Beauty
2021 ELLE International Beauty Awards: The Winners
Choosing your favourite beauty products is a lot easier when you’ve tried pretty much all of them. Every year, ELLE beauty editors from around the world select their top picks in several categories, from skincare and makeup to body and hair care. What stood out in 2020? Read on to find out.
by : Mariève Inoue- Feb 4th, 2021

BODY CARE

Suncare
LANCASTER SUN BEAUTY NUDE SKIN SENSATION SUN PROTECTIVE WATER SPF50 ($46.50)
Sun protection is a must, and we’re constantly on the hunt for formulas that both protect our skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays and have a pleasant texture—not an easy feat. Enter this SPF 50 sun-protection water; it’s lightweight and refreshing. It even leaves skin feeling moisturized.
“I like the lightness of this product; sunscreens are typically heavy. We have always wished for one that islong-lasting, has a high level of protection, is invisible and isn’t sticky—and now that wish has come true!”
– MARIE-NOËLLE VEKEMANS, Digital Editor-in-Chief, ELLE Belgium (Wallonia)
Anti-cellulite
CAUDALIE VINOSCULPT LIFT & FIRM BODY CREAM ($53)
This whipped body cream, which is enriched with antioxidant grape-seed polyphe¬nols, iris extract and shea butter, works to smooth and firm your skin while appeasing your senses. Apply it all over for superbly moisturized and softened skin.
“This cream is a treat for your skin. Its light texture makes it easy to apply, it’s quickly absorbed and it doesn’t leave a greasy film. Plus, it has a visible firming effect.”
– BARBARA HUBER, Beauty Director, ELLE Germany
Body moisturizer
SISLEY PARIS VELVET NOURISHING BODY CREAM WITH SAFFRON FLOWERS ($190)
A true joy to apply, this velvety body cream soothes and moisturizes dry skin thanks to saffron-flower extract, shea butter, Japanese lilyturf extract, macadamia and babassu oils and glycerine. Its rich texture melts into the skin for that über-comforting feeling we all love.
“If there is one beauty ritual that matters the most and forces us to connect with ourselves, it’s full-body moisturizing. Sisley Paris Velvet Nourishing Body Cream not only provides skin benefits (it soothes, restores, nourishes and moisturizes) but also smells like orange blossom and honey, which takes the experience to a whole new level.”
– PEDRO CAMARGO, Beauty Editor, ELLE Brazil
FRAGRANCE
LOUIS VUITTON CALIFORNIA DREAM EAU DE TOILETTE SPRAY ($310 FOR 100 ML)
We all have a bit of wanderlust right now, but one whiff of this warm, elegant scent—with its joyful mix of mandarin, ambrette and benzoin—will transport you to the Golden State. Close your eyes and you’ll almost be able to imagine you’re there, taking in the beautiful beaches and sunsets…but then open them so you don’t miss out on the sleek pastel bottle.
“Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud has created a complex composition. Its desirability stems from its citrus [notes], and it leaves a woody trail on the skin that stands the test of time, making it much more full-bodied than a simple eau fraîche. Breathtaking.”
– ELISABETH MARTORELL, Beauty Editor-in-Chief, ELLE France
“Fruity but not too sweet, powdery but not in a vintage way, musky but not too dry—this is a perfect example of a ‘grown-up’ summer fragrance that a picky person like me would want to wear all year long.”
– MARIANNA PARTEVYAN, Beauty Editor, ELLE Ukraine
“What’s not to love about the smell of mandarins, pears and musk? It’s like a sunset captured in a bottle.”
– DUNJA DJOKIC, Beauty Editor, ELLE Serbia
MAKEUP & FACE CARE

Mascara
FENTY BEAUTY FULL FRONTAL VOLUME LIFT & CURL MASCARA ($32)
When it comes to mascara, most of us are looking for the full package: a formula that lifts, separates, volumizes and lengthens with a single swipe. This metallic tube promises to make our lash dreams a reality, and our editors agree: It delivers. The secret? A special wand that lifts lashes with one side and adds definition and curl with the other.
“It doesn’t matter what you start out with: Just layer on this full-fat mascara to transform lashes into something rather dramatic. You have been warned.”
– KATY YOUNG, Group Luxury Beauty Director, ELLE U.K.
Foundation
GIVENCHY TEINT COUTURE CITY BALM ($62)
This tinted moisturizer evens out the complexion and hydrates the skin while protecting it against everyday aggressors like pollution and UV rays. It’s a true one-and-done formula that keeps everything looking natural but somehow better.
“Thanks to its all-in-one formula, this foundation perfects the skin while protecting it from both blue light and pollution. Its key asset, licorice extract, improves the quality of skin, while hyaluronic acid offers 24-hour hydration. Skin is left radiant, luminous, hydrated, flawless and—best of all— completely protected.”
– ARLETTE BARRIONUEVO, Beauty and Fashion Editor, ELLE Argentina
Anti-aging
DIOR CAPTURE TOTALE C.E.L.L. ENERGY SUPER POTENT SERUM ($115)
This serum’s name says it all. Its potent mix of longoza flower and hyaluronic acid promises to target wrinkles and make skin more radiant while plumping and firming it too. The result of 20 years of research, the serum is designed to re-energize cells and promises results in just one week— and even better results after a month.
“This innovative serum is a fusion of plant [ingredients] and the latest technologies. It has a smooth texture and absorbs easily into the skin, leaving you mesmerized each time you use it. Your skin feels softer and firmer and looks more radiant every day.”
– YUMIKO MURATA, Beauty Director ELLE Japan
Lip colour
HERMÈS ROUGE HERMÈS MATTE LIPSTICK ($87)
Can a matte lip formula really be comfortable? Yes, and this Hermès lipstick proves it. The refillable lippy comes in 12 pigmented hues—ranging from soft pink to bright orange—and has a formula that hugs your lips and delivers a velvety finish. And we can’t forget to mention its lacquered-, polished- and brushed-metal case, designed by Pierre Hardy, which is nothing short of a work of art.
“Applying Hermès lipstick is as chic an experience as it is a sensory one. A gorgeous case, vibrant shades and a sandalwood scent created by nose Christine Nagel make these tubes true luxury items!”
– THÉO DUPUIS-CARBONNEAU, Beauty Director, ELLE Québec & ELLE Canada
Moisturizer
LANCÔME HYDRA ZEN ANTI-STRESS GLOW LIQUID MOISTURIZER ($60)
Environmental aggressors have nothing on this soothing and protective moisturizer, which combines amino acids, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and rose extract in a 95-percent-natural formula. It hydrates and moisturizes while protecting the skin for maximum glow. Plus, its lightweight texture is ideal for all skin types.
“A true remedy for sensitive, tired, dry skin. It’s like giving your worn-out skin the equivalent of eight glasses of water.”
– NICKY KHANH NGOC, Senior Beauty Editor, ELLE Vietnam
Mask
CHANEL HYDRA BEAUTY CAMELLIA REPAIR MASK ($85)
Skin feeling parched? Give it comfort and moisture with this luxuriously rich formula; it can be used as a rinse-off mask or left on overnight. Camellia wax, hyaluronic acid, glycerine and panthenol nourish the skin, boosting its moisture levels and radiance, while an exclusive blue-ginger active protects it against environmental aggressors thanks to its high antioxidant content. What more can you ask for?
“I love the creamy texture of this product. I use it not only at night but sometimes after my workout too. It always leaves my skin refreshed, plumped and glowing.”
– CAROLINA ALVAREZ, Beauty Editor, ELLE Mexico
HAIR CARE

Styling
DYSON CORRALE HAIR STRAIGHTENER ($650)
The newest addition to the Dyson hair-tool family, the Corrale makes straightening a cinch while preserving your locks thanks to its flexing copper plates. One slow pass is all it takes for smooth, frizz-free hair. You can also use it to create volume, add movement or get those coveted beachy waves. Did we mention it’s cordless too? Functional and easy to use.
“The flexible plates on this tool up the ante, especially when it comes to thick, curly hair that’s prone to snagging and breaking with traditional straightening irons.”
– MAMTA MODY, Beauty and Health Director, ELLE India
Shampoo
KÉRASTASE GENESIS BAIN HYDRA-FORTIFIANT ($45)
Get your locks healthy and strong with this gently clarifying, fibre-strengthening formula; it’s ideal for fine or oily hair. It contains edelweiss and ginger root to help reduce volume loss and breakage as well as cleanse, hydrate and soften strands for a ful¬ler, healthier look and feel.
“I started using this product when I felt that my hair was thinning, and a couple of weeks later it feels stronger than ever. It also smells amazing and is doing wonders for my length.”
– DARIYA NOGAYEVA-ALISHKEVICH, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE Kazakhstan
Conditioner
AVEDA BOTANICAL REPAIR INTENSIVE STRENGTHENING MASQUE – RICH ($84)
The key to maintaining a healthy mane lies in using a weekly deep conditioner—like this strengthening and bond-building formula, which harnesses the power of plant lipids. Expect noticeably smoother, shinier and softer hair that’s free of tangles after using this buttery 94-percent-natural mask.
“The entire Botanical Repair line is great, but this product works its magic instantly. I have very fine hair, so a lot of rich masks are too heavy, making it feel flat. This one, however, hydrates and nourishes without weighing my hair down.”
– MARTHE JAKOBSEN, Deputy Editor and Beauty Editor, ELLE Norway
GREEN Face Care
TATA HARPER WATER-LOCK MOISTURIZER ($90)
Serious hydration in a lightweight for¬mula that works for all skin types? Sign us up. Add in pomegranate spheres, orange-blossom peptides and macro hyaluronic acid for hydrating goodness as well as refillable, recy¬clable packaging and this moisturizer is a holy-grail contender.
“Although this product feels more like a fluid than a cream, it left my skin extremely moistu¬rized and plump.”
– DINA KABBANI, Fashion and Beauty Editor, ELLE Middle East
GREEN hair care
LOVE BEAUTY AND PLANET VOLUME AND BOUNTY COCONUT WATER & MIMOSA FLOWER 2 IN 1 SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER BAR ($8)
Cruelty-free and formulated without silicones, parabens, dyes or phthalates, this solid two-in-one shampoo and conditioner bar leaves hair moisturized thanks to organic coconut water. Just rub it between your hands or directly in your hair to create a lather and then massage it into your scalp. Rinse to reveal lustrous results.
“If you want a Bounty bar [scent] while washing your hair, a well-cleansed [scalp] and a good INCI [International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients] list, you need to try this. It provides a good balance of volume and conditioning.”
– AGNIESZKA ZYGMUNT, Beauty Editor, ELLE Poland
GREEN makeup
ILIA COLOR HAZE MULTI-USE PIGMENT ($46)
This buildable lip and cheek tint feels weightless on the skin while giving it extra nourishment thanks to jojoba, coconut and linseed oils. All you need is one shade to create a natural flush or a bolder look—but once you see the five gorgeous hues on offer, you might be inclined to buy more than one. And, of course, the formula is vegan and cruelty-free.
“Natural makeup is extremely difficult to formulate, which is why Ilia has [acquired] an incredible following—it knocks it out of the park every time. Dab this cream across your cheeks and lips for a sweet monochromatic flush. It blends softly under the warmth of your fingers.”
– KATIE BECKER, Beauty and Health Director, ELLE U.S.
Newsletter
Join our mailing list for the latest and biggest in fashion trends, beauty, culture and celebrity.
Read Next

Beauty
The Bob Is the It-Girl Hairstyle for Spring—Here Are 15 Ways to Wear It
Snip, snip!
by : ELLE Canada- Mar 24th, 2023

Beauty
What Is Biomimicry? The Trend That's Taking Over the Beauty World
Here’s the lowdown on the technology behind products that mimic our bodies’ natural functions.
by : ANDRÉA SIRHAN DANEAU- Mar 22nd, 2023

Culture
Zendaya: A Superstar Is Born
There’s no question that Zendaya has officially solidified her status as a true Hollywood talent, yet the actor continues to prove to the world that there’s no role she can’t take on, whether it’s a drug-addicted teenager in Euphoria, a desert warrior in Dune, a Lancôme ambassador or a style icon for young people everywhere.
by : Joanna Fox- Mar 14th, 2023