The sun has risen, you creak the bedroom
windows open and let the linen curtains blow
in the morning breeze. As you head down
OLYMPIA JCREW
WOMEN WHO WIN
Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beauté Awards 2026 Winners
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BEAUTY DIRECTOR: LOTTIE WINTER
sENIOR BEAUTY EDITOR: KATIE THOMAS
BEAUTY EDITOR: NESSA Humayun
SENIOR ART EDITOR: ANA OSPINA
Social Media Editor: Dionne Brighton
Videographer & Film Director: Rebecca Munroe
Hair & Makeup: Jimena Lemck
Fashion Assistant: Alice Turnbull
With special thanks to…
The Ned London, Jigsaw, Me+Em, Hayley Menzies, Le Kilt,
Rise and Fall, Astrid & Miyu, Nobody’s Child, Rixo
T
oday, the Marie Claire team is proud to reveal the winners of the 2026 Marie Claire Prix d’Excellence de la Beauté Awards. Each year, editors from Marie Claire editions around the world come together with a select panel of the nation’s most respected beauty journalists to judge the most exceptional launches of the past 12 months—recognising the products,
Since its launch in 2021, Merit has steadily redefined modern makeup through thoughtful, minimalist formulas, intuitive textures and an emphasis on effortless application. Founded by entrepreneur and industry trailblazer Katherine Power, the brand brought a refreshing sense of restraint to the beauty landscape, pairing timeless aesthetics with an uncompromising commitment to quality. In just a few short years, Merit has secured a lasting place in our daily routines—and shows no sign of leaving them any time soon.
Merit
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Hermès Silky Lipstick Shine
£67 at Hermes
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Inspired by the luminous sheen of Hermès silk, Silky Lipstick Shine delivers a buildable wash of colour while enveloping the lips in a veil of lasting moisture. A tribute to the house’s enduring union of artisanal craftsmanship and innovative formulation, the lipstick spans sensual beiges, vibrant reds and delicate pinks, each designed to enhance the natural tone of the lips and flatter every complexion.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: MAKEUP
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: SUN PROTECTION
£110 at Sephora
SHOP NOW
If any brand could turn the daily act of applying SPF into a moment of indulgence, it was always going to be Augustinus Bader. The Sunscreen perfectly captures the brand’s signature combination of cutting-edge science and elevated self-care, combining high-performance broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with its proprietary TFC8 technology, designed to support skin cell communication and optimise renewal.
Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum
£620 at Chanel
SHOP NOW
As we emerge from the depths of winter, now is the perfect time to reach for this transformative body serum that restores both softness and radiance to skin that’s been hidden under layers for months. Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum promises exactly that, combining AHAs from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower with nourishing co-collagen tripeptide to smooth rough patches and boost glow.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: BODY
INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
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onight saw the celebration of our annual Marie Claire Prix d'Excellence de la Beauté Awards. Every year the Marie Claire beauty editors from around the globe join forces to judge the best beauty launches from the previous year.
Kérastase
Elixir Ultime L’Huile Originale
£50 at LookFantastic
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This icon needs no introduction, but with its newer lightweight texture, we are pleased to reintroduce a hair oil that delivers the ultimate injection of hydration, leaving hair feeling silky to the touch with a high-shine finish. Now more versatile than ever, the reformulation can also be used pre-cleanse, pre-blow dry, or to tame flyaways. Formulated with argan oil and wild French camellia with a scent that could rival a classic fragrance, this is guaranteed to elevate any haircare routine.
International Winner
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: MAKEUP CREATION
innovations and brands that set new standards for excellence.
The awards are divided into two distinctions. The International Awards are judged by the Beauty Directors from Marie Claire editions worldwide, while the British Awards are selected by the Marie Claire UK beauty team—Lottie Winter, Beauty Director; Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor; and Nessa Humayun, Beauty Editor—alongside a panel of leading industry experts. This year’s guest judges included journalist, broadcaster and author Sali Hughes; journalist Lesley Thomas; writer and broadcaster Billie Bhatia; and journalist Laura Capon.
British award categories celebrate the very best in skincare, make-up, hair and body, alongside special honours for Sustainability, Innovation and the Beauty Gives Back award, which recognise the people and initiatives shaping the future of the industry.
Without further ado, we are delighted to present the winners of the Marie Claire Prix d’Excellence de la Beauté Awards 2026.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: HAIR
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Smooth, bouncy and glossy are the three words we all wish someone would use to describe our hair—and that’s exactly what Kérastase had in mind when creating Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops. Designed to deliver a high-shine finish without compromising movement, this lightweight glossing oil instantly boosts shine and smooths fluffy flyaways, while never feeling heavy.
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX &
A.G.E Interrupter Ultra Serum
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: RESEARCH
£135 SkinCeuticals P-TIOX and
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£140 A.G.E Interrupter Ultra Serumat at SkinCeuticals
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SkinCeuticals is often at the forefront of clinical skincare research, so it's no surprise that last year the brand delivered two formulas that push the boundaries of skin science. Last year saw the launch of two particularly advanced treatments, each designed to target visible ageing through a highly scientific lens. P-Tiox focuses on the appearance of expression lines, using an advanced peptide technology inspired by in-clinic neuromodulator research. Then, their A.G.E Interrupter Ultra Serum is a feat in barrier-strengthening innovation, designed to address the impact of glycation—the key process involved in skin ageing—by supporting firmness, restoring comfort and improving resilience.
Lancôme Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream & Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: SPECIAL JURY’S PRIZE
With so much demand for high-performance skincare, Lancôme’s offering truly delivers on innovation and efficacy. This velveteen Soft Cream combines Grand Rose Extracts with skin-revitalising actives to support cellular renewal, reinforce the skin barrier, and deliver long-lasting nourishment, while the brand’s first skin resurfacing device features over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips designed to renew the skin’s surface while enhancing formula penetration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, with 79% of respondents agreeing that their first professional micro-needling treatment could wait.
£270 Lancôme Absolue Longevity The Soft Cream at LookFanstastic
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£187.50 Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device at Boots
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Guerlain Abeille Royale Bee Lab Shot
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: FORMULATION (JOINT WINNER)
£51 at Guerlain
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The reality is that many of us struggle with overtaxed, stressed skin. Guerlain’s revolutionary seven-day intensive treatment, Bee Lab Shot™, was designed to gently unwind the barrier with targeted, crystallised spheres containing 20% vitamin Cg. The patented formula includes 100% naturally-derived ingredients, including a rare black bee honey concentrate, to restore the complexion and soften wrinkles.
Shiseido Bio Performance Micro-Click Concentrate & Skin HIForce Cream
£148.20 Shiseido Bio Performance Micro-Click Concentrate at Shiseido
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£200 Skin HIForce Cream
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Inspired by aesthetic procedures, this clever Micro-Click Concentrate uses a micro-point applicator to deliver hero ingredient niacinamide precisely and to the optimal depth of the skin to support self-regeneration. Meanwhile, the Bio Performance Skin HiForce Cream is formulated with Oxyshift Technology™, red clover extract, and L-hydroxyproline to address major concerns such as a lack of volume and sagging—without invasive procedures. Together, they holistically restore the skin’s structure from the inside out.
Victoria Beckham Beauty
The Foundation Drops with TFC8
£104 at Victoria Beckham
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It’s rare for a brand to truly reinvent the wheel, but Victoria Beckham Beauty has done exactly that with the launch of The Foundation Drops. Combining a breathable, serum-light texture with a buildable, skin-like finish, the formula is powered by Augustinus Bader’s proprietary TFC8 complex, known for its skin-renewing benefits. The result is luminous in every sense—seamless coverage paired with a complexion that looks healthier, fresher and visibly revitalised.
BRITISH WINNER: MAKEUP
BRITISH WINNERS
Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP
BRITISH WINNER: SKINCARE
£79 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Harnessing advanced biotechnology, this pioneering serum uses Dual MiniProteins to target wrinkles with pharmaceutical-grade precision. Clinically designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines in just 10 minutes,
it also works over time to support healthy levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid—helping skin appear
smoother, firmer and more resilient.
Living Proof StyleLab Air-Dry Styler
BRITISH WINNER: HAIR
£28 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Haircare this year was fiercely competitive, but
Living Proof’s StyleLab Air-Dry Styler stood out, delivering lasting style and effortless definition. This lightweight
styling cream is designed to work with your hair’s
natural texture, rather than fight against it,
enhancing movement, definition and shape
without the need for heat tools.
Dr Sam’s Flawless Body Cleanser
£18 at Sephora
SHOP NOW
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser is already an iconic product, and the body version did not disappoint. It combines gentle chemical exfoliants with barrier-supporting ingredients to lift away dead, rough skin, leaving limbs noticeably softer and more refined after just a few uses. True to Dr Sam’s philosophy, it’s results-driven but easy to use, fitting seamlessly into an everyday shower routine and delivering consistent improvement that turns a great product into a long-term staple.
BRITISH WINNER: BODY
Lush
BRITISH WINNER: BEAUTY GIVES BACK
SHOP NOW
Since its inception in 1995, Lush’s commitment
to social change has been embedded in its business model. From standing in solidarity with the people of
Gaza to partnering with trans-led organisations and campaigning for the release of prisoners from Guantanamo, Lush’s values are remarkably transparent—and serve as an inspiration to brands everywhere.
La Beauté Louis Vuitton
BRITISH WINNER: INNOVATION
SHOP NOW
From blotting papers that double as objets d’art to the miniature monogrammed canvas Lipstick Trunk, every detail of La Beauté Louis Vuitton has been meticulously designed, exquisitely formulated and unapologetically indulgent. Pushing boundaries through collectible, refillable packaging, sculptural, artistic design and a luxury-as-object philosophy, the collection positions makeup not simply as product, but as heirloom.
Wildsmith
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The British-born brand Wildsmith is dedicated to being as sustainable as possible across every aspect of its business, from product formulation to packaging and production. Exemplary efforts include utilising full home-compostable packaging that breaks down naturally within a year, but their formulas do not skimp on efficacy—instead, sustainability is built in from the start. Wildsmith exclusively uses lab-grown actives, combined with biodynamically cultivated botanicals grown on their own estate. In doing so, they lower the environmental impact and ensure traceable, ethical sourcing at every turn.
BRITISH WINNER: SUSTAINABILITY
Hermès Silky Lipstick Shine
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Inspired by the luminous sheen of Hermès silk, Silky Lipstick Shine delivers a buildable wash of colour while enveloping the lips in a veil of lasting moisture. A tribute to the house’s enduring union of artisanal craftsmanship and innovative formulation, the lipstick spans sensual beiges, vibrant reds and delicate pinks, each designed to enhance the natural tone of the lips and flatter every complexion.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: MAKEUP
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
If any brand could turn the daily act of applying SPF into a moment of indulgence, it was always going to be Augustinus Bader. The Sunscreen perfectly captures the brand’s signature combination of cutting-edge science and elevated self-care, combining high-performance broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with its proprietary TFC8 technology, designed to support skin cell communication and optimise renewal.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER:
SUN PROTECTION
Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
As we emerge from the depths of winter, now is the perfect time to reach for this transformative body serum that restores both softness and radiance to skin that’s been hidden under layers for months. Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum promises exactly that, combining AHAs from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower with nourishing co-collagen tripeptide to smooth rough patches and boost glow.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: BODY
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops
Smooth, bouncy and glossy are the three words we all wish someone would use to describe our hair—and that’s exactly what Kérastase had in mind when creating Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops. Designed to deliver a high-shine finish without compromising movement, this lightweight glossing oil instantly boosts shine and smooths fluffy flyaways,
while never feeling heavy.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: HAIR
SkinCeuticals P-TIOX &
A.G.E Interrupter Ultra Serum
SkinCeuticals is often at the forefront of clinical skincare research, so it's no surprise that last year the brand delivered two formulas that push the boundaries of skin science. Last year saw the launch of two particularly advanced treatments, each designed to target visible ageing through a highly scientific lens. P-Tiox focuses on the appearance of expression lines, using an advanced peptide technology inspired by in-clinic neuromodulator research. Then, their A.G.E Interrupter Ultra Serum is a feat in barrier-strengthening innovation, designed to address the impact of glycation—the key process involved in skin ageing—by supporting firmness, restoring comfort and improving resilience.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: RESEARCH
Lancôme Absolue Longevity
The Soft Cream & Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
With so much demand for high-performance skincare, Lancôme’s offering truly delivers on innovation and efficacy. This velveteen Soft Cream combines Grand Rose Extracts with skin-revitalising actives to support cellular renewal, reinforce the skin barrier, and deliver long-lasting nourishment, while the brand’s first skin resurfacing device features over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips designed to renew the skin’s surface while enhancing formula penetration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, with 79% of respondents agreeing that their first professional micro-needling treatment could wait.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER:
SPECIAL JURY’S PRIZE
Guerlain Abeille Royale
Bee Lab Shot
The reality is that many of us struggle with overtaxed, stressed skin. Guerlain’s revolutionary seven-day intensive treatment, Bee Lab Shot™, was designed to gently unwind the barrier with targeted, crystallised spheres containing 20% vitamin Cg. The patented formula includes 100% naturally-derived ingredients, including a rare black bee honey concentrate, to restore the complexion and soften wrinkles.
Lancôme Absolue Longevity
The Soft Cream & Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
With so much demand for high-performance skincare, Lancôme’s offering truly delivers on innovation and efficacy. This velveteen Soft Cream combines Grand Rose Extracts with skin-revitalising actives to support cellular renewal, reinforce the skin barrier, and deliver long-lasting nourishment, while the brand’s first skin resurfacing device features over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips designed to renew the skin’s surface while enhancing formula penetration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, with 79% of respondents agreeing that their first professional micro-needling treatment could wait.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER:
SPECIAL JURY’S PRIZE
INTERNATIONAL WINNERS
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Foundation Drops with TFC8
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
BRITISH WINNER: MAKEUP
With so much demand for high-performance skincare, Lancôme’s offering truly delivers on innovation and efficacy. This velveteen Soft Cream combines Grand Rose Extracts with skin-revitalising actives to support cellular renewal, reinforce the skin barrier, and deliver long-lasting nourishment, while the brand’s first skin resurfacing device features over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips designed to renew the skin’s surface while enhancing formula penetration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, with 79% of respondents agreeing that their first professional micro-needling treatment could wait.
Medik8 Liquid Peptides
Advanced MP
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Harnessing advanced biotechnology, this pioneering serum uses Dual MiniProteins to target wrinkles with pharmaceutical-grade precision. Clinically designed to reduce the appearance of expression lines in just 10 minutes, it also works over time to support healthy levels of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid—helping skin appear smoother, firmer and more resilient.
BRITISH WINNER: SKINCARE
Living Proof StyleLab
Air-Dry Styler
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Haircare this year was fiercely competitive, but Living Proof’s StyleLab Air-Dry Styler stood out, delivering lasting style and effortless definition. This lightweight styling cream is designed to work with your hair’s natural texture, rather than fight against it, enhancing movement, definition and shape without the need for heat tools.
BRITISH WINNER: HAIR
Dr Sam’s Flawless Body Cleanser
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Dr Sam’s Flawless Cleanser is already an iconic product, and the body version did not disappoint. It combines gentle chemical exfoliants with barrier-supporting ingredients to lift away dead, rough skin, leaving limbs noticeably softer and more refined after just a few uses. True to Dr Sam’s philosophy, it’s results-driven but easy to use, fitting seamlessly into an everyday shower routine and delivering consistent improvement that turns a great product into a long-term staple.
BRITISH WINNER: BODY
Lush
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Since its inception in 1995, Lush’s commitment to social change has been embedded in its business model. From standing in solidarity with the people of Gaza to partnering with trans-led organisations and campaigning for the release of prisoners from Guantanamo, Lush’s values are remarkably transparent—and serve as an inspiration to brands everywhere.
BRITISH WINNER: BEAUTY GIVES BACK
Wildsmith
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
The British-born brand Wildsmith is dedicated to being as sustainable as possible across every aspect of its business, from product formulation to packaging and production. Exemplary efforts include utilising full home-compostable packaging that breaks down naturally within a year, but their formulas do not skimp on efficacy—instead, sustainability is built in from the start. Wildsmith exclusively uses lab-grown actives, combined with biodynamically cultivated botanicals grown on their own estate. In doing so, they lower the environmental impact and ensure traceable, ethical sourcing at every turn.
BRITISH WINNER: SUSTAINABILITY
Hermès Silky Lipstick Shine
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: MAKEUP
From £39 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Inspired by the luminous sheen of Hermès silk, Silky Lipstick Shine delivers a buildable wash of colour while enveloping the lips in a veil of lasting moisture. A tribute to the house’s enduring union of artisanal craftsmanship and innovative formulation, the lipstick spans sensual beiges, vibrant reds and delicate pinks, each designed to enhance the natural tone of the lips and flatter every complexion.
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: SUN PROTECTION
£48 at Boots
SHOP NOW
If any brand could turn the daily act of applying SPF into a moment of indulgence, it was always going to be Augustinus Bader. The Sunscreen perfectly captures the brand’s signature combination of cutting-edge science and elevated self-care, combining high-performance broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection with its proprietary TFC8 technology, designed to support skin cell communication and optimise renewal.
Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: BODY
From £46 at Boots
SHOP NOW
As we emerge from the depths of winter, now is the perfect time to reach for this transformative body serum that restores both softness and radiance to skin that’s been hidden under layers for months. Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum promises exactly that, combining AHAs from the Hibiscus Sabdariffa flower with nourishing co-collagen tripeptide to smooth rough patches and boost glow.
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: HAIR
£40 at Lookfantastic
SHOP NOW
Smooth, bouncy and glossy are the three words we all wish someone would use to describe our hair—and that’s exactly what Kérastase had in mind when creating Gloss Absolu
Glaze Drops. Designed to deliver a high-shine finish without compromising movement, this lightweight glossing
oil instantly boosts shine and smooths fluffy
flyaways, while never feeling heavy.
Chanel N°1 De Chanel Red Camellia Serum-in-Mist
INTERNATIONAL WINNER: JURY’S FAVOURITE
£94 at Chanel
SHOP NOW
A modern reimagining of the face mist, Chanel N°1 De Chanel Red Camellia Sérum-in-Mist elevates on-the-go skincare. Powered by the house’s camellia longevity technology, it delivers an immediate, lit-from-within glow while cocooning the skin in weightless hydration. Used post-cleanse or layered throughout the day, the perfectly portable format ensures radiance is never out of reach.
Lancôme Absolue Longevity
The Soft Cream & Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device
With so much demand for high-performance skincare, Lancôme’s offering truly delivers on innovation and efficacy. This velveteen Soft Cream combines Grand Rose Extracts with skin-revitalising actives to support cellular renewal, reinforce the skin barrier, and deliver long-lasting nourishment, while the brand’s first skin resurfacing device features over 400 ultra-precise nano-tips designed to renew the skin’s surface while enhancing formula penetration. The result is smoother, more radiant skin, with 79% of respondents agreeing that their first professional micro-needling treatment could wait.
INTERNATIONAL WINNER:
SPECIAL JURY’S PRIZE
£270 Lancôme Absolue Longevity
The Soft Cream at LookFanstastic
SHOP NOW
£187.50 Lancôme Rénergie Anti-Ageing Nano Resurfacer 400 Booster Device at Boots
SHOP NOW