The Ultimate Beauty Products of 2009: Cosmo’s Award Winners
We reveal the beauty must-haves of 2009, handpicked by readers and editors—makeup, skincare, haircare, and more, all in one essential guide.
The Best Beauty Products of 2009: Cosmo’s Ultimate Awards
Every year, the Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards recognize the standout beauty products that transform daily routines into moments of glamour. In 2009, over a thousand readers shared their cosmetics obsessions, voting on everything from mascaras to moisturizers. Whether you’re after vibrant eye shadow, a flawless base, or shine-enhancing haircare, this guide reveals the must-have products that captured the hearts (and vanities) of beauty lovers everywhere.
Contents
- Eye Makeup Winners
- Lip & Face Makeup Essentials
- Skincare Favorites
- Sun Protection Picks
- Specialty Beauty Products
- Top Haircare Products
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eye Makeup Winners
From sultry shadows to volumizing mascaras, 2009’s best eye products delivered color intensity, staying power, and effortless application. Here are the categories that made the largest impact:
Best Eye Shadow Line
MAC Eye Shadow was crowned for its richly pigmented hues and blendability. The expansive color range empowered wearers to create everything from subtle day looks to bold, artistic statements. Whether a single wash or a multi-shade masterpiece, the formula’s performance ensured color payoff that stayed vibrant all day.
Best Mascara
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara impressed with its oversized brush and flexible bristles. Fans loved how it instantly added noticeable volume without clumping, delivering lush lashes that frame the eyes for hours.
Best Eyeliner
Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer stood out for its creamy, waterproof application. The pencil glide on smoothly, offering intense, bold color that resisted smudging even after long nights out.
Your Favorite Statement-Making Shadow
Chanel Eyeshadow was the go-to for dramatic eyes. Its luxurious pigments and sophisticated finishes allowed for creative or classic eye looks, lasting through evening events without fading.
- Key features: High color intensity, broad palette, blendable texture
- User praise: Longevity, minimal fallout, vibrancy on all skin tones
Lip & Face Makeup Essentials
Polished complexions and perfect pouts led the charge in 2009. Whether keeping up with beauty trends or perfecting a classic glow, these products earned top marks:
Best Blush
Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush was beloved for its air-whipped texture. The formula was foolproof, making it easy to dab and blend for a natural or buildable flush using just your fingers or a brush. It melted seamlessly into the skin, eliminating harsh lines.
The Blush That Gives You Such a Luxe Flush
Clinique Quick Blush contained a built-in brush for portable convenience. Its silky, finely milled formula gave cheeks a vibrant, healthy glow, perfect for on-the-go touch-ups or at-home elegance.
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Best Blemish Cover-Up
Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer gained accolades for its dual action: not only did it camouflage blemishes, its infusion of salicylic acid aided in healing, offering a spot treatment and cover-up in one.
Best Foundation
Bare Minerals SPF 15 Foundation satisfied sensitive skin needs with its talc-free, oil-free, and fragrance-free composition. Light-reflective minerals brightened the face with a subtle sheen, creating an even, radiant complexion while providing sun protection.
How You Mimic a Movie-Star Mouth
Dior Addict High Shine Lipstick captured admiration for its glossy finish and moisturizing comfort. The high-shine formula glided on for showstopping lips, with a spectrum of bold to nude colors that lived up to red carpet standards.
The Bronzer You Deem Wedding-Worthy
Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess bronzer was known for its finely milled powder, imparting a natural, sun-kissed radiance that was never orange or overdone. Many used it for both contouring and all-over warmth, especially for special occasions.
The Lip Gloss You Save for Date Nights
Lancôme Juicy Tubes delighted wearers with their high-gloss shine, hydrating feel, and tempting fruity scents. The non-sticky formula and playful colors made them a favorite for romantic evenings.
- Multi-purpose coverage: Makeup that heals, hydrates, or offers built-in sun defense
- Elegant packaging: On-the-go portability and striking visuals
Skincare Favorites
Healthy skin provided the perfect canvas for any look. These crowd-pleasing cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments formed the backbone of 2009’s best beauty regimens:
Best Skin-Clearing Cleanser
Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash proved that acne-fighting didn’t have to mean over-drying. The gentle wash banished bacteria and excess oil without stripping the skin’s natural moisture, helping consumers stay clear without irritation.
Best Moisturizer
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer gained a following for its infusion of light-diffusing particles, creating an instant soft-focus effect. Over time, soy extract worked to even out skin tone, making it a staple for those seeking both immediate and long-term results.
Best Affordable Antiwrinkle Line
Olay Professional Pro-X became a favorite amongst those looking for cost-effective age defense. Retinol worked to soften fine lines, while glycerin provided moisture to avoid the dreaded flaky skin effect.
Best Acne Spot Treatment
Clean & Clear Advantage delivered targeted acne relief in a lightweight gel that didn’t dry out the skin, making it an ideal quick fix for sudden breakouts.
Best Eye Cream
Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller was praised for its easy rolling applicator, combining gentle massage with soothing caffeine to reduce morning swelling and brighten tired eyes.
- Key actives: Salicylic acid, retinol, soy extract, caffeine
- Consumer feedback: Noticeable results without irritation or heaviness
Sun Protection Picks
Defending against UV damage is a year-round necessity, and 2009 saw an array of advanced formulas that provided high-level protection without traditional drawbacks.
Best Face Sunscreen
Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free UVA/UVB Block SPF 45 stood out as a cult favorite for its complete spectrum protection. Enriched with vitamins A, C, and E, it nourished while shielding, offering a non-greasy finish especially suited to daily facial wear.
Best Body Sunscreen
Coppertone NutraShield Dual Defense Sun Protection won over fans by providing effective UVA/UVB defense in an ultralight, residue-free formula. It absorbed swiftly, leaving skin comfortable, not chalky.
Best Sunless Tanner
Jergens Foaming Daily Moisturizer earned points for its fast-drying, streak-free finish, making it convenient for users on the go. The buildable color developed gradually, letting users customize their tan without worry.
- Innovative formulas: Non-greasy, quick-dry, no white cast
- Enhanced with: Antioxidants, hydration boosters, gentle tints
Specialty Beauty Products
Sometimes basic isn’t enough. Here are the beauty solutions that addressed specific concerns and added that extra splash of luxury to the everyday:
Best Blemish Cover-Up
As mentioned above, Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Concealer targeted breakouts while providing high-coverage camouflage.
Best Affordable Antiwrinkle Line
Reiterated here: Olay Professional Pro-X gave users access to dermatologist-inspired actives at a wallet-friendly price point.
Best Acne Spot Treatment
Once again, Clean & Clear Advantage put fast, gentle acne relief at your fingertips.
- Solution-oriented design: Double-duty ingredients, portable applicators
- Results-driven: Visibly clearer, smoother skin with regular use
Top Haircare Products
A good hair day is never out of style. These top picks ensured lustrous, healthy locks for a variety of hair types and textures:
Best Conditioner
Herbal Essences Hydralicious Conditioner stole the spotlight for its unique liquid-crystal formula, which delivered targeted hydration to dry strands. The silky, fragrant conditioner left hair super-smooth, touchably soft, and manageable all day long, even for those battling chronic dryness or frizz.
- Notable features: Moisturizing formulas, appealing scents, nourishing results
- Best use: Restoring moisture after styling or chemical treatments
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are these 2009 bestsellers still available today?
A: While many products retain their popularity, reformulations and discontinuations are possible. Retailer websites and brand stores are the best sources for up-to-date availability.
Q: What criteria were used in Cosmo’s 2009 Beauty Awards?
A: Winners were selected by Cosmopolitan readers who voted on the products they loved most for performance, value, innovation, and results.
Q: How can I choose the right foundation or concealer shade?
A: Swatching shades along your jawline and checking them in natural light is the best method. Many brands also provide online tools or samples to help match skin undertones.
Q: Which products are best for sensitive skin?
A: Formulas free from fragrance, oil, and talc—like Bare Minerals SPF Foundation and certain Neutrogena and Aveeno options—tend to be less irritating for sensitive skin types.
Q: What made these products stand out compared to previous years?
A: Advances in texture (lightweight mousses), broader shade ranges, multi-tasking (makeup with skincare benefits), and improved sun protection all contributed to these products’ success in 2009.
Conclusion
The 2009 Cosmopolitan Beauty Awards highlighted a year of innovation and accessibility in cosmetics and skincare. These winning products delivered on their promises with reliable performance, user-friendly formulas, and affordable luxury, making them staples on vanities and in bathrooms everywhere. Whether you’re chasing a nostalgic favorite or discovering these icons for the first time, these beauty essentials from 2009 continue to define what makes a product truly beloved.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/advice/g967/best-beauty-products-2009/
- https://www.scribd.com/doc/33352049/Cosmopolitan-2009-11-Nov
- https://scholarsbank.uoregon.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/01ed2fe2-57bb-4072-875d-95ade4ff03eb/content
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/uk/beauty-hair/makeup/a6938/cosmopolitan-beauty-awards-2009-eyes-93692/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmopolitan_(magazine)
- https://www.makeup4all.com/the-best-26-beauty-products-cosmopolitan-version/
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