Helpful tips for entering the 2026 Universal Beauty Awards

Entries are now open for the 2026 Universal Beauty Awards, and we know many brands are beginning to decide which products to submit. Whether you are an indie beauty founder or part of a PR team managing entries, choosing what to put forward can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help make the process smoother, we have pulled together a few useful tips based on what our judges look for each year.

Choose your true hero products

Products are judged on efficacy and results. You are not limited to recent launches, which means you can enter long-standing best-sellers as well as new releases. If a product performs well for your customers, there is a good chance it will impress our judges too.

Think carefully about category placement

Some categories are very popular, while others are more specialised and receive fewer entries. Choosing a category where your product stands out can increase your chances of success. If you are submitting a group entry, consider selecting a mix of product types so the judges see a broad representation of what your brand can do.

Group entries can offer better value

Every year we see brands entering multiple single submissions, and the total price ends up higher than the group package. The group rate (£699 + VAT) allows up to ten products in unlimited categories, including the brand categories. This offers more visibility and more opportunities to win.

Keep your product description clear and simple

A short explanation of what makes your product effective is usually enough. You do not need technical language or long claims. If you have additional information, before-and-after photos or supporting material that will not fit on the entry form, you are welcome to email them to editor@globalmakeupawards.com

A note on brand category entries

Categories such as Best Skincare Brand or Best Design and Packaging work best when brands include a short overview of their values, notable achievements or sustainability commitments. Region-specific categories are also a strong opportunity to highlight international presence.

Do not leave entries until the final day

Submitting earlier is always helpful. If a question or technical issue comes up, there is time to resolve it. The entry deadline is December 20th, and early submissions also help avoid potential Christmas shipping delays for samples.

Unsure whether to enter?

A single entry costs £122 + VAT and still gives your product full exposure in our biggest awards of the year. Even one shortlisted or winning product can deliver strong visibility. Winners receive a backlink from our site, which can support SEO, and many brands choose to feature their award badge on packaging and product pages to help build consumer trust.

We are already seeing a diverse range of entries coming in this year, and we look forward to discovering the products brands choose to submit.

Entry information can be found at www.globalmakeupawards.comIf you are unsure which category suits your product best, you are welcome to contact us. We are happy to advise.