AWARD
Thousands of Cosmo Readers Voted—These Are the Best Beauty Products of the Year
KARA MCGRATH, Photographed by Jared Kocka, cosmopolitan.com
PRESS
September 2, 2026
For the fifth year in a row, thousands of you voted on the products you’re passionate about, declaring them the best of the best. These are the 151 that came out on top.
If there’s one thing we know (and love) about Cosmo readers, it’s that you have strong opinions—particularly when it comes to beauty. That’s why, in addition to our annual editor-picked awards, we’ve been asking you to cast your votes for the best hair, makeup, skincare, nail, and fragrance products for the past five years. This year, nearly 12,000 readers cast hundreds of thousands of votes to make sure their favorites won.
In an industry that churns out thousands of new launches every year, we expected you all to crown a few buzzy newcomers the best of the best—and you did. But what stood out even more was just how many tried-and-true staples earned your votes once again. From cult-favorite cleansers to iconic mascaras and beloved fragrances, this year’s winners prove that while trends come and go, classic products that actually deliver never go out of style.
