The inaugural Viva Beauty Awards have wrapped up, revealing a strong preference for independent New Zealand beauty brands among voters.

Over a six-week period, Viva collected hundreds of nominations, with finalists refined by a panel of six judges before inviting readers to cast their votes online. The awards saw a hugely positive reception, with 45,130 votes across 25 distinct categories, including skincare, haircare, makeup, body care, and fragrance.

New Zealand significantly dominated the winners’ list, with consumers clearly favouring local offerings over international heavyweights.

Emma Lewisham, founder of her eponymous skincare line, was honoured with the esteemed title of Brand Founder of the Year. Emma’s remarkable journey has seen her brand quickly gain traction in competitive markets abroad, such as the UK, US, and Australia, through partnerships with prominent department stores like Mecca, SpaceNK, Harrods, and Net-A-Porter. Lucy Vincent, another well-known figure in the industry, was recognised as the runner-up. With a career spanning two decades, Lucy has a string of international collaborations, Australasian hairdressing awards, influential beauty clinics to her name. Her most significant achievement, however, may be her cult favourite sustainable beauty brand, sans [ceuticals], which made history this year by becoming the first New Zealand body and haircare brand to be ranged in MECCA stores.

In the Innovation Award category, Emma Lewisham’s Supernatural Vitale Elixir took the spotlight, surpassing La Roche-Posay from L’Oréal’s dermatology division. Launched earlier this year, the unique elixir is marketed as a ‘natural, topical alternative to Botox’ and incorporates a proprietary Neuropeptide Relaxant Complex that addresses expression lines and wrinkles, complemented by hydrafilling technology for hydration lasting up to 72 hours. Likewise, Emma Lewisham Illuminating Oil Cleanser outperformed L’Oréal brands. The luxurious oil-to-milk cleanser delivers deep double cleansing action while hydrating and soothing. CeraVe’s Hydrating Facial Cleanser, which has earned itself a place in the TikTok Hall of Fame, claimed the runner-up position.

The Breakthrough Brand of the Year award went to Raaie, a skincare line that has been making waves since its launch just over two years ago. Known for its vanity-worthy, sculptural packaging, Raaie utilises native Aotearoa botanical ingredients alongside advanced scientific methods to enhance skin health and combat aging. Founder Katey Mandy recently spearheaded a petition to eliminate GST on sunscreen in New Zealand. The brand has their sights set on international markets with plans for a significant retail partnership in early 2025. Their Yellow Moonbeam Retinal Elixir also claimed victory in the Best For Mature Skin category, edging out the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler Plumping Serum.

In the category of Best For Hydration, Aotea Kawakawa Balm outshone global giants like Kiehl’s, Clinique, and The Ordinary. Launched by Tama Toki in 2017, Aotea is beloved for its therapeutic skincare sourced sustainably from Great Barrier Island. This week marks the re-introduction of the Kawakawa Balm in a class 1 medical formulation, now available at pharmacies, catering to consumers seeking natural alternatives for inflammatory skin conditions. Another local favourite, Sans Ceuticals’ Activator 7 Body + Hair + Face Oil, founded by Lucy Vincent, was recognised as the runner-up in this category.

Aleph, founded by makeup artist Emma Peters, emerged as a standout with its 2-in-1 Concealer/Foundation, outperforming Giorgio Armani’s cult classic, Luminous Silk Foundation for Best Base Product. Their Cheek/Lip Tint in shade Gloria won Best Pop Of Colour, surpassing Benefit Cosmetics’ Benetint. Aleph is renowned for its versatile, multi-purpose formulations that bridge the gap between skincare and makeup.

While Kérastase’s Genesis collection received the top award for Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo, Best Hair Styling Product went to the Hair Glossifying Mist from hairstylist-turned-entrepreneur Chloe Zara.

Drawing on years of industry experience, the mist acts as a lightweight, leave-in conditioner, detangler, and heat protectant, designed to shield hair from UV rays and heat styling while maintaining its colour and health.

View the full list of winners at viva.co.nz.

Images: Supplied | Hero image: Aleph