2016 Beauty Grand Prix Winners

Read article : 2016 Beauty Grand Prix Winners

The Elle Canada beauty department tries heaps of beauty products on the daily. Since sharing is caring, every year we (temporarily) turn things over to 800 ELLE Canada readers. This time around, our jurors tested 243 makeup, skincare and hair-care samples for 11 weeks. Here are their favourites.

Concealer

This concealer doesn’t play favourites. It’s formulated with anti-wrinkle peptides and hydrating lychee-fruit derivatives, so it’s as good for under-eye circles as it is for your peely stress-related breakout. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Complete Coverage Concealer ($35), at sephora.com.

 

Tinted Cream

Under $20

Meet your new no-makeup makeup must-have. “It covers pores and hides dark circles,” said Josée Carpentier of Shawinigan, Que. Garnier BB Cream + Blur Miracle Skin Perfector ($19.99), atwalmart.com.

 

Between $20 and $50

Thanks to antioxidant-rich fruit extracts, this foundation gives skin an instant glow. Bourjois Paris Healthy Mix Serum Foundation ($29), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

Over $50

“This cream made me feel like I had the face of a Hollywood actress,” said Anna Stella Linsangan of Calgary. The star ingredients? Colour-correcting pigments. Guerlain Météorites Baby Glow ($62), at sephora.com.

 

Bronzer

Under $15

Rimmel London’s richly pigmented bronzer is a favourite with readers year after year thanks to its brown, not orange, undertones. Rimmel London Natural Bronzer ($9), at walmart.ca.

 

Over $15

Annette May-Graves of Newmarket, Ont., found this bronzer’s seashell pattern so beautiful, she almost didn’t try it. Good thing she changed her mind. “It’s a very natural sun-kissed shade and blends evenly over foundation.” Lise Watier Havana Bronzing Powder ($33), atlisewatier.com.

 

Nail Polish

Despite some tough competition, this strengthening polish emerged on top yet again. “The colour is great, and the shine and wear were fantastic,” said Mrs. Colburn from Niagara Falls, Ont. “And the wide brush made applying it very smooth and easy.” Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure ($10), atwalmart.ca.

Blush

This shimmer-free blush can double as contour. Jurors also loved its Energizer Bunny-like durability. “I applied it in the morning, and it lasted all day,” said Christine Macfarlane of Toronto. Lise Watier Blush-On Powder ($29), atlisewatier.com.

Mascara

Under $15

Three types of bristles ensure that the hypoallergenic formula coats even the teeniest of lashes. Marcelle Volum'Xtension Magnetic Mascara ($12.95), at walmart.ca.

 

Over $15

Expect plenty of compliments when you wear this prod. Annette Mai of Toronto described the cone-shaped brush and lash-strengthening formula as giving her “‘I cannot believe it’s real’ kind of eyelashes.” Lancôme Hypnôse Volume-à-Porter ($32), atlancome.ca.

Eyebrow Makeup

Consider this your brow tool kit. It comes with a spoolie to comb out your Cara Delevingnes, wax for hold, two colours and tweezers to nab any strays. L'Oréal Paris Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit ($18), atwalmart.ca.

Makeup Fixer

You know those girls who still look flawless when they leave the club at 2 a.m.? They’re probably using this setting spray made with antioxidant-rich white tea. Lise Watier Magnifix Make-Up Fixative with White Tea ($24), at lisewatier.com.

Eyeliner

Under $15

The teardrop-shaped applicator is thinnest at the tip to help even the shakiest hands get close to the lash line. Bonus: It dries Usain Bolt-fast so you can avoid any smudging. L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Superstar Super Liquid Liner ($13), atwalmart.ca.

 

Over $15

Waterproof often means drying, but this creamy, richly pigmented liner glides on as easily as your kohl pencil. Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner ($29), at sephora.ca.

 

Eyeshadow

Readers found this mousse-like shadow to be as smooth as The Weeknd. “It’s easily applied with a brush or a finger, and it blends like a dream,” said Cathy Snell of Mississauga, Ont. Lise Watier Ombre Soufflé Suprême ($26), at lisewatier.com. 

 

Primer

A combo of silicones and colour-correcting pigments gives your 5 p.m. face that just-applied-my-makeup glow. Pupa Milano Professionals Face Primer ($34), at rexall.ca.

Lipstick

Under $15

A hydrating but long-lasting cream lipstick was a beauty urban legend – until now. Elizabeth Duquette of Forest, Ont., said that this formula, with omega – 6 oils, lasted through “eating, drinking and kisses.” Marcelle Rouge Xpression Lipstick ($11.95), atmarcelle.com.

 

Over $15

This lipstick contains anti-aging Labrador tea extract, but the texture had jurors hooked. “It felt almost like a lip balm,” said Hélène Lefebvre of Saint-Étienne-des-Grès, Que. Lise Watier Rouge Fondant Suprême ($26), at lisewatier.com.

 

Anti-Aging Cream

Under $60

Readers felt that, just like the flower-crown Snapchat filter, this rich cream blurs imperfections instantly. But it’s in it for the long haul too: Collagen- and elastin-stimulating adenosine and caffeine boost skin’s volume. Vichy Laboratoires LiftActiv Supreme ($49.95), at vichy.ca.

 

Over $60

This pollution-fighting moisturizer, made with life plankton, was lauded by readers for its gel-cream texture and scent. Biotherm Blue Therapy Accelerated Repairing Anti-Aging Silky Cream ($79), at biotherm.ca.

 

Wrinkles can be caused by frowning and smiling, sagging and parched skin. This formula, made with tripeptides and hyaluronic acid, fights all three. Filorga Absolute Wrinkle Correction Cream ($95), at filorga.com.

 

Dark-Spot Corrector

Dark spots and dullness can be just as aging as fine lines. That’s why readers loved this serum made with antioxidant ginkgo biloba. “My skin was brighter and looked very even after using it for seven days,” said Alicia Purvis from Port Moody, B.C. Clarins Mission Perfection Sérum ($68), at clarins.ca.

 

Facial Scrub

 

This soy scrub is mild enough to be used every day, noted jurors. Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub ($12), at walmart.ca.

Environmentally friendly microbeads slough off daily grime, while moringa-seed oil protects your skin from pollution. Consider this your skin’s antidote to 21st-century life. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser ($37), at clarins.ca.

 

Face-Makeup Remover

 

It’s not just jurors who loved this one-step water-free cleanser. The best Fashion Week makeup artists are never without a bottle of this micellar water in their kits. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Hydrabio H2O ($24.90), walmart.ca.

Facial Moisturizer

Under $25

The texture of this drugstore fave got top marks from BGP jurors. Credit goes to hyaluronic acid, which is the Wonder Woman of skincare molecules: It can retain up to 1, 000 times its weight in water. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream ($24.99), at walmart.ca.

 

Between $25-$40

Even normal to oily skin can become dehydrated. This formula mimics skin structure so that moisturizing ingredients can penetrate deeper. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Hydrabio Gel-Crème ($29.50), at walmart.ca.

 

Over $40

Sensitive-skin products tend to feel a bit utilitarian – but not this luxurious fragrance-free formula from Chanel. It contains just 10 ingredients, including soothing silver-needle tea. Chanel La Solution 10 de Chanel ($106), at chanel.com.

 

Lip Balm

 

This winning lip balm is a triple threat: It contains protective rose wax, shea butter and a hint of pink pigment. Clarins Moisture Replenishing Lip Balm ($25), at clarins.ca.

 

Face Mask

Under $40

Gel-oil hybrids should be your go-to for nursing sensitive skin through Canadian winters; they protect the skin’s moisture barrier. Bio-Beauté by Nuxe Vitamin-Rich Detox Mask ($37), at nuxe.com.

 

Over $40

Beauty sleep is a real thing – especially if you use this Quebec company’s overnight treatment, which contains a potent peptide. Readers said it successfully plumped skin while they slept. Laboratoire Dr Renaud Pure Overnight Youth Concentrate ($90), at ldrenaud.com.

Sunscreen

Under $30

 

This winner is broad-spectrum, which means it protects against UVA rays that cause aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn. Also key: It wears well under makeup, said jurors. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($15.79), at walmart.ca.

 

Over $30

A mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white film hits the beauty jackpot. “It absorbs so quickly... it basically doubles as my primer,” says Annie Xia of Richmond, B.C. Lise Watier Sun Smart Universal UV Shield SPF 30 ($39), at lisewatier.com.

 

Serum

Under $45

A time-release formula ensures that thirsty skin gets 24-7 hydration. Eau Thermale Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum ($44), at eau-thermale-avene.ca.

 

Between $45 and $95

 

This new prod contains Biotherm’s signature Algae of Youth anti-aging formula but in a fast-absorbing serum. Biotherm Blue Therapy Accelerated Repairing Serum ($75), at thebay.com.

 

Over $95

Coco Chanel’s favourite flower has anti-aging benefits too. The luxury brand has infused volumizing camellia-oil extract into droplets that burst upon contact with skin. Chanel Hydra Beauty Micro-Sérum ($125), at chanel.com.

Eye-Contour Care

Under $35

Laura Black of Puslinch, Ont., gave this vitamin-C- and -E-rich eye cream the ultimate compliment: “[After using it], it looked as if I had slept 13 hours.” Marcelle Hydra-C Eye Contour Gel-Cream ($24.95), at marcelle.com.

 

Over $35

Proof you can feel inferior to a flower: This cream contains rare orchids that grow in China. Molecules in the petals and stems help skin cells renew faster. Guerlain Orchidée Impériale The Eye Serum ($270), at thebay.com.

Eye-Makeup Remover

Like a romance-novel hero, this eye-makeup remover – made with cornflower extract – is strong but gentle. “It made my skin feel soft, and I really like how easily my waterproof makeup came off,” said Ashley Freckelton of New Glasgow, N.S. Vichy Laboratoires Pureté Thermale Waterproof Eye Make-up Remover ($19.95), at vichy.ca.

 

Dry Shampoo

 

Dry shampoos are a lazy girl’s dream – especially when they’re as good as this reader fave, which is made with absorbing rice starch. Moroccanoil Dry Shampoo ($28.50), at nordstrom.com.

 

Hair Mask

The 2015 winner clinched the title again. After using the buttery mask, Saiqa Karim of Richmond Hill, Ont., said her hair had “a glossy shine.” L’Oréal Professionnel Mythic Oil Masque ($32), at lorealprofessionnel.com.

 

Heat-Resistant Smoothing Treatment

Nicole Raymond of Île Perrot, Que., didn’t have any bad-hair days while using this lotion, which controls frizz without weighing down hair. “I would buy a whole crate,” she said. EIMI Perfect Me Lightweight Beauty Balm Lotion ($20), at wella.com.

 

Hairspray

 

This strong-hold but non-crunchy hairspray is a fave backstage at Fashion Week. “It was not sticky at all, and the scent was amazing,” said Jessica Lucduc of Ottawa, of the orange-blossom and sandalwood formula. Redken Triple Take 32 Extreme High-Hold Hairspray ($20.59), at redken.ca.

 

Shampoo and Conditioner (Non-Coloured Hair)

Argan oil gets lots of hype – and for good reason. It’s rich in moisturizing vitamin E and fatty acids. Even better? It’s a sulphate and paraben-free formula. OGX Extra Strength Hydrate & Repair + Argan Oil of Morocco Shampoo and Conditioner ($11 each), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

Shampoo and Conditioner (Damaged Hair)

Under $10

Hair is like skin: The less moisture it has, the duller it becomes. Svetlana Naumenko of Montreal noticed results from this pair (which has the highest concentrations of the brand’s moisturizing complex) after just one use. “My hair became super-silky,” she said. Pantene Expert Intense Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner ($9.99 each), at walmart.ca.

 

Over $10

If going Gwen Stefani-platinum fried your hair, try this pair. They zero in on the strands that are the most damaged. L’Oréal Professionnel Absolut Repair Shampoo ($18.50) and Conditioner ($21), at lorealprofessionnel.com.

 

Shampoo and Conditioner (Coloured Hair)

Your new caramel balayage is safe in the peppermint suds of this duo. It contains no colour-stripping sulphates, and a combo of coconut, sugar and corn prevents brassiness. Pureology Hydrate Shampoo ($30.80) and Conditioner ($33.30), at pureology.com.

Body Moisturizer

Under $20

 

Carolle Bedard of Pierrefonds, Que., loved how this mandarin-scented lotion worked OT on her skin thanks to hydrating shea butter and antioxidant-rich sea-buckthorn oil. “This cream is perfect. My skin stayed hydrated for at least 24 hours.” Lotus Aroma Mandarin Velvet Body Lotion ($18), at lotusaroma.com.

 

Over $20

Made with exfoliating oats and omega-fatty-acid-rich kukui oil, this milk is as nourishing as a cream, but it absorbs faster than it takes you to down your first Americano of the day. Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion ($44), at clarins.ca.

 

Body Scrub

 

Kaytlyn MacKenzie of Calgary dubbed this exfoliant from the Parisian beauty brans “the body-scrub holy grail.” The sugar exfoliates the skin, and bees wax locks in hydration. Dans un Jardin Mirabella Sugar Scrub ($19.95), at dansunjardin.com.

Deodorant

Readers tested this prod at the gym, during yoga and while running after the kids—all to rave reviews. “It didn’t leave any white marks, the scent is awesome and I didn’t need to reapply it,” said Lisa McGraw of Conception Bay South, NL. Nivea Invisible for Black & White Stick ($4), at shoppersdrugmart.ca.

 

Hand Cream

This French brand is a well-decorated BGP veteran. This time, you gave the thumbs-up to its anti-aging hand cream, made with skin-protecting polyphenols. Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream ($20), sephora.com.

 

Body Wash

Olay rejigged the formula of this body wash to be gentler on skin, but readers also fell for its summery scent. Olay Fresh Outlast Cooling White Strawberry and Mint Body Wash ($5.49), at walmart.com.

 

Bioderma’s soap-free cleanser makes scaly winter skin obsolete. Intrepid readers also used it as a shaving cream and bubble bath. Bioderma Atoderm Shower Gel ($19.95), at bioderma.ca.

Facial Cleanser

 

 

Pierre Marier of Sainte-Louise, Que., gave this water-activated exfoliating gel “five stars”: “The texture allows for a more thorough cleaning of the skin, it rinses well and its scent is perfect.” ClarinsMen Exfoliating Cleanser ($32), at clarins.ca.

 

Facial Moisturizer

Men don’t like shiny skin either. Enter this mattifying lotion. Bioderma Laboratoire Dermatologique Sébium Mat Control ($19.90), at bioderma.ca.

Shaving Cream

“Whatever was in this bottle is pure magic,” said Mar Rahman of Surrey, B.C. Actually, it’s the addition of moisturizing ingredients, which means he can skip the post-shave moisturizer. Gillette Fusion ProGlide Sensitive 2-in-1 Shave Gel Plus Skin Care ($8), at walmart.ca.