Viva Beauty Awards 2026: Meet the Finalists & Vote For Your Favourites Now
Our judging panel has decided the finalists across all 35 categories, now it’s over to you to crown the winners.
It’s been a busy week for the judging panel in this year’s Viva Beauty Awards 2026, presented by Glow Lab.
Our six judges came from across the country and gathered at Viva HQ to spend two days poring over the hundreds of nominations across 35 categories to determine this year’s finalists.
Together, they had the difficult task of reviewing submissions by the brands, agencies and founders who continue to make waves in the local and global beauty industry – from the beloved beauty stalwarts worthy of the Hall Of Fame Award, to the category disruptors deserving of the Breakthrough Brand Of The Year Award.
Judges Rachel Soo Thow (former beauty executive and content creator), Stacey Fraser (cosmetic chemist and Design Practice Teaching Fellow at the University of Canterbury), Kelly Manu (award-winning hairstylist and founder of UNA), Tallulah McLean (freelance makeup artist and shade matching expert) and Varsha Reddy (beauty influencer and content creator) joined me to assess the entries and offer honest feedback.
Some submissions were so strong our ratings were tied, so in many of the categories below you’ll see more than five finalists.
Now it’s time to have your say. Voting is open until May 27.
Discover our finalists across all 35 categories below, and scroll to the bottom of the page to cast your all-important vote. It’ll only take you five minutes (promise).
Plus, everyone who votes is automatically entered in to win The Ultimate Beauty Weekend at SO/ Auckland, valued at $2000*.
One lucky winner will enjoy:
Keep your eyes fixed on Viva.co.nz for updates, and be sure to pick up your copy of Viva inside the New Zealand Herald on June 10, where we’ll reveal the Beauty Awards 2026 winners.
Brand Founder Of The Year
The founder of a New Zealand beauty brand that has demonstrated leadership excellence in all areas to achieve success on a local and global scale.
New Zealand Beauty Brand Of The Year
The New Zealand brand that has disrupted the local beauty landscape over the past 12 months.
Innovation Award, presented by Lifestream
The beauty brand that has pioneered change in its respective field, whether through a sustainability initiative or by implementing new technologies.
Sustainability Award, presented by Ecoya
The beauty brand striving to reduce its environmental impact thanks to its ongoing focus and commitment to circularity and/or sustainability.
Hall Of Fame Award
An award that recognises the longstanding contribution of a local beauty brand to the industry (minimum entry requirement: 10-plus years).
Breakthrough Brand Of The Year, presented by Pure Mama
The emerging beauty brand that has experienced growth and success in the past 12 months.
Makeup Artist Of The Year
The makeup artist who continues to demonstrate creativity and excellence in their field.
Hairstylist Of The Year, presented by Beautiful Environment (Davines NZ)
The hairstylist who continues to demonstrate creativity and excellence in their field.
Beauty Therapist Of The Year
The beauty therapist who continues to demonstrate excellence in their field.
Spa or Clinic Of The Year
The day spa, skin therapist, body contouring, or grooming clinic that combines visible results with outstanding customer care.
Best Base Product
The makeup products that help you ace your base – foundation, concealer, pressed powder and more.
Best Pop Of Colour
Awarding the bright and the beautiful – bold eyeshadows or eyeshadow palettes, punchy lip products and more.
Best In Glow
The glow-getting products – highlighters, complexion perfectors and more.
Best For Lips
The products to make you pucker up – lip balms, tints, stains, glosses, lipsticks and more.
Best For Lashes Or Brows
The products that love lashes or are best for brows – mascaras and eyeliner, or brow gels, tints and waxes.
Best For Cleansing
The skincare that helps deep clean your dermis – foams, oils, micellar waters, creams and more.
Best For Hydration
The skincare that leaves skin hydrated and soothed – from nourishing serums or eye creams to cosseting moisturisers.
Best For Overnight
The skincare that does its best work while you sleep.
Best For Mature Skin
Skincare tailored to suit the needs of mature skin types.
Best For Acne
The cleansers, serums, treatments and more that support a clear complexion.
Best SPF
The broad-spectrum SPFs that fend off harmful UV rays and keep skin protected.
Best Beauty Gadget
The beauty tools, masks and devices to elevate at-home beauty rituals.
Best For Your Scalp
The product designed with the unique needs of the scalp in mind.
Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo
The haircare duo that cleanses and conditions hair to perfection.
Best Hair Styling Product Or Hair Treatment
The hair styling or treatment product that is a must-have in any haircare routine.
Best For Curls Or Coils
The product that is specifically designed to care for curly, kinky or coily hair (hair types 3 and 4).
Best Hair Tool To Try
The hot styling tool that has experienced widespread success or pioneered new technology in its field, and gets great results every time.
Best Body Wash or Scrub
The body wash or scrub that is sure to elevate any shower ritual.
Best Body Moisturiser
The body care product that nourishes from top to toe – think body creams, serums, oils and more.
Best For Hands & Nails
The products that care for hands and nails – think hand creams or cuticle oils.
Best Signature Scent
The personal fragrance that leaves everyone asking: “What perfume are you wearing?”
Best Home Fragrance Scent
The home fragrance that uplifts and inspires – candles, diffusers, oil burners, plug-ins and more.
Best Supermarket Buy
Awarding the accessible beauty brand that demonstrates excellence in its field but without the designer price tag.
Best For Travel
The portable beauty product that is perfect for toting in your carry-on.
Best In Wellbeing
The ingestible beauty product, supplement or tincture that has experienced widespread success.
CREDITS
Photography | Babiche Martens
Beauty editor | Ashleigh Cometti
Styling | Troi Atkins
Styling assistant | Chloe Hulme
Hair and makeup | Leisa Welch
Makeup assistant | Nicole Willemse
Models | Crystal Lim from 62 Management; Omari Vigille and Sydney Johnson from Unique Model Management.
Each model’s skin was prepped for our shoot using a combination of products from Glow Lab, including the new Vitamin C skincare range.
*Competition terms and conditions apply.