Beauty Independent has opened nominations for the seventh annual Beacon Awards, the publication’s flagship program recognizing the entrepreneurs, brands, retailers, investors and service providers propelling the future of independent beauty.
Since launching in 2020, the Beacon Awards have become one of the beauty industry’s most comprehensive awards programs celebrating innovation, leadership and operational excellence across the beauty ecosystem. The program now spans 30 categories and has attracted hundreds of submissions from brands and industry partners across North America and internationally.
This year’s program introduces a new category, Technology Platforms, reflecting the increasingly central role software, infrastructure and data tools play in helping beauty brands launch, scale and compete in a fragmented marketplace. Tools powered by artificial intelligence, predictive analytics and automation are changing how brands approach product development, customer acquisition and retail strategy. Applications for the program will close May 1.
By formally recognizing technology providers within the Beacon Awards, Beauty Independent aims to spotlight the infrastructure layer assisting independent brands in innovating faster and operating more efficiently. Beauty Independent launched its inaugural Tech* AI Summit on Feb. 9 in New York City.
“As the beauty ecosystem becomes more digitally complex, technology platforms have quietly become some of the most powerful enablers of brand growth,” says Beauty Independent founder and publisher Nader Naeymi-Rad. “From AI-powered marketing and consumer analytics to formulation databases, supply chain software and retail intelligence platforms, these companies are building the infrastructure modern beauty brands depend on. Recognizing them within the Beacon Awards felt both necessary and overdue.”
As in past years, Beacon Award nominees will be evaluated by an independent committee of respected industry leaders spanning brand building, retail, investment, product development and services. Last year’s awards recognized brands and companies include Touchland, HigherDose, Flamingo Estate, Valmont, Versed, Novos, Nutrire, Homecourt, Medicube, Live Tinted, Tilt Beauty, Cleanlogic, Evvy, Renuva, Kleos+Klea, Unilever Ventures and Sandbridge Capital. Noyz CEO Malena Higuera, Inkey List co-founders Colette Laxton and Mark Curry and Carol Hamilton were individually recognized. The retail honorees were Clean Your Dirty Face, Shop Good, Stéle and C.O. Bigelow Apothecaries.
“Every year, the Beacon Awards put a spotlight on the future of beauty, highlighting the brands and leaders driving cultural relevance and disciplined value creation,” says Catherine Nekavand, a partner and co-lead for beauty, health and wellness and luxury practices at AlixPartners and part of the expert evaluator committee. “We strongly believe in the standard embodied by Beacon nominees, creativity enabled by operational rigor, scalable operating models, and resilient performance, and are pleased to support the companies setting a high bar for growth, margin, and durability.”
Other confirmed evaluators for the 2026 program include executives and experts Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty; Melis del Rey, CEO of Supergoop; Oliver Garfield, CEO of Cos Bar; Elana Drell Szyfer, president of CEW; Wende Zomnir, founder of Caliray; Jill Scalamandre, president of Beekman 1802; Nini Zhang, managing director of investment banking of beauty, personal care and consumer health at Bank of America; Divya Gugnani, co-founder and CEO of Wander Beauty and co-founder of Concept to Co.; and Michelle Leblanc, SVP of beauty and personal care at CVS Health.
The expert committee occupies a central role in the Beacon Awards process, reviewing submissions and identifying finalists and winners across the program’s categories. Evaluators are selected for their deep operational expertise across different corners of the beauty industry, from brand leadership and retail to investment and product development.
The program recognizes excellence across a broad range of categories, including:
Honorees and expert evaluators are invited to an in-person cocktail party on Wednesday, Sept. 23 in New York City. Beacon Award winners will be announced during a digital ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. EST.
The Beacon Awards program is made possible with the support of sponsors IPG, Alix Partners and Allure Beauty Concepts. Through the Beacon Awards, Beauty Independent aims to elevate the individuals and organizations redefining how beauty brands are built, funded, formulated and brought to market.
Apply for the 2026 Beacon Awards here.
Nominee applications for the 2026 Beacon Awards are now open. Nominees will officially be selected in the spring and announced in the summer of 2026.
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