The 2023 Best of Beauty Winners

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Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has been at the forefront of swimwear, fashion and women’s lifestyle since 1964. For years, our editors have traveled the globe searching for the most beautiful locations, fashion and trends. This year, we are pleased to introduce the winners from the franchise’s first Best of Awards. Brands across several industries submitted entries for a chance to get their products and places recognized by our roster of cover models, expert makeup artists, hairstylists and editors as we voted on the best in swimwear, beauty, fitness and travel.

The beauty industry has undeniably experienced a recent shift. Consumers have become increasingly conscious of the ingredients used in their products, and now demand greater transparency from brands. Moreover, as many of us work from home post-pandemic, our beauty routines have naturally evolved. Women tend to prioritize skincare over makeup now, placing more attention on healthy skin opposed to heavy makeup to conceal impurities. With that in mind, the SI Swimsuit team presents its Best of Beauty winners—brands with clean ingredients, thoughtful ethos and pioneering products. These beauty products will leave your skin glowy and need for makeup diminished.

Best Facial Sunscreen

Saint Jane Luxury Sun Ritual

saintjanebeauty.com

About: The Luxury Sun Ritual is a pore-smoothing sunscreen with SPF 30. The product is mineral-based and infused with nutrient-rich flowers that thrive in dry conditions. These flowers provided the inspiration for Saint Jane’s beautiful packaging (who knew a sunscreen could look so chic?). The Luxury Sun Ritual functions as a primer, moisturizer and sunscreen, smoothing, hydrating and protecting the skin all at once.

Why It Won: The Luxury Sun Ritual won because of its robust results. Don’t let the delicate packaging design fool you—its effect is powerful! The product feels silky and melts into the skin flawlessly, leaving a dewy, refreshed look. The Luxury Sun Ritual has a nearly instantaneous smoothing effect that persists throughout the day. Our team was impressed with how well this product worked on all of our unique skin types; the liquid blended seamlessly and left behind zero remnants.

What We Love About It: “I have sensitive skin and have struggled with acne for years. I was initially hesitant to try this product, as most face sunscreens make me break out. However, the Luxury Sun Ritual is a mineral-based SPF (i.e., it is not made with zinc), which is healthier for the skin. So I gave the product a shot, and I am elated that I did! The Luxury Sun Ritual’s effect reminds me of the Paris filter on Instagram—it smooths the skin leaving a slightly-filtered, hydrated look, which is terrific reinforcement for me to apply sunscreen every day!” —Kenzie Murphy, SI Swimsuit brand coordinator

Best Serum

Agent Nateur Holi Glow Eye and Lip Serum

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About: Agent Nateur’s Holi Glow is a cooling serum designed to alleviate dryness. The formula is enriched with natural stimulants and illuminating plant extracts that reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. The product firms, lifts and hydrates the under eye and lip area.

Why It Won: The Holi Glow serum is an incredible anti-aging product that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dryness and uneven skin tone. This gentle formula is crafted perfectly for the delicate under eye and lip areas. It is amazing how brightening just these two regions can transform the whole face and make it look more youthful.

What We Love About It: “I absolutely love this product! It is so calming and helps immensely with depuffing. I followed Agent Nateur’s founder Jenna’s trick and applied Holi Glow over my makeup as a highlighter, and it produced the most natural glow. This product has quickly become a non-negotiable in both my skincare and makeup routine.” —Kate Hyland, SI Swimsuit client marketing manager

Best After Sun Care

Dr. Barbara Sturm Calming Serum

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About: Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Calming Serum is enriched with an active, plant-based complex of cardiospermum, echium plantagineum and sunflower, all of which soothe and rebalance the skin. The product is also infused with purslane, an anti-aging powerhouse, which calms the skin and reduces visible signs of irritation. This serum has a milky consistency that feels light and nourishing on the skin.

Why It Won: Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Calming Serum is a must-have for the SI Swimsuit team on photo shoots. With being in the sun all day, this product helps our team stay proactive against sunburns and keeps our skin hydrated. The Calming Serum is not only designed for sun protection, but also other harsh conditions, such as waxing, shaving, jet lag and environmental stressors. This product calms the skin almost instantly after use, soothing irritation, redness, itchiness and more.

What We Love About It: “The best part about this serum is that it has long-term benefits, in addition to short-term ones. While the Calming Serum brings immediate relief to specific concerns like sunburns, when used over time, the serum also strengthens the skin’s natural defenses, minimizing the skin’s overall sensitized reaction.” —Lynn Calomeni, SI Swimsuit brand manager

Best Body Sunscreen

Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Oil

sunbum.com

About: Sun Bum’s SPF 30 is a lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen oil that hydrates the skin and protects it against harmful UV rays. The sunscreen is formulated with organic coconut oil that hydrates the skin and retains its moisture. This sunscreen oil is non-greasy and water-resistant, allowing users to apply and quickly resume their daily activities.

Why It Won: Sun Bum’s Sunscreen Oil won because of its innovative qualities. The product simultaneously softens the skin while helping it achieve a glowy tan. The coconut oil accelerates melanin production in a natural way (which enhances your tan), while also adding moisture. As a bonus, the sunscreen smells delicious.

What We Love About It: “I was at the beach all weekend and, thanks to this Sun Bum product, my skin was moisturized, I smelled amazing, and my tan was beaming! I think it was the first time my kids didn’t complain when I reminded them to reapply their sunscreen.” —Hillary Drezner, SI Swimsuit general manager

View all of the winners for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Best of Awards.