shine finish and long-wearing appeal, YSL's innovative lip product was discovered early in 2012 and has remained a favourite.

BEST NAIL POLISH...JESSICA
A surprising winner as I've traditionally favoured brands such as Essie and OPI. During 2012, I tried a couple more shades from the Jessica range and was impressed with the formula, opacity of colour and staying power of the polishes. My favourite shades of 2012 were Merlot and Fishnets & Fringe.

BEST TOOL... REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES
Real Techniques brushes are another much-hyped product that didn't disappoint. I've been incredibly impressed by the value for money that these brightly coloured brushes offer.

BODY

BEST SHOWER WASH... ELEMIS FRANGIPANI MONOI SHOWER CREAM
This indulgent shower wash adds a sense of luxury to my everyday routine, is presented in a functional tube and boasts an incredible fragrance. However, the reason that it's truly a standout product is that the cream formula noticeably works to condition dry skin after just a couple of uses.

BEST BATH SOAK... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH & SHOWER OIL
A worthy winner for three years in a row, these can't-live-without oils have made it into the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. I'm yet to try a scent that I don't adore and would be devastated if they were ever discontinued.
Click here to read my original review of the De-Stress Muscle Oil

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY THE BREAKFAST SCRUB
I'm a big fan of the affordable yet effective Soap & Glory scrubs and this year, I've enjoyed the satisfyingly rich, granular formula and tempting maple syrup aroma of Soap & Glory The Breakfast Scrub.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS EXOTIC FRANGIPANI MONOI MOISTURE MELT
I adore the ritualistic aspect of melting this fragrant oil which is solid at room temperature and after three years at the top, it's earned a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER... LUSH RO'S ARGAN BODY CONDITIONER
I fell in love with this innovative body moisturiser during 2012. Applied onto wet skin in the bath or shower, it's the ultimate time saver without compromising on conditioning benefits.

BEST SUNCARE... LANCASTER
I continue to rely on this luxurious range to protect my skin in the sun and as a three-times award winner, it has made it into the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.

BEST FAKE TAN... SUN-BELIEVABLE
Fake Tan isn't a product that I reach for regularly, although it has proven to be essential during the Great British Summer of the last few years. I've been highly impressed with the products from Sun-Believable, which have a subtle green hint to counteract any tell-tale orange hue. A winner for the second year running.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST FOOTCARE...LUSH FAIRTRADE FOOT LOTION
The winner from the first Skin Deep Beauty Awards is back on top after I was reminded in 2012 of why I originally fell in love with this bubblegum pink, peppermint scented foot lotion.
Click here to read my original review.

BEST HANDCARE...LOVE & TOAST HAND CREAM
With their brightly coloured tubes, affordable price and easily absorbed, non-greasy formula, the Love & Toast Hand Creams were a welcome discovery in 2012. Specifically, I favour the Honey Coconut scent and would recommend it to anyone that enjoys foodie inspired fragrances.

BEST TOOL...ECOTOOLS EYE MASK
A slightly strange winner but one that I've used throughout the year. I rely on an eye mask every night to ensure complete darkness and restful sleep and the flannel textured ones by Ecotools are the most comfortable I've found.

BEST TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING
The Brazilian-specialist salon/ lingerie boutique in London makes this beauty chore almost bearable.
Click here to read my original review

FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL
Following my initial horror at hearing that Guerlain had played around with the iconic Shalimar, last year's winner of the Best New Launch category has remained a favourite and is my go-to fragrance for evenings.

BEST NEW LAUNCH...GUERLAIN LA PETITE ROBE NOIRE
The luxurious French beauty brand has scored the top spot once again. La Petite Robe Noire combines notes of black cherry, black tea and rose, staying true to the sophistication that the brand is renowned for, whilst adding a youthful twist.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS
Retaining the top spot for the third year running and making it into the Skin Deep Hall of Fame, NEOM Candles are my favourite for truly effective aromatherapeutic benefits and indulgent fragrances.
Click here to read my original review of the Sensuous candle

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for all of your support in 2012. It's been an exciting year for Skin Deep, with the launch of the Skin Deep Beauty Vlog channel on YouTube and the discovery of some "holy grail" products which I've enjoyed sharing with you. Thank you also for your patience during the last couple of months of the year as Skin Deep has been undergoing an extensive makeover, with an exciting new site launching for you early in 2013.
Wishing you all a fantastic 2013!