When we first launched the inaugural Men’s Folio Grooming Awards in the annus horribilis year 2020, we were surprised that we managed to pull it off with 33 categories with 140 products tested, but one of our suspicions was right. More than ever, men have been getting down and dirty by elevating their skin, body, and hair care routines.
While the 2021 edition had 38 categories with 217 products tested before increasing to 68 and 286, respectively, in 2022, the 2023 edition of our Grooming Awards involves a batch of 10 judges — an internal team consisting of Managing Editor Asaph, Beauty & Grooming Director Bryan, and Group Creative Director Izwan alongside an external one who includes makeup artists Larry Yeo, Eric Lim, Kenneth Chia, Priscelia Wong and content creators Naz and Kevin Brendan — testing 477 products across 90 categories.
The Men’s Folio Grooming Awards 2023 includes a heavier focus on hydrating products across various formulations, different kinds of sun protection for different skin types, and introducing technology to make routines simpler but sleeker. Trust us: you’re going to like these 90 winners.
From top clockwise:
BEST EYEBROW PENCIL — Gucci Beauty Stylo À Sourcils Waterproof Brow Pen
Besides doing the obvious, like adding definition to the eyebrows with a perfect formula, size, and payoff, Kenneth also recommends using it to add undetectable fullness to one’s stubble.
BEST ALL–IN–ONE CONCEALER — IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer
While Kenneth notes that there are other concealers that give full coverage, this one that’s “luxurious on the skin with a great stretch that doesn’t streak” makes it a clear winner.
BEST POWDER FOUNDATION — M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
Loving how it looks on the skin as it never looks obvious, Kevin likes that it is “buildable and never feels too heavy on the skin”. He also notes that its sturdy packaging makes it break-resistant.
BEST HYDRATING LIQUID FOUNDATION — Hourglass Ambient Soft Glow Foundation
Finishing off on the skin with “a natural-looking glow” and with added benefits like the “blurring of lines, pores, and texture”, Sha adds that it also feels weightless.
BEST OIL CONTROL LIQUID FOUNDATION — M.A.C Cosmetics Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation
One of the few foundations of its kind that “can be manipulated from sheer to full coverage,” Larry recommends it too, as it has a “soft and natural matte finish”.
From left to right:
BEST HYDRATING PRIMER — Tatcha The Liquid Silk Canvas
Do not be fooled by how lightweight this bottle is; according to Priscelia, the product within delivers a “super glowy finish all day and feels luxurious on the skin”.
BEST MATTIFYING PRIMER — Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Mattifying Primer
This product’s silky and lightweight formula ensures “a matte finish that does not dry to a tight finish,” according to Eric, who also uses it throughout the day to re-mattify skin.
BEST BRONZER — Rare Beauty Warm Wishes Effortless Bronzer Stick
Never “drying too quickly or settling weirdly on the skin,” another thing Izwan likes about this product is that it has the right amount of brown tones that make it look realistic.
BEST LIP BALM — Malin + Goetz Mojito Lip Balm
Imparting instant hydration that never dries too oily or heavily, another thing Kevin notes about this product is that “it has a pleasant fragrance that never overpowers”.
Photography Jaya Khidir
Styling Manfred Lu
Once you’re done with this story, click here to catch up with our May 2023 issue!
RELATED ARTICLES
