PSA: The Live That Glow Independent Beauty Awards 2025 Results Are in!
Main image – Ohlamourstudio/Stocksy
Welcome to the very first Live That Glow Independent Beauty Awards, the awards with one clear mission; to route out the best of best in beauty, all while being as inclusive and transparent as possible.
Over the past three months, our team has reviewed, shortlisted, swatched, buffed and blended hundreds of products, all to bring you, dear reader, our top picks from across the entire beauty space.
Our amazing judging panel of industry experts has put the emphasis onto assessing each product’s efficacy, ease of use and longevity. Meanwhile, for our community awards, including Biggest Beauty Disruptor 2025, our judges looked for educational initiatives, community support, and tangible impact.
Our winners span 16 beauty categories and community categories, focusing on the issues we know matter most to you, including sensitive skin, blemish prone skin and fine hair.
Here, you’ll find our top choices that are actually worth the spend.
Best Sensitive Skin Product:
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum
If you have sensitive skin, putting the emphasis on calming ingredients in your routine- and weeding out the harsh ones- is key. This Vichy beauty editor favourite proved to be a top pick with our judges too for hydrating skin and supporting its barrier.
What our judging panel had to say:
“A lovely light and refreshing hydrating serum which I’d happily recommend to all skin types, including those prone to sensitivity. Cooling and soothing upon application but will also help in the long-term to improve moisture levels and skin barrier strength to reduce sensitivity.”
“Left my skin feeling plump after each use. Worked great on my skin morning and night.”
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Booster Serum is £28 from Boots UK /$29.99 from Ulta Beauty US
Best Blemish Product:
Medik8 Blemish SOS
Why do breakouts always come when you very least need them? It’s one of life’s mysterious inevitabilities. That’s why our panel tried out everything from pimple patches to blemish-focused moisturisers and masks. All in the name of finding the product to bring down a blemish fast when you need it.
This targeted blemish gel gets to work quickly and is practically invisible to use.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Exactly what a spot treatment should be—invisible, soothing, fast-acting, and reliable Contains a cocktail of some of the best anti-breakout ingredients—salicylic acid, azelaic acid, niacinamide, and dioic acid which take down redness and inflammation without drying. I love that this forms an invisible film over the spot which you can easily apply makeup over.”
“Simple to apply”
“It’s become a go to for me, both day and night.”
Medik8 Blemish SOS is £25 from Sephora UK
Best Dry Skin Product:
Dr Idriss Major Fade Active Seal Moisturiser
Dry skin products that deliver both moisture and added support via actives- and do both well- aren’t always the easiest to find. Our judges praised this winner for nailing both goals, particularly for those with hyperpigmentation.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Loved the texture of this and how comfortable it leaves my skin, all while knowing it’s getting to work on my pigmentation.”
“A beautiful texture. This is a great moisturiser that makes skin feel soft and comfortable while actually improving it over time.”
“Great mix of ingredients to nourish as well as tackle hyperpigmentation”
Dr Idriss Major Fade Active Seal Moisturiser is £60 from Dr Idriss UK /$58 from Dr Idriss US
Best For Wide Awake Eyes:
Youth to The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate
We’ve all been there; tired looking peepers when you most want to look wide awake. Whether it’s for a big date, an important work meeting, or just wanting to look like you’ve had your 8 hours, a good, targeted eye cream should help depuff and lessen the appearance of dark circles over time.
Our judges loved this winner for brightening their tired eyes.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Definitely hydrated and brightened”
“Gorgeous product. Saw results. Texture is smooth and melts into skin.”
Youth to The People Peptides + C Energy Eye Concentrate is £46 from Space NK UK /48 from Sephora US
Most Wearable SPF:
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect
Probably the most essential beauty product we all own, a good SPF is a non-negotiable. But finding one that doesn’t leave a white cast/sting your eyes/irritate skin? That’s a different matter.
Our judges tested out everything from mineral to chemical and hybrid formulas to find the most wearable across all skin types and tones. This Medik8 formula was praised for ticking all the boxes – and playing nicely with your makeup at the same time.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Nourishing, non-greasy. Application is very easy.”
“Melted into skin easily and no white cast”
“Good SPF that leaves no white. Worked well on my normal-to-dry skin type and sat well underneath makeup.”
“This genuinely does make using SPF enjoyable, especially because of how well it pairs with makeup”
Medik8 Advanced Day Ultimate Protect is £59 from Space NK UK /$59 from Medik8 US
Best Beauty Tool:
Simon Ourian Sculpting Bar
The beauty tool space is a rapidly growing one. The days of basic body brushes and microfibre towels are out and instead we’re increasingly looking for high-tech, visible results from the tools we often invest a fair amount in.
Enter Simon Ourian’s Sculpting Bar, which our judges found visibly lifted skin while providing a relaxing addition to their skincare routines.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Loved my results. Skin looked dewy and slightly lifted, without all the hassle of microcurrents and conducting gels”
“Easy and relaxing to use during my skincare routine.”
“I love the look of this sculpting bar, it’s seriously chic on my dressing table”
Simon Ourian Sculpting Bar is £69 from Simon Ourian UK
Best Lip Product:
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
Similarly, lip skincare has gone from a simple game of balms and glosses to a whole different level in the last year. Think SPFs, oils, plumpers, exfoliants and serums.
Our judges were looking for an excellent all-round product to nourish while offering additional benefits. This Ole Henriksen balm not only moisturises but also adds tint (if you choose) and the benefits of peptides.
What our judging panel had to say:
“I’m a big fan of this product – it’s a brilliant all rounder that moisturises, nourishes and protects lips – 10/10!”
“This is my favourite lip product that I’ve tried this year by far – a clear winner”
“Loved the tint”
Ole Henriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment is £17 from Boots UK /$22 from Ulta Beauty US
Best Mascara:
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara
If you are the kind of gal (or guy) who only wears one makeup product, let us take a guess that that product is mascara.
It’s one of the biggest selling beauty categories for good reason, making eyes look bigger and adding the perfect touch of fluttery glamour even on no makeup-makeup days.
The perfect mascara should lift, add length and separate – all while looking natural and avoiding smudging. No wonder finding your perfect mascara can be the work of years.
Our judges have taken some of the work out of it for you though, looking for the mascara that ticked the above boxes and offered the most visible results for the money.
What our judging panel had to say:
“It gives that classic Charlotte Tilbury glam. The curved wand grabs every lash so it’s super easy to apply.”
“Exactly as described, volume, separation and long lash curl.”
“No clogging – soft brush with great lash separation. Elongates & plumps. An all-rounder.”
“This is actually my favourite mascara. It does exactly what it says, and looks chic doing it too.”
Charlotte Tilbury Exagger-Eyes Volume Mascara is £28 from Space NK UK /$29 from Sephora US
Standout Makeup Product:
ZOEVA Real Magic Skin Perfecting Finishing Powder
Looking for the overall makeup product that delivers on its claims and is truly worth the spend? You’ve come to the right place.
Our panel tried everything from foundations and blushers to bronzers and hybrid products, before settling on this Zoeva powder.
What our judging panel had to say:
“For me, this powder does everything you’d hope; setting makeup beautifully all day but with a really pretty, natural finish. The texture is also lovely”
“Beautiful texture”
“Keeps my makeup in place throughout a long day of work and commuting”
ZOEVA Real Magic Skin Perfecting Finishing Powder is £28 from Zoeva UK /$30 from Zoeva US
Best For Fine Hair:
Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner
Fine hair has its positives, but it can definitely also leave us feeling… a little flat at times.
We looked for the overall fine hair product that could add visible (temporary) volume, while maintaining hair condition. This Philip Kingsley conditioner fits the bill nicely, winning universal praise from our judges.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Love this range. Conditions so well without weighing down – something that’s difficult to find.”
“Looks and smells fab and does a great job”
“Great performance”
Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner is £28 from Boots UK /$36 from Philip Kingsley US
Best For Damaged Hair:
John Frieda Miraculous Recovery Daily Miracle Leave-In Conditioner
A good hair treatment and regular haircuts are damaged hair’s best friend. We sadly can’t go to that hair appointment for you – but we can sift through the best of the best for treating damaged hair.
This John Frieda leave-in conditioner hails from its classic Frizz Ease line – and our judges found it delivered great results, especially on a budget.
John Frieda Miraculous Recovery Daily Miracle Leave-In Conditioner is £8.45 from Boots UK
What our judging panel had to say:
“Really light, non-greasy texture, and it’s super easy to use”
“This product did the unheard of and left my hair frizz-free and shiny. At the price point especially I am so impressed and can’t praise this enough – 10/10!”
“I don’t think my hair has ever been this soft before”
Best Niche Fragrance – Joint Winner:
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne
Finding ‘your’ perfume may be even harder than finding your perfect mascara. And finding a fragrance that you won’t be smelling on everyone else is even tougher.
We took the hard work out of it and found these two, joint niche winners.
What our judging panel had to say:
“I loved this! At first I thought it would be too light to have any lasting effect, but I was pleasantly surprised by how strong it remained on my skin through the day. What’s more it develops from a light, fresh scent into something more complex and interesting.”
“I received a lot of compliments when wearing this.”
“Chic”
“A lovely warm scent with a depth that develops over time”
“The bottle is beyond beautiful. It looks ridiculously pretty on my dressing table”
Jo Malone London Beach Blossom Cologne is from £86 from Jo Malone UK /from $118 from Jo Malone US
Best Niche Fragrance – Joint Winner:
Contes de Parfums, Positano edp
If you love citrus, you’ll love this. Our judges found this a totally unique fragrance, giving sophisticated vibes only.
What our judging panel had to say:
“A lovely vibrant citrus, definitely reminiscent of a holiday on the coast somewhere sunny. Not too zesty or fruity. Feels very elegant and sophisticated.”
“Smells beautiful”
“Sophisticated scent”
“Really quite unique and it projects amazingly. I got endless compliments on this.”
“Really does smell very expensive and totally worth it if you want something genuinely unique. Beautiful bottle.”
Contes de Parfums, Positano edp is £195 from Liberty London
Standout Body Care Product – Joint Winner:
Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt
If you could choose one body care product for the rest of your life, what would it be? No, we couldn’t decide either. Meet the two body care products our judges were completely split between.
Body Shop Mango Body Yogurt is £13 from Body Shop UK
What our judging panel had to say:
“Love the scent. Soaks in almost instantly.”
“It’s official; the Body Shop has gone seriously adult-friendly! This lovely moisturiser has a subtle scent, applies like a dream, absorbs quickly, and leaves skin dewy and hydrated. Don’t be fooled that Body Shop moisturisers are just for teens anymore. This product really holds its own.”
“Lovely performance and smells great for ages.”
Standout Body Care Product – Joint Winner:
James Read Sunrise to Sundown Tinted Tan Serum
This standout self tan also made the cut, offering visible, natural results with easy application.
What our judging panel had to say:
“Such a brilliant, thoughtful tan. You can tell an experienced tanning expert created this brand because everything has been thoughtfully created. The packing and instructions are clear and concise, the videos online are great for tanning beginners. The products fit seamlessly into everyday routines and the results are stunning. It’s a tan for every skin tone with excellent results.”
“Lovely instant glow and also develops over time”
“Blends very easily”
“Not messy at all”
James Read Sunrise to Sundown Tinted Tan Serum is £44 from Space NK UK /$58.50 from James Read US
Biggest Beauty Disruptor 2025:
Luna Daily
This category goes to the brand doing the most to educate, influence, and generally make the beauty industry a better place.
Enter Luna Daily, the body care brand tacking the shame out of intimate health.
What our judging panel had to say:
“The conversations this brand has started is really great. This brand has aced education in a way that’s inclusive and community-driven. The products are also recyclable and thoughtfully produced.”
“I think it’s difficult to overstate just how important the work is that Luna Daily is doing in reducing shame and improving education around women’s health. It’s no exaggeration to say that opening conversations like this could save lives.”
Best Accessible Beauty Product:
Kohl Kreatives Flex Collection Brushes
Here at Live That Glow, we believe beauty should be truly universal. That’s why we wanted to create a category for the beauty product doing the most to make the lives of less able-bodied beauty fans easier.
You voted and your winner was Kohl Kreatives line of Flex brushes, which have a specially designed shape for those with grip issues.
Proceeds from the brand’s brush sales also go to their charity to empower people through the power of makeup.
Kohl Kreatives Flex Collection Brushes are £44.99 from Kohl Kreatives UK
Live That Glow Readers’ Choice Award:
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush
Again, you voted for your readers’ choice favourite and this year’s winner was none other than Glow Recipe’s viral blush-skincare hybrid.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dewy Flush is £22 from Sephora UK /$25 from Sephora US
Get Glowing!
