Home » Beauty

The 2014 Cosmo Beauty Awards: Editors’ and Readers’ Best Picks

Discover the standout makeup, skin, and hair products of 2014—editor-selected and reader-voted—in the ultimate Cosmo Beauty Awards roundup.

By Medha deb

Created on Oct 2, 2025

Discover the standout makeup, skin, and hair products of 2014—editor-selected and reader-voted—in the ultimate Cosmo Beauty Awards roundup.

The beauty world never sleeps, and in 2014, it outdid itself. The Cosmo Beauty Awards are back again, spotlighting the latest launches and venerable must-haves in makeup, skincare, hair, and body care. This year’s selection blends the expertise of Cosmopolitan editors with the passions of more than 40,000 readers who cast votes through Twitter and other channels. Our awards show is part Oscars, part People’s Choice—showcasing innovation, quality, and the products you can’t stop reaching for.

How the Winners Were Chosen

Cosmopolitan editors rigorously tested the year’s hottest releases, consulting leading industry experts and looking for products that set new standards or solved beauty dilemmas in creative ways. To add the voice of real beauty lovers, readers also weighed in, with thousands voting for their go-to treasures. Together, these selections represent the best routine-upgraders, problem-solvers, and all-time classics the beauty aisle offered in 2014.

Best Makeup Products

Best Lipstick

One swipe is all it takes to know why the award goes to Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy Sculpting Lipstick. With its moisturizing formula and vibrant pigment, it delivers both luxury and performance. A spectrum of shades means every skin tone finds its perfect match.

Best Liquid Lip Color

For those who want the drama of a gloss and the coverage of a lipstick, Dior Addict Fluid Stick wins big. Its innovative texture fuses mirror-like shine with intense color in a lightweight, non-sticky formula.

Best Lip Balm

Topping the lip care charts is Maybelline New York Baby Lips. Affordable and irresistibly cute, this balm moisturizes chapped lips while leaving a soft, sheer tint that’s perfect for any occasion.

Readers’ Kiss of Approval for Ultimate Lipstick

MAC Lipstick stood out by miles in the reader votes. With iconic shades from Ruby Woo to Velvet Teddy, MAC’s bullet lipsticks are famous for enduring color and a cult following.

Best Foundation

Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet Smooth-Effect Makeup SPF 15 delivers a natural, flawless finish. Editors praised its light-as-air texture and impressive ability to blur imperfections without masking your real skin.

Best Concealer

For faking a full night’s sleep, the editors’ favorite is Charlotte Tilbury The Retoucher. It glides on seamlessly, brightening under-eyes and erasing breakouts thanks to its radiant yet natural coverage.

Best Alphabet Cream (BB/CC)

Bare Minerals Prime Time BB Primer-Cream Daily Defense SPF 30 offers multitasking genius—priming, moisturizing, protecting, and perfecting in one tube.

Best Face Powder

Givenchy Poudre Première topped this category for its ultra-fine, finish-perfecting results. The silky texture keeps shine at bay without ever looking chalky or cakey.

Best Blusher

Editors loved Clinique Cheek Pop for its fresh, floral-embossed finish and buildable color that delivers a healthy, natural-looking flush.

Best Bronzer

For a sun-kissed glow, Michael Kors Glam Beam Bronze Powder brings both shimmer and warmth in an oversized, glamorous compact.

Best Under-Eye Brightener

Fatigue disappears instantly with Illamasqua Skin Base Lift Concealer. Its creamy formula covers dark circles softly while reflecting light for brighter, fresher eyes.

Readers’ Kiss of Approval for Ultimate Foundation

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation clinched the popular vote due to its long-wearing, non-cakey, and affordable formula that stands up to anything your day brings.

Readers’ Kiss of Approval for Ultimate Blusher

Beloved for its easily blendable color, Benefit Blusher dominated reader ballots with shades like Dandelion and Coralista delivering year-round radiance.

Best Eye Makeup

Best Mascara

Thickening, lengthening, and dramatic, Max Factor Excess Volume Extreme Impact Mascara claims its crown for giving true night-out lashes in a single sweep.

Best Eyeshadow

YSL Couture Eyeshadow Palettes stood out thanks to on-trend color harmonies and buttery textures that blend with zero fallout.

Best Brow-Booster

In 2014, Benefit Gimme Brow became the go-to solution for fuller, more defined brows. Its tinted microfibers latch onto hairs for a naturally lush finish—no expertise required.

Best Eyeliner

Smashbox Always Sharp Waterproof Kohl Liner wowed editors with its twist-up, self-sharpening tip and smudge-proof, all-day wear in both bold and neutral shades.

Readers’ Kiss of Approval for Ultimate Mascara

Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara, the iconic pink-and-green tube, easily stole hearts among voters, praised for its buildable, classic definition at a wallet-friendly price.

Best Skincare Products

Best Cleanser

Clarins Extra-Comfort Anti-Pollution Cleansing Cream keeps skin calm, soft, and free from grime—even city-dwelling editors swore by its gentle touch.

Best Micellar Water

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water made makeup removal effortless, with a no-rinse, non-irritating formula suitable for even sensitive skin.

Best Anti-Aging Product (Reader’s Choice)

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II remains a staple. Readers swore by its smoothing, renewing powers and universally pleasing results for more luminous skin.

Best Facial Sun Protection

Piz Buin Ultra Light Dry Touch Face Fluid SPF30 delivers invisible sun defense, comfortable enough for daily wear and layers effortlessly under makeup.

Best All-Over Sun Protection

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Smooth Lotion SPF30 won fans for its high UVA/UVB protection and lightweight feel that absorbs rapidly with no white cast.

Best Facial Self-Tan

Lancôme Flash Bronzer Self-Tanning Face Gel develops into a believable golden glow, never streaky or orange, ideal for sun-safe radiance year-round.

Best Body Self-Tan

He-Shi Gold Foaming Mousse is a favorite for fast, even, transfer-resistant color with an easy-apply mousse texture and no telltale odor.

Readers’ Kiss of Approval for Ultimate Self-Tan

With its foolproof mousse and beautiful finish, St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mousse is the unanimous winner among self-tan devotees.

Best Body Care

Best Body Cleanser

Bioderma Atoderm Nutri-Protective Cleansing Cream keeps irritation-prone and dry skin feeling comfortable and soft during every shower.

Best Body Scrub

The Body Shop Early Harvest Raspberry Body Scrub transforms exfoliation into a treat with natural seeds, fruity scent, and a formula gentle enough for regular use.

Best Body-Firming Potion

Mio The A Cream delivers smoother, more resilient skin using a rich blend of hydration and elasticity-boosting active ingredients.

Best Body Moisturiser

Vaseline Spray & Go Body Moisturiser changed the body lotion game with an instantly-absorbed spray format, ideal for busy mornings or on-the-go touch-ups.

Best Deodorant

Dove Compressed Original Anti-Perspirant gets bonus points for its compact, travel-friendly size paired with long-lasting protection and skin-soothing ingredients.

Editors’ and Readers’ Special Picks

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation – Readers’ favorite for reliable, affordable, and longwear coverage.
Benefit Blusher – Reader-adored for lively color and effortless application.
Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara – Trusted by generations for classic volume at a steal.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair – Consistently delivers brighter, younger-looking skin, according to legions of fans.
St Tropez Self Tan – Foolproof, natural bronze loved by readers everywhere.

2014’s Breakthroughs and Innovations

Clingy brow fibers (as with Benefit’s Gimme Brow) changed the brow game, enabling even sparse-browed beauties to boost fullness in seconds.
Beauty brands released amazing micellar waters that make cleansing quick, simple, and suited for all skin types.
Bold new lip trends—from sculpted creamy mattes to liquid shine hybrids—redefined what a statement lip can be.
Reader-favorite sunless tanners became even easier to apply, with streak-free and nourishing formulas making bronzed skin effortless and safe.

FAQs: The Cosmo Beauty Awards 2014

Q: How were the Cosmo Beauty Awards decided?

A: Editors tested and reviewed the newest and standout products released that year, while Cosmopolitan readers voted for their time-tested favorites on social media.

Q: Can I still buy the winning products?

A: Many of the 2014 winners remain available at beauty retailers, while some special editions or limited releases may now be discontinued. Most winning brands offer updated versions that build on these fan favorites.

Q: What sets these awards apart from others?

A: The blend of expert testing by editors and real-world feedback from readers makes the Cosmo Beauty Awards particularly relevant—celebrating both innovation and everyday reliability.

Q: Are there categories for hair and fragrance?

A: Yes! Though the sections here focus on core makeup and skincare, the full awards list in 2014 also recognized exceptional products in haircare, scent, and more.

Quick Reference Table: Editor & Reader Makeup Favorites

Category	Editor Winner	Reader Winner
Lipstick	Estée Lauder Pure Color Envy	MAC Lipstick
Foundation	Chanel Perfection Lumière Velvet	Rimmel London Lasting Finish
Mascara	Max Factor Excess Volume	Maybelline Great Lash
Blusher	Clinique Cheek Pop	Benefit Blusher
Self-Tan	He-Shi Gold Foaming Mousse	St Tropez Self Tan Mousse

Tips for Choosing Your Own Beauty Award Winners

Consider your skin type when selecting cleansers, foundations, or moisturizers to ensure best results.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with trending formulas, especially in categories like lip color or brow boosters—many newer releases blend performance with skin-friendly ingredients.
Check for SPF in your daily products to help protect against sun damage every day, not just at the beach.
Listen to both expert advice and peer reviews; the most reliable favorites tend to appear in both lists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What was the highlight trend of 2014’s beauty launches?

A: Innovative brow enhancers, lightweight BB/CC creams, and the rise of cleansing micellar waters led the year’s most popular launches.

Q: Why are reader votes included?

A: Reader votes ensure the awards reflect not just editorial opinion but also the real-world, everyday favorites enjoyed by the beauty community.

Q: Where can I see the full list of winners?

A: The full catalog of 2014 winners is available from Cosmopolitan in both print and online beauty awards archives, detailing every honored product across all categories.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb