Prix Awards 2022: Here's what our judges think about the winners

We awarded the best beauty products in the world, here's what the judges think about the 2022 Prix winners

(Image credit: Keaton Chau)

published 27 May 2022

Here's why the Prix winners deserve their accolade according to our panel of beauty experts

Every year, Marie Claire beauty teams from across the globe put their heads together to find the best beauty products in the world. After months of rigorous testing (for the best formulas, packaging, pay-off and fragrance), the products get their time in the limelight at the Marie Claire UK Prix D’Excellence Awards 2022.

I don't doubt that you trust our beauty team's opinions when it comes to picking the best foundation, lipsticks and skincare but you probably want to know the reasoning behind this year's 11 product winners. Well, here it is!

If you are a beauty nerd, want to brush up on your product knowledge or impress your friends with an oh-so-flippant fact about Gucci lipsticks read on. Here you'll find out exactly why you should click 'buy' on the Marie Claire UK Prix D’Excellence winners.

1. Dior Prestige Le Baume Démaquillant & Dior Cica Recover Balm

This year, two Dior products made it to the top spot to win the International Jury's Favourite Award. Marie Claire UK's Senior Beauty Editor Katie Thomas put it perfectly when she presented the award, saying: "There is a reason this brand's products have been in our beauty draws since the 1950s. The brand has been firmly ingrained into the DNA of global beauty thanks to its trusted, long-lasting and luxurious product range."

2. Guerlain Abeille Royale Eye R Repair Serum, Abeille Royale Advanced Youth Watery Oil, Terracotta The Bronzing Powder & Kiss Kiss Shine Bloom

Not one, two, three but four products from heritage brand Guerlain were made the Special Jury winner at this year's Prix, and for good reason. "Whether you’re a pro-makeup artist, skincare junkie or enjoy a simple beauty routine, this brand has probably got the product for you," said Lisa Oxenham, Beauty and Style Director at Marie Claire UK. She added: "This year, the brand's launches across make-up and skincare have epitomised its authority and expertise."

3. Drunk Elephant

When it comes to the Global Brand Award, the Marie Claire team hunts for a collection that ticks all of the boxes. Lisa Oxenham said: "Drunk Elephant formulates powerful products that are easy to use, great for all skin types and its packaging is picture perfect, the team has built a product range that is perfect for the modern woman."

4. Lancôme Absolue The Serum

All of the international awards are voted for by 24 of the most knowledgeable beauty experts in the business, which is why the winners really are the best of the best. Lancôme's Absolue The Serum won the fight for the top spot thanks to it's "intensive concentrate that smooths the surface of the skin with the brands patented rose molecule technology." Katie Thomas continued, "The subtle floral scent also works to soothe your senses. It’ll undoubtedly be a staple in beauty cupboards for years to come."

5. Chanel Sublimage L’Essence de Tient

"Chanel has created a formula that pushes our base layers to the next level," started Lisa Oxenham when she awarded the brand with an International Prix Award. She continued: "This foundation combines light reflecting particles and pigment to deliver luminosity when your skin is lacklustre. Something, I think, we could all do with right now!"

6. The Cream 230 from Hair Rituel by Sisley Paris

Our final international award was awarded to a haircare product that really does tick all of the boxes. "We all want products that protect our hair from heat, tangles, breakage and frizz," started Katie Thomas, she says, "The Cream 230 is a one stop shop for all of these things. The product leaves hair feeling nourished, soft and strong without leaving any heavy residue. That's why it's come out on top at Prix."

7. Biossance Squalane and Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum

The Transatlantic Award made its debut at this year's Prix. Deena Campbell, Beauty Director of US Marie Claire, joined us via video call from across the pond to present the award. She said: "At Marie Claire, we pride ourselves in spotlighting brands that create outstanding products without compromising the environment, and Biossance does just that. Conceived from a biotech company, Biossance consumer-facing products first hit the market in 2016 and the brand has never looked back."

8. Gucci Beauty Rouge De Beauté Brilliant Lipsticks

Who is the perfect judge for the British make-up award? Ateh Jewel, of course! The queen of inclusive beauty took to the stage to reward Gucci Beauty a Prix award for its Rouge De Beauté Brilliant Lipsticks. She said: "The makeup category is always a tough one to pin down. We tested powders, shadows and concealers, but it was a lip product that we loved the most."

"This year, Gucci has been on our screens, our celebs and now I’m proud to be awarding them a Prix. The Rouge De Beauté Brilliant Lipsticks are a perfect addition to my ever-growing lip collection."

9. L’Oréal Professionnel Metal Detox Anti-Deposit Protector Mask

Hair experts across the country have been coveting this product since its launch last year. That's why we invited Adam Reed, founder his own salons, headcare range and Loréal ambassador, to present the British Prix haircare winner. On the award-winning mask, Reed said: "Every so often, there’s a product that takes the market by storm and this product did just that. If you highlight, balayage, or bleach your hair you’ll have definitely smothered this product on your locks."

10. La Roche Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF50+

When it comes to skincare Alice Hart-Davis is a name we can all trust. As well as being on the panel for this year's Prix awards, she is a famous skincare journalist and the author of The Tweakments Guide. She awarded La Roche Posay the British skincare award for their new suncare launch: "Skincare sales are continuing to soar with ‘skinimalism’ being ongoing trend. All of us are cutting back on the number of products we use, and instead we ate rooting for specific ones that really work. This is a multi-faceted product that was always destined to fit into, and simplify, everyone’s multi-tasking routines."

11. Neal's Yard Remedies Women's Balance Massage Oil

Sustainability is key to everything we do at Marie Claire, which is why our Managing Director Caroline Stent was proud to present Neal's Yard Remedies with a Prix Award this year. The Women's Balance Massage Oil is formulated from natural ingredients that safe for the planet and women, in fact it's designed to optimise menopausal women's health. Caroline said: "It’s no surprise that self care has been at the top of our agendas over the last year. Coming to terms with new routines, rules and ways of life means that products that nurture our mind, body and soul have been vital over the last 12 months. This product does all of these things. Congratulations NYR on another great launch."

Grace Warn is the at Commercial Producer & Writer Marie Claire UK. From organising cover shoots and uncovering the latest news to creating social content, she loves the fact that no one day is the same!

Growing up just outside of London, Grace made the leap at 16 and started to intern. Juggling education, earning money, styling, producing and organising numerous fashion cupboards was as intoxicating as it was challenging and it's what's brought her here today.

After graduating in the pandemic, the only option was to take on as many freelance roles as possible. From demystifying health jargon to keeping up with the latest footwear drops, a strange concoction of health and footwear journalism became Grace's bread and butter but she always wanted a break in lifestyle journalism and production. Then she landed her dream role!

When she's not racing to deadlines, Grace can be found on anything that could pass as a dancefloor dancing to Diana Ross or scouting out vintage sales on the outskirts out South London - believe it or not, Beckenham is the place to go!