NZME’s Viva has officially launched the first-ever Viva Beauty Awards, dedicated to recognising outstanding products, individuals, and practices in both the local and international beauty and wellness sectors. This initiative fills a void left by the closure of Bauer Media, New Zealand’s largest women’s lifestyle publisher at the time, which previously hosted the well-regarded Best in Beauty Awards.

The awards will encompass 25 categories, spanning skincare, makeup, hair care, body care, fragrance and wellbeing. Nominations are now open, with Viva calling on the industry to nominate the products they think are worthy of recognition. Eligible entries include both existing and newly released items, with a cut-off date for products at September 16, 2024. Any products set to launch after this date will be considered for the following year’s awards.

A panel of expert judges will review all submissions before readers are invited to vote for their favourites in each category.

Meet the Judges

• Ashleigh Cometti, beauty editor at Viva
• Lucy Slight, freelance beauty and lifestyle journalist
• Stacey Fraser, cosmetic chemist and Design Practice Teaching Fellow at the University of Canterbury
• Liz Hyun, freelance makeup artist
• Michael Beel, award-winning hairstylist
• Kylee De Their, beauty influencer and content creator

How to Enter

To participate, submissions must include a 200-word rationale explaining why the product or individual stands out in their specific category. This explanation will be presented to the judges during the shortlisting discussion. Each brand is allowed to enter up to five products, which can be submitted in multiple relevant categories. A separate entry form is required for each product. Nominations will close on Monday, September 16, at 5 PM, while finalists will be revealed on Monday, September 23.

Award Categories

1. Brand Founder Of The Year

Awarding the founder of a New Zealand beauty brand which has demonstrated leadership excellence in all areas to achieve success on a local and global scale.

2. Innovation Award

The beauty brand which has pioneered change in their respective field, whether that’s through a sustainability initiative or by implementing new technologies. 

3. Breakthrough Brand Of The Year 

The emerging beauty brand which has experienced growth and success in the last 12 months. 

4. Makeup Artist Of The Year

The makeup artist who continues to demonstrate creativity and excellence in their field. 

5. Hairstylist Of The Year

The hairstylist who continues to demonstrate creativity and excellence in their field.

6. Best Base Product

The makeup products that help you ace your base – foundation, concealer, pressed powder and more. 

7. Best Pop Of Colour

Awarding the bright and the beautiful – bold eyeshadows or eyeshadow palettes, punchy lip products and more. 

8. Best In Glow 

The glow-getting products – highlighters, complexion perfectors, and more.

9. Best For Lips

The products to make you pucker up – lip balms, tints, stains, glosses, lipsticks and more. 

10. Best For Lashes Or Brows 

The products that love lashes or are best for brows – mascaras and eyeliner, or brow gels, tints and waxes. 

11. Best For Cleansing

The skincare that helps to deep clean your dermis – foams, oils, micellar waters, creams and more. 

12. Best For Hydration

The skincare that leaves skin hydrated and soothed – from nourishing serums or eye creams to cosseting moisturisers. 

13. Best For Overnight

The skincare that does its best work while you slumber. 

14. Best For Mature Skin 

The skincare that is tailored to suit the needs of mature skin types. 

15. Best SPF

The broad-spectrum SPF that fends off harmful UV rays and keeps skin protected. 

16. Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo

The haircare duo that cleanses and conditions hair to perfection.

17. Best Hair Styling Product Or Hair Treatment 

The hair styling or treatment product that is a must-have in any haircare routine. 

18. 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. 

19. Best For Body 

The body care product that nourishes from top to toe – think body wash or body scrub as well as body creams, serums, oils and more. 

20. Best For Hands & Nails 

The products that care for hands and nails – think hand creams or cuticle oils. 

21. Best Signature Scent

The personal fragrance that leaves everyone asking: “What perfume are you wearing?”

22. Best Home Fragrance Scent

The home fragrance that uplifts and inspires – candles, diffusers, oil burners, plug-ins and more. 

23. Best Supermarket Buy 

Awarding the accessible beauty brand that demonstrates excellence in their field but without the designer price tag. 

24. Best For Travel  

The portable beauty product that is perfect for toting in your carry-on.  

25. Best In Wellbeing

The ingestible beauty product, supplement or tincture that has experienced widespread success. 

These categories represent a comprehensive range of the beauty industry, inviting participation from both professionals and consumers alike as they celebrate the exceptional products and talents that define New Zealand’s beauty community.

To learn more head to viva.co.nz

Images: Viva