Obtaining a “Victoire de la Beauté” rests on the successful “Examen Qualité®” requiring the critical opinion of consumers. Products are tested in real-life situation, at the homes of the testers for a final uncompromising verdict, and unmatched legitimacy.
Open to any beauty brand wishing to access the process for each distribution channel: drugstore, mass retail, hair salon, high-end retail outlets, institutes, specialty shops, mail order… All products whether glamorous or functional, new or older are concerned. Beauty outlets can also participate.
All product tested are packed in neutral containers or presented without any branding sign or reference. The objective is to eliminate any marketing consideration that could influence the judgement of the testers.
For a 100% objective methodology as well as unambiguous results, independent labs monitor the testing.
As the award is committed to cosmetics that respect women and the environment, all candidate products are screened by the experts at INCI Beauty (an independent reference tool for professionals and consumers dedicated to analysing the composition of cosmetic products. https://incibeauty.com/) The cleaner the product, the more its rating is improved.
No contest or election, the “Victoires de la Beauté” do not compare products within categories but evaluate each candidate product alone.
Each product is tested over an adapted period to be able to judge its efficiency (2 weeks for a shampoo, up to 16 weeks for food supplements). The length of time is defined jointly with the manufacturer.
Each product is remitted to a jury of 40 women testers, 40 men testers or a mix (depending on the product). Sensory testing labs are responsible for recruiting the testers.
All consumer testers are usual users of the type of products to be tested. Their task is to try the product in the privacy of their home, according to the protocol of use given with the product and defined jointly with the manufacturer.
The successful “Examen Qualité®” is based on the final overall satisfaction mark given par consumers at the end of the testing period. Three criteria clarify the general satisfaction mark: the efficacy perception, the texture and fragrance (criteria are adapted for certain products).
Depending on the award (classic, organic, clean…) which the candidate product is applying for, the overall mark is from 13/20 to 16/20. In case of direct competition on the same distribution channel, only the product obtaining the highest mark is awarded a trophy.
An exhaustive and confidential report is remitted to each participant. The report details all the marks given by the testers as well as their unbidden remarks.
