From Cult SPF To Viral Blush – Meet The Live That Glow Awards Winners 2026!
Main image – Liliyarodnikova/Stocksy
Welcome to the second annual Live That Glow Independent Beauty Awards – the awards with one clear mission; to spotlight the very best in beauty while remaining genuinely independent, transparent, and community-driven.
Over the past three months, our team and judging panel have researched, tested, trialled, swatched, blended, sprayed, scrubbed and styled their way through hundreds and hundreds of entries from across the beauty world. From cult skincare and luxury fragrance to high-street makeup heroes and cutting-edge haircare, the competition this year was fiercer than ever.
@livethatglow The countdown to this year’s results is on! #LiveThatGlow #LiveThatGlowBeautyAwards #skincarereview @Ashley Stobart ?? @Erim @Ruby Hammer @mdlondon Hair @Leighton Denny Expert Nails @torblor @Dr Sonia | dermatology doctor @Grace | Esthetician ? @Kevin Murphy Store UK @anabel_kingsley @JordanSamuelSkin @Maria Sotiriou @Genevieve @Shannan Sterne @JAMES HARKNETT Tan
Our judging panel – made up of some of the most respected names in beauty, dermatology, hair, makeup and aesthetics – put every finalist through its paces, assessing efficacy, ease of use, innovation, value, formulation quality and real-world results. Meanwhile, votes poured in from our beauty community for our reader-voted categories, helping us crown the products and brands making the biggest impact with everyday beauty lovers.
This year’s winners span skincare, makeup, SPF, fragrance, haircare, beauty tools and community impact – celebrating the products, brands and innovations genuinely worth knowing about.
Here are the winners of the Live That Glow Independent Beauty Awards 2026.
Best Blemish Solution:
Gatineau – SOS Stick
Breakouts never seem to arrive at a convenient time, which is exactly why our judges were looking for a blemish treatment that could genuinely calm inflammation fast, reduce redness, and work easily within real routines.
Gatineau’s SOS Stick impressed the panel thanks to its targeted approach, portable format and visible overnight results.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Really effective targeted treatment. Calms and reduces blemishes quickly, and I love how easy it is to apply on the go.” – Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and aesthetic doctor
“Truly one of the best spot treatments I have ever used! It just worked. Spots were gone overnight.” – Jordan Samuel Pacitti, esthetician and founder of Jordan Samuel Skin
The full list of category finalists:
- CACI – Purifying Silver Mask
- The Organic Pharmacy – Clarifying Gel Moisturiser
- Kanzen – Hyposhot Wand
- Liz Earle – Cleanse & Glow Transforming Gel Cleanser
- Gatineau – SOS Stick
- Dr Althea – 345 Relief Cream
- The INKEY List – Hydrocolloid Invisible Pimple Patches
Best Sensitive Skin Product:
Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser
Sensitive skin products have to walk a difficult line: soothing irritation without compromising on efficacy. Our panel looked for formulas that genuinely supported the skin barrier while remaining gentle, comforting and reliable.
Cetaphil’s Gentle Skin Cleanser stood out for its simplicity, comfort and dependable barrier-supporting formula.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Simple, non-irritating and lightweight. I enjoy the creamy lotion formulation. I find that it effectively cleanses without my skin feeling tight afterwards.” – Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist
“Quite simply does exactly what it says – cleanses skin without stripping or irritating. Perfect for post procedure/retinol skin” – Sally Underwood, Live That Glow editor
The full list of category finalists:
- Rosalique – Redness Relief Day Cream
- Laneige – Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser
- Cetaphil – Gentle Skin Cleanser
- Dr Hauschka – Soothing Cleansing Milk
- The Organic Pharmacy – Ultra Calming Ageless Face Cream
- The Skin Diary – Night Repair Therapy
Best Dry Skin Product:
Liz Earle – Revitalise & Glow Radiance Reveal Night Cream
Dry skin needs more than surface hydration. Our judges were looking for a formula that left skin genuinely comfortable, nourished and visibly healthier over time.
Liz Earle’s overnight cream impressed for its silky texture, radiance-boosting finish and ability to deeply moisturise without heaviness.
What our judging panel had to say:
“So many night creams feel too heavy for me. This left my skin feeling like silk. I love it! I will buy this again.” – Leighton Denny MBE, nail expert and founder
“Skin was hydrated, soft and glowy. Loved!” – Lucy Thorpe, freelance beauty journalist
The full list of category finalists:
- Glow Recipe – Watermelon Glow PHA + BHA Pore-Tight Toner
- Mario Badescu – Advanced Peptide PRDN Jelly Cream
- Liz Earle – Revitalise & Glow Radiance Reveal Night Cream
- Q+A – Collagen Cleansing Balm
- CACI – Hydro Mask
- KEATS – The Moisturising Cream
Best Targeted Serum:
Vichy – Mineral 89 Booster Serum
Our judges were looking for a serum that delivered visible hydration, layered beautifully with other skincare and genuinely improved skin quality over time.
Vichy’s cult Mineral 89 formula once again proved why it remains one of beauty’s most beloved hydrators.
What our judging panel had to say:
“A really easy, lightweight hydrator that works for almost everyone.” – Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and aesthetic doctor
“Such a great classic hydrating serum that is easy to use and works.” – Jordan Samuel Pacitti, esthetician and founder of Jordan Samuel Skin
The full list of category finalists:
- Grace & Stella – Vitamin C Serum
- Tropic – Youth Potion Advanced Enriched Retinal Complex
- Cetaphil – Advance Defence Serum
- Antipodes – Glow Vitamin C Serum
- Vichy – Mineral 89 Booster Serum
- PRAI – Ageless Throat & Decolletage Serum
- Gatineau – Age Benefit Youth Revitalising Oil-Serum
Most Wearable SPF:
Ultra Violette – Supreme Screen
SPF remains one of the most important beauty categories of all – but our judges wanted a sunscreen people would genuinely want to wear every day.
Ultra Violette’s Supreme Screen was praised for its lightweight texture, elegant finish and ability to sit beautifully under makeup.
What our judging panel had to say:
“The texture is lovely and light-weight… my complexion immediately looks more even and fresh.” – Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist
“Really lightweight and hydrating.” – James Harknett, celebrity tan artist and creative consultant
The full list of category finalists:
- Heliocare – 360° Sensation SPF50+
- Gun Ana – High Protection Face Cream SPF50
- Ultra Violette – Supreme Screen
- Coola – Classic Body Sunscreen Spray SPF50 Guava Mango
- Dr Althea – Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen
- Riemann P20 – Sensitive Face SPF50+
- Sun Bum – Original SPF50 Spray
Best For Wide Awake Eyes:
The INKEY List – Caffeine Eye Cream
Our judges looked for an eye treatment that genuinely refreshed tired-looking eyes, layered well under makeup and visibly reduced signs of fatigue.
The INKEY List’s affordable favourite impressed for delivering real results without fuss.
What our judging panel had to say:
“A very well-formulated affordable eye cream.” – Dr Derrick Phillips, consultant dermatologist
“I can’t say enough good things about this cream – I can visibly see it depuff my overly tired eyes as I use it every morning. Especially effective when used straight out of the fridge.” – Sally Underwood, Live That Glow editor
The full list of category finalists:
- Grace & Stella – Cooling Eye Roller
- Sensory Retreats – 11:11 Self-Heating Eye Masks
- Gatineau – Miracle Eye Contour Cream
- Dr Althea – Retinol Flat Iron Eye Roller
- Grown Alchemist – Hydra-Restore Eye Serum
- The INKEY List – Caffeine Eye Cream
Best Cult Fragrance:
Floral Street – Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum
Finding a fragrance that feels distinctive without becoming overpowering is no easy feat. Our judges looked for originality, wearability and that elusive quality that makes you want to keep smelling your wrists.
Floral Street’s Arizona Bloom won praise for its fresh yet musky warmth.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Fabulous packaging. Very modern, fresh fragrance. Loved it.” – Leighton Denny MBE, nail expert and founder
“Summer in a bottle… the perfect scent for lazy sunny days. This instantly transports me to holidays but is still completely wearable for every day.” – Sally Underwood, Live That Glow editor
“For those who like coconut but not TOO much coconut… this subtle and musky blend makes a lovely spray for day to day.” – Shannan Sterne, Live That Glow contributing beauty editor
The full list of category finalists:
- Floral Street – Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum
- Tocca – Florence Eau de Parfum
- Art de Parfum – Sabotage
- Lumira – Lumira Fragrance
- Contes de Parfums – Agra Eau de Parfum
- Sabrina Carpenter – Sweet Tooth Lemon Pie
- Jo Malone London – English Pear & Freesia Cologne
Best For Hair Volume:
Rituals – Haircare Collection Volumising Shampoo
Fine hair products need to do more than simply add temporary lift. Our judges were looking for formulas that created noticeable volume while still leaving hair soft, healthy and easy to style.
Rituals’ volumising shampoo impressed for balancing freshness, softness and body – all while delivering the kind of luxurious sensory experience the brand is known for.
What our judging panel had to say:
“It smells incredible and made my hair clean without being squeaky clean, which I find is the ideal balance for great volume.” – Tori Crowther, beauty editor and nail tech
“Lovely scent and a nice everyday volumising shampoo… leaves hair feeling fresh and light.” – Erim Kaur, trichologist and founder of ByErim
The full list of category finalists:
- Rituals – Haircare Collection Volumising Shampoo
- Nanogen – Shampoo Luxe For Women
- Kevin Murphy – Body.Mass
- Hairstory – Powder
- Osmo – Extreme Volume Range
- Fudge Professional – Xpander Foam
- Only Curls – Volumising Curl Mousse
Best For Damaged Hair:
Philip Kingsley – Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment
When it came to damaged hair, our judges looked for products that genuinely improved softness, strength and manageability over time – not just formulas that temporarily coated the hair.
Philip Kingsley’s legendary Elasticizer once again proved why it remains one of the most respected intensive hair treatments on the market.
What our judging panel had to say:
“I know it’s a cliche but this really is the one hair product I keep buying again and again (for more years than I’d care to admit) quite simply because it works. Never fails to leave my hair softer and in noticeably better condition” – Sally Underwood, Live That Glow editor
“Works incredibly well.” – Maria Sotiriou, hairstylist and founder of SILKE London
The full list of category finalists:
- Manta – Original Healthy Hairbrush
- Odylique – Lavender Conditioner & Detangler
- Kevin Murphy – Leave-In.Repair
- Vichy – Dercos Aminexil Booster
- Philip Kingsley – Elasticizer Deep Conditioning Treatment
- Moo & Yoo – Miracle Mask
- Trepadora – Quinoa Repair Deep Conditioner
Best For Hair Definition:
Kevin Murphy – Killer.Curls
For this category, our judges were searching for products that enhanced natural texture while keeping curls soft, defined and touchable – without stiffness or crunch.
Kevin Murphy’s Killer.Curls stood out for creating polished, healthy-looking curls while maintaining movement and softness.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Good for soft set curls.” – Maria Sotiriou, hairstylist and founder of SILKE London
The full list of category finalists:
- Cut By Fred – Vegan Curl Cream
- Kevin Murphy – Killer.Curls
- Vichy – Dercos Anti-Dandruff Water to Foam Shampoo
- Hairstory – Styling Gel
- Fudge Professional – Mirror Gloss Pre-Blowdry Spray
- Only Curls – Mega Hold Curl Gel
- tgin – Water Activated Curl Elongating Gel
Hero Beauty Tool:
Omnilux – Contour
Beauty tools remain one of the fastest-growing areas in beauty, but our judges were looking for a tool that genuinely delivered visible results while still being realistic and easy to use consistently at home.
Omnilux’s cult LED mask impressed the panel thanks to its proven technology, ease of use and skin-enhancing results.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Love it – great results. Everyone should have one.” – James Harknett, celebrity tan artist and creative consultant
The full list of category finalists:
- Lustre – LED Patches
- Omnilux – Contour
- Isoclean – ThermaGlow
- Tangle Teezer – The Ultimate Detangler
- T3 – Aire 360
- Altesse Studio – Vitalis Body Brush
- Leighton Denny – Crystal Nail File
Best Lip Product:
Laneige – Lip Sleeping Mask
Our judges were looking for a lip product that went beyond surface-level glossiness to genuinely nourish, soften and improve dry lips over time.
Laneige’s viral Lip Sleeping Mask remains a beauty icon for a reason, impressing the panel with its deeply conditioning formula and overnight results.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Leaves lips feeling noticeably soft by morning.” – Erim Kaur, trichologist and founder of ByErim
The full list of category finalists:
- Iconic London – Melting Touch Lip Balm
- Laneige – Lip Sleeping Mask
- fwee – Long Lasting Dual Coloring Stick Lip Liner
- Ole Henriksen – Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
- Paul & Joe – Sheer Lipstick Refill (Shade 08)
- Rose & Caramel – Lip Oil
- Jordan Samuel Skin – The Lip Balm
Best For Lashes:
No7 – Pro Artist Instant Impact Volumising Mascara
Mascara remains one of beauty’s most competitive categories, so our judges were looking for a formula that genuinely delivered lift, definition, wearability and ease of use.
No7’s Pro Artist Instant Impact Volumising Mascara impressed for creating lifted, fluttery lashes without clumping or heaviness.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Cannot fault this mascara, adored it. It’s the perfect lifting mascara.” – Tori Crowther, beauty editor and nail tech
“The best thing about this mascara is how EASY it is to apply.” – Shannan Sterne, contributing beauty editor
The full list of category finalists:
- No7 – Pro Artist Instant Impact Volumising Mascara
- Collection Cosmetics – Raise the Roof Waterproof Mascara
- Glow For It – Lash Recharge
- Cosmetics à la Carte – Intense Volume Mascara
- Brow Aid – S.O.S Advanced Growth & Recovery Mask
- Opti Laboratories – Lash and Brow Protecting Sleep Mask
Best Base Product:
Laura Mercier – Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF
Complexion products have to work harder than ever, with our judges looking for bases that delivered glow, coverage, longevity and comfort all at once.
Laura Mercier’s iconic tinted moisturiser won praise for its skin-like finish and flattering wear across different skin types.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Beautiful base, lightweight with coverage that evens and moisturises.” – Ruby Hammer MBE, makeup artist and founder
“Good especially for older skin.” – Maria Sotiriou, hairstylist and founder of SILKE London
The full list of category finalists:
- Iconic London – Underglow Blurring Primer
- Laura Mercier – Tinted Moisturizer Natural Dewy SPF
- SUQQU – The Liquid Foundation e
- Grown Alchemist – Skin Defense Mattifying Primer
- SOSU Cosmetics – Complete Canvas Complexion Palette
- Collection Cosmetics – Hydra Glow Primer
- Paul & Joe – Illuminating Makeup Base
Best Blush:
fwee – Blurry Pudding Pot
Blush continues to dominate beauty trends, but our judges were looking for formulas that delivered believable colour, flattering texture and genuinely wearable finishes.
fwee’s Blurry Pudding Pot impressed for its soft-focus finish and naturally flushed effect.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Perfect for getting that naturally-flushed, stained blush effect.” – Grace Day, beauty editor and esthetician
“The texture is matte and creamy and it went on my skin nicely.” – Shannan Sterne, contributing beauty editor
The full list of category finalists:
- fwee – Blurry Pudding Pot
- Cosmetics à la Carte – Effortless Watercolour Blush Balm
- Stila – Convertible Color
- delilah – In Bloom Radiant Liquid Blush
- Paul & Joe – Blush Refill (Shade 03)
- Ruby Hammer – Cheek Colour
- SOSU Cosmetics – Liquid Complexion Blush
Standout Body Care Product:
Jo Malone London – Care Collection Body Gel Cream
Body care has evolved far beyond basic moisturisers, with our judges looking for formulas that combined texture, efficacy and sensorial appeal.
Jo Malone London’s lightweight gel cream impressed for its elegant texture, quick absorption and refreshing finish.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Super lightweight and sinks in instantly. Feels fresh, cooling and really easy to wear daily.” – Dr Sonia Khorana, GP and aesthetic doctor
“A brilliant product if you like a really lightweight body hydrator.” – Grace Day, beauty editor and esthetician
The full list of category finalists:
- No7 – Future Renew Damage Reversal Body Serum
- Rituals – Ritual of Sakura Foaming Shower Gel
- Laura Mercier – Ambre Vanille Serum Body Cream
- Cosmetic Consult – Miracle Body Transformation
- Loving Tan – 2 HR Express Self-Tanning Mousse
- The INKEY List – Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Body Stick
- Stria Lab – Stretch Mark Repair Programme
- Jo Malone London – Care Collection Body Gel Cream
Beauty Community Award 2026:
Nursem – Brand Entry
This award recognises the brand doing the most meaningful work to support and engage its community.
Nursem – founded to support healthcare workers dealing with severe hand irritation – won praise for its purpose-driven ethos and tangible impact.
The full list of category finalists:
- Gem & Tonic – Brand Entry
- Rituals – Brand Entry
- Hairstory – Brand Entry
- Nursem – Brand Entry
- Dr Althea – Brand Entry
Biggest Beauty Disruptor 2026:
Glow Recipe – Brand Entry
This category celebrates the beauty brand making the biggest impact beyond products alone – from innovation and education to community-building and industry influence.
Glow Recipe impressed our panel with its continued influence on skincare trends, ingredient education and accessible approach to skincare content.
The full list of category finalists:
- Project Beauty – Brand Entry
- T3 – Brand Entry
- Revive Collagen – Brand Entry
- Glow Recipe – Brand Entry
- Lustre – Brand Entry
Best Accessible Beauty Award:
Rare Beauty
Beauty should be for everyone – and this reader-voted category celebrates the brand or product doing the most to make beauty feel genuinely accessible and inclusive.
After huge numbers of reader votes, Rare Beauty took the title with an impressive 24.9% of the vote.
Live That Glow Readers’ Choice Award 2026:
Charlotte Tilbury – Magic Cream
Some products achieve true cult status for a reason. Voted for entirely by our readers, Charlotte Tilbury’s iconic Magic Cream secured the Readers’ Choice Award 2026 with 16% of the vote.
Loved for its rich texture and instantly glowy finish, Magic Cream remains one of the beauty industry’s most recognisable moisturisers.
And that’s a wrap on the Live That Glow Independent Beauty Awards 2026!
A huge congratulations to all of this year’s winners and finalists – and an even bigger thank you to our incredible judging panel and beauty community for helping make these awards such a success. With hundreds upon hundreds of entries and thousands of reader votes, this year’s awards proved once again just how exciting, innovative and competitive the beauty space continues to be.
Get Glowing!
