The Viva Beauty Awards are back for 2026, with voting now open for Kiwis to have their say on the best in beauty.
Now in their third year, the Viva Beauty Awards, presented in partnership with Glow Lab, celebrate excellence across 35 beauty categories spanning skincare, makeup, hair, body and fragrance.
New for 2026, the awards introduce five additional categories and will be marked by a cocktail-style event, bringing together industry leaders to celebrate the winners.
Continue to evolve year on year
Ashleigh Cometti, Viva Beauty editor, says: “I couldn’t be more excited to roll out The Viva Beauty Awards 2026 – New Zealand’s biggest celebration of the people, products and practices shaping our beauty and wellness scene. We’re grateful to Glow Lab for their continued support as presenting partner over the past three years, a brand that believes in our vision and growth.
“The awards continue to evolve year on year. I’m proud to sit on the judging panel alongside five women I deeply respect and admire. And I look forward to their insights across every nomination. We’ve also expanded to 35 categories, including new additions such as the Hall of Fame Award.”
Judged by beauty experts
Blending expert insight with the voice of consumers, winners are determined by public vote.
Finalists were selected following an industry-led nomination process in April and judged by a panel of Viva editors and leading beauty experts. They include:
- Ashleigh Cometti – Viva beauty editor
- Stacey Fraser – Cosmetic chemist
- Tallulah McLean – Makeup artist
- Kelly Manu – Hair industry leader
- Varsha Reddy – Fashion and beauty content creator
- Rachel Soo Thow – Fashion and beauty content creator
A trusted annual event
Jasper Fulcher, NZME managing editor – lifestyle, says the Viva Beauty Awards have grown into a trusted annual event for Viva readers and the beauty industry.
“The 2026 Viva Beauty Awards build on the success of one of the year’s most anticipated events for readers and New Zealand’s beauty industry. By combining expert insight with reader votes, they deliver a trusted list of products and real, everyday guidance on what really belongs in your beauty cabinet.
“This year, we’re also introducing a physical event, adding a new dimension by giving nominees the chance to celebrate together and hear firsthand what Viva readers find most exciting about their products.”
The invite-only event will be held at Hi-SO, SO/Auckland on June 9, 2026, with the winners announced publicly across Viva platforms on June 10.
Voting for the Viva Beauty Awards 2026 is open from May 13 to May 27. All award content is free to the public on viva.co.nz and for subscribers in the Viva magazine within The New Zealand Herald.
