Inspired by the interns who rotate through our office, we decided to add a student category to our 2026 BeautyMatter Awards. This will mark the first of what will become an annual spotlight for standout student projects.
"We believe that bridging the gap between academics and industry signals that the next generation matters, and their voices are worth taking the time to listen to,” Kelly Kovack, BeautyMatter, founder and CEO, shared. “We’re proud to offer students a platform that helps them showcase their vision, build confidence, and gain early career exposure."
Recognizing student work not only celebrates emerging talent but also encourages innovation and fresh thinking in the industry.
The Awards
Future Founder: Recognizes a student(s) who has developed a differentiated business concept that would live in the beauty and wellness sector. The project should exemplify strategic rigor, clear market relevance, and potential to launch and scale.
Emerging Marketer: Recognizes a student(s) whose campaign, branding, or growth strategy reflects deep consumer understanding and creative thinking. The project should articulate a clear brief, demonstrate strategic rigor, and deliver executional excellence.
Emerging Creative: Recognizes a student(s) whose work in packaging, video, graphic and retail design, or interactive visual content for digital platforms.The work should demonstrate a strong point of view, a cohesive creative vision, and executional excellence.
Emerging Science Innovator: Recognizes a student(s) advancing beauty and wellness through innovation in formulation, R&D, sustainability, or materials. The work should demonstrate a clear brief that balances technical performance and execution.
The Criteria
Submitting your project for review is simple.
Work submitted must be created by an individual or a group of students for academic purposes or as part of portfolio development.
The awards are limited to work by people currently enrolled in academic programs.
Deadlines and Details
The cost of each submission is $25.
We will review student projects through June 5, 2026.
Finalists will be announced on September 9, 2026.
Winners will be announced live on December 7, 2026, at our live BeautyMatter Awards Ceremony.
Finalists and Winners
Judges will identify three finalists in each category.
Winners and finalists will receive a full suite of marketing tools to share their accomplishment, as well as exposure across BeautyMatter’s editorial platform and social channels.
BeautyMatter will provide cash grants in each category:
Winner – $1,000
1st Runner Up – $500
2nd Runner Up – $250
This is a rare opportunity for students to showcase their work to industry decision-makers and add a serious boost to their portfolios and resumes.
So what are you waiting for? Submit, and get your work seen.
