For 2015, we‘ve hewed to the same guiding principle – with exciting little twists thrown in for good measure. For one, we've expanded the number of Editors' Choice judging panelists to 25 experts – our largest yet, by the way, comprising the Her World beauty team, doctors, makeup artists, hairstylists and beauty bloggers. All the better to test-drive the staggering 1,000-odd nominees across 110 categories!
Keep a mascaraed eye out for the "fun" categories like the hottest new trends: Facial oils for silky hydration without stickiness; BB cushions for fuss-free base application; and intriguing essence lotions, watery elixirs you're supposed to pat in for an instant dewy effect.
We also decided to invite you, dear reader, to choose between a drugstore or department store brand for categories like the all-important sunscreen, among other essentials. That way, we freed things up for you to pick one purse-friendly and one luxe version of a particular product, if you like.
Hopefully, this ambitious endeavour will provide a clearer picture of what it takes for a product to capture the imagination and ignite the devotion of different groups of people. The results are revealing – if a product scores a hat trick by clinching the Editor's Choice and Readers' Choice, you'll know it's the (face) cream of the crop.
Finally, for the 1,700-odd online voters who voted so fervently to get your favourites into this year's hall of fame, we thank you. Well, the votes have been tallied and the beauty world has spoken. Bookmark this list for handy reference the next time you go beauty shopping!
Hydrating cleanser
Readers' choice: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Foaming Wash
Editors' choice: Ioma Moisturizing Cleansing Milk
Hydrating toning lotion
Readers' choice: Hada Labo Super Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Lotion
Editors' choice: Kenzoki Melt-In Moisturizing Lotion
Hydrating serum
Readers' choice: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
Editors' choice: Laneige Water Bank Essence_EX
Hydrating moisturizer
Readers' choice: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
Editors' choice: Laneige Water Bank Gel Cream
Hydrating mask
Readers' choice: La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask
Editors' choice: La Mer The Intensive Revitalizing Mask
Facial mist
Readers' choice: Kose Sekkisei Lotion Mist
Editors' choice: Jane Iredale D20 Hydration Spray
Brightening cleanser
Readers' choice: Laneige White Plus Renew Bubble Cleanser
Editors' choice: Guerlain Blanc de Perle White P.E.A.R.L Cleanser
Brightening toning lotion
Readers' choice: Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner
Editors' choice: Estee Lauder CyberWhite HD Advanced Spot Correcting Moisture Lotion
Brightening serum
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris Dermo-Expertise White Perfect Laser Anti-Spot Derm White Essence
Editors' choice: La Roche-Posay Sensi White [+] Essence
• Department store/ speciality store category
Readers' choice: SK-II Cellumination Aura Essence
Editors' choice: Shiseido White Lucent Total Brightening Serum
Brightening moisturiser
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel
Editors' choice: Hada Labo Arbutin Whitening Perfect Gel
• Department store/ speciality store category
Readers' choice: Laneige White Plus Renew Original Cream
Editors' choice: Chanel Le Blanc Whitening Moisturizing Cream TXC Creme Fine
Brightening mask
Readers' choice: Laneige White Plus Renew Capsule Sleeping Pack
Editors' choice: Cle de Peau Beaute Illuminating Concentrate
Dark spot treatment
Readers' choice: SK-II Whitening Power Spots Specialist
Editors' choice: Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser III Integral Whiteness Spot Eraser
Anti-ageing cleanser
Readers' choice: Shiseido Vital-perfection Treatment Cleansing Foam
Editors' choice: Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Treatment Boosting Cleanser
Anti-ageing toning lotion
Readers' choice: Skinfood Black Pomegranate Toner
Editors' choice: Fresh Black Tea Age-Delay Instant Infusion
Anti-ageing mask
Readers' choice: La Mer The Lifting & Firming Mask
Editors' choice: Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask
Anti-ageing serum
Readers' choice: Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Caplet Serum
Editors' choice: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
Shaping/lifting serum
Readers' choice: Clarins Shaping Facial Lift
Editors' choice: Chanel Le Lift Serum
Shaping/lifting moisturiser
Readers' choice: Origins Plantscription Powerful Lifting Cream
Editors' choice: Pond's Age Miracle Firm & Lift Face & Neck Lifting Day Cream SPF 30/PA++
Anti-ageing day moisturiser
Readers' choice: Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme Oil-Free SPF15
Editors' choice: Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Firming/Sculpting Face and Neck Creme Oil-Free SPF15
Anti-ageing night moisturiser
Readers' choice: Lancome Renergie French Lift
Editors' choice: Lancome Renergie French Lift
Anti-ageing day and night moisturiser
Readers' choice: Laneige Time Freeze Intensive Cream
Editors' choice: Uriage Isoliss Fluide
Pre-serum
Readers' choice: Biotherm Life Plankton Essence
Editors' choice: Cle de Peau Beaute Le Serum
Pore refining/ skin-purifying cleanser
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: Bio-essence Miracle Bio Water Cleansing Gel (Soap Free)
Editors' choice: Hada Labo Deep Clean & Pore Refining Face Wash
• Department store/Speciality store category
Readers' choice: Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Editors' choice: Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser
Pore-refining/skin purifying moisturiser
Readers' choice: Laneige Trouble Relief Cream
Editors' choice: Vichy Normaderm Night Detox
Pore-refining, skin-purifying mask
Readers' choice: Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask
Editors' choice: Glamglow Powermud Dualcleanse Treatment
Exfoliator
Readers' choice: Ettusais Peeling Milk N
Editors' choice: La Prairie Cellular Mineral Face Exfoliator
Overnight mask
Readers' choice: Bio-essence Hydra Tri-Action Aqua Droplet Sleeping Beauty Mask
Editors' choice: Guerlain Blanc de Perle White P.E.A.R.L. Sleeping Mask
Sunscreen gel/lotion/spray
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion SPF50/PA+++
Editors' choice: Nivea Sun Protect & Refresh Refreshing Sun Lotion SPF30
• Department store/speciality store category
Readers' choice: Kose Sekkisei Sun Protect Essence Gel SPF50+/PA++++
Editors' choice: DrGL Sun Protection Mist SPF29/PA++ (Hair/Face/Body)
Sunscreen cream/stick
Readers' choice: The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco Power Long-Lasting Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++
Editors' choice: Creme Simon Daily Defense UV Protector SPF50
Acne spot treatment
Readers' choice: Laneige Trouble Relief Spot Gel
Editors' choice: Kate Somerville HydraClear Hydrating Acne Gel
Cleansing oil
Readers' choice: Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-shine Fresh Cleansing Oil
Editors' choice: VDL Pure Cleansing Oil Cream (Strong)
Bloggers' choice: Kose Sekkisei Clear Cleansing Oil
Makeup remover
Readers' choice: Biore Micellar Cleansing Water
Editors' choice: Cosme Decorte AQ MW Eye & Lip Makeup Remover
Bloggers' choice: Creme Simon Brightening Detox Micellar Water Makeup Remover for Eyes and Face
Makeup primer
Readers' choice: M.A.C Prep + Prime Natural Radiance
Editors' choice: Tarte Colored Clay CC Primer
Bloggers' choice: Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector
Makeup base
Readers' choice: SK-II Clear Beauty Care & Control Cream
Editors' choice: Cle de Peau Beaute Correcting Cream Veil
Bloggers' choice: Ettusais BB Mineral Gel SPF25/PA+++
Compact foundation: Mattifying
Readers' choice: Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation SPF16/PA+++
Editors' choice: Bobbi Brown Skin Weightless Powder Foundation SPF16/PA+++
Bloggers' choice: Shiseido Global Suncare UV Protective Compact Foundation SPF35/PA+++
Compact foundation: Brightening
Readers' choice: Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation SPF 25/PA+++
Editors' choice: Chanel Le Blanc Light Creator Whitening Compact Foundation SPF 25/PA+++
Bloggers' choice: Kanebo Impress IC White Powder Foundation
Liquid foundation
Readers' choice: Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15
Editors' choice: Cle de Peau Beaute Radiant Fluid Foundation
Bloggers' choice: Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet SPF15
Setting powder
Readers' choice: Make Up For Ever HD Pressed Powder
Editors' choice: Urban Decay Naked Skin Ultra Definition Loose Finishing Powder
Bloggers' choice: Izu Loose Powder
Blusher
Readers' choice: Laneige Pure Radiant Blush
Editors' choice: Clinique Cheek Pop
Bloggers' choice: Make Up For Ever HD Cream Blush
Loose powder
Readers' choice: Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation with Mini Kabuki Brush SPF15
Editors' choice: Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation with Mini Kabuki Brush SPF15
Bloggers' choice: Chanel Vitalumiere Loose Powder Foundation with Mini Kabuki Brush SPF15
Concealer
Readers' choice: Laneige Watery Cushion Concealer
Editors' choice: Tom Ford Beauty Concealing Pen
Bloggers' choice: Laneige Watery Cushion Concealer
BB cream
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: Hada Labo Air BB SPF50+/PA+++
Editors' choice: Maybelline New York BB Wonder Smooth Compact Cream
Bloggers' choice: K-Palette Zero Tema BB Cream
• Department Store/speciality store categories
Readers' choice: Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Essence BB
Editors' choice: Sulwhasoo Snowise Whitening Essence BB
Bloggers' choice: Guerlain Super-Aqua Serum BB Hydra+
CC Cream
Readers' choice: M.A.C Prep + Prime CC Colour Correcting SPF30
Editors' choice: Bobbi Brown CC Cream SPF35
Bloggers' choice: Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Forever Light Creator CC Creme SPF35/PA+++
Highlighting powder/gel/cream
Readers' choice: Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder
Editors' choice: Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder
Bloggers' choice: Guerlain Meteorites Light Revealing Pearls of Powder
Multi-purpose mascara
Readers' choice: Lancome Grandiose Mascara
Editors' choice: Estee Lauder Double Wear Extreme Zero-Smudge All-Effects Mascara
Bloggers' choice: Majolica Majorca Lash King (Renew)
Volumising mascara
Readers' choice: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof
Editors' choice: Missha M Super Extreme Powerproof Mascara
Bloggers' choice: Chanel Le Volume De Chanel Waterproof
Eyeshadow: Single
Readers' choice: NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
Editors' choice: Make Up For Ever Artist Shadow
Bloggers' choice: NARS Dual-Intensity Eyeshadow
Eyeshadow: compact
Readers' choice: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow
Editors' choice: Cle de Peau Beaute Eye Colour Quad
Bloggers' choice: Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow
Liquid Eyeliner
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: Maybelline New York Hyper Sharp Liner
Editors' choice: Clio Waterproof Pen Liner Kill Black
Bloggers' choice: Maybelline New York Hyper Glossy Electrics
• Department store/ speciality store category
Readers' choice: Shu Uemura Calligraph:ink Liquid Eyeliner
Editors' choice: Tom Ford Beauty Eye Defining Pen
Bloggers' choice: Tom Ford Beauty Eye Defining Pen
Pencil Eyeliner
Readers' choice: Maybelline New York Color Show Crayon Khol Liner
Editors' choice: Maybelline New York Color Show Crayon Khol Liner
Bloggers' choice: Smashbox Always Sharp 3D Liner
Gel Eyeliner
Readers' choice: Bobbi Brown Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner
Editors' choice: Shu Uemura Drawing Pencil
Bloggers' choice: M.A.C Fluidline Eye Pencil
Under-eye concealer
Readers' choice: Shiseido Makeup Sheer Eye Zone Corrector
Editors' choice: Shiseido Makeup Sheer Eye Zone Corrector
Bloggers' choice: Shiseido Makeup Sheer Eye Zone Corrector
Eyebrow powder/pencil/gel
Readers' choice: M.A.C Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set
Editors' choice: K-Palette 1Day Tattoo Real Lasting 2Way Eyebrow
Bloggers' choice: Guerlain Eyebrow Kit
Anti-ageing eye serum
Readers' choice: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II
Editors' choice: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Synchronized Complex II
Anti-ageing eye care
Readers' choice: SK-II Stempower Eye Cream
Editors' choice: Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv Ultimate Contouring Eye Lift
Hydrating eye care
Readers' choice: Laneige Water Bank Eye Gel
Editors' choice: Fresh Rose Hydrating Eye Gel Cream
Brightening eye care
Readers' choice: Jurlique Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream
Editors' choice: Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Bright Eye Illuminating Cream
All-in-one eye care
Readers' choice: SK-II Facial Treatment Essence - Eye
Editors' choice: Clarins Extra-Firming Eye Complete Rejuvenating Cream
Lip treatment
Readers' choice: Chanel Hydra Beauty Nutrition Nourishing Lip Care
Editors' choice: Bioderma Atoderm Moisturising Stick
Bloggers' choice: Clinique Chubby Stick Baby Tint Moisturising Lip Colour Balm
Lipgloss
Readers' choice: M.A.C Mineralize Glass
Editors' choice: Shiseido Lacquer Gloss
Bloggers' choice: Shiseido Lacquer Gloss
Lipstick: glossy
Readers' choice: Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick
Editors' choice: Laneige Serum Intense Lipstick
Bloggers' choice: Nars Audacious Lipstick
Liquid lipstick
Readers' choice: Maybelline New York Lip Polish by Color Sensational
Editors' choice: VDL Expert Colour Lip Stain (Patent Shine)
Bloggers' choice: Etude House Color Lips-fit
All-in-one lip colour
Readers' choice: Dior Dior Addict Fluid Stick
Editors' choice: Lancome Lip Lover
Bloggers' choice: Too Faced Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick
Lip and Cheek Colour
Readers' choice: Shu Uemura Tint-in Gelato
Editors' choice: Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Baby Doll Kiss & Blush
Bloggers' choice: Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Baby Doll Kiss & Blush
Nail Polish
Readers' choice: Sally Hansen Miracle Gel
Editors' choice: NARS Nail Polish
Hand treatment
Readers' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Ultra-moisturising Hand Therapy
Editors' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Ultra-moisturising Hand Therapy
Rich body treatment
Readers' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Pear and Pink Magnolia Body Souffle
Editors' choice: Aveda Stress-fix Body Creme
Light body treatment
Readers' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Body Lotion
Editors' choice: Nivea Body Whitening Night Serum
Body wash
Readers' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Body Wash
Editors' choice: Dewi Sri Spa Martha Tilaar Bali Pranaya Body Wash
Body scrub
Readers' choice: Crabtree & Evelyn Caribbean Island Wild Flowers Body Polish and The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Rough Scrub
Editors' choice: Pupa Intensive Anti-Cellulite Scrub
Slimming/Firming/Anti-cellulite treatment
Readers' choice: Bio-essence Celebrity's Choice Inchloss 3-In-1 Body Sculpting Cream
Editors' choice: Sisley Cellulinov
Body Oil
Readers' choice: L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
Editors' choice: L'Occitane Almond Supple Skin Oil
Colour-/shine-protecting Shampoo
Readers' choice: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo
Editors' choice: Mucota A/33 Shampoo
Hair-smoothing Shampoo
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris Keratin Smooth 72H Perfecting Shampoo
Editors' choice: Moist Diane Moist & Shine Moist Shampoo
• Speciality store category/salon category
Readers' choice: Skinfood Argan Oil Silk Hair Shampoo
Editors' choice: Goldwell Kerasilk Rich Keratin Care Shampoo
Hair-strengthening Shampoo
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Anti- Breakage Shampoo
Editors' choice: Alterna Caviar Repair Rx Instant Recovery Shampoo
Volumising Shampoo
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Thickening Shampoo
Editors' choice: Joico Body Luxe Shampoo
Hair-smoothing conditioner
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris Keratin Smooth 72H Perfecting Conditioner
Editors' choice: Moist Diane Moist & Shine Moist Treatment
• Speciality store category/salon category
Readers' choice: Kerastase Discipline Fondant Fluidealiste
Editors' choice: Living Proof No Frizz Conditioner
Hair-strengthening conditioner
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Anti-Breakage Conditioner
Editors' choice: Alterna Caviar Repair Rx Instant Recovery Conditioner
Volumising conditioner
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Thickening Conditioner
Editors' choice: Goldwell DualSenses Ultra Volume Lightweight Conditioner
Dull/dry/damaged hair leave-in treatment
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris EverStrong Anti-Breakage Serum
Editors' choice: Rich Pure Luxury Maximum Brilliance Protect & Shine
• Speciality store category/salon category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Sealing Repair
Editors' choice: L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Sealing Repair
Dull/dry/damaged hair rinse-off treatment
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris Keratin Smooth 72H 1 Minute Perfecting Mask
Editors' choice: Giovanni 2chic Ultra- Moist Avocado & Olive Oil Deep Deep Moisture Hair Mask
• Speciality store/salon category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Professionnel Absolut Repair Lipidium Instant Resurfacing Masque
Editors' choice: Aveda Dry Remedy Moisturizing Treatment Masque
Curling/waves styling product
Readers' choice: John Frieda Frizz Ease Dream Curls Daily Styling Spray
Editors' choice: Label.m Sea Salt Spray
Volumising styling product
Readers' choice: Shiseido Professional Stage Works Hair Powder Shake
Editors' choice: Lucido-L Designing Whip Hair Foam<Volume>
Anti-frizz styling product
Readers' choice: Kerastase Discipline Fluidissime
Editors' choice: Living Proof No Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream
Natural/flexible hold styling product
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Professionnel Tecni.Art Wild Stylers Depolish
Editors' choice: Lucido-L Hair Wax <Nuance> Design
Multi-purpose hair oil
• Drugstore category
Readers' choice: L'Oreal Paris Extraordinary Oil + UV Filter
Editors' choice: Tsubaki Hair Oil
• Speciality store/salon category
Readers' choice: Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil
Editors' choice: Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil
Women's EDT: Fresh
Readers' choice: Kenzo Flower In The Air EDT
Editors' choice: Kenzo Flower In The Air EDT
Women's EDP: Fresh
Readers' choice: Burberry My Burberry EDP
Editors' choice: Atkinsons Rose in Wonderland EDP
Women's EDT: sophisticated
Readers' choice: Dior Addict Eau de Toilette
Editors' choice: Kiehl's Aromatic Blends Patchouli and Fresh Rose EDT
Women's EDP: sophisticated
Readers' choice: Chloe Love Story EDP
Editors' choice: Karl Lagerfeld for Women EDP
Men's EDT: sophisticated
Readers' choice: Issey Miyake Nuit d'Issey pour Homme EDT
Editors' choice: Kenzo Homme Night EDT
Men's EDT: Fresh
Readers' choice: Calvin Klein CK One Red Edition for Him EDT
Editors' choice: Hermes Terre d'Hermes Eau Tres Fraiche
Men's EDP
Readers' choice: Gucci Oud EDP
Editors' choice: Prada Luna Rossa Extreme EDP
Facial Oil
Readers' choice: Jurlique Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil
Editors' choice: Sisley Black Rose Precious Face Oil
Essence Lotion
Readers' choice: Estee Lauder Micro Essence Skin Activating Treatment Lotion
Editors' choice: Clinique Even Better Essence Lotion
Cushion BB Cream/Foundation
Readers' choice: Laneige BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+/PA+++
Editors' choice: Sulwhasoo Evenfair Perfecting Cushion SPF50+/PA+++
Bloggers' choice: Laneige BB Cushion [Pore Control] SPF50+/PA+++
Best Counter Service:
Estee Lauder
Readers' choice: Innisfree
Editors' choice: Ioma
Most Inspiring Fragrance Ad:
Gucci Flora