Universal Beauty Awards 2026: Extended Deadline and Final Call for Entries

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 move quickly, especially with launches, reporting and staff leave, so we are happy to extend the deadline to make the process more manageable for anyone who intended to enter before the break.

Judging at the Universal Beauty Awards begins as soon as products arrive, which allows the panel to assess items in stages and devote proper attention to each category. With the new deadline approaching, brands entering this week are encouraged to send products promptly so they can be included in the early judging batches.

The awards span a wide range of categories across skincare, makeup, hair care, electrical beauty tools, body care, aromatherapy, wellbeing and supplements. This variety allows the programme to welcome both established global brands and independent names with one or two standout products. In recent years, the Universal Beauty Awards has recognised brands such as Avon, L’Oréal Professionnel and Herbal Essences, alongside many emerging companies. These results often become useful assets throughout the year, supporting PR activity, retailer conversations and launch plans.

Every entrant receives a finalist badge that can be used across marketing, packaging, retail presentations and social media during 2026. For winners, the recognition often becomes a yearlong storytelling tool that reinforces performance and credibility. This makes the awards a helpful opportunity for teams looking to build visibility or highlight important launches as the industry moves into the new year.

The entry process is designed to be quick and practical. Most brands complete their submission within a few minutes and send products immediately afterwards. Deliveries are being accepted throughout this week and will be added to the appropriate judging batch on arrival. This approach gives teams flexibility as they settle back into the first working week of January.

As the industry regroups after the holiday break, many teams are reviewing goals, mapping their launches and confirming which UK beauty awards and global programmes they plan to take part in. For those looking to begin 2026 with renewed momentum, the Universal Beauty Awards offers a final opportunity to put their products in front of the judging panel and secure a place in the beauty awards 2026 results.

With judging underway and batches being organised now, the extended deadline provides one last window for brands who hoped to participate but ran out of time in December.