Following a call for nominations on September 2nd, which garnered over 500 entries within just two weeks, Viva has unveiled the finalists for its inaugural Beauty Awards.

The judging panel, consisting of Lucy Slight (beauty and lifestyle journalist), Stacey Fraser (cosmetic chemist and Design Practice Teaching Fellow at the University of Canterbury), Michael Beel (award-winning editorial and celebrity hairstylist), Liz Hyun (freelance makeup artist), Kylee De Thier (beauty influencer and content creator), and Ashleigh Cometti (Viva beauty editor), extensively reviewed the submissions to determine the finalists. Notably, some categories featured several strong contenders, resulting in ties that allowed for more than five finalists in many instances.

The finalists reflect a mix of local and international beauty brands, with New Zealand innovators The Facialist, Chloe Zara Hair, [Sans] Ceuticals, Emma Lewisham, Tronque, Raaie, Jeuneora, Antipodes, and Pure Mama raking in multiple nominations.

In the professional skincare space, Dermalogica stood out with nominations for their Micellar Prebiotic Precleanse, Phyto Nature Lifting Eye Cream, and the brand-new BioLumin C Night Restore. Environ also made a mark with two nominations for its Serience Night Serum and 3DSynerge Filler Crème.

For Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo, nominees included L’Oreal Professionnel’s Absolut Repair Molecular, Chloe Zara’s Silk Wash & Silk Condition, and Kerastase’s Genesis Collection. The Best Hair Styling Product or Treatment category featured L’Oreal Professionnel Metal Detox Oil, Chloe Zara Hair Glossifying Hair Mist, Aesop Sculpt Hair Polish, Kerastase Nutritive 8H Night Repair Serum, and Dyson Chitosan Pre-Style Cream.

The Makeup Artist of the Year finalists are Tallulah McLean, Shane Cyrus, Sarika Patel, Kiekie Stanners, Liz Hyun, Kath Gould, and Lochie Stonehouse. Meanwhile, the Hairstylist of the Year category includes Newton Cook (Rodney Wayne), Benjamin James (Ryder), Kelly Manu (Una), Michael Beel (Salute Hair & Day Spa), Sean Mahoney (Colleen), and Danny Pato (D&M Hair Design).

It is now up to the public to cast their votes, which are open until October 3. The winners will be announced on October 9. Head to Viva.co.nz for the full list of finalists.

Images: Viva