The competition was fierce in this year\u2019s Viva Beauty Awards 2026. Discover the brands, people and products that took out the top spots. <\/p>\n
Back for their third instalment, this year\u2019s Viva Beauty Awards were our biggest celebration of beauty and wellness yet. <\/p>\n
\n Presented by Glow Lab, the Viva
\n Beauty Awards 2026 saw hundreds more readers and beauty lovers vote for their favourite products, people and brand than ever before. Our voting process evolved as the votes continued to roll in, and we added a 36th category to the line-up – our first People\u2019s Choice Award.\n <\/p>\n
Our 2026 celebration builds on the vision with which we started the Beauty Awards three years ago – to celebrate the people, products and processes that have made a lasting impact on the local beauty industry or on a global scale. <\/p>\n
From the time-honoured classics worthy of the Hall Of Fame Award to the next generation of category disruptors deserving of the Breakthrough Brand Of The Year, the Viva Beauty Awards are a sparkling reflection of the best in the business of beauty.<\/p>\n
Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Our six beauty experts on the judging panel had the impossible task of narrowing down the finalists before it was over to you, our Viva readers, to crown the winners. <\/p>\n
Photo \/ Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
To everyone who took the time to submit a nomination, sat on our judging panel, or cast their all-important vote at Viva.co.nz: thank you. These awards would not be possible without you.<\/p>\n
Discover all 36 winners from this year\u2019s Viva Beauty Awards below.<\/p>\n
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Brand Founder Of The Year <\/p>\n
A pioneer in luxury skincare, Emma Lewisham continues to be recognised on the world stage for her science-backed, natural and climate-positive formulations. A regular fixture in the pages of Viva, it\u2019s been our pleasure to chart Lewisham\u2019s growth since the launch of her eponymous brand in 2019, and witness its meteoric rise both locally and internationally. Lewisham has been awarded Brand Founder Of The Year for the third consecutive year, while a handful of her top-rated skincare products received the most votes in their categories (more on that below). Lewisham plans to relocate to London this September, to spearhead the brand\u2019s global expansion in the UK and European markets, as well as support existing retail partnerships with juggernauts like Space NK, Harrods and Net-A-Porter. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Kristen Teo, The Spa Nomad NZ & Numa Skin and Body Club <\/p>\n
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New Zealand Beauty Brand Of The Year <\/p>\n
It\u2019s back-to-back wins for Emma Lewisham this year, who was also voted New Zealand Beauty Brand Of The Year. This speaks volumes about Lewisham\u2019s loyal customer base, with devotees coming together to cast their all-important vote in this highly competitive category. Fan-favourite products from the range of refillable skincare include former Innovation Of The Year award winner Supernatural Vitale Elixir, as well as the restorative Supernatural Sleeping Mask. Her most recent launch, the Supernatural Creme Cleanser, is positioned as a wash-on product (rather than a wash-off like most cleansers) which points to Lewisham\u2019s commitment to disrupting the skincare space with her science-led formulations. <\/p>\n
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Innovation Award, presented by Lifestream<\/p>\n
Winner: Pure Mama Complex Scar Serum <\/p>\n
The newest innovation from New Zealand pregnancy skincare and bodycare brand Pure Mama is its Complex Scar Serum – a world-first in clean, clinical scar care. Powered by 12 bioactive ingredients, the high-performance serum can be used on surgical and general scars (including c-section scars) to improve their texture and appearance in as little as 56 days. The dermatologist-approved formula contains proprietary ingredient Ceramide Complex CLR to rebuild the skin barrier and support optimal hydration, alongside centella asiatica for collagen synthesis, NaturePep for firmness and elasticity, plus Acai Stem Cell extract to reduce redness and boost cellular renewal. The result is scars that appear softened, flattened and more even-toned over time. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Sans [Ceuticals] Perpetual range <\/p>\n
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Sustainability Award, presented by ECOYA<\/p>\n
For the second year running, EcoStore has been recognised for its environmental efforts as the winner of our Sustainability Award. The New Zealand home, body and baby care brand is well-known for its plant- and mineral-based formulas, which remain effective without the need for phosphates, dyes and artificial fragrance. Certified B Corp, EcoStore operates a Toitu net carbon-zero factory in Auckland\u2019s Pakuranga, while packaging is crafted from renewable sugar plastic and is 95% kerbside recyclable. Each concentrated formula is free from filler or bulking agents, and is designed to break down easily without harming soil or aquatic life. <\/p>\n
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Hall Of Fame Award <\/p>\n
Dreamed up in a Swiss laboratory in 1926, Weleda SkinFood celebrates its centenary this year. Designed for use on both face and body, the award-winning formula harnesses plant-based extracts like organic chamomile, calendula and wild pansy to soothe, while sunflower, lanolin and sweet almond oil provide a protective barrier over skin to defend against environmental aggressors. Despite a recent packaging refresh, the deeply moisturising remedy for dry and rough skin has remained unchanged throughout the past 100 years. An icon in its own right. <\/p>\n
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Breakthrough Brand Of The Year, presented by Pure Mama<\/p>\n
Winner: The Whitening Co. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s been eight years since entrepreneurs Kennedy Anderson and Victor Green co-founded The Whitening Co., but the brand continues to push forward at astonishing pace. What started in 2018 as an e-commerce brand selling at-home teeth whitening kits quickly morphed into something greater – one year later the pair opened their first brick-and-mortar flagship studio in Auckland\u2019s Eden Terrace. Additional studios followed, before the team found their permanent HQ inside a multi-storey heritage building on Ponsonby Rd. Alongside its professional teeth whitening services available in-studio, The Whitening Co is known for its at-home solutions, spanning teeth whitening kits, strips and pens, plus electric toothbrushes and UV sterilisers. With Anderson at the helm, The Whitening Co. continues to employ clever marketing strategies and community engagement methods that cement its bright future in the local beauty and wellness space. <\/p>\n
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Makeup Artist Of The Year <\/p>\n
We couldn\u2019t be happier to recognise standout talent in the South Island in this year\u2019s awards, and this category-leading artist is a worthy winner. Christchurch-based makeup artist, beauty influencer and content creator Kasia Stanicich is this year\u2019s Makeup Artist Of The Year, known for her signature soft-glam aesthetic and emphasis on radiant skin finishes. Stanicich has worked extensively in the bridal and special occasion makeup industry for just shy of a decade, and is the makeup artist on speed dial for those situated in the wider Canterbury region. Alongside three other respected bridal makeup artists, Stanicich makes up one-quarter of The Mastersclass, a makeup masterclass that launched in 2025 to help up-skill everyday people and industry professionals alike. Stanicich also hosts private workshops at her bespoke studio inside her newly built home in Christchurch. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Gabrielle Houghton <\/p>\n
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Hairstylist Of The Year, presented by Beautiful Environment (Davines Ltd)<\/p>\n
While her professional career started in makeup at age 20, it didn\u2019t take Kelly Manu long to realise that her true passion was hair. After working on countless fashion editorials, shoots and film sets, Manu pivoted into hairstyling to widespread success. Today, you\u2019ll find the experienced stylist training up the next generation of budding hairstylists, directing shows behind-the-scenes at global Fashion Weeks, working on editorial shoots or leading the team at her Auckland-based salon, UNA. Manu has established connections with industry-leading brands, including L\u2019Oreal Professionel and Ghd, and has been named both a L\u2019Oreal Pro Artist and Ghd Creative Artist to date. Manu was one of our six judges for the Beauty Awards, but was excluded from nominating herself, and from the judging process for the Hairstylist of the Year category, but was the clear winner of the public votes.<\/p>\n
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Beauty Therapist Of The Year <\/p>\n
Winner: Bianka Dalton, Skintopia <\/p>\n
Skintopia Herne Bay clients will know what a treat it is to be at the hands of senior skin therapist and studio manager Bianka Dalton. The trained beauty expert has spent the last 22 years working in the industry, five of which have been spent at Skintopia. During that time, Dalton has established a loyal client base – sharing her passion for healthy skin with everyone lucky enough to book in with her. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Samantha Hunkin, About Face <\/p>\n
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Spa Or Clinic Of The Year <\/p>\n
It\u2019s been 12 years since holistic skin expert Ashleigh Scott opened doors to her first facial studio, and in the time since, The Facialist has earned its reputation as the go-to boutique spa for its suite of transformative treatments. Alongside her husband Scott Glack, Scott has grown The Facialist into a globally recognised brand that specialises in tailored skin treatments, including the signature Super Facial, alongside curated product lines. The mark of a good spa treatment is the feeling of being \u201cheld\u201d, or well cared for throughout a treatment and Scott has done an excellent job of training up her team to deliver a world-class experience at every visit, from results-driven sculpting facials through to deeply relaxing massage. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: The Spa Nomad NZ <\/p>\n
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Best Base Product <\/p>\n
Winner: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Foundation <\/p>\n
Estee Lauder took a leap of faith by renovating Double Wear, the brand\u2019s iconic liquid foundation, which took seven years of research and development. The revamped version on the makeup artist favourite features a handful of notable changes, namely a softer, more dimensional natural matte finish, a more fluid texture that allows more time to customise coverage before it dries down, and extended sweat- and humidity-proof wear time of 36 hours. Not only this, but the reimagined Double Wear is now available in 70 shades, making it even easier to find the right shade to suit a variety of skin tones and undertones.<\/p>\n
Runner Up: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation <\/p>\n
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Best Pop Of Colour <\/p>\n
Winner: YSL Make Me Blush Bold Blurring Blush <\/p>\n
You\u2019d be forgiven for wanting to buy YSL\u2019s skin-blurring blush for the chic packaging alone, a stylish compact bedecked with a gilt logo and a quilted leather lid. But equally impressive is what lies inside – a buildable powder blush that\u2019s waterproof and sweatproof for a healthy flush of colour all day long. Unlike other powder blushes that can feel dry or cakey, YSL delivers on its promise to melt seamlessly into skin while feeling comfortable and lightweight. It\u2019s available in two finishes – matte or satin – depending on your preference. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: M.A.CXIMAL Silky Matte Lipstick in Lady Danger <\/p>\n
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Best In Glow <\/p>\n
Winner: Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter <\/p>\n
Whether worn alone, underneath or mixed with makeup, few illuminating formulas come close to Charlotte Tilbury\u2019s Hollywood Flawless Filter. A true multitasker, it promises a healthy dose of illumination while blurring imperfections and smoothing the skin\u2019s surface. The celebrity makeup artist dreamed up the now cult-favourite formula during her time working in Hollywood, seeking a product to mimic the lighting effects used on film and production sets. From ultra-fair skin tones to deep complexions, Flawless Filter is available in 12 skin-flattering shades. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: MCo Beauty Super Glow Bronzing Drops <\/p>\n
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Best For Lips <\/p>\n
Winner: Burt\u2019s Bees Lip Balm in Vanilla Bean <\/p>\n
Trending lipsticks in various finishes and shades come and go, but the beloved lip balm will always remain a time-honoured classic in anyone\u2019s beauty routine. No one understands this quite like Burt\u2019s Bees, the balm brand which offers a tube for every preference – from classic vanilla to fruity mango or sweet strawberry. I can personally attest to the enduring appeal of the brand\u2019s Vanilla Bean scent, I\u2019ve repeat-purchased this more than I can count and have them stashed everywhere, from my car\u2019s glove compartment to my handbag and dresser drawers. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: YSL Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss <\/p>\n
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Best For Lashes Or Brows <\/p>\n
Winner: RevitaLash Advanced Eyelash Conditioner <\/p>\n
Twenty years ago, Dr Michael Brinkenhoff developed RevitaLash to support his wife Gayle during her battle with metastatic breast cancer. What culminated was an original eyelash serum to restore her natural lashes, which became brittle during chemotherapy. Today, the lash conditioning serum remains a popular pick for those wanting to improve the health and length of their lashes, with its blend of peptides, biotin, lipids and green tea. Contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes can also benefit from a sweep of RevitaLash Advanced over their lash line, to boost growth and prevent breakage. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara <\/p>\n
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Best For Cleansing <\/p>\n
Winner: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a pharmacy favourite for a reason – a lightweight, nourishing cleanser enriched with three essential ceramides to gently remove makeup, SPF and impurities without impacting the skin barrier. It melts into a smooth lather upon contact with water, offering that moisturising feeling while it cleanses. Developed with dermatologists, the daily face wash has been accepted by the National Eczema Association for its suitability for eczema-prone skin. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Creme Cleanser <\/p>\n
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Best For Hydration <\/p>\n
Winner: La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ <\/p>\n
This moisturising, multi-use balm was the top-rated hydration product in this year\u2019s awards by an astonishing number of votes. The soothing, repairing cream is suitable for use on all skin types, including sensitive skin types and infants aged over three months. Rich and nourishing without feeling greasy, it can be applied to dry patches, rough areas or redness to soothe, hydrate and restore skin. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream <\/p>\n
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Best For Overnight <\/p>\n
Winner: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask <\/p>\n
Fake a full night\u2019s rest with Emma Lewisham\u2019s highly concentrated Supernatural Sleeping Mask, which triggers the skin\u2019s natural repair, renewal and regeneration processes. It does so thanks to a specialised gardenia jasminoides extract, which is said to boost the activation of the skin\u2019s melatonin (the sleepy hormone) receptors. This extract is joined by 22 other actives that rejuvenate skin while you snooze, including lipopeptides, antioxidants, ceramides and more to regenerate collagen, boost cell turnover, detoxify and strengthen the skin barrier. Skin appears visibly brighter, plumper and more nourished come morning. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: RAESO Yellow Moonbeam Retinal Elixir <\/p>\n
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Best For Mature Skin <\/p>\n
Winner: Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Elixir <\/p>\n
Four years in the making, Emma Lewisham\u2019s revolutionary facial elixir offers a natural alternative to injectable treatments. The specialised formulation is designed to smooth and plump the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and is said to work in as little as 24 hours. Powered by advanced peptides, hyaluronic acid and saccharide isomerate, the Supernatural Vitale Elixir leaves skin visibly firmer, more supple and radiant-looking. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Aesop Resolute Facial Concentrate <\/p>\n
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Best For Acne <\/p>\n
Winner: CeraVe Salicylic Acid SA Smoothing Cleanser <\/p>\n
Rough, bumpy or acne-prone skin causing you bother? Enter CeraVe\u2019s Salicylic Acid SA Smoothing Cleanser, a gently exfoliating cleanser which is suitable for use on face and body. The fragrance-free formulation heroes salicylic acid, antioxidant-rich vitamin D, ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide to soften and smooth rough skin, even out texture, restore the skin barrier and banish redness. Skin appears more even, soothed and healthy-looking with ongoing use. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo +M Moisturiser <\/p>\n
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Best SPF <\/p>\n
Winner: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Anti-Dark Spot Fluid SPF50+ <\/p>\n
In last year\u2019s awards, La Roche-Posay took out the Best SPF top prize for its Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+. This year, the French dermatological brand is being recognised for its renovation of the original, which combines very high broad-spectrum protection with Melasyl, an ingredient said to target hyperpigmentation. This ingredient mix sees the new innovation fend off not only harmful UVA and UVB rays, but sun-induced hyperpigmentation and dark spots, too. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Sol Goods Everyday Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 <\/p>\n
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Best Beauty Gadget<\/p>\n
Winner: Shark CryoGlow Cooling + LED Mask <\/p>\n
Shark Beauty made the sharp pivot into skincare earlier this year, with the unveiling of the lifestyle tech company\u2019s first-ever LED mask. Developed in collaboration with dermatologists, the Shark Cryoglow Cooling + LED Mask uses red, blue and infrared light to target the signs of ageing and acne, while the built-in under-eye cooling pads depuff and tighten the under-eye area. It features four treatment modes – Better Ageing, Skin Clearing, Skin Sustain and Under-Eye Revive, which vary in length from four to eight minutes. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Bowie At-Home Microneedling Kit <\/p>\n
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Best For Your Scalp <\/p>\n
Winner: The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum For Hair Density <\/p>\n
Hair feeling flat, thin or ultra-fine? The Ordinary\u2019s concentrated formula helps boost hair health for thicker, denser locks. It does so thanks to its unique formula, which is brimming with a host of different hair technologies, including peptides and high-solubility caffeine combined in an ultra-lightweight base for maximum penetration. Best applied for overnight, massage a few drops into a clean, dry scalp at bedtime and leave to work its magic while you sleep. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Bouf Flouf Factor Growth Tonic <\/p>\n
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Best Shampoo & Conditioner Duo <\/p>\n
Winner: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo & Conditioner <\/p>\n
Damaged, colour-treated or chemically-processed hair has met its match with this restorative duo; Redken\u2019s most-loved two-step system to restore strength and condition to strands. The Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Shampoo & Conditioner helps reinforce weak bonds and repair damage caused by colouring, heat styling and pollution, to leave hair healthier, softer and stronger with ongoing use. Not to mention its AntiFade Complex ensures colour stays looking fresh and vibrant. The pH-balanced formula is suitable for all hair types and textures, from fine 1A hair through to coily 4C hair. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Sans [Ceuticals] Perpetual Hair Cleanser & Conditioner Rich+ Kit Duo <\/p>\n
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Best Hair Styling Product Or Treatment <\/p>\n
Winner: Redken Acidic Bonding Concentrate Leave-In Treatment <\/p>\n
For a conditioner, treatment and mask in one, look no further than this bond-building leave-in conditioner. Powered by a concentrated bonding care complex and citric acid, Redken\u2019s best-seller is said to repair strength in damaged hair, offer heat protection up to 230 degrees, reduce hair breakage and frizz after just one use. The result is hair that shines with health, is more manageable and less prone to split ends and breakage. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Davines Beautiful Things Hair Mask <\/p>\n
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Best For Curls Or Coils <\/p>\n
Winner: Redken Acidic Bonding Curls range <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a three-peat in this year\u2019s awards. Redken is the winner in the Best For Curls Or Coils category. The specialised range is designed to repair damaged hair with its blend of citric acid, nourishing natural oils and a proprietary Curl Bond Technology. The range comprises three core products to be used as a complete curl-care system – a shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment which work in synergy to restore broken bonds, boost elasticity and deliver 96 hours of frizz-free hydration. Not to mention the range is both silicone- and sulphate-free. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Ghd Curly Ever After Curl Hold Spray <\/p>\n
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Best Hair Tool To Try <\/p>\n
Winner: Dyson Airwrap Coanda 2x Multi-Styler and Dryer <\/p>\n
The Airwrap Coanda 2x is the third chapter in the Airwrap story, following in the footsteps of the original, which launched in 2018, and the Airwrap i.d. in 2022. It\u2019s the newest innovation from Dyson, featuring the tech company\u2019s most sophisticated motor yet. It\u2019s said to deliver twice the air pressure than the original Airwrap for improved curling, faster drying and smoother straightening, all without extreme heat. Lighter and shorter than its predecessors, the Airwrap Coanda 2x features a suite of new attachments, each one RFID-enabled to integrate seamless with the MyDyson app for a customised styling experience. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Ghd Chronos Straightener <\/p>\n
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Best Body Wash Or Scrub <\/p>\n
Winner: Pure Fiji Coconut Sugar Scrub <\/p>\n
Few products capture the essence of the tropics quite like Pure Fiji, the brand in the business of bottling paradise into its range of skin and body care. Its Coconut Sugar Scrub was awarded top prize in the Best Body Wash Or Scrub category for its ability to buff away dry or dead skin cells and reveal baby-soft skin underneath. It does so with a blend of raw sugarcane crystals, plus cold-pressed virgin coconut, dilo, sikeci and macadamia seed oils, to help exfoliate, nourish, and moisturise skin in one fell swoop. Not to mention it smells like an island getaway.<\/p>\n
Runner Up: ECOYA Sandalwood & Amber Hand & Body Wash <\/p>\n
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Best Body Moisturiser <\/p>\n
Winner: Pure Fiji Hydrating Body Lotion <\/p>\n
Enriched with fresh coconut milk and cold-pressed virgin coconut oil, Pure Fiji\u2019s Hydrating Body Lotion goes one step further than simply moisturising limbs – it supports skin firmness, elasticity and texture, too. Other key ingredients include dilo, sikeci and macadamia oils plus hyaluronic acid for deep hydration. If you want a spa-like experience from the comfort of your own bathroom, this cosseting, scented lotion is just the ticket. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion For Dry Skin <\/p>\n
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Best For Hands & Nails <\/p>\n
Winner: Ashley & Co. Soothe Tube Bonberry Hand Cream <\/p>\n
Two decades on, Ashley & Co. continues to reshape the home fragrance market with its suite of products that span household products, body care, hair care, pet care and more. One such area the brand continues to excel in is hand care, with its iconic Soothe Tube recently reimagined in the formally limited-edition Bonberry scent. The ultra-hydrating formula is brimming with shea butter, chamomile and vitamin E, to nourish dry hands and cuticles while infusing its delicate fruity-floral scent into skin. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector <\/p>\n
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Best Signature Scent <\/p>\n
Winner: Jo Malone London Cypress & Grapevine Cologne Intense <\/p>\n
Cypress & Grapevine is one of the newest scents to be added to the Jo Malone London fragrance wardrobe, and one that is sure to appeal to all genders. Sensual and distinctive, the scent highlights top notes of cypress, a resinous wood which lends a fresh, verdant quality. A heart of grapevine, cedarwood and vetiver builds depth, before notes of amber and warm woods come to the fore in the drydown. It warms to body heat for a scent that lingers all day long, or can be layered with other colognes for added intensity. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Gentle Fluidity Gold EDP <\/p>\n
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Best Home Fragrance Scent <\/p>\n
Winner: Ecoya Guava & Lychee Sorbet Madison Candle <\/p>\n
Bursting with notes of juicy guava nectar, luscious Queensland lychee and freshly-picked red berries, this is one of Ecoya\u2019s most-loved fragrances. Sweet, fruity and never cloying, it\u2019s little wonder this unique scent earned top spot in our Best Home Fragrance category – it makes for an uplifting addition to any bedroom or living space. Presented in a glass vessel with a stylish silver lid, Ecoya\u2019s Madison Candle boasts a burn time of up to 80 hours. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: Diptyque Baies Candle <\/p>\n
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Best Supermarket Buy <\/p>\n
Winner: Glow Lab Coconut and Sandalwood Body Wash <\/p>\n
For the third consecutive year, Glow Lab\u2019s Coconut and Sandalwood Body Wash has been awarded the coveted title of Best Supermarket Buy. A welcome addition to any bathing ritual, this soothing formula contains a blend of shea butter, pro-vitamin B5, vitamin E, betaine and essential oils to hydrate skin while strengthening the skin barrier. It emulsifies upon contact with water into a light lather, while the comforting pineapple, coconut, vanilla and sandalwood fragrance makes showering a truly sensorial experience. <\/p>\n
Runner Up: EcoStore Vanilla Bean & Coconut Hand Wash Pump <\/p>\n
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Best For Travel <\/p>\n
Winner: Ghd Flight+ Travel Hairdryer <\/p>\n
Good hair days are always within reach with the Ghd Flight+, a powerful and portable travel hairdryer. It promises 78% the power of a standard-sized hairdryer but a fraction of the weight and size – saving all-important space in your luggage. Ionic technology ensures a smooth, shiny and frizz-free finish, leaving all hair types softer and more manageable after every use. Plus, the dual voltage function ensures performance is consistent no matter the country you\u2019re in (or adaptor you\u2019re plugged into). <\/p>\n
Runner Up: RevitaLash Cosmetics Trial Kit <\/p>\n
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Best In Wellbeing <\/p>\n
Winner: Two Islands Electrolyte4 <\/p>\n
Anyone worth their salt (literally) will understand why the wellness industry is buzzing about electrolytes. And for New Zealand supplement brand Two Islands, it\u2019s a product that remains a best-seller. The sugar-free electrolyte powder was recognised as a runner-up in the Best In Wellbeing category in last year\u2019s Viva Beauty Awards, and we\u2019re delighted to see it crowned the winner for 2026. Now available in four flavours, including Raspberry Lemonade Salt, Pineapple Salt, Passionfruit Mango Salt and Orange Citrus Salt (pictured), Electrolyte4 supports hydration no matter what the day holds – from barre class to boardroom. <\/p>\n
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People\u2019s Choice Award <\/p>\n
Winner: The Whitening Co. <\/p>\n
For the first time, we were proud to announce the launch of our newly added category People\u2019s Choice Award, where readers were invited to nominate any beauty brand, product or brand founder they felt was deserving of this accolade. The Whitening Co. was voted the winner by a landslide, leading the votes by almost double any other nominee. Since its 2018 launch, The Whitening Co. has garnered a cult following across social media – including 23K followers on Instagram and 76K likes on Tiktok. The brand\u2019s strong social media presence has seen its best-selling whitening strips feature in videos shot everywhere from elevated bathrooms to the Egyptian pyramids. <\/p>\n
Photography | Babiche Martens<\/p>\n
Beauty editor | Ashleigh Cometti<\/p>\n
Styling assistant | Chloe Hulme<\/p>\n
Hair and makeup | Leisa Welch<\/p>\n
Makeup assistant | Nicole Willemse<\/p>\n
Models | Crystal Lim from 62 Management; Omari Vigille and Sydney Johnson from Unique Model Management.<\/p>\n
Each model\u2019s skin was prepped for our shoot using a combination of products from Glow Lab, including the new Vitamin C skincare range.<\/p>\n
More on beauty<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The competition was fierce in this year\u2019s Viva Beauty Awards 2026. Discover the brands, people and products that…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":469049,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[2246,61293,5263,10779,1244,123401,650,4596,9174,156,84045,3386,3388,130,111,139,69,384,3383,3621,31747,10041,1361,1961,6382,159,16566,1530],"class_list":["post-469048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-entertainment","tag-2246","tag-61293","tag-all","tag-awards","tag-beauty","tag-bodycare","tag-brands","tag-competition","tag-discover","tag-entertainment","tag-fierce","tag-haircare","tag-makeup","tag-more","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-people","tag-products","tag-skincare","tag-spanning","tag-spots","tag-that","tag-this","tag-took","tag-viva","tag-winners","tag-years"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/469048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=469048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/469048\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/469049"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=469048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=469048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=469048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}