Dotdash Meredith’s Real Simple named the annual winners in its Smart Beauty Awards.

Emphasizing economy and efficiency, these winners aim to simplify routines—and cost less than $25 each.

Liz Vaccariello, Editor-in-Chief, Real Simple, comments, “For this year’s Smart Beauty Awards, we followed our ethos of cutting through the clutter and parred things down for our audience to highlight the select products that truly make a difference in our daily beauty routines without needing to do a complete overhaul.”

She continues, “These winners solve problems that our readers are always asking us about, such as a concealer that fakes an awake look, mascara that colors and curls, and body lotion that comes in sustainable packaging among others.”

A few highlights are below. 

Highlights from Real Simple’s 2022 Smart Beauty Award Winners

• Undereye Brightener: Benefit Boi-ing Bright on Concealer (shown above)


• Sustainable Skin Smoother: MyKirei by Kao Soothing Peony Milky Lotion


• Bounce Booster: L’Oréal Paris Dream Lengths Curls Refresh & Reshape Leave-In Spray


• Exfoliating Cleanser: Cocokind AHA Jelly Cleanser (shown above)


• Do-It-All Mascara: Maybelline New York Volum’ Express Colossal Curl Bounce Mascara


• Eye Anti-Ager: RoC Multi Correxion Hydrate + Plump Eye Cream


• Shampoo and Conditioner Duo: Generation Beauty by Pantene Full & Vibrant


• One-and-Done Night Cream: Garnier Labs Retinol-Berry Serum Cream


• Lip-Loving Color: Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip (pack of three, shown above)


• Perfect-Balance SPF: Hydro Boost Hyaluronic Acid Moisturizer SPF 50