Found in Issue No. 316
The 2026 Beauty ICON Winners
- Edited by
- Lauren Murdoch-Smith
Best Brightening Serum
“Sisley have added to their much-loved black rose range with this new serum. Using the same powerful Black Rose ingredient but with a new molecular extract that helps enhance your skin’s radiance and gently exfoliate skin with Lemon extract, skin feels and looks refreshed.”
Best Travel Tool
“Dyson just launched the tool that every Supersonic hairdryer owner has been hoping for – a compact, travel version of the brand’s iconic tool. Also a great entry level to the brand and just, cute!”
Best Face SPF
“Australia’s favourite beauty retailer is famed for its face SPF – lightweight, silky not sticky – this high factor, broad spectrum sunscreen also offers a subtle luminous finish to skin and acts as the perfect base under make-up or simply alone.”
Best Hand Wash
“Gorgeous packaging aside (a pleasant benefit), this kind-to-hands formula smells delicious. Blackcurrant from Burgundy, bergamot, petitgrain and mandarin fragrance the sea mineral formula with Dead Sea and Epsom salts as well as magnesium, calcium and potassium – the ultimate hand care. You’ll want to bath in it!”
Best Complexion Enhancer
“It was the product that turned Merit viral and for good reason. The melt-into-skin formula instantly makes your complexion look naturally flawless without the effort and is available in 30 shades. It’s already reached cult status.”
Best All-round Serum
“I don’t think there is an Allies of Skin product I don’t love but what really stood out was the combination of actives and peptides in this formula that made skin feel hydrated, plump and smooth.”
Best Peptide Serum
“Peptides are the latest buzz ingredient in beauty right now with plenty of formulas to choose from. Dr. Barbara Sturm’s new Peptide serum is a great addition to your skincare line-up. The lightweight formula will help your skin’s natural renewal process, working to help tune skin texture to make it the best version of itself.”
Best Nail Cuticle Treatment
“This on-the-go cuticle oil serum, in a handy, no-mess applicator pen will make you religiously apply cuticle oil. Botanical oils such as jojoba and argan, blended with a plant-based collagen will ensure cuticles stay healthy and nails stronger.”
Best Multi-tasking Face Mask
“It might not give us Hailey’s skin but it will hydrate, plump and wake skin up – a great way to start the day.”
Best Vitamin C
“This doctor loved brand that helps support skin in between treatments has a new innovation – a potent vitamin C serum. Using a unique encapsulated form of vitamin C to brighten as well as helping defend skin against fresh radical damage.”
Best Lip Balm
“This isn’t just any lip balm, this is an elevated, nourishing formula that leaves a healthy sheen to your lips. A handbag essential.”
Best Home Scent
“One of the original scents to launch from Jo Malone London – Lime, Basil & Mandarin – is as addictive today as it was when it first launched. Fresh and comforting – the perfect scent to fill your home.”
Best Make-up Multi-tasker
“I love that you can use this to contour, bronze, highlight or even use as an eye shadow stick – a clever product to have in your make-up kit.”
Best Foundation
“This clever combination of Clarin’s most loved skincare and a lightweight foundation lets you build coverage whilst also benefiting from the hydrating serum for a naturally, glowy finish.”
Best Self-tan
“If you’re nervous to use a traditional self-tan then consider this gradual tan from skincare experts Gatineau. It will build a glow gradually, so no need to worry about user error and the formula is infused with skincare to keep skin hydrated.”
Best Bronzer
“These versatile bronzing drops can be used in moisturiser or any other base for a natural bronzy glow or apply directly with a brush and apply like a make-up poduct.”
Best Facial Exfoliator
“It’s won hundreds of awards and is a cult beauty classic for a reason and the gentle but effective Daily Microfoliant is still a skincare leader. The fine, rice-based powder removes dirt and unclogs pores for a smooth, skin texture.”
Best Hair Dryer
“This is Ghd’s fastest hairdryer that works to give you more control whilst also drying your hair super-fast. I also love the ‘cool-scalp’ function and built-in memory to remember your last heat and styling settings. Convenient and effective.”
Best Viral Brand
“From the make-up brand that brought us that lip stain that went viral on Tik-Tok, their latest innovation – a blush that lasts all day in naturally flattering shades. Sold.”
Best Body Oil
“A lightweight body oil that sinks into skin quickly, smells delicious and hydrates instantly. A worthy winner!”
Best Blonde Brightening Shampoo
“K18 is known for its innovative haircare and this purple shampoo is a must for any blondes that suffer from dull hair colour. The foam formula neutralises brassy tones and removes hard water buildup as well as protecting it against further metal and mineral buildup.”
Best Facial Spray
“This derm-approved Hypochlorous acid spray will help calm and soothe sensitive skin. Use daily and it’ll help reduce redness and blemishes and strengthen your skin’s barrier, too.”
Best Hair Styling Tool
“If you’ve not mastered how to curl your hair with a tong, this Babyliss Style Secret Air takes away all the hassle as it does all the work for you. The automatic rotation technology wraps hair around the barrel, styling hair in a soft wavy or curl – depending on the mode you choose – making styling your hair simple.”
Best Healing Mask
“If you have sensitive skin, this gel mask is a lifesaver. It works as an anti-inflammatory as well as working to firm skin, calm and hydrate. A must-have, at-home skincare staple.”
Best Skin Tint
“I’ve long been a fan of ILIA’s Serum Skin Tint and will tell anyone who will listen how good it is. It gives skin an incredible glow, sheer coverage and feels so light you’ll forget you’re wearing it. Prepare to be obsessed.”
Best Hair Treatment
“Olaplex’s cult pre-wash No3 repair treatment has had an overhaul and it’s very good. The treatment time has been cut down to three minutes and is clinically proven to create stronger hair by three times. What’s not to love?”