Here, on the Cosmo UK beauty desk, there are very few things we love more than testing newness for you, bringing you the scoop on what's actually good and worth parting with your hard-earned cash for. But something that definitely supersedes that feeling is the feeling of when you, our incred beauty community, tell us that you love something that we have recommended to you! It makes us so happy when our recs become holy grail staples in your routine.

This is why Cosmo UK's first ever Beauty Readers' Choice Awards is so special for us, because we got to see the products that you picked as your faves, and we genuinely couldn't be prouder of your winners. From bestselling classics, to sneaky under the radar IYKYK hits, they are all here, 1.7 million votes later, across over one hundred categories. So, without further yapping, here are your 2025 winners...


a group of hair products in bubbles
Christina Poku

Everyone's clicking on...

HAIR

The products that have brought your best hair days

Daily Shampoo
Argan Oil Shampoo
OGX Argan Oil Shampoo
Now 33% Off

If you’re going to use a shampoo every day, it better be non-stripping and smoothing AF, like this icon from OGX.

Daily Conditioner
Amino Acid Conditioner
Kiehl's Amino Acid Conditioner
Now 20% Off

Light and creamy yet beyond moisturising, this conditioner won’t weigh down your hair one bit.

Volumising Shampoo
Volume Shampoo
OGX Volume Shampoo

"I will never be parted from this shampoo!" noted one voter, who also adored the smell.

Volumising Conditioner
Fine Hair Conditioner
Ouai Fine Hair Conditioner

Turning up the volume is Ouai easy with this conditioner (do you see what we did there?).

Shampoo for Coloured Hair
Color Security Shampoo
Color Wow Color Security Shampoo
Now 20% Off

With zero silicones and sulphates, this shampoo rinses off the hair and scalp beautifully but keeps your colour shiny.

Conditioner for Coloured Hair
Colour Security Conditioner
Color Wow Colour Security Conditioner

What’s the point of a colour job if your wash leaves it dull and dry? This keeps your hue bright.

Shampoo Bar
Honey I Washed My Hair
LUSH Honey I Washed My Hair

One reader said, "Lush’s Honey I Washed My Hair is gorgeous. It’s so hydrating and my hair loves it!" Hard agree.

Shampoo for Curly Hair
All Curl Cleanser
Only Curls All Curl Cleanser

The fact that this shampoo also nourishes curly hair was a big factor in why it was a winner with Cosmo voters.

Conditioner for Curly Hair
Acidic Bonding Curls Conditioner
REDKEN Acidic Bonding Curls Conditioner
Now 15% Off

One reader said this "makes my curls shiny and more defined", thanks to the bonding complex.

Co wash
Coconut and Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser
Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Co-Wash Conditioning Cleanser

One of the OG co-washes, this scooped up the vast majority of the vote in this category, transforming washdays up and down the UK.

Shampoo for Textured Hair
Hydrating Shampoo
CÉCRED Hydrating Shampoo

If it’s good enough for Bey, is it any surprise you also loved this shampoo? The hydrating yet cleansing formula is a big hit.

Conditioner for Textured Hair
Heavy Conditioner
Pattern Heavy Conditioner

Dry-hair gang, unite! You crowned this conditioner as the best for quenching coils, thanks to its helping of avocado oil and shea butter.

Hydrating Mask
Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut Oil 3in1 Hair Mask
Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut Oil 3in1 Hair Mask
Now 50% Off

One voter said this is a great mask to use after getting highlights, when your hair might be dry and knot-prone.

Lightweight Mask
Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Dream Lengths Wonder Water 8 Second Hair Treatment
Now 50% Off

Eight seconds to better-looking hair sounds like a trick, right? But it’s not, it really works... and thousands of you agree.

Bonding Treatment/Bond Builder
Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask
K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

"K18 has SAVED my hair," one of you raved, while others branded this cult mask a "game changer" and "hair saviour".

Purple Shampoo
No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo
OLAPLEX No. 4P Blonde Enhancer Toning Shampoo

Olaplex to the rescue and brass be gone! Blondies love this shampoo for a just-stepped-out-of-the-salon look.

Hard Water Helper/Treatment
Purifying Shower Head 1.0
Hello Klean Purifying Shower Head 1.0

With one voter stating, "Hello Klean has changed my hair!" it seems most of you agreed that this filter is a must, nixing mineral build-up.

Leave-In Conditioner
Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Joia Milky Leave-In Conditioner

Smell? Incredible. Performance? Excellent. SdJ seriously slayed with this hair product.

Hair Gloss
Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment
L'Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss 5 Minute Lamination Treatment
Now 50% Off

No longer reserved for the salon, L’Oréal made glossing more accessible in 2024 and found a following in Cosmo readers.

Colour Treatment
Root Cover Up
Color Wow Root Cover Up
Now 35% Off

Greys? We don’t know them. On-the-spot concealing is so much easier since this powder hit the shelves.

Scalp Treatment
Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density
The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density

This lightweight serum works so well for stressed-out scalps, calming the skin while helping to densify.

Clarifying Shampoo
Detox Shampoo
OUAI Detox Shampoo

One reader called this a "must-have for travelling" and we know why. This shampoo has build-up quaking, yet hair still feels soft.

Heat Protector
Hairdresser's invisible oil heat/UV protective primer
Bumble and bumble Hairdresser's invisible oil heat/UV protective primer

A hit across all hair types, this heat protector’s not- so-secret weapon is that it shields hair from UV rays.

Hairspray
Elnett Hairspray
L'Oreal Paris Elnett Hairspray

Other hairsprays may come and go, but this icon has held a place in your hearts for years.

Dry Shampoo
Dry Shampoo Original
Batiste Dry Shampoo Original
Now 25% Off

"Batiste dry shampoo never lets me down," said one voter, and that really sums up the grease-fighting power of this spray.

Styler
Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Now 22% Off

Humidity? Not a problem. Light rain? All good. Adding this into your wash routine will help keep hair frizz-free.

Hair Oil
Honey Infused Hair Oil
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil

"To die for!" commented one reader, who adored how soft and shiny this oil made their hair look and feel.

Curl Cream or Gel
The Homecurl Curl Defining Cream
Fenty Hair The Homecurl Curl Defining Cream

"Fenty Homecurl Cream brings out my daughter’s curls beautifully,’ said one voter, "best curl cream she’s used!" Retweet.

Edge Control
Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel
Eco Styler Olive Oil Styling Gel

You can’t deny this old-school gel performs when it comes to slicking edges with no flaking. It’s a hair-shop classic for a reason.

Hair Growth Treatment
Pitta Growth Serum
CHAMPO Pitta Growth Serum

The instant volume this serum gives was a hit with voters, but the long-term growth is what really swung the votes.

a group of hair products
Christina Poku

SKIN

Whatever your skin type, these products have you covered

Everyday Cleanser
Hydrating Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Now 20% Off

Ceramides? Tick! Hyaluronic acid? Tick! Fragrance-free? Tick! It’s no surprise that this cleanser won 50% of your votes.

Balm/Oil Cleanser
Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm
Now 21% Off

Stubborn makeup is no match for this cleanser. Going from a solid balm into a silky oil, it melts the day away with ease.

Micellar Water
Micellar Water
Garnier Micellar Water
Now 33% Off

Over 60% of readers agree that Garnier’s Micellar Water is an *unmatched* makeup remover. It’s gentle yet thorough.

Lightweight Moisturiser
Oil Control Gel Cream
CeraVe Oil Control Gel Cream
Now 25% Off

CeraVe’s "less is more" skincare approach has claimed your hearts and this cream is a staple due to its no-fuss formula.

Rich Cream
Moisture Surge
Clinique Moisture Surge
Now 20% Off

As one enthusiastic reader says: "The only cream that quenches my dry/combo skin. Holy grail. Doubles as a moisture mask." ’Nuff said.

Overnight Treatment
Advanced Night Repair
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

As 20-to-30-something-year-olds, the Cosmo Beauty Team agrees that this works wonders.

Toner/Essence
Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence

We love that you guys aren’t put off by a snail secretion formula because this toner is hydrating and nourishing.

Hydrating Serum
Dew Drops
Glow Recipe Dew Drops

If the assignment is glazed doughnut, you’ve met your teammate – hi, hello, niacinamide-infused highlighting serum! Glow get it, girl.

Brightening Serum
Brightening Serum
BYOMA Brightening Serum
Now 15% Off

This serum totally ran away with the votes for this category. Readers say it leaves skin looking "more even" and "glass-like".

Retiniod
Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion

Gentle, effective and affordable, this retinal is an all-round winner! Stick with it and you’ll reap the rewards.

Barrier Repair Product
Cicaplast Balm B5
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm B5
Now 15% Off

Sensitive skin will lap this up thanks to its soothing, protecting and repairing properties.

Eye Cream/Serum
Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Eye Cream

Say goodbye to dark, puffy under-eyes because this cream hydrates, illuminates and soothes.

Exfoliant
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant

Liquid exfoliant is a Cosmo girl’s non-negotiable. The liquid absorbs into skin while banishing dead skin cells.

Detox Face Mask
Clean Skincare Clearcalm Pores Detox Mask
REN Clean Skincare Clearcalm Pores Detox Mask

Blemish-prone skin hates to see this mask coming. It really smooths and tones.

Hydrating Face Mask
Jet Lag Mask
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Our readers cannot get enough of Summer Fridays, particularly the hydrating mask. Its texture and consistency are what won you over.

Spot Stickers
Cosmetics Mighty Patch
HERO Cosmetics Mighty Patch
Now 20% Off

As one voter perfectly puts it, these pimple patches are "great for clearing up angry spots with the added benefit of coverage and protection".

Blemish Treatment
Drying Lotion
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion

This drying lotion has been conquering acne since 1967, making it a fully fledged champion.

SPF
Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Now 15% Off

This non-greasy formula is waterproof, comfortable to wear and doesn’t leave a white cast. Hallelujah!

Lip Treatment/Balm
Lip Sleeping Mask
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Korean beauty is changing the skincare scene – and Laneige is a fan favourite. One reader says this mask is "SO hydrating!"

Face Oil
Hydrating Recovery Oil
BYOMA Hydrating Recovery Oil
Now 20% Off

Face oil isn’t for everyone, but Byoma’s formula is a must-have for dry-skinned girlies. Botanical oils and squalane are hydrating AF!

a group of makeup products in bubbles
Christina Poku

MAKEUP

These winners will have you ready for your close-up

High Street Foundation
True Match Liquid Foundation
L’Oréal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation
Now 20% Off

After a revamp, True Match still stands the test of time. The 48-shade skincare-infused foundation range is better than ever.

High End Foundation
Sheer Glow Foundation
NARS Sheer Glow Foundation

This foundation has been a go-to base for well over a decade thanks to its glowing, natural and radiant finish. Impressive, much?

Skin Tint
Hydratint
Sculpted By Aimee Hydratint

One HydraTint is sold every minute – and our reader votes back that. No one can resist a skin-perfecting base.

Concealer
Radiant Creamy Concealer
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer
Now 20% Off

As its namesake suggests, this concealer is mega radiant and creamy. So, if you’re after a flawless base with 16-hour wear, look no further.

Primer
Power Grip Primer
e.l.f. Power Grip Primer

Lock your look down with this fan-favourite primer. Its gel formula boasts a dewy finish, while hydrating and smoothing at the same time.

Setting Spray
Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray

Wanna look as flawless as a social media filter IRL? Make this setting spray your go-to. It’s lightweight, waterproof and an everyday staple.

Powder
Easy Bake Setting Powder
HUDA Beauty Easy Bake Setting Powder

You say that this powder is the best on the market, thanks to its weightless feel, texture-free finish and zero flashback.

Bronzer
Hoola Bronzer
Benefit Cosmetics Hoola Bronzer

This bronzer has kept us sun-kissed through all stages of life. From GCSEs to big-girl job interviews, Hoola is a certified cult classic.

Contour
Soft Sculpt™ Shaping Stick
MAKEUP BY MARIO Soft Sculpt™ Shaping Stick

Since its 2021 launch, this contour stick has levelled up our makeup game. It creates a softly sculpted look in just a few blendable swipes.

Cream/Liquid Blush
Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Rare Beauty’s Liquid Blush has pigment to last a lifetime – it’s no wonder it won with a whopping 53% of the votes!

Powder Blush
Rosy Glow
DIOR Rosy Glow

A healthy flush is what we’re all after, right? Dior has us covered with this crowd-pleasing blush that suits all.

Highlighter/Illuminator
Beauty Light Wand
Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wand

Darlings! This highlighter is brimming with pearlescent properties, making for a luminous and dewy effect.

Cream Eyeshadow
Longwear Cream Shadow Stick
Bobbi Brown Longwear Cream Shadow Stick

This cream eyeshadow comes in a range of colours, making for so much versatility.

Eyeliner
Tattoo Liner
KVD Beauty Tattoo Liner
Now 30% Off

If you struggle with cat-eye liner, this smudge-proof, liquid bb means business. The superfine needle- tip brush makes for the perfect sultry flick.

Brow Enhancer
Goof Proof Brow Pencil
Benefit Cosmetics Goof Proof Brow Pencil

Blocky eyebrows? Ugh, as if! Thanks to Benefit’s Goof Proof Brow Pencil, we’re only creating natural, hair-like strokes.

Mascara
Sky High Mascara
Maybelline Sky High Mascara
Now 20% Off

For long, defined lashes, there’s no better product than this mascara. She’s the MVP – and an affordable one, too!

Lipstick
Lipstick in Pillow Talk
Charlotte Tilbury Lipstick in Pillow Talk

Of thousands of voters, 53% agree that Pillow Talk is ‘that girl’ when it comes to lipstick. The numbers don’t lie.

Liquid Lipstick
Stunna Lip Paint
Fenty Beauty Stunna Lip Paint

IMO, Fenty Beauty can do no wrong, and this lip paint is no exception. High-impact colour, low-maintenance longwear!

Lip Oil
Addict Lip Glow
DIOR Addict Lip Glow

Dior’s Addict Lip Glow is the definition of iconic. Its luminous finish and pillowy-soft applicator make it one of our most voted-for products.

Lip Gloss
Gloss Bomb
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb

"Gloss Bomb is my go-to lip product," one voter writes – and we agree! Its non-sticky consistency makes lips look fuller and shinier.

Lip Liner
Lip Pencil
MAC Lip Pencil

Praised by pros and loved by you, Mac’s Lip Pencil is a makeup bag must-have. Its smooth and creamy texture defines lips without any dragging.

Palette
Soft Glam Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam Palette

Transitional day-to-night makeup is made easy with these 14 shades. Whether it’s neutrals or sparkles, ABH has you covered.

Faux Lashes
¾ LENGTH No.008
Eylure ¾ LENGTH No.008
Now 16% Off

If you lack the patience for falsies, Eylure’s 3⁄4 length set is for you. They’re easy to apply, dry quickly and last all day.

Nail Polish
Ballet Slippers
essie Ballet Slippers
Now 20% Off

"Your nails but better" is the Ballet Slippers motto, making for a timeless classic. It’s a shade that works for every occasion.

Press On Nails
Bare But Better False Nails
KISS Bare But Better False Nails

Cosmo girls are clean-girl aesthetic queens and these winning press-ons are first-class evidence. They look professional but take minutes to DIY.

a group of body products in bubbles
Christina Poku

BODY

Head-to-toe glow, incoming

Daytime Perfume
You
Glossier You

"Glossier You is the best thing I have ever smelled," said one reader. "It’s like no other perfume." Yep, we feel you.

Evening Perfume
Pomegranate Noir
Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir

One voter said that Jo Malone is "in a league of its own!" and we have to agree when it comes to this standout scent.

Body Mist
Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist
Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa 62 Perfume Mist

We are so here for the revival of perfume mists and, of course, SdJ is a spritzing superhero for so many of you.

Unscented Body Wash
Derma Hypoallergenic Fragrance Free Body Wash
Dove Derma Hypoallergenic Fragrance Free Body Wash

"Gentle" and "comforting" were words voters used to describe this winner. Irritated skin? Dove’s got you, girly.

Scented Body Wash
Foaming Shower Gel
Rituals Foaming Shower Gel

Cleansing, still moisturising and a lil’ sensorial spa experience – what more could you want?

Body Exfoliant/Scrub
Salt Body Scrub
Rituals Salt Body Scrub

Slough away bad energy and dead skin cells with this scrub, loaded with sea minerals for extra softening.

Lotion/Cream
Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

Of course, the votes for this poured in. The texture is so universally pleasing even Goldilocks would be an instant fan.

Body Oil
Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Now 18% Off

"Nuxe body and hair oil is a cult classic," said one voter. It’s a complete staple for added softness and the scentis undeniably dreamy.

Shower Oil
Almond Shower Oil
L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

A two-in-one shower product this is not. Please tell us how this cleanses and adds moisture? Tens across the board.

Bath Product
The Comforter
Lush The Comforter

We all need a big pink bubbly bath every once in a while. And apparently you agree, as you voted for this in your thousands.

Deodorant
Original Deodorant Spray
Dove Original Deodorant Spray
Now 33% Off

What everyone wants and needs in a deodorant; trustworthy and competent – this is a mainstay for a reason.

Hand Lotion
Shea Butter Hand Cream
L'Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

With all that anti-baccin’, we need a hand lotion that we can throw on without any fuss and L’Occitane delivers every time.

Fake Tan
Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser
Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser
Now 50% Off

Good, natural-looking gradual tans are hard to come by, but this builds beautifully for a year-round sun-kissed look, sans streaks.

Hair Removal
Venus Razor
Gilette Venus Razor

"Venus is the most reliable razor on the market," said one voter. We love a dependable queen.

a group of beauty tools in bubbles
Christina Poku

TOOLS & TECH

The innovations that have amped up your beauty routine

Make Up Tool
Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials + Sponge Kit
Now 27% Off

With a brush for every step in your makeup routine, Real Techniques has all bases covered. As one voter says, "They can’t be beaten."

Multi Styler Tool
Airwrap

The rumours are true, you’re all getting the best at-home blow-dries of your lives, thanks to the Dyson Airwrap.

Hair Detangler
The Original Detangling Hairbrush
Tangle Teezer The Original Detangling Hairbrush

As voted by you, the winning hair detangler could only be Tangle Teezer’s Original brush. Knotty locks, be gone!

Straightener
Platinum+
ghd Platinum+
Now 17% Off

Behold: the straightener that delivers ‘reliable, effective’ results, as one voter writes. Good hair days forever more.

Dryer
Supersonic Nural
Dyson Supersonic Nural
Now 13% Off

A hairdryer that actually cares for your scalp? A revelation. And considering how much of a runaway winner this was, y’all are instant converts.

Blowdry Styler
Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser
REVLON Salon One-Step Hair Dryer & Volumiser
Now 52% Off

Bouncy hair days know no bounds with Revlon’s brush styler. And at a one-time 50-quid purchase, its gold medal is well deserved.

Curling Tool
Curve Soft Curl Tong
ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong

"GHD is always the best – reliable and effective," said one voter. If you want a tool that’ll hold your curls, this ticks all the boxes.

Hair Tool (Brushes + Combs)
Classic D3 Styling Brush
Denman Classic D3 Styling Brush

You’d be hard-pressed to find a hairdresser who doesn’t have a D3 in their kit, and you all love this just as much as the pros.

Beauty Sleep Enhancer
Satin Pillowcase
Kitsch Satin Pillowcase

Satin pillowcases are gentle on your skin, hair, eyelashes and eyebrows, reducing breakage and taming frizz. Your winner? Kitsch’s edition, of course!

Skincare Device
LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask
CurrentBody LED Face & Neck Light Therapy Mask

With 236 LED bulbs, CurrentBody’s mask’s red light therapy is unmatched.


Photographer @christinapoku, Set Designer @jainaminton, Photography Assistant @connortegan.

Headshot of Keeks Reid
Keeks Reid
Beauty Director

Keeks Reid is the Beauty Director at Cosmopolitan UK. While she loves all things beauty, Keeks is a hair fanatic through and through. She started her career in beauty journalism in 2013 as editorial assistant at Blackhair and Hair magazines working her way to Acting Editor of Blackhair magazine at 23 years old.  She spent much of her career working in trade hairdressing media at Hairdressers Journal, Salon International and the British Hairdressing Awards. Which is why she is a regular contributor to Cosmo's Curl Up franchise. Now, alongside her Cosmo work, she presents, creates content on social media and works with a range of beauty companies; from magazines and websites to beauty brands and salons.  
 

Headshot of Lia Mappoura
Lia Mappoura
Beauty Writer

 Lia Mappoura (she/her) is the Beauty Writer at Cosmopolitan UK. Covering everything from viral celebrity hair and makeup news to the latest trend predictions, she’s an expert in recognising the season’s next big beauty look (before it ends up all over your social media feeds). You’ll usually find her putting TikTok’s recent beauty hacks to the Hype Test, challenging the gender-makeup binary and social stereotypes, or fangirling over the time Kourtney Kardashian viewed her Instagram Story (yes, it’s true). Find her also on LinkedIn.