The results of a Harris Poll are in — Origins and Physicians Formula both earned the title Brand of the Year in the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend, while Neutrogena Suncare was named Sun Screen Brand of the Year. The Harris Poll EquiTrend is an annual brand health assessment of over 1,500 product, service, and lifestyle brands from Harris Interactive.

Origins ranked highest in the Prestige Cosmetics category, and Physicians Formula topped Mass-Market Cosmetics brands. But — Physicians Formula’s equity score outpaces that of the more high-end Origins. These results indicate that mass-market cosmetic brands continue to gain while prestige cosmetics remain flat, according to Harris Interactive.

“Perhaps it’s the lingering recession; perhaps it’s the continuing outflow of these brands through discount beauty and health channels. Regardless of the reason, the 2012 Harris Poll EquiTrend study indicates that just being present at a department store counter is not enough to maintain allure with the general population, particularly a younger generation raised on specialty retail,” stated Joan Sinopoli, senior vice president and senior consultant, Harris Interactive’s Custom Solutions Group.

In the Prestige category, Origins also ranked highest for Quality and Purchase Consideration. Shieseido Cosmetics took second place, followed by MAC, Sephora Cosmetics, and Bare Escentuals.

In Mass, Physicians Formula trumped other brands in its scores for Consumer Connection and Brand Momentum. Rimmel Cosmetics came in second, followed by Olay Cosmetics, Neutrogena Cosmetics, and Maybelline Cosmetics.

In the Sun Screen category, Neutrogena Sun Care earned the top scores, shining in Quality and Trust. Consumers displayed a strong willingness to recommend Neutrogena. The more affordable No-Ad Suncare brand took second place, followed by Coppertone and Banana Boat.