AUCKLAND, Today: Beauty lovers, clear some bathroom cabinet space. The Viva Beauty Awards 2026 are back, celebrating the products, people and wellness ideas shaping New Zealand’s beauty scene.
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.”
This year’s awards mix expert opinion with the people actually buying, testing, loving, ditching and recommending beauty products in real life.
Winners are decided by public vote, with finalists chosen after an industry-led nomination process in April and judged by Viva editors and leading beauty experts.
“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.” – Cometti, Viva Beauty Editor
The judging panel includes 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; and Rachel Soo Thow, Fashion and Beauty Content Creator.
Jasper Fulcher, NZME Managing Editor – Lifestyle, says the Viva Beauty Awards have become a trusted annual moment for both Viva readers and New Zealand’s 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 9 June 2026, with winners announced publicly across Viva platforms on 10 June 2026.
Voting for the Viva Beauty Awards 2026 is open from 13 May to 27 May. All awards content is free on viva.co.nz and available to subscribers in Viva magazine within The New Zealand Herald.
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