Cosmetics and beauty retailer Sephora just released its annual Best of Sephora picks for 2007. This annual list is considered by most to be one of the top cosmetics and beauty “best of” lists, as winners are chosen by the customers themselves, not by a gaggle of stuffy women’s magazine editors. Here’s a wrap up of which products took the gold in each category.
Complexion
Gone are the days of liquid foundation followed by a heavy matte finish powder. In 2007, pore-friendly mineral make-up reigns supreme. The Bare Minerals mineral make-up system by cosmetics giant Bare Escentuals was picked as the best foundation, powder, and concealer. Cult hit Photo Finish by Smashbox was the pick for best make-up primer, and Laura Mercier was the pick for favorite tinted moisturizer.
Eyes
It’s no surprise that eyebrow waxer to the stars Anastasia won for best eyebrow enhancer with her All About Brows kit. Best eyeshadow went to Smashbox’s Eye Shadow Trio in Headshot, a three-color palette with a pinky and chocolate shade that flatters any complexion. Dior’s smash DiorShow mascara was named the best of its category, while best eye liner went to Sephora’s in-house brand.
Lips
Nars’ lip gloss version of their epically popular Orgasm blush won in its category, while the spicy cinnamon scented Lip Venom by DuWop was the pick for best lip plumper. Nars also won for best lipstick, with their semi-matte pale pink Dolce Vita shade.
Cheeks
Two cult favorites in this category. Best bronzer went to Benefit’s Hoola, an adorably packaged shimmering bronzer that makes you simply glow. Best blush went to – you guessed it – Nars Orgasm, the miraculous pressed powder blush that manages to flatter any skin tone.
Skincare
Philosophy took two categories for skin care; best cleanser went to Purity Made Simple, and best moisturizer went to Hope in a Jar for the second year in a row. Kinerase Intensive Eye Cream was deemed the best of its category, while the breakthrough and first of its kind Bare Escentuals RareMinerals powder was picked as best skin treatment product.
Philosophy’s Sweet Coconut Milk Body Butter was the pick for best moisturizer, and their Amazing Grace Bath, Shampoo, and Shower gel trio was picked as best body cleanser. The heavenly scented and highly effective Brown Sugar Body Polish by Fresh won for best scrub or exfoliant.
Hair
Frederic Fekkai won in every category, solidifying its spot as the indisputable top brand in hair care, giving industry giants such as Bumble & Bumble and Phyto a run for their money. Winning products were Technician Shampoo and Conditioner for Dry, Damaged, or Colored Hair, and the bestselling Glossing Cream.
Sun, Fragrance, and Tools
Shiseido was the pick for best sunscreen, while best self-tanner went to Clarins Self-Tanning Instant Gel, beating pricey spray-tanning system Fusion AirGlow. Philosophy won once again for best women’s fragrance for Amazing Grace, while best men’s fragrance went to Acqua Di Gio Pour Homme. Best beauty tool award was given to Sephora’s Bronzer Brush.
Biggest Beauty Breakthrough
Philosophy undeniably dominated in practically every category, but it was GoSmile’s Advanced Formula tooth whitening system that won for biggest beauty breakthrough. This system has been a red carpet secret for countless Hollywood starlets, and has been raved about in Cosmopolitan and Allure. So no big surprise that this mega-watt smile system was deemed the biggest breakthrough in the industry for 2007.
To purchase any of the products mentioned, please visit Sephora.com.
