Every year, Allure names its Best of Beauty winners after months of intensive testing. The process involves hundreds of products across dozens of categories. Editors and outside experts evaluate each item on performance, innovation, and value.
The judging begins with a call for submissions from brands. Products arrive in bulk at the Allure offices. Each item is logged, labeled, and assigned a unique tracking number.
Testers include Allure editors, dermatologists, makeup artists, and hairstylists. They use products in real-world conditions rather than lab settings. Some categories require panel testing with diverse skin tones and hair types.
Blind testing is common in categories like skincare and fragrance. Testers do not see brand names or packaging during initial rounds. This reduces bias and focuses attention on results.
Scoring uses a standardized rubric with weighted criteria. Categories may prioritize efficacy, wear time, or ingredient safety. A product must score above a threshold to advance.
Finalists undergo additional rounds with stricter protocols. Editors debate top contenders in group sessions. A single winner emerges per category after majority vote.
Winners are announced in the October issue and online. The seal appears on packaging for one year. Brands cannot pay for inclusion or influence judging.
