When it comes to product awards run by magazines, I'm often quite dubious about the authenticity of the winners - especially when those with the biggest advertising budgets often reign supreme. However, when Cosmopolitan announced the victors of its eighth Beauty Awards this morning at Kensington Roof Gardens, I was pleasantly surprised to see David and Goliath-sized brands enjoying success side by side.
Cosmo’s awards are not yet as influential as Instyle magazine’s (the one every manufacturer is dying to be recognised in). But with an expert panel including hairdresser Michael Douglas, make-up artist Lisa Eldridge and House of Fraser beauty buyer Tracy Van Heusden, you know that many of its winners are going to be this year’s must-haves.
Thousands of products were tested by the experts and voted for by thousands of readers to result in 82 awards ranging in 13 categories. My favourites include Mac Lipstick for Ultimate Lipstick; Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation for Best Tinted Moisturiser; Aromatherapy Associates Fine Line Face Oil for Best Green Skincare; Liz Earle Superskin Body Cream for Best Body Moisturiser; Tangle Tweeze for Best Hairbrush; Hi-Shi Express Tan Liquid for Best Body Self-Tan; Xen-Tan Transform Luxe for Best Gradual Tan; and Fudge Matte Hed for Best Men’s Hair Texturiser.
After having the chance to view the trophies and winning products on plinths, attendees were given a speech from Cosmo editor Louise Court and publisher Justine Southall who unveiled the magazine’s future plans. Initiatives to grow the Cosmo brand include a heavy focus on its website – www.cosmopolitan.co.uk - as well as a revamped design. It will also be launching a free edition of the magazine for students where 250,000 copies will go out to university campuses this September. Finally, the magazine will also be announcing the winners of its Fragrance Awards in July.
And it's nice to know that it’s not just fashionistas who will benefit from bulging September issues of glossy magazines this year: beauty junkies will be treated too when Cosmo reveals the full list of its winners in a big bumper fashion and beauty issue. Better still, one lucky reader will have the chance to snap up every single product for free in a special competition. I’m told that details will be announced very soon…
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