The 2021 Beauty Shortlist Awards have arrived!  Settle in for a chat about this year's winners, my top picks for products I helped judge, and some insight into the process behind the best independent and international awards there is!

Established by Fiona in 2012, The Beauty Shortlist was created as an objective and transparent awards with an ethical focus.  They went global in 2017, and now have entries from over forty countries worldwide!  Recognized as judging purely on the merit of each product and offering a level playing field to both the largest global brands and small businesses, The Beauty Shortlist has excited consumers as well as industry experts.  And of course I'm always over the moon to be involved and look forward to the announcement of winners each year!

I find The Beauty Shortlist Awards is brilliant for two main reasons: it showcases the best of the best from all over the globe, and it gives great insight into potential industry trends.  You can see what businesses are prioritizing, what they are putting their efforts into, and what we might see more of in the upcoming year.  For 2021 I was thrilled to see some brilliant moves being made in sustainability, natural wellbeing, and natural ingredients.  From recycled ocean plastics and plantable packaging to CBD edibles and crystal infused skincare - there is so much to discover!

2021's Beauty Shortlist Awards was certainly a stellar one, and I am so happy for all of the winners announced this morning.  I am wishing them all a huge congratulations, and am bookmarking so I can return whenever I need inspiration or recommendations.  That's part of the wonder of BSL - the products on the list can help you out for a long time, and there is something for every category!

Sending love and hugs to all, but a special shout out to some of the lovely founders who I have worked with or featured in the past including Inner Senses, Kri, The Natural Wellness Box, Inika, Madara, Maison Meunier, Terre Verdi, Alteya, Lola's Apothecary, Micheline Arcier, Ben & Anna, and more!

Every year after the announcements are made I do a special feature, and that time has come again!  Today I'm sharing five of my top picks from all the fab goodies I helped judge, and I will be featuring even more of the long standing favourites and new finds that I want to celebrate in future.  It's so so tough narrowing it down to just five as there are SO many incredible creations to discover, so be sure to head over to the full list and have a browse!  There are three separate lists this year, so be sure to check out the beauty, wellbeing, and eco winners so you don't miss out on anything.

1] Inlight Beauty - Best Face Mask, Overnight Balm, Face Balm for Mature Skin, Hair & Beard Oil

When it comes to face masks, I expect perfection with every application, and that is what I found in the Inlight Beauty Organic Superfood treatment.  This is a magical formula, with a gorgeous forest green shade and an earthy grounding scent complimented by light floral and herbal undertones.  Everything about the face mask is calming, from the rich compact texture that shifts into a smooth balm-like consistency, to the gentle approach Inlight takes to give real results.  Ever after just one use you can see and feel the difference in your skin, and after a few weeks your face will be totally transformed.  Soft, smooth, plump, and replenished - this takes dull tired complexions and rejuvenates in a spa-like experience.

2] Wuka - Best Period Underwear Brand, Best Period Underwear, Best Self-Care Product

Showcase:  Wuka Period Pants

I cannot believe I was ever skeptical about period pants - Wuka has dispelled all of my fears and made a total convert out of me this year!  I always worried that period pants would feel too tight or uncomfortable, that they were not effective and I would end up leaking out, or that the cost just was not worth it.  Well, after trying both the midi and bikini briefs, I have no more reservations.  These feel just like normal underwear and have a great amount of stretch to them, plus I can wear them all day long without any accidents.  With a minimalist design, machine washable fabric, and an eco mission, Wuka has created a discreet and comfortable product that solves so many problems.

3] Dafna's Skincare - Best Vegan Skincare Brand Europe, Best Vegan Product Europe, Best Detox Face Mask

Showcase: Dafna's Nutrition

Dafna's is a brand I am very familiar with as I have had the pleasure of trying many of their green goodies over the years, but it was still an absolute joy to be able to help judge their entries in 2021's Beauty Shortlist Awards.  There were several stand outs to me, but the one I want to focus on today is their Nutrition formula.  Not only is this a treatment ideal for all skin types (including my fussy congestion prone face!), it offers an exceptional balance of both hydration and moisture.  The cream transforms into a lightweight fast absorbing consistency once applied, and it sorts out flaky patches pretty much overnight.  No greasy or slick residue, no irritation - Dafna's Nutrition provides a plumping, restorative, calming boost of nourishment that will leave your skin more radiant, smooth, and healthier than ever before.

4] Nail Kind - Best Nail Product, Best Free-From Nail Brand

Showcase: Nail Kind Vegan Nail Polish 

Did you know most nail polish contains a vast array of potentially toxic ingredients?  Not the case with Nail Kind, a vegan brand out to make a difference.  With up to 85% bio-sourced ingredients and absolutely no styrene, toluene, formaldehyde or camphor, this natural nail brand promises the coverage you love without any of the unwanted additives.  I love how smooth the application is, with the brush offering great control and a mess free treatment.  Nail Kind polish gives a glossy finish that is eye catching and chic, and it lasts a long time too!  I adore the versatile shade range, and am particularly fond of Green Daze (a beautiful forest green) and Pink Elephants (a dusty pink), and will be exploring the line further soon!

5] Gaia - Best Bath Oil Finalist, Best Face Wash Finalist