Wellbeing Trends 2026: Insights from the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 The wellbeing categories in the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 revealed a clear shift in how people are thinking about beauty. Increasingly, beauty is no longer just about how we look, but about how we feel, how we rest, and how we take care of ourselves in everyday routines. One of the things we always find most interesting when reviewing entries in these categories is how closely they reflect what people ar

A closer look at the products behind the brand’s multiple award wins Among the skincare entries in the Universal Beauty Awards 2026, AK Pure Skin was one of the brands that stood out for appearing multiple times across the winners list. Rather than one isolated success, the brand received recognition across different types of products, from exfoliation and cleansing through to moisturising. AK Pure Skin is an Icelandic skincare brand developed around the idea of simple, effec

As part of our ongoing coverage of the Universal Beauty Awards 2026, we’re turning the spotlight to Gold-winning products from the makeup and accessories categories. Makeup entries this year reflected a strong focus on usability, wearability and products designed to perform consistently across different skin types and routines. From complexion products to tools and accessories, the Gold winners highlight a balance between creativity, practicality and dependable performance. I

With the winners of the UK-based Universal Beauty Awards 2026 now announced, this year’s results offer a useful way of looking at how the beauty industry is changing in practice, not just in theory. Across skincare, haircare, tools, make-up and wellbeing, the Gold winners point to a market that is increasingly focused on performance, credibility and long-term relevance. Rather than chasing novelty, many of this year’s winning brands are refining what they already do well. Loo

As part of our ongoing coverage of the Universal Beauty Awards 2026, we’re turning the spotlight to Gold-winning products from the haircare and devices categories. This year’s entries reflected continued demand for performance-led haircare and at-home tools designed to deliver professional results. From treatment-focused formulations to advanced electrical devices, the Gold winners represent a mix of innovation, practicality and consistent performance. In the spotlight: Hairc

In the spotlight: Skincare Gold winners from the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 Following the announcement of the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 winners, we’re taking a closer look at a selection of Gold-winning skincare products and the qualities that set them apart in a competitive year for the category. With over 700 entries submitted across the awards, skincare remained one of the most closely contested areas. Products were assessed for formulation quality, performance, usabi

Universal Beauty Awards 2026 Gold winners announced Today, the winners of the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 have been announced, recognising a wide range of beauty and wellbeing products from brands across the UK and international markets. The Universal Beauty Awards cover a broad spectrum of categories, including skincare, makeup, haircare, devices, supplements, body care and fragrance, reflecting the diversity of today’s beauty and wellness landscape. The 2026 awards receive

As we move toward 2026, sustainability is no longer a separate strand within the beauty industry. It has become part of how the sector defines quality, innovation and long term relevance. Across the Global Green Beauty Awards and our wider portfolio, the entries we have tested in recent cycles show how quickly this space is evolving. Because our judging involves hands on testing over several weeks, patterns become clear long before they appear in mainstream launches. These pa

Romantic, thoughtful and indulgent beauty favourites perfect for February Valentine’s season always brings a renewed interest in self care, indulgent beauty rituals and thoughtful gifting. Looking back at some of our standout winners from the Global Makeup Awards and Universal Beauty Awards, it is clear that many of the products recognised in recent years make perfect February favourites. Here are a few past winners that lend themselves beautifully to a Valentine’s theme, whe

A Simple guide to using your award badge As we head towards the Universal Beauty Awards results on 1 February, many brands have already been asking how best to use their finalist or winner badges once they receive them. It is a fair question, because these badges often end up becoming some of the most useful assets a brand has for the year ahead. One of the first things to know is that the Universal Beauty Awards does not charge licence fees. Once a brand receives a finalist

Introducing the 2026 Global Green Beauty Awards Categories Green beauty is no longer a niche corner of the industry. It is where some of the most progressive work is happening, from formulation and ingredient sourcing to packaging design, production choices and environmental responsibility. The Global Green Beauty Awards exist to celebrate that work. Each year, the categories are reviewed to ensure they reflect how brands are genuinely developing products, responding to chang

Entering the Global Green Beauty Awards offers more than just recognition—it positions your brand at the forefront of the sustainable...

Global Makeup Awards Featured in the Daily Mail’s 2026 Beauty Trends Report The Global Makeup Awards has been highlighted in a recent Daily Mail feature examining the beauty, fashion and interior trends expected to shape 2026. The article includes insights from a range of industry professionals and recognises the continued influence of beauty awards programs in guiding consumer interest and validating product innovation. The feature acknowledges the ongoing relevance of trust

As teams return from the holiday break and begin planning for the months ahead, the Universal Beauty Awards has confirmed an extended deadline for its 2026 programme. Entries will now close on 7 January, giving brands a few extra days to prepare their submissions and send products for judging. Our inbox has been particularly busy since the start of the week, with many brands getting back into the office and asking if there was still time to take part. We know December can mov

The demand for sustainable beauty is growing faster than ever, and for brands that prioritise clean ingredients, eco-friendly practices,...

How Beauty Awards Help Beauty Brands Grow in 2026 During the Christmas break, the beauty industry finally slows down. Launches pause, inboxes settle and teams have a rare moment to look ahead to the new year. This quieter stretch is often when brands outline their plans for 2026, including whether awards should play a part in how they build visibility. Awards offer more than a trophy. They give products the chance to be seen by buyers, journalists and judges who understand pe

In recent years, the beauty industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability, with consumers becoming increasingly...

Last Working Day to Enter the Universal Beauty Awards 2026 Today is the last working day to enter the Universal Beauty Awards 2026, with submissions closing tomorrow. As many beauty teams begin to wrap up for the holidays, this is the most practical moment to complete your entry while offices are still open and decision makers are still available. The Universal Beauty Awards are recognised across the industry and often appear in searches for beauty awards 2026 and UK beauty a

Thirdly, the Universal Beauty Awards offer opportunities for agencies managing multiple clients. Because the competition features a wide selection of categories, an agency can enter several brands across different segments, ensuring coverage for skincare, haircare, makeup or body care portfolios. This not only increases the agency’s chances of securing wins but also supports the client relationship by demonstrating proactive and strategic PR planning. Award assets are also hi

The Universal Beauty Awards skincare categories remained among the most closely examined areas in 2025, reflecting continued consumer interest in formulation credibility, sensorial texture and ingredient transparency. Rather than simply looking at standout packaging or brand name, judging prioritised product performance, texture, usability and results. Skincare efficacy accounts for 50 percent of our scoring, meaning every entry must prove itself beyond claims. Below is an ed