Oprah Daily's 2026 Beauty O-wards Honor Skincare-Makeup
Oprah Daily's 2026 Beauty O-wards highlighted 115 innovative products, with several winners praised for combining makeup performance with skincare benefits
The 2026 Oprah Daily Beauty O-wards have recognized 115 innovative products that stood out from the usual offerings. Several award-winning makeup items are noted for delivering significant skincare benefits, effectively functioning as hybrid treatments.
Foundations with Skincare Ingredients
Multiple foundation winners are celebrated for their treatment properties. The YSL Beauty Skin Affair Cushion Foundation, an evolution of the K-beauty trend, is infused with niacinamide, amino acids, and squalane. Beauty editor Genesis Rivas was surprised by its coverage and noted it felt hydrating and lightweight while imparting a natural radiance.
A compact cream foundation earned praise from beauty director Kate Sandoval Box for smoothing and plumping mature skin like a hyaluronic acid serum while offering sheer coverage. Another water-based, noncomedogenic liquid foundation proved hydrating and mattifying, suitable for all skin types and ages. Sandoval Box described its finish as "your skin but better."
Complexion Products as Treatments
Concealer and powder categories also featured skincare hybrids. One concealer under $15 effectively covers imperfections while treating skin with plumping hyaluronic acid, peptides, and caffeine. Rivas advised that a small dot offers significant coverage and value.
A hydrating setting powder, described as an oxymoron made real, blurs and perfects skin. It contains hydrators like hyaluronic acid, aloe leaf juice, and vitamin E, and does not settle into fine lines.
A unique jelly primer contains hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and barley sprout extract to create a smooth, dewy base. Sandoval Box loved its watery, bouncy feel and noted a slight tackiness that helped hold foundation all day without pilling.
Eye and Lip Care Benefits
Skincare benefits extended to eye and lip products. A long-wearing eyeliner pencil contains allantoin, a moisturizing ingredient that soothes sensitive eyelids. Sandoval Box swore by its budge-proof performance despite challenging daily conditions.
A mascara contains a peptide that boosts lash growth in addition to providing a clump-free, jet-black finish. For lips, a moisturizing and cushiony lipstick offers instant plumping like a balm with buildable color. A satin matte lipstick formula blurs lip lines instead of magnifying them for a polished finish.
A makeup setting spray without alcohol or silicone acts like a refreshing, hydrating mist. It contains mandarin orange extract for protection against environmental aggressors. Rivas reported it kept makeup in place even during sweaty gym sessions.
The awards show a trend where makeup is increasingly formulated to treat the skin, not only cover it.
